초록 ▼

Secondary data set information is incorporated into a primary data set (such as a digital image) retaining a desired dynamic range and retaining the original primary set data quality. The secondary data set information is `smuggled` into the least significant bits of the primary data set to result i

Secondary data set information is incorporated into a primary data set (such as a digital image) retaining a desired dynamic range and retaining the original primary set data quality. The secondary data set information is `smuggled` into the least significant bits of the primary data set to result in an enhanced data set. If desired, the primary data word can be shifted toward the most significant bit. The enhanced data set may be viewed as if it were the original primary data set with existing playback devices, however it now includes additional `smuggled` information which may be played back in coordination with the primary data set information. One example is flow-direction information `smuggled` into an angiographic image. The least significant bits of the enhanced data words may be used to select the color map and color code the images. A user-adjustable intensity threshold can also be employed to select between color maps. Information stored in this fashion results in a substantial savings in disk storage requirements. Also, since the information of the primary and secondary data sets are merged into a single word, they will remain together throughout many different types of processing, such as maximum intensity projection in volumetric imaging.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What we claim is:] [1.] A method of merging secondary data set information into a primary data set without destroying data or reducing a desired dynamic range comprising the steps of:a) acquiring primary data set having a plurality of data words;b) acquiring a secondary data set having data words

[ What we claim is:] [1.] A method of merging secondary data set information into a primary data set without destroying data or reducing a desired dynamic range comprising the steps of:a) acquiring primary data set having a plurality of data words;b) acquiring a secondary data set having data words which correspond to entries of the primary data set;c) reducing the secondary data words to M bits creating a reduced secondary data word;d) determining a number of bits D for a maximum desired dynamic range on playback;e) determining a number of bits P in a word of a playback device;f) merging M bits of reduced secondary data word into M least significant bit positions of the primary data words to result in enhanced data words.