Image processing method and apparatus

Abstract

In an image processing method, predetermined processing is performed with respect to a plurality of image signals, each of which is appended with grouping information representing that image signals appended with identical grouping information represent images associated with one another. In cases where the predetermined processing is performed with respect to a specific image signal, the predetermined processing is also performed with respect to all of image signals, which are appended with the same grouping information as the grouping information appended to the specific image signal. The predetermined processing may be image processing performed on the image signal or a processing for altering subsidiary information appended to the image signal.

1 - 12 . (canceled)  
     
     
         13 . An image processing method, wherein gradiation processing, and/or processing in a frequency domain, and/or color transform processing is performed with respect to a plurality of image signals, each of which is appended with grouping information representing that image signals appended with identical grouping information represent images associated with one another, the method comprising the steps of: 
 in cases where the gradiation processing, and/or processing in a frequency domain, and/or color transform processing is performed with respect to a specific image signal, performing the gradiation processing, and/or processing in a frequency domain, and/or color transform processing with respect to all of image signals, which are appended with the same grouping information as the grouping information appended to the specific image signal,    wherein the gradiation processing, and/or processing in a frequency domain, and/or color transform processing is image processing performed on the image signal.    
     
     
         14 . An image processing method according to  claim 13 , wherein said grouping information comprises information about a patient, an examination, a series number within an identical examination number and an image.  
     
     
         15 . An image processing apparatus, comprising processing means for performing gradiation processing, and/or processing in a frequency domain, and/or color transform processing with respect to a plurality of image signals, each of which is appended with grouping information representing that image signals appended with identical grouping information represent images associated with one another, 
 wherein the processing means operates such that, in cases where the processing means performs the gradiation processing, and/or processing in a frequency domain, and/or color transform processing with respect to a specific image signal, the processing means also performs the gradiation processing, and/or processing in a frequency domain, and/or color transform processing with respect to all of image signals, which are appended with the same grouping information as the grouping information appended to the specific image signal,    wherein the gradiation processing, and/or processing in a frequency domain, and/or color transform processing is image processing performed on the image signal.    
     
     
         16 . An image processing apparatus according to  claim 15 , wherein said grouping information comprises information about a patient, an examination, a series number within an identical examination number and an image.  
     
     
         17 . A recording medium, on which a program for causing a computer to execute an image processing method has been recorded and from which the computer is capable of reading the program, the image processing method comprising performing gradiation processing, and/or processing in a frequency domain, and/or color transform processing with respect to a plurality of image signals, each of which is appended with grouping information representing that image signals appended with identical grouping information represent images associated with one another, 
 wherein the program comprises the procedures for:    in cases where the gradiation processing, and/or processing in a frequency domain, and/or color transform processing is performed with respect to a specific image signal, performing the gradiation processing, and/or processing in a frequency domain, and/or color transform processing with respect to all of image signals, which are appended with the same grouping information as the grouping information appended to the specific image signal,    wherein the gradiation processing, and/or processing in a frequency domain, and/or color transform processing is image processing performed on the image signal.    
     
     
         18 . A recording medium according to  claim 17 , wherein said grouping information comprises information about a patient, an examination, a series number within an identical examination number and an image.