Abstract: A modular image processing system comprises a sensor interface, an image capture and processing subsystem, software to adapt the components to a task and a host computer to monitor and control the process as well as process data. The sensor interface is co-located with cameras or other sensors focused on a target. It encodes the image data and transmits it serially to the image capture and processing subsystem. The subsystem reformats the received image data and stores it in an image memory. The subsystem also passes on the serial data for use by other instances of the subsystem. The subsystem processes the data according to programmed algorithms and passes the results to the host computer. The host processor collaborates with embedded processors within the subsystem to programmably configure the sensor interface, the serial data format and the algorithms executed by the image capture and processing subsystem.

Abstract: A video special effects mixer including an improved recirculating frame store is disclosed. The mixer receives several inputs one of which is from the recirculating frame store and provides several outputs one of which goes to the recirculating frame store. The recirculating frame store includes two field recirculation loops and an interpolator. The real field is mixed with the previous interpolated recirculated field and the interpolated field is mixed with the previous real recirculated field. The output alternates between the two mixed fields. The recirculating frame store receives a key signal indicating relative gain, and has a key processor that reduces the gain of the recirculating key such that the combined gain is no more than unity.

Abstract: The gain of an input video signal of different possible gains relative to a selected reference gain is adjusted according to an associated key signal indicative of gain change previously undergone by the input video signal and an independent key signal indicative of the desired change in gain to produce an output video signal having a selected gain determined by the values of the associated and independent key signals. The output video signal is combined with other video signals, whose gain may or may not have been adjusted relative to the reference gain.

Abstract: Video channel combines are produced by digitally processing binary numbers representing values of video image information in multiple channels, for corresponding points in a display of the resulting composite video image. The binary numbers are combined in the course of processing in response to processed key signals which determine a preselected percentage of each binary number's value, to produce new binary numbers. After summation, the latter represent composite video image values to be displayed at the same temporal and spatial locations of the display of the composite video image. Total percentages resulting from the summation of all numbers for each composite video image value, including numbers corresponding to percentage of background video, is equal to 100%.