Abstract: An image processing system (10, 20) comprises a framestore (11) or other source of image data in a first color format (RGB) and is arranged to convert the data into data representing at least one color separation. A color rotator 14, such as a color transform matrix, is provided for rotating on a pixel-by-pixel basis the first color format data (RGB) into data in a second color format (NPQ) selected such that one of the colors thereof corresponds to the color of the at least one color separation. A look-up table (15) determines from the most significant parts of the data from the rotator (14) a range of color values in the second color format which includes the value of the color separation pixel. An interpolator (16) receives data defining the range of values from the look-up table and in response to the least significant parts of the data from the color rotator (14) interpolates the data from the look-up table to determine the value of the color separation pixel.

Abstract: A video image processing system comprises an input cache store for temporarily storing input video data, compressors for compressing image data from the input store and an output store comprising multiple storage areas of known fixed size for storing respective files of compressed data from the compressors. The compressors are arranged to compress each image of the input video data to a given initial degree to produce respective data files. A processor compares the number of bytes in each data file with the known size of one storage area in the output store to determine whether the data file will occupy a predetermined proportion of said storage area. In the event that the data file will not occupy said predetermined portion of said storage area, the processor causes one of the compressors to effect one or more repeat compressions to a different degree in order to produce a data file of a size which will occupy said predetermined proportion of said storage.

Abstract: A system in which a characteristic of individual picture points is provided to an accuracy of m binary bits but conveyed by n bits, where n is less than m. The value of a lower order bit of the n bit signal is switched to cause said binary value to represent, for any one picture point, either a value above or a value below the original value. The new values are distributed without order among the picture points with a probability dependent upon the value of the (m-n) lowest order bits of the desired value.

Abstract: A data processing system having a plurality of processing units (C1, C2), a plurality of memory units (M1, M2) and a communication system providing communication between the processing units and the memory units. The processing units each have a plurality of register sets (R1, R2) allowing them to run a plurality of processes. When a process requires data from memory, which it receives over the communication system, its respective processing unit processes another of its processes until that requires data. Data is transmitted over the communication system, which may be configured as a grid, in the form of packets. The grid is configured from routing devices which include first-in-first-out devices for the buffering of packets. The system facilitates the construction of circuits integrated onto a singel wafter of semiconducting material.

Abstract: A system in which a characteristic of individual picture points is provided to an accuracy of m binary bits but conveyed by n bits, where n is less than m. The value of a lower order bit of the n bit signal is switched to cause said binary value to represent, for any one picture point, either a value above or a value below the original value. The new values are distributed without order among the picture points with a probability dependent upon the value of the (m-n) lowest order bits of the desired value.

Abstract: An electronic graphic system is suitable for use in modifying data defining an initial high resolution image. In the system data relating to a user defined low resolution control image controls the combining of other image data with data defining a low resolution representation of the initial image. In this way the system produces data representing a low resolution combined image which is continously displayed on a display monitor. Once desired modifications have been achieved by the user to the image displayed on the display monitor, the low resolution control image data is converted into a high resolution representation. The high resolution control image is used to control the combining of the other image data with the initial high resolution image data to produce data defining a modified high resolution image. The other image data may be a user defined color or another image, for example.

Abstract: Electronic image processing for manipulating data representing a three dimensional object. The three dimensional object. The three dimensional position and color of surface elements of an object are stored wherein the data for each surface element represents characteristics of a finite elemental area of the surface or skin of an object. The data may be displayed in two dimensions to provide real time manipulation of the three dimensional data.

Abstract: Sources of video signals representing an object (e.g. an aircraft), optionally movable, and a scene provide data stored in frame stores (b 1,5). Distance (optionally variable) from the observer of the object and near and far distances at transitions between features in the scene are stored respectively in frame store (4) and (7a, 7b). Within the boundaries of the object and in the neighborhood of the lines of transition, between features of the scene, quantities stored in object and scene stencil frame stores (3, 6) vary from 0 to 1. All frame stores are read simultaneously, driven by a microprocessor (2), the picture point scanning element sequentially. A comparator (11) compares distances, and the results of the comparison, together with the values stored in the stencil frame stores, determine the tone displayed at each element. Near features obscure distant ones, and sharp transitions are softened.

Abstract: A video editing and processing system is so arranged that frames of video signals (1) from a store (3) can be displayed (7) in reverse order while associated audio signals (9) are delivered in normal order, so that the sound is heard in the usual manner.

Abstract: A video processing system for generating an output sequence of video frames which, over time, a decreasing proportion of successive frames is derived from a first video input (21) and an increasing proportion of said frames is drived from a second input (22); an effect known as a wipe. A framestore (31) stores a frame of wipe-shape pixel signals wherein the value of each pixel represents the time at which the spacially corresponding output pixel is derived from the second video input signal. The wipe shape pixel signal are compared with a reference value, in response to which input signals are combined, and the reference value is adjusted between frames to create the wipe effect.

Abstract: A video signal processing system in which a number of video image signals are combined to provide an output which is such that where several objects of the input images overlay so they appear to be at different distances. Each input video signal is provided with a priority signal and a series of contests are held within the processor so that the final image consists of the two video signals with the highest priority. A key signal is provided for the video signal with the highest priority.

Abstract: A system for combining two or more video signal inputs using a chrome key like system. The keying is not done to one color, such as saturated blue, but to any color within a range. One of the video signal inputs (1) is frozen and appears as a still picture on a display (6). Graphic means (16) are used to define an area of the picture and the maximum and minimum values of the color components of the signals in that area are detected. Whenever a signal with components falling within the detected range is present in a switch (14) it operates to select a channel for output. This works to build up a composite picture.