Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: an image pickup section for converting an object light into image signals of Bayer RGB array; a color information detecting section for obtaining color information of the object from the image signals obtained by the image pickup section; a first luminance data generating section for finding luminance data for use in edge enhancement processing based on G signals of the image signals obtained by the image pickup section; a second luminance data generating section for finding luminance data for use in edge enhancement processing based on all color signals of the image signals; a selector for providing an output by switching between outputs of the first and second luminance data generating section; and a selection signal generating section for generating selection signal for controlling the switching of the selector based on color information obtained at the color information detecting section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sharpening an image. An initial luminance channel is extracted from a data set that includes at least one color plane indicative of the image. The initial luminance channel is in a color space different to that of the at least one color plane. The initial luminance channel is sharpened to form a revised luminance channel, and a portion of the revised luminance channel added to at least one of the color planes of the data set to sharpen the image.

Abstract: A correction circuit 50 is provided to correct the luminance shading caused by uneven thickness of the liquid crystal layer in the LCD panel. The correction circuit 50 generates a correction signal obtained by modulating the gradually changing signal with smaller amplitude at positions closer to the center in the horizontal direction of the LCD panel and with smaller amplitude at positions closer to the center in the vertical direction when the signal is seen vertically. The signal in the lowfrequency range components of the video signal is used for such modulation. After addind the correction signal from the correction circuit 50 to the video signal by the adder 51, the signal is processed for AC driving and then supplied to the LCD panel section 10. By thus superimposing the correction signal on the video signal for the LCD panel, the luminance shading can be corrected.

Abstract: In order to reduce the total capacity of a ROM used for adjustment of the black level and the white level of a digitized luminance signal for a television receiver, for example, a comparator compares the input luminance signal with a predetermined threshold value, a NOT gate inverts the input luminance signal, a first switching unit selects the input luminance signal or the output of the NOT gate, a ROM outputs an adjustment characteristic signal responsive to the output of the first switching unit, a multiplier multiplies the output of the ROM by a weighting signal and outputs the result of the multiplication as an adjustment value, a subtractor subtracts the adjustment value from the input luminance signal, an adder adds the adjustment value to the input luminance signal, and a second switching unit selects the output of the subtractor or the output of the adder.

Abstract: A cutoff adjustment method of a CRT using a Hi-Gm tube is proposed as well as a problem that luminance of a display screen is changed by a fluctuation of a Gm voltage to be applied to a Gm electrode in relation to fluctuations of currents flowing into the Gm electrode and a G2 electrode is solved. On this occasion, the cutoff adjustment method of the Hi-Gm tube sets such that a Gm voltage value of a Gm electrode voltage source and a black level bias voltage value applied to a cathode for displaying a black level agree with each other. Further, the CRT display device having the Hi-Gm tube is constituted such that it is provided with a voltage detection circuit in an output side of the Gm electrode voltage source for measuring a fluctuation of an output voltage from the Gm electrode voltage source to keep the Gm voltage constant by a feedback from the voltage detection circuit.

Abstract: An analog-to-digital converter for converting an analog television signal to a signal in compliance with a digital encoding standard is provided.

Abstract: In an S-video signal processor, the luminance signal is amplified and adjusted over selected frequency ranges using a parallel signal for shaping the S-video signal response and permitting the S-video signal to be transmitted over exceptionally long transmission lines while providing a quality picture. In separate channels, chrominance and luminance signals are amplified and impedance matched. A luminance band pass filter permits manual adjustments to a lower range of video signal frequencies and thus changes to white level picture information. One version of the S-video signal processor includes a positive feedback network which permits user adjustments in an upper video signal frequency range having picture super detail information for providing a picture of high resolution and thus pleasing to the user. In a second version a compensation amplifier is used to alter the frequency response of the luminance signal.

Abstract: A method of video signal processing that reduces computational and circuit costs. The method of processing a video signal of the present invention comprises the following steps: First, receiving a video input signal including an input luminance signal and input chrominance signals from a signal source. Next, correcting the input luminance signal of the video input signal to generate a corrected luminance signal. And finally outputting the corrected luminance signal and the input chrominance signals as the enhanced video signal to the subsequent video processor, such as a TV encoder, for converting the corrected signal from digital into analog. The correction of the luminance signal is accomplished by first normalizing the luminance signal by a predetermined value of a full-scale luminance. If the normalized luminance signal is greater than a first predetermined percentage, the corrected luminance signal is equal to the input luminance signal.

Abstract: This invention comprises an inspection method conducted by rotary-coating a photoresist on the surface of a semiconductor substrate, irradiating ultraviolet rays using an exposure instrument such as a stepper, exposing the entire photoresist, removing the exposed photoresist using an alkali developing solution, and irradiating a laser beam onto the semiconductor substrate to detect foreign substances through the scattered light. Accordingly, gel foreign substances remain on the semiconductor substrate even after the steps of exposure and development, so that their presence can be detected surely. Furthermore, this invention provides a method and an apparatus of surely detecting gel foreign substances which are present in a photoresist film or between patterns by exposing the photoresist and performing etching and ashing, using gel foreign substances which remained through the development as a mask.

Abstract: A video signal processing apparatus having first and second analog/digital converters for converting imputted analog luminance and chrominance component signals into digital luminance and chrominance component signal. Frequency band limiting filters, disposed on a pre-stage of the first and second analog/digital converters, limit a frequency band of the analog luminance and chrominance component signals, the chrominance component signal frequency band limiting filter having a group delay characteristic different from a group delay characteristic of the luminance component signal frequency band limiting filter by a predetermined delay time. A time adjustment circuit adjusts the timing of the digital chrominance signal to match with the digital luminance signal.

Abstract: Techniques for enhancing edges in video signals while reducing the amounts of undershoots and overshoots. A video signal is processed to generate a first signal indicative of detected edges in the video signal. The first signal can be generated by lowpass filtering the video signal to generate a lowpass signal and subtracting the lowpass signal from a luminance signal that has been extracted from the video signal. The first signal is then processed with a “non-linear” transfer function to generate a second signal having enhanced edges. The second signal is used as the correction or enhancement signal, and is added to the lowpass signal to provide an output signal having enhanced edges with reduced or minimal amounts of undershoots and overshoots.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electronically processing video signals representing images of an object or scene so that details of some portion or all of the object or scene are enhanced in the video display reproduction of the images. Video image signals from a video camera are processed to derive digital color-representative signals and a digital luminance signal, and the luminance signal is filtered to remove higher spatial frequency components. The resulting low pass digital data is subtracted from the original luminance image data, leaving digital data representing the high-pass image components. The high-pass image digital data is passed to an amplification stage where all or only selected pixels are amplified by a factor that varies as a function of the low-pass data value of those pixels and by the location of the pixels within the image. This enables different degrees of enhancement of the light and dark areas of the image.

Abstract: A luminance correction circuit to correct areas of unevenness in luminance or color of a video image and smoothes gaps between correction blocks. The luminance correction circuit comprises a memory for storing correction data for correcting unevenness in luminance or color of video image, a timing generator for controlling read timing of the correction data from the memory, and an analog processor for processing the video signal using the correction data from the memory. A display area is divided to an appropriate number of blocks and the video signal is corrected in each block and the boundary between corrected blocks is smoothed by controlling the correction timing.

Abstract: A video signal processing apparatus is provided that includes a gate pulse generator and a luminance signal processing unit. The gate pulse generator detects a high frequency band in accordance with a luminance signal separated from a composite video signal and outputs a gate pulse signal. The luminance signal processing unit adjusts a contrast with regard to a high frequency band in the luminance signal in accordance with the gate pulse signal received from the gate pulse generator. The high frequency band having a large black/white comparison is detected in the apparatus from the luminance signal, and a contrast processing with regard to the luminance signal is decreased in the detected high frequency band. Thus, the video signal processing apparatus can reduce or eliminate a picture flickering in the radio frequency band.

Abstract: An adaptive video filter and method utilizes a first filter coupled to receive a composite video signal and generate a filter luminance output signal. An amplitude detector receives the filtered luminance output signal and generates an amplitude level to an amplitude threshold analyzer. The amplitude threshold analyzer has a selectable threshold to provide a selected range of false color filter coefficients to a programmable filter. The programmable filter may be part of a programmable false color filter bank and receives the luminance information and adaptively filters the luminance information based on the selected false color filter coefficients to facilitate false color compensation by attenuating false color frequency components in the filter means information.

Abstract: In an image signal input apparatus that performs high-speed input processing of an image signal and, in particular, a brightness signal, a video signal is processed by a clamping circuit so as to achieve a constant reference level, and then input to an A/D converter. The A/D converter samples the video signal synchronously with a clock signal of a frequency 4fsc. The output of the A/D converter is input to a selector directly or via a 4-data arithmetic mean circuit. The 4-data arithmetic mean circuit obtains an arithmetic mean of every four consecutive data output from the A/D converter. The obtained 4-data arithmetic mean data correspond to the brightness signal. After the 4-data arithmetic mean data is stored in a memory through a DMA controller, the data is output to a personal computer via a Centronics® interface, thereby reducing the amount of data memory necessary for input processing to a quarter of the normal amount.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving the clarity of a picture produced from a video signal. A differentiation circuit is provided that produces a responsive correction signal. Mechanisms for adjusting the shape (width, amplitude, etc.) of the correction signal are disclosed. Disabling the correction signal during blanking intervals and synchronization is also disclosed, among other features.

Abstract: Improved circuitry for adjusting the video gain, black level, chroma gain and burst phase of a video signal includes composite to Y/C splitter, luminance processing section, sync separator and chroma processor. Unity and split mode selection is provided. A meter circuit provides display of black and white levels as well as clip indication.

Abstract: An input high frequency signal passes through a PIN diode having a variable high frequency resistance and is output from an AGC circuit. The PIN diode is connected so as to be biased forward between an AGC signal level and a fixed voltage level (such as ground potential). A bias resistor and a coil are connected in series between a node on the output side of the PIN diode and a node supplied with the ground potential. More specifically, the resistor and the coil are inserted in parallel between the transmission path for high frequency signals and the ground potential.

Abstract: A system for converting original RGB color signals to CMY signals includes the step of separating color signals from the original image into low-frequency and high-frequency components. The low-frequency components are converted to CMY signals via a look-up table reflective of a non-linear algorithm, while the high-frequency components are converted to CMY signals according to linear algorithms. The technique avoids color distortion caused by high-frequency noise, such as from halftone screens, in the original image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a digital image processing system, for example, video cameras, digital cameras, cathode ray tubes (CRT) etc. With reference to the calculation of the brightness signal, the main idea of the present invention is to carry out the calculations of it by using only the additions, the subtractions and the shifts, which require relatively short operation times, without the multiplications and divisions by substituting only the shift operations of the digits for them. Also, according to the present invention, high resolution is accomplished by a high speed process in calculating the brightness of an image signal. Also, it enables high speed digital image processing.

Abstract: A digital-to-analog video encoder method and apparatus having unique equalization are disclosed. The encoder converts digital video signals into one or more analog video formats using one or more digital-to-analog converters. Equalization is provided to compensate for zero order hold effects of the digital-to-analog converters. Equalization is provided to a luminance signal and/or a chroma signal to equalize RGB, composite video, and super VHS video outputs. Multiplexed digital-to-analog converter inputs allow selection of several output formats.

Abstract: A video signal processing apparatus for separating a video input into a luminance signal and a chroma signal which are sent respectively for individualized special effect processing. Special effect signals are fed to a control unit. The levels of a luminance signal and a chroma signal having undergone the special effect processing are estimated by a program. Based on the result of the estimate, a limiter controls the gains of the chroma signal following the special effect processing. In this setup, the gains of the chroma signal are controlled so that the level of a composite video signal will fall within a predetermined range of levels in keeping with the contents of the special effect processing performed on the luminance signal and chroma signal.

Abstract: A video signal processing system includes a circuit for detecting the delay between a luminance signal and a color signal in a video signal, and for automatically compensating for the delay. The circuit includes a Y/C separator for separating a composite video signal into the luminance signal and the color signal, and a color difference and synchronous signals separator for separating the luminance and color signals into synchronous and color difference signals. A delay circuit receives and delays the luminance signal based on a delay control signal, and outputs the delayed luminance signal to a video signal processor, which also receives the color difference signals directly from the color difference and synchronous signals separator.

Abstract: For an S-video signal, providing luminance and chrominance, luminance is amplified and adjusted over selected frequency ranges for shaping the S-video signal response for permitting the S-video signal to be transmitted over exceptionally long transmission lines while providing a quality picture. In separate channels, chrominance and luminance signals are amplified and impedance matched. A luminance band pass filter permits manual adjustments to a lower range of video signal frequencies and thus changes to white level picture information. A positive feedback network permits user adjustments in an upper video signal frequency range having picture super detail information for providing a picture of high resolution and thus pleasing to the user. A clear picture, brighter and sharper, rather than simply a brighter picture is available whether transmitted over a few or few hundred feet from a video source to the monitor.

Abstract: A display (100) provides reversible contrasting indicia (112, 114) in order to accommodate an increased number of easily distinguishable indicia on the display. The display provides a first contrast mode (200) in which one set of indicia (112) become visually more prominent than another set (114) and a second contrast mode (300) in which the contrast of the first contrast mode is reversed. Selecting between the first and second contrast modes (200, 300) is controlled by backlighting of the display (100).

Abstract: A system for reproducing a luminance signal from a medium containing a previously recorded luminance signal with a high-frequency portion thereof compressed in dynamic range includes a circuit for recovering that luminance signal from the medium. Filtering is done to separate the low-frequency and compressed-in-dynamic-range high-frequency portions of the recovered luminance signal from each other. A corer responds to the separated compressed-in-dynamic-range high-frequency portion of the recovered luminance signal to provide a cored high-frequency portion with expanded dynamic range and reduced noise.

Abstract: A video signal processing apparatus for separating a video input into a luminance signal and a chroma signal which are sent respectively for individualized special effect processing. Special effect signals are fed to a control unit. The levels of a luminance signal and a chroma signal having undergone the special effect processing are estimated by a program. Based on the result of the estimate, a limiter controls the gains of the chroma signal following the special effect processing. In this setup, the gains of the chroma signal are controlled so that the level of a composite video signal will fall within a predetermined range of levels in keeping with the contents of the special effect processing performed on the luminance signal and chroma signal.

Abstract: A dynamic range and contrast modification method for electronic images, and digital and analogue implementations are disclosed. Dynamic range changes are accomplished by making linear and nonlinear modifications to the low frequency component. Contrast changes are accomplished by making cross dependent, linear, and nonlinear modifications to the high frequency component. Cross dependent modifications are modifications that depend upon the changes to the low frequency component. Modifications are achieved using processor elements that implement mathematical operations. An automatic gain control, AGC, is used to control the low frequency component modification for some embodiments.

Abstract: A system for reproducing a luminance signal from a medium containing a previously recorded luminance signal with a high-frequency portion thereof compressed in dynamic range includes a circuit for recovering that luminance signal from the medium. Filtering is done to separate the low-frequency and compressed-in-dynamic-range high-frequency portions of the recovered luminance signal from each other. A corer responds to the separated compressed-in-dynamic-range high-frequency portion of the recovered luminance signal to provide a cored high-frequency portion with expanded dynamic range and reduced noise.

Abstract: A color resolution enhancement method and enhanced color cameras (600) with a single CCD detector (606) having attached color filters (604) and using luminance-based gradient interpolation to fill in color channels. A color camera, includes an image detector, the detector with sets S.sub.1, S.sub.2, . . . S.sub.N of pixels for N, an integer greater than 1, where pixels in the set S.sub.J detect radiation in a corresponding sampled channel C.sub.J for each J in the range 1 to N, a channel reconstructor coupled to an output of the detector. The reconstructor includes a luminance generator which combines the sampled channels C.sub.1, C.sub.2, . . . C.sub.N to a luminance channel, a gradient generator coupled to an output of the luminance generator and which transfers the luminance channel to a gradient channel, and a directional interpolator coupled to an output of the detector and to an output of the gradient generator and which transfers each of the sampled channels C.sub.1, C.sub.2, . . . C.sub.

Abstract: In order to achieve a digital video camera apparatus which decreases the number of components and facilitates connection with a digital VTR, a luminance signal Y and a color signal C input from external input terminals (110, 118) are converted into digital signals by A/D converters (136, 138) by sampling these signals respectively at the sampling frequency of a digital recording/reproduction device (113) and a frequency four times the subcarrier frequency, the digital signals are selected by selectors (135, 137) together with signals Y and C from a digital signal processing circuit (106), and the selected signals are supplied to the digital signal recording/reproduction device (113). Color-difference signals are supplied after their frequency is converted into the sampling frequency of the digital signal recording/reproduction device (113) by frequency converters (139a, 139b).

Abstract: When an input component image signal is inputted in a signal processing step, a high-frequency signal emphasis processing like HPF is performed with respect to a luminance signal and a processing like LPF with replenishment of the low-midrange frequency signal is performed in an LPF step and a color signal step with respect to color difference signals. Then, the luminance signal and color difference signals are outputted by prescribed clock pulses. The clock pulse of the color difference signals may be set lower than the clock pulse of the luminance signal according to the condition of the image. Processed as above, a new component image signal (a luminance signal Y and any combination of color difference signals U and V, V and W, W and U) is generated from a conventional component image signal (Y and U, V, W) without loss in image information or image quality.

Abstract: An automatic image quality adjusting device for use in a video signal recording/reproducing apparatus includes a reproducing an head for reproducing FM signal from a magnetic recording medium, an envelop detecting unit for detecting an envelop of the FM signal, and grade detecting unit for detecting a grade of the envelop in accordance with an amplitude of the envelop. A frequency characteristics changing unit is provided for changing the frequency characteristics of a processing signal processed in stages between the reproducing head and a display unit in accordance with to the detected grade. Thus, the image quality is automatically adjusted by changing the frequency characteristics of processing signals in response to the detected grade of the envelope.

Abstract: In an image pick-up apparatus in which three color signals are gamma-converted and selectively used to generate a luminance signal, a color signal processing apparatus subtracts a linear combination of two color differential signals from the luminance signal to correct the brilliance signal.

Abstract: A gradation compensating apparatus comprises a skin color detecting circuit for detecting a skin color signal from an inputted color difference signal, a compensation amount controlling circuit for controlling the signal level by the skin color detecting signal as a compensating signal, an APL detecting circuit for detecting an APL level from an inputted luminance signal and for outputting the detected APL level as an APL voltage, an APL controlling circuit for controlling the compensating signal level by the APL voltage, an output circuit for outputting a compensating output voltage by controlling the compensating signal with an inputted dc voltage, and a CRT driving circuit for controlling the brightness of the picture by using the compensating output voltage as a cutoff reference voltage.

Abstract: A filter for motion adaptive Y/C separation, which is capable of obtaining image of high resolution and little picture quality degradation in the case where an image is switched from static one to motion one or vice-versa, is provided with a filter for extracting Y signal outputting Y signal and a filter for extracting C signal outputting C signal, by detecting whether image is motion one or static one by a motion detecting unit, and when motion image is detected, by detecting partially interframe correlation or correlation in three fields, and according to the detection result, by adaptively switching a plurality of processings for extracting intraframe Y signal and a plurality of processings for extracting intraframe C signal.

Abstract: A frequency-multiplexed video signal is generated in which a color-under signal and a second under signal are linearly combined with at least partially overlapping frequency spectra to form a composite under signal for an FM luma signal. The frequency-multiplexed video signal is suited for recording on magnetic tape using helical scanning methods and for being played back from the magnetic tape using helical scanning methods. The second under signal is generated in such way that line-comb filtering can be used during playback to separate color-under signal and second under signal each from the composite signal despite their frequency spectra being at least partially overlapping in the composite signal.

Abstract: In the digital processing of video signals, a vertical detail enhancement system is provided that has a transfer characteristic with a transitional region between a coring region and an active region split into three steps. The slopes of the first, second and third step regions are 25%, 50% and 75% of the enhancement gain, respectively. The levels of enhancement in the step regions are set at 25%, 50% and 75% of the level of enhancement in the active region. A vertical detail signal is compared with a coring level selected by a coring multiplexer among a plurality of hardcoded coring levels to set a coring point at the transfer characteristic. Then, the vertical detail signal is successively compared with the coring level incremented by the selected widths of the step regions to control a step choice unit defining a required attenuation of the vertical detail signal value. A paring level is selected by a paring multiplexer among a plurality of hardcoded paring levels.

Abstract: A video recording/playback system includes in its recording electronics time-base correctors both for luma signal and for color-under signal, the time-base corrector for luma signal being used to facilitate comb filtering and the time-base corrector for chroma signal being used to maintain luma/chroma tracking during recording. The video recording/playback system includes in its playback electronics time-base correctors both for played-back luma signal and for played-back color-under signal, the time-base corrector for played-back luma signal being used to facilitate comb filtering and the time-base corrector for played-back chroma signal being used to maintain luma/chroma tracking during playback. With appropriate switching, the same pair of time-base correctors can be used in both the recording and the playback electronics of a video recording/playback system.

Abstract: A luminance signal is formed from an original color signal and is used to determine a new luminance. The original color signal is then adjusted to have the new luminance in a way that does not change the hue or saturation of the original color. The method is embodied in an analog or a digital circuit and in the alternate may be may be emulated in a general purpose computer. The method permits a change in color signals which affect the overall brightness only in a non-linear way, while adding only a small amount of additional hardware or computation to implement the invention.

Abstract: A picture control system for a video cassette tape recorder, capable of compensating edge portions of a reproduction luminance signal by obtaining a hard compensating signal by filtering a high-band component of the reproduction luminance signal, a soft compensating signal by filtering a low-band component of the delayed reproduction luminance signal, and selecting the hard compensating signal combining control signal and then subtracting from the delayed reproduction luminance signal. The system includes a picture control signal generator, a hard-controller for filtering a high-band component of reproduction luminance signal, a soft controller for filtering a low-band component of reproduction luminance signal, and a signal combiner for selecting the hard and soft compensating signals and combining the selected signal with the delayed reproduction luminance signal.

Abstract: A novel video signal correction system is disclosed, in which an average picture level detection circuit detects the average picture level (APL) of a luminance signal, and a coefficient calculation circuit calculates the amount of correction by the APL circuit. An adder adds an APL-corrected signal to a corrected luminance signal. A limiter circuit, on the other hand, limits the lower limit level of an input luminance signal. A divider circuit divides an output signal of the adder by an output signal of the limiter circuit, and the result is used to correct an input color signal. The color signal is thus capable of being corrected in accordance with the APL while at the same time preventing excessive correction of the color signal with a low brightness input.

Abstract: A signal processing system is disclosed in which the image resolution is improved by extending the horizontal frequency bands of separated luminance and chrominance signals and compensating the contour of an input image signal, the frequency band of the input chrominance signal is extended by the chrominance signal processing part, and by the extension of frequency band, the transition time of the high frequency components of the image signal is reduced for the high frequency image signal processing and reducing the short data processing time.

Abstract: Apparatus that is self-contained with video equipment, such as a video camera or video record/playback device, and which generates video signal adjustment data for use by video signal processing circuits that are included in such video equipment. An input video signal is coupled to luminance and/or chroma digital signal processing circuits which are supplied with luminance or chroma adjustment control data, respectively, for subjecting the input video signal to predetermined luminance or chroma adjustment operations, thereby producing adjusted digital luminance and chroma signals, respectively. At least one of the adjusted digital luminance and chroma signals is sampled at preselected times; and the sampled digital signals are used by an adjustment control data generator for generating the luminance and/or chroma adjustment control data that are supplied to the luminance and/or chroma digital signal processing circuits.