US 3,946,361 A · Image analysis

Abstract

An image analysis system is described in which the video signal information is processed so that only the measurements on any one feature are delivered to the output during any one frame scan. In a modification, the function of the computing circuit performing the measurements on the signals arising from scanning the features is changed from frame scan to frame scan until a complete programme of different parameter measurements has been performed on the signals relating to one feature (one parameter being dealt with during each frame scan). The analysis is then transferred to the next feature in the field as outlined above and the same programme of measurements is carried out on the next feature. In a further modification a portion of the video signal containing signals relating to the end of a feature is stored for a number of frame scan periods and is substituted for the corresponding portion arising during the subsequent frame scans, so that the position of the end of the selected feature is fixed whilst the different parameter measurements are made thereon.

Claims14

Dependent claims

A method of analysing a field containing features and comprising the steps of scanning the field, generating a video signal corresponding to the field, comparing the video signal amplitude with at least one reference voltage to obtain constant amplitude detected signal pulses, generating from the detected signal pulses relating to each feature an ACP signal therefore after the last detected pulse for the feature, computing a value signal in a computing circuit relating to a parameter of the feature from the detected signal pulses which relate thereto and employing the ACP signal for the feature to release the value signal therefor, in which the further steps are provided of:

-- storing in a first store electrical signals identifying the position of the first ACP signal to occur during an initial frame scan,
-- employing the stored signals during a succeeding frame scan to select and store the value signal which is released by the first ACP signal,
-- clearing the first store and inserting therein signals identifying the position of the next ACP signal to occur during scanning the field, and
-- repeating the sequence of steps to obtain the corresponding value signals for each of the remaining features whose ACP signals are in turn identified.

1 more element

Apparatus for analysing features in a field in sequence comprising:

a. means for scanning the field containing the features and generating a video signal corresponding to the field,
b. means for comparing the video signal amplitude with at least one reference voltage to obtain constant amplitude detected signal pulses corresponding to the detected features in the field,
c. circuit means responsive to the detected signal pulses for generating an ACP signal for each detected feature after the last detected signal pulse for the feature,
d. a computing circuit adapted to compute a value signal relating to a parameter of a detected feature from the detected signal pulses which relate thereto and responsive to the ACP signal for the feature to release the value signal therefor,
e. first signal storage means for storing electrical signals identifying the position of the first ACP signal to occur during an initial frame scan,
f. means for releasing the stored signals from the first store during a succeeding frame scan,
g. further storage means,
h. circuit means responsive to the released signals to select and store in said further storage means the value signal which is released by the first ACP signal,
i. means for clearing the first store and inserting therein signals identifying the position of the next ACP signal to occur during scanning the field, and
j. means for causing the apparatus to repeat the sequence of operations to obtain the corresponding value signals for each of the remaining features whose ACP signals are in turn identified.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Image analysis

Life of this patent

Image analysis

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims14