CA1218755A - Micro processor controlled image information system - Google Patents
Micro processor controlled image information systemInfo
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- CA1218755A CA1218755A CA000509139A CA509139A CA1218755A CA 1218755 A CA1218755 A CA 1218755A CA 000509139 A CA000509139 A CA 000509139A CA 509139 A CA509139 A CA 509139A CA 1218755 A CA1218755 A CA 1218755A
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Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
The present invention relates to a new and useful micro processor controlled image information system comprising an analog image storage device; a micro processor electroni-cally associated with the analog storage device providing an image identification means, an image selection control means, and an analog image storage device interface control means; and an image display means electronically associated with the analog image storage device for display of images selectively retrieved from the analog image storage device under control of the micro processor. The invention has particular application in retrieval of electronically stored "mug" shots according to, for example, distinguishing personal characteristics.
The present invention relates to a new and useful micro processor controlled image information system comprising an analog image storage device; a micro processor electroni-cally associated with the analog storage device providing an image identification means, an image selection control means, and an analog image storage device interface control means; and an image display means electronically associated with the analog image storage device for display of images selectively retrieved from the analog image storage device under control of the micro processor. The invention has particular application in retrieval of electronically stored "mug" shots according to, for example, distinguishing personal characteristics.
Description
.3'7~C~
~ACKGROUND OF T~E INVENTION
Nowadays, in image processing, the technique of digital image processing is very commonly used to electroni-cally store an image in data processing devices. In the early sixties, the digital image processing technology began to develop, primarily at the NASA Space Centre, as a tool for space research. Eventually, in the Ranger program the digital image processing technology was used to photograph the surface of the moon. In short, the surface of the moon was photo-graphed electronically and the image signal was converted from analog signal into digital signal before transmitting back to ground stations. The digitalized pictures permitted scientists to employ enhancement techniques through computer processing to improve the quality of the pictures.
One of the difficulties with digital image processing is the resolution of the image. There are many methods developed to increase the resolution of the image even to the point of exact duplication of the original. Howe~er, most of these methods are not very practical because of the large requirement fo~ computer memory for processing. Also the computer time in processing or storing or retrieving images is usually unacceptably long. Other common difficulties related to digital image processing include high cost and sophistica-tion.
.~
'` ~2~.Ji'7~5 In the pictorial library application, there i8 a need to be able to store and selectively retrieve high quality images oe pictorial infocmation quickly and economically. One of the common applications of pictorial libraries is in the criminal identification process in the law enforcement environ-ment.
~gainst this background the present invention is directed to a micro processor controlled image information system for storage and selective retrieval of high quality images and descriptive information.
The present invention is also directed to provide a simple and economical system for storage and selective retrieval of high quality images.
SU~MARY OF THE TNVENTION
~ccording to the present invention there is provided a micro processor controlled image information system for storage and selective retrieval of images. The system comprises an analog image storage device to which is electronically associated a micro processor. The micro processor is provided with an image identification means for inputing identification information and associating it with a particular image for storage, an image selection control means for inputing of generic information to permit selective retrieval of image or images, an analog image storage device interface control means '7~;~
whereby control signals are provided for storage and selective retrieval of an image or images from the storage device based upon the inputed identification information and the generic information: and an image display means electronically associated with the analog image storage device for display of images retrieved ~rom the analog image storage device under control of the micro processor.
In a preferred form of the invention, the analog image storage device is an optical memory disc recorder.
While the term `'micro processor" has been used in describing the invention in this specification, it will be understood tha~ processors, other than a micro processor may be used to provide suitable control functions in accordance and within the scope of the present invention.
BRIFF DESCRIPTIO~ OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other objectives and advantagefi of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following description in conjuction with the drawings in which;
FIGURE 1 is a system diagram of the micro processor controlled image information system, showing the componen~s of the system;
PIGU~E 2 is a sys~em logic block diagram, showing the internal control and the flow of logic in the system; and 12~
F~IGURE 3 is a system block diagram for the criminal profile and image display system application of the invention to the law enforcement environment.
While the present invention will be described in con-junction with an example embodiment, i~ will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to such embodiment.
On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
D~T~IL~D DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTI-ON
Turning to FIGURE, l, the micro processor controlled image information system according to the present invention consists of a micro processor 4, which is controlled by the control module 6. The micro processor 4 is also connected to a system storage device, preferrably a hard disc drive 10, and/or floppy disc drive 12 for providing storage facilities to the system A conventional display terminal 14 is connected to the micro processor 4, for functioning as a system input and output device. Printer 16, which is also connected to the micro pro-cessor 4, is used as a system printer providing hard copies of information.
~n optical memory disc recorder 18 is connected thLough the control module 6 to the micro processor 4 for 7~
providing image storage so that the required signals for the operation of the optical memory disc recorder are provided by the control module 6. ~ video camera 20 is connected to the optical memory disc recorder 18 for capturing images to be stored in the op~ical memory disc recorder 18. ~n optical printer 22, which is connected to the optical memory disc recorder 18, is provided for providing hard copy of images, and a monitor 24, is connected to the optical memoLy disc recorder 18, for display of images. The monitor 24, is preferrably a conventional TV monitor.
Turning to FIGURE 2, the micro processor 4 is con-trolled by the control module 6, which is resident internally in the micro processor 4, after the system has been initiated by loading the control module 6 into the micro processor 4.
The control module 6 is a multi-layer system consisting of a front end module 26, which provides interface facilities to input devices such as the display terminal 14, the ha~d disc storage device 10, and/or and the floppy disc storage devica 12. The interface facilities include means ~or generating the necessary control sequences for the operation of the display terminal 14, hard disc storage device 10 and/or floppy disc storage device 12. ~lso the front end module 26 provides interpretation of the input requests from the display terminal 14, and passes control to the second layer of the control system, the function control layer 28. The function control layer 28 determines the system logic flow ~or the request and ~ 5 --~2~ 7~;~
then passes control to the particular ~upport function module.
When the function requested is a request for screen output or display on the display terminal 14, of generic information, the function control layer Z8 passes cont~ol to the third layer of the control system, the display terminal output module 30.
However, if the function requested is a request for input from the display terminal 14, control will be passed to the display terminal input module 32.
When control is passed either to the display terminal output module 30 for output function or to the display terminal input module 32 for input function, these modules use the facilities provided by the innermost layer of the control system, the nucleus layer 34, to accomplish the task. The nucleus layer 34 consists of a data dictionary module 36, an address compression module 38, a data file manager module 40, a search module 42, and an image storage device interface module 52.
The purpose of the display terminal output module 30 is to provide a formatted output screen on the display unit ~, of the display terminal 14, so that generic information associated with a particular image may be ma~ped over the for-matted output screen such that the generic information could be presented in an organized and meaningful ~anner, and at the same time reducing the amount of screen data to be generated dynamically for each request. Similarly, the display terminal input module 32 provides a formatted input screen on the display unit 2 of the display terminal 14, so that identifica-tion information 56, related to a particular image stored in the optical memory disc recorder 18, may be inputed into the system through pre-determined fields of the formatted input screen.
Each field or attribute of identification information 56, eelated to a particular object or image, forms a separate attribute record 46, or a unique identifier, in the data base 50 (for example, a blue eyes record, a brown hair record, e~c.). The index record 44 is a direct address for locating the identification information 56 for a particular image stored in the data base 50. The data file manager module 40 combines the identification information address and the attribute index address, forming a compressed address. This compressed address forms an index record 44, stored in the index file 54.
Therefore, the index record 44 associates the identification information with a particular image ~y relating the information address with the image frame location. The frame loca~ion portion within the identification information 56, is passed to the image storage device interface module 52, such that p~o~er interface signal sequence could be generated for the operation of the op~ical memory disc recorder 18 for storing or selective retrieval of images.
The attributes of the identification information 56 provides an entry for the dictionary module 36, such that the entry provides a direct pointer to all particular index file ~2~L~7~
records 44 in the data base 50. Hence by searching sequen-tially through the index file 54, it is possible to determine whether images stored in the optical memory disc recorder 18 satisfy certain identification attribute or attributes. Since the entry in the index file 54 provides a direct pointer to the identification index 56, which contains frame location information to access tha image or images stored in the optical memory disc recorder 18, therefore it can be seen that images stored in the optical memory disc recorder 18 could be selectively retrieved quickly. Hence the present invention greatly reduces the access time of the image by pro~iding frame location of the image and direct address of the associated identification information in the data base.
During the inputing of identification information 56, if a particular identification attribute is not present in the attribute record 46, ~ontrol is passed to the data file manager module 40 to update the attribute record 46 and the index record 44, by providing a new entry containing the address pointer of a new attribute record 46. The address pointer for the index record 44 is generated by the address compression modula 38. The address information provided by the address compression module 38 is a compressed pointer information, hence minimum memory storage is required in the maintenance of the address information.
In order to selectively retrieve an image or images, the search module 42, based upon the generic information pro-7~
vided, searches sequentially through the index file 54, and copies the necessary information onto a match file 48.
Therefore, by chec~ing the match file 48, it is possible to determine the number of images that would match the generic information provided. The information in the match file 48 is passed to the image s-torage device interface module 52 for providing the necessary control signals for the operation of the optical memory disc recorder 18, in order to retrieve images for display at the TV monitor 24, and at the same time retrieve identification information from the data base 50, for display at the display terminal 14. Hence particular image and identification information 56 can be provided simultaneously at the T~ monitor 24, pictorially, and at the display terminal 14, descriptively.
In order to record an image the image storage device interface module 52 updates the identification information 56, to be stored in the data base 50. The image storage device interface module 52 generates the necessary signal sequences for the operation of the oetical memory disc recorder 18.
The optical memory disc recorder 18 is ~referrably a video laser disc recorder, whereby images are stored in an analog format. Hence the optical memory disc recorder 18 ~ro-vides a cost e~fective alternative to digital image storage.
Therefore, by using a micro processor having an image storage device interface function for generating the necessary signal sequences for the operation of the optical memory disc recorder 18 and a unique structured infoemation system, ~he present invention enables high quality pictorial and descriptive in-~ormation to be stored independently and selectively retrieved quickly and economically, avoiding the di~ficulties character-ized in digital image processing.
FIGURE 3 depicts an application of the system in the law enforcement environment. In this particular application multiple units of display terminal 14, TV monitor 24, printer 16, TV camera 20 and optical memory disc recorder 18 are con-nected to the micro processor 4, illustrating the fle~ibility of the system. These input and output units are located separately in different areas of a typical police station such as the Identification Office, Viewing Room, Criminal Records Room, Mug Look-Up Room and Mug Walk-Ins Room. The video multi-ple~or unit 52 enables multiple units of TV camera 20 to be connected to the optical memory disc recorder 18 for capturing images of objects, in this case, the "mug" shot. The video multiplexor unit 54 enables multiple units of TV monitor 24 to be connected ~o an optical memory disc recorder 18, so that the selectively retrieved image, ~mug~ shot could be displayed simultaneously at multiple locations.
During a photographing session at a police station a "Record" command is entered through the display terminal 14, to initiate cecording of a photograph, a "mug~ shot. The search module 42 will search out a free frame on the disc of the optical memory disc recorder 18 and cause a control sequence to 7S~
be generated by ~he image storage device interface module 52 to set the optical memory disc recorder 18 in the "Record" mode.
The micro processor 4 determines the status of the system and sends an "OK" status to the display terminal 14, indicating the system is ready. Otherwise, it sends an ~Error Code~ to the display terminal 14, indicating the system is not ready.
When the system is in the "OK" status, a "Snap" com-mand would cause the optical memory disc recorder 18 to record the image OL "mug" shot, then the micro processor 4 determines the status and resets the o~tical memory disc recorder 18 in the normal operation mode.
In the data capture mode, information related to a particular "mug" shot is entered through the display terminal 14. The display terminal input module 32, ~rovides formatted screens to facilitate inputing of the identification informa-tion 56. The nucleus layer 34 updates the attribute record ~6, index record 44 and index file 54 of the data base 50, and creates a unique pointer for the identification information 56. Then the mass storage device interface module 52 eombines the "mug" shot frame information and the identification in-formation 56. ~lence, the identification information i6 associated with a earticular "mug" shot in the records of the sys~em.
In the selective retrieval mode, the micro processor 4, after processing the generic information requested from the diselay terminal 14, and having performed the necessary 7~;S
searches, displays a list of images, "mug" shots, which satisfy the generic infocmation request. ~ "Find" command causes the micro processor 4, to verify the status of the o~tical memory disc recorder 18, based upon the responses from the image storage device interface module 52. Then the micro processor 4 causes the search module 42 to determine the frame location for the list of images, and causes the image storage device inter-face module 5Z to provide the control sequences for the opera-tion of the optical memory disc recorder 18 for display of the image, "mug" shot.
Thus it is apparent that there has been provided in accordance with the invention an apparatus for examele for simple, fast and economical storage and selective retrieval of images such as police "mug" shots, based on information identi-fication such as physical characteristics, criminal record, etc. While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. F~r example, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that an alternative type of image storage device may be used to provide high quality images. ~lso it will be apparent to one skilled in the art to use processors other than a micro processor to erovide control func~ions. ~ccordingly it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fact within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.
~ACKGROUND OF T~E INVENTION
Nowadays, in image processing, the technique of digital image processing is very commonly used to electroni-cally store an image in data processing devices. In the early sixties, the digital image processing technology began to develop, primarily at the NASA Space Centre, as a tool for space research. Eventually, in the Ranger program the digital image processing technology was used to photograph the surface of the moon. In short, the surface of the moon was photo-graphed electronically and the image signal was converted from analog signal into digital signal before transmitting back to ground stations. The digitalized pictures permitted scientists to employ enhancement techniques through computer processing to improve the quality of the pictures.
One of the difficulties with digital image processing is the resolution of the image. There are many methods developed to increase the resolution of the image even to the point of exact duplication of the original. Howe~er, most of these methods are not very practical because of the large requirement fo~ computer memory for processing. Also the computer time in processing or storing or retrieving images is usually unacceptably long. Other common difficulties related to digital image processing include high cost and sophistica-tion.
.~
'` ~2~.Ji'7~5 In the pictorial library application, there i8 a need to be able to store and selectively retrieve high quality images oe pictorial infocmation quickly and economically. One of the common applications of pictorial libraries is in the criminal identification process in the law enforcement environ-ment.
~gainst this background the present invention is directed to a micro processor controlled image information system for storage and selective retrieval of high quality images and descriptive information.
The present invention is also directed to provide a simple and economical system for storage and selective retrieval of high quality images.
SU~MARY OF THE TNVENTION
~ccording to the present invention there is provided a micro processor controlled image information system for storage and selective retrieval of images. The system comprises an analog image storage device to which is electronically associated a micro processor. The micro processor is provided with an image identification means for inputing identification information and associating it with a particular image for storage, an image selection control means for inputing of generic information to permit selective retrieval of image or images, an analog image storage device interface control means '7~;~
whereby control signals are provided for storage and selective retrieval of an image or images from the storage device based upon the inputed identification information and the generic information: and an image display means electronically associated with the analog image storage device for display of images retrieved ~rom the analog image storage device under control of the micro processor.
In a preferred form of the invention, the analog image storage device is an optical memory disc recorder.
While the term `'micro processor" has been used in describing the invention in this specification, it will be understood tha~ processors, other than a micro processor may be used to provide suitable control functions in accordance and within the scope of the present invention.
BRIFF DESCRIPTIO~ OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other objectives and advantagefi of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following description in conjuction with the drawings in which;
FIGURE 1 is a system diagram of the micro processor controlled image information system, showing the componen~s of the system;
PIGU~E 2 is a sys~em logic block diagram, showing the internal control and the flow of logic in the system; and 12~
F~IGURE 3 is a system block diagram for the criminal profile and image display system application of the invention to the law enforcement environment.
While the present invention will be described in con-junction with an example embodiment, i~ will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to such embodiment.
On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
D~T~IL~D DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTI-ON
Turning to FIGURE, l, the micro processor controlled image information system according to the present invention consists of a micro processor 4, which is controlled by the control module 6. The micro processor 4 is also connected to a system storage device, preferrably a hard disc drive 10, and/or floppy disc drive 12 for providing storage facilities to the system A conventional display terminal 14 is connected to the micro processor 4, for functioning as a system input and output device. Printer 16, which is also connected to the micro pro-cessor 4, is used as a system printer providing hard copies of information.
~n optical memory disc recorder 18 is connected thLough the control module 6 to the micro processor 4 for 7~
providing image storage so that the required signals for the operation of the optical memory disc recorder are provided by the control module 6. ~ video camera 20 is connected to the optical memory disc recorder 18 for capturing images to be stored in the op~ical memory disc recorder 18. ~n optical printer 22, which is connected to the optical memory disc recorder 18, is provided for providing hard copy of images, and a monitor 24, is connected to the optical memoLy disc recorder 18, for display of images. The monitor 24, is preferrably a conventional TV monitor.
Turning to FIGURE 2, the micro processor 4 is con-trolled by the control module 6, which is resident internally in the micro processor 4, after the system has been initiated by loading the control module 6 into the micro processor 4.
The control module 6 is a multi-layer system consisting of a front end module 26, which provides interface facilities to input devices such as the display terminal 14, the ha~d disc storage device 10, and/or and the floppy disc storage devica 12. The interface facilities include means ~or generating the necessary control sequences for the operation of the display terminal 14, hard disc storage device 10 and/or floppy disc storage device 12. ~lso the front end module 26 provides interpretation of the input requests from the display terminal 14, and passes control to the second layer of the control system, the function control layer 28. The function control layer 28 determines the system logic flow ~or the request and ~ 5 --~2~ 7~;~
then passes control to the particular ~upport function module.
When the function requested is a request for screen output or display on the display terminal 14, of generic information, the function control layer Z8 passes cont~ol to the third layer of the control system, the display terminal output module 30.
However, if the function requested is a request for input from the display terminal 14, control will be passed to the display terminal input module 32.
When control is passed either to the display terminal output module 30 for output function or to the display terminal input module 32 for input function, these modules use the facilities provided by the innermost layer of the control system, the nucleus layer 34, to accomplish the task. The nucleus layer 34 consists of a data dictionary module 36, an address compression module 38, a data file manager module 40, a search module 42, and an image storage device interface module 52.
The purpose of the display terminal output module 30 is to provide a formatted output screen on the display unit ~, of the display terminal 14, so that generic information associated with a particular image may be ma~ped over the for-matted output screen such that the generic information could be presented in an organized and meaningful ~anner, and at the same time reducing the amount of screen data to be generated dynamically for each request. Similarly, the display terminal input module 32 provides a formatted input screen on the display unit 2 of the display terminal 14, so that identifica-tion information 56, related to a particular image stored in the optical memory disc recorder 18, may be inputed into the system through pre-determined fields of the formatted input screen.
Each field or attribute of identification information 56, eelated to a particular object or image, forms a separate attribute record 46, or a unique identifier, in the data base 50 (for example, a blue eyes record, a brown hair record, e~c.). The index record 44 is a direct address for locating the identification information 56 for a particular image stored in the data base 50. The data file manager module 40 combines the identification information address and the attribute index address, forming a compressed address. This compressed address forms an index record 44, stored in the index file 54.
Therefore, the index record 44 associates the identification information with a particular image ~y relating the information address with the image frame location. The frame loca~ion portion within the identification information 56, is passed to the image storage device interface module 52, such that p~o~er interface signal sequence could be generated for the operation of the op~ical memory disc recorder 18 for storing or selective retrieval of images.
The attributes of the identification information 56 provides an entry for the dictionary module 36, such that the entry provides a direct pointer to all particular index file ~2~L~7~
records 44 in the data base 50. Hence by searching sequen-tially through the index file 54, it is possible to determine whether images stored in the optical memory disc recorder 18 satisfy certain identification attribute or attributes. Since the entry in the index file 54 provides a direct pointer to the identification index 56, which contains frame location information to access tha image or images stored in the optical memory disc recorder 18, therefore it can be seen that images stored in the optical memory disc recorder 18 could be selectively retrieved quickly. Hence the present invention greatly reduces the access time of the image by pro~iding frame location of the image and direct address of the associated identification information in the data base.
During the inputing of identification information 56, if a particular identification attribute is not present in the attribute record 46, ~ontrol is passed to the data file manager module 40 to update the attribute record 46 and the index record 44, by providing a new entry containing the address pointer of a new attribute record 46. The address pointer for the index record 44 is generated by the address compression modula 38. The address information provided by the address compression module 38 is a compressed pointer information, hence minimum memory storage is required in the maintenance of the address information.
In order to selectively retrieve an image or images, the search module 42, based upon the generic information pro-7~
vided, searches sequentially through the index file 54, and copies the necessary information onto a match file 48.
Therefore, by chec~ing the match file 48, it is possible to determine the number of images that would match the generic information provided. The information in the match file 48 is passed to the image s-torage device interface module 52 for providing the necessary control signals for the operation of the optical memory disc recorder 18, in order to retrieve images for display at the TV monitor 24, and at the same time retrieve identification information from the data base 50, for display at the display terminal 14. Hence particular image and identification information 56 can be provided simultaneously at the T~ monitor 24, pictorially, and at the display terminal 14, descriptively.
In order to record an image the image storage device interface module 52 updates the identification information 56, to be stored in the data base 50. The image storage device interface module 52 generates the necessary signal sequences for the operation of the oetical memory disc recorder 18.
The optical memory disc recorder 18 is ~referrably a video laser disc recorder, whereby images are stored in an analog format. Hence the optical memory disc recorder 18 ~ro-vides a cost e~fective alternative to digital image storage.
Therefore, by using a micro processor having an image storage device interface function for generating the necessary signal sequences for the operation of the optical memory disc recorder 18 and a unique structured infoemation system, ~he present invention enables high quality pictorial and descriptive in-~ormation to be stored independently and selectively retrieved quickly and economically, avoiding the di~ficulties character-ized in digital image processing.
FIGURE 3 depicts an application of the system in the law enforcement environment. In this particular application multiple units of display terminal 14, TV monitor 24, printer 16, TV camera 20 and optical memory disc recorder 18 are con-nected to the micro processor 4, illustrating the fle~ibility of the system. These input and output units are located separately in different areas of a typical police station such as the Identification Office, Viewing Room, Criminal Records Room, Mug Look-Up Room and Mug Walk-Ins Room. The video multi-ple~or unit 52 enables multiple units of TV camera 20 to be connected to the optical memory disc recorder 18 for capturing images of objects, in this case, the "mug" shot. The video multiplexor unit 54 enables multiple units of TV monitor 24 to be connected ~o an optical memory disc recorder 18, so that the selectively retrieved image, ~mug~ shot could be displayed simultaneously at multiple locations.
During a photographing session at a police station a "Record" command is entered through the display terminal 14, to initiate cecording of a photograph, a "mug~ shot. The search module 42 will search out a free frame on the disc of the optical memory disc recorder 18 and cause a control sequence to 7S~
be generated by ~he image storage device interface module 52 to set the optical memory disc recorder 18 in the "Record" mode.
The micro processor 4 determines the status of the system and sends an "OK" status to the display terminal 14, indicating the system is ready. Otherwise, it sends an ~Error Code~ to the display terminal 14, indicating the system is not ready.
When the system is in the "OK" status, a "Snap" com-mand would cause the optical memory disc recorder 18 to record the image OL "mug" shot, then the micro processor 4 determines the status and resets the o~tical memory disc recorder 18 in the normal operation mode.
In the data capture mode, information related to a particular "mug" shot is entered through the display terminal 14. The display terminal input module 32, ~rovides formatted screens to facilitate inputing of the identification informa-tion 56. The nucleus layer 34 updates the attribute record ~6, index record 44 and index file 54 of the data base 50, and creates a unique pointer for the identification information 56. Then the mass storage device interface module 52 eombines the "mug" shot frame information and the identification in-formation 56. ~lence, the identification information i6 associated with a earticular "mug" shot in the records of the sys~em.
In the selective retrieval mode, the micro processor 4, after processing the generic information requested from the diselay terminal 14, and having performed the necessary 7~;S
searches, displays a list of images, "mug" shots, which satisfy the generic infocmation request. ~ "Find" command causes the micro processor 4, to verify the status of the o~tical memory disc recorder 18, based upon the responses from the image storage device interface module 52. Then the micro processor 4 causes the search module 42 to determine the frame location for the list of images, and causes the image storage device inter-face module 5Z to provide the control sequences for the opera-tion of the optical memory disc recorder 18 for display of the image, "mug" shot.
Thus it is apparent that there has been provided in accordance with the invention an apparatus for examele for simple, fast and economical storage and selective retrieval of images such as police "mug" shots, based on information identi-fication such as physical characteristics, criminal record, etc. While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. F~r example, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that an alternative type of image storage device may be used to provide high quality images. ~lso it will be apparent to one skilled in the art to use processors other than a micro processor to erovide control func~ions. ~ccordingly it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fact within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.
Claims (10)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A micro processor controlled image information system for storage and selective retrieval of images comprising:
an analog image storage device;
a micro processor electronically associated with the analog storage device, the micro processor being pro-vided with:
(i) an image identification means for inputing identification information and associating it with a particular image for storage;
(ii) an image selection control means for inputing of generic information to permit selective retrieval of image or images; and (iii) an analog image storage device interface control means whereby control signals are provided for storage and selective retrieval of an image or images from the storage device based upon the inputed identification information and the generic information, an image display means electronically associated with the analog image storage device for display of images retrieved from the analog image storage device under control of the micro processor.
an analog image storage device;
a micro processor electronically associated with the analog storage device, the micro processor being pro-vided with:
(i) an image identification means for inputing identification information and associating it with a particular image for storage;
(ii) an image selection control means for inputing of generic information to permit selective retrieval of image or images; and (iii) an analog image storage device interface control means whereby control signals are provided for storage and selective retrieval of an image or images from the storage device based upon the inputed identification information and the generic information, an image display means electronically associated with the analog image storage device for display of images retrieved from the analog image storage device under control of the micro processor.
2. A micro processor controlled image information system according to claim 1, wherein the image identification means comprises an information input means for entering information related to a particular image; and a conversion means for the conversion of the identification information into unique identifiers associated with the image for storage.
3. A micro processor controlled image information system according to claim 2, wherein the information input means comprises a conventional data entry input terminal.
4. A micro processor controlled image information system according to claim 1, wherein the image selection control means comprises a selection means for providing a set of selective parameters for the retrieval of an image or images; and a retrieval conversion means whereby the selective parameters are converted into a set of unique pointers for image retrieval purposes.
5. A micro processor controlled image information system according to claim 4, wherein the selection means comprises of a conventional data entry input terminal.
6. A micro processor controlled image information system according to claim 1, wherein the analog image storage device interface control means comprises a control signal generation module for providing all necessary control sequences to the analog storage device for storage and selective retrieval of images.
7. A micro processor controlled image information system according to claim 1, wherein the analog image storage device is an optical memory disc recorder.
8. A micro processor controlled image information system according to claim 1, wherein the image display means is a conventional TV monitor electronically associated with the analog image storage device.
9. A micro processor controlled image information system for selective retrieval and electronically stored police "mug"
shots, the system comprising:
an analog optical memory disc recorder;
a micro processor electronically associated with the analog optical memory disc recorder, the micro processor being provided with:
(i) an information input means for entering identification information related to a particular "mug" shot image and a conversion means for the conversion of the identification information into unique identifiers associated with the image for storage;
(ii) an image selection means for inputing generic information providing selective parameters for the retrieval of an image or images; and a retrieval conversion means whereby the selective parameters are converted into a set of unique pointers for image retrieval purposes; and (iii) an analog image storage device interface module for providing all necessary control sequences to the analog optical memory disc recorder for storage and selective retrieval of images based upon the inputed identification information and the generic information; and an image display means electronically associated with the analog optical memory disc recorder and the micro processor for display of image selectively retrieved from the analog optical memory disc recorder under control of the micro processor.
shots, the system comprising:
an analog optical memory disc recorder;
a micro processor electronically associated with the analog optical memory disc recorder, the micro processor being provided with:
(i) an information input means for entering identification information related to a particular "mug" shot image and a conversion means for the conversion of the identification information into unique identifiers associated with the image for storage;
(ii) an image selection means for inputing generic information providing selective parameters for the retrieval of an image or images; and a retrieval conversion means whereby the selective parameters are converted into a set of unique pointers for image retrieval purposes; and (iii) an analog image storage device interface module for providing all necessary control sequences to the analog optical memory disc recorder for storage and selective retrieval of images based upon the inputed identification information and the generic information; and an image display means electronically associated with the analog optical memory disc recorder and the micro processor for display of image selectively retrieved from the analog optical memory disc recorder under control of the micro processor.
10. A micro processor controlled image information system according to claim 9, wherein the image display means is a conventional TV monitor electronically associated with the analog optical memory disc recorder.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US77098085A | 1985-08-29 | 1985-08-29 | |
| US770,980 | 1985-08-29 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1218755A true CA1218755A (en) | 1987-03-03 |
Family
ID=25090316
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000509139A Expired CA1218755A (en) | 1985-08-29 | 1986-05-14 | Micro processor controlled image information system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1218755A (en) |
-
1986
- 1986-05-14 CA CA000509139A patent/CA1218755A/en not_active Expired
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