DE3420049A1 - Device for producing image grey-scale step histograms - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for producing image grey-scale step histograms, and a method for operating this device, which contains means for detecting the respective grey-scale step level corresponding to specific points on an image, in order to form analog signals proportional to the grey-scale step levels of the specific points, in order to convert these analog signals into digital data, in order to code and store these digital data in an image memory and in order to integrate the digital data at the same time as the coding and storage of the data. The device allows the simultaneous storage and integration of the digital data, so that the relevant computer processing time is reduced, since a histogram is made available immediately at the end of the data supply cycle. <IMAGE>

Description

Device for generating image gray level histograms

The present invention relates to the generation of statistical Distributions known as histograms, which graphically show the frequency of occurrence different grayscale values that are used to represent an image or to represent an object.

A histogram can be created by successively digitizing one Image can be created. This includes converting the image into an NxN grayscale matrix, in which a grayscale value is assigned to different areas of the image. This data is used to create a histogram of the frequency of occurrence of different types To create grayscale values.

A major disadvantage of this method is that it following on from digitizing the image rather than in real time, and Therefore, this method is used in applications where the processing speed considered a critical factor is unsuitable.

The invention provides a method and a device for generating of a histogram at the same time as presenting data representing an image or a Describe the subject.

The invention overcomes the problem of excessive processing time in use cases where processing speed is a critical limitation the System properties is. The histogram according to the present invention becomes simultaneous generated with the offering of data, and therefore the digitized image and the histogram for immediate use at the end of the data feed cycle Disposal.

In general, in one aspect, the invention is through an apparatus for generating an image gray level histogram indicates which device Means for detecting the grayscale levels associated with particular locations in an image correspond, signal means for generating signals as a function of the Grayscale levels, conversion means for generating digital data from the signals, Storage means for storing the digital data in real time and means for integrating of the digital data, whereby the integrated digital data are used to to generate a histogram.

In preferred exemplary embodiments, the detection means contains a variety of photo detectors. The plurality of photodetectors are in a matrix arrangement arranged by 64 photodetectors. The signaling means contain a plurality of photo detectors. Each photodetector of the signaling means supplies an analog one Signal corresponding to a certain point of the picture and with a strength, which corresponds to the grayscale level of the particular location. The transfer means also contain a demultiplexer, which receives the analog signals from the photodetectors receives and selectively transmits the analog signals to an analog-to-digital converter. The means for integrating contain a plurality of operational amplifiers, the the digital data from the analog / digital converter essentially simultaneously with the coding and storage of the digital data from the analog / digital converter receive.

Included in a further preferred embodiment the Means for integrating a plurality of counters.

Generally, the present invention is in accordance with a further aspect characterized by a method for generating image gray level histograms, which method steps to generate signals associated with specific bodies of an image which correspond to the grayscale level of the corresponding Related to the conversion of the signals and the digital data that the Define the image, save the digital data in real time, integrate it in real time of the digital data and the generation of a histogram based on the has integrated data.

In preferred exemplary embodiments, the signals are analog signals, which have a strength which corresponds to the gray scale level of the relevant sample point corresponds. A method for generating histograms also includes Steps of fanning out the analog signals and converting the analog signals into Digital data. The integration of the digital data occurs simultaneously with the encoding and storing the digital data.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from from the description given below and from the claims.

The description given below relates to the figures.

FIG. 1 shows a partially detailed and partially schematic Representation of an exemplary embodiment for the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a detailed illustration of an alternative Embodiment for the present Invention.

First, with reference to Figure 1, a first embodiment for the present invention is described in detail. A picture, for example a "E" is represented by a matrix of the smallest image raster units (pixels) on a display area a display device 10 shown-.

A photodetector arrangement 12, which consists of a matrix with photodetectors 13 exists, captures the image on the display surface of the display device 10.

Each of the photodetectors 13 generates an analog signal, its strength with the gray value or the gray scale level of a corresponding image sample point corresponds.

All of the analog signals generated by the photodetectors will be a demultiplexer 14, which in an order one signal at a time and this signal is transferred to an analog / digital converter 16.

The analog / digital converter 16 uses the analog input signal 64-bit digital signal that represents the grayscale level of a specific location on the The display area of the display device 10 is defined. This 64-bit digital signal becomes simultaneously via lines 100-163 to operational amplifier 22 and to an encoder 18 delivered.

The encoder 18 encodes the 64-bit signal and stores it as one 6-bit binary number in a relevant matrix position of a memory 20.

The operational amplifiers 22 are used in cooperation with capacitors 24 and resistors 26 for this purpose, the digital data which are transmitted via the lines 100-163 been received are to be integrated. The charges carried by the Capacitors 24 are stored represent the number of digits on the Display area of the display device 10, which has a certain gray scale level exhibit.

The output signals on lines 200-263 represent a histogram immediately after the completion of the delivery and storage of the data in the Memory 20 available.

This histogram can be used for threshold value formation in further image processing be used.

In an alternative embodiment, the operational amplifiers 22 with the associated capacitors 24 and resistors 26 by counter 28, such as shown in Figure 2, can be replaced. These also provide output signals from lines 200-263 for forming a histogram.

The foregoing was a novel facility and process to generate histograms that include all the tasks that have been named and those specified Benefits met, shown and described. Numerous changes, modifications, Variations and other uses and applications of the subject matter of the invention carried out or provided, however, are for those skilled in the art by the description and the figures which disclose embodiments of the invention can be seen and suggested. All such changes, modifications, variations and others Use cases that do not differ from the general idea of the invention remove are covered by the claims.

- Leeward -

Claims (12)

Device for generating image gray level histograms, G e k e n n n e n d e i n e t d u r c h (a) Means for detecting the gray scale level corresponding to a specific point in an image; (b) signaling means for generating signals in dependence on the gray scale levels; (c) Reactant to generate digital data from the signals; (d) storage means for storing the digital data in real time; (e) means for integrating the digital data, wherein the integrated digital data are used to generate a histogram. 2. Device according to claim 1, d a d u r c h g e -k e n n z e i c h n e t that the means for detecting from a plurality of photodetectors (13) exist. 3. Device according to claim 2, since d u r c h g e -k e n n z e i c h n e t that the plurality of photodetectors (13) in a matrix arrangement of 64 Photo detectors are arranged. 4. Device according to claim 1, d a d u r c h g e -k e n n z e i c n e t that the signaling means consist of a large number of photodetectors (13) exist. 5. Device according to claim 4, d a d u r c h g e -k e n n z e i c h n e t that each of the photodetectors (13) an analog signal corresponding to a certain Position of the image emits, with the analog signal has a strength corresponding to the grayscale level of the particular location. 6. Device according to claim 4, d a d u r c h g e -k e n n z e i c h n e t that the conversion means furthermore contain a demultiplexer (14) which receives the analog signals from the photodetectors (13) and the analog signals selectively transmits to an analog / digital converter (16). 7. Device according to claim 6, d a d u r c h g e -k e n n z e i c h n e t that the means for integrating from a plurality of integrating operational amplifiers (22), which essentially contain the digital data from the analog / digital converter (16) at the same time as the coding and storage of the digital data from the analog / digital converter (16) received. 8. Device according to claim 1, d a d u r c h g e -k e n n z e i c It should be noted that the means for integrating consist of a plurality of counters (28). 9. Method for generating image gray scale histograms, g e k e n n z e i n e t d u r c h the following steps: (a) Obtaining signals correspondingly with the particular image sample locations of an image, these signals being at grayscale level are related to the corresponding image sample point; (b) Converting the signals into Digital data defining the image; (c) storing the digital data in real time; (d) Integrate the digital data in real time; (e) Generating a histogram from the integrated digital data. 10. The method according to claim 9, d a d u r c h g e -k e n n z e i c That is, the signals are analog signals, the analog signals having a strength with the respective grayscale level of the corresponding image pattern points correspond. 11. The method according to claim 10, g e k e n n z e i c h -n e t d u r c h steps of distributing the analog signals and converting the analog signals in digital data. 12. The method according to claim 9, d a d u r c h g e -k e n n z e i c n e t that the integrated digital data is essentially simultaneous with the Encoding and storage of the digital data occur.