JPS62266982A - Picture information processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To record and reproduce a picture without changing an existing system by providing an input and output control means for inputting a picture signal from a TV camera or a reader to a work station WS and outputting the processed signal to a picture output means. CONSTITUTION:A video control unit (VCU) 1 constituting the input and output control means is connected to a reader/printer interface 32 in the work station (WS)31 by an exclusive cable; and driven by an exclusive power source 2. Picture information read by the reader 43 is transmitted to the WS31 through the VCY1, the cable 1a and the picture information edited in the WS31 is transmitted to a printer 49 through the VCU1. Further, a video signal outputted from the TV camera 47 is digitized in the VCU1, transmitted to the WS31 through the cable 1a and a picture signal edited in the WS31 is analog converted via the cable 1a in the VCU1 and transmitted to a VTR46 as the video signal.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to an image information processing system that processes image information sent from a TV camera or a VTR.

[Conventional technology]

In recent years, with the rapid development of image information processing systems centered on electronic computers, it has become possible, for example, to optically read images, process the read images with arithmetic processing devices, and output them from image output devices such as laser beam printers. A device configured as follows has been proposed.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a conventional image information processing system, and 31 is a workstation (WS).
49-da/printer interface 32. Image compression unit (ICU) 33. Program memory (PMEM) 34, bit move unit (B
MU) 35.

Image memory (IMEM) 36, video ram (VR)
AM) 37, central processing unit (CPU) 38, bus 39
．． Power supply 40. video control unit) (VCU)
41, the ICU33 compresses the data,
It is decompressed, and two-dimensional compression (high compression) is used to increase the encoding rate. PMEM34 is WS31
It has an OS program and an application program memory area for controlling the input/output devices provided around the WS31 and each unit in the WS31, and further has a font memory area for converting character codes into image data. There is. The 3MU 35 performs image editing (image processing) on the CRT display 42, and performs operations such as enlarging, reducing, moving nine rotations, or cutting a predetermined image. The IMEM 36 has a storage capacity of, for example, 4 Mbytes, and can store images from the reader 43, images edited by the 3MU 35, and the ICU
33, word processing code data based on key code characters, mixed data, or data obtained by converting character needs into images. The VRAM 37 stores image data to be displayed on the CRT display 42 in the form of bitmap codes. A hard disk device 44 stores data processed by the WS 31.

45 is a floppy disk device that stores data processed by the WS 31; 46 is a VTR for recording video signals. 47 is a TV camera that converts captured images into video signals. VTR46.

A TV camera 47 is connected to the VCU 1.

Reference numeral 48 denotes an input unit, which includes a keyboard 48a, a pointing device 48b, and the like. The keyboard 48a is used for inputting characters, etc., and also for inputting characters on the CRT using the cursor.
Specify the old position of the display 42. Pointing device 48b specifies any position on CRT display 42.

Reference numeral 49 denotes a printer device serving as an image output means, which outputs the image edited by the WS 31.

[Problem that the invention seeks to solve]

However, the existing image information processing system
7. In order to connect the VTRa6, it is necessary to add hardware configurations such as a dedicated interface board and a dedicated cable to the WS31, which poses problems such as not being able to easily adapt to the version amplifier of the system configuration.

In addition, in an image processing system having a video input terminal, a printer 49 and a reader 4 connected to the WS 31 are used.
In addition to the cable No. 3, a video input cable is also connected, resulting in problems such as complicated wiring.

This invention was made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems.It is possible to comprehensively control the input and output of existing image information processing systems, and also to freely record and play back 3D images and edited images. The purpose is to obtain an image information processing system that can perform the following tasks.

[Means for solving problems]

The image information processing system according to the present invention converts a video signal sent from a television camera that converts a photographed image into a video signal into a digital signal, and an image signal input from an image reading means. The system is equipped with an input/output control means for inputting the image signal to the workstation and outputting the image signal processed by the workstation to the image output means.

[Effect]

In this invention, the input/output control means converts the digital image signal input from the image reading means or the video signal input from the television camera into a digital signal and inputs it to the workstation, and also converts the digital image signal input from the image reading means or the video signal input from the television camera into a digital signal and inputs the digital image signal to the workstation. The signal is sent to image output means.

〔Example〕

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an image information processing system showing an embodiment of the present invention, in which numeral 1 denotes a video control unit (VCU) constituting the input/output control means of the present invention; It is connected to the reader/printer interface 33 in the dedicated cable 1d,
It has a dedicated power supply 2.

The VCU 1 is connected to the reader/printer interface 32 by a dedicated cable, and is driven by a dedicated electric power r:,2. In addition, VCUL is league 43. TV camera47. VT
Input from R46 to WS31 and from WS31 to printer 4
9. Switch the output to VTR46. Furthermore, VCU
l samples the analog input (Video Shinso) from the TV left camera 7 and VTR 46, converts it A/D, and sends it to the WS.
31 outputs digital information onto the bus 39, and also takes in the digital information sent out on the bus 39,
D/A conversion is performed and analog information is sent to the VTR 46.

FIG. 2 is an external view illustrating the image information processing system according to the present invention, and the same reference numerals as in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals.

As can be seen from these figures, the image information read by the reader 43 is sent to the WS 31 via the VCUI and the cable 1a, and the image information edited by the WS 31 is sent to the printer 49 via the VCU 1. Furthermore, the video signal output from the TV left camera 7 is
is converted into a digital image signal and sent to the WS 31 via the cable 1a, and the digital image signal edited by the WS 31 is sent to the VCU 1 via the cable 1a.
This digital image signal is D/A converted and a video signal is sent to the VTR 46.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the VCU 1 shown in FIG. 1. Reference numerals 11a and 11b are changeover switches, and switch lla is used to switch between video signals (NTSC signals) sent from the TV left camera 7 or VTR 46. The terminal Tl, T
2 is outputted to the amplifier 12 by switching between the two. The amplifier 12 amplifies the video signal selected by the switch operation of the changeover switch lla. 13 is a synchronization separation circuit that separates the analog image signal and synchronization signal in the video signal amplified by the amplifier 12; A sample holder 14 samples and holds the analog image signal separated by the synchronization separation circuit 13 for each sampling clock SC sent from the control section 15.

16 is an A/D converter which converts the analog image signal sampled and held by the sample holder 14 into a digital image signal of, for example, Lf 8 bits.

A separation circuit 17 further separates the synchronization signal separated by the synchronization separation circuit 13 into a horizontal synchronization signal H5YNC: and a vertical synchronization signal VS'YNC. Separated horizontal synchronization signal) I
SYNC and the vertical synchronization signal VSYNC are sent to the control section]5. A data switch 18 transfers, for example, 8-bit data from the driver receiver 19 to the printer 49 according to control signals LCI and LC2 from the control unit 15, and transfers image data sent from the reader 43 to the driver receiver 1.
9, the digital image signal sent from the A/D converter 1S is transferred to the driver receiver 19, and the edited digital image data is transferred from the driver receiver 19 to the D
The data transfer is switched in four ways, such as transferring to the /A converter 20. The D/A converter 20 converts the 8-pin digital image signal sent from the data switch 18 into an analog image signal. 21 is a mixer which mixes the analog image signal output from the D/A converter 20, the water synchronization signal HSYNC1 and the vertical synchronization signal VSYN output from the control unit 15.
A video signal (NTSC signal) is generated by mixing CI. 22 is a video driver which passes the video signal output from the mixer 21 to the VTR 46 via a changeover switch 11b.
Transfer to. 23 is a control signal driver receiver, VT
A receive section that transfers the command signal and status signal sent from R46 to the control section 15, and a receive section that transfers the command signal and status signal sent from R46, and
It consists of a dry round part that is transferred to TR46.

Next, the input/output control operation according to the present invention will be explained with reference to FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b).

FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) are flowcharts showing examples of input/output control operations according to the present invention. In addition, (1) ~
(30) indicates each step.

A case will be described in which a video signal from the TV left camera 7 is transferred to the host side.

First, the WS 31 serving as the host is notified that the VCU 1 is in a ready state (1). This allows the host to
Detects that U1 is ready, and sends V1 from the host.
Write read mode and TV camera mode commands to CU 1. Next, the host issues a startup command to the VCUl. VCUl waits for the startup command to be sent 2), and when the startup command is sent,
The VCU1 determines whether or not the ready command set by the host has been confirmed (3). If YES, the changeover switch 11a shown in FIG. 3 is opened (4). Next, VCU 1 determines whether it is in TV camera mode 5), and if YES, switches switch switch ila to terminal T1.
6), and the amplifier 12 shown in FIG.
The video signal (NTSC signal) sent from the V left camera 7 is amplified and separated into an analog image signal and a synchronization signal by the synchronization separation circuit 13, and the synchronization signal is further transmitted to the separation circuit 17.
horizontal synchronization signal H3YNC, vertical synchronization signal ■5YN
C and sent to the control section 15. Next, wait for the vertical synchronization signal VSYNC to become rlJ7),
When the vertical synchronization signal VSYNC rises, wait for the vertical synchronization signal VSYNC to become "0" 8), and wait for the horizontal synchronization signal H5YNC to become "1"9)
, when the horizontal synchronization signal H3YNC rises, wait for the horizontal synchronization signal H3YNC to become "0".
, when the horizontal synchronizing signal H5YNC is reached, the sampling clock SC of the video signal is sent from the control section 15 to the resample holder 14. In response to this, the sample holder 14 holds the input analog image signal according to the ON-OFF state of the sampling clock SC, and transfers the sampled and held analog image signal to the A/
The D converter 16 converts it into, for example, an 8-bit digital image signal, and inputs the ON-OFF state of the lunch clock LC sent from the DJW unit 15 to the register in the data switch 18.
Latch accordingly. Furthermore, the 8-bit digital image signal latched in the register is controlled by the enable signals BE and DR sent from the control section 15 to the driver register/<19. The data is transferred to the reader/printer interface 32, that is, the host side via the cable 1d (11), and the control unit 15 also outputs a strobe signal indicating that the data has been finalized to the host side via the driver register/19. .

On the other hand, VCUL takes steps (11) until the water motion synchronization signal H5YNC sent from the TV left camera 7 becomes "1".
Repeat the operation 12). When the water mode synchronization signal H3YNC becomes "1", the dry/here receiver 19. Notify the host side via cable 1a (
13). Next, it is determined whether the vertical unit tUt signal 5YNC sent from the TV left camera 7 is rQJ14), and if YES, return to step (10).
If NO, it means that the transfer of the video signal for one frame has been completed, and the control unit 15 sends a message to the driver register 81 to inform the host side that the data transfer for one frame has been completed.
Then, the notification is made via the cable 1a (15). Also, the startup command set in the control unit 15 is reset. In response to this, the VCU 1 finishes taking in the video signal from the TV left camera 7 and transferring the data to the host side, and notifies the host side that the VCU 1 is ready 7g.

Next, the operation of transferring the video signal recorded from the VTR 46 to the host side will be explained.

First, the WS 31 serving as the host is notified that the VCUI is in a ready state (1). This allows the host to
Detects that I is ready, and sends the VCU from the host.
Read mode for 1.

Write the VTR mode command. Next, a startup command is issued to VCU 1 from the host.

VCUl should wait for the startup command to be sent 2)
, when the startup command is sent, the VCUl determines whether it has confirmed the ready command set by the host (3). If YES, the switching switch 1 shown in Figure 3 is activated.
Open 1a (4). Next, the VCU 1 determines whether it is in TV camera mode or not (5), and the answer is NO, so connect the selector switch 11a to the terminal T2 side (16).
), to check whether the VTR 46 is ready, wait for a ready signal to be sent from the VTR 46 via the control signal driver receiver 23 shown in FIG. A playback command signal is output via the control signal driver register 8 23 shown in FIG.
8). Next, it is detected whether the vertical synchronization signal vSYNC separated from the video signal sent from the VTR 46 is "1"7), and if it is "1", the vertical synchronization signal VSY
Wait until NC becomes "0" (8). Thereafter, operations similar to those in the TV camera mode are performed.

Next, the recording operation of the digital image signal processed on the host side into the VTR 46 will be explained.

First, VCU 1 sends a ready status 9 to WS31, which becomes the host.
(1). This allows the host to
Detects that U1 is ready, and sends V1 from the host.
Light mode for CU 1.

Write the VTR mode command. Next, a startup command is issued to VCU 1 from the host. The VCUI waits for the activation command to be sent (1-.(2)), and when the activation command is sent, the VCU 1 determines whether the read mode has been sent from the host (3).

In this case, the light mode is set, so N
0, connect the changeover switch 11b, and connect the changeover switch lla to the end f''Tt side (19)
. Next, from the VTR 46, the control signal driver receiver 2
20), and when the ready signal is sent out, the control signal driver receiver 2
3 to output the recording command to the VTR 46 (21
). Next, in response to the recording command to the VTR 46, V
The controller 15 waits for a ready signal sent from the TR 46 via the control signal driver register 23 (22), and when the ready signal is sent, the control unit 15 sends the horizontal synchronizing signal H3YNC1 to the mixer 21 (22). Vertical synchronization signal V
The 0N10FF signal of SYNC1 is sent to the mixer 21 (24). Next, a data transfer request command signal is output to the host side (25). Next, the controller 15 waits for the digital image signal corresponding to the data transfer request to be sent to the bus 39. If the digital image signal is present on the bus 39, the controller 15 outputs enable signals BE and DR to the driver receiver 19. The digital image signal from the reader/printer ink face 32 is routed through the internal path of the VCU1 (
(not shown), and the latch clock LC2 is 0N.
The 8-pin digital image signal is latched into the register in the data switch 18 by the -OFF signal. Further, when the digital image signal is latched in the register, a data reception end command is output to the host side (27). Third
The 8-bit digital image signal stored in the register in the data switch 18 shown in the figure is transferred to the D/A converter 20.
A video signal (NTSC signal) is created by mixing the horizontal synchronizing signal H5YMCI and vertical synchronizing signal VSYNC1, which are also sent to the controller 15 with the subsequent mixer 21, and the above-mentioned analog image signal. and records it on the magnetic tape of the VTR 46 via the video driver 22. Next, it is determined whether one line of video signal has been sent out (28), and if No, step (25) is determined.
), and if YES, it is further determined whether one frame worth of video signal has been sent out (23). If this judgment is NO, the process returns to step (24); if YES, an end command is output to the VTR 46 via the control driver receiver 23, and an end command is output to the host side, and the control unit 15 Reset the startup command set in the
Finish reading the recording operation.

Note that if a video printer is connected in place of the VTR 46 in FIG. 1, a hard copy of the image read by the TV camera 47 or an image after image processing can be printed out. In addition, the A/D converter 16 shown in FIG.
Even if the image is a binary image, if predetermined pseudo e-light image processing is performed, a pseudo e-light image signal can be sent to the host side.

Furthermore, when converting an analog image signal to a digital image signal, a pseudo halftone can be expressed by converting it into two individual signals using a single threshold value or a plurality of threshold values. Furthermore, it is also possible to convert digital images into multivalued images.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As explained above, the present invention converts a photographed image into a video signal.The video signal sent from a television camera is converted into a digital signal, and the image signal and the image signal input from the image reading means are input to the workstation. At the same time, an input/output control means for outputting the image signal processed by the workstation to the image output means is provided.

If the image information processing system is equipped with a connector or cable for a reader/printer, a television camera can be connected to read still images or record processed images without changing the existing image information processing system. Furthermore, since the external circuit is an external circuit, changes in the existing hardware configuration can be kept to a minimum, so the system has excellent advantages such as being able to upgrade the system at low cost.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an image information processing system showing an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an external view of the image information processing system according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a VCU shown in FIG. 1. A block diagram explaining the configuration of FIG. 4(a)
, (b) is a flowchart illustrating an example of an input/output control operation according to the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a conventional image information processing system. In the figure, 1 HA V CU, 1a is a cable, and 11a. 11b is a changeover switch, 12 is an amplifier, 13 is a synchronous separation circuit, 14 is a sample holder, 15 is a control unit, and 16 is an A
/D conversion black, 17 is separation circuit, 18 is data switcher, 1
9 is a driver receiver, 20 is a D/A converter, 21 is a mixer, 22 is a video driver, 23 is a control signal driver receiver, 31 is a WS, 43 is a reader, 46 is a VTR1
47 is a TV camera, 48 is an input section, and 49 is a printer.

Claims (8)

[Claims] (1) In an image information processing system in which a workstation performs necessary processing on an image signal input from an image reading means, a video signal sent from a television camera that converts a photographed image into a video signal is converted into a digital signal. An image information processing system comprising input/output control means for inputting an image signal into the workstation and outputting the image signal processed by the workstation to an image output means. (2) The image information processing system according to claim (1), wherein the input/output control means is externally attached to the workstation. (3) The image information processing system according to claim (1), wherein the input/output control means controls the television camera using commands. (4) The image processing system according to claim (1), wherein the input/output control means comprises a plurality of central processing means. (5) The image information processing system according to claim (1), wherein the input/output control means converts a video signal sent from a television camera into a digital image signal and outputs the digital image signal to the workstation. . (6) The image information processing system according to claim (5), wherein the input/output control means converts the video signal into a binary signal based on a single threshold value and outputs the converted signal to the workstation. . (7) The image information processing system according to claim (5), wherein the input/output control means converts the video signal into a binary signal based on a plurality of threshold values and outputs the converted signal to the workstation. (8) The image information processing system according to claim (1), wherein the input/output control means converts the video signal into a multivalued signal and inputs the signal to the workstation.