WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. In a method of providing an image, the steps of: acquiring the image, providing a main processor for processing the acquired image, providing a plurality of reprogrammable stages for controlling the operation of the main processor in processing the image, and providing for a decision by the main processor or any of the reprogrammable stages to have any of the reprogrammable stages reprogrammed to control the operation of the main processor.
2. In a method as set forth in claim 1, the step of acquiring audio information relating to the image, providing at least one reprogrammable stage for controlling the operation of the main processor in processing the audio information, and providing for a decision by the main processor or any of the reprogrammable stages to have the reprogrammable stage specified in the previous paragraph reprogrammed to control the operation of the main processor.
3. In a method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the reprogramming of the reprogrammable stages is provided by the main processor.
4. In a method as set forth in claim 2 wherein the reprogramming of the reprogrammable stage is provided by the main processor.
5. In a method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the main processor and the reprogrammable stages are disposed in an intelligent imaging platform.
6. In a method as set forth in claim 2 wherein the main processor and the reprogrammable stages are disposed in an intelligent imaging platform.
7. In a method as set forth in claim 3 wherein the main processor and the reprogrammable stages are disposed in an intelligent imaging platform.
8. In a method as set forth in claim 4 wherein the main processor and the reprogrammable stages are disposed in an intelligent imaging platform.
9. In a method of processing an image, the steps of: acquiring the image, providing a main processor for processing the acquired image, providing a software development kit for prioritizing particular aspects of the acquired image before the acquired image is processed by the main processor, the software development kit being reprogrammable, and initiating a decision by one of the main processor and the software development kit to have the software development kit reprogrammed.
10. In a method as set forth in claim 9, the step of: providing a reprogrammable coprocessor to manipulate the acquired image from the image acquirer, before the acquired image is processed by the main processor, the manipulation depending upon the processing to be provided by the main processor, and initiating a decision by any one of the main processor, the software development kit and the coprocessor to have at least one of the software development kit and the coprocessor reprogrammed.
11. In a method as set forth in claim 9, the steps of: providing a field reprogrammable gate array to clarify the acquired image before the image is processed by the main processor, and initiating a decision by any one of the main processor, the software development kit and the field reprogrammable gate array to have at least one of the software development kit and the reprogrammable gate array reprogrammed.
12. In a method as set forth in claim 9 wherein the reprogramming of the software development kit is provided by the main processor and wherein the main processor and the software development kit are disposed in an intelligent imaging platform.
13. In a method as set forth in claim 10 wherein the reprogramming of the software development kit and the coprocessor are provided by the main processor and wherein the main processor, the software development kit and the coprocessor are disposed in an intelligent imaging platform.
14. In a method as set forth in claim 9, the steps of: providing an intelligent imaging platform, providing a central station for providing for at least one of the steps of setting up, programming and controlling the camera to be enhanced by the reprogramming of the software development kit, and initiating a decision by any one of the central station, the main processor and the software development kit to have at least one of the software development kit and the central station reprogrammed.
15. In a method as set forth in claim 14 wherein the software development kit and the main processor are disposed in the camera and wherein the reprogramming of the one of the software development kit and the central station is provided by the main processor.
16. In a method as set forth in claim 15 wherein audio information related to the video image is acquired and wherein a field reprogrammable gate array is provided to clarify the acquired audio information and wherein the field reprogrammable gate array is reprogrammable and wherein the decision to reprogram the field reprogrammable gate array is made by the main processor, the central station and any of the reprogrammable stages and wherein the reprogramming of the field reprogrammable gate array is provided by the main processor and wherein the field reprogrammable gate array is disposed in the intelligent imaging platform.
17. In a method as set forth in claim 10, the steps of: providing a field reprogrammable gate array to clarify the acquired image before the image is processed by the main processor, providing an intelligent imaging platform, providing a central station for performing at least one of the steps of setting up, programming and controlling the intelligent imaging platform, and initiating a decision by any one of the central station, the main processor and the software development kit to have the software development kit reprogrammed.
18. In a method as set forth in claim 17 wherein the gate array and the software development kit are reprogrammable by the main processor and wherein the gate array, the software development kit and the main processor are disposed in the intelligent imaging platform.
19. In a method of processing an image, the steps of: acquiring the image, providing a main processor for processing the acquired image, providing a reprogrammable coprocessor for manipulating the acquired image before the introduction of the acquired image to the main processor, the manipulation being dependent upon the processing to be provided by the main processor, and initiating a decision by one of the main processor and the coprocessor to have the coprocessor reprogrammed.
20. In a method as set forth in claim 19, the steps of: providing a field reprogrammable gate array to clarify the acquired image before the image is processed by the main processor, and initiating a decision by any one of the central station, the main processor, the software development kit, the coprocessor and the field reprogrammable gate array to have at least one of the software development kit and the coprocessor reprogrammed.
21. In a method as set forth in claim 19, the steps of: providing an intelligent imaging platform, providing a reprogrammable central station for providing for at least one of the steps of setting up, programming and controlling the intelligent imaging platform to be enhanced by the reprogramming of at least one of the central station and the coprocessor, and initiating a decision by one of the main processor, the central station and the coprocessor to have at least one of the central station and the coprocessor reprogrammed.
22. In a method as set forth in claim 20, providing an intelligent imaging platform, providing a reprogrammable central station for providing for at least one of the steps of setting up, programming and controlling the intelligent imaging platform to be enhanced by the reprogramming of at least one of the central station, the gate array and the coprocessor, and initiating a decision by any one of the central station, the main processor, the coprocessor and the field programmable gate array to have at least one of the central station, the coprocessor and the field programmable gate array reprogrammed.
23. In a method as set forth in claim 19 wherein the reprogramming is provided by the main processor and wherein the main processor and the coprocessor are disposed in the intelligent imaging platform.
24. In a method as set forth in claim 21 wherein the reprocessing is provided by the main processor and wherein the main processor and the coprocessor are disposed in the intelligent imaging platform.
25. In a method as set forth in claim 24, the steps of: acquiring audio information related to the acquired image, providing for a reprogrammable processing of the audio information to clarify the audio information, initiating a decision by any one of the main processor and the coprocessor to have the audio information reprogrammed, and providing for the reprogramming of the audio information by the main processor.
26. In a method of processing an image, the steps of: acquiring the image, providing a main processor for processing the acquired image, providing a software development kit for prioritizing particular aspects of the acquired image before the acquired image is processed by the main processor, the software development kit being reprogrammable, and providing for a reprogramming of the software development kit by the main processor dependent upon the processing to be provided by the main processor.
27. In a method as set forth in claim 26, the step of: initiating a decision by one of the main processor and the software development kit to have the software development kit reprogrammed by the main processor.
28. In a method as set forth in claim 26, the steps of: providing a coprocessor to manipulate the acquired image from the image acquirer, dependent upon the processing to be provided by the main processor, before the acquired image is processed by the main processor, the coprocessor being reprogrammable, and initiating a decision by any one of the main processor, the software development kit and the coprocessor to have at least one of the software development kit and the coprocessor reprogrammed.
29. In a method as set forth in claim 26, the steps of: providing a field reprogrammable gate array to clarify the acquired image before the image is processed by the main processor, and initiating a decision by one of the main processor, the software development kit and the field reprogrammable gate array to have at least one of the software development kit and the gate array reprogrammed.
30. In a method as set forth in claim 26, the steps of: providing an intelligent imaging platform, providing a reprogrammable central station for providing for at least one of the steps of setting up, programming and controlling the intelligent imaging platform to be enhanced by the reprogramming of at least one of the central station and the software development kit, and initiating a decision by any one of the main processor, the central station and the software development kit to have at least one of the central station and the software development kit reprogrammed.
31. In a method as set forth in claim 26, the steps of: providing a field reprogrammable gate array to clarify the acquired image before the image is processed by the main processor, providing an intelligent imaging platform, providing a reprogrammable central station for providing for at least one of the steps of setting up, programming and controlling the camera to be enhanced by reprogramming at least one of the software development kit and the field reprogrammable gate array, and initiating a decision by one of the main processor, the software development kit, the central station and the field reprogrammable gate array to have at least one of the central station, the software development kit and the reprogrammable gate array reprogrammed.
32. In a method as set forth in claim 27, the steps of: providing a reprogrammable coprocessor to manipulate the acquired image, dependent upon the processing to be provided by the main processor, before the acquired image is processed by the main processor, providing a field reprogrammable gate array to clarify the acquired image before the image is processed by the main processor, providing an intelligent imaging platform, providing a reprogrammable central station for providing for at least one of the steps of setting up, programming and controlling the intelligent imaging platform to be enhanced by reprogramming of least one of the central station, the gate array, the software development kit and the coprocessor, and initiating a decision by one of the central station, the main processor, the software development kit, the coprocessor and the field reprogrammable gate array to have at least one of the software development kit, the coprocessor, the central station and the reprogrammable gate array reprogrammed.
33. In a method of processing an image, the steps of: acquiring the image, providing a main processor for processing the acquired image, providing a coprocessor for manipulating the acquired image, dependent upon the processing to be provided by the main processor, before the acquired image is processed by the main processor, the coprocessor being reprogrammable, and providing for the reprogramming of the coprocessor by the main processor dependent upon the processing to be provided by the main processor.
34. In a method as set forth in claim 33, the step of: initiating a decision by either one of the main processor and the coprocessor to have the coprocessor reprogrammed by the main processor.
35. In a method as set forth in claim 33, the steps of: providing a field reprogrammable gate array to clarify the acquired image before the image is to be processed by the main processor, and initiating a decision by any one of the main processor, the coprocessor and the field reprogrammable gate array to have at least one of the coprocessor and the reprogrammable gate array reprogrammed.
36. In a method as set forth in claim 33, the steps of: providing an intelligent imaging platform, providing a reprogrammable software development kit for prioritizing particular aspects of the acquired image before the acquired image is processed by the main processor, providing a reprogrammable central station for providing for at least one of the steps of setting up, programming and controlling the intelligent imaging platform to be enhanced by the reprogramming of at least one of the central station, the software development kit and the coprocessor, and initiating a decision by any one of the main processor, the coprocessor, the central station and the software development kit to have at least one of the central station, the coprocessor and the software development kit reprogrammed.
37. In a method as set forth in claim 33, the steps of: providing a field reprogrammable gate array to clarify the acquired image before the image is processed by the main processor, providing an intelligent imaging platform, providing a reprogrammable central station for providing for at least one of the steps of setting up, programming and controlling the intelligent imaging platform to be enhanced by reprogramming at least one of the gate array, the central station and the coprocessor, and initiating a decision by any one of the main processor, the software development kit, the central station, the coprocessor and the field reprogrammable gate array to have at least one of the central station, the field reprogrammable gate array and the coprocessor reprogrammed.
38. In a method as set forth in claim 33, the steps of: providing a field reprogrammable gate array to clarify the acquired image before the image is to be processed by the main processor, providing an intelligent imaging platform, providing a reprogrammable central station for providing for at least one of the steps of setting up, programming and controlling the intelligent imaging platform to be enhanced by reprogramming at least one of the central station, the gate array and the coprocessor, and initiating a decision by any one of the main processor, the software development kit, the coprocessor, the central station and the field reprogrammable gate array to have at least one of the central station, the software development kit and the reprogrammable gate array reprogrammed.
39. In a method as set forth in claim 38, the steps of providing for the reprogramming of the coprocessor, the central station and the field reprogrammable gate array by the main processor, and disposing the main processor, the software development kit and the field reprogrammable gate array in the intelligent imaging platform.
40. In a method of processing an image, the steps of: acquiring the image, providing software to concentrate on certain aspects of the image, the software being reprogrammable, providing hardware to process the concentrated aspects of the image, and providing for the reprogramming of the software by the hardware.
41. In a method as set forth in claim 40, the step of: initiating a decision by either the software or the hardware to have the software reprogrammed by the hardware.
42. In a method as set forth in claim 40, the steps of: providing a reprogrammable coprocessor in the software to manipulate the acquired image for facilitating the processing to be provided by the main hardware of the concentrated aspects of the acquired image, and providing for the reprogramming of at least one of the software and the coprocessor by the hardware.
43. In a method as set forth in claim 42, the steps of: providing an intelligent imaging platform, providing a reprogrammable central station responsive to the processing by the hardware for providing for at least one of the steps of setting up, programming and controlling the operation of the intelligent to be enhanced by reprogramming at least one of the software, the coprocessor and the central station, and providing for the reprogramming of at least one of the software, the central station and the coprocessor by the hardware.
44. In a method as set forth in claim 42, the steps of: providing a field reprogrammable gate array for clarifying the acquired image before the image is to be processed by the hardware, and providing for the reprogramming of at least one of the software and the gate array by the hardware.
45. In a method as set forth in claim 42, the steps of: providing a reprogrammable coprocessor to manipulate the acquired image for facilitating the processing to be provided by the main hardware of the concentrated aspects of the acquired image, providing intelligent imaging platform, providing a field reprogrammable gate array for clarifying the acquired image from the image acquirer before the image is processed by the hardware, providing a reprogrammable central station responsive to the processing from the hardware for providing for at least one of the steps of setting up, programming and controlling the operation of the intelligent imaging platform to be enhanced by reprogramming the central station, the coprocessor, the software and the gate array, and providing for the reprogramming of at least one of the software, the coprocessor, the central station and the gate array by the hardware.
46. In a method as set forth in claim 45 wherein the software, the hardware, the coprocessor and the field reprogrammable gate array are disposed in the intelligent imaging platform.
47. In a method as set forth in claim 40 wherein the hardware and the software are disposed in an intelligent imaging platform.
48. In a method as set forth in claim 40, the steps of: acquiring audio information related to the acquired image, providing for the processing of the audio information by the main processor, providing an audio manipulator to manipulate the audio information before the audio information is to be processed by the hardware, the audio manipulator being reprogrammable, providing for the reprogramming of the audio manipulator by the hardware, and disposing the audio manipulator and the software and the hardware in the intelligent imaging platform.
49. In a method of processing an image, the steps of: acquiring the image, providing a main processor for processing the acquired image, providing a software development kit for prioritizing particular aspects of the acquired image before the acquired image is to be processed by the main processor, and providing for a communication between the software development kit and the main processor to facilitate the prioritizing of the particular aspects of the acquired image before the acquired image is to be processed by the main processor.
50. In a method as set forth in claim 49, wherein the software development kit is reprogrammable and the communication between the software development kit and the main processor relates to the reprogramming of the software development kit by the main processor.
51. In a method as set forth in claim 49, the steps of: providing an intelligent imaging platform, providing a reprogrammable central station to provide for the set up, programming and control of the operation of the intelligent imaging platform to be enhanced by reprogramming the software development kit, and providing for a communication between the software development kit and one of the main processor and the central station to initiate a reprogramming of at least one of the central station and the software development kit.
52. In a method as set forth in claim 49, the steps of: providing a reprogrammable coprocessor for manipulating the acquired image, dependent upon the processing to be provided by the main processor, before the acquired image is processed by the main processor, and providing for a communication between any one of the main processor, the software development kit and the coprocessor to initiate a reprogramming of at least one of the software development kit and the coprocessor.
53. In a method as set forth in 49, the steps of: providing a field reprogrammable gate array for clarifying the acquired image before the image is to be processed by the main processor, and providing for a communication between any one of the main processor, the software development kit and the reprogrammable field gate array to initiate a reprogramming of at least one of the software development kit and the reprogrammable field gate array.
54. In a method as set forth in claim 49, providing audio information related to the acquired image, providing for an audio manipulator to manipulate the audio information dependent upon the processing to be provided by the main processor on the audio information, and providing for the main processor to reprogram the audio manipulator dependent upon the processing to be provided by the main processor on the audio information.
55. In a method as set forth in claim 54, the steps of providing an intelligent imaging platform, and disposing the main processor, the software development kit and the audio manipulator in the camera to provide a controlled operation of the intelligent imaging platform.
56. In a method as set forth in claim 49, the steps of: providing a reprogrammable coprocessor for manipulating the acquired image, dependent upon the processing to be provided by the main processor, before the acquired image is processed by the main processor, providing a field reprogrammable gate array for clarifying the acquired image before the image is to be processed by the main processor, providing for a communication between any one of the software development kit, the main processor, the coprocessor and the gate array to initiate the reprogramming of at least one of the software development kit, the coprocessor and the gate array for facilitating the processing of the camera by the main processor.
57. In a method of processing an image, the steps of: acquiring the image, providing a coprocessor for manipulating the acquired image, providing a main processor for processing the manipulated image from the coprocessor, and providing for a communication between the main processor and the coprocessor.
58. In a method as set forth in claim 58, the steps of: providing an intelligent imaging platform, and disposing the main processor and the coprocessor in the intelligent imaging platform.
59. In a method as set forth in claim 57, the steps of: providing a software development kit for prioritizing particular aspects of the acquired image before the acquired image is to be processed by the main processor, the coprocessor and the software development kit being reprogrammable, and providing for a communication between at least one of the coprocessor and the software development kit on the one hand and the main processor on the other hand to obtain a reprogramming of at least one of the software development kit and the coprocessor by the main processor for facilitating the processing of the image by the main processor.
60. In a method as set forth in claim 57, providing a field reprogrammable gate array for clarifying the acquired image before the image is to be processed by the main processor, the coprocessor being reprogrammable, and providing for a communication between one of the coprocessor and the field reprogrammable gate array on the one hand and the main processor on the other hand to provide a reprogramming of at least one of the coprocessor and the field reprogrammable gate array by the main processor for facilitating the processing of the image by the main processor.
61. In a method as set forth in claim 59, providing a field reprogrammable gate array for clarifying the acquired image before the image is to be processed by the main processor, and providing for a communication between any one of the coprocessor, the field reprogrammable gate array and the software development kit on the one hand and the main processor on the other hand to provide a reprogramming of at least one of the coprocessor, the field reprogrammable gate array and the software development kit by the main processor for facilitating the processing of the image by the main processor.
62. In combination for processing an image to obtain desired results, an image acquirer for acquiring the image and for converting the acquired image to signals representing the image, software responsive to the signals from the image acquirer and reprogrammable in accordance with the processing desired of the image for concentrating on certain aspects of the image, and hardware responsive to the signals from the software for processing these signals to obtain the desired results.
63. In a combination as set forth in claim 62, a field reprogrammable gate array to reprogram the signals from the image acquirer for introduction to the software to obtain a clarification of the signals introduced to the hardware.
64. In a combination as set forth in claim 62, a central station responsive to the signals from the hardware and reprogrammable by the hardware for enhancing the operation of the hardware in controlling the operation of an intelligent imaging platform.
65. In a combination as set forth in claim 62, a coprocessor included in the software and reprogrammable for manipulating the signals acquired from the image in accordance with the results desired to be obtained from the acquired image.
66. In a combination as set forth in claim 62, an intelligent imaging platform, and a central station connected to the hardware for cooperation with the hardware to enhance the operation of the hardware in providing the steps of programming and controlling the operation of the intelligent imaging platform.
67. In a combination as set forth in claim 66, a coprocessor included in the software for manipulating the signals acquired from the image in accordance with the results desired to be obtained from the acquired image, a gate array included in the software and reprogrammable to reprogram the signals from the image acquirer for introduction to the software to clarify the signals in the software, and a software development kit included in the software and reprogrammable to prioritize the signals in the software, each of the software, the gate array, the coprocessor and the software development kit being reprogrammable by an initiation of any one of the software, the hardware, the gate array, the software development kit and the coprocessor.
68. In combination for processing an image, an image acquirer for acquiring the image and for converting the acquired image to signals representing the acquired image, a coprocessor reprogrammable for manipulating the signals acquired from the image in accordance with the results desired to be obtained from the acquired image, and a main processor for processing the manipulated signals from the coprocessor to obtain the desired results.
69. In a combination as set forth in claim 68, reprogrammable software for prioritizing the manipulated signals, and a field programmable gate array to reprogram the signals from the image acquirer for introduction to the software to clarify the signals in the software.
70. In a combination as set forth in claim 68, an intelligent imaging platform operable by the main processor, and a central station connected to the main processor to enhance the operation of the main processor in setting up, programming and controlling the operation of the intelligent imaging platform.
71. In a combination as set forth in claim 70, a gate array included in the software and field reprogrammable to clarify the signals from the image acquirer for introduction to the software.
72. In a combination as set forth in claim 69, the reprogramming of each of the gate array, the coprocessor and the software being initiated by one of the gate array, the software, the coprocessor and the main processor to facilitate the processing of the image by the main processor.
73. In a combination as set forth in claim 72, a reprogrammable video manipulator, a reprogrammable event generator and a reprogrammable event responder included in the software and the reprogramming of the video manipulator, the event generator and the event responder being initiated by any one of the gate array, the coprocessor, the software, the main processor, the video manipulator, the event generator and the event responder in accordance with the results desired to be obtained by the operation of the main processor.
74. In a combination for processing an image to provide a desired result, a preprocessor for concentrating upon particular characteristics of an event, an analyzer for analyzing the particular characteristics of the event to identify individual characteristics of the event, an event generator for making decisions involving the individual characteristics upon the identification of the individual characteristics of the event, an event responder for providing action with respect to the individual characteristics of the event in accordance with the decisions made by the event generator, and a main processor for providing a controlled operation of a camera in processing the image in accordance with the responses provided by the event responder.
75. In a combination as set forth in claim 74, the preprocessor, the analyzer, the event generator and the event responder being reprogrammable to adjust the individual characteristics of the image provided by the intelligent imaging platform.
76. In a combination as set forth in claim 74 wherein the preprocessor, the analyzer, the event generator and the event responder are communicative with any other one of the preprocessor, the analyzer, the event generator, the event responder and the main processor to provide for an adjustment in the operation of any one of the preprocessor, the analyzer, the event generator and the event responder with which the main processor is communicating.
77. In a combination as set forth in claim 74, a post-processor for modifying the signals representing the image based upon the operation of the analyzer, the event generator and the event responder and for introducing the modified signals to the main processor to facilitate the processing of the acquired image by the main processor.
78. In a combination as set forth in claim 77, an intelligent imaging platform responsive to the operation of the main processor for providing the desired signals.
79. In a combination as set forth in claim 79, each of the preprocessor, the analyzer, the event generator, the event responder and post-processor being reprogrammable and the reprogramming of each of the preprocessor, the analyzer, the event generator, the event responder and the post-processor being initiated by any one of the preprocessor, the analyzer, the event generator, the event responder and the post-processor and the main processor.
80. In a combination for processing an image, an image acquirer for acquiring the image and for converting the acquired image to signals representing the image, an event generator responsive to the signals from the image acquirer for prioritizing individual ones of the signals in accordance with the results desired to be obtained in the processed image, an event responder responsive to the prioritized signals for making decisions based upon the prioritized signals from the event generator and upon the desired results and for providing signals representing these decisions, and a hardware processor for processing the signals representing the decisions from the event responder to obtain the desired results.
81. In a combination set forth in claim 80, each of the event generator and the event responder being reprogrammable by the hardware processor in accordance with the results desired to be obtained in the acquired image.
82. In a combination as set forth in claim 81 , a video manipulator responsive to the signals from the image acquirer for modifying the signals representing the acquired image to clarify the image represented by the signals and for introducing the modified signals to the event generator, the video manipulator being reprogrammable by the hardware processor in accordance with the results desired to be obtained in the acquired image.
83. In a combination as set forth in claim 80, an audio acquirer for acquiring audio information related to the image and for converting the audio information to signals representing the audio information, and an audio manipulator responsive to the audio signals for modifying the audio signals to clarify the audio information represented by the signals, the audio manipulator being reprogrammable by the hardware processor in accordance with the results desired to be obtained in the acquired image.
84. In a combination as set forth in claim 81, an intelligent imaging platform, the image acquirer, the event generator, the event responder, the hardware processor and the video manipulator being disposed in the intelligent imaging platform.
85. In a combination as set forth in claim 83 an intelligent platform the image acquirer, the event generator, the event responder, the hardware processor the audio acquirer and the audio manipulator being disposed in the intelligent imaging platform.
86. In combination in a system for processing an image, an image acquirer for acquiring the image, a main processor for the acquired image, and a software development kit for emphasizing particular aspects of the acquired image before the introduction of the acquired image to the main processor, the software development kit being reprogrammable, and the image acquirer, the main processor and the software development kit being interconnected in the system to provide for the initiation of the reprogramming of the software development kit by any one of the software, the main processor and the software development kit.
87. In a combination as set forth in claim 86, a coprocessor connected in the system to prioritize particular characteristics of the acquired image before the introduction of the acquired image to the main processor, the coprocessor being reprogrammable and being operative to provide for the initiation of the reprogramming of the coprocessor from any one of the main processor, the coprocessor and the software development kit.
88. In a combination as set forth in claim 86, a gate array field reprogrammable to clarify particular aspects of the acquired image before the introduction of the acquired image to the main processor, the gate array being connected to provide for the initiation of the reprogramming of the gate array by any one of the main processor, the software development kit and the gate array.
89. In a combination as set forth in claim 86, an intelligent imaging platform, and a central station connected to the main processor for providing for the set up, programming and control of the main processor in processing the acquired image.
90. In a combination as set forth in claim 87, a gate array field reprogrammable to clarify the acquired image before introduction of the acquired image to the main processor, an intelligent imaging platform, including the main processor, the software development kit and the coprocessor, and a central station for providing for the set up, programming and control of the main processor in accordance with the prioritized aspects of the acquired image.
91. In combination in a system for processing an image, an image acquirer for acquiring the image, a coprocessor connected in the system to prioritize particular characteristics of the acquired image, a software development kit for emphasizing individual ones of the particular prioritized characteristics of the acquired image, a main processor for processing the image in accordance with the operation of the software development kit, each of the coprocessor and the software development kit being reprogrammable, and the main processor, the coprocessor and the software development kit being connected to provide for an initiation of the reprogramming of individual ones of the coprocessor and the software development kit.
92. In combination in a system as set forth in claim 91 , a field reprogrammable gate array for clarifying particular aspects of the acquired image before introduction of the acquired image to the main processor, the initiation of the reprogramming in the gate array being provided by any one of the coprocessor, the software development kit, the gate array and the main processor.
93. In a combination as set forth in claim 91 , the main processor being operative to reprogram the individual ones of the software development kit and the coprocessor.
94. In a combination as set forth in claim 92, the main processor being operative upon the initiation of the reprogramming of the individual one of the coprocessor and the software development kit for reprogramming the individual one of the coprocessor and the software development kit, and an intelligent imaging platform, the image acquirer, the coprocessor, the software development kit and the main processor being disposed in the intelligent imaging platform.
95. In a combination as set forth in claim 94, a central station for providing information to the main processor to affect the operation of the main processor in operating the camera, the central station being connected to initiate the reprogramming of any one of the software development kit and the coprocessor.
96. In a combination for processing an image, an acquirer for acquiring the image, a main processor for processing the acquired image, a reprogrammable software development kit associated with the main processor for indicating to the main processor how the acquired image should be processed, the main processor and the software development kit being interconnected to provide an initiation by the main processor of the reprogramming of the software development kit.
97. In a combination as set forth in claim 96, the main processor being responsive to the initiation of the reprogramming to reprogram the software development kit.
98. In a combination as set forth in claim 97, a reprogrammable coprocessor responsive to the acquired image from the acquirer for emphasizing particular aspects of the acquired image before passing the acquired image to the main processor to be processed by the main processor, the reprogramming of either one of the software development kit and the coprocessor being initiated by any one of the main processor, the software development kit and the coprocessor.
99. In a combination as set forth in claim 97, a gate array field reprogrammable to clarify the acquired image before passing the acquired image to the main processor, the reprogramming of either one of the software development kit and the field reprogrammable gate array being initiated by any one of the main processor, the software development kit and the field reprogrammable gate array.
100. In a combination as set forth in claim 96, an acquirer for acquiring audio information related to the image, and an audio manipulator for clarifying the acquired audio information, the audio manipulator being reprogrammable by the main processor and the initiation of he reprogramming of the audio information being provided by any one of the main processor, the software development kit and the audio manipulator.
101. In a combination as set forth in claim 97, a gate array field reprogrammable to clarify the acquired image before passing the acquired image to the main processor, the reprogramming of either one of the software development kit and the field reprogrammable gate array being initiated by any one of the main processor, the software development kit and the field reprogrammable gate array, an acquirer for acquiring audio information related to the image, and an audio manipulator for clarifying the acquired audio information, the audio manipulator being reprogrammable by the main processor and the initiation of the reprogramming of the audio information being provided by any one of the image acquirer, the main processor, the software development kit and the audio manipulator.
102. In combination for processing an image, an acquirer for acquiring the image, a main processor for processing the acquired image, a coprocessor for manipulating the acquired image before the introduction of the acquired image to the main processor, the coprocessor being reprogrammable, an initiation of the reprogramming of the coprocessor being initiated by either one of the main processor and the coprocessor.
103. In a combination as set forth in claim 102, the main processor being responsive to the initiation of the reprogramming of the coprocessor for reprogramming the coprocessor.
104. In a combination as set forth in claim 102, a gate array field reprogrammable to clarify the acquired image before passing the acquired image to the main processor, an initiation of the reprogramming of either one of the software development kit and the field reprogrammable gate array being provided by any one of the main processor, the coprocessor and the field reprogrammable gate array.
105. In a combination as set forth in claim 104, the main processor being responsive to the initiation of the reprogramming of the gate array for reprogramming the gate array.
106. In a combination as set forth in claim 105, a coprocessor for prioritizing particular aspects of the acquired image before passing the acquired image to the main processor, the coprocessor being interconnected with the acquirer, the main processor and the software development kit, the reprogramming of any one of the software development kit, the coprocessor and the field reprogrammable gate array being initiated by any one of the main processor, the coprocessor, the software development kit and the field reprogrammable gate array.
107. In combination for processing an image, an image acquirer, a field reprogrammable gate array, a coprocessor, a main processor, a first bus connected between the image acquirer and the field reprogrammable gate array for passing signals representing the acquired image from the image acquirer to the field programmable gate array, a second bus connected between the field reprogrammable gate array for passing signals from the gate array to the coprocessor, a third bus connected between the coprocessor and the field reprogrammable gate array for passing signals from the coprocessor to the field reprogrammable gate array, and a fourth bus connected between the field reprogrammable gate array and the main processor for passing signals from the field reprogrammable gate array to the main processor.
108. In a combination as set forth in claim 107, a fifth bus for bypassing the passage of signals from the field reprogrammable gate array to the coprocessor and from the coprocessor to the field reprogrammable gate array.
109. In a combination as set forth in claim 107, a fifth bus for introducing signals to the image acquirer.
110. In a combination as set forth in claim 107, a fifth bus for passing signals from the main processor.
111. In a combination as set forth in claim 107, a fifth bus for introducing signals to the image acquirer, and a sixth bus for passing signals from the main processor.