Method and apparatus for converting images from scanning sensors, such as CCD's and the like

Claim 3

A method as claimed in claim 1 and in which said storing is effected in a pair of memories by storing in one memory while reading out from the other and then switching to store in the said other memory while reading out from the said one memory.

Claim 4

A method as claimed in claim 2 and in which the periodic reading out is effected by switching the memory engaged in storing to reading out at the time of completion of a frame or predeter­mined portion thereof of the sensor scan, with the other memory thereupon switched to storing.

Claim 5

A method as claimed in claim 1 and in which said storing is effected on a continual basis with said clocking enabling continual read out for displaying on the monitor with each signal ele­ment continually updated in storing, so that during the television monitor display each ele­ment is updated a number of times.

Claim 8

Apparatus for converting an image from an opti­cal scanning sensor, such as a CCD, operating at a first scan rate, for display upon a tele­vision-like monitor independently operating at a different scan display rate, said apparatus having, in combination with said sensor and monitor, means for operating the monitor dis­play scan at the said different scan rate; memory means for storing digitally converted image signals scanned by the sensor with con­tinual periodic up-date; means for periodically reading out the stored digital image signals by clocking signal transfer from said memory means in accordance with the television monitor scan rate; formatting means, including means for enlarging if required, the stored digital image scan signals transferred from the memory means to render the same compatible with the televi­sion monitor elemental display requirements; and means for converting the formatted digital signals to analog form and for applying the same to the television monitor display to pro­vide continual substantially real-time instan­taneous display of the latest stored image scan signals on corresponding portions of the moni­tor display with up-dating from the up-dated storing.

Claim 9

Apparatus for converting an image from an opti­cal scanning sensor, such as a CCD, operating at a first scan rate, for display upon a tele­vision-like monitor independently operating at a different scan display rate, said apparatus having, in combination with said sensor and monitor, means for operating the monitor dis­play scan at the said different scan rate; memory means for storing digitally converted image signals scanned by the sensor with con­tinual periodic up-date; means for periodically reading out the stored digital image signals by clocking signal transfer from said memory means in accordance with the television monitor scan rate; formatting means, including means for enlarging if required, the stored digital image scan signals transferred from the memory means to render the same compatible with the televi­sion monitor elemental display requirements; and means for converting the formatted digital signals to analog form and for applying the same to the television monitor display to pro­vide continual substantially real-time instan­taneous display of the latest stored image scan signals on corresponding portions of the moni­tor display with up-dating from the up-dated storing.

Claim 10

Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 and in which said memory means comprises a pair of memories, and switching means is provided for controlling the filling and reading out of the memory means by storing in one memory while reading out from the other, and then switching to store in the said other memory while reading out from the said one memory.

Claim 11

Apparatus as claimed in claim 7 and in which said pair of memories are inputted and outputted by multiplexer means operated by con­trol means synchronized with the frame synchro­nization of said sensor.

Claim 12

Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 and in which said clocking and monitor scan display is con­trolled by video recorder timing and control means connected to control the output multi­plexer means and to supply monitor synchroniz­ing signals to said formatting means, the digi­tal-to-analog converting means being connected between said formatting means and said monitor and being controlled by video synchronizing signals from said video readout timing and con­trol means.

Claim 13

Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 and in which said means for periodic reading out comprises means for switching the memory engaged in storing to reading out at the time of comple­tion of a frame or predetermined portion there­ of of the sensor scan, with the other memory thereupon being switched to storing.

Claim 14

Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 and in which said memory means effects storing on a contin­ual basis, with said clocking enabling contin­ual read out for displaying on the monitor with each signal element continually updated for storing, so that during the television monitor display each element is updated a number of times.

Claim 15

Apparatus as claimed in claim 11 and in which said memory means comprise a picture memory controlled for digital image signal up-date and readout by memory arbiter means.

Claim 16

Apparatus as claimed in claim 12 and in which said clocking and monitor scan display is con­trolled by video readout timing and control means connected to control the memory arbiter means and to supply monitor synchronizing sig­nals to said formatting means, the digital-to-­analog converting means being connected between said formatting means and said monitor and be­ing controlled by video synchronizing signals from said video readout timing and control means.

Claim 17

A method as claimed in claim 1 and in which the said periodically reading out is effected during successive frames of the display, and said continual periodic up-date is effected before the next following display frame.--

Claim 18

Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 and in which the said means for periodically reading out effects such read out during successive frames of the display, and said memory means effects said continual periodic up-date before the next following display frame.