US3674926A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Feature counter with improved masking and grey level detection
Assignee: Reynolds Metals Co
•
Filing: 1971-02-11
•
Granted: 1972-07-04
•
Expires: 1991-02-11
Abstract
Abstract A specimen analyzer including a video camera for scanning a specimen and selectively counting features thereof on the basis of grey level and/or size. The device may operate in several modes to count only features darker (or lighter) than the selected grey level, to count only features that are darker than a first grey level but lighter than a second grey level, to count only features wider than a selected width, to count only features wider than a first width but not as wide as a second width, or to count features that meet more than one of these tests. A variable electronic mask permits the operator to select any area of the specimen within the view of the camera for features analysis without moving the specimen. Check spot pulses are generated for each featured counted and these may be displayed on a video monitor superimposed on a video display of the specimen. Provision is made for background compensation when counting features against the background that varies considerably in grey level. Further provision is made for cycling the specimen analyzer through a single cycle, corresponding to the field scan time of the video camera, each time a start button is depressed.
Inventors
- 👤 Raymond D Dewey
- 👤 Robert S Mapes
- 👤 Garth S Jones
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 21:42
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06M; G06M11/00; G06M11/02; G06M11/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
128 words
In a specimen analyzer for analyzing a specimen and producing an output signal for each feature meeting a preselected grey level test, the combination comprising: input means for receiving an analog signal varying in magnitude in accordance with the grey level of features and background in said specimen; a source of reference voltage, manually variable to preselect said grey level; a comparator means having first and second inputs for producing an output signal only when the signal applied to said first input exceeds the signal applied to said second input; means connecting said source of reference voltage to said second input; and, background compensation means responsive to said input means for applying to said first input of said comparator only signals representing the grey level of said features.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
128 words
In a specimen analyzer for analyzing a specimen and producing an output signal for each feature meeting a preselected grey level test, the combination comprising: input means for receiving an analog signal varying in magnitude in accordance with the grey level of features and background in said specimen; a source of reference voltage, manually variable to preselect said grey level; a comparator means having first and second inputs for producing an output signal only when the signal applied to said first input exceeds the signal applied to said second input; means connecting said source of reference voltage to said second input; and, background compensation means responsive to said input means for applying to said first input of said comparator only signals representing the grey level of said features.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The combination as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said background compensation means comprises a capacitor and resistor connected in series between said input means and the first input of said comparator.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
The combination as claimed in claim 1 and further comprising switch means for selectively connecting the first input of said comparator means to said background compensation means or to said input means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
83 words
The combination as claimed in claim 1 and further comprising: a second comparator means having a first input, a second input connected to said reference voltage source; means responsive to said input means for applying a signal to the first input of said second comparator means for each feature; and, logic circuit means responsive to said first and second comparators for logically combining output signals therefrom so as to produce a single pulse for each feature which meets the preselected grey level test.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
The combination as claimed in claim 4 wherein: said background compensation means comprises a capacitor and resistor connected in series between said input means and the first input of said comparator.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
45 words
The combination as claimed in claim 4 wherein the means applying a signal to the first input of said second comparator means comprises a capacitor, and means connected to the comparator input side of said capacitor for providing a fast discharge path for said capacitor.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
The combination as claimed in claim 1 and further comprising scanning means for scanning said specimen and applying said analog signal to said input means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
The combination as claimed in claim 7 wherein said scanning means comprises a video camera.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
207 words
In a specimen analyzer for analyzing a specimen containing features, the combination comprising: discriminator means responsive to an analog signal representing said features for testing a characteristic of said features and producing a binary type pulse for each feature meeting said test; an electronic masking circuit for generating a variable masking signal; and, coincidence detection means responsive to said masking signal and said binary type pulses for producing an intercept signal each time said analog signal changes to represent a feature which meets said test and is located in an unmasked area of said specimen; said masking circuit comprising, means for receiving horizontal and vertical sync pulses and separating them, left and right margin control monostable multivibrators responsive to the horizontal sync pulses for producing output signals, top and bottom margin control monostable multivibrators responsive to the vertical sync pulses for producing output signals, means responsive to said top and bottom margin control monostable multivibrators for inhibiting an output from said left margin control multivibrator unless both said top and bottom multivibrators are producing output signals at the time said left multivibrator receives a horizontal sync pulse, and gating means for producing said variable masking signal in response to concurrent output signals from all of said multivibrators.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
207 words
In a specimen analyzer for analyzing a specimen containing features, the combination comprising: discriminator means responsive to an analog signal representing said features for testing a characteristic of said features and producing a binary type pulse for each feature meeting said test; an electronic masking circuit for generating a variable masking signal; and, coincidence detection means responsive to said masking signal and said binary type pulses for producing an intercept signal each time said analog signal changes to represent a feature which meets said test and is located in an unmasked area of said specimen; said masking circuit comprising, means for receiving horizontal and vertical sync pulses and separating them, left and right margin control monostable multivibrators responsive to the horizontal sync pulses for producing output signals, top and bottom margin control monostable multivibrators responsive to the vertical sync pulses for producing output signals, means responsive to said top and bottom margin control monostable multivibrators for inhibiting an output from said left margin control multivibrator unless both said top and bottom multivibrators are producing output signals at the time said left multivibrator receives a horizontal sync pulse, and gating means for producing said variable masking signal in response to concurrent output signals from all of said multivibrators.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
31 words
The combInation as claimed in claim 9 wherein each of said multivibrators includes a timing circuit that is manually adjustable to select the position of one margin of said unmasked area.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-07-04 | 1976-01-03 | 1976-07-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-07-04 | 1980-01-03 | 1980-07-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-07-04 | 1984-01-03 | 1984-07-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |