Reconfigurable video line digitizer and method for storing predetermined lines of a composite video signal

• Main Author: EVERETT, JR.; HOBART R
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 23.07.1991
• Subjects: ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE; ELECTRICITY; PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION

A video line digitizer for digitizing predetermined lines of successive frames of a composite video signal includes a video line digitizer for converting the analog component of the video signal into a series of digital data representations. The composite video signal consists of successive frames. The frames each consist of a fixed number of lines represented by a fixed number of pixels. The pixels each have an associated intensity value reflected in the resulting digital data representations. The video line digitizer also provides synchronization signals decoded from the composite video signal to an address decoder/controller which determines the beginning of each horizontal line of the image. A high-speed RAM receives the digital data representations from the video line digitizer and stores them in address locations provided to the RAM by the address decoder/controller when the RAM is enabled by a data processor. The data processor receives the sync signals from the video line digitzer in order to identify the end of the designated line of interest. The data processor then disables the RAM from receiving additional data and directs the RAM to download the stored data into another RAM in the processor, from which the processor later retrieves the data for subsequent analysis.