Image processing apparatus that can provide image data of high quality without deterioration in picture quality

Patent 5585856 Issued on December 17, 1996. Estimated Expiration Date:

October 26, 2014. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

Video interface for capturing an incoming video signal and reformatting the video signal
Patent #: 4872054
Issued on: 10/03/1989
Inventor: Gray, et al.

Video signal processing system for producing intermediate pixel data from neighboring pixel data to improve image quality
Patent #: 5294984
Issued on: 03/15/1994
Inventor: Mori, et al.

Video signal processing system for electronic endoscope
Patent #: 5309227
Issued on: 05/03/1994
Inventor: Inoue

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Patent #: 5327235
Issued on: 07/05/1994
Inventor: Richards

Process for applying a luminophore layer Patent #: 5453292
Issued on: 09/26/1995
Inventor: Gerland, et al.

Inventors

Application

No. 329339 filed on 10/26/1994

US Classes:

348/441FORMAT CONVERSION

Examiners

Primary: Kostak, Victor R.

Foreign Patent References

0329189 EP. 02/12/1989
WO9110320 EP. 07/12/1991
0575769A2 EP. 05/12/1993
4-185087 JP. 07/12/1992
4-229789 JP. 08/12/1992
5-68241 JP. 03/12/1993

International Class

H04N 007/01

Foreign Application Priority Data

1993-10-27 JP

Abstract

Digital image data obtained by A/D converting an output signal from an image sensing device by an A/D conversion circuit is converted into image data corresponding to a predetermined image format by a digital process of an image conversion circuit. Therefore, an image of higher quality without deterioration in the picture can be provided in comparison with the case where digital image data obtained by A/D converting an output signal from an image sensing device is first converted into analog video data and then into A/D data. Further format conversion can be performed using a series of controllable image converters. The image converters and a signal processing unit can be selectively programmed to perform a variety of format conversions and image-type specific signal processing, respectively. Programming can be performed manually or automatically according to the type of input device or the type of information in the image.