Charge-coupled device video camera with raw data format output and software implemented camera signal processing

摘要

A CCD video camera is coupled to a host system. The CCD video camera captures image data representing elements in its field of view. The video camera does not include a digital signal processing circuit for processing the raw video data into the appropriate video format. The raw video data is processed and converted into the appropriate video format for display by the host computer system after it is received from the video camera. Necessary gain adjustments and control signals are calculated within the host computer and provided to the video camera or used during the digital signal processing of the video data to adjust the parameters of the data before the video images are displayed. A histogram is generated in order to continually monitor and adjust the exposure and gain of the system and thereby appropriately change the necessary control signals for optimal performance. Through a graphical user interface a user can view the video images, set a proper white balance for the images by selecting a white area within the picture and view the histogram. A higher resolution scan mode is also used when capturing still images.