High speed image preprocessing system including a multi-purpose buffer for storing digital image data and data cropping means for selectively cropping the digital image data

摘要

A system for use in image recognition applications to reduce the processing demands on the associated Host Computer thus allowing for greater system throughput. Compressed image data is transmitted over a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) for storage in a Multi-Purpose Buffer. The data may decompressed, byte-swapped, byte-flipped, or may be passed through the system unmodified as directed by the Host Computer. A Video Compression-Expansion Processor can handle a variety of data compression formats and receives data from the Multi-Purpose Buffer. Processed data which matches preprogrammed sets of window coordinates can be selectively cropped and stored in multiple First-In-First-Out (FIFO) buffers by Cropper Controller circuitry. The processed and cropped data is then sent to the Host Computer through a Micro-Channel Architecture (MCA) Interface Controller for further recognition processing by the Host Computer. A high data throughput rate is achieved by synchronizing data transfer among the components of the preprocessing system by use of the Multi-Purpose Buffer and a data window storage mechanism.