DE1961338A1 - Arrangement for generating and reproducing video information on screen devices - Google Patents

Description

IBM Germany Internationale Büro-Matchinen GetelUchaft mbH

Boeblingen, December 4, 1969 bl-hl

Applicant in;

International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, N. Y, 10 504

Official File number:

New registration

File number of the applicant:

Docket SA 968 043

Arrangement for generating and playing back video information on screen devices.

Arrangement for generating video information in a computer is stored in binary code or comes from video recording media or recording, for display on display devices.

It is known that the video information stored in a computer in binary code via a character generator of a delay line as a circulating memory feed, in which the information to be displayed on a screen device is constantly generated. Should the information presented in their display are changed and processed, then the video information stored in the main memory of the central unit in binary code is initially stored modified so that it can then be displayed again via the character generator etc. With systems like this, there is always only one Video data source into consideration, as a corresponding adaptation of several different video data sources was previously not possible. For

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avoidance of this disadvantage and to achieve that advantage that during a processing of binary coded video data in the central unit of the Computer that previously displayed unchanged on the screen device Image can be seen, the object of the invention is to provide a Arrangement for generating and reproducing video information of different types Create data sources on display devices.

This object is achieved according to the invention in that the in a digital memory video information stored in binary code that can be called up by a computer can be supplied to a device generating image raster signals via a generator generating individual character segments or vectors is and that the image raster signals via a selection circuit on one or several tracks of a magnetic circulation memory can be recorded by the read / write heads assigned to them and from there via a Distribution circuit various display devices are supply bar and that from video recording media or video recording devices analog information or information corresponding to a raster of the image raster signals generating device or the selection circuit can be fed.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention is the Image raster signal generating device a vidicon tube.

It is also advantageous if in the computer's digital memory for different display devices store different video information is to have access to larger amounts of data in this way.

The circular memory for generating the video data is more advantageous Way as a magnetic disk storage, from which the generated Video data can be read out and display devices via a distribution circuit are supplied.

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Docket SA 968 043

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the synchronization of the device generating the image raster signals, the video recording media of the video recording devices, the selection and distribution circuit from a clock track is derived from the magnetic disk *

Another advantageous embodiment of the invention taking into account there is a computing time relief for the central processing unit of the computer in that to identify a position on the screen Position table is provided with a position marking element, the coordinates of a point characterizing signals of a coordinate comparison circuit are fed, at which an output signal can always be removed when the output of the character generator of the Coordinate comparison circuit supplied position signals of the straight generated characters match those of the position marking element supplied or that in the coordinate comparison device for Identification of a position area containing a position point arithmetic unit is provided which is supplied to the signals characterizing the coordinates of the marked point from the digital memory Signals are added which represent the distance of the position point from the position area border surrounding it, and that a comparison device is provided from which an output signal can always be picked up is if the values are the ones supplied by the output of the character generator Position signals for the character just created within the values of the " the signals characterizing the position area boundary lie.

An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings and is described in more detail below, »It shows:

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Fig, 1 is a schematic representation of the circuit arrangement for the

Image playback,.

Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of the character generator and the

scanning converter for Fig. 1,

Fig. 3 shows an example of the deflection of an electron beam on the

Screen,

4 shows a schematic representation of a coordinate comparator unit. ;

The digital memory of a central unit 10 of a computer has a number of memory fields with binary-coded video information, each of which represents a single image. The control device 20 is operated by the keyboard 100 or by another suitable device in order to initiate the transmission of the data from one of these memory fields to the character generator tH). The character generator 30 converts the binary coded information into X ₃ Y and Z signals for controlling an electron beam to produce a visual image. These X, Y, Z signals are selectively sent to a scanning converter such as a vidicon tube 40 or 50 which converts the X, Y, Z image information into digital or analog television raster information. The output signal of the scanning converter is applied to a track selector 60, which then makes this raster information available for recording on a magnetic disk 70. 90 to generate. A coordinate recognition device 110 is arranged next to the display device 90. This is used to determine the X and Y positions of a marked point. Further video information can also be provided by television cameras 150, 170 or a video tape recorder 160, for example

Docket SA 968 043 ■ 00 9-8 "21 / t β U 'V

will.

If the picture is in non-coded form, for example analog, to the magnetic disk 70 is delivered, it regenerates and delivers a continuous Image to display device 90, this image is also in at the same time encoded form in the digital memory of the central processing unit 10 of the computer available. As the picture regenerates and is seen in uncoded form the image can be read in coded form in the digital memory and processed so that the original image is seen continuously can be.

On the magnetic disk 70 is a clock track for horizontal and vertical Grid synchronization provided. Because the binary coded information is not is regenerated, and since the reading of the scanning converter with the Synchronization signals is synchronized, the scanning converter can 40 and 50 without picture interruption for converting asynchronous external picture information can be used in synchronous image information. Synchronized outdoor images can then be used when in response to the synchronizing pulses of the clock track is read out. The clock track can also use the conventional vertical and horizontal television synchronization pulses for two fields when conventional synchronization is used. Reading out the scanning converters 40, 50 is synchronized with the clock or synchronization pulses on the clock track.

The digital memory of the central unit 10 comprises a number of memory fields 11, 12 and 13 with binary coded information, each of which is a Image (labeled 1, 2 and N, respectively). The binary coded information represents characters in an alphanumeric code or vectors whose Endpoints are saved.

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Docket SA 968 043

The character generator generates the binary coded information accordingly X and Y (horizontal and vertical) deflection signals and Z signals for dte Light / dark scanning of the electron beam.

The operator can use the keyboard 100 under control of the sub- ■ system "s 20 select one of the image fields 11, 12, 13 etc. and transmit it cause to character generator 30;

The character generator 30 converts the binary coded information into X and Y deflection signals and to Z light / dark touch signals. The one from subsegments Compound characters are converted via a scanning converter 40 or 50 broken down into television grid information.

FIG. 2 describes a conventional character generator which is required for converting binary-coded image information into characters composed of subsegments. This character generator 30 supplies X-position signals to the digital-to-analog converter 3i for the coarse deflection and Y-position signals to the digital-to-analog converter 32. The output of the converter 31 is sent to the amplifier 33, the output of the converter 32 connected to the amplifier 34. In general, the rough deflection - ■ indicates the place on the screen where a character is displayed.

· Should be provided. The fine deflection makes the character itself in his

Defined contours. So if there is a binary coded A, the character generator supplies the analog deflection signal for the X and Y deflection yokes, which are necessary to write an A at the point given by the coarse deflection. The analog X fine signal is fed to an amplifier 37 and connected to the line for the analog coarse deflection > signal at point C. The analog Y fine deflection signal is merged with the analog coarse deflection signal at point D. The character generator 35 also generates an intensity signal which is fed to the intensity amplifier 36. It serves to drive the electron beam

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Docket SA 968 043

by before voltage change on grid 41 to control. If the picture is digital should be, this signal will only switch the electron beam on and off (light / dark buttons).

Electron beam storage tubes, such as television cameras or vidicon tubes, the image storage layer of which is read out by the electron beam like a grid. The one from the point C-derived coarse and fine X deflection signals are sent to the X deflection yoke 42, the fine and coarse Y deflection signals originating from point D. are supplied to the Y deflection yoke 43, the switches 46a and 46b are inserted. I.

The binary-coded information is thus converted into an analogue one by the generator 30 Electron beam information converted to display an image on the image storage layer 44. During read-out, switches 46a and 46b designed and the readout electron beam is in a conventional Raster type deflected by the deflection circuits 46, so that at the output a typical raster signal is removable. The output of the scanning converters 40 and 50 is selectively sent to a circulating memory (magnetic disk 70) Connected via a track selection device 60.

This track selection circuit 60 selectively supplies the raster information from the (

scanning converters 40 or 50 to one or more magnetic tracks TRl, TRti, to which the read / write heads 71, 17n are assigned. The magnetic disk 72 rotates at a speed of 1,800 revolutions per minute. Each rotation of the disk lasts as long as the recording or playback of an image (or two interlaced partial images). However, the plate can also rotate at a speed of 3600 revolutions per minute, so that the time for one revolution corresponds to the time required for a partial image. In this case, two tracks are required to store an image, with alternating switching between the two tracks

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Docket SA 968 043

There is also a track TRC on the disk 72 which carries the synchronization signals for horizontal and vertical deflection. The signals on the Track TRC either correspond directly to the required synchronization pulses (for one picture) or a multiple thereof. The latter can be divided over a synchronization generator 74 to the required Number of vertical and horizontal synchronization pulses.

The synchronization generator is used to record the synchronization pulses on the disk 74 not required; the output of the read / write head 73 is direct to the circuit 46 of the scanning converters 40 and 40 50 connected to ensure the synchronization of the horizontal and vertical raster circuits 46 (Fig. 2). Also is the read / write head 73 connected directly to the distribution circuit 80, in which the synchronization signals and stitched together the image information from any track If two synchronization tracks are used, one with horizontal and the other with vertical synchronization pulses these are supplied to the selection circuit 60 as well as to the video information sources 150, 160 and 170 in order to enable synchronous image input directly in the track selector 60 to ensure. The clock track TRC can also be a Number of clock pulses that after subdivision 525 horizontal and deliver two vertical synchronization pulses. This division takes place in the synchronization generator 74 in the same way as synchronization pulses for a conventional television camera.

Of course, the raster information supplied to the tracks TR1 also be frequency modulated. To read them out would then be -. talking fm demodulators required.

The read / write heads 71 are always connected to the distribution circuit 80. which transmits the image information to the display device 90 even when recording video information on the disc.

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Docket SA 968 043

Since the disk data is constantly regenerating - a prerequisite for the Creation of a continuous image on the display device 90 - other auxiliary images can easily be supplied into the system, such as the photo file 151 captured by a television camera 150. aside from that the television camera 170 can transmit information or images directly. the Television cameras 150 and 170 can be connected to a video tape recorder 160 be. Each of these devices can be asynchronous with one of the scanning

with the
the converter 40 or 50 or circuit 60, and supply information to the magnetic disk. If the devices 150, 160 and 170 are connected asynchronously to the scanning converters 40 or 50, the horizontal and vertical synchronization pulses are used for synchronous image acquisition. The signals supplied by the devices 150, 160 and 170 can then arrive synchronously in the circuit 60, from which they are optionally output onto one of the recording tracks on the disk 72.

Usually the computer's binary encoded information is either converted into vector or raster information signals and sent to a display device given. In the present arrangement, however, the binary-coded information is first converted into a vector image and then with the aid of a scanning Converter converted into raster image. The scanning converters are read out from disk 72 synchronously with the synchronization pulses. By this conversion can be used to input into the system virtually any asynchronous image by delivering it to the input of the scanning converter will. Additional synchronous raster information can be given directly to the circuit 60. This non-coded raster information can be analogous to for example a conventional television signal; however, it can also be present as digital light / dark keyed image information.

Each track is assigned a read and write head, so that during one During the writing process, the information signals are also transmitted to the screen device.

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As already mentioned, vertical and horizontal synchronization pulses are generated placed on either one or two tracks on disk 72. A binary coded picture is generated via the character generator, a scanning converter and stored on disk 72 via track selection circuit 60 if the track selection circuit 60 by the vertical and horizontal sync pulses is synchronized by the TRC track. If asynchronous video sources are switched to the track selection circuit 60, either the vertical synchronization pulses or a single pulse are used to record only one picture on tracks 71 to 7 IN.

In addition, when the raster information is regenerated on the plate 72 in the form described, relatively inexpensive display devices can be used if the system has a corresponding number of output channels or stations are included.

The XY coordinate acquisition device supplies two digital output signals, which is the XY position of the position pin 113 on the position table indicate. Various conventional arrangements can be used as such coordinate detection apparatus.

In one of these two pairs of picture boards are supplied with alternating voltage used for the X and Y directions. The associated position pin delivers AC output signals that change due to the movement of the Change the position pin accordingly. These signals can be rectified, converted into analog and then digital signals, which then represent the XY position coordinates. These digital XY information signals of the position pin 110 are optionally to the coordinate comparison station 140 delivered. The other entrance to the coordinate, Compare station 140 comes from character generator 30. If the X and Y signals of the character generator and the position pen are each the same, this point is determined by a corresponding clock evaluation in the controller 20

Docket SA 968 043 ° ^{M 8 2 S} '' ⁸ * ³

- ■. i 961 338

identified. ;

The comparison of the coordinate signals takes place either in analog or digital form Shape. In the latter case, the XY signals of the position pin 113 led to two registers via a converter. One of them contains the X position specification, the other the Y position specification. The X and Y signals from the character generator 30 are fed to an X and a Y position register via analog / digital converters. The content of the register changes dynamically. J2r is pin 110 with the digital XY information compared. If they are the same, the content of the position register of the character generator 30 or the output signals of the binary coded image to the |

Character generator used to pin 110 the position of the position for the binary coded image 11, 12 or "13". The XY position but could also be obtained from the XY registers of 30, 111 or 112.

The multiplex device 130 is used to selectively transmit the signals of the Marking element 110 to the coordinate comparison station 140.

Figs. 3 and 4 illustrate a method of comparing the coordinate signals the position pin 113 and the position signals of the character generator 30, in FIGS. 3 and 4, the computer determines whether a character generator 30 generated picture element passes through the window W (broken line (j line in Fig. 3). The signals from the position pin 113 and the Position tables 114 are generated via converters 111 and 112 of the signals XO and YO, which indicate the position of the pin 113. It but other positioning devices can also be used, which provide digital output signals. The central unit gives through the signals -Δχ + Δχ, -Δυ and + Δυ delivered to the arithmetic unit 141 the dimension of the window field W (Fig. 3). The -Δχ coordinate becomes added to the XO coordinate to generate an XL coordinate output signal (compare Fig. 3). The + Δχ coordinate becomes the XO coordinate

'"' is added to produce an XR coordinate output. The -Δυ

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The coordinate is added to the YO coordinate to produce a YL coordinate output. The + Δυ coordinate is added to the YO coordinate ', to generate a YU coordinate output signal. These coordinates indicate the absolute coordinates of the field W. The X deflection signal, for the deflection coil 42 is fed to an analog / digital converter 144, which indicates the position of the electron beam in the raster converter 40 makes. The XL, XR and the output signals of the analog / digital converter 144 are fed to an arithmetic unit 142. This unit generates a 1 output signal if X is greater than XL and less than XR. The output signal of this unit is then fed to the AND element 146.

Accordingly, the Y-deflection signal for the deflection coils 43 is from Point D is applied to the analog / digital converter 146. The output signals YL, YU of the unit 141 and the output signal Y of the analog / digital converter 146 are passed to the arithmetic unit 143. If Y is greater than YL but less than YU, the unit 143 supplies a 1-output signal. In As a modification of the exemplary embodiment, it is also conceivable to convert XL, XR, YL and YU into analog voltages and to convert the comparator circuits 142 and 143 with analog threshold value circuits. The output signal of the Z amplifier 36 is fed to the AND element 146.

When the units 142 and 143 give 1 outputs, the electron beam becomes steered into the field W, which when the Z signal is present, which is also led to the AND element 146, is lighted. The field W can be in its Dimensions can be changed. For example, it can also be horizontal Be a line by decreasing - Δυ and + Δυ to NuIL. This can the position pin 113 and the electron beam are moved up and down to to take over the function of a border determiner or a height comparator. .

Docket SA 968 043 00 98 25/1843

The output signal of the AND element 146 can, for example, be read out stop the image information from the memory fields 11 to 13 to thereby The exact position of the position is assigned to it within the computer identify. The computer's central processing unit is not computationally stressed. For example, there could also be a counter in the subsystem which are the output signals of the selected memory fields 11 to 13 would count. If the AND element 146 emits an output signal, this signal would stop the counter and thereby identify the location within the memory fields 11 to 13 corresponding to the position pin. For reasons of clarity, the multiplex device 130 is not shown in FIG. 4 been. This device would, however, between the position pin 110 and the arithmetic unit 141 for circuit purposes only.

In addition, two channels from the distributor 80 can be used for a grid comparison station 120 are fed. This compares the raster information of the two channels in analog or digital form and delivers Output signal that indicates whether there are differences between the signals of the both channels there.

The subsystem 20 can be operated from the keyboard 100. This For example, sub system is connected to the character generator 30 in order to to this, the command to generate alphanumeric symbols. aside from that the controller 20 is connected to the camera 150 and to the photo file 151, thereby being able to select a predetermined image on the film 151. The controller 20 is also connected to the video tape recorder 160 and to the Connected television camera 170 in order to be able to select corresponding images. The one selected from video sources 150, 160 or 170 Image can be synchronous or asynchronous. Further components of the The control system 20 controlled by function keys 100 are the switches Sl and S2 for the scanning converters 40 and 50. Also, the circuits 30, 60, 150, 160, 170 and 130 are connected to the controller 20. at a coordinate comparison is the position pin 113 on the desired

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Point is set and then the selected coded image field 11, 12 and 13 entered into the character generator 30.

When the operator desires a particular image. presses the Subsystem controller 20 through keyboard 100. Character generator 30 generates XY deflection signals and Z intensity or light / dark button signals, from the binary-coded information signals which are passed to the scanning converter 40 or 50. While the pulse information is sent to the scanning converter 40 is routed (see Fig. 2), the switches route 46a and 46b the deflection signals from the character generator 30 to the two pairs of coils 42 and 43. The amplifier 36 is connected to the control grid 41 of a conventional one Vidicon tube 40 connected. During the readout, the switches 46a and 46b are not switched on (lower position), so that the horizontal and vertical deflection postures 46 conventional grid deflection · Signals to the deflection coil pairs 42 for the horizontal and 43 for the vertical Deliver distraction.

When using the scanning converters, images from various asynchronous video sources 150, 160 and 170 can be input into the system since the converters are synchronized via the generator 74. Sometimes it is also possible for the output of the units 150 ₃ 160 and 170 to be synchronized directly by the synchronization signals coming from the generator 74. In this case, the output signals of the generator 74 are passed directly or via the lane selection circuit 60 to a screen device.

The raster converter 40 or 50 is selected via the keyboard 100. aside from that the keyboard also determines on which tracks TRl to TRn of the disk 70 video information is to be stored.

After the recording, the video information on the disk 72 is further regenerated and displayed on the screen device 90, if the operator has the corresponding information processed in the central unit 1 ©

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wants, this can be done without the image that originally came through the coded information 11, 12 or 13 was supplied, is disturbed. That is an essential difference to other systems in which the binary coded information is fed back into the unit in order to generate the image.

The coordinate comparison circuit 140 enables image intermediate points to be identified without these having to be stored or processed in binary code in the central unit 10. In general, an area through which part of the image passes is to be identified. The central unit 10 supplies digital signals which indicate the dimensions of this area in -Δχ, • fAx, -ÄST and + Δυ signals. The position pin 113 supplies digital XO and YO information signals which are added to the Ax and Δυ information signals from the central unit 10. When a beam path on the image memory chi cht 44 runs through the field W (Fig. 3), there is an output signal at the AND element 146, which then causes the position of the spring to be indicated without this process being transmitted via the processing unit nfoot. In addition, the W field enables an image line to be identified.

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Docket SA 968 043

Claims (1)

- 16 PATENT CLAIMS , 1. ■ Arrangement for generating video information in a computer is stored in binary code or from video recording media or recording devices originates for display on screen devices, characterized in that the in a digital memory (10) one Computer retrievable video information stored in binary code (11, 12, 13) generating individual character segments or vectors Generator (30) of a device (40, 50) generating image raster signals ^ can be supplied and that the image raster signals via a selection circuit (60) on one or more tracks of a magnetic circular storage system (70) by the read / write heads (71,,. ". 7In) assigned to them recordable and different from there via a distribution circuit (80) Display devices (90) can be supplied and that of video recording media or video recording devices, analog information or information corresponding to a raster of the image raster signals generating device (40, 50) or the selection circuit (60) can be supplied is. 2. Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the picture The raster signal generating device is a vidicon tube. 3. Arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that different video information is stored in the digital memory (10) of the computer for different display devices. - 4. Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the magnetic Circular memory (70) is a magnetic disk memory from which the generated video data can be read out and via a distribution circuit (80) Screen devices (90) can be supplied. Docket SA 968 043 00 98 25/18 5, arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that on the magnetic disk a clock track for the synchronization of the image raster signals generating device (40, 50), the video recording medium (160), the video recorders (150, 170), the selection (60) and Distribution circuit (80) is provided. 6i arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that that to identify a position on the screen Position table (114) with a position marking element (113) is provided whose characterizing the coordinates of a point Signals can be fed to a coordinate comparison circuit (140) which always an output signal can be taken when the · output of the character generator of the coordinate comparison attitude supplied position signals of the character just generated with those match that supplied by the position marking element. 7. Arrangement according to claim 6, characterized in that in the coordinate comparison device (140) for identifying a position area containing a position point, an arithmetic unit (141) the signals supplied by the digital memory for the signals characterizing the coordinates of the marked point are provided adds which is the distance between the position point and the one surrounding it Represent position area border, and that a comparison device (142, 143, 146) is provided, at which an output signal can be picked up whenever the values of the output of the Character generator supplied position signals for the just generated Characters lie within the values of the signals characterizing the position area border. Bocket SA 968 043 ° 0 θ 8 2 5 7 18 Λ 3