An HDTV Digital Camera Processor

T. Leacock, R. Topper, J. Hacke, L. Dischert, L. Waller, A. Zortea

This article describes a fully digital high-definition television (HDTV) camera processor. The experimental processor was developed as part of a continuing effort to investigate digital video processing for HDTV. Since digital conversion is done close to the imager in the processing chain, the implementation of camera processes is accurately calculated, stable, and easily adjusted for user preferences. Much of the processing calculation is accomplished in software using an embedded controller. Nonlinear transfer curves such as gamma correction and dynamic “knees” are implemented in continuous curves instead of the usual linear piecewise approximations. Early digitization also allows more sophisticated shading and color balance. In addition, a novel adaptive enhancement automatically selects contours to improve color detail in scene areas that are not predominantly green.

Print ISSN
Published
1994-09
Content type
Original Research
DOI
10.5594/J09649