LOW-COST VIDEO SCALER AND GRAY-SCALE INTEGRATOR

A hybrid digital/analog device capable of making high-resolution linea r and area measurements from a standard monochromatic video image is d escribed. The device is capable of dynamic as well as static data acqu isition when used in conjunction with standard NTSC video recording eq uipment. Digital output allows for computer interfacing. Linear dimens ions are obtained by electronically superimposing two horizontal and t wo vertical scaling lines on a video monitor. Each linear dimension ha s an eight-bit resolution and is displayed on the front panel with sev en segment LED's. Eight-bit, digital-to-analog converters are also use d to provide analog outputs. A measurement of the temporal deformation pattern of the accessory capsule surrounding a mechanoreceptor (Pacin ian corpuscles) in response to vibratory displacements is demonstrated . Area measurements are obtained via a window comparator, a 6-MHz cloc k, and a 16-bit digital-to-analog converter. Data is only valid within the zone set by the scaling lines, allowing data regions to be isolat ed from noise, etc. The 16-bit digital signal measuring the area of in terest is then converted for analog output. The measurement of the con sensual pupillary reflex in response to full-field illumination (Ganzf eld) is given as an example.