In this work, we developed and implemented an image capturing and processing system that equipped with capability of
capturing images from an input video in real time. The input video can be a video from a PC, video camcorder or DVD
player. We developed two modes of operation in the system. In the first mode, an input image from the PC is processed
on the processing board (development platform with a digital signal processor) and is displayed on the PC. In the second
mode, current captured image from the video camcorder (or from DVD player) is processed on the board but is displayed
on the LCD monitor. The major difference between our system and other existing conventional systems is that image-processing
functions are performed on the board instead of the PC (so that the functions can be used for further
developments on the board). The user can control the operations of the board through the Graphic User Interface (GUI)
provided on the PC. In order to have a smooth image data transfer between the PC and the board, we employed Real
Time Data Transfer (RTDXTM) technology to create a link between them. For image processing functions, we developed
three main groups of function: (1) Point Processing; (2) Filtering and; (3) 'Others'. Point Processing includes rotation,
negation and mirroring. Filter category provides median, adaptive, smooth and sharpen filtering in the time domain. In
'Others' category, auto-contrast adjustment, edge detection, segmentation and sepia color are provided, these functions
either add effect on the image or enhance the image. We have developed and implemented our system using C/C#
programming language on TMS320DM642 (or DM642) board from Texas Instruments (TI). The system was showcased
in College of Engineering (CoE) exhibition 2006 at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and have more than 40
users tried our system. It is demonstrated that our system is adequate for real time image capturing. Our system can be
used or applied for applications such as medical imaging, video surveillance, etc.
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