How do I speed up image acquisition for pseudo-real time image analysis

[N Bonneville]

I am using the Vision Development Module for LabView to analyze images collected on digital video cassettes. Using a PCI 1409 card I would like to analyze the data directly from the tapes, however, the currently it is taking 0.5 sec to grab an image from the tape. Is there a way to speed this process up to real time (30 frames/s)?

[BruceAmmons]

I am guessing that you are currently using the Snap command to acquire each image. It requires to time to set up the acquisition and acquire it for each image. Instead, use the Grab commands. One command configures the acquisition, and the other retrieves the current image. Check out the examples if you aren't sure how to set it up. Using grab, you should be able to acquire and display at 30 fps easily with no analysis.

Another possibility is that your analysis is taking 1/2 second for each image, which is quite likely. Try turning off the analysis to see if it speeds up. The only ways to speed this up is to optimize or reduce your analysis or buy a faster computer.

Bruce