(19)

(11)

EP 0 408 579 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 23.01.1991 Bulletin 1991/04 (21) Application number: 89902685.0 (22) Date of filing: 08.02.1989

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  H04N 7/ 015( . ) H04N 7/ 26( . ) H04N 11/ 24( . ) G06T 9/ 00( . ) H04N 11/ 20( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/US1989/000452 (87) International publication number: WO 1989/008366 (08.09.1989 Gazette 1989/21)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH DE FR GB IT LI LU NL SE (30) Priority: 29.02.1988 GB 19880004720 03.10.1988 US 19880252340 (71) Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY Princeton, New Jersey 08540 (US)

(72) Inventors: ISNARDI, Michael Anthony Plainsboro, NJ 08536 (US) FUHRER, Jack Selig Princeton Junction, NJ 08550 (US) SMITH, Terrence Raymond Westmont, NJ 08108 (US) ROEDER, Barbara Joan Point Pleasant, PA 18950 (US) (74) Representative: Smith, Thomas Ian Macdonald, et al  London Patent Operation G.E. Technical Services Co. Inc. Burdett House 15-16 Buckingham Street London WC2N 6DU London WC2N 6DU (GB)