Abstract: A CCD pixel pattern for receiving an image to be recorded by a rotary head printer as a series of record track scans each having a predetermined curve geometry. The pixels are arranged in rows having a curvature proportional to the record track scan geometry so that the physical location of incident image light seen by each pixel will correspond directly to the physical location of the printed image increment originating with each pixel, respectively.

Abstract: A low noise doped quantum well avalanche photodector (APD) having repeated superlattice units. Where the majority carriers are electrons, each unit is formed from p.sup.+ -n.sup.+ layers of a first material having a first ionization threshold, a near intrinsic layer of a second material having a smaller ionization threshold, and a near intrinsic layer of the first material. Such an APD can be fabricated in the GaAs/AlGaAs material system.

Abstract: Various configurations of rectangular optical information storage card include an information surface arranged in a generally concentric and/or spiral format so that the information surface can be read as the card is rotated. Such configurations can include an embossed layer to form an information surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for high speed parallel processing of image data corresponding to picture elements of an image in which the image data for each picture element is formatted as a binary word for multiplication by a plurality of different coefficients also in binary format. Parallel processing is accomplished by a plurality of multiplication circuits each of which stores select coefficients and receives binary formatted image data words simultaneously in timed sequence from the least significant data bit to the most significant data bit.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for continuously enhancing electronic image data received in a continuous stream of electronic information signals wherein the electronic information signal corresponding to each pixel of the image recorded is selectively transformed as a function of the average value of electronic information signals for a select plurality of pixel values in the immediate area of the pixel value being transformed. The electronic information signal transformations are provided on a pixel-by-pixel basis to increase contrast in localized areas that may be either exceptionally light or dark as a result of varying scene lighting conditions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for exposure control of electronic imaging cameras capable of video and still modes of operation and having an automatic variable aperture diaphragm to control image light passing to a sensor during the video mode of operation. Relatively short exposure time intervals are attained in the still mode of operation by attenuating light passing to the sensor during the video mode so that the aperture to which the variable aperture diaphragm is set is increased over that to which it would normally be adjusted during video operation. Upon conversion to the still mode, the filter attenuation is rapidly removed resulting in a correct aperture setting for the relatively shorter still mode exposure time intervals. In the video mode, electronic shutter operation is effected in the conventional manner. In the still mode of operation, the exposure time interval is established either by a combination of electronic shutter operation and mechanical shutter operation or by mechanical operation alone.

Abstract: Apparatus for encoding electronic still image information signals to a form suitable for recording on a conventional recording media by dividing the electronic information signals into a plurality of groups of electronic information signals wherein each group corresponds to a plurality of different picture elements of the still image. Decoding apparatus is also provided for recording the electronic information signals from the different groups into their original order so as to enable reconstruction of the still image. The encoding apparatus may also be adapted to transmit conventional electronic video image information signals interspersed with the selectively encoded electronic still image information signals for recording on the conventional storage media. The decoding apparatus operates to separate the electronic still image information signals from the electronic video image information signals prior to decoding.

Abstract: A system and method for formatting a composite still and moving image defining electronic information signal by interspersing a high resolution still image defining electronic information signal in alternate fields with a moving image defining electronic information signal such that a plurality of succeeding alternate still image defining fields collectively define a single high resolution still image. The system and method also operates to deformat the composite still and moving image defining electronic information signal by first separating the moving and still image defining electronic information signals from each other and thereafter interpolating a second field from each first field of each frame of moving image defining electronic information signals to enable the display of a continuous moving image without interruption.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing a select line decimated output signal from a charge domain imaging device by way of a shift register comprising a linear portion of serially connected image data holding elements connected at select elements along the length thereof, respectively, to groups of image data holding elements arranged in carousels.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for electronically recording in rapid succession high resolution still images in digital format utilizing a nonvolatile electronically programmable read only memory (EPROM) module for storing the still images. Digitally formatted image data may be rapidly transferred for storage in the EPROM module by simultaneously transferring binary bit data from a plurality of latches to corresponding ones of a plurality of EPROM circuits which collectively form one of a plurality of groups of EPROM circuits which comprise the EPROM module.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing bit operations on a plurality of sample value numbers arranged in binary format to derive a select rank-order number. The bit operations are performed first on all the most significant bits of the sample value numbers to derive the most significant bit of the rank-order number. All bits of like significance of the sample value numbers are grouped and each succeeding group of less significant bits is sequentially processed to derive the corresponding bits of the rank-order number with the least significant bit of the rank-order number being lastly derived.

Abstract: An image enhancing process promotes either noise reduction or image sharpening on a pixel-by-pixel basis as a function of the recognition of specific patterns of sampled pixel values surrounding each pixel to be enhanced. The sampled pixel values are divided into two or more subgroups and the enhanced pixel value is provided to promote either image sharpening or noise reduction as a function of the number of pixel values in the different subgroups and their positions relative to each other in the subgroups.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for encoding and recording electronic image information signals in a manner whereby luminance signals for odd field lines are recorded in association respectively with chrominance signals alternately selected from both the even field lines and the odd field lines and luminance signals for even field lines are recorded in association respectively with the remaining chrominance signals alternately selected from both the even field lines and the odd field lines. Chrominance samples recorded in this manner are spaced only two field lines apart thereby allowing the chrominance signals to be interpolated by a playback device specially configured to provide for increased vertical chromianance resolution.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus is provided for sensing scene light and providing sampled image data in three colors in response thereto. The sampled image data is subsequently interpolated for the non-sampled colors and thereafter subtracted to provide two color difference signals. The two color difference signals, in turn, are each median filtered and subsequently reconstructed in conjunction with the originally sampled image data to provide an image of the subject with substantially reduced color fringing. The median filter preferably filters color difference signals corresponding to a select number of image sensing elements separated with respect to each other by non-select image sensing elements.

Abstract: An electronic still image camera and playback system can record image data on the proposed standard 47 mm magnetic floppy disk in a manner whereby the horizontal line resolution of the recorded data is substantially increased by separating alternate groups of image data for recording, respectively, on two tracks of the magnetic media. The two tracks of the image media may be either two adjacent standard tracks or two subtracks confined within the footprint or envelope of the standard track. The image data from the dual tracks is recombined by interleaving to provide a high resolution hard copy print or other visual display. Alternatively, the dual track recorded image data may be retrieved in a conventional manner to provide a conventional low resolution hard copy or other image display.

Abstract: An automatic focusing system for a camera apparatus utilizes a two-dimensional photosensitive array to determine image sharpness as a function of the image information sensed in both the rows and columns of individual photosensitive pixel elements. A transfer function may be imposed upon the electronic information signal derived from the two-dimensional photoresponsive array or, alternatively, upon the incident scene light to the two-dimensional photoresponsive array to centerweight the focus condition determining signal where the principle subject will be most likely framed.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying an image for photographic reproduction operates to calibrate the brightness of the image display prior to each photographic reproduction in a manner that accounts for the variations in the brightness characteristics of the images of different scenes to be photographically reproduced.

Abstract: An electronic image camera system including an image receiving and storing device therefor comprises a stimulable phosphor, and a multiple electrode configuration associated therewith for storing a plurality of images therein in accordance with the selective energization of selected ones of the plurality of electrodes, the images being selectively retrievable in an ordered sequence by addressing the stimulable phosphor with a stimulating light in regions immediately adjacent selected ones of the electrodes.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for sensing sampled colored image data and thereafter interpolating the sampled colored image data to provide image data in each color sampled for each point or pixel at which the subject is sensed from which an image of the subject may be constructed having reduced color artifacts and fringing while reducing the blurring to the image that would otherwise be required to correct for such artifacts and fringing.

Abstract: A method for providing a dual layer diffusion mask or encapsulation coating for use with III-V compound semiconductors, the dual layer coating comprising an inner layer of silicon which closely matches the coefficient of thermal expansion of the III-V compound semiconductor and an outer layer of silicon nitride which is relatively impermeable to subsequent metallization and for thereafter applying metallized contacts to the III-V compound semiconductor through selectively etched openings in the diffusion mask or encapsulation coating.