Abstract: The high voltage power supply of an image intensifier is operated intermittently to minimize the effect on a resulting intensified image of interference produced by the power supply, the input capacitance of the intensifier maintaining the high voltage at an acceptable level when the power supply is not operating. When used in conjunction with a video camera, the power supply may be allowed to operate only during the frame synch and/or line synch periods. A shutter may inhibit operation of the image intensifier while its power supply is operating.

Abstract: A CCD imaging array includes one or more shift registers. By injecting a charge packet at one end of the shift register, at times related to the start of line read out, then the charge packet reaches the other end of the shift register at the end of the line period. Thus the shift register can be used to generate line synchronization signals. The technique can also be applied for more complex waveform generation and for field generation.

Abstract: To determine some spatial characteristic, such as size or shape, of an object, the object is viewed with a television camera that employs an image sensor such as a CCD device. An image is formed on a television screen and a set of measurement markers (or cursors) are superimposed on the image at desired positions. The CCD timing signals are used to accurately determine the position of the cursors and hence the desired spatial characteristic.