Abstract: Delay for a field time is introduced between the end of the time a field of pixel samples is transferred from the A register into the B register of a field-transfer CCD imager and the beginning of the time the field of pixel samples is transferred from the B register to the C register. Such field delay is useful in differentiating response to a radiant energy image with respect to time, for example. A field of pixel samples is delayed in a first B register sufficiently long to be in time registration with a succeeding field of pixel samples in a second B register and responses to these samples are differentially combined to provide indications of transient phenomena in one field and not the other or in one field for longer time than in the other. The two B registers may be in two CCD imagers receiving images in spatial registration or may be in a CCD imager in which one A register alternately supplies samples to the two B registers.

Abstract: Delay for a field time is introduced between the end of the time a field of pixel samples is transferred from the A register into the B register of a field-transfer CCD imager and the beginning of the time the field of pixel samples is transferred from the B register to the C register. Such field delay is useful in differentiating response to a radiant energy image with respect to time, for example. A field of pixel samples is delayed in a first B register sufficiently long to be in time registration with a succeeding field of pixel samples in a second B register and responses to these samples are differentially combined to provide indications of transient phenomena in one field and not the other or in one field for longer time than in the other. The two B registers may be in two CCD imagers receiving images in spatial registration or may be in a CCD imager in which one A register alternately supplies samples to the two B registers.

Abstract: A video level control system 10 is provided which generates a normalized video signal for a camera processing circuit. The video level control system 10 includes a lens iris 12 which provides a controlled light signal to a camera tube 14. The camera tube 14 converts the light signal provided by the lens iris 12 into electrical signals. A feedback circuit 22 in response to the electrical signals generated by the camera tube 14, provides feedback signals to the lens iris 12 and the camera tube. This assures that a normalized video signal is provided in a first illumination range. An automatic gain control loop 50, which is also responsive to the electrical signals generated by the camera tube 14, operates in tandem with the feedback circuit 22. This assures that the normalized video signal is maintained in a second illumination range.