Abstract: Alternate ones of the charge transfer stages in the CCD output register of a solid-state imager are loaded with charge packets descriptive of the intensities of respective image elements. The intervening charge transfer stages are loaded with charge packets descriptive of a reference level. Subsequently, the CCD output register is operated as a shift register to serially supply charge packets to an electrometer. Successive samples of the electrometer response are differentially combined to obtain an output signal with undesired components suppressed therein.

Abstract: Video signals are subjected to two-dimensional high-pass spatial filtering as a first step in reducing their dynamic range. Then, in a second step of the compression process, differentiation spikes generated in response to edges of large objects in the original video signals are suppressed. This is done in real time using an adaptive non-linear amplifier, the gains of which in a number of amplitude zones are controlled by a histogram of the high-pass-filtered video signals.

Abstract: A signal which changes from amplitude X to amplitude Z is applied to a resistor of value R which is series connected with an electrical L-C (inductor-capacitor) delay line unterminated at the opposite end and having a characteristic resistance of value R and one-way delay time T. An output terminal is coupled to the junction of the resistor and delay line. For a time duration 2 T after the input signal changes value, a signal of value (X+Z).div.2 appears at the output terminal and thereafter a signal of value Z appears.