Abstract: An image sensing device for a TV camera and method of driving the same is disclosed whereby the effective charge accumulation time in each light-sensing row in the imaging area can be reduced thereby eliminating fuzzy images produced when fast moving objects are picked up. The driving circuit of the imaging device gives the sensor a shutter function of less than 1/60 second and up to 1/2000 second exposure time without changing the structure of the sensor. There is provided a method in which charges accumulated in each row of the light-sensing elements are taken out and discarded at an optional time during an active video period, leaving an effective charge accumulation period of less than 1/60 second.

Abstract: In an automatic centering unit for a color television camera, a signal representing a phase-difference between video signals of different color channels is picked up to produce a correction voltage only when correlation of video signals exists for each selected discrete area on the television screen between predetermined time points having an interval of time of at least a frame period, so that the centering unit allows an accurate and quick operation even if focusing is not sufficient or if noise is contained in the video signal.

Abstract: In order to stabilize the black level in the red, green or blue channel, black pulses are inserted during a blanking period and are of a level slightly higher than the black level. The resulting color signal is clamped in a first clamping circuit to a predetermined voltage during that part of the blanking period which is free of the black pulse inserted therein, and, after being processed for white compression, black clipping or gamma correction, is provided to a second clamping circuit for fixing the clamping point at a definite and preselected voltage. The black pulse level of the output from the second clamping circuit is compared with a reference voltage and, upon the result obtained, the clamp voltage of the first clamping circuit is controlled to thereby completely suppress black level variations. With this processing amplifier device, the pedestal level is adjustable by varying either the reference voltage or the level of the black pulses.