Circular format zig-zag scanning of vidicon tubes

C. Glen Peterson; Charles M. Simmons

doi:10.1117/12.50546

1 January 1992 Circular format zig-zag scanning of vidicon tubes

C. Glen Peterson, Charles M. Simmons

Proceedings Volume 1539, Ultrahigh- and High-Speed Photography, Videography, and Photonics '91; (1992) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.50546
Event: San Diego, '91, 1991, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

In an effort to increase camera readout speed, we have developed a nonconventional vidicon tube scanning technique. Because all vidicon targets are round, acquiring a full view requires overscanning with a conventional square format scan, resulting in 22% of the video field time wasted. Furthermore, conventional scanning employs horizontal flyback, which for high frame rates can be more than 10% of the total field time. Our nonconventional scanning technique eliminates flyback time by utilizing a triangular waveform rather than a sawtooth for horizontal deflection. This triangle wave is amplitude modulated in order to scan only the (circular) area of interest. The vertical deflection is a staircase ramp, with a step occurring at the end of each horizontal line. This maintains even spacing and a parallel relationship between horizontal lines, as opposed to skewed lines with conventional scans. To display the video output, the X-Y monitor must also be driven with these waveforms in order to maintain the correct temporal and spatial position of the video data. Sweep rates of 400 lines in a 1 ms field have been demonstrated. Test results using this technique show a frame time reduction of approximately 30%, with no loss of resolution or dynamic range, and no increased video bandwidth requirements.

Citation Download Citation

C. Glen Peterson and Charles M. Simmons "Circular format zig-zag scanning of vidicon tubes", Proc. SPIE 1539, Ultrahigh- and High-Speed Photography, Videography, and Photonics '91, (1 January 1992); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.50546

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