A CCD computer-input camera is described which utilizes the virtual phase method for clocking. The camera was designed to acquire images by means of a PC, at low cost and with minimum parts count, and to allow for computer control of imaging parameters. Design components are listed, including ICs and image sensor, a low-resolution monochrome sensor, an 8-bit flash converter, and a programmed I/O. The software system is presented, including enhancements such as a method for avoiding streaking. Camera performance characteristics are listed. The camera resolution is shown to be 192 by 330 pixels with interlaced scanning. The camera permits electronic exposure control, and 8 bits per pixel gray scale. The camera is of interest in astronomical and other scientific applications, primarily due to its S/N and linearity.

Date Published: 1 July 1990
PDF: 6 pages
Proc. SPIE 1242, Charge-Coupled Devices and Solid State Optical Sensors, (1 July 1990); doi: 10.1117/12.19456

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 1242:
Charge-Coupled Devices and Solid State Optical Sensors
Morley M. Blouke, Editor(s)