Digitally enhanced image intensification camera
View Patent ↗An image intensification camera system (C) for gathering image data includes an image intensifier ( 310 ) for amplifying received light ( 312 ). A relay optic assembly ( 316 ) is coupled between the image intensifier ( 310 ) and a digital image sensor ( 318 ), such as a CMOS or CCD device. Digital logic ( 322 ) is used to process or output an image or related data ( 334 ).
1. An image intensification camera system for gathering image data, the system comprising:
an image intensifier for amplifying received light;
a light transmitting assembly between the image intensifier and a digital image sensor to communicate the amplified received light from the image intensifier;
the digital image sensor for receiving and electronically transforming the amplified received light from the image intensifier; and,
digital logic circuitry electronically connected to at least the digital image sensor to process an image or related data;
wherein the digital logic circuitry in response to the image or related data adjusts one or more operating characteristics of the digital image sensor selected from the group consisting of: digital frame rate; contrast and brightness; digital image enhancement; bad sensor pixel detection and correction; and camera synchronization.
2. The invention of claim 1 wherein the digital logic circuitry adjusts one or more operating characteristics of the image intensifier selected from the group consisting of:
image intensifier gain; gating; and synchronization.
3. The invention of claim 1 wherein the digital image sensor is a charge coupled device (CCD).
4. The invention of claim 1 wherein the digital image sensor is a CMOS device.
5. The invention of claim 1 wherein the light transmitting assembly is a relay optic.
6. The invention of claim 1 wherein the light transmitting assembly is a fiber optic bond.
7. An image intensification camera system for gathering image data, the system comprising:
an image intensifier for amplifying received light;
a light transmitting assembly between the image intensifier and a digital image sensor to communicate the amplified received light from the image intensifier;
the digital image sensor for receiving and electronically transforming the amplified received light from the image intensifier; and,
digital logic circuitry electronically connected to at least the digital image sensor to process an image or related data;
wherein the digital logic circuitry in response to the image or related data adjusts one or more operating characteristics of the digital image sensor selected from the group consisting of: image intensifier gain; gating; and synchronization.
8. The invention of claim 7 wherein the digital logic circuitry adjusts one or more operating characteristics of the digital image sensor selected from the group consisting of: digital frame rate; contrast and brightness; digital image enhancement; bad sensor pixel detection and correction; and camera synchronization.
9. The invention of claim 7 wherein the digital image sensor is a charge coupled device (CCD).
10. The invention of claim 7 wherein the digital image sensor is a CMOS device.
11. The invention of claim 7 wherein the light transmitting assembly is a relay optic.
12. The invention of claim 7 wherein the light transmitting assembly is a fiber optic bond.