A DIGITAL READOUT FOR IMAGE CONVERTER CAMERAS

There is an increasing need for fast and reliable analysis of recorded sequences from image converter cameras, so that experimental informat ion can be readily evaluated without recourse to more time consuming p hotographic procedures. A digital readout system has been developed us ing a randomly triggerable high resolution CCD camera, the output of w hich is suitable for use with an IBM AT compatible PC. Within half a s econd from receipt of trigger pulse, the frame reformatter displays th e image and transfer to storage media can be readily achieved via the PC and dedicated software. Two software programmes offer different lev els of image manipulation which includes enhancement routines and para meter calculations with accuracy down to pixel levels. Hard copy print s can be acquired using a specially adapted Polaroid printer, outputs for laser and video printer extend the overall versatility of the syst em.