Replacing 16-mm airborne film cameras with commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) digital imaging

Kris S. Balch

doi:10.1117/12.317688

20 August 1998 Replacing 16-mm airborne film cameras with commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) digital imaging

Kris S. Balch

Proceedings Volume 3393, Digitization of the Battlespace III; (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.317688
Event: Aerospace/Defense Sensing and Controls, 1998, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

For many years 16 mm film cameras have been used in severe environments. These film cameras are used on Hy-G automotive sleds, airborne weapon testing, range tracking, an other hazardous environments. The companies and government agencies using these cameras are in need of replacing them with a more cost-effective solution. Film-based cameras still produce the best resolving capability. However, film development time, chemical disposal, non-optimal lighting conditions, recurring media cost, and faster digital analysis are factors influencing the desire for a 16 mm film camera replacement. This paper will describe a new imager from Kodak that has been designed to replace 16 mm high-speed film cameras. Also included is a detailed configuration, operational scenario, and cost analysis of Kodak's imager for airborne applications. The KODAK EKTAPRO Imager RO Imager is a high-resolution color or monochrome CCD Camera especially designed for replacement of rugged high-speed film cameras. The RO Imager is a record only camera. It features a high-resolution [512 X 384], light-sensitive CCD sensor with an electronic shutter. This shutter provides blooming protection that prevents 'smearing' of bright light sources, e.g., camera looking into a bright sun reflection. The RO Imager is a very rugged camera packaged in a highly integrated housing. This imager operates off +28 VDC. The RO Imager has a similar interface and form factor is that of high-speed film cameras, e.g., Photonics 1B. The RO Imager is designed to replace 16 mm film cameras that support rugged testing applications.

Citation Download Citation

Kris S. Balch "Replacing 16-mm airborne film cameras with commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) digital imaging", Proc. SPIE 3393, Digitization of the Battlespace III, (20 August 1998); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.317688

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