Rigorous calibration program, coupled with a sophisticated data-processing program that introduced compensation for system response to correct photometry, geometric linearity, and resolution, converted a television camera to a quantitative measuring instrument. The output data are in the forms of both numeric printout records and photographs

Smokler, M. I.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

July 1970	 Brief 70-10209 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
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.
Television Camera as a Scientific Instrument 
TV	
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Image Processing Laboratory
Figure 1 Diagram of Television System 
	
Surveyor's television camera was intended initially
	 design characteristics of the television system (includ-
	
to function as a qualitative viewing device that would
	 ing spacecraft and ground equipment) were conducive 
	
support engineering investigations. However, the
	 to transformation of the camera into a scientific in-
	
Surveyor science program required that the camera
	 strument (see Figure 1). 
	
be used as a scientific instrument to determine
	 The camera was converted to a quantitative measur-
	
optical and other physical properties of the lunar
	 ing instrument by a rigorous calibration program 
	
surface. The quality of the camera's design and the
	 (Figure 2), coupled with a sophisticated data-process-
(continued overleaf) 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National	 Government assumes any liability resulting from 'the use of the 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States
	 information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States 	 will be free from privately ownedrights. 
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19700000201 2020-03-17T00:13:01+00:00Z
[FM 
ITTED	 SYSTEM 	 50MI
	
I FREQUENCY	 4MHZ	
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Figure 2.	 Diagram of Calibration System 
ing program that introduced compensation for the Note: 
television system's response to correct photometry, Requests for further information may be directed to: 
geom&ric linearity, and resolution. The output data, Technology Utilization Officer 
in the forms of both numeric printout records and NASA Pasadena Office 
photographs, could then be used for determination of 4800 Oak Grove Drive 
optical and other physical properties of the lunar Pasadena, California 91103 
environment. This procedure exemplifies and serves Reference: TSP70-10209 
as	 a guide	 for	 realization of a television	 camera, Patent status: 
with its vast data-gathering potential, as a scientific No patent action is contemplated by NASA. 
instrument. Source: M. I. Smokier of 
Details of design, calibration, and performance of Caltech/JPL 
the modified system are discussed, and should in- under contract to 
terest personnel in the electronics industry. NASA Pasadena Office 
(N PO- l 1164)
Brief 70-10209	 .	 Category 03 


Television camera as a scientific instrument

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