Image Gradation, Graininess and Sharpness in Television and Motion Picture Systems: Part I: Image Structure and Transfer Characteristics

The physical quality of motion picture and television images is determined by the transfer characteristic, the standard deviation or signal-to-fluctuation ratio, and the detail flux-response characteristics of the system. The performance of typical systems and system combinations is illustrated by examples permitting numerical comparison. The analysis of fluctuation levels(“noise”) in photographic processes, based on sampling theory, includes an evaluation of the sine-wave frequency spectrum of the deviation as modified by the “aperture” processes of the system. The sine-wave response characteristics of typical apertures are developed as well as an accurate method of determining the equivalent “resolving aperture” (point image) of practical devices from sine-wave response measurements. A new system of rating image-forming devices is thus developed permitting precise evaluation and comparison of components as well as of complete systems including the eye. Part I discusses the transfer characteristics of motion picture and television systems. Parts II and III, to be published at a later date, will contain an analysis of signal-to-fluctuation ratios and detail contrast.

Print ISSN

0898-042X

Published

1951-02

Content type

Original Research

DOI

10.5594/J01847