Microprocessor Technology Applied To Digital Data Recording In Instrumentation Cameras

The Hexadecimal Data Recording System (HDRS) represents the first application of microprocessor technology in data acquisition with photographic instrumentation cameras. Expanding the data recording capability of both intermittent and continuously moving film cameras was the principal design objective. Additional design goals included: 1. The ability to accept various external digital signal inputs and to record this data on film, simultaneously with the pictorial information. 2. Provide a practical retrofit capability for most types of instrumentation cameras currently in use. 3. Simplicity of system design and enhanced operational reliability in the field. These design objectives have been met and the system hardware demonstrates that a typical instrumenta-tion camera can fill an expanded role considerably beyond its traditional use. Considerations involving the use of a microprocessor and the resulting impact of computer intelligence are discussed.