Method and camera system for step frame reconnaissance with motion compensation

An electro-optical step-frame camera system with electronic image motion compensation, comprising, in combination:

• (a) a framing camera comprising a two-dimensional array of photosensitive cells for storing pixel information arranged in rows and columns, said columns arranged in a plurality of column groups including a first column group and a second column group, said array further comprising
• (i) image motion compensation control means for transferring pixel information in said first column group at a first transfer rate and for transferring pixel information in said second column group at a second transfer rate different from said first transfer rate, said first and second transfer rates corresponding to a rate of image motion in said first and second column groups to thereby prevent smear of an image produced by said array;
• and
• (ii) means for reading out pixel information from said array of cells;
• (b) a lens for focusing an image of a scene upon said array;
• (c) stepping means for directing said image of said scene upon said lens and said array;
• (d) means for derotating said image of said scene directed by said stepping means upon said array;
• (e) drive means for rotating said stepping means in a series of successive cycles, each of said cycles comprising a sequence of discrete preselected angular steps, said sequence of steps directing successive scene images onto said array of cells, said sequence of steps separated in time by a predetermined framing interval during which said array is exposed to an image of said scene;
• wherein said image motion compensation control circuitry is operative during said predetermined framing intervals to transfer pixel information within said first and second column groups at said first and second different transfer rates, respectively, to thereby prevent smearing of images produced by said array.