Method of detecting image information by photoelectric device

Abstract

A method of detecting image information which enables real-time extraction of mobile components of optical input image information in the form of electric current signals or real-time extraction of outlines of optical input image information in the form of electric current signals. The method uses a photoelectric device having a photoreception plane carrying arrays of pixels of a photosensitive material capable of directly converting an optical input signal into an electric current signal. The photosensitive material is endowed in itself with a differential responsivity which changes the level of the materials's output electric current in accordance with the rate of change in the incident light intensity of the optical input signal per unit time, so that only mobile components of the input image information are selectively and automatically detected in real time in the form of electric signals. It is also possible to extract only the profile component of the input image information, by oscillating, at a predetermined period, an optical system through which the optical input signal is irradiated on the photoelectric device so as to create a positional oscillation of the optical input signal on the photoreception surface or, alternatively, by oscillating the photoelectric device in directions parallel to the photoreception surface.