A charge-coupled device (CCD) imager is comprised of a CCD image sensor, a horizontal register for delivering an image signal from the CCD image sensor, the horizontal register being formed of an effective bit portion corresponding to the CCD image sensor and first and second dummy bit portions of a predetermined length which are located at both sides of the effective bit portion, and first and second output portions provided in succession to the first and second dummy bit portions to provide a positive image signal and a mirror image signal, wherein the effective bit portion is provided with four bus lines through which a transfer clock is supplied to the horizontal register and the first and second dummy bit portions are provided with two bus lines through which a transfer clock is supplied to the horizontal register. Thus, the CCD imager can be simplified in arrangement and a undesirable charge can be prevented from being mixed into a signal charge.

A video guidance system for visually displaying a row mark traced on the surface of a field during a previous traverse to the operator of a farm tractor pulling a planter has left and right row markers depending respectively from opposite outer sides of the planter for tracing row marks on the field; a video monitor on the tractor in the field of view of the operator; left and right video cameras mounted on the planter adjacent the outer edges thereof with the optical axis of each camera directed forwardly and inclined at a slight angle to the horizontal so that it images a substantial length of a row mark traced on a previous swath; and switch means for selectively connecting the video monitor to the left or to the right video cameras, whereby each scanning line of the video monitor raster creates a different spot on the image of the substantial length of the sensed row mark and such spots on successive scanning lines of the monitor raster are images of points spaced apart in said sensed row mark so the spots on the multiplicity of scanning lines forms an elongated steering vector which indicates to the tractor operator the direction the tractor is to be steered in order to maintain constant and consistent spacing between rows sown during successive swaths.

A computer controlled signalling system to assist a driver in accurately positioning a truck chassis at a preprogrammed specific stop point in a loading/unloading lane adjacent to a dockside container crane to facilitate loading/unloading of containerized cargo by the crane and employing a light signal panel visible to the truck driver and having a series of vertically disposed lights thereon sequentially actuated by a computer. The vertical lights indicate to the driver the exact distance he is from, and when he reaches, the desired stop point. The computer is responsive to a video image received from a video camera disposed over the traffic lane and matches the image(s) received with a programmed image for locating, identifying and signalling the position of the truck.

A vehicle intercom system allows conversation between individuals located, respectively, inside and outside of a vehicle. The voice units are linked by a vehicle controller area network eliminating the need for independent wiring of an intercom system.

Apparatus permitting viewing of traffic conditions to the rear and side of a motor vehicle, which has opposite sides, comprises: (a) first and second video cameras and first and second display terminals having video screens, the cameras connected to the screens, respectively, (b) the first and second cameras mounted to the vehicle at the respective opposite sides thereof, the cameras directed generally toward the rear of the vehicle, (c) and the screens carried by the vehicle proximate the driver's position, to be viewed by the driver in that position.