An image dissector is a type of electronic device used to convert visual images into electrical signals. It works by scanning an image line by line, breaking it down into smaller parts, and then transmitting these parts as signals. This technology was crucial in the development of early television systems and video cameras. The image dissector was invented by Philo Farnsworth, an American inventor, in the 1920s. It played a significant role in the evolution of television and video technology, paving the way for more advanced imaging systems. Its ability to capture and transmit images laid the groundwork for modern visual media.