Abstract: An optical data insertion device for an optical system includes a projector operable to insert additional optical data into a capture aperture of the optical system so as to provide a combined image and a reflection barrier. The reflection barrier includes a secondary filter and a primary filter adapted to fit over the rest of the capture aperture of the optical system. The secondary filter is a band pass filter adapted to allow the transmission of a narrow pass band centerd on the peak emission wavelength of the projector. The primary filter is a narrow band stop filter that blocks the transmission of a narrow band of light corresponding to that allowed to pass by the band pass filter.

Abstract: A method for high dynamic range imaging using more than two capture intervals, where images are captured in a repeating sequence that avoids interlace bounce, and overlapping groups of combined images form composite frames for output, and an imaging system comprising an imaging array, processing means and a display, wherein the imaging array is operable to capture a succession of images by detecting incident light and the processing means is operable to process said images as required, and pass the processed images to the display for output.

Abstract: A light guiding device is operable to receive incident light emitted by a light source through a capture surface. The received light exits the light guiding device through an exit surface provided adjacent to and aligned with an aperture of light receiver. In this manner, light from the light source can be inserted into the receiver where it may be combined with additional incident light captured by the receiver. The light source might be a projector and the light projected may correspond to operational data relating to the operation of the receiver or images corresponding to data captured by a further receiver device operating with a different form of sensor or in a different region of the spectrum. In order to improve the composite image observed by a user of the light receiving device, the operation of the light source can be controlled to vary the intensity of the light emitted. In one example, this variation can be in response to the ambient light level, as sensed by a suitable sensor.

Abstract: A method for high dynamic range imaging using more than two capture intervals, where images are captured in a repeating sequence that avoids interlace bounce, and overlapping groups of combined images form composite frames for output, and an imaging system comprising an imaging array, processing means and a display, wherein the imaging array is operable to capture a succession of images by detecting incident light and the processing means is operable to process said images as required, and pass the processed images to the display for output.

Abstract: A microbolometer comprises an array of sensor elements or ‘pixels’ each individually responsive to generate an output indicative of the intensity of infrared radiation incident thereupon. In practice there are significant non-uniformities in the response of each pixel and further processing of the outputs must take place to generate an accurate image. These non-uniformities are dealt with by means of individual correction factors to be applied to the outputs of each pixel in the image. Commonly, the correction used provides a constant offset (1pt) and a linear gain correction (2pt). As the optimal values of these corrections drifts over time it is still necessary to provide further correction.

Abstract: A light guiding device is operable to receive incident light emitted by a light source through a capture surface. The received light exits the light guiding device through an exit surface provided adjacent to and aligned with an aperture of light receiver. In this manner, light from the light source can be inserted into the receiver where it may be combined with additional incident light captured by the receiver. The light source might be a projector and the light projected may correspond to operational data relating to the operation of the receiver or images corresponding to data captured by a further receiver device operating with a different form of sensor or in a different region of the spectrum. In order to improve the composite image observed by a user of the light receiving device, the operation of the light source can be controlled to vary the intensity of the light emitted. In one example, this variation can be in response to the ambient light level, as sensed by a suitable sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus is operable to project secondary information into an optical system so as to form a secondary image that can overlay a primary image of a night scene. The apparatus includes a generating means operable to generate secondary information, a projecting means operable to project the secondary information into an optical system (not shown) so as to form a secondary image, and a monitoring means operable to monitor the position and/or orientation of the optical system. The apparatus further includes a receiving means for receiving one or more first external signals indicating the location(s) of: other nearby friendly persons, rendezvous points etc. The secondary information may then include a graphic identifying each friendly person in the field of view.

Abstract: A light guiding device is operable to receive incident light emitted by a light source through a capture surface. The received light exits the light guiding device through an exit surface provided adjacent to and aligned with an aperture of light receiver. In this manner, light from the light source can be inserted into the receiver where it may be combined with additional incident light captured by the receiver. The light source might be a projector and the light projected may correspond to operational data relating to the operation of the receiver or images corresponding to data captured by a further receiver device operating with a different form of sensor or in a different region of the spectrum. In order to improve the composite image observed by a user of the light receiving device, the operation of the light source can be controlled to vary the intensity of the light emitted. In one example, this variation can be in response to the ambient light level, as sensed by a suitable sensor.

Abstract: An optical bypass device comprises a pair of prisms. The capture apertures of the prisms are provided on either side of a projector block. The exit apertures are substantially adjacent to one another. In this manner the prisms can act to direct incident light around the projector block and into the image intensifier aperture. In the projector block is provided an OLED screen operable to display an image including text overlay information corresponding to that captured by the thermal imaging camera. The image is projected through a small opening provided where the prisms are connected.

Abstract: A light guiding device is operable to receive incident light emitted by a light source through a capture surface. The received light exits the light guiding device through an exit surface provided adjacent to and aligned with an aperture of light receiver. In this manner, light from the light source can be inserted into the receiver where it may be combined with additional incident light captured by the receiver. The light source might be a projector and the light projected may correspond to operational data relating to the operation of the receiver or images corresponding to data captured by a further receiver device operating with a different form of sensor or in a different region of the spectrum. In order to improve the composite image observed by a user of the light receiving device, the operation of the light source can be controlled to vary the intensity of the light emitted. In one example, this variation can be in response to the ambient light level, as sensed by a suitable sensor.

Abstract: An optical bypass device comprises a pair of prisms. The capture apertures of the prisms are provided on either side of a projector block. The exit apertures are substantially adjacent to one another. In this manner the prisms can act to direct incident light around the projector block and into the image intensifier aperture. In the projector block is provided an OLED screen operable to display an image including text overlay information corresponding to that captured by the thermal imaging camera. The image is projected through a small opening provided where the prisms are connected.

Abstract: A microbolometer comprises an array of sensor elements or ‘pixels’ each individually responsive to generate an output indicative of the intensity of infrared radiation incident thereupon. In practice there are significant non-uniformities in the response of each pixel and further processing of the outputs must take place to generate an accurate image. These non-uniformities are dealt with by means of individual correction factors to be applied to the outputs of each pixel in the image. Commonly, the correction used provides a constant offset (1pt) and a linear gain correction (2pt). As the optimal values of these corrections drifts over time it is still necessary to provide further correction.

Abstract: A shutter for an infra-red imaging camera comprises shaped first and second elements (17, 18) which are movable relative to each other, between open and closed positions. In the open position, the elements (17, 18) overlie each other leaving a clear optical path through the camera. In the closed position, the elements (17, 18) are disposed side-by-side and completely block off the optical path through the camera.

Abstract: A digital imaging device is provided with a touch sensitive display screen 10. The screen 10 displays an image 12 captured by the imaging device. Along one side of the screen is a toolbar 14 upon which is provided a plurality of individual icons 16. The icons 16 represent particular control functions that may be selected by a user. Examples of such control functions represented by the icons 16 include but are not limited to save, send, retrieve or discard image; rotate, reflect, crop, resize or edit image; compare images; process image (e.g. sharpen, blur, emboss, edge detect, pixelise, apply filter or similar); or vary image properties (e.g. brightness, colour balance, colour depth, contrast, convert to greyscale/black and white, effective surface temperature displayed (for infrared images) or similar). The user can select icons by touching the screen either directly or more preferably by tapping the screen with a suitable implement such as a pen, a stylus or similar.

Abstract: A shutter for an infra-red imaging camera comprises shaped first and second elements (17, 18) which are movable relative to each other, between open and closed positions. In the open position, the elements (17, 18) overlie each other leaving a clear optical path through the camera. In the closed position, the elements (17, 18) are disposed side-by-side and completely block off the optical path through the camera.

Abstract: A thermal imaging system comprising a camera (11), a control device (12) which is operable to control movement of the camera (11) and operation of the camera shutter and a computer (13) which includes thermal image processing software which allows manipulation or display of thermal images collected by the camera (11). The camera (11) is operated by use of the control device (12) to expose a thermal image over a selected time interval to correspondingly select a thermal image over a particular selected temperature range. The camera shutter is operated at a selected frequency, and exposure time of the image is varied to acquire thermal images over different selected temperature ranges. However, preferably every image is taken at the same time exposure, which allows display of a continuous real time display of thermal characteristics of the object over this selected temperature range. Thermal information over the other temperature range can also be displayed or used as desired.