Abstract: A method characterizes a scanning light source configured to emit illumination propagating in any one of a plurality of directions spanning an angular range. The method includes (i) detecting, with a camera, illumination propagating at each of the plurality of directions; (ii) storing image data corresponding to a response of the camera to the detected illumination. The method also includes (iii) processing the image data to characterize at least one of the angular range, pointing accuracy, pointing jitter, a divergence of the illumination, a uniformity of the illumination, and a fidelity of a scanning pattern, formed by the scanning light source, to a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a patient during MRI imaging to prevent patient burns. The system includes a barrel to provide an MRI image of a patient and an infrared camera to image the patient separately from the MRI image. The infrared camera includes an adjustable field of view and is positionable at a plurality of viewing angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the barrel. The infrared camera is coupled to a processor adapted to monitor the surface temperature of the patient based on the output of the infrared camera. The processor is further adapted to control at least one of the field of view of the infrared camera and/or the viewing angle of the camera during MRI imaging of the patient. The system further includes a patient gown formed of an infrared transmissive material that provides visual concealment for the patient.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a patient during MRI imaging to prevent patient burns. The system includes a barrel to provide an MRI image of a patient and an infrared camera to image the patient separately from the MRI image. The infrared camera includes an adjustable field of view and is positionable at a plurality of viewing angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the barrel. The infrared camera is coupled to a processor adapted to monitor the surface temperature of the patient based on the output of the infrared camera. The processor is further adapted to control at least one of the field of view of the infrared camera and/or the viewing angle of the camera during MRI imaging of the patient. The system further includes a patient gown formed of an infrared transmissive material that provides visual concealment for the patient.

Abstract: A method characterizes a scanning light source configured to emit illumination propagating in any one of a plurality of directions spanning an angular range. The method includes (i) detecting, with a camera, illumination propagating at each of the plurality of directions; (ii) storing image data corresponding to a response of the camera to the detected illumination. The method also includes (iii) processing the image data to characterize at least one of the angular range, pointing accuracy, pointing jitter, a divergence of the illumination, a uniformity of the illumination, and a fidelity of a scanning pattern, formed by the scanning light source, to a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: A method characterizes a scanning light source configured to emit illumination propagating in any one of a plurality of directions spanning an angular range. The method includes (i) detecting, with a camera, illumination propagating at each of the plurality of directions; (ii) storing image data corresponding to a response of the camera to the detected illumination. The method also includes (iii) processing the image data to characterize at least one of the angular range, pointing accuracy, pointing jitter, a divergence of the illumination, a uniformity of the illumination, and a fidelity of a scanning pattern, formed by the scanning light source, to a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: A method characterizes a scanning light source configured to emit illumination propagating in any one of a plurality of directions spanning an angular range. The method includes (i) detecting, with a camera, illumination propagating at each of the plurality of directions; (ii) storing image data corresponding to a response of the camera to the detected illumination. The method also includes (iii) processing the image data to characterize at least one of the angular range, pointing accuracy, pointing jitter, a divergence of the illumination, a uniformity of the illumination, and a fidelity of a scanning pattern, formed by the scanning light source, to a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a patient during MRI imaging to prevent patient burns. The system includes a barrel to provide an MRI image of a patient and an infrared camera to image the patient separately from the MRI image. The infrared camera includes an adjustable field of view and is positionable at a plurality of viewing angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the barrel. The infrared camera is coupled to a processor adapted to monitor the surface temperature of the patient based on the output of the infrared camera. The processor is further adapted to control at least one of the field of view of the infrared camera and/or the viewing angle of the camera during MRI imaging of the patient. The system further includes a patient gown formed of an infrared transmissive material that provides visual concealment for the patient.

Abstract: An aircraft monitoring system is disclosed that is comprised of a fisheye lens system and a data storage system. The fisheye lens system is configured to mount in an aircraft. The fisheye lens system captures images that represent a hemispherical field of view of about 180-degrees. The field of view is of an interior portion of the aircraft. The fisheye lens system transfers the images to the data storage system. The data storage system stores the images. The interior portion of the aircraft could be the cockpit, cabin, luggage compartment, or some other area in the aircraft. The aircraft monitoring system further includes an independent power supply that operates even if the aircraft loses power. In some examples, the fisheye lens system also transfers the images to a video transmitter. The video transmitter transmits the images to a receiver on the ground to provide video monitoring of the aircraft.

Abstract: An immersive time sequential camera uses an array of back-to-back fisheye lenses to capture a 2&pgr; steradian field of view. A switch mechanism, such as a flip mirror or variable optical attenuator, permits capture of images comprising &pgr; steradians on adjacent frames or successive camera exposures.