Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods to reduce mechanical vibrations within a cryocooler/refrigeration system configured to provide cryogenic and/or general cooling of a device or sensor system. A cryocooler includes a motor driver controller configured to receive operational parameters and generate motor driver control signals and/or balancer system control signals based, at least in part, on the received operational parameters, and a motor driver configured to receive the control signals and generate drive signals to drive a motor and/or a balancer system of the cryocooler. The cryocooler includes a motorized and/or actively balanced expander configured to drive and/or balance motion of a displacer of the expander. The expander includes a magnet ring fixed to the displacer and a motor coil disposed within a cylinder head of the motorized and/or actively balanced expander.

Abstract: Techniques for facilitating non-uniformity correction calibrations are provided. In one example, an infrared imaging system includes an infrared imager and a logic device. The infrared imager is configured to capture a first set of infrared images of a reference object using a first integration time. The infrared imager is further configured to capture a second set of infrared images of the reference object using a second integration time different from the first integration time. The logic device is configured to determine a dark current correction map based on the second set of infrared images. The logic device is further configured to generate a non-uniformity correction map based on the dark current correction map. Related devices and methods are also provided.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided for prevent excessive accumulation of moisture onto a surface of an optical component of an imaging device. In one example, a method includes providing a bulk layer of an optical component of a thermal imaging system, wherein the bulk layer is configured to pass thermal radiation. The method further includes depositing a diamond like coating (DLC) to provide an external surface of the optical component, wherein the DLC exhibits a resistance to abrasion. The method further includes forming a plurality of nanostructures in the optical component, wherein the nanostructures exhibit a superhydrophobic property to prevent excessive moisture accumulation on the external surface of the optical component. Additional methods and systems are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods include an image capture component configured to capture infrared images of a scene, and a logic device configured to identify a target in the images, acquire temperature data associated with the target based on the images, evaluate the temperature data and determine a corresponding temperature classification, and process the identified target in accordance with the temperature classification. The logic device identifies a person and tracks the person across a subset of the images, identify a measurement location for the target in a subset of the images based on target feature points identified by a neural network, and measure a temperature of the location using corresponding values from one or more captured thermal images. The logic device is further configured calculate a core body temperature of the target using the temperature data to determine whether the target has a fever and calibrate using one or more black bodies.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for providing vehicular radiometric calibration systems and methods. In one example, a method includes capturing, by an array of infrared sensors mounted on a vehicle, a thermal image of a scene during navigation of the vehicle and/or while the vehicle is stationary. The thermal image comprises a plurality of pixel values. Each infrared sensor of the array is associated with a respective one of the plurality of pixel values. The method further includes determining temperature data associated with a portion of the scene, where the portion is associated with a subset of the plurality of pixel values. The method further includes generating a correction value based on the thermal image and the temperature data. Related systems, vehicles, and devices are also provided.

Abstract: An imager array may be provided as part of an imaging system. The imager array may include a plurality of infrared imaging modules. Each infrared imaging module may include a plurality of infrared sensors associated with an optical element. The infrared imaging modules may be oriented, for example, substantially in a plane facing the same direction and configured to detect images from the same scene. Such images may be processed in accordance with various techniques to provide images of infrared radiation. The infrared imaging modules may include filters or lens coatings to selectively detect desired ranges of infrared radiation. Such arrangements of infrared imaging modules in an imager array may be used to advantageous effect in a variety of different applications.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for imager health monitoring systems and methods. In one example, a method includes determining a characteristic of an active unit cell of a focal plane array (FPA) and/or a reference unit cell of the FPA. The active unit cell includes a detector selectively shielded from an incident scene. The reference unit cell includes a reference detector shielded from the incident scene. The method further includes determining a state of the FPA based at least in part on the characteristic. The method further includes transmitting an indication of the state of the FPA to selectively cause adjustment of the FPA Related devices and systems are also provided.

Abstract: Flight based infrared imaging systems and related techniques, and in particular UAS based thermal imaging systems, are provided to improve the monitoring capabilities of such systems over conventional infrared monitoring systems. An infrared imaging system is configured to compensate for various environmental effects (e.g., position and/or strength of the sun, atmospheric effects) to provide high resolution and accuracy radiometric measurements of targets imaged by the infrared imaging system. An infrared imaging system is alternatively configured to monitor and determine environmental conditions, modify data received from infrared imaging systems and other systems, modify flight paths and other commands, and/or create a representation of the environment.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided for implementing a segmented focal plane array (FPA) of infrared sensors. In one example, a system includes a segmented FPA. The segmented FPA includes a top die having an array of infrared sensors (e.g., bolometers). The top die may also include a portion of a read-out integrated circuit (ROIC). The segmented FPA also includes a bottom die having at least a portion of the ROIC. The top and the bottom dies are electrically coupled via inter-die connections. Advantageously, the segmented FPA may be fabricated with a higher yield and a smaller footprint compared with conventional FPA architectures. Moreover, the segmented FPA may be fabricated using different semiconductor processes for each die.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods to reduce mechanical vibrations within a cryocooler/refrigeration system configured to provide cryogenic and/or general cooling of a device or sensor system. A cryocooler includes a motor driver controller configured to receive operational parameters and generate motor driver control signals and/or balancer system control signals based, at least in part, on the received operational parameters, and a motor driver configured to receive the control signals and generate drive signals to drive a motor and/or a balancer system of the cryocooler. The cryocooler includes a motorized and/or actively balanced expander configured to drive and/or balance motion of a displacer of the expander. The expander includes a magnet ring fixed to the displacer and a motor coil disposed within a cylinder head of the motorized and/or actively balanced expander.

Abstract: Flight based infrared imaging systems and related techniques, and in particular UAS based thermal imaging systems, are provided to improve the monitoring capabilities of such systems over conventional infrared monitoring systems. An infrared imaging system is configured to compensate for various environmental effects (e.g., position and/or strength of the sun, atmospheric effects) to provide high resolution and accuracy radiometric measurements of targets imaged by the infrared imaging system. An infrared imaging system is alternatively configured to monitor and determine environmental conditions, modify data received from infrared imaging systems and other systems, modify flight paths and other commands, and/or create a representation of the environment.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein to detect pixels exhibiting anomalous behavior in captured image frames. In some examples, temporal anomalous behavior may be identified, such as flickering pixels exhibiting large magnitude changes in pixel values that vary rapidly from frame-to-frame. In some examples, spatial anomalous behavior may be identified, such as pixels exhibiting values that deviate from an expected linear response in comparison with other neighbor pixels.

Abstract: An infrared imaging system is provided with a shutter assembly having an integrated thermistor. In one example, a device includes a shutter assembly. The shutter assembly includes a paddle configured to move between an open position and a closed position. The paddle is configured to block external infrared radiation from reaching a focal plane array (FPA) in a closed position, and pass the external infrared radiation to the FPA in an open position. The shutter assembly also includes an embedded thermistor configured to sense a temperature of the paddle when the paddle is in the open position. In another example, an infrared sensor assembly includes a first set of mechanically engageable electrical contacts for engaging with a second set of mechanically engageable electrical contacts of a shutter assembly electrically coupled with a thermistor through a conductive path. Additional devices and related methods are also provided.

Abstract: Various techniques are disclosed for smart surveillance camera systems and methods using thermal imaging to intelligently control illumination and monitoring of a surveillance scene. For example, a smart camera system may include a thermal imager, an IR illuminator, a visible light illuminator, a visible/near IR (NIR) light camera, and a processor. The camera system may capture thermal images of the scene using the thermal imager, and analyze the thermal images to detect a presence and an attribute of an object in the scene. In response to the detection, various light sources may be selectively operated to illuminate the object only when needed or desired, with a suitable type of light source, with a suitable beam angle and width, or in otherwise desirable manner. The visible/NIR light camera may also be selectively operated based on the detection to capture or record surveillance images containing objects of interest.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided to monitor electrical equipment. In some implementations, a monitoring system for a cabinet may include an infrared camera and a non-thermal camera. The infrared camera may be configured to capture one or more thermal images of at least a portion of electrical equipment positioned in an interior cavity of the cabinet. The non-thermal camera may be configured to capture one or more non-thermal images such as visible light images of the portion of electrical equipment. In some implementations, combined images may be generated that include characteristics of the thermal images and the non-thermal images for viewing by a user. In some implementations, the cameras may receive electrical power through a physical coupling to an electrical connector within the cabinet and/or through electromagnetic energy harvesting techniques. Other implementations are also provided.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided for calibrating a thermal imaging device using a non-contact temperature sensor. In one example, a method includes capturing a thermal image of a scene. The thermal image comprises a plurality of pixel values. The method also includes detecting, by a non-contact temperature sensor, a temperature value associated with a portion of the scene corresponding to a subset of the pixel values. The method also includes comparing the subset of pixel values with the detected temperature value. The method also includes generating a correction term based on the comparing. The method also includes applying the correction term to at least the subset of pixel values to radiometrically calibrate the subset of pixel values. Related systems and alignment processes are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein to detect pixels exhibiting anomalous behavior in captured image frames. In some examples, temporal anomalous behavior may be identified, such as flickering pixels exhibiting large magnitude changes in pixel values that vary rapidly from frame-to-frame. In some examples, spatial anomalous behavior may be identified, such as pixels exhibiting values that deviate from an expected linear response in comparison with other neighbor pixels.

Abstract: An infrared imaging system is provided with a shutter assembly having an integrated thermistor. In one example, a device includes a shutter assembly. The shutter assembly includes a paddle configured to move between an open position and a closed position. The paddle is configured to block external infrared radiation from reaching a focal plane array (FPA) in a closed position, and pass the external infrared radiation to the FPA in an open position. The shutter assembly also includes an embedded thermistor configured to sense a temperature of the paddle when the paddle is in the open position. In another example, an infrared sensor assembly includes a first set of mechanically engageable electrical contacts for engaging with a second set of mechanically engageable electrical contacts of a shutter assembly electrically coupled with a thermistor through a conductive path. Additional devices and related methods are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein to detect pixels exhibiting anomalous behavior in captured image frames. In some examples, temporal anomalous behavior may be identified, such as flickering pixels exhibiting large magnitude changes in pixel values that vary rapidly from frame-to-frame. In some examples, spatial anomalous behavior may be identified, such as pixels exhibiting values that deviate from an expected linear response in comparison with other neighbor pixels.

Abstract: Techniques are provided to perform flat field correction for infrared cameras using a liquid shutter. Devices and methods provide a focal plane array (FPA) that receives infrared radiation (e.g., thermal infrared radiation) from a scene, and infrared-opaque liquid disposed in a cavity of a liquid shutter housing, and a fluid controller that directs the liquid from a reservoir area of the cavity to a field of view area of the cavity to block the FPA from the infrared radiation. Flat field correction terms may be determined and radiometric calibration may be performed. In one example, a liquid shutter uses voltages to direct liquid. In another example, a liquid shutter uses magnetic fields from electromagnets to direct liquid such as ferrofluid. In another example, a liquid shutter uses electrowetting techniques to direct liquid such as water. In a further example, a liquid shutter uses a pump.