Abstract: Systems, including apparatus and methods, for obtaining and/or correcting images, particularly from atmospheric and/or other distortions. These corrections may involve, among others, determining corrective information in a first (e.g., visible) wavelength regime, and then applying the corrective information in a second (e.g., longer) wavelength regime, such as infrared (IR) or millimeter-wave (MMW) wavelengths, in real time or with post-processing. For example, these corrections may include scaling a phase diversity correction from one wavelength to another. These systems may be useful in any suitable imaging context, including navigation, targeting, search and rescue, law enforcement, and/or surveillance, among others.

Abstract: A regenerator matrix 215 disposed in a fluid conduit 152 for exchanging thermal energy with a fluid passing through the fluid conduit. The regenerator matrix 215 has a variable fluid flow resistance and a variable capacity for convective heat transfer with the fluid along it longitudinal length. Preferably, the flow resistance and the capacity for convective heat transfer between the fluid and the regenerator matrix each increase as the fluid flows from a hot end to a cold end of the fluid conduit 152. The regenerator matrix 215 is formed from individual screen elements 50 or from stacks of screen elements sintered together as composite regenerator elements 110. A first portion 235 of the regenerator matrix made from first individual screen elements is disposed at the hot end of the regulator matrix 215. A second portion 210 of the regenerator matrix made from second individual screen elements is disposed at the cold end of the regulator matrix.

Abstract: Optical systems, including apparatus and methods, for obtaining images, particularly with multiple fields of view. These systems may utilize a plurality of optical components with different optical axes, where the optical axes may be selectively rotated into alignment with an imaging axis to obtain images having various discrete fields of view.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a sealed container having a reduced pressure atmosphere are disclosed. The container is suitable for housing an infrared detector array. Outgassing can be enhanced by adding features to solder preforms that maintain pathways for gasses to more readily exit the container prior to sealing thereof. Getters can be used to mitigate undesirable gases within the sealed container. One or more bolometers can be used to determine if the sealed container is leaking. A vacuum positioning fixture can be used to assemble the components of the infrared detector assembly and to place the infrared detector assemblies into a vacuum chamber. The cost of manufacturing such infrared detector assemblies may be reduced and the reliability thereof enhanced.

Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, an infrared camera includes an infrared detector providing infrared data and a programmable logic device providing timing and control signals to the infrared detector and processing the infrared data to provide an output signal based on the infrared data. Additional memory devices, if present, may be controlled by the programmable logic device, which manages the flow of information for the memory devices.

Abstract: An infrared (IR) camera and associated electronics including power are systems, including devices and methods, for infrared imaging that can be switched or reprogrammed to produce or display at least two images associated with at least two temperature ranges.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide improved techniques for assembling and packaging infrared camera components. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an infrared camera includes a housing having a plurality of holes, with a shutter, a lens, an infrared detector, and a first spacer disposed within the housing. The first spacer is secured within the housing by an adhesive disposed in one or more of the holes of the housing.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide improved cameras and camera systems. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a networkable camera system is disclosed that is able to provide up to a 360° field of view and is operable during day and night conditions by utilizing thermal imagers.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide infrared camera techniques that may improve image quality or infrared camera performance over a range of varying conditions. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a system is disclosed that transforms data provided by an infrared camera based upon environmental conditions at the time the data was obtained. As an example, the image quality provided by the infrared camera may be improved over a range of environmental conditions by the proper transformation of the data based upon the sensor's information.

Abstract: A camera system exhibiting reduced effects from temperature changes. The camera system includes an IR sensor; an optical arrangement adapted to focus incoming light onto the sensor; a processing arrangement adapted to process signals produced by the sensor; a heatsink in thermal contact with and is adapted to transfer heat energy away from, the processing arrangement; and a thermal equalizer. The thermal equalizer at least partially surrounds and is in thermal contact with the optics/sensor unit and is formed at least partially from a material having a high thermal conductivity. The thermal equalizer conducts heat energy from warmer to cooler parts of the optics/sensor unit. The thermal equalizer is also thermally insulated from ambient air surrounding the camera system and from the heatsink.

Abstract: A gimbal system. The gimbal system may include space-saving features configured to accommodate one or more payload components, thus increasing the payload capacity of the gimbal ball without necessarily increasing the outer dimensions of the gimbal ball. Alternatively, or in addition, the gimbal system may include a motor configured to move at least one gimbal relative to another gimbal about a first axis, with the motor peripherally mounted distal the axis.

Abstract: A sensor system includes a sensor payload (20) capable of generating image signals, an electronic control unit (ECU) (40) for controlling the sensor payload and a hand held control unit (80) in communication with the ECU for use by an operator to input control commands to the ECU. The hand held control unit (80) includes a front facing control panel surface (84) having control elements distributed thereon and an orthogonally disposed bottom surface (94). A handle (96) extends from the enclosure bottom surface (94) with the handle longitudinal axis disposed at an angle (A) of between 175 and 135 degrees with respect to the control panel surface (84). In a second embodiment, the senor system includes a lap top control unit (LCU) (300) reconfigurable by an operator to swap movable control module (312, 306) from a base unit left side receiving port (320) to a base unit right side receiving port (318) to accommodate both left and right-handed users.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide improved cameras and camera systems. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a networkable camera system is disclosed that is able to provide up to a 360° field of view and is operable during day and night conditions by utilizing thermal imagers.

Abstract: An enhanced vision system for detecting radiation and producing a detected image signal. A signal processor compares the detected image signal with predefined data representing objects expected to be imaged, and produces an output signal based on the predefined data when sufficient similarity is found between the detected image signal and the predefined data. In some embodiments, the signal processor replaces the detected image signal with the predefined image data. In other embodiments, the signal processor combines some or all of the detected image signal data with the predefined image data. In still other embodiments, the signal processor first modifies the detected image signal data, e.g., by replacing portions of it representing electric lights with discrete dots located at the centers and/for locally maximum intensity values of the lights, and then combines the modified image signal data with the predefined image data.

Abstract: A rotatable payload support turret for operation in a potentially hazardous environment includes a fixed element attached to a vehicle or fixed structure and a rotatable element, supported for rotation with respect to the fixed element. The turret includes a camera payload having a pointing direction configured to be upwardly pointing. An annular clearance gap formed between the fixed element and the rotatable element is sealed by a conventional gas tight magnetic fluid seal element. A wiper seal is also provided in the clearance gap between the location of the magnetic fluid and the external environment to prevent breakdown of the magnetic fluid by elements of the potentially hazardous environment. The clearance gap may also form a labyrinth seal having up to three legs that are oriented to oppose a gravitational force direction.

Abstract: An infrared (IR) camera and associated electronics including power are integrated into portable, self-contained, vision-enhancement apparatus useful in environments of dense air-borne particulate and thermal extremes such as encountered in fire fighting situations, in accordance with the invention. The IR camera is integral with a self-contained power supply so that the system is portable and requires no umbilical cord or other external connections. The camera includes an imager that is preferably an un-cooled focal plane array, and associated imaging, storing, processing and displaying electronics that are cooled in the extreme thermal environment using an integral plural phase heatsink.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for capturing video images of elements in a videographic survey, e.g. a thermograph video survey. According to the invention a barcode label having a bar pattern representing a unique identifying name of each element of the survey is associated with each survey element. A video camera system, with a barcode scanner associated therewith, is provided for scanning a barcode associated with a selected element. The selected element is thereby identified to the video camera system. The video camera system recalls data, including the element name, relating to the selected element and displays the data on a display device associated with the video camera system. An operator may review the displayed data and capture a video image of the element with the video camera system. The video image of the selected element may then be stored in a camera memory with the element name associated therewith.

Abstract: An enhanced vision system and method for use with vision systems with an imager sensitive to infrared radiation of less than 2-microns in wavelength, to produce a first image signal. Another imager sensitive to infrared radiation at least 3-microns in wavelength may be used to produce a second image signal. Preferably, the first image signal represents sensed electric light sources, and the second image signal represents sensed background such as terrain, runways, structures, and obstacles. A signal processor combines an image signal representing locally maximum values of the first image signal with the second image signal to create a displayed image.

Abstract: An enhanced vision system and method for use with vision systems with an imager sensitive to infrared radiation of less than 2-microns in wavelength, to produce a first image signal. Another imager sensitive to infrared radiation at least 3-microns in wavelength may be used to produce a second image signal. Preferably, the first image signal represents sensed electric light sources, and the second image signal represents sensed background such as terrain, runways, structures, and obstacles. A signal processor combines an image signal representing locally maximum values of the first image signal with the second image signal to create a displayed image.

Abstract: A head-up display, an IR camera and associated electronics including power are integrated into portable, self-contained, wrap-around, face-worn vision-enhancement apparatus useful in environments of dense air-borne particulate and thermal extremes such as encountered in fire fighting situations, in accordance with the invention. Reflective and opaque lenses are provided at approximately eye level for IR, vision display and blinding purposes, respectively, to produce a clear bright picture of a scene otherwise obscured by darkness or obscurants. The IR camera is integral with wrap-around system along with a self-contained power supply so that the system is portable and requires no umbilical cord or other external connections. An optical axis of the IR camera and an axis describing the user's virtual line of sight through the viewing eye converge at a nominal arm's length in front of the user's viewing eye, e.g. 3 feet away.