Abstract: A thermal imaging apparatus comprises a housing defining an entrance pupil for ingress of imaging radiation. At least one light sensor is positioned forward of the entrance pupil. An electronic imaging device such as a focal plane array is located in the housing rearward of the entrance pupil for converting imaging radiation to electrical signals for further processing. The apparatus further includes a shutter having an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the shutter is located between the entrance pupil and the electronic imaging device so as to inhibit exposure of the electronic imaging device to incident radiation. Circuitry is provided for selectively operating the shutter to be in the closed position based on signals produced at the light sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring temperature comprises a noncontact temperature measurement device situated at a first location. The device includes a sensor operative to collect radiant energy emanated from a target. Circuitry associated with the sensor produces a digital temperature signal containing temperature data regarding the target. A video camera produces a digital video signal containing video data of the target. A processor receives the digital temperature signal and the digital video signal and produces a combined digital signal for transmission to a second location. The combined digital signal contains both the temperature data and the video data. A computer situated at the second location receives the combined digital signal and separates the temperature data from the video data. Preferably, the computer includes a display having two windows on which the temperature data and the video data are respectively shown.

Abstract: A thermal imaging apparatus comprises a thermal image camera having a lens and a display. The camera further includes a focal plane array located behind the lens for converting imaging radiation to produce an image signal for further processing. A shutter mechanism is operative to selectively inhibit exposure of the focal plane array to the imaging radiation such that the focal plane array produces a reference signal. Processing circuitry is operative to receive the image signal and produce a corresponding thermal image on the display. The processing circuitry is further operative to utilize the image signal and the reference signal to derive temperature information.

Abstract: A system and method for compensating for geometrical distortion of a thermal image, generated by an infrared line-scanner, caused by non-uniform motion of an image object that utilizes a calibration object and interactive software to form non-rectangular zone boundaries that compensate for image distortion.

Abstract: A system and method for compensating for geometrical distortion of a thermal image, generated by an infrared line-scanner, caused by non-uniform motion of an image object that utilizes a calibration object and interactive software to form non-rectangular zone boundaries that compensate for image distortion.

Abstract: A device for temperature measurement uses an optical system to image the heat radiation emanating from a measurement spot on an object of measurement onto a detector. A sighting arrangement is also provided which has a diffractive optical system by which a light intensity distribution is produced which corresponds to the position and size of the measurement spot on the object of measurement.