Patents by Inventor Alan John Dent

Alan John Dent has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9838627
    Abstract: A method of correcting errors in the output of an image detector is disclosed. The method comprises measuring an output signal (Vm) of a capacitor (Csh) holding a voltage corresponding to a signal detected by the image detector; comparing the value of output signal (Vm) to the value of the previously measured output signal (Vm?1) of the capacitor (Csh); calculating the error in the output signal (Vm) using a predetermined correction factor and the difference between the value of the output signal (Vm) and the value of the previously measured output signal (Vm?1); and providing a corrected output value (Vcrt) in accordance with the calculated error. Detectors, methods of calibrating detectors, image correction apparatus and guidance systems comprising the detectors are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: MBDA UK LIMITED
    Inventors: Alan John Dent, Kwong Cheung Man
  • Publication number: 20160261811
    Abstract: A method of correcting errors in the output of an image detector is disclosed. The method comprises measuring an output signal (Vm) of a capacitor (Csh) holding a voltage corresponding to a signal detected by the image detector; comparing the value of output signal (Vm) to the value of the previously measured output signal (Vm-1) of the capacitor (Csh); calculating the error in the output signal (Vm) using a predetermined correction factor and the difference between the value of the output signal (Vm) and the value of the previously measured output signal (Vm-1); and providing a corrected output value (Vcrt) in accordance with the calculated error. Detectors, methods of calibrating detectors, image correction apparatus and guidance systems comprising the detectors are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Applicant: MBDA UK LIMITED
    Inventors: Alan John DENT, Kwong Cheung MAN
  • Patent number: 8248479
    Abstract: Evaluation of multi-dimensional high order polynomials at high speed requires complex computing resources. This invention comprises a computing apparatus which allows the efficient and high speed calculation of such polynomials with a relatively simple computing resource. The computing resource consists entirely of adders and latches. There are no multipliers. The invention has particular application for the removal of low frequency image distortion due to kinetic heating in IR imaging missiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: MBDA UK Limited
    Inventors: Alan John Dent, Barry Peter Woodcock
  • Publication number: 20100238305
    Abstract: Evaluation of multi-dimensional high order polynomials at high speed requires complex computing resources. This invention comprises a computing apparatus which allows the efficient and high speed calculation of such polynomials with a relatively simple computing resource. The computing resource consists entirely of adders and latches. There are no multipliers. The invention has particular application for the removal of low frequency image distortion due to kinetic heating in IR imaging missiles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: MBDA UK Limited
    Inventors: Alan John DENT, Barry Peter Woodcock