Abstract: An interference-free communication system having a central communication controller (CCC) with a wavelength-tunable light source that emits a tunable wavelength optical data signal, and controls the wavelength-tunable light source by conditioning, modulation and wavelength-tuning, the CCC includes a signal-transparent optical crossconnect and fiber optic network, a pencil-radiating antenna (PRA) that is a passive 2-dimensional diffractive module is coupled to the wavelength-tunable light source via the fiber optic network, the crossconnect routes the optical data signal to the PRA, the optical data signal is transmitted through a confined optical pencil beam, the PRA deflects the pencil beam in 2 angular dimensions as a function of a wavelength of the pencil beam, the deflected pencil beam is disposed for communication with an opto-electronic communication device, and a radio return channel that provides upstream communication from the communication device to the CCC includes a lack-of-connection communicatio

Abstract: A modular reconnaissance capsule or reconnaissance pod is provided that is suitable for deployment by means of an artillery launching platform, such as a conventional 40 mm grenade launcher or 155 mm cannon wherein a parachute is deployed at a pre-calculated observation altitude, the parachute being designed to yield a sufficiently slow rate of descent to permit live video capture and transmission of images as forward observation information. Alternatively, pods according to the invention may also be air dropped from an aircraft, either piloted or pilotless, thus allowing the aircraft to operate at a safe distance and yet provide close reconnaissance even under a cloud cover. Accurate information about targeting dynamics is made available to the user through commercially available products. The invention complements other reconnaissance methods and provides easy-to-use real-time visual information for a desired area of interest.

Abstract: In a scanning circuit having a plurality of cascade-connected unit circuits driven only by direct current, each unit circuit consisting of at least a pair of polarity inverting circuits, a train of output pulses shifted by a constant delay one after another depending upon the delay time proper to the unit circuits, are derived from the unit circuits by applying an input pulse to the first stage of the scanning circuit.

Abstract: A flying spot scanning system is provided which uses directed light from a scanning element, which directed light is reflected through a symmetrical arrangement of reflective surfaces for scanning across a medium with a planar object surface. In each scanning cycle, information is transmitted to the scanned medium by modulating the directed light in accordance with a video signal.

Abstract: A facsimile reproduction system is disclosed. The system utilizes a laser beam at the transmission station to scan across an image to be reproduced through an acousto-optic modulator (AOM) cell. The laser beam is reflected off the image onto photo detector cells to generate electrical signals analogous to tonal variation in the image. A laser beam at the receiver station is also provided to sensitize a sheet of sensitized paper to produce a facsimile of the image. The intensity of the receiving station laser beam is modulated in accordance with the photo detector electrical signals by applying the signals to an rf carrier which then is applied to an AOM cell positioned between the laser and sensitized paper.

Abstract: A flying spot scanning system is provided by utilizing reflected light from a multifaceted rotating polygon which is then directed to the scanned medium. A light source illuminates a portion of the mirrored sides of the polygon during each scanning cycle, to provide a desired sequence of spot scanning. In each scanning cycle, information is transmitted to the scanned medium by modulating the light from the light source in accordance with a video signal. An optical convolution of elements including at least two lenses having power in one optical plane and substantially no power in the other plane, is provided in combination with the polygon. One of these lenses is placed in the optical path between the polygon and the scanned medium with its power plane substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the polygon for allowing a wide variance in runout tolerance of the scanning system.

Abstract: A hand-held scanning device is moved across a line of print and generates a two-dimensional scan of the print. A line array of photodiodes performs the scan in one direction and the movement across the paper generates strobe pulses each of which allows one scan of the array to be passed to a store from which a domestic T.V. set can be fed to provide an enlarged display. It may be used as a reading aid for partially sighted people or as an input device for an OCR machine.In the case of a reading aid using a T.V.-type raster display, the store is organized to allow new array scans to be written in at a variable rate dependent on hand motion while the contents of the store are read out repetitively and non-destructively at a constant line-by-line rate suitable for the T.V. raster.

Abstract: A two-dimensional dye laser scanning system is provided wherein a dye laser having a controlled output wavelength is combined with a diffractive beam-bending device to produce a near infrared or visible laser beam that can be directed to scan in two orthogonal planes at 100 MHZ rates.

Abstract: For connection to a color television capable of producing red, blue and gn video signals representative of a real time 360.degree. scene, a 360.degree. color panoramic laser projection system wherein the outputs of red, blue and green lasers are modulated from the respective red, blue and green video output signals through a modulator system in order that the laser beams will carry the video information of the pickup video signals but at a greater visual intensity, together with a reflector mixer system to combine said laser outputs to a common beam and a 360.degree. scan, reflector and display screen system moving said common beam continuously through 360.degree. and in vertical scan to provide a reproduction of the original television pickup scene on a 360.degree. display screen.

Abstract: A folded retro-reflective optical scanner using common major optics for both scanning and reading and achieving a long scan line (8.25 inches) with a short throw distance and little bow. Astigmatic effects in the reading beam are minimized by utilizing only the center portion of the return beam for reading.

Abstract: A scanning system is disclosed for translucent or X-ray film which circumvents the need for a wide angle, large entrance pupil lens as used in the conventional oscillating mirror scanning system. The scanning system is divided into two distinct and separate systems including a scanning optical system having an oscillating mirror which includes in its assembly a single element meniscus lens serving as an objective or first lens in the system. Coupled to the oscillating mirror assembly is a slotted aperture plate located at the image focal point which establishes the "X" dimension of the scanned element area upon the film. The aperture plate is moved in parallel along the scanning optical axis to follow the focal point as the distance from the objective lens to the scanned element area varies during the sweep of a scanned line.

Abstract: A flying spot scanner is disclosed for scanning an object document or scene with a spot of light, and producing an electrical video signal representing the object. The scanner can be operated under normal ambient light conditions without a light-shielding enclosure. A light beam is deflected in repetitive scanning fashion over the object. The light beam is modulated in amplitude (intensity) at a radio frequency f.sub.c such as 1.2 MHz. A photodetector is positioned to receive light from the object, and it produces an unwanted electrical ambient light noise signal having a maximum frequency f.sub.a, and an electrical information signal consisting of a carrier at frequency f.sub.c modulated by a video signal having a maximum frequency f.sub.m, where f.sub.c - f.sub.m is larger than f.sub.a. The information signal is separated from the ambient light noise signal by a filter, and the information signal is demodulated to produce a facsimile or video information signal free of noise due to ambient light.

Abstract: A document/copy carrying drum of a facsimile transceiver is rotatably driven by a synchronous motor. The synchronous motor is connected as a load in series with a first transistor and a first power supply of one polarity. The synchronous motor is also connected in series with a second circuit and a second power supply of opposite polarity so as to apply DC voltages of opposite polarity during alternate conduction of the transistors. Conduction of the transistors is controlled by alternately applying a series of relatively low voltage pulses to the bases of the transistors through high frequency isolation transformers. The pulses are separated by a time interval less than the base storage time of the transistors so as to assure continuous conduction between the collector and emitter of a transistor while a series of pulses is applied to the base thereof.

Abstract: The specification discloses a multiplexing system for an image detection array having laterally staggered first and second rows of image detectors which generate electrical signals representative of sensed images. First and second charge coupled device shift registers are connected to receive the electrical signals through channel inlets spaced along the lengths of the registers. Circuitry is operable during a first clock period for parallel loading electrical signals from the first row of detectors into a first set of alternate ones of the channel inlets of the first shift register. Circuitry is operable during a second clock period for parallel loading electrical signals from the second row of detectors into a second set of alternate ones of the channel inlets of the first shift register for storage between electrical signals from the first row of detectors.

Abstract: An arrangement for use in a document scanning system to provide background control of signals representative of the information content of a scanned document. An amplifier includes an automatic background control portion and an automatic black level adjustment portion to maintain the integrity of the output voltage range independent of the background of the scanned document and throughout the period of time required to scan the entire document. In addition, circuitry is provided for varying the time constant of the automatic background control circuitry to make that circuitry respond quickly to changes of the background toward the "white" direction. Further, the normally white platen back at the scanning station is provided with a gray leading edge to prevent the automatic background control circuitry from being upset by initial runs of white in the event of an imperfectly registered non-white document.

Abstract: A mirror drum type of light beam, or other radiation beam, scanning device comprising a rotating mirror drum and an arcuate set of optical, or like, elements arranged coaxially with the mirror drum. An incident beam, directed upon the mirror drum strikes each mirror face in turn as the drum rotates. Each mirror face sweeps the reflected beam across each optical element in turn of the arcuate set. Each optical element is adapted to return the beam to the same mirror face whence it came. The same beam is thereby deflected a second time by the same mirror face to produce an angular rate of rotation of the final reflected beam of four times the angular rate of rotation of the mirror drum.In a modification, a second mirror drum, with convex mirror faces, sweeps the beam over a concave mirror as a pre-scanner, so that the beam follows the reflecting mirror face of the main mirror drum, in rotation.

Abstract: A mirror drum type of light beam, or other radiation beam, scanning device comprising a rotating mirror drum and an arcuate set of optical, or like, elements arranged coaxially with the mirror drum. An incident beam, directed upon the mirror drum strikes each mirror face in turn as the drum rotates. Each mirror face sweeps the reflected beam across each optical element in turn of the arcuate set. Each optical element is adapted to return the beam to the same mirror face whence it came. The same beam is thereby deflected a second time by the same mirror face to produce an angular rate of rotation of the final reflected beam of four times the angular rate of rotation of the mirror drum.In a modification, a second mirror drum, with convex mirror faces, sweeps the beam over a concave mirror as a pre-scanner, so that the beam follows the reflecting mirror face of the main mirror drum, in rotation.

Abstract: An automatically controlled reference temperature strip for sensing by detors in a thermal imaging system. The signal in each video channel from each related detector is integrated to determine which detector is sensing the hottest target signal and to use the output of this hottest signal video channel for controlling said reference temperature strip.

Abstract: In a laser scanning apparatus, in which a laser and a focusing lens are moved in a direction parallel to the cylinder axis during rotation of the cylinder so that the focused laser beam traces out a helical path on the cylindrical surface, the laser and focusing lens are mounted to permit relative movement in the said direction parallel to the cylinder axis and are separately driven, the driving means for the focusing lens being such as to permit a rate of movement of the focusing lens in the said direction more uniform than can be achieved with the laser driving means, the size of the lens aperture and the extent of the said relative movement during operation of the driving means being such that the laser beam always passes through the lens aperture; the uniformity of the movement of the focused laser beam along the cylindrical surface is then governed by the uniformity of the movement of the focusing lens, the lens head being lighter in weight than the laser head.

Abstract: A flying spot flat field scanning system is provided wherein a laser beam is directed to a polygon scanner which sweeps the beam via a pair of relatively movable mirrors across a document to provide a scan in an x direction. The mirrors move relative to one another across the document to provide a scan in a y direction and move at such a relative rate to maintain optical conjugates constant.

Abstract: A transport system moves documents beneath a self-scanned photocell array extending substantially the entire width of a page. The output data from the photocells is scanned via a plurality of channels, amplified, multiplexed, and converted to a digital format. The digital data is then processed to compensate for fixed pattern errors characteristic of the photocell array and for scan pattern error. The corrected digital data is quantized for character thresholding and input to a recirculating memory. Line-tracking circuitry monitors the location of individual lines of character data within the recirculating memory and gates a complete line of character data into one of two storage registers. While data is input to one register, the contents of the other register is output to character recognition circuitry.

Abstract: A flying spot scanning system is provided which uses directed light from a scanning element, which directed light is reflected through a symmetrical arrangement of prisms for scanning across a medium with a planar object surface. Virtual scanners provide a segmented focal plane whereby the effective scan angle of the system is reduced.

Abstract: According to one feature a bearing-free oscillation motor, e.g. for driving an optical scanner or chopper comprises a torsion shaft fixed at one end for rotational oscillation about its axis, a rotor support member substantially more rigid in bending than the torsion shaft attached to the free end of the shaft and extending back therealong, a magnetically interactive rotor rigidly joined to the support member at the midlength of the torsion shaft, and a magnetically interactive stator adjacent the rotor for inducing rotational oscillation of the rotor, the torsion shaft and the rotor support member cooperating to provide a stiff system in bending. Preferably the rotor torsion shaft and rotor support member assembly are cooperatively constructed to restrain the rotor, in response to radial forces acting on it, to substantially translational motion without tilting of the rotor or the attached mirror or other device.

Abstract: An improved high speed photographic data plotting system is disclosed. This system uses a modulated laser light which is moved or scans a photographic film on a concave cylindrical surface from source location on a central axis. The scan is in a direction transverse to the length of the film. The laser light source location on the central axis can be incrementally stepped between each scan so that exposure of the film is in lines along the length of the film. The system includes means for feeding a film to a concave surface, means for securing the film to the surface, and means for cutting the film into a segment. The laser light source is exterior to the photographic chamber and the light beam is modulated and is transmitted along a central axis onto a rotating surface (source location) which projects the light beam normal to the central axis and onto the film.

Abstract: A facsimile transceiver comprising a document/copy receiving drum, a motor for rotation of the drum about the drum axis and a read/write head mounted on a rotating shaft for linear movement in a direction parallel with the drum axis. When the transceiver is operating in the transmitting mode, the information of the original document is scanned by a reading fiber optic carried on the read/write head. Illumination of the document is provided by a light pipe or a plurality of fiber optics which substantially surround the reading fiber optic which extends from the base of a recess in an arcuate surface of the read/write head which rides on the document carried by the drum.

Abstract: Several embodiments of an optical scanning system are disclosed which employ an accessible entrance pupil interposed between an image and a scanning device for isolating rays of light from the image without focusing the rays, thereby eliminating the aberrations associated with focusing. The disclosure shows the use of rotating mirrors spaced from the axis of rotation being employed for line scanning. A tilting mirror is also disclosed which converts the line scanners into complete image scanners.

Abstract: In a facsimile transmission system, a transmitter comprises a read photodetector which scans a document for video content and a lead photodetector which scans the document in advance of the read photodetector. The output of the read photodetector is coupled to a modulator which generates signals for transmission to a facsimile receiver at a remote location. The output of the read photodetector and the lead photodetector are also coupled to timing circuitry which automatically initiates a fast scanning mode for the read and lead photodetectors after a predetermined time lapse without detection of a dark, information-bearing area on the document. The facsimile receiver which comprises a stylus for scanning a copy medium and a demodulator for controlling marking on the copy medium by the stylus also includes timing circuitry for automatically initiating a fast scanning mode after a predetermined lapse in time between received signals representing dark, information-bearing areas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for scanning a moving document, the method including the steps of projecting a beam of light; dividing the beam of light into a plurality of divided light beams; successively scanning the divided light beams over a common area adjacent said moving document so that as the document passes the common area, successive portions thereof are scanned until the entirety of the document is scanned.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of and apparatus for recording latent photographic images on film by scanning the film in a raster pattern with a spot produced by focusing onto the film a beam of radiation, for example a laser beam, which is modulated in accordance with the retrieval of pictorial data defining an image to be recorded, the data comprising a plurality of elemental data each defining a required spot intensity at a respective elemental image area and a plurality of corrective data defining geometrical distortions of the image to be recorded. Clock signals are produced in accordance with the traverse of the spot, and the elemental data are retrieved in accordance with the production of the clock pulses the production of the clock signals being modified in accordance with the corrective data so as to determine the retrieval of the elemental data so as to set the spot intensity at the required level for each elemental image area as modified by the corrective data.

Abstract: A drive system for causing a relatively massive scanning element, such as a mirror, to rotate back and forth about a scan axis, with minimum disturbance of the space vehicle which carries it, includes a counterbalance which oscillates about an axis parallel to axis of the element in the opposite direction and 180.degree. out of phase so that the net angular momentum of the system is zero. One or more buffer springs attached to the element encounter limit stops on the counterbalance, or vice versa, at the ends of the scan to stop and reverse the motions of both the element and counterbalance without reaction on the supporting members. For a given rate of scan, the energy of the system remains substantially constant but changes twice per cycle from kinetic energy during the coasting period (i.e., between contacts with the springs) to potential energy stored in the springs during reversal. Proper attention to the design of the bearings and of the springs and stops ensures minimum loss of energy.

Abstract: A two-valued image is scanned repeatedly along a single line path at a predetermined constant rate and gated out when a transmitter is ready for transmission. A plurality of memory devices are used cyclically for storing an image signal of successive lines. The signal is gated out for processing and then transmitted. In one aspect of the invention, two-valued image is scanned on a two-line-at-a-time basis to produce first and second discrete sampled signals which are combined one-by-one to form four combinations of discrete signals. The combinations are formed into a sequence of combination runs. The kinds of combinations and the length of combination runs are respectively encoded into binary codes for transmission.

Abstract: A flux scanner which is comprised of a rotating polygon for scanning a beam of radiated flux transverse a photoreceptive medium. In the beam path between the flux source and the polygon, an astigmatic-beam expander lens is employed to focus the flux distributions to a spot at an image plane. The astigmatic lens is configured so as to produce a very narrow beam of flux to control the size of the spot in a direction orthogonal to the transverse direction, without any loss of efficiency. Between the photoreceptive medium and the polygon, a cylindrical lens and linear optical elements are positioned to focus the beam to control the size of the spot along the transverse direction. The transverse direction is designated optically as the tangential plane; whereas the direction orthogonal to the transverse direction is designated optically as the sagittal plane.

Abstract: An infra-red scanning system with raster scan display unit operating in the visible spectrum, in which the image is scanned across a linear array of detector elements to provide a signal multiplexer with electrical signals related to the detected radiation pattern. The operation of the raster scan display unit is synchronised to the operation of the scanning system so that the horizontal time base integrator is gated according to the speed of the scanning system, and the vertical time base is gated to operate in synchronism with the multiplexer in order to minimise optical distortion in the display.

Abstract: An acoustically scanned, optical imaging system for converting patterns of light into electrical signals. The system includes a monolithic convolver that scans incident light patterns using two counter propagating acoustic waves. Located in front of the convolver is an opaque grid that places a spatial periodicity into the light patterns. When the frequencies of the two acoustic waves propagating in the convolver are selected so that the difference between them is a function of the spatial periodicity placed in the light patterns, the minimum threshold signal or dark current from the convolver is substantially reduced. The imaging system also includes four alternative signal generating and processing circuits that can provide a one dimensional scan, a fast Fourier transform and a Fresnel transform of the light patterns incident on the convolver. Patterns of colored light also can be convolved into electrical signals by using colored filters as the grid.

Abstract: A flying spot scanning system for scanning a laser beam to a photoreceptor is provided wherein the size of the spot may be varied for gray scale rendition. This is accomplished by providing a scanner with a reflecting surface which varies in width (scanning direction).

Abstract: In pattern generating apparatus of the type employing a reciprocating laser beam for scanning a substrate surface, three scan lines are formed simultaneously. During reciprocation in one direction, the beam is deflected upwardly at an angle of arccot (1/3) with respect to the reciprocating direction, and during reciprocation in the opposite direction, the beam is deflected downwardly at an angle of arccot (1/3).

Abstract: A document transport including an endless belt driven by a pair of logic controlled servo motors which precisely move a document from a feeding station through a scanning station and into a stacking station. As documents are passed through the scanning station, images of the characters thereon are projected by a scanner onto a single columnar retina. The scanner includes a single shaft which is repetitively rotated through a preselected arc by a logic controlled servo motor synchronized with the transport control system. An illumination mirror is mounted on one end of the shaft and an image mirror is mounted on the other so that illumination from a lamp is scanned across the characters to be read while the illuminated images are reflected from the image mirror onto the retina.

Abstract: An optical fiber deflection device is described in which an electrical transducer is used for deflecting the fiber in response to an electrical control signal in order to deflect a light beam transmitted through such fiber. The transducer includes a nonmagnetic deflector means attached to the fiber and connected to an electrical current source, for deflection of the fiber by movement of the deflector means. In one embodiment employing an electromagnetic transducer, an electrical conductor is attached along the length of the fiber and is connected to a D.C. current source to produce a magnetic field around the conductor so that they may be deflected by pairs of electromagnetic coils positioned adjacent the side of the conductor when a control signal is applied to such coils. Alternatively, the control signal can be applied to the conductor attached to the optical fiber and a D.C. current caused to flow through the electromagnetic coils.

Abstract: An optical projection apparatus including a projection screen on which a microimage is projected on an enlarged scale and adapted to be connected with an information processing system comprising;Microfilm feeding means which feeds and stops a microfilm on which a plurality of images are recorded, each image of the microfilm comprising an image frame portion and a code pattern portion recorded adjacent the image frame, each code in the code pattern portion representing information concerning a part of the image of the image frame portion positioned at a position corresponding to the code,An optical projection system for projecting an image of the image frame portion onto a transmission type projection screen and projecting an image of the code pattern portion onto a reflection type projection screen provided in a side by side relation with the transmission type projection screen,A light source device for illuminating a part of the image projected on the transmission type projection screen selectively from the

Abstract: An improved multi-wavelength display system in which a multi-wavelength b source or sources are employed in combination with a multitude of waveguides in groups, one group for each wavelength, with image data responsive modulators to directly modulate said multi-wavelength beams and with a common rotary waveguide scanning means to produce a multi-wavelength facsimile display which could be color television, infrared or microwave displays according to the selected source or sources.

Abstract: In an optical scanning device in which radiation beams from different zones of a field of view are consecutively converged onto a radiation sensitive detector, an optical projection system is included in the radiation path between an objective and an optical cylinder which is provided with optical convergence systems at its circumference. Said projection system conjugates the center of the objective and the center of rotation of the cylinder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for generating line rasters in an infra-red imaging system (IR-imaging system) comprising an IR-camera and an image representation unit; the IR-camera being provided with a frame scanning unit comprising a frame trigger unit; and with the line scanning unit comprising a line trigger unit, and the line trigger frequency being determined by using the rotational speed of the line scanning unit as a reference signal for the rotational speed of the frame scanning unit.

Abstract: A compact flatbed page scanner for facsimile transmission is described. The apparatus uses a linear charge coupled imaging device (CCID) for both light detection and electronic scanning across the width of the page. Compactness is achieved by folding the optical path from the scanned line to the CCID. A moving carriage below a horizontal glass plate supporting the document to be scanned carries: the linear CCID, a lens for focusing an image of one scanning line of the page onto the CCID, an assembly of bar mirrors for folding the path of the light beam from the scanning line to the lens, and tubular lamps for illuminating the scanning line. The motion of the carriage beneath the horizontal glass plate permits scanning an array of parallel lines, equally spaced over the length of the page. In the apparatus described, scanning a complete page may be performed from 4 seconds to several minutes, depending on the bandwidth available for transmission.