Abstract: A room temperature infrared imager, fabricated using MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) techniques, made up of individually functioning analog elements laid out in a horizontal and vertical block matrix (pixel array). The front of each individual pixel element is IR sensitive and varies its properties in proportion to the corresponding analog level of incident IR energy exposure. An image infrared energy is focused across the front of the array to ultimately create a visible light image. The detector elements are formed on the front of a substrate. On the rear of the substrate, right behind the detectors, are electronics which read the sensors exposure level. Formed on top of the electronics are Light Emitting Devices (LED's). The electronics vary the brightness of the LED's proportionally with the exposure level on the front of the detector. The image is formed by the different visible light levels that appear on the array readout.

Abstract: A monitoring device, process and system use an image recording device for recording an image falling on the eyes of the user of the device. The monitoring device includes a display and a signal processor with which at least the image signals recorded by the image recording device can be evaluated. An input medium and a storage medium are used for storing and retrieving information about the topology of the building. An instantaneous position of the user of the device is determined by evaluating the image signals sent by the image recording device by pattern recognition.

Abstract: A night vision device is disclosed. The device includes a housing that houses an intensifier tube and a proximity sensor mounted on the housing. An ON/OFF switch is operatively coupled to the intensifier tube and to the proximity sensor such that operation of the ON/OFF switch to the “ON” position automatically activates the proximity sensor. A method of operating the night vision device with the proximity sensor is also disclosed.

Abstract: An imaging system illuminates body tissue with infrared light to enhance visibility of subcutaneous blood vessels, and generates a video image of the body tissue and the subcutaneous blood vessels based on reflected infrared light. The system includes an infrared light source for generating the infrared light and a structure for diffusing the infrared light. The diffusing structure includes one or more layers of diffusing material for diffusing the light. The system further includes a video imaging device for receiving the infrared light reflected from the body tissue and for generating a video image of the body tissue based on the reflected infrared light.

Abstract: A method of evaluating the surface of a material that has a distinguishable infrared spectrum comprising (a) positioning an infrared fiber optic probe to be in contact with a surface of the sample or material at a region of interest for detecting attenuated total reflectance or within a sufficient distance from the surface of the region for detecting reflection, (b) detecting mid- or near-infrared radiation attenuated total reflectance or reflection off of the surface of the sample or the material, (c) analyzing the infrared radiation from step (b) for at least one of peak height, peak area, frequency and chemometric parameters, and (d) actuating the removal device when a signal from the infrared fiber optic probe is between pre-selected values for at least one of peak height, peak area, frequency and chemometric parameters for the sample of the material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optronic passive surveillance device, especially for infrared surveillance. It comprises a front optic (1) of given useful instantaneous field, means (2) for scanning a scene with a given total field of observation, means (3) for forming the image of the scene and means (4) for detecting said image. According to the invention, the detection means (4) comprise a two-dimensional matrix detector (41), the field of the detector along each of the dimensions being greater than or equal to said useful instantaneous field of the front optic along said dimension, and allow the acquisition, for each elementary area of the scene corresponding to the useful instantaneous field of the front optic, of N subimages formed on said detector (N?1), with a given integration time for each subimage.

Abstract: A vehicular forward-vision display system includes a night-vision camera for scanning a nighttime image ahead of a vehicle and a head-up display for displaying the scanned nighttime image as a virtual image on a front windshield. Luminance of the displayed image is decreased with decreasing vehicle speed. The luminance of the nighttime image is thereby decreased under a low speed where vision aid is not so necessary. This decreasing of the luminance results in giving a driver relief from the bother of being caught by the scanned image displayed on the front windshield.

Abstract: A method of detecting defects in structures, comprising the steps of inducing mechanical energy in a structure via the emission of a broad-band acoustic signal, and capturing over a time interval a plurality of images of the structure each of the plurality of images comprised of a plurality of pixels arranged in a plurality of rows and columns each indicative of an intensity of infrared energy emitted by a portion of the structure.

Abstract: Under the present invention, a warning unit having a light source (e.g., a laser) is mounted on an emergency vehicle. The light source first emits a low intensity light beam (e.g., an infrared light beam) to scan an area in front of the emergency vehicle. The scan is used to detect one or more objects having a height to width ratio exceeding a predetermined threshold. Specifically, the scan is used to detect one or more tall, narrow objects such as poles, sign posts, etc., while ignoring other objects such as people, animals, etc. Once any applicable objects are detected, a second, higher intensity light beam is emitted to illuminate the detected objects with a predetermined indicia. The predetermined indicia can be observed by other motorists and indicates to them a direction of origin of the emergency vehicle.

Abstract: An efficient approach to exploit hyperspectral imagery and detect target of interest is disclosed. This approach uses proximity pixels as reference signatures to detect potential discontinuity that represents material of unknown existing on the terrain. By incorporating signature of a chosen material of interest, this approach provides an effective way for target detection and identification. An evolutionary algorithm is employed to estimate the abundance of material of interest.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the recording of an object space with an opto-electronic distance sensor by a signal propagation time method, with a transmitter for transmitting optical signals, in particular those of a laser, and a receiver device for receiving optical signals, in particular laser radiation, which is reflected from objects located in the target space. The distance sensor is combined with a scanning device for deflecting the optical axes of the transmitter and receiver device, and it has an evaluation device, which from the propagation time or phase angle of the optical signal emitted ascertains distance values. Downstream of the scanning device, that is, out of the region oriented toward the distance sensor, part of the beam is split off from the beam path of the transmitter and/or receiver device and is directed to receiver diodes or the like, and from the corresponding signals, a pixel is ascertained and each pixel is assigned a distance value and a space angle.

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 method and apparatus for displaying an image includes selecting a camera unit horizontal field of view (FOV) of about eighteen degrees and selecting a system magnification of between 0.4 and 1.0. The method and apparatus also includes determining an aspect ratio for the image based on the selected camera unit horizontal FOV and the selected system magnification, receiving energy from a scene for forming the image and displaying the image on a display.

Abstract: A beam array includes a base plate, a plurality of conductor pads, and a ground plate. The conductor pads are arranged in a one-dimensional array on the base plate. The ground plate is coupled to the base plate over the plurality of conductor pads with a gap between the base plate and the ground plate. Each of the plurality of conductor pads forms a beam blanker across the gap with the ground plate.

Abstract: Material analysis apparatus and method, particularly of use in detecting barely visible impact damage but also of use to detect other material characteristics. The apparatus includes a function generator which provides a sinusoidal signal to an ultrasonic amplifier as well as to a PC. The PC is connected to an infrared camera. The sinusoidal signal is fed into the amplifier and causes two probes attached to the sample of material to emit ultrasonic energy at the modulated frequency. Ultrasonic energy from the two probes then enters the sample by means of mechanical coupling and an image of the resulting thermal radiation is captured by the infrared camera and transferred to the PC for further processing and analysis.

Abstract: Scanning apparatus operable in the microwave, mm-wave and infrared ranges and comprises a hollow polygonal primary drum which is mounted for rotation about a central axis. The primary drum provides a plurality of internally presented sides or facets, which are capable of reflecting the microwave, mm-wave and infrared radiation concerned. A fixed Mangin mirror mounted within the primary drum directs such radiation emanating from a view of view of the apparatus, onto the internally presented sides or facets of the primary drum, such that in each of a succession of line scanning periods, radiation emanating from the field of view is directed onto a reflective side or facet of the primary drum to be reflected therefrom onto a further receiving assembly comprising a rotating faceted reflector, in the form of a secondary drum. The secondary drum is arranged to reflect the radiation striking it from the first drum to focus onto a radiation receiver or sensor.

Abstract: A thermal imaging system for detecting cracks and defects in a structure. An ultrasonic transducer is coupled to the structure through a malleable coupler. Ultrasonic energy from the transducer causes the defects to heat up, which is detected by a thermal camera. A control unit is employed to provide timing and control for the operation of the ultrasonic transducer and the camera.

Abstract: Arrays of pyroelectric elements are used in surveillance systems by focusing the radiation from a scene on to them and examining the output from the array. If an object is moved into the scene and left stationary, it will hinder the subsequent operation of the system by masking part of the scene from the field of view of the array; this fault condition may be detected by the following procedure. At intervals arrangements are made to move the image of the scene to and from across the array using a suitable transducer and the outputs from the array are examined. The outputs from the array when the scene is in its normal condition and the image is moved across the array comprise a set of signals corresponding to a reference image, which may be compared with the corresponding outputs from the array when the image is moved across the array on a subsequent occasion.

Abstract: An identification environment determining method includes converting a captured image into digital information, detecting a face area of a person from the digital image to store the face area, and identifying the person using a stored image and face image information that is referred for identification, informing a user about a result of identification acquired, inputting information obtained by having the user judge whether the result of identification is correct or incorrect, determining whether a present lighting environment is suitable for identification, controlling a robot, and moving the robot.

Abstract: A method and system for nondestructively detecting and characterizing defects in articles, including assemblies that may include components formed of composite materials. The method entails vibrating an entire article/assembly to induce an oscillating strain in the article/assembly so that any flaws in the article/assembly are heated by localized friction, as would occur between opposing surface portions of a defect or an interface between components of the assembly. The article/assembly is then infrared imaged to detect any localized temperature rises associated with the localized friction at the defect or interface.

Abstract: In the present invention of Correlated Modulation Imaging (CMI), the weak optical image signal (and therefore the signal current) is modulated, and the signal integration direction is correlated to the modulation. Therefore, the dark and/or background current, which are not modulated, are cancelled, while the signal current is integrated. As a result, the total integration time of the signal of each pixel is increased, and its signal to noise ratio and dynamic range are improved. Besides, the CMI noise spectrum peaks at the modulation frequency, and therefore, the detector's 1/f and other low frequency noises can be suppressed. In the present invention, the method and theory of CMI, as well as the means and steps for the realization of CMI, are explicitly developed. Two versions of CMOS devices (CMI unit pre-amplifier version 1 and 3), with their circuitry design and testing data are presented as the critical component for correlated modulation imaging.

Abstract: A system for the thermal imaging of sonically or ultrasonically excited subsurface defects in a structure. The system includes a hand-held sound source, a thermal imaging camera and a control unit. The sound source emits pulses of sound energy into the structure, and the camera generates images of defects in the structure that are heated by the sound energy. The control unit controls the operation of the sound source on the camera for timing purposes. The sound source includes a transducer that is positioned against the structure at a desirable location. The source further includes a pair of legs that are also positioned against the structure to define a plane in combination with the transducer. The length of each leg is adjustable relative to the length of the transducer so that the gun can be used against irregular surfaces. The legs include a rubber tip to further prevent the transducer from slipping on the structure.

Abstract: Scanning apparatus which may be used in a real-time passive millimeter wavelength imaging system or in other radiometry systems. The apparatus scans input radiation from a scene and output radiation is transmitted to a receiver system, for example a millimeter wave imaging camera or a radar receiver. The apparatus comprises a rotatable reflective plate having an axis of rotation passing through the centre of its surface and a lens arrangement for selectively transmitting and focusing radiation having a particular direction of polarisation. The apparatus may also comprise a feed horn array comprising a plurality of feed horns, the feed horns forming part of a spherical surface having a radius of curvature substantially equal to R/2 and being concentric with the third substantially spherical polarising element. The apparatus may further comprise a detector array comprising a plurality of detector elements. The detector array may form part of a millimeter wave imaging camera.

Abstract: An image detection system comprises a camera (2) for generating an electrical output signal representative of the detected image. The camera is carried by a headset (1, 3) for attachment to the head of a user, and comprises a transducer (6; 106) for generating an electrical output in response to light incident thereon. Magnifying means (22) are situated in the path of light to the transducer, and is arranged to magnify the detected image. The transducer and magnifying means are positioned in such a way that, in use, the portion of the path of light passing through the magnifying means extends laterally across the front of the user's head, enabling the system to be of a relatively compact construction.

Abstract: A system for improving the visibility in vehicles, including the following: an illumination optical system (2) for continuous radiation of infrared pulsed light; an associated receiver optical system (3) for receiving reflected components of the radiated light; a display (4) for representing information obtained by the receiver optical system (3), and a device (5, 6) for determining the presence of glare in the receiver optical system (3) from a foreign vehicle illumination optical system and for changing the keying interval or duty cycle of the infrared pulsed light of the illumination optical system (2) driven with fixed keying interval in dependence upon the vehicle direction of travel in such a manner that the glare is eliminated. Therein the illumination optical system is driven is driven with a fixed keying interval depending upon the vehicle direction of travel or, in certain cases, the direction of illumination.

Abstract: An electronic camera adopts an image pickup and optical system of a mirror scan type in which a mirror for scanning is disposed at a forward side of a taking lens. A line image sensor relatively scans an object while rotating the mirror to perform photographing. When controlling the exposure, the taking lens is moved synchronously along with rotation of the mirror to adjust the focal position thereof each time a slender sub-image of the object is picked up by the CCD. Driving the taking lens to focus the sub-image each time of scanning the sub-image enables picking up an entirety of the object image perfectly in a focused state.

Abstract: A low-cost high-resolution staring infrared imaging sensor for viewing a large Field Of Regard (FOR) while integrating over a small IFOV to detect small dim targets by subdividing the FOR into a plurality of internal optical paths without the use of mechanically-movable parts. Each of the plurality of internal optical paths may be further subdivided by a plurality of steerable micro-mirrors to reduce the IFOV and enhance long-range target acquisition capability. The sensor includes a primary lens for accepting infrared radiation from a Field Of Regard (FOR), a plurality of primary mirrors each disposed to reflect a portion of an FOR image along a different optical path, a secondary lens in each optical path to focus the FOR image portion onto a secondary mirror for reflection along a preselected direction, and a tertiary lens in each optical path to focus the FOR image portion onto an image detector array.

Abstract: This specification discloses an infrared (IR) 3D scanning system and, more specifically, a 3D scanning system that utilizes a plurality of IR detectors to detect an object and computes the 3D shape and its 3D temperature distribution of the object through signal processing of the 3D thermal image construction.

Abstract: A thermal imaging system for detecting cracks in a tooth. An ultrasonic dental cleaning tool is used to transmit ultrasonic energy through a jet of water to the tooth that causes cracks in the tooth to heat up. A thermal camera is used to detect the thermal radiation emitted by the heated cracks. The ultrasonic energy is in the form of a pulse where the frequency of the ultrasonic signal is substantially constant within the pulse. The control unit is employed to provide timing and control of the operation of the dental cleaning tool and the camera.

Abstract: A heating zone (22) and a detection zone (23) at the surface (1a) of a part (1) are displaced in such a way as to carry out the scanning of the surface (1a) and a flux radiated in the detection zone (23) is detected by using a line of detectors (21) which is chosen from a matrix of detectors (20). The method makes is possible in particular to reduce the time for scanning the surface (1a) of the part and to be able to adjust the offset, in the direction of displacement (24), between the heating zone (22) and the detection (23), simply by choosing the line (21) of the matrix of detectors (20). The method and the device in accordance with the invention make it possible in particular to carry out thermographic inspections of parts made of any materials and in particular of metal parts which may have considerable dimensions and complex shapes.

Abstract: A system for providing recognition of an approaching object located in a distant no-light environment includes an illumination source for transmitting light to the distant object and an imaging device for detecting the light radiation reflected from the distant object to generate an image of the distant object corresponding thereto. The system also includes an independent digital signal processor for calculating a desired optical magnification of a lens of the imaging device as a function of a distance between the imaging device and the distant object and generates a voltage corresponding thereto. The digital signal processor applies the voltage to the digital zoom circuitry of the imaging device to adjust the magnification of the lens so that the image of the distant object is held in a fixed dimension.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a scanning reflector that sweeps through a periodic scan pattern to redirect millimeter wave energy from a target object to a detector. The imaging system may include one or more millimeter wave lenses that gather and focus the millimeter wave energy from the target object onto the reflector or the detector. The detector is super-cooled to increases sensitivity, so that the imaging system does not require an illumination source. For each location on the target object, the detector monitors the intensity of the millimeter wave energy and an electronic controller builds a memory map from the detector data. Because different materials block millimeter wave energy differently, the detector data, and thus the memory map corresponds to the structure of the target object. In one embodiment, the scanning reflector is a resonant scanner. The scanner may be a microelectromechanical (MEMs) or mesomechanical scanner.

Abstract: A thermal imaging system for detecting cracks and defects in a component. An electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) is coupled to the component, and introduces pulsed sound signals therein. The sound signals cause the defects to heat up. The IR radiation from the heated pulses is detected by a thermal camera. The amplitude of the pulsed signals are substantially constant, and the frequency of the pulsed signal can be changed within each pulse. A control unit is employed to provide timing and control for the operation of the EMAT and the camera.

Abstract: Method and device for thermal imaging and rangefinding. In one form the device comprises an optical system including a first aperture and first, second and third optical paths each passing through the first aperture. A polarizer positioned to segregate the first and second optical paths is capable of receiving polarized radiation reflected from the target and transmitted through all portions of the first aperture stop. A polarization modifier is positioned between the first aperture and said polarizer; and a beam splitter, sensitive to spectral differences between the polarized radiation and the thermal radiation, is positioned along the first optical path between the first aperture and said polarizer.

Abstract: Millimeter wave imaging apparatus for use, in articular, as an indoor security system to identify objects concealed under the clothing of a person in a background scene, including means for generating a millimetric temperature contrast between the person to be imaged and the surroundings in scene. This may be a “hot” or “cold” source for producing a flux, and a relatively smaller flux respectively, of incoherent millimeter wavelength radiation. The apparatus may also include at least one partial ellipsoid reflective enclosure for reflecting millimeter wavelength radiation emitted from the “hot” and “cold” source so as to generate non-localized and uniform illumination of the person. The enclosure may have a metallic inner surface on which a dimpled pattern may be embossed to diffuse the millimeter wavelength radiation reflected from the metallic inner surface.

Abstract: The Multispectral-Hyperspectral Sensing System (MHSS) comprises a control center, a surveillance platform and at least one weapon battery with known sensing and destroying capabilities. The control center has access to pre-existing information relating to the target scene and potential targets, although not necessarily current, as well as the capabilities and limitations of the available weapons. This pre-existing information is communicated to the surveillance platform to be used in collecting hyperspectral/multispectral image data of the target scenery and to derive from the collected image data the relevant current target data subset. The derived data subset is then down-linked to the control center, which performs further processing to make it useful to the selected weapon. The weapon receives the target signature update from the control center and, in response, performs a significantly more precise strike at the selected target than based just on the a priori knowledge base.

Abstract: The scanning of a surface of a part is carried out by a means of imparting heat to at least one heating zone at the surface of the part. This occurs by relative displacement of the part and of the means of imparting heat. A detector is used to sense the flux radiated by the surface of the part in a detection zone displaced synchronously with the movement of the heating zone. The detector delivers, for each of the positions of a set of successive positions of the detection zone, a signal representative of the flux radiated. The scanning of the surface of the part is carried out along a determined path, in a first direction, then in a second opposite direction. For each of the successive positions of the detection zone, a differential signal is formulated.

Abstract: A microbolometer film material VOx having a value such that the thermal coefficient of resistance is between 0.005 and 0.05. The film material may be formed on a wafer. The VOx material properties can be changed or modified by controlling certain parameters in the ion beam sputter deposition environment. There is sufficient control of the oxidation process to permit non-stoichometric formation of VOx films. The process is a low temperature process (less than 100 degrees C.). Argon is used for sputtering a target of vanadium in an environment wherein the oxygen level is controlled to determine the x of VOx. The thickness of the film is controlled by the time of the deposition. Other layers may be deposited as needed to form pixels for a bolometer array.

Abstract: The polarization-resolving infrared imager employs the configurations of either first-generation (60 horizontal rows by 1 vertical column of detector elements (pixels)) or second-generation (at least 240 horizontal rows by 4 vertical columns of detector elements (pixels)) infrared imaging detector devices and polarization filters that work in conjunction with the infrared imaging detector devices to separate incoming infrared radiation into portions each having a different polarization orientation. Such polarization separation enables the production of visible images in which various aspects of the scene are differentiated. In the preferred embodiment using the second-generation infrared imaging detector device, polarization-filtering grids are integrated onto the detector. The detector elements in three of the four columns have coupled thereto polarization filtering elements to filter, respectively, horizontal, vertical and 45-degree polarizations of the incoming infrared radiation.

Abstract: The purpose of the three-dimensional measurement method and device is to reduce occlusion while ensuring a predetermined resolution, and increase resolution without increasing occlusion. In a three-dimensional input device provided with a projection device for projecting a reference light U from an starting point A toward an object Q, and an image sensing device for receiving the reference light reflected by the object Q at a position B separated from the starting point A in the baseline direction, and the object Q illuminated by the reference light U is sensed and data specifying the position of the object are output, an anamorphic lens 51 is provided for forming an image having a magnification in the baseline direction larger than the magnification in a direction perpendicular to the baseline direction on the photoreceptive surface S2 of an opto-electric conversion device.

Abstract: An infrared sensor has a stem with a metallic base serving as a ground and a ground terminal extending from the metallic base; a substrate disposed on the metallic base; a field effect transistor attached to the substrate; a pyroelectric element connected between the gate of the field effect transistor and ground; and a capacitor connected between ground and either the drain terminal or the source terminal of the field effect transistor. One of the electrodes of the capacitor is directly connected to the metallic base of the stem, while the other electrode of the capacitor is directly connected to the corresponding terminal by a conductive bonding material.

Abstract: A system for airborne detection of fires and transmission of fire location and characteristic data to the system ground station. The system includes an airborne pod and an associated ground station. The pod uses a passive infrared (IR) scanning system which employs a rotating and nutating mirror within an air slipstream driven propeller/spinner and is optically coupled to an infrared detector. A computer in the pod receives fire pod GPS position, IR detector fire spot detection pulse or ‘hit’ plus fire spot characteristics, spinner/mirror rotation and nutation angle at the ‘hit’ time and pod platform attitude relative to North-East-down using an on board Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). The computer then calculates the firespot GPS location, and processes associated firespot characteristic data and downlinks this data to the ground station. Onboard pod video scene cameras also provide operational video that is also downlinked to the ground station.

Abstract: FLIR kits are provided comprising optical and related components which can be commonly used for both navigational and targeting scenarios. Such components include a common detector interface, imaging optics, scanner, interlacer, filter wheel, and thermal reference sources with integrated chopper/rotator assembly, all of which when assembled form a stand-alone imaging sensor when combined with a common associated electronics subassembly. The kits are integrated into standard navigational and targeting platforms of the type found on the AH-64 Apache and RAH-66 Comanche attack helicopters.

Abstract: Method of determining (a) symmetry line(s) in a radiation image. A method of determining (a) symmetry line(s) in horizontal (vertical) direction in an image that is represented by a matrix of digital pixel values by (i) calculating a symmetry point for each column (row) of the image, and (ii) interconnecting calculated symmetry points.

Abstract: A thermal imaging system for detecting cracks and defects in a component. An ultrasonic transducer is coupled to the specimen through a malleable coupler. Ultrasonic energy from the transducer causes the defects to heat up, which is detected by a thermal camera. The ultrasonic energy is in the form of a pulse where the frequency of the ultrasonic signal is substantially constant within the pulse. A control unit is employed to provide timing and control for the operation of the ultrasonic transducer and the camera.

Abstract: A thermal imaging system (10) which is accoupled and by scanning recreates a thermal image by superimposing measured variations in infrared emission from a scene (22) onto a reference level supplied by a light emitting diode (28). The diode (28) is both a positive and negative luminescent emitter. Emitted flux is current controlled to be equivalent to black body radiation at a range of temperatures which may be colder or hotter than ambient. A signal generated with the system (10) switches between scene and diode observation is a measure of the difference between the mean scene temperature and the diode effective temperature. In response to this digital, control means adjust the bias current through the diode (28) in order to reduce the temperature difference. The reference temperature converges towards the mean scene temperature as this process is repeated. Absolute temperature is thus restored and some image defects removed.

Abstract: An infrared image sensor, in particular one of the interlaced parallel scanning type, is described. The infrared image sensor has an optical focusing system for focusing an image on a matrix of sensitive elements (55) for the detection of the image. A collimator unit (5) forms a focal plane. The collimator unit is disposed at the entry of the sensor. At least one thermal reference (33), whose image is projected on the matrix (55), is disposed on the optical path of the image inside the sensor.

Abstract: A thermal infrared camera includes a thermal infrared image pickup element with a plurality of light-receiving parts generating heat in response to incident infrared radiation. The incident infrared radiation is detected using changes in electrical characteristics of each of the plurality of light-receiving parts, an image-focusing optical system used for image pickup, and a temperature-controlled infrared radiation blocking body that has an opening for conducting infrared radiation from the image-focusing optical system to the thermal infrared image pickup element. The temperature-controlled infrared radiation blocking body is positioned around the thermal infrared image pickup element. The thermal infrared image pickup element is mounted on a first temperature control means used to control a temperature of the thermal infrared image pickup element.

Abstract: A forward looking infrared (FLIR) device implemented using complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) techniques is disclosed. The device includes optics (10) for focusing infrared energy onto a scanner (12) for scanning across a detector array 16; a signal conditioning integrated circuit 18 for producing television compatible video signals from the detector array outputs which are electrical signals representative of the infrared energy impinging thereon; and a monitor (2) for displaying the video signals. The detector array and signal conditioning IC are mounted on a metallized ceramic chip affixed within a DEWAR (19). Electronics (20) ancillary to the signal conditioning IC is located outside the DEWAR.

Abstract: A system for recognizing objects is comprised of: 1) a camera that has a lens which is uncovered; 2) a housing which encloses the camera, and has a window for the lens; 3) a rotating means, which is inside of the housing and which carries the camera, for receiving electronic control signals and rotating the camera at different angles in response thereto; and, 4) a control means for generating the electronic control signals such that the rotating means selectively points the camera lens -a) through the window at any one of several predetermined angles, and b) inside of the housing at the surface for calibrating the camera. With this system, the objects that are recognized can be human faces at different heights relative to the window in the housing. By pointing the camera lens inside of the housing, the lens is protected from damage even though it is not covered; and a calibration surface inside of the housing enables the camera to be calibrated while the lens is protected.