Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for detecting approaching high-velocity targets using rotatable optical detectors (2, 3) of the line array type. With a view to the suppression of false alarms, the arrangement moreover comprises a hollow rotation axis (4) containing a mirror (14) that can be oriented such that a detector of the staring array type, a laser range-finder or a CW Doppler laser detector, all likewise contained in the hollow rotation axis, can be directed at a potential target.

Abstract: A signal processing in the element (SPRITE) thermal imaging system (20) is provided which has an electronic zoom. The system has an optics and scanning assembly (24) that scans energy from a scene (26) onto an array of SPRITE detectors (28) which generate a plurality of analog signals (30) that are proportional to the flux of infrared light received by each of the SPRITE detectors (28). The optics and scanning assembly (24) scans at a rate which is based on an optics and scanning assembly timing scheme and a digital scan converter (32) processes the analog signals (30) and generates a resultant digital output (34) for image production of the scene. The digital scan converter (32) processes the analog signals based upon a digital scan converter timing scheme. A timing and control unit (40) is used for controlling synchronization and alters the timing schemes to increase resolution and sensitivity.

Abstract: A system for correcting detector array channel signal output level non-uniformities in a thermal imaging system. The non-uniformity correction system includes a target scene detector (27) having an array of detector elements (26a, 26b) responsive to energy from a detected target scene (14) and including a plurality of associated output channels (31, 32). The system includes a memory (62) for storing non-uniformity correction commands and a processor (82) operative to implement the non-uniformity commands in response to detected non-uniformities in the output channels signal. The system also includes a non-uniformity corrector (60) for adjusting the level of the output channels in response to commands from the processor (82).

Abstract: The Hyperspectral Imaging Method and Apparatus provides the means of locating materials of economic and military value and accurately determining their spatial location and extent. The identification of a material is made by comparing its surface spectral reflectance properties in a scene with a set of reference template spectra. If there is enough spectral difference between materials of interest such as, for example, camouflage and vegetation or healthy and blighted corn, a detection will be made. The determination of spatial location and extent is may by the rapid collection of spectral measurements (nominally tens of thousands per second) in the form of an image and the reference of this image with GPS position to very high accuracy. Target identification and geolocation is computed in near realtime or realtime.

Abstract: A spectroradiometer images a scene as a repeating sequence of spectral images, each of which spectral images depicts the scene at a preselected wavelength. In a preferred embodiment, the image is of size 256 by 192 pixels, and the sequence repetition rate is about 20-30 cycles per second. Full spectral analysis on the resulting sequences is performed substantially in real time. The spectroradiometer includes a collector of energy in the X-ray or infrared ranges with a lens, a circularly variable spectral filter, and a gate which gates the output of the filter to a detector array which outputs the sequence of electronic spectral images. These images are corrected for systematic errors and calibrated, and correlated with a preselected spectral response function. The image may be further post-processed and displayed in video format or used otherwise.

Abstract: A light beam, preferably from a laser, is reflected from a target, which is a potential intruder. The time period required for the beam to return to a light detector, as well as the intensity of the reflected light, is recorded. The system includes a computer and software for analyzing the measurements of distance and intensity of reflected light. The algorithm for detecting the presence of an intruder is based on changes in the measured distance and/or intensity of reflected light from initial measurements made during a "learning" period. The system tracks targets using data collected in consecutive searches of the area to be protected. Preferably, an alarm is sounded and/or a video camera is slaved to the system.

Abstract: In a thermal imaging unit (12) including optics (16,18) for detecting a target scene (14), a detector array (26) responsive to target scene energy and a scanner (23) for scanning target scene energy from the target (14) onto the detector array (26), an imager lens assembly (120) for focusing the target scene energy onto the detector array. The imager lens assembly includes entrance means (126) for passing the target scene energy. The imager also includes both a first aspherical lens (122) for providing an intermediate focus of the target scene energy and a second aspherical lens (124) for receiving the intermediately focused scene energy and focusing the intermediately focused scene energy onto the detector array.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for real-time detection of trace amounts of atmospheric and tropospheric halogen-containing compounds. The present invention can be used either for in situ detection or remote sensing. A laser is employed to induce photofragmentation of the halogenated molecules and facilitate detection of the characteristic atom fragment by stimulated emission spectrometry. For brominated compounds, the output of a single laser is tuned to the strong two-photon 4p.sup.4 5p .sup.4 D.degree..sub.3/2 .rarw.4p.sup.5 2 P.degree..sub.3/2 transition of Br at 260.634 nm. The Br atoms are subsequently detected by stimulated emission (SE) via the 4p.sup.4 5p .sup.4 D.degree..sub.3/2 .fwdarw.4p.sup.4 5s .sup.4 P.sub.5/2 transition at 844 nm. For comparison, the laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) signal at the same wavelength is also monitored. The SE signal is distinct from the fluorescence in that it is coherent, bidirectional, and propagates coaxially with the laser beam.

Abstract: A guidance system for guiding a missile to a target including an array of photosensitive elements arranged orthogonally to the axis of the missile, a scanning arrangement for enabling scanning of the array of photosensitive elements by means of an optical system, and a target detecting arrangement for controlling the field and the pace of scanning executed by the scanning arrangement so that the field of scanning is smaller and the pace of scanning is greater after detecting a target than before target detection.

Abstract: A spectroradiometer images a scene as a repeating sequence of spectral images, each of which spectral images depicts the scene at a preselected wavelength. In a preferred embodiment, the image is of size 256 by 192 pixels, and the sequence repetition rate is about 20-30 cycles per second. Full spectral analysis on the resulting sequences is performed substantially in real time. The spectroradiometer includes a collector of energy in the X-ray or infrared ranges with a lens, a circularly variable spectral filter, and a gate which gates the output of the filter to a detector array which outputs the sequence of electronic spectral images. These images are corrected for systematic errors and calibrated, and correlated with a preselected spectral response function. The image may be further post-processed and displayed in video format or used otherwise.

Abstract: In a method for boresighting an infrared search and track sensor to an inertial reference frame provided by a boresight module, a collimated image of a reticle pattern of the boresight module is projected. The projected image is scanned with the sensor to obtain a scanned image. Rotation of the scanned image due to boresight module roll and distortion of the scanned image due to sensor roll are isolated. Distortion of the scanned image due to sensor roll is removed. An arrangement in an infrared search and track sensor is also disclosed.

Abstract: A signal processing in the element (SPRITE) thermal imaging system (20) is provided which has automatic gain control, level control, and delining. An array of SPRITE detectors (22) generate a plurality of analog signals which are proportional to the flux of infrared light received by each of the detectors (22). A digital scan converter (137) processes the analog signals and generates a resultant digital output (188) which contains digital image data for image production. A first plurality of sample-servo control loops (278, 280, 282, 284) provides automatic gain control using the digital output (188) and a second plurality of sample-servo control loops (286, 288, 290, 292) provides automatic level control using the digital output (188). A deliner is provided for normalizing differences which result from variations between detectors (22).

Abstract: A thermal imaging device (10) receives thermal infrared radiation from a viewed scene and responsively provides a visible image replicating the viewed scene. The imaging device (10) has a main housing with an optical aperture (16) at which a lens assembly (12) is attached. The lens assembly (12) has a number of lenses (200, 204, 208, 212, 216) sequentially mounted within a cylindrical housing (146), and defining an optical axis (199). A field-of-view-change mechanism (228) allows a user to select a wide field of view or a narrow field of view. The field-of-view-change mechanism (228) includes a rotatable field-of-view (FOV) ring (226) which rotates a tumbler (210) with a pair of lenses (208, 212) mounted therein. The tumbler (210) is positioned between a first position providing a wide field of view and a second position providing a narrow field of view.

Abstract: A low cost night vision system for use in connection with law enforcement vehicles, marine vessels, and other nonmilitary surface vehicles. The invention includes a night vision camera having an array of uncooled detectors. A mechanism is provided for adjusting the pointing angle of the night vision camera in response to scan control signals. Output signals from the uncooled detectors are further processed into a standard video format and displayed on a conventional display located, for example, within a vehicle or marine vessel.

Abstract: An improved imaging technique is disclosed wherein an output from an IR-FPA (16) corresponds to image motion, wherein a scene image stays correlated with the IR-FPA readout, and wherein non-uniformities (e.g., fixed pattern spatial noise) are uncorrelated from frame to frame. The uncorrelated fixed pattern spatial noise is identified and removed by a signal processor, such as a SB-NUC block (24). The scene image is scanned over the IR-FPA by a dither mirror (14) in synchronism with the movement of a frame of pixels (17) on the IR-FPA. Electronics (16a, 16b, 30, 32, 34) are included on the IR-FPA for controlling the scanning and read out of pixels within a currently selected frame.

Abstract: A thermal infrared imaging device (10) includes a thermal detector (50) having a linearly-arrayed plurality of spaced apart detector elements (50', 50", 50"', . . . ). A scene to be viewed is scanned across the detector (50) with successive fields of the scene shifted according the spacing between adjacent detector elements (50', 50", 50"', . . . ) in order to capture image information for the entire scene by interlacing of successive scan lines from the plurality of detector elements (50', 50", 50"', . . . ). Each complete scan of the viewed scene across the detector (50) creates an image field including a scan line for each detector element (50', 50", 50"', . . . ). Each scan line includes plural pixels, or picture elements of the viewed scene, each having a value indicative of the thermal infrared brightness of the viewed scene at the corresponding location along the scan line. An scan-line sum for each scan line is created by adding the absolute values of the pixel values for each scan line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for sensing the temperature of bearings of vehicles traveling along a track, the apparatus including a linear-array infrared detector positioned adjacent to the track. The output from the linear-array infrared detector is scanned at a scanning rate that is regulated according to the vehicle's velocity, and this output is compared to predetermined thresholds to indicate excessive heat produced by the wheels and/or bearings.

Abstract: A low-cost portable handheld still-frame thermal camera for capture of calibrated digital thermographic infrared images having a lens assembly, a slideable linear array of uncooled 8-12 um thermal IR sensors, a slider actuation mechanism, and associated digital processing capability for calibrating, displaying, and storing images captured by the camera. The sensors are preferably thermoelectric sensors. The lens passes infrared radiation, the array is contained in an evacuated chamber, and operates at room temperature. The thermographic images may be displayed immediately or remotely or may be printed by conventional techniques.

Abstract: A system for producing a high quality scene image in a thermal imaging system by electronically compensating for variations in the imaging system imager focal length. The system includes optics (16, 18) for detecting a scene (14), a detector assembly (27) being responsive to energy from the detected scene; and an imager (25) for imaging the energy from the detected scene onto the detector assembly (27). The imager (25) includes a temperature sensor (25b) for sensing imager lens temperature. The detector assembly (27) outputs electric signals in response to the energy from the detected scene at a first clock sample rate. The system further includes a processor (84) for controlling the first clock sample rate of the detector assembly to maximize detected scene image quality through variation of the first clock sample rate to automatically compensate for imager lens focal length variation due to ambient temperature changes in the imager lens (25a) and due to inherent manufacturing tolerances.

Abstract: The present system provides a thermal imaging device including a detector array responsive to thermal infrared radiation. The detector array has a linearly-arrayed plurality of spaced-apart detector elements defining cooperatively a length dimension for the detector array. Each of the plurality of detector elements provides a corresponding individual electrical signal indicative of the thermal infrared radiation incident thereon. The detector elements vary from one another in the plurality of detector elements, and the thermal imaging device responsively provides a visible-light image replicating a viewed scene. The thermal imaging device includes a scanning device scanning the viewed scene across the plurality of detector elements in a direction generally perpendicular to the length dimension.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for holding a line of sight in a scanning imaging system wherein there is continuous relative movement between the field of view of the system and an image plane. A descan mechanism temporarily holds a line of sight within a field of regard as a scanning mechanism such as a gimbal continuously moves imaging optics relative to the object space. The descan mechanism descans the image, the descan mechanism's relative movement being opposite to the direction of movement of the gimbal, so as to hold a line of sight for a time period and thereafter snap to a new field of view to thereafter descan the new line of sight for another time period. With the present invention a scanning system can be used with an imaging device requiring time integration for greater sensitivity, such as a staring electronic detector array or photographic film, without necessitating the physical scanning motion to be cyclically stopped and restarted.

Abstract: An optical system is provided for a FLIR mounted in a cylindrical turret ch has five folding mirrors, two doubling as scanning mirrors, numerous lenses with aspherical surfaces and different refractive indices, and a rotatable head mirror. Some of the lenses and mirrors being mounted on remote controlled electrically powered focusing or scanning means.

Abstract: It is sought to obtain efficient detection and tracking capacity by a particular form of organization including a micro-scanning device common to all the detectors. In one embodiment, the disclosed device includes of a frame with a shape generated by revolution around an elevation axis. This frame bears afocal optical sets coupled respectively to optical focusing sets to project the light fluxes coming from the scenes observed and to form images on fixed detectors. Prisms, with a predetermined angle at the vertex and a predetermined orientation, are distributed in a circle on a rotational drum with an axis that is identical with the elevation axis so that, during the rotation of the drum, each prism intercepts the observation flux in the form of parallel beams and deflects it so as to prompt a virtual shift of the sensors of each detector corresponding to a micro-scanning step.

Abstract: A thermal imaging device (10) includes a detector (50) having a linearly-arrayed plurality of spaced apart detector elements (50') upon which portions of a viewed scene are sequentially scanned by a scanner (22) in order to capture image information from the scene. A display device (22, 62, 66) similarly includes a first linear array of plural spaced apart light emitting diodes (LEDs) (62') which provide light scanned by the same scanner (22) to a user of the thermal imaging device (10) to provide an image replicating the viewed scene. The LEDs (62') of the display (22, 62, 66) are configured so that sequential portions of the image are interlaced and partially overlapped by the scanner (22) to provide a flat visual field which is free of raster lines.

Abstract: A thermal imaging device (10) includes a light emitting diode (LED) display (62) providing an image replicating a viewed scene. The LED display (62) also includes an array of symbology LEDs (198) providing symbology superimposed on the image of the viewed scene. A video driver circuit (214) and a symbology driver circuit (202) are time-sequenced so that a reticle pattern or symbology provided by the symbology-LEDs (198) is superimposed at the desired location of the visible image provided by the scene-LEDs (62').

Abstract: A thermal imaging device (10) includes a rotational scanning mirror (32) scanning a viewed scene across a linear detector array (50) including plural spaced apart detector elements (50', 50", 50'", . . . ). The scanner includes an annular magnetic track (174) carried on the rotational scanning mirror (32), and a stationary reading head (178) responding to passage of magnetic domains (176) on the magnetic track (174) to commutate position of the rotational scanning mirror (32). The reading head (178) includes pairs of magneto-resistive elements (182) which are physically positioned relative to one another and are electrically connected so as to be simultaneously exposed to respective magnetic flux maxima and magnetic flux minima as the scanner mirror (32) rotates. As a result, domain-to-domain variations of flux intensity of the magnetic domains (176) on the magnetic track (174) are averaged out.

Abstract: A spectroradiometer images a scene as a repeating sequence of spectral images, each of which spectral images depicts the scene at a preselected wavelength. In a preferred embodiment, the image is of size 256 by 192 pixels, and the sequence repetition rate is about 20-30 cycles per second. Full spectral analysis on the resulting sequences is performed substantially in real time. The spectroradiometer includes a collector of energy in the X-ray or infrared ranges with a lens, a circularly variable spectral filter, and a gate which gates the output of the filter to a detector array which outputs the sequence of electronic spectral images. These images are corrected for systematic errors and calibrated, and correlated with a preselected spectral response function. The image may be further post-processed and displayed in video format or used otherwise.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for illuminating a distant object such as a vehicle license plate, and for reading optical information on the distant object. The apparatus is a self-contained, compact unit which includes a radiation source for illuminating a selected area of the object and a CCD camera for receiving radiation from the object and for producing an electrical signal representative of optical information on the object. The radiation source is coaxial with an imaging lens of the camera and includes arrays of LED's spaced around an optical axis passing through the imaging lens. The LED's emit radiation in the near infrared region and are strobed at a predetermined frequency during the acquisition of the information.

Abstract: A thermal imaging device (10) has single integrated circuit chip (86) to perform various analog signal processing (ASP) functions. The imaging device (10) has a detector array (50) including a plurality of detectors (50') each of which generate an electrical signal (78) indicative of the infrared flux incident thereon. These electrical signals (78) are processed and provided in the form of serial analog video signals (52) to the ASP chip (86). The ASP chip (86) includes circuitry (200) for correcting for the differing responsivity of serial manufactured detector arrays (50), circuitry (202) for correcting the gain of the serial analog signal (52) globally, and circuitry (206) for sensing the gain of a processing serial analog signal (90) which the ASP chip (86) provides to an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter (92) of the thermal imaging device (10).

Abstract: An array of pyroelectric type heat detecting elements of different which are integrally incorporated with an optical system and which are arranged one dimensionally in a plane orthogonal to the optical axis of the optical system, and the optical system and the array of pyroelectric type heat detecting elements are rotated integrally with each other; thereby it is possible to obtain a two dimensional thermal image with a relatively simple structure.

Abstract: A wide-angle infrared cloud imager that comprises a first and second mirrors driven by first and second stepping motors is disclosed. The first and second mirrors are rotated by the steps motors at axes orthogonal to each other. The first mirror directs reflected infrared radiation to the second mirror. Infrared radiation reflected from the second mirror is directed to an infrared radiation detector that outputs a signal directly proportional to the intensity of incident infrared radiation. The signal is provided to a computer for recording. The computer also provides the driving signal to drive the first and second motors.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for generating a large-field, high-resolution digital image of an object by sequentially generating multiple optical scenes representative of different portions of the object, and then sequentially directing each optical scene onto an optical detector to generate multiple sub-images of the different portions of the object. Each scene is induced using a separate X-ray sub-beam, each of which is generated by spatially filtering a portion of an incident X-ray field with a spatial filter moving in concert with the scene-directing device. Once generated, the sub-images are combined to form the large-field, high-resolution image.

Abstract: A hand-held probe system for imaging is described which includes a hand-held probe and a detector assembly connected by a fiber optic cable. The probe includes a hand-portable housing, a detector assembly within the housing and an IR sensor placed on the cold finger of the detector assembly. The probe can include an optical system at a known distance from the sensor and a spacing tube defining the distance between the body and the optical system. The spacing tube ensures that the body whose thermal image is being read is always at, or is very close to, the object plane of the probe. The spacing tube is typically formed of a material having minimal thermal deformation which can minimize stray IR radiation.

Abstract: A sight apparatus has a day-sight part, a night-sight part and a filter which quenches the visible light so that the night-sight part in the form of an IR sight can be used during the daytime as well. In order to improve use of the night-sight under daylight conditions the filter has characteristics which quench visible light having wavelengths outside the wavelengths of blue light and is arranged in the beam path for the incoming visible light.

Abstract: A picture detecting sensor unit has a passive sensor resolving a field of view into picture elements having different brightness. Picture processing means receive data from the picture detecting sensor. An additional active LADAR sensor having a laser emitting a laser beam and a scanning system for scanning an area of the field of view by this laser beam provides distance signals from the radiation reflected by an object in the field of view. The scanning of the field of view by the LADAR sensor is controlled by the picture processing means associated with the passive sensor such that the scanning effected by the LADAR sensor is limited to objects detected by the passive sensor in the field of view. A common imaging optical system is provided for the LADAR sensor and the passive sensor. A beam splitter separates the beams detected by the passive sensor and the returning beams of the LADAR sensor.

Abstract: A dual band IR scanning focal plane assembly includes two linear detector arrays in a close spaced configuration monolithically integrated on a common substrate. A medium wave IR staggered element linear array is formed on the front (111)B face of a (111) crystallographically oriented CdZnTe substrate in an MCT layer deposited by the molecular beam epitaxial (MBE) process. A long wave IR staggered element linear array is formed on the back (111)A face of the substrate in an MCT layer deposited by the liquid phase epitaxial (LPE) process. The sets of odd and even rows of the LWIR array on the back face are contiguous, while the sets of odd and even rows of the MWIR array on the front face are close-spaced, the spacing being just wide enough to allow a clear optical path to the underlying linear LWIR array. The arrangement provides simplified spectral separation of the simultaneously readout MWIR and LWIR images.

Abstract: A staring infrared microscope which includes optics for focusing a magnified image of an object onto a 2D array detector of IR sensitive elements, a processor for processing the information received from the 2D array detector, including controlling the integration time of the 2D array detector as a function of the magnification of the object to generate a thermal descriptive image of object, and a display for displaying the thermal descriptive image. Also disclosed is a scanning infrared microscope which includes optics for focusing a magnified image of an object onto a linear array detector of IR sensitive elements including a scanning mirror for scanning the object and a processor for processing the information received from the linear array detector to generate a thermal descriptive image of object. The scanning infrared microscope further includes an output display for displaying the thermal descriptive image.

Abstract: An improved modular FLIR system is provided that fits in the same space elopes that were provided for the Army's GEN I FLIR's. The resolution is more than doubled by using a narrow two dimensional array of Hg-Cd-Te detectors with pn junctions as a time-delay-integration line sensor, improved optics and analog-digital conversion with image enhancement.

Abstract: A thermal image detecting system includes a moving part having pyroelectric thermal detection element, a chopper for opening/closing a path of infrared rays and a chopper temperature detection element, a rotating section for rotating the moving part, a drive control section for driving the chopper and the rotating section, a band amplifier for amplifying a detection signal from the pyroelectric thermal detection element, a timing output section for outputting a signal synchronous with an opening/closing operation of the chopper, a peak detection section for successively holding the maximum value and the minimum value of a signal from the band amplifier, and an operational processing section for performing operational processing on a thermal image signal on the basis of a difference between the maximum value and the minimum value or a difference between a reference signal from the band amplifier in a closed state of the chopper and the maximum value, or the minimum value and the temperature of the chopper.

Abstract: Laser active imaging system allowing in particular to use a wide field by means of a detecting device including a linear array of N juxtaposed photodetector elements oriented along the direction of scanning and associated with a focusing lens. The receiver includes a circuitry receiving the N detected channels and is equipped with compensation circuits for the time shift exhibited by the video signals as a function of the distance so as to bring the illuminated objects back to their angular location for the display of the observed field. The processing circuits include circuits for measuring the amplitude and the Doppler shift and for identification of the distance through the rank of the detection channel.

Abstract: A GEN II FLIR kit having two assemblies mounted on a common platform, the rst comprising a dewar, integral cooler, and imaging optics with scanner folded into a compact unit and the second assembly comprising a set of afocal optics with wide and narrow fields of view.

Abstract: A system for making airborne surveys uses first and second surveys made at opposite points on the thermal cycle and collects hyper-spectral image data forming continuous bands in the visible, solar infrared and thermal infrared regions.

Abstract: An infrared thermography system is provided which includes an infrared camera in which raster scanning is accomplished in parallel using an oscillating mirror and scanned lines of the field of view are projected onto a detection matrix including m detectors oriented in the raster direction. The signal processor receives an analog signal output of the camera and provides sequential analog signals to a display unit which displays a representation of the field of view. The system includes digital enlargement circuitry which enables an enlarged view of a portion of the field of view which contains an object of particular interest to be viewed on the display unit. The enlargement circuit controls the raster scanner to scan at a slow scan rate by causing time successive scanned lines of the field of view to be projected on the detection matrix in overlapped relationship.

Abstract: Radiation detectors are mounted in an optic focal plane of an infrared radiation sensor system. The radiation detectors produce output signals indicating detected radiation. The output signals are sampled by a sample-and-hold circuit and passed to a 1-bit comparator. The comparator produces a 1-bit signal at a high voltage level for samples of the output signal that are greater than a reference voltage and at a low voltage level for samples of the output signal that are less than the reference voltage. In this manner, the comparator reduces the effects of any gamma spikes on the measurement of intensity of radiation. The 1-bit signal is less susceptible to effects of interference than analog signals in conventional systems and the 1-bit comparator produces this 1-bit signal without consuming a great deal of electrical power. A multiplexor carries such 1-bit signals from the focal plane to a processor over less wires than in conventional systems.

Abstract: An infrared line-scanning imager includes a scanner having an optical system, infrared linear photoconductive detector providing an analog image signal, cooler, and conversion electronics for converting the image signal from the detector to digital electrical and digitally-encoded optical formats, all on a moving scanning platform of the scanner. The digitally-encoded optical format of the image signal takes the form of an encoded light beam which is beamed off of the moving scanning platform to a receiver on the stationary portion of the scanner. From the scanner, the image signal is transmitted in the optical format over a fiber optic cable to a reformatting, processing, analysis, and display portion of the imager. This latter portion of the imager allows the image signal to be converted once again to digital electronic format for processing, pattern recognition, image enhancement, storage, delayed display and comparison, and display in near-real time if desired.

Abstract: In a microbolometer infrared radiation sensor, a detector material (VO.sub.2) having a high thermal coefficient of resistance to increase the sensitivity of the apparatus.

Abstract: A thermal imaging apparatus including a non-linear optomechanical scanner receiving radiation from a scene and directing it onto an image plane, the scanner defining a non-linear scan velocity in the image plane, a SPRITE detector disposed in the image plane including a first and second spaced contact and including apparatus for applying a bias voltage across the contacts in both directions thereby compensating for the non-linearity of the scanner and further taking into account the phase lag due to the detector and associated electronic circuitry and apparatus for filtering out the bias voltage from the output of the detector so that the output signal consists only of the signal due to photon flux.

Abstract: A scanning method and apparatus for providing a geometrically corrected large angle whiskbroom scan of a portion of the earth's surface using a linear array of radiation-sensitive detectors mounted in a low earth orbiting satellite contemplate: scanning a portion of the earth's surface with the array to define an irregularly-shaped swath on the surface which represents a field of view of the array, defining a regularly-shaped ground area of interest within the field of view of the array, dividing the area of interest into a number of pixel lines fewer in number than the number of detectors in the array and extending generally perpendicularly to the array, subdividing each pixel line into a plurality of pixels, each of which encompasses at least a portion of the field of view, selectively combining outputs from the detectors to provide a data signal representative of each pixel, and reconstructing a representation of the ground area of interest from the data signal.

Abstract: A light beam is emitted to a target point on a target, so that the reflected light beam from the target point forms an illumination spot on a array sensor. The array sensor comprises a plurality of light receiving elements. The receiving elements are divided into a plurality of repeating units consisting of the same number of the receiving elements. The receiving elements in each of the repeating units are assigned respectively to different indexes. The receiving elements having the same index are commonly coupled so as to provide a single output indicative of the same index when the reflected light beam hits any one of the receiving elements.

Abstract: In a microbolometer infrared radiation sensor, a detector material (VO.sub.2) having a high thermal coefficient of resistance to increase the sensitivity of the apparatus.