Abstract: A six-pole band-pass filter system and circuit configured for optimal permance in an associated infrared search and track (IRST) system which outputs data in an analog format is disclosed. The key to the successful operation of the filter is its matching to the impulse response of the associated IRST system. By adjusting certain components in the filter, it can operate as an optimal, linear, one-dimensional device to detect unresolved targets against a severely cloud-cluttered background.

Abstract: An infrared imaging system comprises an optical system for forming an image of a target on an infrared detection array and an automatic focusing mechanism, wherein an output image signal of the infrared detection array is processed in a filter to extract high frequency components therefrom, The automatic focusing mechanism controls the optical system such that the high frequency components in the image signal is enhanced, In order to detect the maximum enhancement of the high frequency components, the high frequency components for the present moment and those for a past moment are compared while driving the automatic focusing mechanism, Further, the infrared imaging system is equipped with a predictive focusing control system that detects a moving speed of the target and activates the automatic focusing mechanism in advance when the moving speed of the target is fast.

Abstract: This invention provides imaging apparatus in which an image is scanned over an array of sensing elements 2, the outputs of which form a plurality of channels. Signal processing means 6 adds a noise signal to at least some of the channels to more closely match the signal to noise ratio of the channels and reduce linear noise structures, to which the eyebrain is particularly sensitive, in the output signal 10 of the processing means.

Abstract: A conventional rate-stabilized IR seeker is fitted with an improvement that esults in a wider FOV as well as much-reduced image smear. The improvement comprises a circular optical wedge rotatably mounted in front of the optics assembly of the seeker sensor. The combination of the primary scan vector generated by the circulating sensor of the seeker and the secondary scan vector generated by the rotating wedge produces a scan pattern that has a wider total FOV than that of the sensor alone while at the same time providing occasional points of zero or near-zero spatial scan velocity. Such points allow collection of "snapshot" data with little or no image smear.

Abstract: A multichannel imaging spectrometer for airborne geological, geophysical and environmental surveys in a moving vehicle. An optical scanner employs a rotating polygon allowing reduced scan optics with increased data acquisition efficiency. Multiple spectrometers integrally registered allow channelization of the received signal to optimize noise performance in the range from ultraviolet through infrared. Output data is in a form for recording and real time display. A staring mode configuration provides enhanced sensitivity by using a two-dimensional detector array and adjustable mirror orientation. A scanning mode embodiment employs a two-dimensional detector array with time delay integration and three-dimensional storage of temporal spatial data and spectral wavelength and intensity. Thus, all channels are acquired simultaneously, resulting in perfect band-to-band registration with continuous spectral curves over the field of view.

Abstract: A real-time wavelength detection system having an infrared detector respove to focused input radiation indicative of a source image over a given frequency range. Diffraction means positioned on a detector surface window obtaining a diffraction pattern of the focused radiation. Output means provide an output of the image and diffraction pattern. The diffraction pattern is used for determining a discrete wavelength for the given frequency range of the source detected, without substantial impairment of system imagery.

Abstract: In a forward looking infrared (FLIR) sensor, a scanning mirror views an external scene, and the infrared energy from the scanning mirror is directed along an optical path to a solid state detector. In the optical path there is a three-position mirror which is driven by an actuator to three predetermined positions. The FLIR sensor also includes two thermal reference sources which are disposed on either side of the optical path and viewable by the three-position mirror. When in a neutral position the three-position mirror reflects the infrared energy from the external scene onto the detector. When the three-position mirror is moved away from the neutral position to two different predetermined positions, the three-position mirror views each of the thermal reference sources and reflects the thermal energy of the thermal reference sources onto the detector in order to provide two reference irradiance levels for the FLIR sensor.

Abstract: A scanning infrared sensor has a continuously rotating head to which is mounted an infrared telescope with a two-dimensional detector array. Blurring of the image output by the detector array is avoided by means of a fast steering mirror positioned on the head at the input of the telescope. The fast steering mirror is rotated in an opposite sense to the sensor head so that the array stares at a region of space for a sufficient time to allow the capture of an unblurred image from the detector array. The mirror then flies back to a starting position and then begins to rotate once more in an opposite sense to the sensor head so that the array stares at a further region of space, and so on.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for accurately determining settling data for the settling of erythrocyte cells from a plasma fluid in a test specimen of blood. The apparatus includes a settling tube, a sensing assembly movably mounted proximate the settling tube. Preferably an infrared emitter and detector are provided in the sensing assembly, and a control assembly is provided which senses data at a high rate and is responsive to the sensed data to sample or store the time at which sensed reflectivity exceeds a threshold level. When the threshold is reached, data is sampled and the tracking head is moved by a very small step. This process is repeated to enable tracking of the descent of the separation boundary between the erythrocyte cells and plasma fluid. The apparatus senses changes in reflectivity of the erythrocyte portion of the specimen below and up to the separation boundary.

Abstract: A thermal imaging device having both serial and parallel content is provided by a number of infra-red radiation detector strips supported side by side on an insulating substrate, each strip having a number of read-out regions. To allow connection from the side of the device to the innermost detector strips, conductors err end across outer strips. These conductors may extend over the strips and over insulating material therebetween. Alternatively the conductors may be in the form of conductive tracks embodied in a substrate of semiconductor material. The strips may be indented at the read-out regions to provide, with very close spacing, sufficient room for contact between the read-out regions and the conductive tracks. Preformed aluminium contact pads may be used between bridging links to the read-out regions and the conductive tracks the contact pads and preformed tracks being centered during preformation to ensure a good ohmic contact.

Abstract: A chip set containing an infrared detector array and two signal processors are located on the focal plane of an infrared detecting system. Included in the processors is time delay and integrate circuitry for improvement of the signal-to-noise ratio of the detector outputs before further processing, remote to the focal plane. The time delay and integrate circuitry is comprised of a number of bucket brigade devices which are situated to form a parallel-input serial shift register. Detector column input signals are decoded and the appropriate detector signal loaded into the correct port on the shift register, so that correlated signals are summed as they move through the register.

Abstract: Forward looking infra-red apparatus including an enclosure, a reflector riving infra-red energy from a field of view and a receiver, which receives the infra-red energy from the reflector and provides an output indication of an infra-red image of the field of view, wherein the receiver is hermetically sealed within the enclosure and the reflector is disposed outside of the enclosure and is foldably mounted with respect thereto so as to assume a first orientation when the apparatus is in operation and a second folded and more compact orientation than the first orientation when the apparatus is not in use.

Abstract: A method of processing IR signals from a repetitively scanned array of photovoltaic cells is shown to consist of the steps of: (a) subtracting IR signals received on successive scans to produce response signals corresponding only to IR signals from moving or scintillating objects; (b) generating inhibiting signals for IR signals from the edges of wind-driven clouds or from scintillating objects; and (c) inhibiting those response signals that are from the edges of moving clouds or scintillating objects.

Abstract: A thermal imaging device includes detector pixels A, B, C provided by a pyroelectric layer 1 arranged between electrode structures 3 and 4. A photoconductive layer 7 is provided between the electrode structure 5 and a further electrode structure 9. The device also includes an illumination source 11 for illuminating the photoconductive layer 7 for enabling pyroelectric charge developed by the detector pixels A, B, C to be optically addressed via the electrode structure 9. Optical addressing of the detector pixels obviates the need for solid state switching connections to each pixel, providing an imaging device readily capable of large scale fabrication.

Abstract: An imaging system including a scanning linear detector array is calibrated with the aid of a source of radiation to provide uniformity in gain among the various detectors of the array. A first memory is provided for storing a map of the source obtained by a scanning through a succession of parallel line scans by means of a single one of the detectors, the detector array being offset between the successive line scans to enable the single detector to perform all of the line scans. A second memory is provided to store an image of the source provided by a scanning by all of the detectors along their respective scan lines. The data obtained in each line scan in each of the memories is averaged. Then, the average value for a scan line stored in the second memory is divided by the average value of the same scan line appearing in the first memory to provide a ratio for each scan line. The ratio is the gain of the detector of the scan line relative to the gain of the first detector.

Abstract: Thermal imaging apparatus including a non-linear optomechanical scanner receiving light 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 and including first and second spaced contacts and apparatus for applying a bias voltage across said contacts, and apparatus for varying the bias voltage across the contacts as a function of the non-linear scan velocity, thereby to compensate for the non-linearity of the optomechanical scanner.

Abstract: An advance in-flight windshear detection system which utilizes a scanning mirror to direct infrared energy located in a three dimensional space in front of the aircraft which is divided into a plurality of variable columns, onto a linear array of photoconductive infrared detectors, the detector emitting a signal representative of the radiant energy at various points in said variable located columns, and a computer for generating a displayable representation of the air temperature in front of the aircraft, the computer further capable of interpolating and extrapolating the air temperatures in the three dimensional space based upon the known and or calculated lapse rate; and a display device for graphically displaying the air temperature in front of the aircraft and above the flight path vector so as to provide a more accurate indication of windshear which is less affected by the uncertainties arising from measuring air temperature in a typically more turbulent region along the flight path vector as the aircraf

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inspecting the bonding between a cell structure having a multiplicity of cells which are open at one end and bonded at an opposite end to a substrate are disclosed. The apparatus includes a heater and nozzle arrangement for directing a fluid, such as heated air, having a selected temperature, substantially different from ambient, into the open ends of the cell structure to cause a change in the temperature of the cell structure and radiance therefrom. A sensor is provided for sensing the temperature of the cell structure along the extent thereof or a detector may be provided for detecting the radiance along the cell structure.

Abstract: A totally integrated imaging system has a housing including imaging optics, a scanning mirror and a curved detector array. The imaging optics constitute a meniscus lens and a spherical focusing mirror. The scanning mirror scans the image, and the spherical mirror focuses the scanned image onto the detector array. The meniscus lens advantageously corrects aberrations. A detector support provides access, if desired, for cryogenic cooling of the detector, and individual cold shielding of the detector elements is made possible by the telecentricity of the optics. Processing electronics, at least a portion of which may also be disposed on the detector support, process the detector signals to display an image. The integrated structure advantageously eliminates any need for separate scanner, imager, and electronics modules and the scanning optical system obtains highly desirable image quality over a wide field of view.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for registering two images from different sensors including receiving a first and second image, detecting hot spots in the first and second images, respectively, pairing each of the hot spots in the first image with all the hot spots in the second image that are within a predetermined mapping distance to produce a mapping between the hot spots of the first and second images, refining the mapping produced by selecting one of the hot spots of the second image for each of the hot spots of the first image utilizing a least mean squares method, producing a registered image from the refined mapping, and outputting the registered image.

Abstract: An infrared observing system is provided such that, after an infrared-ray emitted from an optical/scanning system is converted into an infrared-ray image signal by an infrared detector, an unnecessary high frequency component of the infrared image signal is filtered by a lowpass filter to cut off a high frequency region noise and the output thereof is represented on a display unit. Before or after the lowpass filter, a highpass filter is provided that has a reverse frequency transfer characteristic to a first inclination attenuated frequency transfer characteristic.

Abstract: The invention utilizes a single, high-intensity, well-cooled light source and mounting the light source with associated optical components on a single base under a document transfer track in order to obtain better thermal isolation.

Abstract: A detection assembly is disclosed for an infrared monitoring system, comprising a strip of elementary infrared detectors for analyzing the background of a scene. The elementary detectors are image formation detectors having sensitive areas smaller than the optical spots produced by the hot objects to be detected. The assembly comprises circuitry adapted for grouping together the image formation detectors virtually into virtual monitoring detectors having sensitive areas adapted to said optical spot, the grouping together circuitry comprising circuitry for summation in elevation of p contiguous intermediate image formation detectors at the pitch of q detectors with overlapping of p-q intermediate detectors from one monitoring detector to the next and circuitry for summation in relative bearing of r image formation samples at the pitch of s samples with an overlap of r-s samples from one monitoring pixel to the next.

Abstract: A system for detecting a hot spot in an infra-red detected landscape and which co-operates with a landscape scan system for converging towards an infra-red detector circuit a main beam emanating seriatim from various regions of the landscape; the system being characterized in that it comprises: optical filter means for preparing from the main beam consecutively in time at least two secondary beams each representing a part of the main beam spectrum; and a signal comparison circuit having an input connected to the detector circuit and whose output is the output of the system and which serves to compare the detector circuit signals corresponding to the various received secondary beams.

Abstract: A self-check electronic system for infra-red observation includes a hood having a first port transparent to infra-red radiation and a second port which is reflected through infra-red radiation and the hood can be rotated so that the second port is perpendicular to an infra-red detector optical sighting line so that a self-checking operation determining whether the optical system is aligned may be performed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying individuals is characterized by the analysis of elemental shapes derived from biosensor data presented in n dimensions, particularly facial thermograms. A thermal image of the individual's face is generated in accordance with the thermal energy patterns thereof. The thermal image is converted to a digital representation comprising a matrix of pixels, the intensity of each pixel corresponding with the level of thermal energy of a corresponding portion of the image. The digital representation of the image is normalized for size and equalized to a standard histogram to produce an image containing elemental shapes comprising contours corresponding with unique structural features of the individual.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the rapid detection and location of a gas leak. A collimated beam of light is scanned across the component under test which has been pressurized with a tracer gas that strongly absorbs the light. When the light passes through the gas emerging from the source of the leak, the light energy absorbed by the gas produces an acoustic emission which is detected by a microphone. The resulting signal may be processed either as an alarm to notify the operator that a leak is present, or, it may be processed in coordination with the beam scanning mechanism to indicate exactly where the leak is located on the component.

Abstract: An infrared thermographic optical scanner is comprised of a first optomechanical device fitted with an entrance objective, at least a raster scan element, and a plane of infrared detectors on which the infrared radiation is focused in the form of lines. Further, there is provided a second optomechanical device made up of an orientable tilted periscope-head mirror and a derotator. The derotator is maintained clamped with respect to the head mirror coupling means for operation in the panoramic mode in a predetermined first angular position such that all lines scanned are parallel to each other, the raster scanning movement being obtained by maintaining the position of the raster element fixed, and by simultaneously causing the rotation of the head mirror, and at half-speed, causing the rotation of the derotator.

Abstract: In the method of the present invention for compensating scattered characteristics of infrared detector elements, a scene to be monitored is input through a focusing lens onto the infrared detector elements and the scene on the infrared detector elements is defocused or placed out of focus by adjusting the focusing lens. In addition, in the method a first signal level output from each detector element is then measured, the scene is focused, and a second signal level output from each detector element is compensated according to thus obtained measured signal having an average level. In the case where the scene is optically scanned on the linearly arranged detector elements, the first signal level may be averaged for a predetermined number of scans to obtain an average level of each detector element, and may be further averaged on a plurality of the scan directions slanted or rotated with respect to the scene.

Abstract: An optoelectronic viewing system for imaging a field of view on a monitor includes a telescope for generating an optical image of the field of view, a scanning device for electronically scanning the optical image and an electronic evaluation unit for processing the scanning signals and displaying the image on the monitor. In order to create a field of view which is large enough for surveillance with a long-range viewing system that has sufficient resolution, a mirror system for pivoting the direction of beam incidence in the vertical and horizontal direction is placed ahead of the telescope. The mirror system is driven for reproducibly and consecutively passing through a succession of fixed predetermined pivoted positions. The scanned image signals obtained from the individual pivoted positions are combined into a field of view.

Abstract: This invention relates to an image input method and a system therefor for raster-scanning an object which makes periodical movements and for obtaining thermal images thereof. The invention comprises the steps of taking in such periodical movements of the object as trigger signals for each revolution period, controlling the scanning speed of a raster scanning mechanism in accordance with the period of such trigger signals, reading arbitrary and different partial images for each of the raster scanning by the mechanism using the trigger signals as references when synchronization is fully established, and synthesizing imagers for one frame to display thermal images on a TV monitor screen.

Abstract: An optical imaging system includes an array of small aperture subtelescopes each with heterodyne detectors. The array detects the amplitude and phase of light waves emanating from a scene under observation before they are combined into an image. The beam combining and interfering functions are performed after detection by the use of novel electronic signal processsing. Large-aperture resolution is synthesized by electronically detecting and correcting phase errors without optical phase compensating components. Parallel processing and atmospheric turbulence compensation are achieved. The system images laser illuminated or naturally illuminated targets as well as stationary or moving targets. The heterodyne detectors can also achieve similar results when arranged in a pupil plane array located behind a single large aperture telescope.

Abstract: A totally integrated thermal imaging system has a dewar housing including imaging optics, a scanning mirror and a curved detector array. The imaging optics constitute a meniscus lens and a spherical focusing mirror. The scanning mirror scans the image, and the spherical mirror focuses the scanned image onto the detector array. The meniscus lens advantageously corrects aberrations. A detector support provides access for cryogenic cooling of the detector, and individual cold shielding of the detector elements is made possible by the telecentricity of the optics. Processing electronics, at least a portion of which may also be disposed on the detector support, process the detector signals to display an image. The integrated structure advantageously eliminates any need for separate scanner, imager, detector dewar and electronics modules.

Abstract: A solid state laser visible light source (26) passes light through a scanning mechanism (22) otherwise used to convey radiation from a target (12) to a detector (28) of a scanning radiation sensor (10) to mark with light a line (16) which is continuous when the sensor (10) is operating in a continuous mode, but when the sensor is operated in a spot mode in which a plurality of spots along a scan line are to be individually measured, a control (30) causes the light source to turn on and off at the correct times in the scan cycle to cause the light source (26) to mark the plural spots on the scan line (16). A CCD camera (40) with an automatic gain control circuit (46) is used in conjunction with a band pass light filter (36) to substantially enhance viewability of the image of the light markings (16) on the target (12) on a display (44).

Abstract: Pictorial data from a thermal imager is applied on a line to a RAM at which a histogram representing the numerical distribution of pixel values is produced. This is applied to a microprocessor which uses the histogram to produce a transform to control the gain and offset of the data output of the processor. The microprocessor sets a look-up table to apply the transform to the received data, the output of the table being converted to analogue form at an analogue-to-digital converter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cold shielding arrangement for use with either an individual staggered element linear IR array or a staggered arrangement of a plurality of such arrays. The cold shielding arrangement consists of a slitted plate spaced from the arrays, each slit being arranged to restrict the field of view of the pixels in both columns of one array in the scanning direction, and a pair of interdigitated pixel level cold shields set on the surface of each array to restrict the field of view of the pixels in the resolution direction.

Abstract: An infrared imaging system including a fixed magnification telescope, a two-axis variable angle scanner, a plurality of differently-sized infrared detectors positioned in the focal plane of the scanner, a selector to choose an output signal provided by one of the detectors, and a raster scan display. A single detector is associated with a particular desired field of view, with the size of the detector chosen to provide the desired resolution. To decrease the field of view encompassed by the imaging system, and thereby magnify the scene presented on the display, a smaller scan angle and a smaller detector are simultaneously selected. A gain and bandwidth normalization circuit is optionally used to normalize the electrical signals output by the various detectors. This arrangement allows reducing the field of view with a simultaneous change in the instantaneous field of view, so that resolution of a picture in the display accordingly increases.

Abstract: An infrared monitoring system includes a histogram calculation circuit which detects an alarm area having a plurality of pixels more than a threshold number of pixels and having a temperature higher than a threshold temperature and which generates a first alarm signal when detecting the alarm area. The infrared monitoring system also includes a shape recognition circuit which determines whether or not a shape of the temperature change area corresponds to a predetermined shape and which generates a second alarm signal when determining that the shape of the temperature change area corresponds to the predetermined shape. An alarm device included in the infrared monitoring system generates an alarm such as a siren when both the first and second alarm signals are generated.

Abstract: A method of eliminating additional absorption caused by water vapor in detecting gases wherein absorption of infrared light is used to determine measured abosrption signals and interference absorption signals. The method of eliminating water vapor absorption comprises the steps of emitting infrared light from a light source into an optical cell, and admitting sample gas into the optical cell. The infrared light is passed through the optical cell to a chopper wheel which positions at least two band pass filters and the filtered light emitted from the band pass filters is detected by an infrared radiation detector. The interference caused by water vapor absorption at a measurement channel is subtracted and thus, a true measurement channel which is free of any interference caused by water vapor absorption is produced. The true measurement channel is used to positvely and accurately identify the gas. The method of this invention may also be used to eliminate interference around more than one measurement channel.

Abstract: A line scanning apparatus includes a cylindrical housing which holds a spin mirror, a detector array, a multiplexer assembly, an analog-to-digital converter, a shaft encoder, digital processing apparatus and memory storage devices. Inertial navigation system (INS) reference information, including velocity-to-height ratio data is provided. The line scanning apparatus further includes optics for focusing radiation which is reflected into the optics by the spin mirror which is inclined at about a 45.degree. angle to the optical axis. The detector array comprises a plurality of radiation detector cells which provide a plurality of synchronously sampled signals representative of the amount of radiation impinging on the detector array at any given time. The spin mirror is attached to a spin mirror motor which is further attached to the shaft encoder.

Abstract: A chopper, in an infrared imaging system, is used to scatter infrared radiation from a viewed scene. This scattered radiation is detected with an infrared detector and used to produce a reference signal, which represents the uniform average radiance of the scene. This reference signal may be substracted from a signal representing the unscattered radiation emitted by the scene, to produce a signal that represents only radiance differences and that is an optimal signal for amplification.

Abstract: An improved millimeter imaging system is disclosed which generates high quality images from the field of view. Such system can be employed in a variety of application ranging from providing an aircraft pilot with an image of the landing field in fog, rain, snow, blowing sand, etc. to detection of concealed non-metallic contraband. The system elements, in which different elements detect signals from different portions of the field of view, so that images of the entire field of view are generated in real time, without using electrical or mechanical scanning. The outputs of the array elements are mapped to display pixels. The resolution of such images has previously been limited by the response characteristics of array elements to energy from only a portion of the corresponding field of view. One aspect of the invention is a significant improvement in image resolution.

Abstract: A heat imaging camera (3) for sensing convective conditions in boundary layer flows occurring on wind tunnel models (2), particularly at cryogenic temperatures, scans the model from the outside, thereby detecting the temperature distribution on the model surface. Detectors (9) that are sensitive to the long-wave infrared spectrum range are part of the camera and convert the heat information into electrical signals. The temperature distribution is displayed pictorially and graphically with the help of an evaluation unit (50). The detectors (9) are grouped in a detector mosaic (10) in the camera (3).

Abstract: A clutter rejection filter for use in detecting moving targets which may be employed in a passive optical acquisition system. The filter comprises a plurality of detector elements which view an image scene. A plurality of transversal filters are individually coupled to the plurality of detector elements. Each of the transversal filters amplitude weight signals provided by the respective detector elements as a function of time, with each of the transversal filters having a predetermined impulse response. Summing circuitry is coupled to each of the transversal filters for combining the output signals provided thereby into a single output signal for the filter. The filter provides output signals which are maximized for objects traveling at a first velocity and minimized for objects traveling at a second velocity.

Abstract: An infrared scene projector has a cathode ray tube with a display screen coated with a luminescent phosphor material that produces radiation in the infrared spectrum when excited by the electron beam. The desired screen images are generated electronically, the screen is scanned by the cathode ray beam, and the intensity of the beam is modulated by the signal from the image generator.

Abstract: An infrared thermometer has a field of view selected so that the temperature of the crop growing in a field is accurately measured. The infrared thermometer may be mounted on a support pole in a field to substantially continuously monitor the foliage temperature of the growing crop. In one preferred embodiment, the infrared thermometer comprises and instrument housing structure provided with an infrared telescope mounted on a turntable that scans through an angle of the field, while an electronic circuit simultaneously integrates the output of the infrared telescope. The angle to be scanned is selected by the user in accordance with his needs. In another embodiment, the infrared thermometer comprises a novel sensor head block including an aperture which provides a wide, elongated oval field of view for an infrared sensor provided therein. In both embodiments, the elongated oval field of view has a width that is at least four times its height.

Abstract: A dither scanned IR imaging system is disclosed for achieving panoramic coverage. For complete 360.degree. azimuth coverate, the field of view is divided into eight sectors, each imaged by a separate objective lens upon a loose packed 2D photodetector array. The photodetectors are tight packed in the array columns while the columns are loose packed, being on centers spaced by integral numbers of photodetector dimensions (i.e., pixels). The image is dithered the distance between columns over the array by a pair of counter rotating IR refractive discs of wedge shaped cross section. A full-frame partial-sample of the image is taken each time the image advances one pixel until the image has been fully sampled. Tight packed arrays may also be employed if additional means are provided to partially sample the image. In achieving 360.degree.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for providing separate simultaneous real time images from a single image sensor. The invention 10 is adapted for use with an image sensor 12 which provides a first set of electrical signals in response to electromagnetic energy received thereby from a scene and includes a processor 16 for processing the first set of electrical signals to provide a second set of electrical signals and at least one display 14 for providing first and second separate simultaneous real time images in response to the first and second sets of electrical signals respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the processor 16 includes circuitry for increasing the sampling rate of the image sensor 12 and a deconvolver 30 for processing the highly sampled signals to generate a second set of electrical signals which, when displayed contemporaneously with said first electrical signals, provide an enhanced magnified portion of the sensed scene.

Abstract: An imaging radiometer for scanning an area of interest from a platform moving in an orbital trajectory comprises at least one moving scanning mirror directed toward the area of interest. The mirror produces a changing scan area image representing a portion of the area of interest within the scan area of the mirror. A fixed optical viewer is mounted on the platform for viewing the scan area image and directing the image along its optical path. A detector in the optical path receives the changing scan area image over a selected time interval and periodically produces an electrical output, each output representing a different scan area image of the mirror over each time interval. In one embodiment the detector has a plurality of areas of different spectral response. Image motion compensation, electronically controlled light intensity gain and electronically controlled image size correction are incorporated in the apparatus.

Abstract: An IR sensing system wherein the focal area is located outside the casing at holds a detector array and a bundle of optical fibres leads from the focal area to the detector array in the array such that the inner, emitting end of each fibre of the bundle is in proximate relationship with only one single detector.