Abstract: An assembly (10) for sensing moisture (20) on the exterior surface (22) of a windshield (14) from a position spaced from the interior surface (18) of the windshield (14). The assembly (10) includes a focal plane detector (12) comprising a plurality of pixels (24) adapted for disposition in spaced relationship to the interior surface (18) of the sheet of glass (14), as on the backside of the rearview mirror. An imaging lens (16) is adapted for disposition between the focal plane detector (12) and the interior surface (18) of the sheet of glass (14) for directing light rays from moisture (20) on the exterior surface (22) of the sheet of glass (14) through the imaging lens (16) to produce a real image of the moisture (20) on said focal plane detector (12).

Abstract: Surface defects in a reflection scan of a print made with visible light are corrected by using a scan of the print made with infrared light. This correction of surface defects is performed by controlling the intensity of defect detail in the infrared record by multiplying that defect detail by a gain. The gain varies for each region of the image as a function of the brightness of the image in that region. The gain approaches unity for white areas of the image, drops toward zero for darker areas, and approaches a small negative number for black areas of the image. The gain-multiplied defect detail is then subtracted from the visible image to create the corrected image free of the surface defects.

Abstract: A novel three-dimensional infrared imager for study of the vascular network so as to cause blood vessels to be visualized for accurate subcutaneous puncture during insertion of a hypodermic needle. The invention uses the properties of near infrared light as it is absorbed and reflected by the human body, allowing the user to visualize the tissues a few millimeters in depth from the skin's surface. The use of infrared light permits the manipulation of the acquired information to a grade of sensed visualization, which is impossible to reach with visible light. The invention imitates the human three-dimensional perception by use of a stereoscopic infrared viewer, and is designed to be user friendly, allowing the health care professional to work in his usual manner. A double image is superimposed on the viewer and the user wears blue-red eyeglasses to create the three-dimensional image from the double image on the viewer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for classifying batches of wood chips or the like according to light reflection characteristics; provide optimal use of darker wood chips in pulp and paper processes. According to a preferred embodiment, light produced by a set of illumination sources is evenly directed onto superficial wood chips of an inspected batch portion transported on a conveyor while being inspected by a camera disposed over the conveyor. The superficial wood chips presenting light reflection characteristics being substantially representative of the wood chips of the inspected batch, reflected light is sensed by the camera to produce electrical signals representing rejection intensity values for the wood chips of the batch portion.

Abstract: A device for producing and detecting induced heat radiation, in which movable mirror components are moved into and out of a crossed beam path by a stepping motor so as to be isogonal in the beam path. The stepping motor is controlled in such a manner that when the mirror components enter and leave the beam path, they leave at maximum speed. In another embodiment, a mirror component is pushed into and out of the beam path at a fixed angle of deviation.