Abstract: A system includes a micro-optic array of pixel elements positioned to receive radiation from a flame. A mid-wave infrared (MWIR) detector is positioned to receive mid-wave infrared radiation from the micro-optic array. A filter is provided to pass mid-wave infrared radiation to the MWIR detector. A controller is provided to sequentially select different sets of pixel elements of the micro-optic array to provide mid-wave infrared radiation to the MWIR detector representative of the flame.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a passive range finding proximity detector include a sensor element configured to detect infrared radiation emitted by objects within a detection area. The sensor is configured to detect the temperature, relative size, relative distance, speed or direction of movement of an object from the sensor. The sensor is configured to set parameters for a controlled object based upon the detected size, temperature and/or proximity, speed or direction of an object in relation to one or more size thresholds, temperature thresholds, and/or proximity, speed or direction thresholds.

Abstract: A dispersive infrared spectrometer in which only a minimum number of optical components, for example, the detector sub-system only, are housed within a cold/cryogenic dewar and the remaining optical components are at ambient temperature during operation of the spectrometer. In one example, the spectrometer includes a slit substrate with a highly reflective surface, and the optical components of the spectrometer are configured and arranged such that for all in-band wavelengths, substantially all off-slit optical paths in the detector field of view are retro-reflected off the reflective surface of the slit substrate into the cryogenic dewar.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for using a portable near (infrared light emitting diode) IR LED light source and photogrammetry for boresight harmonization of aircraft and ground vehicle components. In one embodiment, orientation and positional parameters of two or more fixed points and distances between the two or more fixed points are measured using the portable near IR LED light source with a photogrammetric system. The two or more fixed points are reference points within the aircraft or the land vehicle. Further, the measured orientation and positional parameters of the two or more fixed points and the distances between the two or more fixed points on the aircraft or the land vehicle are compared with specified design parameters of the component in the aircraft or the land vehicle. Furthermore, the component in the aircraft or the land vehicle is harmonized based on an outcome of the comparison.

Abstract: A system and method of performing acoustic thermography in which invalid data is filtered from data used to detect defects on a structure. An ultrasonic sound input signal is provided to a structure to produce a thermal image output. A sensor senses an input energy corresponding to the sound input signal and produces an input energy signal. The input energy signal is transformed to a test spectrum and is compared to a reference spectrum. The comparison of the test spectrum to the reference spectrum is used to determine whether to include the thermal image output in an analysis for detecting defects in the structure.

Abstract: An optical tracking system can include at least one scanning detector having a scanning mirror and one or more fixed photo-detectors located near the scanning mirror. The scanning mirror can be configured to deflect a light beam from a source towards a retroreflective target and the photodetectors are configured to collect a portion of the light beam that is retroreflected from the target. A scanning optical detector apparatus may optionally comprise a substrate, a scanning mirror having at least one portion monolithically integrated into the substrate, and one or more photodetectors monolithically incorporated into the substrate. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the claims' scope or meaning.

Abstract: Onboard systems and methods for early detection that an aircraft has flown into a volcanic ash plume embedded within a water vapor cloud having a concentration of a volcanic ash which would be dangerous to an aircraft. The detection method generally comprises the steps of measuring the infrared emission characteristics of a jet engine exhaust and generating a detection signal when the intensity of infrared emissions at or near a spectral peak wavelength exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: A method and system for detection and identification of concealed materials, is provided, wherein a dark image and two or more NIR sample images are taken at two or more key wavelengths or bands of wavelengths corresponding to peaks and/or valleys in the NIR spectra of known materials, and differential wavelength imaging processes are used to produce a differential wavelength image based on therein. The differential wavelength image is then analyzed/processed so as to detect any materials concealed on the target of interest, such as a human or piece of baggage, by calculation of pixel intensity values in the image and identification of distinctive pixel values. Then, via various methods, the distinctive pixel values of the detected materials are compared to a data set of known wavelengths related to known materials, such as explosives and other contraband. Correspondence thereof results in an accurate identification of the concealed material(s).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a human body sensing apparatus with improved accuracy, in which whether a moving direction of a human body is a ‘determinate entry or exit’ or an ‘indeterminate entry or exit’ is determined by analyzing a sensing signal outputted from each of sensor units, and room occupancy states are classified into a ‘ZERO’ state, a ‘CHECK’ state, a ‘WAIT’ state, an ‘AOL’ state and an ‘IOL’ state depending on a determined result. Even a variety of unexpected behaviors that a human can perform in a sensing area of the sensor units can be detected, and thus correctness and correction rate are superior in calculating the number of people staying in a room.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for testing the boresight of a gimbaled camera and laser system, such as an infrared countermeasures (IRCM) system, in extreme environments. Light simulating a target is reflected through an optics system to the camera, with a portion of the light reflected back from a corner cube reflector through the optics system as a reference. A laser beam from the laser is received through the same optics system, and a position of the corner cube reflected reference and laser beam are compared in order to determine whether the camera and laser are properly aligned. A spherical shell adapted to position the camera at its geometric center keeps misaligned laser pulses from reflecting back into the camera.

Abstract: A device for counting and determining the direction of passage of living beings. A first cell delivers an electrical signal representing the passage of a living being. A second pryoelectric cell delivers a second electrical signal. A processing unit analyzes the signals and determines the number of living beings moving past and their direction of movement.

Abstract: An IR camera includes a thermal radiation capturing arrangement for capturing thermal radiation of an imaged view in response to input control unit(s) receiving user inputs from a user of the IR camera; a processing unit arranged to process the thermal radiation data in order for the thermal radiation data to be displayed by an IR camera display as thermal images; and an IR camera display arranged to display thermal images to a user of the IR camera. The processing unit is further arranged to determine at least one temperature reference value representing the temperature of the surrounding environment of the imaged view; and calculate at least one output power value indicative of an amount of energy dissipated in a part of the imaged view by using the temperature value of the thermal radiation data corresponding to said part of the imaged view and the at least one determined temperature reference value.

Abstract: An intrusion detector comprising a passive sensor for detecting a person entering a space to be monitored, said intrusion detector comprising a housing provided with a window for said passive sensor, optical means for directing electromagnetic radiation from said person onto the passive sensor, alarm means connected to said passive sensor for generating an alarm in case the electromagnetic radiation from said person being detected by the passive sensor corresponds to a signal value that exceeds a maximum level or falls below a minimum level, a special feature being the fact that the optical means are provided with a mirror curved in two directions for forming at least one protective curtain extending in a vertical plane in the space to be monitored, wherein the passive sensor is disposed on the optical axis at the focus of the mirror, and wherein the mirror directs a beam of electromagnetic radiation from the person, rotated through at least 45°, preferably through at least substantially 90°, onto the passive

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air conditioner, including a temperature detection unit configured to detect an indoor temperature, a human body detection unit configured to rotatably operate and detect a person within an indoor area, a position determination unit configured to determine a position of the person based on data detected by the human body detection unit, and a control unit configured to perform an automatic operation for controlling a current of air according to the position of the person, determined by the position determination unit, if the indoor temperature reaches a first reference temperature according to an entry of an automatic operation mode and to perform a preparation operation for executing the automatic operation if the indoor temperature does not reach the first reference temperature, in the case where the automatic operation mode has been set.

Abstract: Flame detectors and methods of detecting flames are described herein. One device includes an optical element configured to process mid wave infra-red light and long wave infra-red light emitted from an area, and a bolometer configured to detect a flame in the area based on the mid wave infra-red light and long wave infra-red light processed by the optical element.

Abstract: An integral battery, light and light switch assembly can be removably fitted within a light-transmitting pocket on an article of clothing, such as a glove. Alternatively, the assembly can be mounted to virtually any surface with an adhesive or hook and loop fastener. In one application, the assembly can be attached to fishing tackle to attract fish. The assembly is particularly useful for nighttime use by those in the vicinity of traffic, including police, fire and ambulance workers as well as runners and cyclists. The assembly can also be used to mark a trail or identify a location in the dark. Infrared lighting can be used for tactical operations.

Abstract: A motion detector and a method for detecting a tampering of the motion detector. The tampering can include a spraying or brushing of a lens of the motion detector. The motion detector comprises a lens, a single sensing section for detecting infrared signals within a protected area, and detecting vibrations on the lens in the form of acoustic signals, the vibrations and the infrared signal causing a voltage change in the single sensing section, a first and second amplifier for amplifying the voltage change for processing for tampering and motion, respectively, first and second filter for filtering the voltage change for processing for tampering and motion, respectively, a microcontroller for determining if the detected voltage change is consistent with a pattern that is indicative of tampering or motion and alarm generating section for generating a tamper alarm or a motion alarm based upon the determination by the microprocessor.

Abstract: A device can be made operable to distinguish between materials impinging on a predefined area based at least in part on differentials within sets of data indicative of measurable characteristics of the materials impinging on the defined area. Such a device can trigger a protection mechanism based at least in part on identification of such differentials.

Abstract: A system for testing an IR proximity sensor has an infrared reflector that receives radiation transmitted from the proximity sensor under test. An electronically modulated IR-transmissive device is positioned between the sensor and the reflector. A tester is coupled to control the IR-transmissive device for testing the sensor. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: An apparatus for enabling and disabling a lookdown zone mask in an intrusion detector unit. The unit may include a passive infrared motion detector, a lens assembly, and a mask or cover which selectively enables and disables a lookdown zone associated with the detector. The lens assembly provides a lens proximate the detector. The lens provides the lookdown zone. When the mask substantially covers the lens, the lookdown zone is disabled because the path of radiant energy to the detector is blocked and prevents the detector from detecting any motion in the lookdown zone. When the mask does not cover the lens, the lookdown zone is enabled because the lens permits the path of radiant energy to the detector through the lens and allows the detector to detect any motion in the lookdown zone.

Abstract: A method and system for increasing the detection, location, identification or classification of objects hidden on the surface or buried below the surface of the ground is disclosed. The method acquires image data in separate IR and/or visible spectral regions simultaneously and converts the data into intensity value arrays for each spectral region. These intensity value arrays are transformed into two-dimensional discrete wavelet transform arrays for each spectral region. The background clutter from the two-dimensional discrete wavelet transform arrays is removed; forming clutter reduced two-dimensional discrete wavelet transform arrays. The inverse two-dimensional discrete wavelet transform is performed on the clutter reduced two-dimensional discrete wavelet transform arrays to form clutter removed intensity value arrays. These arrays are subtracted in a pair-wise mariner to obtain chemical-specific spectral signatures.

Abstract: A passive infra-red detector including at least three sub-detectors, each sub-detector being operative to receive infra-red radiation from a corresponding one of at least three sub fields-of-view, each sub field-of-view being exclusively defined by an optical element which does not define any other sub field of view, the sub fields-of-view being angled with respect to each other, adjacent ones of the sub fields-of-view being separated by a gap of no more than 30 degrees and at least one of the sub fields-of-view having at least one of the following characteristics: extending over no more then 45 degrees in azimuth; and including not more than three azimuthally distributed detection zones, and signal processing circuitry, operative to receive output signals from the sub detectors and to provide a motion detection output.

Abstract: A device can be made operable to distinguish between materials impinging on a predefined area based at least in part on differentials within sets of data indicative of measurable characteristics of the materials impinging on the defined area. Such a device can trigger a protection mechanism based at least in part on identification of such differentials.

Abstract: Provided are a multi-frequency millimeter-wave very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) receiving system and a method of designing a quasi optical circuit for the multi-frequency millimeter-wave VLBI receiving system. The multi-frequency millimeter-wave VLBI receiving system includes a plurality of low pass filters, offset ellipsoidal mirrors, and flat mirrors for dividing a cosmic radio wave signal incident through the troposphere. A beam propagated from a celestial point is introduced into a receiver room via a 45-degree flat mirror and is divided into a plurality of beams by using a plurality of low pass filters having different bandwidths and mirrors, and the divided beams are transmitted to corresponding quasi-optical receivers having different bandwidths via a plurality of mirrors. Therefore, radio astronomic observations can be simultaneously performed in 22 GHz, 43 GHz, 86 GHz, and 129 GHz bands, and phase variations of electromagnetic waves in the bands can be compensated for.

Abstract: Imaging systems and methods are provided. In one embodiment, an image system is disclosed that comprises a Raman gain medium configured to receive an image from a target area and a tunable laser configured to pump light into the Raman gain medium over a plurality of first wavelengths to induce amplification of the image over a plurality of second wavelengths strokes shifted from the plurality of first wavelengths. The image system further comprises an image detector system that receives and processes the amplified image over the plurality of second wavelengths.

Abstract: Disclosed is a detection process performed in the detector, which is switchable between an active detection mode, where the detector actively monitors the surrounding area, and a passive detection mode. The data obtained by operation in the active detection mode for the first time are temporarily stored to serve as an initial environmental parameter. Subsequently, the detector operates primarily in the passive detection mode to determine whether or not a downstream device is to be activated, while switching intermittently from the passive detection mode to the active detection mode to thereby determine the activation or deactivation of the downstream device based on the result of comparing the detected value with the initial environmental parameter.

Abstract: Thermographic imaging equipment is incorporated directly into cabinets housing electrical switchgear to provide for dedicated, nearly continuous monitoring of the contained equipment. A mechanical scanning technique may allow low-cost sensors to provide essentially continuous thermographic monitoring. Dedicated thermal imaging equipment allows automatic analysis through predefined temperature threshold maps.

Abstract: A detection field selectable motion sensor that includes a modulator having a output with a shaped response to received radiation emissions forming a detection field and a sensor configured to detect the output from the modulator. The motion sensor can be configured with a set of lenses that can be aligned with the sensor. Further, the motion sensor can be an active sensor that transmits electromagnetic radiation which is detected after reflection from a detection field. Infrared radiation is the preferred source of received and transmitted radiation but microwave or visible light can be used. For an active motion detection either coherent or incoherent radiation can be used. The motion sensor includes a means for mounting and a hinge or swivel for orientating the sensor.

Abstract: An optical locating and tracking system may have two or more optical scanners, one or more optical detectors responsive to radiation from one or more optical sources, and a controller coupled to the detector(s) and the scanner(s). Each scanner has a reflector mounted to a two-dimensional actuator that tilts the reflector about first and second axes. The controller determines whether a given reflector of a given scanner is aligned to provide an optical path between the optical source(s) and the detector(s) from one or more detection signals from the one or more optical detectors. The optical path originates, terminates or is deflected at the object. The controller also determines the object's position in three dimensions from control signals to the two-dimensional actuators of the scanners obtained the reflectors are aligned to provide the optical path. The control signals determine a tilt of each reflector about its first and second axes.

Abstract: A method of sensing motion in a predetermined area is provided. The method may include using a digital output motion sensor to produce a digital output signal indicative of the presence of motion in the predetermined area. The method may further include transmitting the digital output signal along a signal path independent of analog amplification and filtering. The method may also include using a microprocessor coupled to the signal path to receive the digital output signal and to process the digital output signal.

Abstract: A detection field selectable motion sensor that includes a modulator having a output with a shaped response to received radiation emissions forming a detection field and a sensor configured to detect the output from the modulator. The motion sensor can be configured with a set of lenses that can be aligned with the sensor. Further, the motion sensor can be an active sensor that transmits electromagnetic radiation which is detected after reflection from a detection field. Infrared radiation is the preferred source of received and transmitted radiation but microwave or visible light can be used. For an active motion detection either coherent or incoherent radiation can be used. The motion sensor includes a means for mounting and a hinge or swivel for orientating the sensor.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting and thwarting the use of unauthorized imaging systems at theatrical performances. A method includes determining, using a computing device and stored emission signatures of a plurality of different imaging devices, whether an emission is indicative of a presence of an imaging device that has transmitted a content signal and in response to determining that the emission is indicative of the presence of the imaging device that has transmitted the content signal, and initiating, using the computing device, transmission of a thwarting signal from a signal generator to thwart the imaging device.

Abstract: An infrared sensing assembly for allowing detection of a location of an external object, as well as a mobile device employing such an assembly and related methods of operation, among other things, are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, the sensing assembly includes a pyramid-type housing structure having a central surface and multiple outer surfaces each of which extends in an inclined manner away from the central surface. The sensing assembly further includes multiple phototransmitters each positioned proximate to a respective one of the outer surfaces, and a photoreceiver positioned proximate to the central surface, with each respective photoelectric device being oriented so as to correspond to its respective surface. The sensing assembly is operated so that light is emitted from the phototransmitters, reflected by the object, and received by the photoreceiver. By processing signals from the photoreceiver that are indicative of the received light, the external object's location is determined.

Abstract: An occupancy sensor having a replaceable cover with a convenient adjustment and installation scheme is disclosed herein. More particularly, a single or multi-technology occupancy sensor, assembled inside a semi-spherical shaped enclosure includes a replaceable cover with a convenient adjustment and installation scheme. This sensor design enables the sensor to be rotated after installation to obtain a desired coverage patterns. Specifically, the housing for the occupancy sensor includes a front cover having a lens assembly, a base assembly, a harmonic wheel, and a back cover. The front cover couples to the base assembly such that tool-less, manual access is available through the manually removable cover assembly to adjust several features of the sensor. The harmonic wheel enables the front cover, which includes the lens to swivel from zero to 359 degrees relative to the back cover anytime after installation.

Abstract: A passive infrared sensor has two detection members established by respective detectors and optical elements, with alternating spatial volumes being monitored by each detection member. No dead space need exist between volumes. The detection members are configured such that a moving object causes the members to output different frequencies, whereas a non-moving stimulus produces the same frequency from both detection members.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and system for tracking multiple infrared signal coordinates. The method for tracking multiple infrared signal coordinates includes: sequentially operating a plurality of infrared generators; photographing the infrared generators; calculating frequency photographed by each infrared generators; and when the calculated frequency at the time of calculating does not meet the reference value, delaying, by a delay time, the flickering of the infrared generator where the frequency does not meet the reference value.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting the presence of concealed objects.

Abstract: A method and device are revealed to non-invasively identify hidden foreign objects in proximity of living tissue. More specifically to a method and device find a foreign object hidden under the clothes of a person by measuring an anomaly in an infrared radiation signal emitted by the human subject; the anomaly caused by the presence of the foreign object. A spectral scan at the identified location is used to identify the object. Even when the object is hidden behind clothes, the object is positively identified based on the interaction of optical radiation naturally emitted by the human body in the infrared frequency spectrum with every component of the examined object.

Abstract: A device can be made operable to distinguish between materials impinging on a predefined area based at least in part on differentials within sets of data indicative of measurable characteristics of the materials impinging on the defined area. Such a device can trigger a protection mechanism based at least in part on identification of such differentials.

Abstract: A device to detect a heat source, which can detect position of a heat source faster and more efficiently using a sensor capable of detecting a heat source, a home appliance having such a detecting device and a method of detecting a heat source are disclosed. The heat source detecting method includes performing a first mode to scan an overall area to be searched, performing a second mode to scan at least one specific region included in the area to be searched, and detecting a heat source in the area to be searched by selectively controlling a sensor the first mode and the second mode. Accordingly, a period of renewing position information of a heat source is shortened, and unnecessary detecting operation is eliminated. As a result, the heat source detecting device can more efficiently detect a heat source, using a sensor having limited performance.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with automatically optimizing cyclic integration are described. One method embodiment includes repetitively acquiring a thermal intensity data using an infrared detector configured to operate for an integration time. The method embodiment may also include extracting a useable data from the intensity data and then updating a rolling composite image with the useable data. The method may also include selectively automatically updating the integration time based on whether the thermal intensity data included a value that fell outside the pre-determined range.

Abstract: A sensor mounting mechanism that includes a base member adapted to be mounted to a structure and a base neck having a first end and a second end where the first end is adapted to be coupled to a sensor with a ball-socket coupling and the second end is coupled to the base member with a rotating coupling. The mounting mechanism provides fine and coarse adjustment means for adjusting the scanning area of the sensor such as an PIR occupancy sensor without the use of a tool. The sensor includes a detachable lens holder for easy replacement of the lens.

Abstract: A positional measurement system includes an electromagnetic wave source which emits an electromagnetic wave, a lens system which has a first lens surface, an electromagnetic wave shield section provided around a center axis of the first lens surface, and a second lens surface, and causes the electromagnetic wave having entered by way of the first lens surface exclusive of the electromagnetic wave shield section to exit from the second lens surface, to form an electromagnetic wave concentrated area at a position opposite the electromagnetic wave source, a receiving device which detects the electromagnetic wave concentrated area formed by the lens system, and a computing device which measures a position of the electromagnetic wave source based on information detected by the receiving device on the electromagnetic wave concentrated area.

Abstract: An orientation sensor for use with an image sensor is provided, which includes at least two polarizers with different orientations and associated photodetectors and a signal processing unit. The orientation sensor can be incorporated in a digital camera. When the camera is exposed to daylight, which is polarized, the relative outputs from the differently oriented polarizers can be compared to record the orientation of the camera. This orientation can be stored with the image data so that a user does not have to manually change the orientation of an image on an image display device.

Abstract: Two sensor units are mounted on opposite sides of a transom of a boat and directed to a common location behind the boat. The field of view of the two sensors overlaps behind the marine propulsion unit of the boat to detect the presence of a heat emitting object, such as a mammal. Housing structures contain infrared sensing elements, lenses, and light shields. Signals from four infrared sensing elements are received by a controller which reacts, with an alarm signal, when at least two of the four sensors detect a heat emitting object within their individual fields of view. False triggering can be reduced by not providing an alarm signal if only the two most inboard sensors detect the heat emitting object.

Abstract: An infrared camera including optics and a detector sensitive to infrared radiation is used in conjunction with at least one light source, such as a laser, to locate a reference point on a target. Two intersecting line segments are produced by the one light source or a combination of two light sources to locate the reference point on the target. The infrared camera would display both an infrared image as well as a visible image which can be merged onto a single display. The teaching of the present invention could also be used to determine the distance to the target as well as the area of the target.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to radiant energy systems and more particularly to systems exhibiting the retroreflection principle wherein the system comprises a focusing means and a surface exhibiting some degree of reflectivity positioned near the focal plane of the device, and wherein incident radiation falling within the field-of-view of said system is reflected back in a direction which is parallel to the incident radiation. The present invention has great applicability in military optical system applications for detecting the presence of an enemy employing surveillance equipment and for neutralizing this surveillance capability.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to radiant energy systems and more particularly to systems exhibiting the retroreflection principle wherein the system comprises a focusing means and a surface exhibiting some degree of reflectivity positioned near the focal plane of the device, and wherein incident radiation falling within the field-of-view of said system is reflected back in a direction which is parallel to the incident radiation. The present invention has great applicability in military optical system applications for detecting the presence of an enemy employing surveillance equipment and for neutralizing this surveillance capability.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to radiant energy systems and more particularly to systems exhibiting the retroreflection principle wherein the system comprises a focusing means and a surface exhibiting some degree of reflectivity positioned near the focal plane of the device, and wherein incident radiation falling within the field-of-view of said system is reflected back in a direction which is parallel to the incident radiation. The present invention has great applicability in military optical system applications for detecting the presence of an enemy employing surveillance equipment and for neutralizing this surveillance capability.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to radiant energy systems and more particularly to systems exhibiting the retroreflection principle wherein the system comprises a focusing means and a surface exhibiting some degree of reflectivity positioned near the focal plane of the device, and wherein incident radiation falling within the field-of-view of said system is reflected back in a direction which is parallel to the incident radiation. The present invention has great applicability in military optical system applications for detecting the presence of an enemy employing surveillance equipment and for neutralizing this surveillance capability.