Abstract: An outdoor ground lighting system that includes one or more low voltage lamp units, provided from a step down transformer connectable to a high voltage AC power supply and an on/off timer operative to turn the lamps on for a selected time period during hours of darkness. Added to this known system is a secondary switching system that includes a solenoid operated switch connected to bypass the timer and a detector to detect the presence of a person or the like in the field of view of the detector. The detector provides an output signal in response to detecting the presence of someone and the solenoid switch is actuated by such signal to switch on the lamps when the timer is in the off cycle. The secondary switching system enhances the garden lighting system by providing a security lighting system when the timer is in an off mode.

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 passive infrared intrusion detection device uses a dual element pyroelectric detector and a housing for surrounding and containing the dual element pyroelectric detector. The housing has a plurality of Fresnel lens elements for gathering infrared radiation from a "look down" volume of space and for focusing the gathered infrared radiation onto the pyroelectric detector. A mask positioned between the plurality of Fresnel lens elements and the detector partially occludes the gathered infrared radiation from the Fresnel lens elements to one of the elements of the dual element pyroelectric detector creating an imbalance in the signal thereby preventing common mode rejection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a projectile tracking system for acquiring and precisely tracking a projectile in flight in order to reveal the source from which the projectile was fired. The source is revealed by the back projection of a 3-dimensional track file. The system is particularly suited for tracking a bullet fired by a sniper and identifying the location of the sniper. Projectiles of interest are typically traveling at a substantial fraction of the speed of sound or even faster than the speed of sound and therefore become hot due to aerodynamic heating. A telescope focuses infrared light from a relatively large field of view on to an infrared focal plane array. In a projectile detection mode, the system searches for the infrared signature of the fast moving projectile. The telescope's field of view is steered in the azimuth by a step and stare mirror which is driven by an azimuth drive motor mounted on the frame.

Abstract: A method and system of image modulation detection of an aircraft exhaust plume by time sequence differentiation is provided. The method comprises the steps of forming two sequential images of the field of view in which an exhaust plume to be detected is located, and forming a differential image from the sequential images showing components of the aircraft's exhaust plume that are modulating at a rate greater than the frame rate of the detection system. The nonmodulating components such as the sky hills, and even the missile body are eliminated from the differential image. Only the plume remains and only the plume is detected. Therefore there is not false alarm note. Each image is formed by a plurality of pixels, wherein each pixel images a portion of the field of view. A value is assigned to each pixel in each of the sequential images that corresponds to one or more characteristics of the pixel.

Abstract: A method of calibrating gains and offsets for a two-dimensional detector array 10 comprising individual detector elements 14, including: (a) focusing a first incoming image signal at a first power level onto the detector array 10; (b) reading the corresponding electrical signals from the detector elements 14 as a first image frame at the first power level; (c) for each detector element 14, translating the first incoming image signal by a detector element distance onto an adjacent detector element; (d) reading the corresponding electrical signal from the detector elements 14 as a second image frame at the first power level; (e) focusing a second incoming image signal at a second power level onto the detector array 10; (f) reading the corresponding electrical signals from the detector elements 14 as a first image frame at the second power level; (g) for each detector element 14, translating the second incoming image signal by a detector element distance onto an adjacent detector element; (h) reading the corresp

Abstract: A two wire detection device includes a relay switch setable to a high and a low impedance state and electrically coupled between a first terminal of an AC source and a first leg of a load, a second leg of which is connected to a second terminal of the AC source. The device includes an energy storage device electrically coupled to the first terminal of the AC source and electrically connected to the first leg of the load. Charge control means interposed between the first terminal of the AC source and the energy storage device regulate the voltage across the energy storage device. A detection control device is electrically connected across the energy storage device and to the switching device for detecting the presence of a condition for monitoring and setting the state of the switching device based thereon such that power is available to the detection control device regardless of the state of the switch.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the coalignment of a sighting or surveillance sensor suite including a coaligned laser (18) and sensor (12) includes the steps of: modifying the beam from the laser (18) to render it visible to the sensor (12); and redirecting the modified beam from the laser (18) to impinge on the sensor (12). In the preferred embodiments the frequency of the beam is doubled by a doubling crystal. For certain lasers this renders the beam visible to the human eye, or to a camera.

Abstract: A process and system for determining the integrity of an object by analyzing its dynamic heat properties is disclosed. A properly functioning reference object is heated and an infrared camera is positioned above the object. A digital computer collects the infrared images of the object and analyzes its dynamic heat properties. Only heat changes within predefined regions of the object are analyzed and the data is reduced to a peak temperature across each region for a given time. This data is stored and used for future reference. Next, a test object is sampled in the same manner. The reference and test object data is then compared by employing a complex neural network. The neural network uses confidence estimates and historical data on similar reference and test objects to determine the integrity of the object. Thermal images of objects under test are graphically displayed on a video screen.

Abstract: A temperature and passive infrared sensor module comprising a sensor module housing having air flow vents therein in top and bottom or side surfaces to allow air to circulate through the sensor module housing. A temperature sensor is mounted in the sensor module housing in a position which is exposed to air circulating through the sensor module housing. A passive infrared sensor is also mounted in the sensor module housing in a manner in which it is not exposed to air circulating through the sensor module housing, such that it is not adversely affected thereby. In one embodiment, a foam block is positioned around to encase and isolate the passive infrared detector. In several embodiments, the passive infrared sensor and temperature sensor are mounted on opposite sides of the printed circuit board such that air circulates around the temperature sensor only on one side of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement and a method for suppressing spurious targets, particularly those caused by birds, in an infrared search device. Potential targets that show comparatively strong fluctuations are qualified as spurious targets. Only targets moving against a homogeneous background are subjected to an evaluation.

Abstract: The earth horizon sensor apparatus uses first and second linear sensor arrays of sensor elements, the first and second linear sensor arrays being staggered with respect to each other. The sensor elements are preferably pyroelectric elements for detecting the presence or absence of infrared radiation from the Earth and Space. A microprocessor is used to determine which of the sensor elements subtends the diffuse horizon gradient and the constant zero radiance of Space. The attitude of the spacecraft is thereby calculated.

Abstract: A sensor system to turn on room lights when a person enters such room but avoids nuisance tripping of the system when a person passes near but outside of the region to be monitored. The inclusion of blinder devices which can be individually set, ahead of the sensor elements, permit the region being monitored to be tailored to the particular room or location. Adjusting levers can be used to set the positions of the blinder devices and then covered to prevent tampering with the settings of the blinder devices. Special fasteners can be used to limit access to the adjusting levers.

Abstract: This invention relates to laser guided weapon systems and in particular to boresighting a designator laser to a forward looking infrared (FLIR) sighting system that is at a wavelength other than that of the laser with sufficient accuracy, confirming adequate power level available for designation and that the proper pulse rate code has been selected and is being transmitted. Due to the nature of the designation laser being at a different bandwidth than the FLIR, the positioning of the laser spot is not visible to the targeting system and the initial system alignment is depended on for accuracy and precision. This invention presents a way of addressing three aspects of laser designation prior to weapon use. This is achieved through the use of a beamsplitter and thermal resistor that appear to be at the same point of space to the targeting system. The offsets are measured and then used to correct the misalignment.

Abstract: A scan type fire detecting apparatus is provided with a scanning unit which stepwise scans a monitoring area in a horizontal direction and vertically scans at each step of the horizontal scan to output a detecting signal obtained during the vertical and horizontal scan while a fire judging section judges an occurrence of a fire based on the detecting signal from the scanning unit. The fire judging section includes a first fire judging section which judges as to whether or not the detecting signal outputted from the scanning unit during the vertical and horizontal scanning is higher than a predetermined threshold value, and stops the horizontal scan of the scanning unit when the detecting signal is higher than the predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for distinguishing a boundary of an object, and the object itself, from its background. In the method electromagnetic radiation is detected from at least two fields of view substantially spanning the boundary of the object and background adjacent to the boundary and superimposed or overlaid as images onto a detector. The method includes correlating spatial transitions in intensity of the overlaid images on the detector with a boundary of the object. When used for determining the attitude of a satellite with respect to the earth, the detector is a thermal infrared detector thereby providing a sharp contrast between the thermal emission of the earth and cold space. The invention provides a simple, effective method and device for determining satellite orientation and/or attitude with respect to a thermal infrared-emitting target body.

Abstract: A primary object of the invention is to provide a method and system for detecting humans present in a restricted space, particularly, in a commuter train, a building, etc., by using an infrared sensor capable of detecting the presence of humans, and for judging the ratio of human occupancy in that space. To accomplish this object, according to the invention, the infrared sensor is installed, for example, on a ceiling near the center of a room, and the whole room space is scanned by the infrared sensor to detect in which region of the room a human is present. The proportion of human presence regions thus detected to the whole detection region is determined as the ratio of human occupancy. More specifically, a designated space is detected by the infrared sensor, and only human presence regions are extracted from that space; then, the ratio of human occupancy in the room is estimated from the ratio of the area of the extracted human presence regions to the area of the whole detection area.

Abstract: An intrusion detector for supervising a region including a sensor which views a plurality of fields-of-view of the region and provides an output responsive to motion of an infrared radiation source between the fields-of-view, a first filter which provides a first filtered output based on a first, predetermined, detection pulse frequency range of the sensor output, a second filter which provides a second filtered output based on a second, predetermined, detection pulse frequency range of the sensor output and processing circuitry which receives the first and second filtered outputs and detects, in either or both of the filtered outputs, a sequence of detection pulses indicating an intrusion condition.

Abstract: Firing of small arms results in a muzzle flash that produces a distinctive ignature conducive to automated or machine-aided detection with an IR (infrared) imager. The muzzle flash is intense and abrupt in the 3 to 5 .mu.m band. A sniper detection system operating in the 3 to 5 .mu.m region must deal with the potential problem of false alarms from solar clutter. The invention reduces the false alarm rate of an IR based muzzle flash or bullet tracking system (during day time) by adding a visible light (standard video) camera. The standard video camera helps detect (and then discount) potential sources of false alarm caused by solar clutter. If a flash is detected in both the IR and the visible spectrum at the same time, then the flash is most probably the result of solar clutter from a moving object. If a flash is detected only in the IR, then it is most probably a true weapon firing event.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring laser power includes a target disc of a predetermined thickness located within, and in thermal contact with, a heat-sink. The heat-sink has an opening therein for directing laser radiation to be measured onto the target disc. A thermal gradient is established in the target disc when laser radiation to be measured is directed onto one surface of the disk. The opposite surface of the disc includes means for detecting the thermal gradient. The heat-sink includes a cylindrical core having an opening in one end thereof for admitting laser radiation to be measured. Cooling-vanes are disposed around the cylindrical core extending radially outward therefrom and extending therealong. A housing surrounding the heat sink includes a fan which causes air to be drawn into the housing, flow between the cooling-vanes, and the be expelled from the housing.

Abstract: A system and method of passive ranging for a luminous target employs a prior knowledge and a present measurement of its electromagnetic spectrum during a target acquisition procedure and, subsequently, during analysis of the spectrum to determine the effects of atmospheric attenuation on various parts of the spectrum. Relative attenuation of various spectral components by the atmosphere is indicative of target range.

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 multi-positionable motion activated light switch including a male/female adaptor assembly having a male plug portion that is mechanically and electrically mateable with an existing light bulb socket, a female socket portion that is mechanically and electrically mateable with the connecting base of an existing light bulb; a motion sensor circuit including a motion sensing mechanism housed within a sensor housing having a sensing aperture through which the motion sensing mechanism is exposed to physical phenomenon; and a flexible support structure, connectable between the adaptor assembly and the sensor housing that includes electrical conductors and a resilient core member having at least two bendable stiffening members encased therein. The flexible support structure allows the sensing aperture of the sensor housing to be directed in a variety of user selected directions.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting photons emitted by hot spots in an integrated circuit. Means are provided for intermittently energizing the circuit. A photon receptor detects the photons emitted by the circuit, and produces a photon signal. A shutter, disposed between the circuit and the photon receptor, is opened by a controller when the circuit is not energized, and closed by the controller when the circuit is energized. By thus closing the shutter when the circuit is energized, the photon receptor is shielded from receiving the photons generated during the refresh cycle of the energized device, and is able to detect photons from a defect in the circuit over a period of time that is longer than the refresh rate of the circuit.

Abstract: A visual recognition system is disclosed for detecting a target within a scene. A LADAR system and method is employed for scanning laser light signals across a scene having a target to be characterized. Laser light reflected from the target is detected and processed into a three-dimensional image. The three-dimensional image is segmented to separate the target from the overall scene. Substantially, only the segmented target data is either displayed locally or transmitted via a narrow bandwidth transmission medium to a remote site for display. The invention finds particular application in military situations where enemy armor is detected and the segmented version of the armor is transmitted via SINCGARS.

Abstract: An improved IR detector system is described which uses a plurality of IR detection modules coupled to a central computer to determine the location of an intrusion to the system. Each IR detection module has a plurality of optically isolated lens and detector pairs arranged in an arcuate array coupled to a local microprocessor chip which is unique to that module such that each lens and detector pair produces a response to a sensed intrusion along a particular radial of the array's arc to allow the local microprocessor to produce a coded signal to the central computer which corresponds to the direction of the sensed intrusion. Using a triangulation algorithm, the central computer combines the coded signals from whichever of the plurality of IR detection modules are active to compute the location of the intrusion.

Abstract: This invention discloses a laser imager for imaging a scene having targets comprising a laser scanner operative to scan the scene at a given spacing with a laser beam, a receiver which receives laser light reflected from the scene and determines the range and reflectance of an object reflecting said laser light at various scan positions and control logic which changes the given spacing in response to the determined range.

Abstract: A computer controlled system determines the three-dimensional trajectory of a ballistic projectile. To initialize the system, predictions of state parameters for a ballistic projectile are received at an estimator. The estimator uses the predictions of the state parameters to estimate first trajectory characteristics of the ballistic projectile. A single stationary monocular sensor then observes the actual first trajectory characteristics of the ballistic projectile. A comparator generates an error value related to the predicted state parameters by comparing the estimated first trajectory characteristics of the ballistic projectile with the observed first trajectory characteristics of the ballistic projectile. If the error value is equal to or greater than a selected limit, the predictions of the state parameters are adjusted. New estimates for the trajectory characteristics of the ballistic projectile are made and are then compared with actual observed trajectory characteristics.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for controlling a sanitary device in a non-contact manner includes a pyroelectric sensing circuit for detecting a temperature in a predetermined location and outputting a signal, a microprocessor for receiving a signal from the pyroelectric sensing circuit and outputting a triggering signal when the signal received by the microprocessor is judged as a result of body heat, a driving circuit for receiving the triggering signal and actuating a motor-operated control valve.

Abstract: A two wire detection device includes a relay switch setable to a high and a low impedance state and electrically coupled between a first terminal of an AC source and a first leg of a load, a second leg of which is connected to a second terminal of the AC source. The device includes an energy storage device electrically coupled to the first terminal of the AC source and electrically connected to the first leg of the load. Charge control means interposed between the first terminal of the AC source and the energy storage device regulate the voltage across the energy storage device. A detection control device is electrically connected across the energy storage device and to the switching device for detecting the presence of a condition for monitoring and setting the state of the switching device based thereon such that power is available to the detection control device regardless of the state of the switch.

Abstract: A detection system for use in an aircraft which is able to monitor atmospheric conditions ahead of the aircraft, generate an alarm signal if adverse atmospheric conditions exist ahead of the aircraft and generate information which indicates the position of the adverse conditions so the adverse conditions can be avoided. The system is able to detect the presence of volcanic ash cloud ahead of the aircraft and, if desired, can also be used to detect a high density of sulphur dioxide gas and/or clear air turbulence ahead of the aircraft. The system monitors infrared radiation received by the aircraft, generates intensity signals representative of at least one predetermined wavelength of the radiation and compares intensity signals with reference signals or intensity signals of another infrared wavelength.

Abstract: A method and associated structures are disclosed for locating a laser beam that has a wavelength outside of the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. The method comprises positioning a sample of a polycrystalline nonlinear frequency converting compound generally linearly downstream from a laser source, and then detecting the emission from the polycrystalline frequency converting compound to thereby identify the position of the original laser beam. In preferred embodiments, the polycrystalline nonlinear frequency converting compound comprises KTP.

Abstract: A fire monitoring system for waste bunkers includes a pair of infrared cameras, which are arranged on an axis of rotation. The axis of rotation is connected to a controllable drive motor and to an angle transmitter. Furthermore, the fire monitoring system has a computer for digitizing the thermal images determined by the pair of infrared cameras and for calculating the spatial coordinates of hot places inside the waste bunker. The calculation of these hot places is carried out based on the thermal images determined by the pair of infrared cameras and digitized, and the data supplied by the angle transmitter.

Abstract: An improved infrared ray sensor driving circuit capable of advantageously controlling an amplifying level and a cut-off frequency of a filter by separating the functions of an amplifier and a filter, respectively. The circuit includes an impedance matching circuit for converting a high impedance of the signals detected to a low impedance signal, a first amplifying circuit for amplifying signals outputted from the impedance matching circuit by a first predetermined gain, a filtering circuit for filtering the signals outputted from the first amplifying circuit to pass frequencies of a predetermined bandwidth, and a second amplifying circuit for amplifying the signals outputted from the filtering circuit by a second predetermined gain.

Abstract: Intensity of optical emission from a combustion flame within a gas turbine combustor is monitored through an optical window in the combustor wall by a primary detector. Because the window is susceptible to becoming coated with deposits during combustor operation, compensation for presence of a coating is achieved by directing illumination from an optical signal source, such as a silicon carbide light-emitting diode, into the window for internal reflection at an optical interface defined by the combustion side surface. A compensation detector, such as a silicon carbide photodiode, detects intensity of the internally reflected illumination as an indicator of the window coating thickness. The compensation detector is located at a non-combustion side of the window, along with a reference detector that responds to intensity of optical signal source illumination reflected from the non-combustion side surface of the window.

Abstract: In a method of detecting the spatial position of a laser beam relative to a body locatable in the path of the laser beam by detecting an acoustic signal produced by the beam in the body, wherein the laser beam carries a power modulation signal and the body has a plurality of acoustic sensors for detecting the acoustic signal produced in the body by the laser beam, the method includes detecting in the outputs of the acoustic sensors signals corresponding to the power modulation of the incident laser beam and detecting any difference in phase between the detected signals. A processor may be provided for processing the outputs of the acoustic sensors, the processor including a sensor for sensing in the respective outputs signals corresponding to the power modulation of the output beam of the laser and a phase sensitive detector for detecting differences in phase between the detected signals.

Abstract: A heat source detector includes an infrared sensor 1 wherein plural infrared ray sensing elements 7 on which an infrared image is formed by an infrared lens 10 are arranged into an array form; and an infrared analyzer 2 which analyzes a detection signal detected by the infrared ray sensing elements 7. The infrared analyzer 2 has: an infrared intensity detecting unit 3 which detects the infrared intensity for each of the infrared ray sensing elements 7; an infrared center of gravity detecting unit 5 which obtains the center of gravity of a heat source emitting infrared rays, from the infrared intensities detected by the infrared intensity detecting unit 3, and a heat source moving direction detecting unit 6 which obtains the moving direction of the heat source, from temporal vector displacement of the center of gravity obtained by the infrared center of gravity detecting unit 5.

Abstract: Apparatus and a corresponding method for its use, for detecting and tracking targets in an optical field of view. The apparatus includes conventional telescopic optics to gather light from the field of view, beam splitters to divide the resultant beam into three sub-beams, three linear arrays of detectors, and three cylindrical lens systems to focus the three beams onto the detector arrays. Two of the arrays provide azimuth-angle and elevation-angle information concerning possible target positions, and the third is oriented at an angle to the first two, to provide information to resolve any ambiguities as to the target locations. The linear arrays can be scanned much more rapidly than a rectangular array, and higher resolutions can therefore be obtained without any sacrifice in processing speed.

Abstract: A testing apparatus for the calibration of overheating or rail brake locating devices comprises an IR emitter which is guided in a housing so that it can shift along a curved track to exhibit an appropriately adapted beaming direction in a particular position. An extension piece for the track is provided for further changing the beaming direction.

Abstract: An ice monitoring and detection system for determining the presence and thickness of ice on a surface is provided. The system includes an imaging device which includes at least one lens for providing image signals of the surface. The imaging device is operable in a predetermined portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Image signals from the surface are polarized into discrete polarization changes responsive to the camera receiving image signals proportional to amplitude modulated signals generated by the presence of ice. A processor is provided for converting the modulated signals into discrete polarization changes and for obtaining the difference between the discrete polarization changes which is proportional to the amount of ice on the surface. An indication device provides an output corresponding to the difference between the discrete polarization changes. The difference is indicative of the presence and amount of ice on said surface.

Abstract: A picture processing apparatus is composed of an infrared ray sensor for producing an infrared picture in which a heat distribution of a measured area is recorded, a picture processing section for processing the infrared picture to extract pieces of personal characteristic data and environmental characteristic data from the infrared picture, and a picture information detecting section composed of a neural network for detecting pieces of personal information and environmental information according to the characteristic data. To be concrete, one or more human-areas respectively recording one or more persons are picked out from the infrared picture, and representative points of the human-areas, the number of human-areas, the number of pixels in each of the human-areas and shapes of the human-areas are extracted as the personal characteristic data.

Abstract: An automated fire extinguishing apparatus includes a turret with a nozzle connected to a water supply. A plurality of sensors are used to detect a fire monitored by the apparatus. The signals from the sensors are used to aim the nozzle toward the fire and to initiate water ejection therefrom. After the fire is extinguished the water is turned off.

Abstract: A structure for pyroelectric IR heat-sensing elements having a wide angle field of view is made by forming the essential heat-sensing elements and the related electronic elements into a planarized-packing configuration suitable for surface bonding. The heat-sensing elements are caused to be inclined and facing each other in a suspended structure so as to increase the sensing viewing angle.

Abstract: A dispensed bead (10) of material is disposed between a sensor pair (14) for monitoring the bead. The sensor pair (14) transmits a beam of light towards the bead of material. A signal is generated which corresponded to the amount of light received. By utilizing this signal, gaps or other discontinuities can be found. This signal can also be used to determine the height of the bead and generate a profile thereof. The signal can be used in a closed loop feedback control system to control the amount of material dispensed from the dispenser.

Abstract: A viewing system such as a panoramic sight for a tank, adapted for operation in both the visible and infra-red wavebands, comprising at least one common optical component which is receptive to both types of radiation and a means for subsequently separating the visible and infra-red radiation before reaching direct viewing and indirect viewing apparatus.

Abstract: A temperature distribution measurement apparatus has an infrared array sensor that includes a pyroelectric substrate with infrared array receiving electrodes and electrodes for compensation formed on its front side and opposing electrodes formed on its backside. Also included is an infrared lens to focus incident infrared lights on the array sensor, a chopper to cut off the incident infrared rays intermittently and a rotating part carrying and rotating parts of the apparatus. The detector elements of the infrared array sensor are laid out vertically and parallel with one another. A horizontal temperature distribution is measured by a lateral scanning with the rotating part rotating horizontally while a vertical temperature distribution is measured by driving the chopper in front of the infrared sensor. Thus, a two dimensional temperature distribution of an empty space is measured.

Abstract: A band analysis system for determining the optimal signal-to-noise ratio between the spectral emissions from an object of interest and the spectral emissions from background noise for a target detecting and tracking system. Known target and background spectra are applied to a band select system in order to select an initial choice of bands. These bands are then applied to a sensor model system which determines a template for each spectrum. The templates are applied to a noise generation system in order to generate a noise function indicative of the vibrational noise of the sensor and the electronic noise of the system. The noise function also includes a function of the integration time over each band. The noise function and the templates are then used to determine a signal-to-noise ratio based on a weighting function. The signal-to-noise ratio is applied to the band select system and the integration time select system in order to adjust the bands and their integrations time to the optimum value.

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: The system comprises a focusing optics in the focal plane of which a linear array of photodetectors is disposed. A double prism located opposite to said photodetectors with respect to said focusing optics, is servo controlled in rotation relative to a support about its longitudinal axis perpendicular to the axis of said optics, said support being itself servo controlled in rotation about said optical axis in order to scan a space of about 2 .pi. steradians. A derotating prism aligned with said optical axis rotates about said optical axis at a speed half of that of said double prism, in order to hold the image of the target in a single direction in said focal plane, whatever the rotations of said support.

Abstract: A method of testing a laser target designator, in which an aperture in the field of view of the laser target designator has one side facing the target image detector and the laser, a beam image detector faces an opposite side of the aperture and is aligned with the opening thereof so that the beam optical axis and the opposite side of the aperture are in a field of view of the beam image detector, both sides of the aperture being illuminated, and beam video processor obtains a test video image from the beam image detector and computes a centroid of the aperture in the test video image and a centroid of the laser beam in the test video image, the displacement of these centroids being a measure of the static error while relative movement of them during dithering of the optical path from the laser target designator is a measure of the dynamic error.