Abstract: In order to circumvent the problems above, the present invention aims to expand the scope of the usage of the information included in three-dimensional shape data by acquiring the shape information included in the three-dimensional shape data automatically on a shape element basis and setting linkages across the acquired information. Linked processing can be performed across the corresponding shape information having different shape elements by adding a linkage identifier to the shape information when generating the shape information from the three-dimensional shape data. For example, when processing for a single shape information is carried out, other shape information can be edited by linkage.

Abstract: Diamond-like carbon based energy conversion devices and methods of making and using the same are disclosed. Such devices may include a surface for detection of infrared photons. Such a surface may include at least one metal cone and a diamond-like carbon layer disposed on the at least one metal cone. The at least one diamond-like carbon-coated metal cone is thus configured to receive infrared photons and generate electrons therefrom. In another aspect, the at least one metal cone may be an array of electronically coupled metal cones.

Abstract: A first band pass filter selects and transmits light having an infrared wavelength specific to flame. A first infrared-ray receiving element receives the light from the first band pass filter. A second band pass filter selects and transmits light having an infrared wavelength which is not the infrared wavelength specific to flame. A second infrared-ray receiving element receives the light from the second band pass filter. A first output of the first infrared-ray receiving element is compared with a second output of the second infrared-ray receiving element to detect the flame.

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 imaging microscope, particularly of the type used to carry out FT-IR measurement, has a detector in the form of a small detector array of individual detector elements. The outputs of the detector elements are fed in parallel to processing means which process the output signals. The use of a small array means that the outputs can be processed without the need for complex multiplexing or perhaps no multiplexing at all thus avoiding the reduction in signal to noise ratio which is associated with large scale multiplexing. The small detector array will generally have between 3 and 100 detector elements. Typically the upper limit will be 64 and a preferred arrangement has 16 detector elements.

Abstract: An infrared imaging microscope, particularly of the type used to carry out FT-IR measurement, has a detector in the form of a small detector array of individual detector elements. The outputs of the detector elements are fed in parallel to processing means which process the output signals. The use of a small array means that the outputs can be processed without the need for complex multiplexing or perhaps no multiplexing at all thus avoiding the reduction in signal to noise ratio which is associated with large scale multiplexing. The small detector array will generally have between 3 and 100 detector elements. Typically the upper limit will be 64 and a preferred arrangement has 16 detector elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rain sensor that adaptively functions in a variety of different modes when deployed on vehicle windows of different thicknesses and compositions. The arrangement of multiple lens segments and reflecting surfaces in a nonsequential configuration allows utilization of a greater proportion of light rays from the at least two emitters. Further, a greater portion of the light rays emitted by the at least two emitters is captured by the lens segments and reflectors arranged about at least two detectors, and directed to the detectors. Connection to analytical circuitry then allows interpretation of electrical signals, which in turn control, for example, window wiper systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermally sensitive array device for detecting a presence of a target object in a surveillance area. The device comprises a plurality of at least two thermally sensitive sensors provided in an array arrangement, each thermally sensitive sensor being associated with one of a corresponding plurality of at least two surveillance spots comprised in the surveillance area. Each thermally sensitive sensor comprises a sensitive element adapted to absorb a portion of thermal infrared radiation emitted from one of said plurality of targets located inside the surveillance cone corresponding to the thermally sensitive sensor. The thermally sensitive sensor can be a thermopile, a bolometer, or any other type. Electronic circuits in each thermally sensitive sensor are adapted to measure a signal generated in the thermally sensitive sensor as a consequence of the temperatures of the target.

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 gas sensor of the type that detects the presence of a specific gas by monitoring the absorption of optical radiation transmitted through a chamber containing a sample of gas under test comprises an optical source for emitting radiation therefrom and a detector sensitive to radiation emitted from the source at opposing ends of a circumferential chamber, having optically reflective surfaces, extending around the periphery of a sensor housing. The optical pathway between the source and detector may include a radial portion, a circumferential portion and an axial portion to allow a compact optical path. The gas sensor includes, within a single housing, electronic circuitry for conditioning the electrical output of the detector to provide an output that is a function of at least one selected gas concentration and which is automatically compensated for at least one of temperature, pressure, humidity, and range normalization.

Abstract: A jump takeoff position indicator system that discloses the point of takeoff of a long jump or triple jump in athletic competition or practice when an athlete's foot comes in contact with a takeoff board when beginning a jump. A plurality of light beams are emitted parallel to the edge of the takeoff board. The light beams are closely spaced, parallel to each other, and transverse to the direction of the jump. The foot position is known by the location of the beams broken at takeoff. A light beam detector detects interruption of the light beams by an athlete's foot and displays the takeoff position on a plurality of visible LEDs. The system provides a memory for storing the takeoff position and recall switch for retrieving and displaying the information after completion of the jump. The system is immune from ambient light disturbances and can easily be moved between multiple takeoff board locations. Microcontrollers are employed in a modular fashion for system control.

Abstract: A passive infrared sensor has two detector elements, each of which has a positive part and a negative part, with each detector element generating respective first and second signals. The signals are added together to render a “sum” signal and are also subtracted one from the other to render a “difference” signal, and a moving object is indicated only when the “sum” signal has a frequency different than the frequency of the “difference” signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating a registration network of a scene includes a laser scanner for scanning the scene and obtaining data of the scene. The apparatus includes a plurality of targets placed in the scene. The apparatus includes a mechanism for forming a registration network using only the laser scanner data. A method for creating a registration network of the scene.

Abstract: A motion detection system includes a first sensor sensitive to infrared light in at least one detection zone and generating a first output signal representative of the detected level of infrared light. A second sensor is sensitive to visible light and generates a second output signal representative of the detected level of visible light. The second sensor is positioned proximate the first sensor. A processor is programmed to generate an alarm signal based upon the first and second output signals. The alarm signal is generated when first and second conditions are satisfied. The first condition is satisfied when the first output signal indicates motion has occurred in the at least one detection zone. The second condition is satisfied when the second output signal does not correlate to the first output signal.

Abstract: One embodiment of a field coverage configurable passive infrared radiation intrusion detection device comprises a plurality of passive infrared radiation sensors. The device also has an optical element for gathering infrared radiation from different portions of a field and for focusing said infrared radiation onto said plurality of passive infrared radiation sensors. An electrical activation/deactivation circuit receives the output of each passive infrared radiation sensor and selectively activates/deactivates one or more of the plurality of passive infrared radiation sensor outputs thereby configuring the portions of the field covered by the passive infrared intrusion detection device. In another embodiment of a field coverage configurable passive infrared radiation intrusion detection device, the height coverage of the device is adjustable in the field.

Abstract: A device for detecting electromagnetic radiations implements a detection circuit associated with a reading circuit. The detection circuit includes an array of detection pixels, each comprising a thermal detector of biased bolometric type, and delivering an electric current signal representative of detected radiation. The signal undergoes a double baselining, respectively: a global baselining carried out by means of a thermally isolated bolometer, ensuring extraction from the signal, of a first current of constant value inherent to the biasing of the thermal detector, and an adaptive baselining specific to each of the pixels, carried out by a programmable current generator generating a current for subtraction from the current signal, as a function of the dispersion inherent to the pixel considered relative to a reference signal and stored in an associated memory integrated at the level of each of the pixels.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a three dimensional conical horn antenna coupled image detector includes depositing a sacrificial layer on the upper section of the substrate, and forming a pattern for the sacrificial layer is by performing a patterning process using the first etching mask. The method further includes depositing a first silicon nitride layer, forming a first silicon nitride layer, depositing a vanadium oxide layer, forming a vanadium oxide layer pattern, depositing a conductive layer, forming a conductive layer pattern, depositing a second silicon nitride layer, forming a second silicon nitride layer pattern, depositing a third silicon nitride layer, forming a side wall space pattern, and after the sacrificial layer is removed, performing an aligning process using a seventh etching mask.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the sensitivity, angular resolution and range of motion detectors, occupancy sensors and similar systems are described. Specifically, an improved infrared input and detection section is described which utilizes two dual-detectors configured to optimally operate equivalent to a single quad-detector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas cell (2?) that includes a cavity (20) for a chosen gas volume, a light source (30), and one or more light bundle receiving units or detectors (21, 22, 23, 24, 25). The cavity (20) is formed by and delimited by, inter alia, a first partially elliptical mirror surface (20a) and two partially elliptical mirror surfaces, a second (20b) and a third (20c), which are opposed to said first mirror surface (20a) and which are so orientated in relation to each other that a light bundle (130a, 130b) will be reflected by said mirror surfaces (20a, 20b, 20c) so as to form an optical measurement path extremity, and terminate in a light-receiving unit (21, 22, 23, 24, 25) allocated to a chosen measurement path extremity. The light source (30) is disposed in one end region of said cavity (20) and a reflector (30a, 30b) which functions to cause emitted light bundles to converge towards a focusing point (F) is also disposed in said one end region.

Abstract: The bolometric detector comprises at least one receiver antenna designed to collect electromagnetic waves. The antenna is extended by a resistive load converting the power from the electromagnetic waves into calorific power. Said resistive load is in contact with a thermometric element detecting the temperature rise relating to the calorific power generated. A switch arranged between the antenna and the resistive load enables the current flow between the antenna and the resistive load to be modulated by means of control means. The switch can for example be a micro-device with a bimetal effect thermal actuator.

Abstract: A device and method for detection of buried objects (40) utilizing a down looking infrared array (140) having infrared detectors (170) positioned in a sensor array (30). This sensor array (30) may also contain ground penetrating radar (70) and EMI coils (80). All signals from the ground penetrating radar (70), EMI coils (80) and down looking infrared array (140) may be combined to generate alarms (1100). However, the down looking infrared array (140) may be utilized as a sole means of detecting buried objects (40). This device and method for detecting buried objects (40) utilizing down looking infrared array (140) reduces the cost of construction and maintenance of such a device.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of using at least one sensor sensitive to infrared radiation for inspecting hollow, transparent or translucent articles at high temperature leaving various different forming cavities. The method includes a step of evaluating the level of infrared radiation from the articles coming from the forming cavities so as to adapt the exposure of the sensor in a subsequent step of inspecting the articles in such a manner as to cause the response of the sensor to be uniform regardless of the different cavities from which the articles come.

Abstract: A device for analyzing a materials library includes at least one radiation source for electromagnetic radiation, which is positioned in front of the materials library, and at least two flat detectors operating in parallel, which are operable using high-sensitivity resolution and of which one is sensitive to electromagnetic radiation of a first wavelength range and the other is sensitive to electromagnetic radiation of a second wavelength range. Moreover, a method for analyzing a materials library in which the materials library is simultaneously tested using at least two methods in which electromagnetic radiation of different wavelength ranges is used. The beam is split behind the materials library as a function of wavelength and is deflected in the direction of at least two flat sensors operating using high-sensitivity resolution.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the sensitivity, angular resolution and range of motion detectors, occupancy sensors and similar systems are described. Specifically, an improved infrared input and detection section is described which utilizes two dual-detectors configured to optimally operate equivalent to a single quad-detector.

Abstract: A sensor including at least two active areas for receiving light energy and a resistive layer disposed on each of the at least two active areas for providing a pair of current signals corresponding to a position of light energy of a predetermined wavelength striking the active area. The two or more active areas are electrically isolated from each other and operate independent of each other. Preferably, the two or more active areas are electrically isolated with silicon dioxide.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting movement of an infrared-radiating object within a monitored space is provided. The method of includes exposing the monitored space to a passive infrared sensor having a first sensor element generating a first polarity signal when its field of view senses an infrared-radiating moving object, and a second sensor element generating a second polarity signal when its field of view senses an infrared-radiating moving object and determining the direction of movement of the detected object from the relative sequential order of the first and second polarity signals, for example for detecting intrusions in the monitored space to determine whether the movement direction is a hostile direction or a friendly direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the sensitivity, angular resolution and range of motion detectors, occupancy sensors and similar systems are described. Specifically, an improved infrared input and detection section is described which utilizes two dual-detectors configured to optimally operate equivalent to a single quad-detector.

Abstract: A presence sensing system provides one or more visible indicators useful for indicating a relative location of objects sensed within the scanning field of view. For example, the system may have an indicator array or an integrated display assembly in which individual indicators or indicator positions correspond to defined portions of the system's field of view. In this manner, the presence sensing system can indicate where one or more sensed objects lie within its field of view. The system may monitor or otherwise scan an angular field of view and may have an indicator array comprising a plurality of individual indicators, each one corresponding to a portion of the monitored area. With this configuration, the system selectively illuminates or otherwise activates those indicators in the array corresponding to the relative angles of detected objects within its field of view.

Abstract: This device for detecting electromagnetic radiations, and in particular infrared radiations, implements a detection circuit associated with a reading circuit, the detection circuit consisting of an array of detection pixels (1), each of the said pixels consisting of a thermal detector of biased (3) bolometric type (2), and delivering an electric current representative of the detected radiation, the said current undergoing a double baselining, respectively:

Abstract: A sensor including at least two active areas for receiving light energy and a resistive layer disposed on each of the at least two active areas for providing a pair of current signals corresponding to a position of light energy of a predetermined wavelength striking the active area. The two or more active areas are electrically isolated from each other and operate independent of each other. Preferably, the two or more active areas are electrically isolated with silicon dioxide.

Abstract: Offset arrangement for an infrared detector array, which continuously adjusts the offset in a recursive process. With the aid of a displacement device the image observed by the detector array is continuously shifted over a small distance, the apparent intensity changes arising for a pixel being used for adjusting the offset.

Abstract: A method for generating a digital representation of an image by scanning the image with two different types of light. A system for use in generating a digital representation of an image, as well as digital representation of an image are also provided.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved visualization and measurement system (15). In the preferred embodiment, the visualization system comprises: a video sensor (16) having a range of view (18), a field of view (19), and a video output signal (20), a non-contact instrument (21); having a measurement zone (22) and a measurement output signal (23), the instrument and video sensor being so configured and arranged that the measurement zone is aligned in the field of view; a processor (24) for processing the video output signal and the measurement output signal and for providing a processor output signal (25); a display device (26) for displaying the processor output signal; and a control device (28) for moving the field of view and measurement zone in the range of view.

Abstract: An intrusion detector for detecting an intrusion into a protected space overlying a predetermined surface is provided. In one embodiment, the intrusion detector includes a housing to be mounted over the surface and including an infrared radiation sensor for sensing moving infrared radiation sources, and a transparent window thereover, a plurality of lens elements formed in the transparent window each oriented to receive infrared radiation from a moving infrared radiation source within a predetermined viewing zone of the protected space and to transmit infrared radiation from said source to the sensor; an alarm; and a control system for receiving the electrical output of the sensor and for outputting an alarm signal to the alarm when an infrared radiation source is detected simultaneously within at least two of the predetermined viewing zones.

Abstract: A radiation detector employs a thermopile having a potentiometer for calibrating the thermopile output to best suit a particular output meter and sensing application. A thermocouple may be connected in series with the thermopile. The output of the thermopile is calibrated to best match a linear function which intersects the thermopile output function at a temperature in the center of a temperature range of interest. A total output signal of the detector is the sum of the thermopile signal and the thermocouple signal, and is indicative of the temperature of a target emitting radiation sensed by the thermopile. The series connection of the thermopile and the thermocouple allow the thermopile hot junction temperature to be referenced to the cold junction temperature of the thermocouple. Thus, the reference temperature may be remote from the thermopile sensor. A filtering lens may be used to prevent short wavelength radiation from reaching the thermopile sensor, improving the linearity of the thermopile response.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically identifying and tracking the hottest spot in an infrared scene captured and displayed by an infrared camera system. In an Autospot Mode of the present invention, a cursor is automatically positioned on the display device over the hottest spot in the infrared scene image captured by the camera. The temperature at this location is also automatically displayed. The location of the cursor, and the temperature of the scene at this location, are automatically updated for successive frames of data captured and displayed by the infrared camera system. In a Delta Mode of the present invention, the difference in temperature between two points in a thermal image, designated by an operator using first and second cursors, is calculated and displayed.

Abstract: A radiation detector employs a thermopile having a potentiometer for calibrating the thermopile output to best suit a particular output meter and sensing application. A thermocouple may be connected in series with the thermopile. The output of the thermopile is calibrated to best match a linear function which intersects the thermopile output function at a temperature in the center of a temperature range of interest. A total output signal of the detector is the sum of the thermopile signal and the thermocouple signal, and is indicative of the temperature of a target emitting radiation sensed by the thermopile. The series connection of the thermopile and the thermocouple allow the thermopile hot junction temperature to be referenced to the cold junction temperature of the thermocouple. Thus, the reference temperature may be remote from the thermopile sensor. A filtering lens may be used to prevent short wavelength radiation from reaching the thermopile sensor, improving the linearity of the thermopile response.

Abstract: A spectrometer includes an infrared source, a spectrally selective element, and a cell array. The cell array includes walls that define a number of cavities. The spectrometer also includes an infrared spatial detector responsive to infrared radiation travelling from the infrared source through contents of at least two of the cavities as well as through the spectrally selective element.

Abstract: A method of testing resistance bolometer arrays involves applying different voltages to different bolometers so as to produce a detectable difference between adjacent bolometers under normal conditions. The voltages may be applied in a recognisable pattern so that faults can be readily identified from a visual display of the array.

Abstract: A small array of antenna-coupled infrared bolometer detectors is connected in parallel. This small array is suitable as an individual area-receiving pixel of an infrared focal plane array. These pixels will have better coupling efficiency to extended sources than are possible with individual antenna-coupled sensors, which have a spatial response on the order of one wavelength in dimension. This pixel can be used to provide the advantages of antenna-coupled IR sensors (e.g., fast response, wavelength tuning, and polarization tuning) while increasing the collection efficiency of the sensors to non-laser sources. When integrated into focal plane arrays, these detectors can be used in remote-sensing systems to facilitate enhanced image recognition, feature extraction and image-clutter removal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting for detecting an object within a radiating beam of a radiating source. The method receives reflected and radiated radiation directly from the object to provide a radiation signal. The method then processes the radiation signal to provide a control to the radiating source. A concomitant apparatus comprising a detector and a control circuit is provided. The detector receives reflected and radiated radiation directly from the object and provides a radiation signal indicative of the reflected and radiated radiation received from the object. The control circuit, coupled to the detector, processes the provided radiation signal to provide a control signal to the radiating source.

Abstract: A radiation detector employs a thermopile having a potentiometer for calibrating the thermopile output to best suit a particular output meter and sensing application. A thermocouple may be connected in series with the thermopile. The output of the thermopile is calibrated to best match a linear function which intersects the thermopile output function at a temperature in the center of a temperature range of interest. A total output signal of the detector is the sum of the thermopile signal and the thermocouple signal, and is indicative of the temperature of a target emitting radiation sensed by the thermopile. The series connection of the thermopile and the thermocouple allow the thermopile hot junction temperature to be referenced to the cold junction temperature of the thermocouple. Thus, the reference temperature may be remote from the thermopile sensor. A filtering lens may be used to prevent short wavelength radiation from reaching the thermopile sensor, improving the linearity of the thermopile response.

Abstract: A high resolution room temperature infrared camera requires no cryogenic cooling and high vacuum packaging, normally though necessary for infrared target detection, by using a “blind” polycrystalline lead salt resistor in combination with a matched active polycrystalline lead salt photoresistor both maintained at room temperature to provide a differential output indicative of an IR generating target. As a result of the matched components, the differential output nulls out the dark current which is the result of the ambient at the camera. The high degree of linearity associated with polycrystalline photoresistors permits fabrication of a differential detector where dark current in the active element is nulled out by equal and opposite current flow in a non-optically active reference resistor.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for imaging a planetary surface region of interest (ROI). In a primary application, a plurality of space vehicles having antennas mounted thereupon are utilized to collect thermal radiation emitted from the ROI and generate corresponding thermal emission signals. Such thermal emission signals may be combined to yield one or more simple interferometric fringes. The simple fringes may be employed to yield a pixel image of the ROI. In one aspect, one or more simple interferometric fringes may be utilized to generate one or more compound interferometric fringes for use in formation of the pixel image. One or more compound fringes may be utilized to generate additional levels of compound fringes for use in formation of the pixel image.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for imaging a planetary surface region of interest (ROI). In a primary application, a plurality of space vehicles having antennas mounted thereupon are utilized to collect thermal radiation emitted from the ROI and generate corresponding thermal emission signals. Such thermal emission signals may be combined to yield one or more simple interferometric fringes. The simple fringes may be employed to yield a pixel image of the ROI. In one aspect, one or more simple interferometric fringes may be utilized to generate one or more compound interferometric fringes for use in formation of the pixel image. One or more compound fringes may be utilized to generate additional levels of compound fringes for use in formation of the pixel image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the sensitivity, angular resolution and range of motion detectors, occupancy sensors and similar systems are described. Specifically, an improved infrared input and detection section is described which utilizes two dual-detectors configured to optimally operate equivalent to a single quad-detector.

Abstract: An infrared imaging microscope, particularly of the type used to carry out FT-IR measurement, has a detector in the form of a small detector array (85) of individual detector elements (86). The outputs of the detector elements (86) are fed in parallel to processing means which process the output signals. The use of a small array means that the outputs can be processed without the need for complex multiplexing or perhaps no multiplexing at all thus avoiding the reduction in signal to noise ratio which is associated with large scale multiplexing. The small detector array will generally have between 3 and 100 detector elements. Typically the upper limit will be 64 and a preferred arrangement has 16 detector elements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting for detecting intrusions, such as intrusions through a door or window of a room, in a manner which ignores movements in other adjacent regions, is provided.

Abstract: An infrared imaging system having a focal plane array including an array of detector elements and a readout circuit and including nonuniformity correction circuitry on the focal plane array. The individual detector elements correspond to pixels of an infrared scene to be imaged. Offsets in detection signals from each pixel arising from nonuniformities in the individual detector elements in the array are corrected by storing offset correction values for each detector element and using the stored offset values to control correction circuitry as the respective detector element signals are read out. The detector array and readout circuit are preferably formed as a monolithic or hybrid structure and the offset correction is provided on the focal plane array prior to signal amplification and analog to digital conversion.

Abstract: A thermal-type infrared imaging device includes a first thermo-electric converting element (101) for generating an electric signal which corresponds to temperature determined according to heat generated by absorbing an incident infrared ray, a first bipolar transistor (102) having its emitted connected to the first thermo-electric converting element (101), and a second bipolar transistor (104) having its collector connected to the collector of the first bipolar transistor (102). The thermal-type infrared imaging device further includes a resistor (103) connected at one end thereof to a power supply and at the other end to the emitter of the second bipolar transistor (104), and an integration capacitor (105) connected to a connecting point of the respective collectors of the first and second bipolar transistor (102 and 104).