Abstract: A driver vision enhancing system having a variable field of regard and a method of controlling the field of regard of a driver vision enhancing system. The system includes a housing, a movable sensor assembly located within the housing, a radiation detector connected to one end of the sensor assembly, and an actuator connected to the housing and able to contact the sensor assembly to move the sensor assembly in the housing and thereby move the radiation detector. The method includes moving a radiation detector as part of a driver vision enhancing system in a vertical direction within an image plane of the driver vision enhancing system.

Abstract: Mirror elements are selectively interposable in the beam paths in a dual aperture microspectrometer system to selectively bypass the aperture element in transmission or reflection modes to increase optical throughput and field of view. The system may be operated in a dual aperture transmission mode or reflection mode and in modes in which the aperture is bypassed before or after the infrared beam reaches the sample. The system may be operated to bypass the aperture both before and after the sample, which may be utilized with an array detector having multiple detector elements in which an image of the sample is formed on the array detector.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for improving the sensitivity, angular resolution and range of motion detectors, occupancy sensors and similar systems. Specifically, an improved infrared input section is described which employs at least one additional lens, possibly segmented, before a lens array. This pre-focusing lens collects incident infrared radiation over the entire entrance aperture and partially focuses it onto one element of the lens array. The final lens array which focuses the radiation onto a detector may be an array of Fresnel lenses as in the prior art, an array of microlenses or a diffractive optics array. It is also possible to implement this system is such a way that moving infrared sources at any angular orientation will be detected as opposed to prior art systems in which only sources which cross the planes separating an array of angular sectors are detected.

Abstract: A common aperture, multi-mode optical imager for imaging electromagnetic radiation bands from a field of two or more different wavelengths is described. Fore-optics are provided to gather and direct electromagnetic radiation bands forming an image into an aperture of the multi-mode optical imager. The image is divided into two different wavelength bands, such as visible light and long-wave infrared. The first wavelength band (e.g., visible light) is detected by a first detector, such as a CCD array, for imaging thereof. The second wavelength band (e.g., long-wave infrared) is detected by a second detector, such as an uncooled microbolometer array, for imaging thereof. Additional optics may be provided for conditioning of the first and second wavelength bands, such as such as for changing the magnification, providing cold shielding, filtering, and/or further spectral separation.

Abstract: A spark detector lens assembly is adapted to block energy from static electric discharges. The lens assembly includes a housing which receives a lens. The lens is adapted to pass infrared frequency energy therethrough. A conductive coating is disposed on one side of said lens, which is effective to block radio frequency energy but pass infrared frequency energy. The conductive coating may be electrically connected to an electrical ground path. The lens assembly is especially effective for preventing false alarms by shielding a spark detector from radio frequency energy radiated by static electric discharges.

Abstract: A modular optical detector system. The detector system is designed to detect the presence of molecules or molecular species by inducing fluorescence with exciting radiation and detecting the emitted fluorescence. Because the system is capable of accurately detecting and measuring picomolar concentrations it is ideally suited for use with microchemical analysis systems generally and capillary chromatographic systems in particular. By employing a modular design, the detector system provides both the ability to replace various elements of the detector system without requiring extensive realignment or recalibration of the components as well as minimal user interaction with the system. In addition, the modular concept provides for the use and addition of a wide variety of components, including optical elements (lenses and filters), light sources, and detection means, to fit particular needs.

Abstract: An infrared imaging optical system includes a front lens group having negative optical power, wherein the front lens group comprises a front lens having a refractive index of from about 2.0 to about 3.0; an intermediate lens group that receives an infrared light beam from the front lens group, wherein the intermediate lens group comprises an intermediate lens having a refractive index of from about 1.35 to about 2.0; and a rear lens group having positive optical power, wherein the rear lens group receives the infrared light beam from the intermediate lens group, wherein the rear lens group comprises a rear lens having a refractive index of from about 2.0 to about 3.0, and wherein at least two of the front lens, the intermediate lens, and the rear lens have at least one aspheric surface thereon. The infrared imaging optical system further includes an infrared detector that receives the infrared light beam from the rear lens group. There is a pupil located between the rear lens group and the detector.

Abstract: An Al film is formed on a cap wafer and the Al film is patterned into a ring-shaped film. Dry etching is performed by using the ring-shaped film as a mask to form a drum portion enclosing a recess portion to provide a vacuum dome. After forming a depth of cut into the substrate portion of the cap wafer, the cap wafer is placed on a main body wafer having an infrared area sensor formed thereon. Then, the ring-shaped film of the cap wafer and the ring-shaped film of the main body wafer are joined to each other by pressure bonding to form a ring-shaped joining portion.

Abstract: A single vane shutter flag is asynchronously controlled so that a measuring system light source is interrupted for a minimum necessary amount of time for standardization/calibration and normalization of InGaAs system detectors. Source/detector hemispheres or serially connected randomly oriented fiber bundles homogenize light passing to the detectors. Light source testing is performed by measuring spectral power distributions at a plurality of light source power levels and comparing the measurements to baseline characteristics established for the light source. Calibration sample life is extended indefinitely by controlling the shutter flag to block source light except for short calibration time periods during which standard light levels are provided.

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: 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 quantum well based two-dimensional detector (1) for detecting infrared radiation which receives infrared radiation falling upon its detector surface (1a) at various angles of incidence. The detector comprises a grating arrangement for diffraction of the incident radiation. The arrangement is selected with a grating interval which varies or changes from the central part of the detector. out towards the outer parts of the detector. The variation or change in the grating interval is arranged to retain in the detection diffracted rays of the orders 1 and ?1 as active components over the whole detector surface by changing the angle values of the diffracted rays depending upon the angles of incidence of the radiation falling on various parts of the detector surface.

Abstract: A Midwave FLIR imaging optical apparatus has both a narrow and wide field of view. The imaging optical apparatus has a See Spot mode of operation, where a laser designator spot image is superimposed on the FLIR image in the narrow field of view. A laser rangefinder receiver path is also provided. A shared aperture collects incident radiation, which after manipulation by a plurality of optically significant surfaces, projects radiation to a detector. The imaging optical system is lightweight and compact and efficiently transmits FLIR energy and a narrow band of laser energy so that a signal due to a source outside the pass bands of interest (including solar energy) will not adversely effect operation of the imaging optical apparatus.

Abstract: A phosphor plate positioning device includes a rigid magazine having a back plate and a door hingedly attached to the back plate. The back plate forms a cavity that is sized and shaped to receive a phosphor plate and a support arm can be engaged with the magazine in order to properly position the magazine and phosphor plate within a patient's mouth relative to a dental x-ray cone.

Abstract: A covering and mounting structure for mounting a motion detector having electronic adjustment controls, light emitting diodes (LEDs), and at least one motion detector lens, provides for selectively covering the controls, LEDs and a motion detector lens. The structure can be cylindrical or non-cylindrical in shape, and disposed in pendant or standing-post arrangement. Furthermore, the structure includes a telescopic structure or an exterior cover for the selective covering. In one embodiment, the structure includes one downwardly viewing first motion detector lens and a laterally viewing second PIR motion detector lens.

Abstract: A radiation detection apparatus is capable of detecting and locating events, such as a fire or the appearance of an intruder, in a scene under surveillance. The apparatus comprises an array of detector elements, e.g. infrared detectors. The apparatus has two fields of view, namely a first field of view defined by a lens providing a single focussed image of a distant scene on the array and a second field of view defined by a reflector arranged between a plane of the array and a plane of the lens whereby to reflect onto the detector array radiation entering the lens from outside the first field of view. One or more processors are provided to distinguish events in the second field of view from those in the first field of view.

Abstract: An infrared sensor including an absorber for absorbing incident infrared power to produce a signal representing the temperature of a target object, a frame supporting a membrane which carries the absorber, the frame including a plurality of reflecting surfaces disposed about the circumference of an opening over which the membrane spans for reflecting incident infrared power toward the absorber. By concentrating incident infrared power through reflection, the temperature difference between the absorber and the surrounding frame is increased, thereby producing an increased electrical output from the sensor.

Abstract: A wide-angle IR imaging system (1A) has an entrance aperture (40) for admitting IR from a scene and a dewar (4A) that contains a coldshield (3) that encloses a cooled IR detector (2) disposed at an image plane (2A). The dewar includes a dewar window (4), and an optical axis of the IR imaging system passes through the dewar window and the image plane. The IR imaging system further includes a plurality of uncooled optical elements (22, 24, 26, 28) disposed along the optical axis between the entrance aperture and the dewar window, and a plurality of generally annular reflector segments (18A, 18B) disposed around the optical axis between the dewar window and the entrance aperture. Each of the reflector segments has a reflective surface that faces the dewar window.

Abstract: A robust, compact spectrometer apparatus for determining respective concentrations or partial pressures of multiple gases in a gas sample with single as well as multiple and even overlapping, absorption or emission spectra that span a wide spectral range.

Abstract: A portable thermal imager has a shock-absorbing lens mount that minimizes the transfer of the impact forces to the fragile lens. The lens of the portable thermal imager is encased within a circumferential grommet and then received in a cavity defined by the housing such that the lens is essentially suspended within the cavity. Since the lens is essentially suspended, little or no force is translated to the lens if the thermal imager is dropped or otherwise impacted.

Abstract: A handheld infrared camera having a lens assembly, an electric energy source and a handling elements for recording and handling information received via the lens assembly has an essentially elongate housing. The lens assembly is mounted at one end of the housing, the other end portion of which is formed as a user handle, the longitudinal axis of which preferably is inclined relative to the optical axis of the lens assembly to form an angle (&agr;alpha) with the optical axis. There are provided manual control elements for allowing single hand operation of the camera, and a visual control elements is intended to be viewed when holding and operating the camera away from the eye and the body of a user. The camera is advantageously provided with elements for wireless transmission of information from the camera.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for extending the detection zone of an optical detection assembly, such as for a motion detector, along an axis without adding additional reflectors or circuitry. The optical detector within the optical detector assembly is positioned astigmatically, off-axis, in relation to an optically curved reflector from which it receives reflected radiation. Electromagnetic radiation incident on the optically curved reflector from an off-axis, astigmatic, beam area is directed to the optical detector to extend the detection area of the motion detector, or other system, along one axis when compared to on-axis detector positioning. By way of example, the optical detection assembly is configured with a pyroelectric detector positioned facing an optically curved mirror comprising a Fresnel reflector at a distance roughly equivalent to the focal length of the optically curved reflector. The resultant infrared motion detector provides an extended detection area along one axis.

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 common aperture, multi-mode optical imager for imaging electromagnetic radiation bands from a field of two or more different wavelengths is described. Fore-optics are provided to gather and direct electromagnetic radiation bands forming an image into an aperture of the multi-mode optical imager. The image is divided into two different wavelength bands, such as visible light and long-wave infrared. The first wavelength band (e.g., visible light) is detected by a first detector, such as a CCD array, for imaging thereof. The second wavelength band (e.g., long-wave infrared) is detected by a second detector, such as an uncooled microbolometer array, for imaging thereof. Additional optics may be provided for conditioning of the first and second wavelength bands, such as such as for changing the magnification, providing cold shielding, filtering, and/or further spectral separation.

Abstract: A precision infrared detection device is provided, which is capable of measuring a wide range of temperature having a simple constitution, reduces the influence due to the dispersion among the operating points, and enables the cost down. The infrared detection device includes: reference voltage generation means 101 for generating a specific reference voltage; ambient temperature compensation means 102, to which a reference voltage from the reference voltage generation means 101 is applied, for outputting a signal for compensating the ambient temperature; first amplification means 103 for amplifying the signal outputted from the ambient temperature compensation means 102; infrared detection means 104, to which a signal outputted from the first amplification means 103 is applied, for converting infrared radiation energy into an electric signal; and second amplification means 105 for amplifying a signal outputted from the infrared detection means 104.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for measuring a coating from paper or board. The measurement is carried out by one detector at different times or by two detectors simultaneously. IR radiation directed at the coating and radiation emerging from the coating are chopped synchronously in blocks. A wavelength band sensitive and insensitive to the absorption are bandpass filtered and measured in both the MIR and NIR region. The absorption strength is measured in a digital signal processing block by comparing the radiation sensitive to absorption to the radiation insensitive to absorption, and the amount of each coating component is determined in the digital signal processing block on the basis of the absorption strength.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing electromagnetic radiation with local resolution for image-producing sensors that can be economically produced and installed is decribed. This is achieved, in that a micromechanically producible optical imaging system is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are an infrared sensor assembly for precisely detecting a location where a heat source is generated and a refrigerator having the infrared sensor. To this end, comprised are an infrared sensor fixed to a supporting frame for receiving infrared rays generated at the heat source; a case having the infrared sensor mounted therein and an infrared filter mounted at an upper surface thereof, the infrared filter transmits only the infrared rays; and a receiving range limiting means mounted between the infrared sensor and the infrared filter in the case for limiting a range of the infrared rays received into the infrared sensor so as to precisely detect a location of the heat source.

Abstract: Apparatus for improving the sensitivity, angular resolution and range of motion detectors, occupancy sensors and similar systems include an improved infrared input section which employs at least one additional lens, possibly segmented, before a lens array. This pre-focusing lens collects and at least partially focuses incident infrared radiation onto at least one element of the lens array. The lens array focuses the radiation onto a detector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for fibre optic temperature measurement with an optical fibre having a radiation coupling in area and a detector-associated radiation coupling out area. Such a device is characterized in that the optical fibre is constructed with high transmission in the infrared (IR) spectral range, particularly in the range from approximately 2 &mgr;m to approximately 20 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A support structure for a display system includes at least one pentagon-shaped lens, at least two hexagon-shaped lenses, and at least two hexagon-shaped supports. The at least two hexagon-shaped supports support the at least one pentagon-shaped lens and the at least two hexagon-shaped lenses. Each of the hexagon-shaped supports is securely attached to one of the hexagon-shaped lenses and one edge of the pentagon-shaped lens.

Abstract: An apparatus for simulating a blackbody utilizes several plates to absorb and reflect electromagnetic radiation. Electromagnetic radiation entering the apparatus from a certain view is reflected from one plate to another, until the direction of travel of the electromagnetic radiation is reversed. Each time the electromagnetic radiation is reflected, the majority of the electromagnetic radiation is absorbed resulting in a negligible amount of incoming electromagnetic radiation escaping the apparatus.

Abstract: A detector with a wide detecting range having a module of electrical circuit boards including an infrared radiation detector element; a stacked-up multifaceted arc lens assembly installed in front of the detector element which is located at the focus of the arc lens assembly to receive the focused infrared rays; and a single deflector plate conjoined to the detector element and mounted on the electrical circuit board, the signal deflector plate having symmetrically constructed reflecting units. Each reflecting unit is composed of a least two reflection planes. The invention is capable of covering detection blind zone exceeding 60 degrees both in right and left directions of the central axis of the detector element, thereby achieving a wide detecting range of over 200 degrees. A method of extending the detecting range is also taught.

Abstract: A focal plane array (FPA) of infrared (IR) radiation detectors (20), such as an array of microbolometers, includes an active area (20A) containing a plurality of IR radiation detectors, a readout integrated circuit (ROIC) (12) that is mechanically and electrically coupled to the active area and, disposed on the ROIC, a plurality of heater elements (30A) that are located and operated so as to provide a substantially uniform thermal distribution across at least the active area. The FPA further includes a plurality of temperature sensors (30B), individual ones of which are spatially associated with one of the heater elements for sensing the temperature in the vicinity of the associated heater element for providing closed loop operation of the associated heater element.

Abstract: A lightweight camera is provided that includes a lightweight lens system that has a reduced number of lenses. Reducing the number of lenses produces a lighter camera, but produces a distorted local image. The distorted local image is captured by the lightweight camera, and is preferably transmitted to a remote station. The remote station then performs image processing on the distorted image to remove at least some of the distortion in the image. Preferably, a Massively Parallel Richardson-Lucy (MPRL) algorithm is used to identify and remove distortion from the image. Also, motion, temperature and inter-detector difference distortion is detected and corrected.

Abstract: Infrared radiation receivers (40, 72) of this invention include non-imaging optical concentrators (18, 70) having light exit surfaces (52, 86); a light sensor (46) having a light entrance surface that is separated from the light exit surface by a small air gap (53); and a soft, pliable, light transmissive medium (100, 110) inserted in the gap to reduce the light transmission loss across the gap. The soft, pliable medium is held in place by either a recess (116) in the concentrator or by a surrounding annular ring (104).

Abstract: A system for counting living beings moving on a first surface (0) and passing through a second cylindrical surface with substantially vertical generatrix, consists of N thermal radiating detection cells (11) having in particular a thermopile (30) including at least a sensitive element (31), and elements focusing (34) the thermal radiation and generating a field of vision (111) extended along a direction, the N detection cells (11) being distributed between two curves, one of the curves coinciding with the base line of the cylindrical surface crossed by the living beings, and the other curve being distant from the former one by a length D (42) equal to 5 cm at least, the direction of the extension of the field of vision of each cell being substantially tangent to one of the two curves.

Abstract: Optical mapping apparatus in which a long, one or two dimensional detector array or higher resolution two dimensional array is synthesised using a two dimensional array (of shorter dimensions). The two dimensional array has an input mask having waveguides with a smaller input than output and the apparatus is adapted to scan the scene relative to the array to image different parts of the scene. In one embodiment the apparatus is adapted such that different parts of a line through the image which is perpendicular to the scan direction are imaged at different times as the detector array is scanned.

Abstract: An infrared sensor including an absorber for absorbing incident infrared power to produce a signal representing the temperature of a target object, a frame supporting a membrane which carries the absorber, the frame including a plurality of reflecting surfaces disposed about the circumference of an opening over which the membrane spans for reflecting incident infrared power toward the absorber. By concentrating incident infrared power through reflection, the temperature difference between the absorber and the surrounding frame is increased, thereby producing an increased electrical output from the sensor.

Abstract: The illustrated embodiment of the invention is an improvement to an infrared camera in which an uncooled warm stop is provided which includes an array of miniature retro-reflectors on its rear surface oriented toward the detector in the camera and away from the exterior light source of interest instead of having a diffuse (i.e., Lambertian or white) or specular (i.e., mirror-like) reflector on the rear or interior surface of the warm stop.

Abstract: An infrared sensor comprises: a stem; a pyroelectric element arranged on one side of the stem; a conversion circuit for changing electric charge generated in the pyroelectric element into a signal; and a plurality of lead terminals formed so as to be extended to the other side of the stem and electrically connected to the conversion circuit, the lead terminals being fixed to the stem by caulking.

Abstract: A detector array that eliminates the channel spectrum effect. In one embodiment the detector consists of a charge couple device (CCD) detector having a photoactive layer supported on a wedge-shaped substrate. Incident radiation impinging any of the pixels and passing through the substrate to the wedge-shaped surface thereof is reflected back at an angle away from the pixel from which it passed through. An infrared array and a single element detector each including a wedge-shaped substrate are also disclosed. The detectors do not require costly signal processing equipment and further can be constructed in accordance with well known manufacturing techniques and with little or no additional cost beyond that normally associated with producing such devices.

Abstract: A window has at least two surfaces oriented relative to each other at an angle greater than zero. A conductive path is disposed across the two surfaces and renders the window reflective or absorptive to a second predetermined bandwidth of energy, which can be radio frequency energy. The window utilizes window geometry, surface treatments, and bonding techniques to maintain electrical continuity across the surface. The window can be constructed from multiple segmented elements, such as sapphire, or from a unitary body. The window is transmissive to a desired wavelength of energy for the sensor while being reflective, refractive, or absorptive to a desired RF bandwidth of energy. The window provides RF signature management coupled with a substantial sensor Field of Regard and allows for full-time use of an embedded sensor.

Abstract: The passive infrared detector contains a heat-sensitive sensor and a focusing device for focusing thermal rays incident on the detector from the room under surveillance onto the sensor. The focusing device has focusing elements for surveillance regions having different positions in the room under surveillance. Each focusing element comprises a number of sub-elements, with the result that the surveillance regions are split up vertically into subzones having slightly different elevation. In a majority of the surveillance regions, the subzones overlap at most only slightly. Human being and animals are distinguished by the amplitude of the sensor signal which is proportional to the number of subzones interrupted by the object in the room under surveillance. The number of sub-elements and correspondingly the number of subzones increases with decreasing radial distance of the respective surveillance region from the detector.

Abstract: An improved infrared (IR) imaging arrangement for a turbine component inspection system includes a platform having a turbine component base feature to receive a turbine component for inspection. Disposed on the platform are a number of mirrors around the turbine component feature. The number of mirrors simultaneously reflects a number of sides/edges for detection by an IR imager. As a result, the IR imager may simultaneously view more than one sides/edges of a turbine component.

Abstract: An apparatus for simulating a blackbody utilizes several plates to absorb and reflect electromagnetic radiation. Electromagnetic radiation entering the apparatus from a certain view is reflected from one plate to another, until the direction of travel of the electromagnetic radiation is reversed. Each time the electromagnetic radiation is reflected, the majority of the electromagnetic radiation is absorbed resulting in a negligible amount of incoming electromagnetic radiation escaping the apparatus.

Abstract: The illustrated embodiment of the invention is an improvement to an infrared camera in which an uncooled warm stop is provided which includes an array of miniature retro-reflectors on its rear surface oriented toward the detector in the camera and away from the exterior light source of interest instead of having a diffuse (i.e., Lambertian or white) or specular (i.e., mirror-like) reflector on the rear or interior surface of the warm stop.

Abstract: A wide angle viewing device comprising a viewing head, a plurality of sensors, and a detector. The sensors are connected to the viewing head with each sensor positioned facing a unique direction such that the combination of sensors effectively views and entire volume, such as an entire room. The sensors collect radiation from the volume and deliver it to the detector. In one embodiment, the viewing device is used in a flame detector for detecting the presence of a fire in the viewed volume.

Abstract: An infra-red camera apparatus having a primary mirror assembly formed in a first molded plastic housing; and, a secondary mirror assembly formed in a second molded plastic housing and disposed in front of and in optical alignment with the primary mirror assembly for collecting an image. The first and second housings snap together for assembly of the camera. A focal plane array is disposed in optical alignment with the primary and secondary mirrors for receiving an image focused thereon by the secondary mirror. A substrate is added for supporting the focal plane array and system electronics, which are responsive to images formed on the focal plane array.

Abstract: A compact, modular, comprehensive, multimedia, surveillance system provides multiple data capture and management capability for field personnel. The system includes a modular sensor array having a standard base module or platform upon which a myriad of systems may be mounted for providing a wide range of flexibility and functionality. A remote base station can be incorporated having a remote, possibly laptop, computer with appropriate Government communications card and an image frame capture card, a printer, and a power inverter to operate the system on 24 VDC military power. The control module is adapted for transmitting all captured data to the base station via a wireless communications link or via plug-in cabling for archiving and managing the data. Modules include a high performance night vision system, a high performance day vision system; an uncooled FLIR; cooled FLIR; RF probe; NBC detector; sensor computer modules; a laser range finder unit, a MELIOS unit and the like.