Patent EP0031732A2 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
EP0031732A2
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EP
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Light and particle image intensifier
Assignee: American Sterilizer Co
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Filing: 1980-12-30
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2000-12-30
Abstract
Abstract A light and charged particle image intensifier (10) receives incident image conveying light or charged particles {«incident beam») (12) and provides to data processing and video equipment signals from which the image conveyed by the incident beam (12) can be constructed and displayed. The beam (12) that is being processed includes visible light reflected from objects and X-ray radiation that has been passed through an object such as a human body. The image intensifier includes a scintillator (14) and photocathode unit (16) for converting the incident beam (12) to photoelectrons (18) and a charge-coupled device («CCD») (52) for detecting the photoelectrons (18) and transmitting to the data processing and video equipment information relating to the quantity or energy level as well as the location of the electrons (18) impinging on the sensing areas (54 or Sl to SN) of the CCD (52). From this information, the data processing and video equipment can reconstruct the image conveyed by the incident beam (12). The sensitivity of the device is increased either by imposing an electric field across the photocathode (16) and the CCD (52) to accelerate the photoelectrons or by placing a micro channel processor («MCP») (20) between the photocathode (16) and the CCD (52) to increase the number of electrons that impinge on the CCD (52). Alternately, a silicon diode target (42) can be used instead of a CCD (52) to intercept the electrons and an electron beam gun (44) can be used to detect the location and intensity of the charges created on the target (42) by the impinging electrons. Finally, a grid (24) having a number of windows can be used instead of a CCD (52) or a silicon target (42) to detect the location of the electron streams and a photoanode (25) can detect their intensity.
Inventors
- 👤 Sing Tai Ng
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 18:30
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01T; G01T1/00; G01T1/16; G01T1/161; G01T1/164; G01T1/1641; G01T1/1645; H; H01; H01J; H01J31/00; H01J31/08; H10; H10F; H10F30/00; H10F30/20; H10F30/29; H10F30/298
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 43
Claim 1
Independent Claim
145 words
An image intensifier for processing a beam (12) and providing to data processing and video equipment information needed by said equipment to construct and display the image conveyed by said beam characterised in: a scintillator screen (14) for intercepting said beam (12) and for emiting photons as a response to the particles of said beam (12) impacting said screen (14); a photocathode (16) for intercepting said emitted photons and emitting photoelectrons (18) in response to the impact'of said emitted photons on said photocathode (16); a charge-coupled device (52), said photocathode (16) being disposed between said scintillator screen (14) and said charge-coupled device (52), said charge-coupled device (52) intercepting and detecting said photoelectrons (18) and transmitting to said data processing and video equipment information relating to the presence and location of said photoelectrons (18); and means for accelerating said photoelectrons (18) toward said charge-coupled device (52).
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
145 words
An image intensifier for processing a beam (12) and providing to data processing and video equipment information needed by said equipment to construct and display the image conveyed by said beam characterised in: a scintillator screen (14) for intercepting said beam (12) and for emiting photons as a response to the particles of said beam (12) impacting said screen (14); a photocathode (16) for intercepting said emitted photons and emitting photoelectrons (18) in response to the impact'of said emitted photons on said photocathode (16); a charge-coupled device (52), said photocathode (16) being disposed between said scintillator screen (14) and said charge-coupled device (52), said charge-coupled device (52) intercepting and detecting said photoelectrons (18) and transmitting to said data processing and video equipment information relating to the presence and location of said photoelectrons (18); and means for accelerating said photoelectrons (18) toward said charge-coupled device (52).
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The image intensifier claimed in claim 1 wherein said photoelectron accelerating means is a high voltage electric field.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
198 words
The image intensifier claimed in claim 1 wherein said charge-coupled device (52) includes: a plurality of sensing areas (54 or Sl to SN) for intercepting and detecting said photoelectrons (18); a plurality of storage areas (58 or Ml to MN) for accepting from said sensing areas (54 or S1 to SN) information relating to the location and presence of said photoelectrons (18); sensor to storage transfer means for transferring said information from said sensing areas (54 or S1 to SN) to said storage areas (58 or Ml to MN); a plurality of register areas (Rl to RN) for receiving said information from said storage areas (58 or Ml to MN) and for transferring said information to said data processing and video equipment; storage to register transfer means for transferring said information from said storage areas (58 or Ml to MN) to said register areas (Rl to RN); read out means for reading said information from said register areas (Rl to RN); and shielding means (56) covering said storage (58 or Ml to MN) and register areas (Rl to RN) for protecting said storage (58 or Ml to MN) and register areas (R1 to RN) from said photoelectrons (18).
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
46 words
The image intensifier claimed in claim 3 wherein said storage areas (58 or Ml to MN) include means for. allowing said storage areas (58 or M1 to MN) to receive analog electrical signals from a source other than said sensing areas (54 or Sl to SN).
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The image intensifier claimed in claim 4 wherein said analog electrical signal source is said register areas (R1 to RN).
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
41 words
The image intensifier claimed in claim 3 wherein said storage areas (58 or Ml to MN) include means for allowing said information to pass from said storage areas (58 or M1 to MN) to said register areas (R1 to RN) nondestructively.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The image intensifier claimed in claim 1 further comprising a phosphor screen disposed between said photocathode
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
(16) and said charge-coupled device (52) for emitting secondary photons as a response to said photoelectrons (18) impacting said phosphor screen.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
(16) and said charge-coupled device (52) for emitting secondary photons as a response to said photoelectrons (18) impacting said phosphor screen.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
68 words
The image intensifier claimed in claim 3 further comprising: a micro channel plate (20) disposed between said photocathode (16) and said charge-coupled device (52) for receiving said photoelectrons (18) and emitting toward said charge-coupled device (52) secondary electrons (22), the quantity of said secondary electrons (22) being greater than the quantity of said photoelectrons (18); and means for accelerating said secondary electrons (22) toward said charge-coupled device (52).
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
20 words
The image intensifier claimed in claim 8 wherein said means for accelerating said secondary electrons (22) is an electric field.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
217 words
An image intensifier for processing a beam (12) and providing to data processing and video equipment information needed by said equipment to construct and display the image conveyed by said beam characterised in: a scintillator screen (14) for intercepting said beam (12) and for emitting photons as a response to the particles of said beam (12) impacting said scintillator screen (14); a photocathode (16) for intercepting said emitted photons and emitting photoelectrons (18) in response to the impact of said emitted photons on said photocathode (16); a micro channel plate (20) for emitting secondary electrons (22) in response to the reception of photoelectrons (18) by said micro channel plate (20), the quantity of said secondary electrons (22) being greater than the quantity of said photo- electrons (18); means (24, 25 or 42, 44) for detecting the presence, intensity and location of said secondary electrons (22), said micro channel plate (20) being disposed between said photocathode (16) and said detection means (24, 25 or 42, 44), said means (24, 25 or 42, 44) transmitting information relating to said presence, location and intensity to said data processing and video equipment; means for accelerating said photoelectrons (18) toward said micro channel plate (20); and means for accelerating said secondary electrons (22) toward said detection means (24, 25 or 42, 44).
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
217 words
An image intensifier for processing a beam (12) and providing to data processing and video equipment information needed by said equipment to construct and display the image conveyed by said beam characterised in: a scintillator screen (14) for intercepting said beam (12) and for emitting photons as a response to the particles of said beam (12) impacting said scintillator screen (14); a photocathode (16) for intercepting said emitted photons and emitting photoelectrons (18) in response to the impact of said emitted photons on said photocathode (16); a micro channel plate (20) for emitting secondary electrons (22) in response to the reception of photoelectrons (18) by said micro channel plate (20), the quantity of said secondary electrons (22) being greater than the quantity of said photo- electrons (18); means (24, 25 or 42, 44) for detecting the presence, intensity and location of said secondary electrons (22), said micro channel plate (20) being disposed between said photocathode (16) and said detection means (24, 25 or 42, 44), said means (24, 25 or 42, 44) transmitting information relating to said presence, location and intensity to said data processing and video equipment; means for accelerating said photoelectrons (18) toward said micro channel plate (20); and means for accelerating said secondary electrons (22) toward said detection means (24, 25 or 42, 44).
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
102 words
The image intensifier claimed in claim 10 wherein said detection means (42,44) comprises: a silicon diode target (42), said secondary electrons (22) creating a charge in said target (42) where said secondary electrons (22) strike said target (42); an electron beam gun (44), said target (42) being disposed between said micro channel plate (20) and said electron beam gun (44), said electron beam gun (44) scanning said target (42) and passing information relating to the presence, location and intensity of said charges to said data processing and video equipment, and an electric field imposed across said target (42) and said gun (44).
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
101 words
The image intensifier claimed in claim 10 wherein said detection means (24, 25) comprises: a photoanode (25); a scanning grid (24) for scanning said secondary electrons (22) by selectively and systematically allowing a portion of said secondary electrons (26) to pass through said grid (24), said scanning grid (24) being disposed between said micro . channel plate (20) and said photoanode (25); said photoanode (25) passing to said data processing and video equipment information relating to the presence, location and energy level of said secondary electrons (26); and . means for accelerating said passed secondary electrons (26) toward said photoanode (25).
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
20 words
The image intensifier claimed in claim 12 wherein said means for accelerating said passed electrons (26) is an electric field.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
18 words
The image intensifier claimed in claims 1 or 10 _ wherein said incident beam (12) comprises X-ray radiation.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
18 words
The image intensifier claimed in claims 1 or 10 wherein said incident beam (12) comprises gamma ray radiation.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
17 words
The image intensifier claimed in claims 1 or 10 wherein said incident beam (12) comprises atomic particles.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
17 words
The image intensifier claimed in claims 1 or 10 wherein said incident beam (12) comprises infrared light.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
17 words
The image intensifier claimed in claims 1 or 10 wherein said incident beam (12) comprises ultraviolet light.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
109 words
A visible light image intensifier for processing a visible light beam (12) and providing to data processing and video equipment information needed by said equipment to construct and display the image conveyed by said beam (12) characterised in: a photocathode (16) for intercepting said beam (12) and emitting photoelectrons (18) in response to the impact of the photons of said beam (12) on said photocathode (16); a charge-coupled device (5-2) for intercepting and detecting said photoelectrons (18) and transmitting to said data processing and video equipment information relating to the presence and location of said photoelectrons (18); and means for accelerating said photoelectrons (18) toward said charge-coupled device (52).
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
109 words
A visible light image intensifier for processing a visible light beam (12) and providing to data processing and video equipment information needed by said equipment to construct and display the image conveyed by said beam (12) characterised in: a photocathode (16) for intercepting said beam (12) and emitting photoelectrons (18) in response to the impact of the photons of said beam (12) on said photocathode (16); a charge-coupled device (5-2) for intercepting and detecting said photoelectrons (18) and transmitting to said data processing and video equipment information relating to the presence and location of said photoelectrons (18); and means for accelerating said photoelectrons (18) toward said charge-coupled device (52).
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
20 words
The visible light image intensifier claimed in claim 19 wherein said photoelectron accelerating means is a high voltage electric field.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
199 words
The visible light image intensifier claimed in claim 19 wherein said charge-coupled device (52) includes: a plurality of sensing areas (54 or S1 to SN) for intercepting and detecting said photoelectrons (18); a plurality of storage areas (58 or-Ml to MN) for accepting from said sensing areas (54 or S1 to SN) information relating to the location and presence of said photoelectrons (18); sensor to storage transfer means for transferring said information from said sensing areas (54 or Sl to SN) to said storage areas (58 or Ml to MN); a plurality of register areas (Rl to RN) for receiving said information from said storage areas (58 or Ml to MN) and for transferring said information to said data processing and video equipment; storage to register transfer means for transferring said information from said storage areas (58 or Ml to MN) to said register areas (Rl to RN); read out means for reading said information from said register areas (Rl to RN); and shielding means (56) covering said storage (58 or Ml to MN) and register areas (Rl to RN) for protecting said storage (58 or Ml to MN) and register areas (Rl to RN) from said photoelectrons (18).
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
47 words
The visible light image intensifier claimed in claim 21 wherein said storage areas (58 or Ml to MN) include means for allowing said storage areas (58 or Ml to MN) to receive electrical signals from a source other than said sensing areas (54 or S1 to SN).
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
21 words
The visible light image intensifier claimed in claim 22 wherein said electrical signal source is said register areas (Rl to RN).
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
43 words
The visible light image intensifier claimed in claim 21 wherein said storage areas (58 or Ml to MN) include means for allowing said information to pass from said storage areas (58 or Ml to MN) to said register areas (Rl to RN) nondestructively.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
38 words
The visible.light image intensifier claimed in claim 19 further comprising a phosphor screen disposed between said photocathode (16). and said charge-coupled device (52) for emitting secondary photons as a response to said photoelectrons (18) impacting said phosphor screen.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
70 words
The visible light image intensifier claimed in claim 21 further comprising: a micro channel plate (20) disposed between said photocathode (16) and said charge-coupled device (52) for receiving said photoelectrons (18) and emitting toward said charge-coupled device (52) secondary electrons (22), the quantity of said secondary electrons (22) being greater than the quantity of said photoelectrons (18); and means for accelerating said secondary electrons (22) toward said charge-coupled device (52).
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
22 words
The visible light image intensifier claimed in claim 26 wherein said means for accelerating said secondary electrons (22) is an electric field.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
168 words
An image intensifier for processing a beam (12) and providing to data processing and video equipment information needed by said equipment to construct and display the image conveyed by said beam (12) characterised in: a photocathode (16) for intercepting said beam (12) and. emitting photoelectrons (18) in response to the impact of the particles of said beam (12) on said photocathode (16); a micro channel plate (20) for emitting secondary electrons (22) in response to the reception of photoelectrons (18) by said micro channel plate (20), the quantity of said secondary electrons (22) being greater than the quantity of said photo- electrons (18); means (24, 25 or 42, 44) for detecting the presence, intensity and location of said secondary electrons (22) and for transmitting information relating to said presence, location and intensity to said data processing and video equipment; means for accelerating said photoelectrons (18) toward said micro channel plate (20); and means for accelerating said secondary electrons (22) toward said detection means (24, 25 or 42, 44).
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
168 words
An image intensifier for processing a beam (12) and providing to data processing and video equipment information needed by said equipment to construct and display the image conveyed by said beam (12) characterised in: a photocathode (16) for intercepting said beam (12) and. emitting photoelectrons (18) in response to the impact of the particles of said beam (12) on said photocathode (16); a micro channel plate (20) for emitting secondary electrons (22) in response to the reception of photoelectrons (18) by said micro channel plate (20), the quantity of said secondary electrons (22) being greater than the quantity of said photo- electrons (18); means (24, 25 or 42, 44) for detecting the presence, intensity and location of said secondary electrons (22) and for transmitting information relating to said presence, location and intensity to said data processing and video equipment; means for accelerating said photoelectrons (18) toward said micro channel plate (20); and means for accelerating said secondary electrons (22) toward said detection means (24, 25 or 42, 44).
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
102 words
The image intensifier claimed in claim 28 wherein said detection means (42, 44) comprises: a silicon diode target (42), said secondary electrons (22) creating a charge in said target (42) where said secondary electrons (22) strike said target (42); an electron beam gun (44), said target (42) being-disposed between said micro channel plate (20) and said electron beam gun (44), said electron beam gun (44) scanning said target (42) and passing information relating to the presence, location and intensity of said charges to said data processing and video equipment, and an electric field imposed across said target (42) and said gun (44).
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
98 words
The image intensifier claimed in claim 28 wherein said detection means (24, 25) comprises: a photoanode (25); a scanning grid (24) for scanning said secondary electrons (22) by selectively and systematically allowing a portion of said secondary electrons (26) to pass through said grid (24), said scanning grid (24) being disposed between said micro channel plate (20) and said photoanode (25); said photoanode (25) passing to said data processing and video equipment information relating to the presence, location and energy level of said secondary electrons (26); and means for accelerating said passed secondary electrons (26) toward said photoanode.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
20 words
The image intensifier claimed in claim 30 wherein said means for accelerating said passed electrons '(26) is an electric field.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
183 words
A charge-coupled device (52) for detecting particles and conveying to data processing and video equipment data necessary to permit said equipment to reconstruct and display an image conveyed by said particles, said charge-coupled device characterised in: a plurality of sensing areas (54 or S1 to SN) for intercepting and detecting said particles; a plurality of storage areas (58 or MI to MN) for accepting from said sensing areas (54 or S1 to SN) information relating to the location and presence of said particles; sensor to storage transfer means for transferring said information from said sensing areas (54 or Sl to SN) to said storage areas (58 or Ml to MN); a plurality of register areas (Rl to RN) for receiving said information from said storage areas (58 or M1 to MN) and for transferring said information to said data processing and video equipment; storage to register transfer means for transferring said information from said storage areas (58 or Ml to MN) to said register areas (Rl to RN); and read out means for reading said information from said register areas (Rl to RN).
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
183 words
A charge-coupled device (52) for detecting particles and conveying to data processing and video equipment data necessary to permit said equipment to reconstruct and display an image conveyed by said particles, said charge-coupled device characterised in: a plurality of sensing areas (54 or S1 to SN) for intercepting and detecting said particles; a plurality of storage areas (58 or MI to MN) for accepting from said sensing areas (54 or S1 to SN) information relating to the location and presence of said particles; sensor to storage transfer means for transferring said information from said sensing areas (54 or Sl to SN) to said storage areas (58 or Ml to MN); a plurality of register areas (Rl to RN) for receiving said information from said storage areas (58 or M1 to MN) and for transferring said information to said data processing and video equipment; storage to register transfer means for transferring said information from said storage areas (58 or Ml to MN) to said register areas (Rl to RN); and read out means for reading said information from said register areas (Rl to RN).
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
34 words
The charge-coupled device (52) claimed in claim 32 wherein said charge-coupled device (52) includes means (56) for shielding said register (Rl to RN) and storage areas (58 or M1 to MN) from atomic particles.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
41 words
The charge-coupled device (52) claimed in claim 33 wherein said storage areas (58 or Ml to MN) include means for allowing said storage areas to receive electrical signals from a source other than said sensing areas (54 or S1 to SN).
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
20 words
The charge-coupled device (52) claimed in claim 34 wherein said electrical signal source is said register areas (Rl to RN).
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
42 words
The charge-coupled device (52) claimed in claim 32 wherein said storage areas (54 or Sl to SN) include means for allowing said information to pass from said storage areas (54 or Sl to SN) to said register areas (Rl to RN) nondestructively.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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