US3723642A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Thermal imaging system
Assignee: Raytheon Co
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Filing: 1971-05-28
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Granted: 1973-03-27
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Expires: 1991-05-28
Abstract
Abstract A thermal imaging system wherein a field of view is optically scanned in a two-dimensional pattern by each element of a linear detector array. Output signals from each detector element are delayed as a function of the scan rate and the relative position of the element in the array, to allow the summation of signals from the same image segments, provided by the various elements of the array.
Inventors
- 👤 P Laakmann
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 08:18
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04N; H04N3/00; H04N3/02; H04N3/08; H04N3/09; H04N23/00; H04N23/20; H04N23/23
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
105 words
A thermal imaging system comprising: an array of detection elements, with each said detection element adapted for producing an output signal representative of the relative intensity of thermal energy applied thereto; means for scanning a field of view in two dimensions and applying the received thermal energy to said array; and means for processing the output signals from each of said detection elements to cause the signals from each of the elements, originating from the same segment of the field of view, to be summed so as to provide a resultant output signal indicative of the relative thermal energy distribution within said field of view.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
105 words
A thermal imaging system comprising: an array of detection elements, with each said detection element adapted for producing an output signal representative of the relative intensity of thermal energy applied thereto; means for scanning a field of view in two dimensions and applying the received thermal energy to said array; and means for processing the output signals from each of said detection elements to cause the signals from each of the elements, originating from the same segment of the field of view, to be summed so as to provide a resultant output signal indicative of the relative thermal energy distribution within said field of view.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said array is a linear array of detection elements oriented parallel to one of the scanning dimensions.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said means for processing includes means for delaying the output signals from said detection elements as a function of the scan rate along one of said scanning dimensions and the element''s position within the array.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said means for processing includes a tapped delay line with each of said detection elements coupled to a different input tap.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
The system of claim 3 wherein said means for processing includes a delay line having a plurality of input taps and each of said detection elements are coupled to a different one of said input taps.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said scanning means includes means for pointing a stationary optical beam through a two-dimensional raster pattern, and means for focusing the beam on a focal plane.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
52 words
The system of claim 6 wherein said scanning Means includes means for scanning said raster pattern in horizontal and vertical dimensions; and said array is a linear array of detection elements oriented on said focal plane such that the linear dimension of the array is approximately parallel to the horizontal scan direction.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
45 words
The system of claim 7 wherein said means for processing includes means for delaying the output signals from each of the detection elements as a function of the horizontal scan speed and the relative position of each of the detection elements along the linear array.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
36 words
The system of claim 8 wherein said means for processing includes a delay line having a plurality of input taps and each of said detection elements are coupled to a different one of said input taps.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system of claim 9 further comprising a display device synchronized to said scanning means; and means for applying output signals from said delay line to the video input of said display device.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-03-26 | 1976-09-25 | 1977-03-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-03-26 | 1980-09-25 | 1981-03-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-03-26 | 1984-09-25 | 1985-03-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |