US3877801A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Image translation apparatus
Assignee: Northrop Grumman Guidance and Electronics Co Inc
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Filing: 1973-12-20
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Granted: 1975-04-15
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Expires: 1993-12-20
Abstract
Abstract Image translation apparatus for projecting the image of an object to any one of a large number of possible imaging positions. The apparatus comprises a two-dimensional array of light sources and a corresponding two-dimensional array of lenses positioned conjugate to one another via a relay lens. The object is positioned adjacent the relay lens. Selective actuation of one of the light sources in the light source array will illuminate the object and the light therefrom will be brought to a focus adjacent the particular lens in the lens array that is conjugate to the selected light source. That lens will, in turn, project the image to a precise location on an image plane. The system requires no moving parts, has a fast response time, and can translate images accurately and in very small increments. Accordingly, the system is especially suitable for use in conjunction with parallel optical digital processing systems although it will also find use in a variety of other imaging applications.
Inventors
- 👤 Alan J Macgovern
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 11:54
CPC Classifications
B; B41; B41B; B41B21/00; B41B21/08; B41B21/14; B41B21/16; G; G03; G03B; G03B21/00; G03B21/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
152 words
Image translation apparatus for projecting the image of an object to any one of a plurality of possible imaging positions comprising: a. an object to be imaged; b. means for illuminating said object, said object illuminating means including means for defining a plurality of illuminating positions from which said objeCt may be illuminated; c. means for defining a plurality of lens positions, said plurality of lens positions being positioned conjugate to said plurality of illuminating positions via a relay lens; d. control means for selectively illuminating said object from one of said plurality of illuminating positions for presenting a focused image of said object to the lens position that is conjugate to said selected illuminating position; and, e. lens means located at said conjugate lens position for projecting said image of said object onto an image receiving medium at a position determined by the illuminating position from which said object is illuminated.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
152 words
Image translation apparatus for projecting the image of an object to any one of a plurality of possible imaging positions comprising: a. an object to be imaged; b. means for illuminating said object, said object illuminating means including means for defining a plurality of illuminating positions from which said objeCt may be illuminated; c. means for defining a plurality of lens positions, said plurality of lens positions being positioned conjugate to said plurality of illuminating positions via a relay lens; d. control means for selectively illuminating said object from one of said plurality of illuminating positions for presenting a focused image of said object to the lens position that is conjugate to said selected illuminating position; and, e. lens means located at said conjugate lens position for projecting said image of said object onto an image receiving medium at a position determined by the illuminating position from which said object is illuminated.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said means for defining a plurality of illuminating positions comprises a plurality of light sources and wherein said means for defining a plurality of lens positions comprises a plurality of lenses.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
47 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said means for defining a plurality of illuminating positions comprises means for defining a two-dimensional array of illuminating positions and wherein said means for defining a plurality of lens positions comprises means for defining a two-dimensional array of lens positions.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 3 wherein said means for defining a two-dimensional array of illuminating positions comprises a two-dimensional array of light sources and wherein said means for defining a two-dimensional array of lens positions comprises a two-dimensional array of lenses.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 4 wherein said array of light sources comprises an array of light emitting diodes, and wherein said control means includes means for selectively actuating said light emitting diodes.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
12 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 3 wherein said object is light transmissive.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
37 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 3 wherein said object is light reflective, and wherein said apparatus further includes beam splitter means positioned between said illuminating means and said object for illuminating said object through said relay lens.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
56 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 3 wherein said object, said array of illuminating positions and said array of lens positions are all positioned along the optical axis of said relay lens, and wherein said image on said image receiving medium is laterally displaced relative to said optical axis as a function of said selected illuminating position.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
50 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 8 wherein said array of illuminating positions and said array of lens positions are spaced from said relay lens a distance of twice the focal length of said relay lens for providing a real and inverted image of said object on said image receiving medium.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
61 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 9 wherein said lens means has a focal length equal to said relay lens and wherein said image receiving medium is spaced from said array of lens positions a distance of twice the focal length of said lens means for providing an image on said image receiving medium that is the same size as said object.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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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) | 1978-04-14 | 1978-10-14 | 1979-04-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-04-14 | 1982-10-14 | 1983-04-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-04-14 | 1986-10-14 | 1987-04-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |