US4417813A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Non-scanned heterodyne imaging sensor
Assignee: Hughes Missile Systems Co
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Filing: 1981-09-11
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Granted: 1983-11-29
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Expires: 2001-09-11
Abstract
Abstract A non-scanning heterodyne optical imaging sensor which utilizes a multi-frequency coherent light source to provide a plurality of points of different frequencies on a single detector on which the image of an object is also projected. Each point acts as a local oscillator which is sensed/filtered to construct the image of the object without mechanical scanning.
Inventors
- 👤 Bruce J. Bartholomew
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 16:01
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01S; H01S3/00; H01S3/05; H01S3/08; H01S3/08059; H01S3/08068; G; G01; G01J; G01J9/00; G01J9/04; H01S3/081; H01S3/082
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
98 words
A non-scanning heterodyne imaging sensor comprising a first source of coherent light, means directing a beam from said first source of coherent light for illuminating an object, a photodetector, means directing a beam of the reflection of said object onto said photodetector, a second multi-frequency coherent light source, means directing light from said multi-frequency light source onto said photodetector concurrently with the reflected beam of said object for providing a plurality of points on said photodetector each with a different frequency, means for sensing each of said points on said photodetector to provide an image of said object.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
98 words
A non-scanning heterodyne imaging sensor comprising a first source of coherent light, means directing a beam from said first source of coherent light for illuminating an object, a photodetector, means directing a beam of the reflection of said object onto said photodetector, a second multi-frequency coherent light source, means directing light from said multi-frequency light source onto said photodetector concurrently with the reflected beam of said object for providing a plurality of points on said photodetector each with a different frequency, means for sensing each of said points on said photodetector to provide an image of said object.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
The sensor as claimed in claim 1 wherein said means for directing said coherent light toward said object comprises a first lens system and wherein the means for directing said reflected light from said object comprises a second lens system.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
60 words
The sensor as claimed in claim 2 wherein a beam splitter is located in the beam of reflected light from said object and wherein the second multi-frequency coherent light source is directed to said beam splitter so that the reflected light and the multi-frequency light are merged to provide a beat frequency for each of the points on said photodetector.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
The sensor as claimed in claim 3 wherein said means for providing the image comprises a filtering system responsive to each of the points of different frequencies on said photodetector.
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) | 1986-11-28 | 1987-05-30 | 1987-11-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-11-28 | 1991-05-30 | 1991-11-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-11-28 | 1995-05-30 | 1995-11-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |