US4980772A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Image pickup device incorporated with image intensifier tube
Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics KK
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Filing: 1989-05-17
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Granted: 1990-12-25
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Expires: 2009-05-17
Abstract
Abstract An image intensifier tube and a solid-state image pickup device are combined to form a unified image pickup device. A thin fiber plate with thickness of 0.5-1.5 mm is interposed between a phosphor layer of the image intensifier tube and a photosensitive layer of the solid-state image pickup device. A microchannel plate may be incorporated to multiply photoelectrons emitted from a photocathode.
Inventors
- 👤 Tatsuro Kawamura
- 👤 Humihiko Ando
- 👤 Masayuki Sugawara
- 👤 Takashi Ando
- 👤 Masumi Tachino
- 👤 Yasushi Watase
- 👤 Toshio Ikuma
- 👤 Kazumasa Kato
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 19:49
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01J; H01J31/00; H01J31/08; H01J31/50; H01J29/00; H01J29/86; H01J29/89; H01J29/892; H04; H04N; H04N23/00; H04N23/50; H04N23/54; H01J2231/00; H01J2231/50; H01J2231/50005; H01J2231/5001; H01J2231/50057; H01J2231/50089; H01J2231/50094; H01J2231/501; H01J2231/5013; H01J2231/5016
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
83 words
An image pickup device incorporated with an image intensifier tube, comprising: a photocathode section comprising a photocathode for emitting photoelectrons in response to an input optical image of an object; a fluorescent screen section comprising a phosphor layer for converting an electron image into an intensified optical image; a thin fiber plate for transmitting said intensified optical image; and a solid-state image pickup device for producing a video output signal in response to the intensified optical image transmitted from said thin fiber plate.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
83 words
An image pickup device incorporated with an image intensifier tube, comprising: a photocathode section comprising a photocathode for emitting photoelectrons in response to an input optical image of an object; a fluorescent screen section comprising a phosphor layer for converting an electron image into an intensified optical image; a thin fiber plate for transmitting said intensified optical image; and a solid-state image pickup device for producing a video output signal in response to the intensified optical image transmitted from said thin fiber plate.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
An image pickup device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said image pickup device is sealed using said fiber plate and a package of said solid-state image pickup device.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
An image pickup device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the thickness of said thin fiber plate is within the range of 0.5-1.5 mm.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
An image pickup device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising means for accelerating said photoelectrons towards said phosphor layer.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
An image pickup device as claimed in claim 4, wherein said photoelectrons are accelerated in a proximity-focused condition.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
An image pickup device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fluorescent screen section further comprises a metal-back layer formed on said phosphor layer.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
An image pickup device as claimed in claim 6, wherein said fluorescent screen section further comprises an anti-reflection layer formed on said metal-back layer.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
An image pickup device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a microchannel plate disposed between said photocathode and said phosphor layer, for multiplying said photoelectrons.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
33 words
An image pickup device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said solid-state image pickup device comprises a solid-state device having a scanning function, and a layered photoconductive material superimposed on the solid-state device.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
51 words
An image pickup device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fluorescent screen section further comprises an optical filter layer disposed between said phosphor layer and said thin fiber plate, for matching emission spectrum characteristics of said phosphor layer and spectrum characteristics of a photosensitive layer of said image pickup 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) | 1993-12-24 | 1994-06-25 | 1994-12-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-12-24 | 1998-06-25 | 1998-12-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-12-24 | 2002-06-25 | 2002-12-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |