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US4991109A
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Image processing system employing pseudo-focal plane array
Assignee: Raytheon Co
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Filing: 1989-02-27
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Granted: 1991-02-05
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Expires: 2009-02-27
Abstract
Abstract An image processing system (10, 800, 804) includes an array (12, 652) of detectors (14, 654), each of which produces a signal proportional to incident radiation. The image data produced in the array (12, 652) is transferred to a "pseudo" array (662) of data storage elements (664) for temporary storage therein. A preprocessing circuit (812) includes a modulator (837) associated with each pixel location for modulating pixel data obtained from the pseudo array, and one or more demodulators (835) for demodulating the combined modulated data. The preprocessor generates pointers for use by a processor (804) in quickly identifying areas of interesting pixels.
Inventors
- 👤 Rex J. Crookshanks
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 11:03
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06E; G06E3/00; G06E3/001; G06E3/005
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 22
Claim 1
Independent Claim
108 words
An image processing system, comprising: an array of image detectors, each detector providing an output signal representing a pixel of image data in response to radiation thereto; an array of data storage elements for temporarily storing the image data derived from said array of image detectors, each said storage element respectively associated with an image detector in said array of image detectors; preprocessing means coupled with said array of data storage elements for preprocessing image data obtained from said data storage elements; means coupled with said preprocessing means for processing said image data to identify information of interest in the image detected by said array of image detectors.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
108 words
An image processing system, comprising: an array of image detectors, each detector providing an output signal representing a pixel of image data in response to radiation thereto; an array of data storage elements for temporarily storing the image data derived from said array of image detectors, each said storage element respectively associated with an image detector in said array of image detectors; preprocessing means coupled with said array of data storage elements for preprocessing image data obtained from said data storage elements; means coupled with said preprocessing means for processing said image data to identify information of interest in the image detected by said array of image detectors.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 1, wherein said preprocessing means includes an analog processing circuit.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 2, wherein said preprocessing means includes a digital circuit for controlling the operation of said analog circuit.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
48 words
The system of claim 1, wherein said preprocessing means includes modulator means for modulating the image data obtained from said data storage elements in accordance with a predefined modulations characteristic function of at least one preselected characteristic of one or more pixels in said array of image detectors.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
45 words
The system of claim 4, wherein said modulation means includes a plurality of modulators respectively associated with said image data storage elements and each operative for modulating image data obtained from the associated storage element and including an output for outputting the modulated image data.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system of claim 5, wherein said preprocessing means includes means for combining the outputs of said modulators, each combining means includes an output for outputting the combined outputs of said modulators.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
The system of claim 6, wherein said preprocessor means includes a plurality of demodulators coupled with the output of said combining means for demodulating the modulated image data to derive a plurality of said preselected characteristics.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
61 words
The system of claim 6, wherein said preprocessor means includes a plurality of demodulators coupled with the output of said combining means for demodulating the modulated image data to derive a plurality of said preselected characteristics, and wherein said preselected characteristics include at least the location and intensity of the centroid of said image data detected by said array of detectors.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 7, where said processing means includes means for converting said derived preselected characteristic into digital data.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 1, wherein said image data storage elements each include a sample and hold circuit for storing an analog signal representing image data.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 10, where each of said sample and hold circuits is under control of said processing means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system of claim 11, including switching means for selectively coupling each of said data storage elements with said processing means for selectively transferring said image data to said processing means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 12, wherein said preprocessing means is coupled between said array of data storage elements and said processing means.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
34 words
The system of claim 1, including means coupled between said array of image detectors and said array of data storage elements for correcting image data signals transferred from said detectors to said storage elements.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
100 words
An image processing system, comprising: a focal plane array of image detectors, each of said detectors producing an output signal representing a pixel of image data; a pseudo-focal plane array of storage elements respectively associated with said image detectors for temporarily storing said image data; means for transferring said image data from said focal plane array to said pseudo-focal array; a plurality of modulators respectively associated with said storage elements for respectively modulating the image data stored in said pseudo-focal plane array of storage elements; means for combining the modulated image data; and means for demodulating said combined modulated data.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
100 words
An image processing system, comprising: a focal plane array of image detectors, each of said detectors producing an output signal representing a pixel of image data; a pseudo-focal plane array of storage elements respectively associated with said image detectors for temporarily storing said image data; means for transferring said image data from said focal plane array to said pseudo-focal array; a plurality of modulators respectively associated with said storage elements for respectively modulating the image data stored in said pseudo-focal plane array of storage elements; means for combining the modulated image data; and means for demodulating said combined modulated data.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
94 words
An image processing method, comprising the steps of: (A) detecting an image using an array of image detectors, each of said detectors producing an electromagnetic signal representing a pixel of image data; (B) transferring the image data from said detectors to a plurality of electronic storage devices respectively associated with said detectors; (C) temporarily storing said image data in said electronic storage devices; (D) then, preprocessing the data stored in said electronic devices; and, (E) processing the data preprocessed in step (D) to identify information of interest in the image detected in step (A).
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
94 words
An image processing method, comprising the steps of: (A) detecting an image using an array of image detectors, each of said detectors producing an electromagnetic signal representing a pixel of image data; (B) transferring the image data from said detectors to a plurality of electronic storage devices respectively associated with said detectors; (C) temporarily storing said image data in said electronic storage devices; (D) then, preprocessing the data stored in said electronic devices; and, (E) processing the data preprocessed in step (D) to identify information of interest in the image detected in step (A).
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 16, wherein step (C) is performed by storing the image data for each pixel in a respectively associated sample-and-hold circuit.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 16, wherein step (E) includes the steps of selecting certain of said pixels having image data of interest and transferring image data sorted in electronic storage devices which correspond to said selected pixels to a processor.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
72 words
The method of claim 16, wherein step (D) includes the steps of: individually modulating each of the pixel data stored at said electronic storage devices in accordance with a predefined modulation characteristic which is a function of at least one preselected characteristic of one or more pixels in said array of detectors, combining the individually modulated pixel data, demodulating the combined, modulated pixel data to derive said at least one preselected characteristic.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-02-04 | 1994-08-06 | 1995-02-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-02-04 | 1998-08-06 | 1999-02-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-02-04 | 2002-08-06 | 2003-02-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |