US5479015A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Multi-image detector assembly
Assignee: Grumman Corp
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Filing: 1994-08-18
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Granted: 1995-12-26
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Expires: 2014-08-18
Abstract
Abstract A multi-image detector assembly has an array of detector elements formed upon a single focal plane and a plurality of focusing members, each focusing member focusing a substantially identical scene upon a corresponding one of a plurality of sections of the array. An optical element such as a spectral or polarizing filter is disposed within a plurality of the optical paths of the focusing members, preferably proximate the focal plane. Image detection occurs continuously and simultaneously so as to provide a spatially and temporally correlated set of separate images utilizing the single focal plane.
Inventors
- 👤 Stanley Rudman
- 👤 John Cox
- 👤 Richard Oman
- 👤 Robert E. Ryan
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 05:02
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01J; G01J3/00; G01J3/46; G01J3/50; G01J3/51; G01J3/513; H; H10; H10F; H10F39/00; H10F39/10; H10F39/107; H10F77/00; H10F77/30; H10F77/306; H10F77/331; H10F77/40; H10F77/407; G01J3/02; G01J3/0205; G01J3/0224
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 21
Claim 1
Independent Claim
105 words
A multi-image detector assembly, said detector assembly comprising: a) an array of detector elements, said array comprising a plurality of sections thereof; b) a plurality of focusing members, each focusing member focusing a substantially identical scene upon a corresponding one of the plurality of sections of said array of detector elements, each focusing member and its corresponding array section defining an optical path; and c) a plurality of optical elements, each optical element being disposed within a dedicated one of plurality of said optical paths; d) wherein image detection occurs continuously and simultaneously to provide a correlated set of images utilizing a single focal plane.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
105 words
A multi-image detector assembly, said detector assembly comprising: a) an array of detector elements, said array comprising a plurality of sections thereof; b) a plurality of focusing members, each focusing member focusing a substantially identical scene upon a corresponding one of the plurality of sections of said array of detector elements, each focusing member and its corresponding array section defining an optical path; and c) a plurality of optical elements, each optical element being disposed within a dedicated one of plurality of said optical paths; d) wherein image detection occurs continuously and simultaneously to provide a correlated set of images utilizing a single focal plane.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The multi-image detector assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said plurality of focusing members comprise lenses.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The multi-image detector assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said plurality of focusing members are formed upon a single sheet of transparent material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
The multi-image detector assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said plurality of focusing members are formed upon separate transparent members, each transparent member being oriented so as to maintain a desired spatial relationship and alignment thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The multi-image detector assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said plurality of focusing members comprise diffractive lenses.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The multi-image detector assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said plurality of focusing members comprise refractive lenses.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The multi-image detector assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said plurality of focusing members comprise reflectors.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
The multi-image detector assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said plurality of focusing members forms the initial aperture thereof.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
The multi-image detector assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said optical elements comprise coatings formed upon said plurality of focusing members.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
The multi-image detector assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said optical elements are formed proximate said array of detector elements.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
23 words
The multi-image detector assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said optical elements comprise at least one of spectral filters and polarizing filters.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
The multi-image detector assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said array of detector elements comprises an array of infrared detector elements.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
23 words
The multi-image detector as recited in claim 1 wherein said plurality of optical elements comprises a plurality of different types of optical elements.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
23 words
The multi-image detector as recited in claim 1 wherein said plurality of focusing members comprises a plurality of different types of focusing members.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
86 words
A method for continuously and simultaneously providing a correlated set of images representative of a common scene, said method comprising the steps of: a) focusing the scene simultaneously upon a plurality of sections of a common array of detector elements to define a plurality of optical paths; and b) separately optically modifying the scene along each optical path focused upon a plurality of the sections of the array of detector elements; c) wherein a plurality of correlated scenes are simultaneously formed upon a common focal plane.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
86 words
A method for continuously and simultaneously providing a correlated set of images representative of a common scene, said method comprising the steps of: a) focusing the scene simultaneously upon a plurality of sections of a common array of detector elements to define a plurality of optical paths; and b) separately optically modifying the scene along each optical path focused upon a plurality of the sections of the array of detector elements; c) wherein a plurality of correlated scenes are simultaneously formed upon a common focal plane.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method as recited in claim 15 wherein the step of focusing the scene comprises diffractively focusing the scene.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method as recited in claim 15 wherein the step of focusing the scene comprises refractively focusing the scene.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method as recited in claim 15 wherein the step of focusing the scene comprises reflectively focusing the scene.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method as recited in claim 15 wherein the step of optically modifying the scene focused upon at least one section of the array of detector elements comprises at least one of spectral filtering and polarization filtering.
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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) | 1998-12-25 | 1999-06-26 | 1999-12-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-12-25 | 2003-06-26 | 2003-12-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-12-25 | 2007-06-26 | 2007-12-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |