Lockheed Martin Corporation

Mark T Myers

Trisha Fish

Calvin L Powell

Jeff Cole

John G Hughes

Kevin F Williams

Albert W Kongable

Peter Falter

Mechanisms for spatially isolating a region of interest (ROI) in a scene. A first sensor generates sensor data that quantifies energy received from a scene within a field of view (FOV) of the first sensor to generate a real-time FOV full motion video. A processor analyzes the sensor data to identify a first ROI during a wait period of a frame period of the first sensor. A first subset of micromirrors in a micromirror array that is directed toward the scene is identified. The first subset of micromirrors receives energy from the first ROI. A micromirror in the first subset is controlled to move from a primary position of the at least one micromirror to a first tilt position of the micromirror to reflect the energy from the first ROI toward a second sensor, the first ROI being spatially isolated from the real-time FOV full motion video.

Spatial isolation of energy associated with a scene

Multiple mode, multiple waveband detector systems and methods are provided. A first window selection signal is received. Based on the first window selection signal, a first read-out pixel window comprising a first subset of pixels of a plurality of pixels of a detector array is determined. A plurality of first image portions of a scene are generated over a first period of time by iteratively, for each iteration of a plurality of iterations over the first period of time, integrating photons on the detector array, reading out only the first subset of pixels in the first read-out pixel window, and storing a first image portion of the scene of the plurality of first image portions of the scene based on the read-out of the first subset of pixels.

Multiple mode and multiple waveband detector systems and methods

Variable scan rate image generation is disclosed. A scanning device scans a scene with a detector array at a first constant scan rate. Photon accumulation values are iteratively transferred from each set of detector elements in the detector array to an adjacent set of detector elements at a first transfer rate based on the first constant scan rate. Photon accumulation values of one set of the plurality of sets are iteratively read out at the first transfer rate. The first constant scan rate is accelerated to a second constant scan rate, and photon accumulation values are iteratively transferred from each set to an adjacent set at a second transfer rate based on the second constant scan rate, and photon accumulation values of the at least one set of the plurality of sets are iteratively read out at the second transfer rate.

Variable scan rate image generation

Mechanisms for spatially isolating a region of interest (ROI) in a scene are disclosed. A first sensor generates sensor data that quantifies energy received from a scene within a field of view (FOV) of the first sensor to generate a real-time FOV full motion video. A processor analyzes the sensor data to identify a first ROI during a wait period of a frame period of the first sensor. A first subset of micromirrors in a micromirror array that is directed toward the scene is identified. The first subset of micromirrors receives energy from the first ROI. At least one micromirror in the first subset is controlled to move from a primary position of the at least one micromirror to a first tilt position of the at least one micromirror to reflect the energy from the first ROI toward a second sensor, the first ROI being spatially isolated from the real-time FOV full motion video.

Mechanisms for reducing roll-induced smear are provided. For each frame period of a plurality of frame periods of a detector array, a pixel mask is rotated with respect to the detector array based on a rotational movement of the scene with respect to the detector array to identify a subset of pixels of the detector array. The pixels in the subset of pixels integrate energy from a scene during that respective frame period. The pixels in the subset of pixels are readout during the respective frame period to generate a pixel data set. The subset of pixels is less than all the pixels in the detector array. An image portion of the scene is generated based on the pixel data set. Successive image portions can be combined to form an image of the scene.

Reducing roll-induced smear in imagery

A compact, wide field of view, infrared imaging system with two Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) and, optionally, an additional one Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR) band, has a single, color corrected lens element embedded within the detector/dewar assembly. The lens element has two aspherical surface profiles and utilizes a holographic optical element to manipulate and detect bands of energy that are harmonic components of each other. The infrared imaging system simplifies and shrinks the MWIR/LWIR imager while maintaining all of the required functionality. An exemplary infrared imaging apparatus performs at an F-stop (F/#) of at least 1.4 with a square field of view of 90&#xd7;90 degrees.

Multiband, single element wide field of view infrared imaging system

A method for optical dithering and a dither device comprising a mounting structure, a refractive optic, an optic mounting structure surrounding the optic, and one or more linear drive motors. Four linear coils are preferably employed together with a control system operating in open loop mode. The dither device and method provides double resolution to a detector receiving output therefrom. The invention can operate in a single axis or in two axes.

Method and apparatus for optical dithering

A compact infrared (IR) scene generator capable of generating multiple-color mid-IR scenes through the use of readily available commercial near-IR lasers and a fluorescent conversion material (FCM). Such a scene generator would be useful to test IR imaging sensors in a controlled laboratory environment. In operation, each laser emits energy at an initial wavelength outside the operating band of an IR imaging sensor. This energy of a first set of wavelengths is written onto the FCM in patterns, which collectively form an IR scene. The FCM absorbs the energy and radiates it at wavelengths longer than the initial wavelengths, i.e., a second set of wavelengths. As these longer wavelengths are within the operating waveband of the IR imaging sensor, the patterns written onto the FCM are detectable by it.

Growing community of inventors

Orlando, FL, United States of America

Mark T Myers