Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation

Martin Klop

David I Durst

Patrick L Hayman

An optical sensor and a method of operating an optical sensor. The optical sensor includes a plurality of unit cells, a plurality of groups of optical detectors, an amplifier and a plurality of selection circuits. Each of the unit cells includes at least first and second pixels, and each group of optical detectors is associated with a respective one of the unit cells. Each group of detectors includes at least first and second detectors to generate first and second electric signals representing the intensity of light incident on, respectively, the first and second pixels of the associated unit cell. Each of the selection circuits is associated with a respective one of the groups of detectors for transmitting to the amplifier the electric signals from the associated group of detectors. Also, each selection circuit has first and second modes for conducting to the amplifier, respectively, either the electric signal from only the first detector of the associated group of detectors, or the electric signals from both the first and second detectors of that associated group of detectors. By switching the selection circuit between the first and second modes, the sensor may operate at either a course resolution or a fine resolution. Thus, by combining electronic switching and summing of detector elements, a single array of detectors can function in both course and fine resolution modes.

Adjustable resolution optical sensor

An optical sensor and a method of operating an optical sensor. The sensor comprises a multitude of pixels, a multitude of optical detectors, an amplifier and a switching circuit. Each of the pixels includes an optical detector for generating an electric signal representing the intensity of light incident on the pixel. The switching circuit is electrically connected in series between the amplifier and the optical detectors for conducting the electric signals from the optical detectors to the amplifier in a predetermined manner. Preferably, the switching circuit includes a multitude of switches, and each switch is used to control the transmission of the signal from a respective one of the optical detectors to the amplifier.

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Martin Klop