Gec-marconi Limited

Gec Maconi Limited

Robert K McEwen

Alan D MacLeod

Signal processing of an array of sensor elements in a detector

An imager for the implementation of microscan comprises a member 18 for interrupting radiation between a lens and an array of imaging elements 13. The member 18 comprising alternate refractive transmissive regions 25 and non-transmissive regions 24. The transmissive regions 25 refracting radiation transmitted through them in the direction shown by the arrows. As the disc rotates across the array 13 the image focused on it moves giving successive frames which are shifted relative to one another.

Imaging system using focal plane array

An display arrangement 16 comprises a two dimensional imaging array 3. Each column of the image array 3 is read sequentially by an electronic circuit 11. This energizes a one dimensional LED array 12 in dependence upon the received radiation. A motor 9 rotates a mirrored surface of a polygon 18 such that the image of the LED array is scanned. An observer viewing the LED array 12 via eyepiece 13 appears, due to persistence of visions, to see a complete image.

Two dimensional display produced by one dimensional scanned emitters

An imager comprises a lens 31 focusing radiation onto a sensor array 32, and a chopper comprising sectors which refract radiation in different directions such that an image is microscanned upon the sensor array 32. The chopper 4 is driven by motor 34 which also drives a polygon 37. The sensor array is read line by line and displayed on a linear array of LEDs 36 which appear to an observer observing through eye piece 38 as a complete two dimensional image as seen by the sensor ray 32. This is due to the persistence vision. Each facet of the polygon 37 is cut such that it compensates for the offset produced by the microscan.

Display system with means for variably deflecting an array of optical

An infra-red imaging system is operable selectively in wide and narrow field of view modes. Radiation from the object is imaged onto an infra-red CCD staring focal plane array (SFPA) which provides an output representing the image. In the narrow field of view mode, operative on detection of a particular target by target detection electronics, the image is not scanned but is made to follow any movement of the target, and the SFPA stares at the target to build up an image. In the wide field of view mode, the same SFPA is used to provide the image, but the image is scanned along a swath. Smearing of the image is minimized by driving the IRCCD array such that the image-bearing charge is passed down the array from element to element at a speed equal to the scanning speed, so that the output signal from the end element represents the intensity of radiation from a given portion of the object time-integrated by all the elements of the array in succession.

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Essex, United Kingdom

Robert K McEwen