US3566119A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Infrared scanning device using a spherical lens
Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corp
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Filing: 1967-10-06
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Granted: 1971-02-23
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Expires: 1987-10-06
Abstract
Abstract The scanning of graphically displayed information may be accomplished using infrared energy. The necessary elements include a source of infrared energy, a means for concentrating the energy on a small sample area, and a sensor which is responsive to energy reflected from the sample area. From the standpoint of dynamic response and reliability, a lightweight self-contained source and receiver of infrared energy is required. By changing the focal point of energy concentration the scanning head may be made to function as a detector of distant objects.
Inventors
- 👤 Edward V Lewis
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 11:27
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06K; G06K7/00; G06K7/10; G06K7/10544; G06K7/10821; G06K7/10831; G01; G01N; G01N21/00; G01N21/17; G01N21/47; G01N21/4738; G01N21/474
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
167 words
An apparatus for sensing graphically displayed information comprising: a cylindrical housing; a plurality of infrared generators within said cylindrical housing equally displaced with respect to the axis of said cylinder and to each other, said generators to be oriented to have their optical axis parallel with the axis of said cylinder; a transparent lense having a cavity concentric with its optical axis aNd concentric with the axis of said cylinder, said transparent lense having a parabolic outer surface for concentrating infrared energy so as to illuminate a small area of said graphical display with infrared energy; a sensor concentric with said cylinder axis; a spherical lense within said cavity for collimating the reflected infrared energy; a second lense operating in conjunction with said spherical lense for forming a magnified image of said area illuminated; a sensor concentric with said cylinder axis and responsive to the magnified image formed by said spherical lense and said second lense so as to determine the relative reflectance of said illuminated area.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
167 words
An apparatus for sensing graphically displayed information comprising: a cylindrical housing; a plurality of infrared generators within said cylindrical housing equally displaced with respect to the axis of said cylinder and to each other, said generators to be oriented to have their optical axis parallel with the axis of said cylinder; a transparent lense having a cavity concentric with its optical axis aNd concentric with the axis of said cylinder, said transparent lense having a parabolic outer surface for concentrating infrared energy so as to illuminate a small area of said graphical display with infrared energy; a sensor concentric with said cylinder axis; a spherical lense within said cavity for collimating the reflected infrared energy; a second lense operating in conjunction with said spherical lense for forming a magnified image of said area illuminated; a sensor concentric with said cylinder axis and responsive to the magnified image formed by said spherical lense and said second lense so as to determine the relative reflectance of said illuminated area.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
222 words
A system for scanning graphical displays comprising: a movable scanning head having a means for generating an infrared beam of radiation and a means for sensing reflected infrared energy, said movable head comprising: a cylindrical housing; a plurality of infrared generators within said cylindrical housing equally displaced with respect to the axis of said cylinder and to each other, said generators to be oriented to have their optical axis parallel with the axis of said cylinder; a transparent lense having a cavity concentric with its optical axis and concentric with the axis of said cylinder, said transparent lense having a parabolic outer surface for concentrating infrared energy so as to illuminate a small area of said graphical display with infrared energy; a sensor concentric with said cylinder axis; a spherical lense within said cavity for collimating the reflected infrared energy; a second lense operating in conjunction with said spherical lense for forming a magnified image of said area illuminated; a sensor concentric with said cylinder axis and responsive to the magnified image formed by said spherical lense and said second lense so as to determine the relative reflectance of said illuminated area; means for incrementally moving said scanning head with respect to said graphical display; and means for pulsing said infrared generator and said infrared sensor in synchronization with said incremental movements.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
222 words
A system for scanning graphical displays comprising: a movable scanning head having a means for generating an infrared beam of radiation and a means for sensing reflected infrared energy, said movable head comprising: a cylindrical housing; a plurality of infrared generators within said cylindrical housing equally displaced with respect to the axis of said cylinder and to each other, said generators to be oriented to have their optical axis parallel with the axis of said cylinder; a transparent lense having a cavity concentric with its optical axis and concentric with the axis of said cylinder, said transparent lense having a parabolic outer surface for concentrating infrared energy so as to illuminate a small area of said graphical display with infrared energy; a sensor concentric with said cylinder axis; a spherical lense within said cavity for collimating the reflected infrared energy; a second lense operating in conjunction with said spherical lense for forming a magnified image of said area illuminated; a sensor concentric with said cylinder axis and responsive to the magnified image formed by said spherical lense and said second lense so as to determine the relative reflectance of said illuminated area; means for incrementally moving said scanning head with respect to said graphical display; and means for pulsing said infrared generator and said infrared sensor in synchronization with said incremental movements.
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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) | 1974-02-22 | 1974-08-24 | 1975-02-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-02-22 | 1978-08-24 | 1979-02-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-02-22 | 1982-08-24 | 1983-02-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |