US3786269A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus of scanning electromagnetic radiation using rotating detectors-emitters and control circuit
Assignee: Texas Instruments Inc
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Filing: 1971-12-17
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Granted: 1974-01-15
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Expires: 1991-12-17
Abstract
Abstract An infrared scanning system which does not require the use of scanning mirrors is disclosed. An array of infrared detectors is mounted on a support member. Infrared radiation is focused on the array of detectors by a lens system and the support member is rotated to scan the scene of interest. An array of emitters is mounted on the opposite end of the support member and the electronics necessary to interface the detector array with the emitter array is mounted on the outer surface of the support member. The central portion of the support member also includes a mechanical cryogenic refrigerator for cooling the detector array. In scanning, the complete structure including the detector array, the emitter array, the electronics interconnecting the emitter, the detector array and the refrigerator are rotated about a common axis by a drive motor. A television camera is focused on the emitter array to produce a TV image of the scene scanned by the array of infrared detectors.
Inventors
- 👤 E Cooper
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 11:02
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01J; G01J5/00; G01J5/02; G01J5/04; G01J5/025; G01J5/06; G01J5/061; G01J5/08; G01J5/0806; G01J5/0896; H; H04; H04N; H04N3/00; H04N3/02; H04N3/08; H04N3/09; G01J5/047
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
79 words
A scanner system for scanning a scene of interest comprising: a. a rotating member, b. an array of electromagnetic radiation detectors attached to said rotating member for rotating therewith to scan said scene and producing electrical signals responsive to the electromagnetic radiation from said scene, and c. an array of emitters attached to said rotating member for rotation therewith, said array of emitters responsive to said electrical signals for producing output signals indicative of an image of said scene.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
79 words
A scanner system for scanning a scene of interest comprising: a. a rotating member, b. an array of electromagnetic radiation detectors attached to said rotating member for rotating therewith to scan said scene and producing electrical signals responsive to the electromagnetic radiation from said scene, and c. an array of emitters attached to said rotating member for rotation therewith, said array of emitters responsive to said electrical signals for producing output signals indicative of an image of said scene.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
A scanner according to claim 1 further including electronic means attached to said rotating member for rotating therewith and interconnecting said detectors to said emitters for coupling the electrical signals of the detectors to the emitters.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
A scanner according to claim 2 further including an optical system interposed between said scene and said detectors for focusing radiation from the scene on said detectors.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
A scanner system according to claim 2 wherein the number of emitters equals the number of detectors and the electronic means includes one channel for each emitter-detector pair.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
A scanner system according to claim 3 wherein said optical system is a lens.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
A scanner system according to claim 4 wheRein said emitters and detectors each comprise a plurality of semiconductor diodes arranged in a predetermined pattern.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
A scanner system according to claim 1 wherein said detectors detect radiation in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
A scanner system according to claim 1 wherein said emitters are light emitters operating in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
A scanner system according to claim 1 further including a television camera focused on said array of emitters to produce a video signal in response to said output signals.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
69 words
A method for scanning a predetermined area of interest comprising the steps of: a. rotating an array of detectors to scan an area of interest for producing electrical signals responsive to the radiation from said area, and b. rotating an array of emitters synchronously with the array of detectors the array of emitters having said electrical signals coupled thereto for producing output signals related to said area of interest.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
69 words
A method for scanning a predetermined area of interest comprising the steps of: a. rotating an array of detectors to scan an area of interest for producing electrical signals responsive to the radiation from said area, and b. rotating an array of emitters synchronously with the array of detectors the array of emitters having said electrical signals coupled thereto for producing output signals related to said area of interest.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 10 further including the step of focusing the radiant energy from said area of interest onto said rotating array of detectors.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method for scanning according to claim 10 further comprising the step of producing a visual image of said area of interest in response to said output signals.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-01-14 | 1977-07-16 | 1978-01-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-01-14 | 1981-07-16 | 1982-01-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-01-14 | 1985-07-16 | 1986-01-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |