公开(公告)号：US06730913B2

公开(公告)日：2004-05-04

申请号：US09683838

申请日：2002-02-21

Applicant: Jeffrey Thomas Remillard ,  Willes H. Weber

Inventor： Jeffrey Thomas Remillard ,  Willes H. Weber

IPC: G01J500

CPC classification number: H04N5/238 ,  G01J1/08 ,  G01S7/484 ,  G01S7/489 ,  G01S17/107 ,  G01S17/89 ,  G02B23/12 ,  H04N5/33 ,  H04N5/372

Abstract: A method of detecting objects with a night vision system is provided. The night vision system includes a light source and a camera. The method includes activating the light source as a sequence of light pulses wherein each light pulse is increasing in intensity for a predetermined number of pulses to form a pulse train. The camera is activated as a corresponding sequence of detection windows wherein each of the windows corresponds to one of the light pulses for receiving reflected light resulting from the corresponding light pulse. The light pulses and detection windows are configured such that a time delay between each corresponding light pulse and detection window is increasing throughout the pulse train. In another variation, the camera gain is increased throughout the pulse train. In yet another variation, the light pulses have constant amplitude, the camera gain is constant for all pulses, and the number of camera gain windows increases as the delay increases. In all cases, objects nearer the night vision system are imaged with lower intensity light, less camera gain, and/or fewer laser pulses than objects further away to provide a composite image in which the apparent brightness of near and far objects can be controlled.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种用夜视系统检测物体的方法。 夜视系统包括光源和相机。 该方法包括将光源激活为光脉冲序列，其中每个光脉冲在预定数量的脉冲上强度增加以形成脉冲序列。 相机被激活为相应的检测窗口序列，其中每个窗口对应于用于接收由相应的光脉冲产生的反射光的光脉冲之一。 光脉冲和检测窗被配置为使得每个对应的光脉冲和检测窗口之间的时间延迟在整个脉冲串中增加。 在另一个变型中，在整个脉冲串中增加摄像机增益。 在又一变型中，光脉冲具有恒定的幅度，相机增益对于所有脉冲是恒定的，并且相机增益窗口的数量随着延迟的增加而增加。 在所有情况下，靠近夜视系统的物体以较低强度的光，较少的照相机增益和/或比较远的物体少的激光脉冲成像，以提供可以控制近距离物体和远物体的表观亮度的合成图像。

公开(公告)号：US06730910B1

公开(公告)日：2004-05-04

申请号：US10003655

申请日：2001-10-31

Applicant: Robert W. Boyd ,  Clovis R. Haden ,  Marlan O. Scully ,  Vitaly Kocharovsky ,  Alexey Belyanin

Inventor： Robert W. Boyd ,  Clovis R. Haden ,  Marlan O. Scully ,  Vitaly Kocharovsky ,  Alexey Belyanin

IPC: G01J500

CPC classification number: G01J1/00 ,  G01J5/10

Abstract: According to one embodiment, detecting radiation includes receiving a first laser drive field at a cell comprising a medium having a number of states. The first laser drive field has a frequency approximately equivalent to a transition frequency between a first state and a second state. A second laser drive field having a frequency approximately equivalent to a transition frequency between the first state and a third state, and an infrared field having a frequency approximately equivalent to a transition frequency between the third state and a fourth state are received. The medium has a transition between the second state and the third state substantially forbidden to support optimal coherence on the transition between the second state and the third state. The infrared field is upconverted to generate a detectable field having a frequency approximately equivalent to a transition frequency between the second state and the fourth state.

Abstract translation: 根据一个实施例，检测辐射包括在包括具有多个状态的介质的单元处接收第一激光驱动场。 第一激光驱动场具有大致等于第一状态和第二状态之间的转变频率的频率。 第二激光驱动场具有大致等于第一状态和第三状态之间的转换频率的频率，并且接收具有与第三状态和第四状态之间的转换频率大致相等的频率的红外场。 介质具有在第二状态和第三状态之间的转变，基本上禁止在第二状态和第三状态之间的转变上支持最佳相干性。 红外场被上变频以产生具有与第二状态和第四状态之间的过渡频率大致相等的频率的可检测场。

公开(公告)号：US06709154B1

公开(公告)日：2004-03-23

申请号：US09786661

申请日：2001-03-07

Applicant: Michael Janotte

Inventor： Michael Janotte

IPC: G01J500

CPC classification number: G01J5/04 ,  G01J5/02 ,  G01J5/022 ,  G01J5/049 ,  G01J5/08 ,  G01J5/0806 ,  G01J5/0815 ,  G01J5/0831 ,  G01J5/0846 ,  G01J2005/0048

Abstract: The invention is directed to a radiation thermometer with multiple sensor elements for detecting infrared radiation from differing regions, a radiation sensor with multiple infrared sensor elements, and a method for determining a temperature using a radiation thermometer equipped with such a radiation sensor. The radiation sensor (10) includes multiple optical elements (45, 50, 55) which are associated with a single or multiple sensor elements (30) and define the solid angle from which radiation can impinge on the respective sensor elements. A method for taking a patient's temperature using an ear thermometer equipped with a radiation sensor of the present invention is based on the tympanic membrane having a higher temperature than the ear canal. Hence part of the sensor elements that view the tympanic membrane will detect a higher temperature than the remaining sensors that view the ear canal. Accordingly, only temperature signals from the tympanic membrane are used for evaluation.

Abstract translation: 本发明涉及具有用于检测来自不同区域的红外辐射的多个传感器元件的辐射温度计，具有多个红外线传感器元件的辐射传感器，以及使用配备有这种辐射传感器的辐射温度测定温度的方法。 辐射传感器（10）包括与单个或多个传感器元件（30）相关联的多个光学元件（45,50,55），并且限定辐射可以照射到相应传感器元件上的立体角度。 使用配备有本发明的放射线传感器的耳温度测定患者体温的方法是基于具有比耳道温度高的鼓膜。 因此，观察鼓膜的传感器元件的一部分将检测比观察耳道的其余传感器更高的温度。 因此，仅使用来自鼓膜的温度信号进行评价。

公开(公告)号：US06690013B2

公开(公告)日：2004-02-10

申请号：US10225768

申请日：2002-08-22

Applicant: Timothy J. McManus

Inventor： Timothy J. McManus

IPC: G01J500

CPC classification number: H04N5/2176 ,  G01J5/20 ,  G01J5/22 ,  G01J5/522 ,  H04N5/33

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a microbolometer focal plane array is provided with at least one thermally-shorted microbolometer detector that is thermally shorted to the microbolometer focal plane array substrate. A characteristic relationship is empirically derived for determining a corrected resistance value for each detector of the microbolometer focal plane array in response to radiation from a target scene as a function of the corresponding detector resistance value, the thermally-shorted microbolometer detector resistance value, and the empirically derived characteristic relationship.

Abstract translation: 根据本发明，微电热计焦平面阵列设置有至少一个热短路微测热计检测器，其热短路到微测热计焦平面阵列基板。 经验性地导出特征关系，用于响应于来自目标场景的辐射，根据相应的检测器电阻值，热短路微测辐射热计检测器电阻值和 经验导出的特征关系。

公开(公告)号：US06630671B2

公开(公告)日：2003-10-07

申请号：US09849959

申请日：2001-05-04

Applicant: John Henry Lehman ,  John Andrew Aust

Inventor： John Henry Lehman ,  John Andrew Aust

IPC: G01J500

CPC classification number: G01J5/34

Abstract: A pyroelectric detector with significantly reduced microphonic noise sensitivity that includes a pyroelectric detector element constructed from a z-cut LiNbO3 or LiTaO3 electret. Selective domain reversal is accomplished in the electret by applying an electric field. Electrodes are attached to either surface of the electret spanning the domain reversed region and a portion of the original domain region to create areas of equal and opposite sensitivity. The detector is mounted in an electrically grounded container or housing. The detector may also be constructed having multiple detector regions to accommodate resonant acoustic frequencies of the electret, to function as a position sensor, or both. In other words, the position sensor has multiple domain regions that also accommodate acoustic frequencies. The detector may also be constructed having domain reversed regions placed on the electret in a periodic pattern having a geometry and spacing that is related to the acoustic impulse response of the electret. Needle domains may also be interspersed in portions or throughout the electret to scatter acoustic waves and thereby reduce acoustic noise. Multiple detectors can be produced in a simple and inexpensive manner using shadow masking techniques.

Abstract translation: 具有显着降低的麦克风噪声灵敏度的热电检测器，其包括由z切LiNbO 3或LiTaO 3驻极体构成的热电探测元件。 通过施加电场在驻极体中实现选择性域反转。 电极附着在跨越域反转区域的驻极体的任一表面和原始区域区域的一部分以产生相等和相反灵敏度的区域。 检测器安装在电接地的容器或外壳中。 检测器还可以被构造成具有多个检测器区域以适应驻极体的谐振声频，用作位置传感器，或两者兼有。 换句话说，位置传感器具有也容纳声频的多个域区域。 检测器还可以被构造成具有以驻极体的周期性图案放置在驻极体上的畴反转区域，其具有与驻极体的声脉冲响应相关的几何形状和间隔。 针状畴也可以分散在整个驻极体中以散射声波，从而降低声学噪声。 可以使用阴影掩蔽技术以简单且廉价的方式产生多个检测器。

公开(公告)号：US06586738B2

公开(公告)日：2003-07-01

申请号：US09834825

申请日：2001-04-13

Applicant: David E. Dausch ,  Gary E. McGuire

Inventor： David E. Dausch ,  Gary E. McGuire

IPC: G01J500

CPC classification number: B81B3/0035 ,  G02B26/0833 ,  G02B26/0841 ,  G02B26/0866

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved electromagnetic radiation detector having a micromachined electrostatic chopping device. The MEMS flexible film chopping device provides reliability, efficiency, noise reduction and temperature fluctuation compensation capabilities to the associated electromagnetic radiation detector. An electromagnetic radiation detector having an electrostatic chopper device comprises a detector material element, first and second electrodes in electrical contact with the detector material element and electrically isolated from one another. Additionally, the chopper device will incorporate a flexible film actuator overlying the detector material layer and moveable relative thereto. The flexible film actuator will typically include an electrode element and a biasing element such that the actuator remains in a fully curled, open state absent electrostatic voltage and moves to a fully uncurled, closed state upon the application of electrostatic voltage. Arrays that incorporate a plurality of electromagnetic radiation detectors and/or electrostatic chopping devices are additionally provided for.

公开(公告)号：US06552343B1

公开(公告)日：2003-04-22

申请号：US09574123

申请日：2000-05-18

Applicant: Lloyd F. Linder ,  Alan E. Reamon

Inventor： Lloyd F. Linder ,  Alan E. Reamon

IPC: G01J500

CPC classification number: H01L27/14649

Abstract: A unit cell including a substrate; an active circuit disposed on the substrate; and an arrangement disposed on the substrate for routing a plurality of conductors thereover. In the illustrative implementation, the routing arrangement includes first, second and third ground planes disposed on the substrate, a first layer of conductors disposed between the first and second planes, and a second layer of conductors disposed between the second and the third planes. Each cell is adapted to connect to a device such as a detector. The inventive unit cell enables an improved focal plane array design with a smaller unit cell supporting smaller detector sizes. Smaller detector pitch allows higher density detector arrays. The inventive fan-out approach allows for complicated circuitry to be located outside the array. This permits the utilization of more sophisticated analog signed processing, such as a multiple sample approach. Multiple sampling results in a much more accurate digital Gaussian curvefit, which increases the range and intensity accuracy of readout electronics.

Abstract translation: 包括基板的晶胞; 设置在基板上的有源电路; 以及布置在所述基板上用于在其上布置多个导体的布置。 在说明性实施例中，路由布置包括设置在基板上的第一，第二和第三接地平面，布置在第一和第二平面之间的第一导体层和设置在第二和第三平面之间的第二导体层。 每个单元适于连接到诸如检测器的设备。 本发明的单元电池能够实现改进的焦平面阵列设计，其具有支持较小探测器尺寸的较小单元电池。 更小的检测器间距允许更高密度的检测器阵列。 本发明的扇出方法允许复杂的电路位于阵列外部。 这允许利用更复杂的模拟签名处理，例如多样本方法。 多次采样导致更准确的数字高斯曲线拟合，这增加了读出电子器件的范围和强度精度。

公开(公告)号：US06489614B1

公开(公告)日：2002-12-03

申请号：US09662631

申请日：2000-09-15

Applicant: Haruhiko Deguchi ,  Toshihiko Fukushima ,  Tomohisa Komoda

Inventor： Haruhiko Deguchi ,  Toshihiko Fukushima ,  Tomohisa Komoda

IPC: G01J500

CPC classification number: G01J5/20 ,  H01L27/1462 ,  H01L27/1463 ,  H01L27/14649 ,  H01L27/14692

Abstract: A thermal-type infrared radiation detector cell includes a diaphragm structural body that forms a gap of a predetermined width over a semiconductor substrate. The diaphragm structural body is capable of either providing metal wiring films that doubles as an infrared radiation reflector film or providing a high refractive index film having a thickness set to satisfy the expression d=&lgr;×{1/(4×n)}, where n is the refractive index of the high refractive index film, and &lgr; is the wavelengths of infrared rays. As a result, in the former option, no separate infrared radiation reflector film is required, whilst in the latter no separate infrared radiation absorption layer is required. This facilitates the manufacturing process and improves the sensitivity in infrared radiation detection.

Abstract translation: 热式红外线辐射检测器单元包括在半导体衬底上形成预定宽度的间隙的隔膜结构体。 膜结构体能够提供兼作红外辐射反射膜的金属布线膜，或提供厚度设定为满足表达式d = lambdx {1 /（4xn）}的高折射率膜，其中n为 高折射率膜的折射率，lambd是红外线的波长。 结果，在前一种选择中，不需要单独的红外辐射反射膜，而在后者中不需要单独的红外辐射吸收层。 这有助于制造过程并提高红外辐射检测的灵敏度。

公开(公告)号：US06410916B1

公开(公告)日：2002-06-25

申请号：US09379644

申请日：1999-08-23

Applicant: Steven Jost ,  Paul R. Murphy

Inventor： Steven Jost ,  Paul R. Murphy

IPC: G01J500

CPC classification number: H04N5/2176 ,  G01J5/06 ,  G01J5/24 ,  G01N21/3554 ,  G01N21/3559

Abstract: A high resolution room temperature infrared camera requires no cryogenic cooling and high vacuum packaging, normally though necessary for infrared target detection, by using a “blind” polycrystalline lead salt resistor in combination with a matched active polycrystalline lead salt photoresistor both maintained at room temperature to provide a differential output indicative of an IR generating target. As a result of the matched components, the differential output nulls out the dark current which is the result of the ambient at the camera. The high degree of linearity associated with polycrystalline photoresistors permits fabrication of a differential detector where dark current in the active element is nulled out by equal and opposite current flow in a non-optically active reference resistor. Rather than a reference provided by a mechanical chopper normally used to correct for array non-uniformity, and rather than using costly temperature stabilization, the subject polycrystalline photoresistor provides a factory-setable reference, such that dark current can be canceled with the use of a nearly identical “blind” element beside the optically active element.

Abstract translation: 高分辨率室温红外摄像机不需要低温冷却和高真空包装，通常是红外目标检测所必需的，通过使用“盲目”多晶铅盐电阻器与匹配的活性多晶铅盐光敏电阻组合，均保持在室温至 提供指示IR产生目标的差分输出。 作为匹配组件的结果，差分输出使暗电流无效，这是相机周围环境的结果。 与多晶光敏电阻相关联的高线性度允许制造差分检测器，其中有源元件中的暗电流在非光学参考电阻器中通过相等和相反的电流流失。 而不是由通常用于校正阵列不均匀性的机械斩波器提供的参考，而不是使用昂贵的温度稳定性，所述目标多晶光敏电阻器提供工厂可设置的参考，使得可以使用 在光学活性元件旁边几乎相同的“盲”元件。

公开(公告)号：US06388256B1

公开(公告)日：2002-05-14

申请号：US09424615

申请日：1999-12-01

Applicant: Rex Watton ,  Cyril Hilsum

Inventor： Rex Watton ,  Cyril Hilsum

IPC: G01J500

CPC classification number: G01J5/34 ,  G01J5/20 ,  H01L37/02

Abstract: A thermal detector device comprising an array of thermal detector elements, an array of microbridge structures comprising the array of thermal detector elements, readout silicon integrated circuitry (ROIC) and an interconnect layer on which the array of microbridge structures are arranged. The interconnect layer comprises a plurality of conducting interconnect channels providing an electrical connection between the microbridge structures and input contacts on the ROIC such that the microbridge structures are in electrical contact with, but are separated from, the readout silicon integrated circuitry. As the interconnect layer separates the microbridge structures from the ROIC, the detector material, typically a ferroelectric material, may be fabricated on the microbridge structures at a deposition or anneal temperature which is not limited by the avoidance of damage to the ROIC. Deposition temperatures of at least 500° C. or, preferably, at higher temperatures e.g. 700° C.-900° C., may therefore be used, enabling the fabrication of high performance ferroelectric or microbolometer thermal detector arrays. The invention also relates to a method of fabricating high performance thermal detector arrays comprising an interconnect layer.

Abstract translation: 一种热检测器装置，包括一组热检测器元件，包括热探测器元件阵列的微桥结构阵列，读出硅集成电路（ROIC）以及布置有微桥结构阵列的互连层。 互连层包括多个导电互连通道，其在微桥结构和ROIC上的输入触点之间提供电连接，使得微桥结构与读出硅集成电路电接触，但与读出硅集成电路分离。 当互连层将微桥结构与ROIC分开时，检测器材料（通常为铁电材料）可以以不受ROIC的损害限制的沉积或退火温度在微桥结构上制造。 沉积温度至少为500℃，或优选在较高温度下。 因此可以使用700℃〜900℃，能够制造高性能铁电或微热电偶热检测器阵列。 本发明还涉及制造包括互连层的高性能热检测器阵列的方法。