Abstract:
A camera, computer program, and method for determining and displaying temperature rates of change for regions within the camera's field of view. More specifically, the embodiments provide for the continuous, real-time temperature measurement and display of a plurality of objects within the camera's field of view, and further for the real-time processing and display of the temperature rates of change for the region.
Abstract:
A camera, computer program, and method for determining and displaying temperature rates of change for objects within the camera's field of view. More specifically, the embodiments provide for the continuous, real-time temperature measurement and display of a plurality of objects within the camera's field of view, and further for the real-time processing and display of the temperature rates of change for said objects.
Abstract:
Image correction methods and systems are disclosed that correct raw values, including, subsequent to closing the shutter, acquiring a current raw value table, determining an offset correction table for the current temperature of the detector as a function of the current table and a set of stored raw value tables, and correcting the stream of raw values using the offset correction table. A maintenance process includes testing a condition for replacing a table of the current set with the current table, and if the condition is met, replacing the table of the current set with the current table. This test includes determining whether there is a new set of tables obtained by replacing a table from the current set with the current table that is more relevant than the current set with regard to subsequently determining an offset table.
Abstract:
A calibration device, capable of calibrating a gain of a radiometer, includes an actuator and a micro-electromechanical-system (MEMS) unit. The actuator receives a calibration signal outputted from a control unit. The MEMS unit is coupled to the actuator, in which the actuator enables the MEMS unit to shield an antenna of the radiometer according to the calibration signal, such that the radiometer generates an environmental signal according to an equivalent radiant temperature received from the MEMS unit, and the control unit calibrates the gain of the radiometer according to the environmental signal.
Abstract:
An apparatus includes a first component having a first surface and a second component having a second surface. The first surface includes sputtered gold, and the second surface includes a stainless steel alloy. The first surface is configured to contact the second surface, and one of the components is configured to move against another of the components. The stainless steel alloy could consist of a UNS 21800/AISI Type S21800 metal. The sputtered gold could include ion sputtered gold, and the sputtered gold could have a thickness of about 1 micron. The first component could include a first blade of an adjustable aperture mechanism, where the adjustable aperture mechanism also includes a second blade. The second component could include a first plate of the adjustable aperture mechanism, where the adjustable aperture mechanism further includes a second plate. The blades can be configured to move within a space between the plates.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for automated field calibration of temperature sensors uses a series of readings including a reading of a known source, such as an LED, for use in calculating a factor that is compared to a reference for adjusting the sensor output signal. Calibration readings are taken more frequently after start up to compensate for sensor drift during storage, as opposed to less frequent readings during operation to compensate for slower sensor drift while operational.
Abstract:
An imaging system comprising a lens, a detector array (e.g., focal plane array), a signal processing module and a shutter, wherein the shutter is positioned in front of the lens (between the lens and the scene being imaged). This front lens shutter mount configuration allows offset correction to compensate for internal radiant flux and other deficiencies associated with conventional systems.
Abstract:
In embodiments, spectroscopic monitor monitors modulated light signals to detect low levels of contaminants and other compounds in the presence of background interference. The monitor uses a spectrometer that includes a transmissive modulator capable of causing different frequency ranges to move onto and off of the detector. The different ranges can include those with the desired signal and those selected to subtract background contributions from those with the desired signal. Embodiments of the system are particularly useful for monitoring metal concentrations in combustion effluent.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for the spectrochemical analysis of a sample in which a solid state array detector (82) is used to detect radiation (62) of spectrochemical interest. The invention involves the use of a shutter (72) adjacent the entrance aperture (70) of a polychromator (74-80) to expose the detector (82) to the radiation (62) for varying lengths of time whereby for short duration exposure times charge accumulation in elements (i.e. pixels) of the detector (82) due to high intensity components of the radiation is limited and for longer exposure times charge accumulation in elements (pixels) of the detector (82) due to feeble intesity components of radiation (62) is increased. This ensures that each reading of the detector (82) includes at least one exposure in which the amount of charge accumulated at each wavelength of interest is neither too little or too great. The problems of feeble radiation components not being accurately measurable and of high intensity radiation components exceeding the charge carrying capacity of elements (pixels) of the detector (82) are thereby able to be avoided. An attenuator (90) may be placed between the radiation source (60) and the detector (82) to permit longer exposure times to be used for very high intensity radiation.
Abstract:
Radiation receiver with a photodetector and a sensor, wherein the sensor receives the radiation intensity, and a shutter arranged before the photodetector is driven in dependence on the detected incident radiation intensity. The incident radiation is supplied to the photodetector via a delay device arranged before the shutter, so that no radiation destroying the photodetector can reach the photodetector, due to the shutter having been driven, and can if necessary be kept away or absorbed by the shutter.