Imager with array of multiple infrared imaging modules
First Claim
1. An imaging system comprising:
- a system housing;
an imager array disposed in the system housing and adapted to image a scene, wherein the imager array comprises a base and a plurality of infrared imaging modules arranged in an array comprising a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, wherein each infrared imaging module comprises;
a module housing,an optical element fixed relative to the module housing and adapted to receive infrared radiation from the scene, anda plurality of infrared sensors in a focal plane array (FPA) adapted to capture an image of the scene based on the infrared radiation received through the optical element; and
wherein the infrared imaging modules are arranged within the system housing in a multi-level staggered configuration such that first and second levels of the infrared imaging modules including the plurality of infrared sensors are disposed at corresponding first and second distances from the base, wherein the first distance is different than the second distance.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An imager array may be provided as part of an imaging system. The imager array may include a plurality of infrared imaging modules. Each infrared imaging module may include a plurality of infrared sensors associated with an optical element. The infrared imaging modules may be oriented, for example, substantially in a plane facing the same direction and configured to detect images from the same scene. Such images may be processed in accordance with various techniques to provide images of infrared radiation. The infrared imaging modules may include filters or lens coatings to selectively detect desired ranges of infrared radiation. Such arrangements of infrared imaging modules in an imager array may be used to advantageous effect in a variety of different applications.
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Citations
36 Claims
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1. An imaging system comprising:
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a system housing; an imager array disposed in the system housing and adapted to image a scene, wherein the imager array comprises a base and a plurality of infrared imaging modules arranged in an array comprising a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, wherein each infrared imaging module comprises; a module housing, an optical element fixed relative to the module housing and adapted to receive infrared radiation from the scene, and a plurality of infrared sensors in a focal plane array (FPA) adapted to capture an image of the scene based on the infrared radiation received through the optical element; and wherein the infrared imaging modules are arranged within the system housing in a multi-level staggered configuration such that first and second levels of the infrared imaging modules including the plurality of infrared sensors are disposed at corresponding first and second distances from the base, wherein the first distance is different than the second distance. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 35)
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18. A method of imaging, the method comprising:
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receiving infrared radiation from a scene at an imager array disposed in a system housing of an imaging system, wherein the imager array comprises a base and a plurality of infrared imaging modules arranged in an array comprising a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, wherein each infrared imaging module comprises a module housing, an optical element fixed relative to the module housing and adapted to receive the infrared radiation from the scene, and a plurality of infrared sensors in a focal plane array (FPA) adapted to capture an image of the scene based on the infrared radiation received through the optical element; capturing a plurality of images of the scene substantially simultaneously using the infrared sensors of the infrared imaging modules; and wherein the infrared imaging modules are arranged within the system housing in a multi-level staggered configuration such that first and second levels of the infrared imaging modules including the plurality of infrared sensors are disposed at corresponding first and second distances from the base, wherein the first distance is different than the second distance. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36)
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Specification