IMAGING SYSTEM WITH AN OPTICAL MIRROR ARRANGEMENT AND SELF RIGHTING HOUSING
First Claim
1. A multi-wavelength band imaging system includingan objective system which is arranged to collect radiation emanating from an object space,a beam splitter which is arranged to collect radiation from the objective system and to direct collected radiation to first and second image planes, andfirst and second image sensors respectively arranged in the first and second image planes;
- wherein, the objective system includes a convex reflective surface and a concave reflective surface mutually spaced along an optical axis through the beam splitter, the convex reflective surface being disposed to collect radiation from object space and to deliver the collected radiation to the concave reflective surface, and the concave reflective surface being disposed to transfer radiation collected from the convex reflective surface to the beam splitter past the convex reflective surface; and
wherein the first image sensor is adapted for imaging radiation in a first wavelength band, the second image sensor is adapted for imaging radiation in a second wavelength band, the first and second wavelength bands being either side of a wavelength of about 2.7 microns.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A multi-wavelength band imaging system including a beam splitter is provided, allowing image capturing means adapted to specific wavelength bands to be used such as from visible to near infrared, intermediate infrared and far infrared. The system may have a field of view of substantially (360) degrees about an optical axis of the system and may fit into a golf ball sized housing. The imaging system includes a first convex mirror and a second concave mirror. Some embodiments for imaging single or close wavelength bands and not requiring a beam splitter are equally provided. Also provided is a self-righting housing for an imaging system, for example as described above, which self-rights under the action of gravity, thereby disposing the imaging system in an appropriate orientation.
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Citations
43 Claims
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1. A multi-wavelength band imaging system including
an objective system which is arranged to collect radiation emanating from an object space, a beam splitter which is arranged to collect radiation from the objective system and to direct collected radiation to first and second image planes, and first and second image sensors respectively arranged in the first and second image planes; -
wherein, the objective system includes a convex reflective surface and a concave reflective surface mutually spaced along an optical axis through the beam splitter, the convex reflective surface being disposed to collect radiation from object space and to deliver the collected radiation to the concave reflective surface, and the concave reflective surface being disposed to transfer radiation collected from the convex reflective surface to the beam splitter past the convex reflective surface; and wherein the first image sensor is adapted for imaging radiation in a first wavelength band, the second image sensor is adapted for imaging radiation in a second wavelength band, the first and second wavelength bands being either side of a wavelength of about 2.7 microns. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 23, 31)
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2. (canceled)
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9-11. -11. (canceled)
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21-22. -22. (canceled)
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24-30. -30. (canceled)
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32-40. -40. (canceled)
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41. An imaging system including:
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a first subsystem which includes a first objective system for directing radiation received from a first object space to a first image sensor; a second subsystem which includes a second objective system for directing radiation from a second object space to a second image sensor; the first and second optical systems each including a respective first mirror for receiving radiation from the respective object space and directing the radiation to a respective second mirror for directing the radiation to the respective image sensor; the first and second subsystems being disposed on opposite sides of a plane such that the corresponding first and second object spaces lie on the corresponding side of the plane and each subsystem defining a part spherical field of view extending in directions substantially parallel to the plane. - View Dependent Claims (42)
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43-53. -53. (canceled)
Specification