Ground-Based Instrumentation Operating with Airborne Wave Reflectors

• US 20110221934A1
• Filed: 03/12/2010
• Published: 09/15/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 03/12/2010
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Ideal Innovations, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Ideal Innovations, Inc.
• Inventors: Simon, David E., Patricio, Paul S.
• Application Number:
  US12/722,930
• Publication Number:
  US 20110221934A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/240.3
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/58 Means for changing the camera field of view without moving the camera body, e.g. nutating or panning of optics or image sensors
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/185 from a mobile camera, e.g. for remote control

Abstract

An imaging system incorporates an elevated reflector mounted on a tall ground structure or a means for air flight to reflect a target area onto an imaging device, thus projecting the line-of-sight of said imaging device and enabling the imaging device to view target areas that are beyond the imaging device'"'"'s direct line-of-sight.

Claims

1. An imaging system, comprising:

An imaging device; and

At least one elevated reflector.

2. The imaging system of claim 1, further comprising an electrical network connecting said imaging device and said elevated reflector.

3. The imaging system of claim 2, wherein said imaging device is connected to a flexible mount.

4. The imaging system of claim 3, wherein said flexible mount is connected to a motorized actuator.

5. The imaging system of claim 1, further comprising a means for deconvolving images implemented on a computer communicatively associated with said imaging device.

6. The imaging system of claim 1, further comprising a means for deconvolving images implemented on said imaging device.

7. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein said imaging device is operatively connected to a high-powered, zoom lens.

8. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein said at least one elevated reflector is connected to a means for air flight.

9. The imaging system of claim 8, wherein said at least one elevated reflector is integrated into the surface of said air flight means.

10. The imaging system of claim 8, wherein said at least one elevated reflector is connected to said air flight means by a flexible mount.

11. The imaging system of claim 10, wherein said at least one elevated reflector is stabilized by a mechanism incorporating a gyroscope.

12. The imaging system of claim 10, wherein said flexible mount is connected to a motorized actuator.

13. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein said at least one elevated reflector is connected to the high end of a tower.

14. The imaging system of claim 1, further comprising a ground station and a means for air flight.

17. The imaging system of claim 1, further comprising a laser targeting device.

18. The imaging system of claim 1, further comprising a laser range-finding device.

15. The imaging system of claim 15, wherein said ground station is connected to said air flight means by a tether.

16. (canceled)

19. An imaging system, comprising:

An imaging device;

A means for air flight;

At least one elevated reflector connected to said air flight means;

A computer communicatively associated with said imaging device;

A means for deconvolving images implemented on said computer; and

An electrical network connecting said imaging device, said air flight means, said at least one elevated reflector, and said computer.

20. An imaging system, comprising:

An imaging device connected to a flexible mount and motorized actuator;

A means for air flight;

At least one elevated reflector connected to said air flight means;

A computer communicatively associated with said imaging device;

A means for deconvolving images implemented on said computer;

A means for position identification of said at least one elevated reflector;

A means for controlling the position of said imaging device implemented on said computer; and

An electrical network connecting said imaging device, said air flight means, said at least one elevated reflector, said computer, and said position identification means.