Sensors using detector arrays
First Claim
1. A sensor comprising:
- a two dimensional array of pyroelectric detector elements and an optical collection means arranged so that infrared radiation from a scene is focused without any imposed modulation onto the array with each element viewing a different part of the scene; and
readout means for monitoring signals from the elements of the array to provide temporal and spatial information about infrared radiation emitted from the scene wherein the readout means comprises an integrated circuit onto which the array of detectors is directly mounted in electrical contact therewith and the integrated circuit is connected to a microprocessor having means for monitoring the outputs of the elements of the array independently in terms of signal amplitude and frequency and comparing the signal amplitude and frequency from one element of the array with that from any other element whereby to identify the occurrence of an event within a particular part of the field of view from inherent variations in infrared radiation emitted from the scene.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Sensors using detector arrays (1) are intended for identifying events within a scene (12). A sensor comprising an array of pyroelectric infrared detectors (1) is mounted directly onto an integrated readout circuit (2) so that each of its elements is in electrical contact with one of the inputs to the readout circuit. The detector array (1) on its readout circuit (2) is positioned at the focus of an infrared transmitting lens (11) so that an image of a scene (12) is formed on the array. The readout circuit (2) and array (1) are enclosed in a package (18) which is connected via a circuit board (19) to a microprocessor (20). The microprocessor (20) and readout circuit (2) work together to detect the occurrence and position of events within a scene (12). Application examples are the detection and identification of location of flames or intruders within the field of view.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A sensor comprising:
a two dimensional array of pyroelectric detector elements and an optical collection means arranged so that infrared radiation from a scene is focused without any imposed modulation onto the array with each element viewing a different part of the scene; and
readout means for monitoring signals from the elements of the array to provide temporal and spatial information about infrared radiation emitted from the scene wherein the readout means comprises an integrated circuit onto which the array of detectors is directly mounted in electrical contact therewith and the integrated circuit is connected to a microprocessor having means for monitoring the outputs of the elements of the array independently in terms of signal amplitude and frequency and comparing the signal amplitude and frequency from one element of the array with that from any other element whereby to identify the occurrence of an event within a particular part of the field of view from inherent variations in infrared radiation emitted from the scene.- View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
Specification