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Sensors using detector arrays

  • US 6,239,433 B1
  • Filed: 01/13/1998
  • Issued: 05/29/2001
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/14/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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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.

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