Reconfigurable detector array of resistance bolometers
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A reconfigurable detector array comprising:
- an array of resistance bolometer detectors,a plurality of switchable connections for connecting together separate detectors therein into at least one larger group of detectors, wherein, the plurality of switchable connections are configurable such that the number of detectors comprising the at least one larger group is variable, and so as to enable separate detectors to be read individually or the at least one larger group of detectors to be read, wherein the plurality of switchable connections are configured so as to ensure that, in use, the electrical impedance of the at least one larger group of detectors is the same as that of a single detector.
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Abstract
An Array of detectors can be configured to be read as separate detectors, or to be connected into larger groups, e.g. groups of four (a 2×2 array). This allows the formation of a relatively high definition image, and a much faster formation of a lower resolution image. This may be used with in an automobile to control deployment of safety airbags in accordance with a drivers position relative to the airbags. Preferably the array is a 64×64 array of thermal detectors.
25 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A reconfigurable detector array comprising:
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an array of resistance bolometer detectors, a plurality of switchable connections for connecting together separate detectors therein into at least one larger group of detectors, wherein, the plurality of switchable connections are configurable such that the number of detectors comprising the at least one larger group is variable, and so as to enable separate detectors to be read individually or the at least one larger group of detectors to be read, wherein the plurality of switchable connections are configured so as to ensure that, in use, the electrical impedance of the at least one larger group of detectors is the same as that of a single detector. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A reconfigurable detector array comprising:
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an array of separate resistance bolometer detectors; and a plurality of switchable connection means for variably connecting together said separate detectors into at least one larger group of detectors and for reading separate detectors individually or in said at least one larger group, wherein the plurality of switchable connections are configured to ensure that electrical impedance of said at least one larger group of detectors is substantially the same as impedance of a single detector. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification