Infrared camera systems and methods for vehicular applications
First Claim
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1. A vehicle comprising:
- a first plate disposed within the vehicle and adapted to reflect infrared energy;
an opening in the vehicle through which the infrared energy passes prior to being reflected by the first plate, wherein air from outside of the vehicle is allowed to pass through the opening to the first plate;
an infrared camera coupled to and disposed within the vehicle, wherein the infrared camera is adapted to detect the infrared energy reflected from the first plate to provide infrared images; and
a first plate mount adapted to secure the first plate to the vehicle, wherein the first plate mount is adapted to momentarily change an angle of orientation of the first plate relative to the infrared camera when the first plate is struck by debris passing through the opening.
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Abstract
Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide improved infrared camera techniques for vehicular applications. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle includes at least a first plate to reflect infrared energy and an infrared camera to detect the infrared energy reflected from the first plate(s) to provide infrared images. The plate allows the infrared camera to provide a desired line of sight view without requiring the infrared camera to be directly within the line of sight.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1. A vehicle comprising:
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a first plate disposed within the vehicle and adapted to reflect infrared energy; an opening in the vehicle through which the infrared energy passes prior to being reflected by the first plate, wherein air from outside of the vehicle is allowed to pass through the opening to the first plate; an infrared camera coupled to and disposed within the vehicle, wherein the infrared camera is adapted to detect the infrared energy reflected from the first plate to provide infrared images; and a first plate mount adapted to secure the first plate to the vehicle, wherein the first plate mount is adapted to momentarily change an angle of orientation of the first plate relative to the infrared camera when the first plate is struck by debris passing through the opening. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. An infrared camera system for a vehicle, the system comprising:
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a first plate adapted to reflect infrared energy; a first plate mount adapted to secure the first plate to the vehicle, wherein the first plate mount is adapted to momentarily change an angle of orientation of the first plate when the first plate is struck by debris passing through an opening in the vehicle; and an infrared camera adapted to detect infrared energy reflected from the first plate to provide infrared images. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15)
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16. A vehicle comprising:
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means for passing infrared energy into the vehicle; means for reflecting the infrared energy after traveling through the passing means; means for securing the reflecting means within the vehicle; and means for capturing infrared images based on the infrared energy provided by the reflecting means, wherein the capturing means is disposed within the vehicle; wherein the reflecting means directs air flowing from outside of the vehicle and through the passing means to an external infrared transmissive surface of the capturing means. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19)
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20. A method of capturing infrared images within a vehicle, the method comprising:
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providing an opening through which infrared energy and air enters the vehicle; reflecting the infrared energy and the air with a first plate after passing through the opening; capturing the infrared images with an infrared camera based on the infrared energy reflected from the first plate; and changing momentarily an angle of orientation of the first plate when the first plate is struck by debris passing through the opening. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification