초록 ▼

A steering mechanism is described for use in conjunction with a thermal imaging system. The steering mechanism comprises a pair of prisms which are positioned serially in front of the scanning mechanism of the thermal imaging system. The prisms are individually rotated by a motor means. A position e

A steering mechanism is described for use in conjunction with a thermal imaging system. The steering mechanism comprises a pair of prisms which are positioned serially in front of the scanning mechanism of the thermal imaging system. The prisms are individually rotated by a motor means. A position encoder is connected to each of the prisms to provide feedback position information to a search computer which controls the rotation of the prisms. The refraction of the thermal image produced by the rotating prisms enables the scanning mechanism of the thermal imaging system to search in any searching pattern within a variable field of regard in the field of search of the steering mechanism. The steering mechanism may also function to boresight a laser on the same target viewed by the thermal imaging system. In one embodiment, the laser comprises a pulsed-type laser whose pulsed laser beam is transmitted through the prisms onto an acquired target. The reflection of the pulsed laser beam is then reflected from the acquired target and detected by the thermal imaging system. The lapse of time between transmission and detection of the pulsed laser beam enables the computer to compute the range of the target. The laser may alternatively comprise a low power continuous output laser which may function as a laser designator for beam rider devices.

대표청구항 ▼

An imaging system, comprising in combination: an imaging subsystem operable to scan object space within a predetermined field of view; and a steering subsystem serially positioned in front of the input of said imaging subsystem, said steering subsystem being operable to scan object space within a va

An imaging system, comprising in combination: an imaging subsystem operable to scan object space within a predetermined field of view; and a steering subsystem serially positioned in front of the input of said imaging subsystem, said steering subsystem being operable to scan object space within a variable field of regard within a field of search and including a first prism, a second prism positioned rearwardly of said first prism, first means for rotating said first prism, and second means for rotating said second prism, whereby said field of view of said imaging subsystem is effectively increased to equal said variable field of regard within said field of search of said steering subsystem.