초록 ▼

An improved airborne, direct digital panoramic camera system and method in which an in-line electro-optical sensor eliminates the need for photographic film and film transport apparatus normally associated with prior art airborne reconnaissance cameras and yet still retains the very high image resol

An improved airborne, direct digital panoramic camera system and method in which an in-line electro-optical sensor eliminates the need for photographic film and film transport apparatus normally associated with prior art airborne reconnaissance cameras and yet still retains the very high image resolution quality which is so important in intelligence operations and commercial geographic information systems (GIS), mapping and other remote sensing applications. The present invention provides a simpler, more efficient and less costly panoramic camera by utilizing a lens in conjunction with the electro-optical line array sensor wherein the lens can be simpler and less expensive than a framing camera because it essentially requires quality focus in only one dimension and by eliminating the burden and delay necessitated in film processing and development. The massive amounts of digital data generated by the camera are compressed and any motion or panoramic errors are easily correctable in the digital data, while such errors were nearly impossible to correct in a cost effective fashion from film images. The compressed digital image data may be stored and retrieved later for utilization in computer type networks or alternatively can be transmitted from the aircraft to a ground station for prompt utilization.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [2.] In a direct digital mapping quality airborne panoramic camera having a sensor system means for sending multi spectral radiation from a ground area to be imaged, image compensation means for correcting for aircraft motion during camera operation, means for activating the s

[ What is claimed is:] [2.] In a direct digital mapping quality airborne panoramic camera having a sensor system means for sending multi spectral radiation from a ground area to be imaged, image compensation means for correcting for aircraft motion during camera operation, means for activating the sensor means during camera operation, the improvement comprising:multi port sensor signal processor means for converting images of said ground area to be imaged into analog image signals, wherein said analog image signals have an image data rate in the order of 100 million signals per second,a plurality of parallel arrayed signal processing means for processing said analog image signals,means for digitizing said analog image signals,means for calibrating said sensor means, andmeans for reducing said digital image signal data rate and for recording said digital image signal data whereby the recorded digital image signal data rate is substantially reduced below that of said analog signal data rate before recording.