公开(公告)号：US10859435B2

公开(公告)日：2020-12-08

申请号：US16468730

申请日：2017-12-12

Applicant: THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENCE

Inventor： Christopher David Burgess ,  Sean Michael Tsi-Ong Tipper

IPC: G01J1/42 ,  G01J1/04 ,  G01S3/78 ,  H04N5/225 ,  G06K9/20 ,  G06K9/46 ,  G01S7/48 ,  G06K9/00 ,  H04N7/18

Abstract: A laser detector apparatus (1) is provided, where a pixel array (3) is arranged behind a lens arrangement (4) such that distant objects (9) (in general, those at infinity) are out of focus at the pixel array. The image from the pixel array is evaluated by a computer processor (6) to detect such out of focus images which will be of a known size and shape (generally circular spots of known width). This can enable distant laser threats to be readily distinguished from nearby bright objects (10), whilst also protecting the pixel array from powerful laser sources (because the laser energy is not focussed to a point, on the pixel array it is less likely to damage the pixel array). It can also enable the wavelength of the laser to be accurately determined from the ratio of colours in the image of the laser spot, because it will typically not be a saturated image. The apparatus and method are particularly suitable for identifying and distinguishing laser sources across a wide range of brightnesses, and is also suitable for detecting and distinguishing multiple laser sources.

公开(公告)号：US11920978B2

公开(公告)日：2024-03-05

申请号：US17054411

申请日：2019-05-22

Applicant: THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENCE

Inventor： Sean Michael Tsi-Ong Tipper ,  Christopher David Burgess

IPC: G01J1/44 ,  G01J1/42 ,  G02B26/02

CPC classification number: G01J1/44 ,  G02B26/02 ,  G01J2001/4238 ,  G01J2001/448

Abstract: A method of detecting pulsed radiation comprising the steps of irradiating at least a portion of an array of sensor elements with pulsed radiation (71); addressing the array using a rolling shutter operation (72); reading the array to obtain a radiation image (73); and then applying a pulse detection operation (74) to the radiation image. The rolling shutter operation (72) is configured to address each element line of the array for a predetermined integration period. The predetermined integration period being calculated using an integration period function, itself a function of an anticipated pulse repetition interval of the pulsed radiation. The method and apparatus for the same enable low cost camera arrays to be used for pulse detection and for wider application in the field of low cost communications.

公开(公告)号：US20140239157A1

公开(公告)日：2014-08-28

申请号：US14347411

申请日：2012-09-27

Applicant: THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENCE

Inventor： Christopher David Burgess ,  Lee Hill

IPC: H01J40/16 ,  H01L27/146

CPC classification number: H01J40/16 ,  H01J31/26 ,  H01J31/507 ,  H01J43/246 ,  H01L27/14625

Abstract: This invention relates to a low light imaging sensors and particularly image intensification and CMOS sensors. To overcome issues of dazzle and halo when operating in areas where the scene encompasses bright light sources, the invention provides material layers in contact with the detector material to spatially limit the generation or subsequent diffusion of electrons in said detector material. This allows the imaging sensor to perform as normal under bright conditions, maintaining the operator's scene awareness and spatial acuity.

Abstract translation: 本发明涉及低光成像传感器，特别涉及图像增强和CMOS传感器。 为了克服在场景包含明亮光源的区域中操作时的眩目和晕圈的问题，本发明提供与检测器材料接触的材料层，以空间限制电子在所述检测器材料中的产生或随后的扩散。 这允许成像传感器在明亮的条件下正常运行，保持操作者的场景感知和空间敏锐度。