Liquid shutter for infrared imaging devices
US10393575B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 26, 2017 |
| Grant date | Aug 27, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 26, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N23/73
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Techniques are provided to perform flat field correction for infrared cameras using a liquid shutter. Devices and methods provide a focal plane array (FPA) that receives infrared radiation (e.g., thermal infrared radiation) from a scene, and infrared-opaque liquid disposed in a cavity of a liquid shutter housing, and a fluid controller that directs the liquid from a reservoir area of the cavity to a field of view area of the cavity to block the FPA from the infrared radiation. Flat field correction terms may be determined and radiometric calibration may be performed. In one example, a liquid shutter uses voltages to direct liquid. In another example, a liquid shutter uses magnetic fields from electromagnets to direct liquid such as ferrofluid. In another example, a liquid shutter uses electrowetting techniques to direct liquid such as water. In a further example, a liquid shutter uses a pump.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.