Thermal imager having sunlight exposure protection mechanism
US7484885B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 30, 2004 |
| Grant date | Feb 3, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 30, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N23/50
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A thermal imaging apparatus comprises a housing defining an entrance pupil for ingress of imaging radiation. At least one light sensor is positioned forward of the entrance pupil. An electronic imaging device such as a focal plane array is located in the housing rearward of the entrance pupil for converting imaging radiation to electrical signals for further processing. The apparatus further includes a shutter having an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the shutter is located between the entrance pupil and the electronic imaging device so as to inhibit exposure of the electronic imaging device to incident radiation. Circuitry is provided for selectively operating the shutter to be in the closed position based on signals produced at the light sensor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.