US3748042A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Direct-gradient optical image correlation apparatus
Assignee: Lockheed Martin Tactical Systems Inc
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Filing: 1971-06-01
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Granted: 1973-07-24
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Expires: 1991-06-01
Abstract
Abstract An electronic system for achieving correlation and matching information between two similar optical displays without mechanically or electronically nutating or moving one display relative to the other. The system developes from each display a series of voltage signals which are highly informative of the display elements. The voltage signals from one display are summed according to a schedule established by the other display to obtain a differential signal which is scaled to determine the direction and amount of position or offset error between the two displays. One display may be a live image of a target area while the second display is a reference image of the same area.
Inventors
- 👤 N Diamantides
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 03:24
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01S; G01S7/00; G01S7/02; G01S7/04; G06; G06G; G06G7/00; G06G7/12; G06G7/19; G06G7/1914
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
165 words
Apparatus for generating a map signal from an optical image for use as an input in a gradient-based correlator, comprising: means for generating a signal proportional to the intensity of the optical image along at least one scan line traversing the image; first circuit means receiving the signal from the signal generating means and producing a signal equivalent to the arithmetically squared rate of change of the signal from the signal generating means; second circuit means for receiving the signal produced by the first circuit means and creating therefrom a predetermined signal level; third circuit means for receiving the signal produced by the first circuit means and the predetermined signal level produced by the second circuit means and producing an output signal when the signal produced by the first circuit means exceeds the predetermined signal level created by the second circuit means; and a first integrator for integratinG the output signal from the third circuit means for each scan line to produce the map signal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
165 words
Apparatus for generating a map signal from an optical image for use as an input in a gradient-based correlator, comprising: means for generating a signal proportional to the intensity of the optical image along at least one scan line traversing the image; first circuit means receiving the signal from the signal generating means and producing a signal equivalent to the arithmetically squared rate of change of the signal from the signal generating means; second circuit means for receiving the signal produced by the first circuit means and creating therefrom a predetermined signal level; third circuit means for receiving the signal produced by the first circuit means and the predetermined signal level produced by the second circuit means and producing an output signal when the signal produced by the first circuit means exceeds the predetermined signal level created by the second circuit means; and a first integrator for integratinG the output signal from the third circuit means for each scan line to produce the map signal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the first circuit means comprises a differentiator receiving the signal produced by the signal generating means, and a first multiplier for squaring the output of the differentiator.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
54 words
Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the second circuit means comprises a second integrator receiving the output of the first multiplier, a second multiplier for multiplying the second integrator output by a constant, and storage means for retaining the output of the second multiplier and for furnishing said output to the third circuit means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the third circuit means comprises a comparator in series connection with a multivibrator.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the means for generating the signal comprises an image dissector having an optical input.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus according to claim 5 further including means to project a real image of a live object to the optical input of the image dissector.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
137 words
Apparatus for generating a signal representative of an optical image, comprising: means for scanning the optical image to produce a signal proportional to the intensity of the optical image along at least one line of scan traversing the image; first circuit means receiving the signal from the scanning means and producing an output pulse indcative of the squared rate of change of the signal from the scanning means; second circuit means responsive to the first circuit means for establishing a predetermined signal level; third circuit means responsive to the first and second circuit means for producing an output signal when the signal from the first circuit means exceeds the predetermined signal level of the second circuit means; and an integrating circuit for integrating the output pulse signal for each line of scan to produce the representative signal.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
137 words
Apparatus for generating a signal representative of an optical image, comprising: means for scanning the optical image to produce a signal proportional to the intensity of the optical image along at least one line of scan traversing the image; first circuit means receiving the signal from the scanning means and producing an output pulse indcative of the squared rate of change of the signal from the scanning means; second circuit means responsive to the first circuit means for establishing a predetermined signal level; third circuit means responsive to the first and second circuit means for producing an output signal when the signal from the first circuit means exceeds the predetermined signal level of the second circuit means; and an integrating circuit for integrating the output pulse signal for each line of scan to produce the representative signal.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
55 words
Apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the scanning means scans along at least two non-parallel lines each traversing the image to produce at least two signals, and further including means controlling the scanning means and the first, second, and third circuit means whereby the representative signal corresponding to each line of scan is generated successively.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-07-23 | 1977-01-22 | 1977-07-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-07-23 | 1981-01-22 | 1981-07-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-07-23 | 1985-01-22 | 1985-07-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |