US6121606A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Multi detector close packed array rosette scan seeker
Assignee: Hughes Missile Systems Co
•
Filing: 1986-07-08
•
Granted: 2000-09-19
•
Expires: 2006-07-08
Abstract
Abstract A rosette or co-rotating vector scanning seeker detector array providing improved data rate and scanned field coverage. Several discrete detector elements are formed in an array on the detector surface in a coplanar arrangement, each of the detector elements providing target information when the scan sweeps across it. The array may be in the form of circular spots arranged around a central circular detector element. In an alternative embodiment, the central detector element is omitted and the peripheral detector elements are arranged sufficiently close together to preclude the likelihood of a target path passing between adjacent detector elements without being detected. Detector elements in a single array may be of different sizes and shapes.
Inventors
- 👤 Allan A. Voigt
- 👤 Scott K. Gordon
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 06:30
CPC Classifications
F; F41; F41G; F41G7/00; F41G7/20; F41G7/22; F41G7/2253; F41G7/2213; F41G7/2273; F41G7/2293
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 48
Claim 1
Independent Claim
150 words
A detector array for a rosette scan seeker for use in an airframe, the seeker optical elements producing an information spot scanning image of the distant field of view focused on an image plane, said detector array being fixed with respect to said airframe and comprising: a detector surface positioned at the image plane; and a plurality of discrete detector elements responsive to radiant energy, said elements being symmetrically arranged in an array about a central point on said detector surface, each of said detector elements being adapted to provide a separate signal each time the seeker scan sweeps across one of said elements; the maximum size of said detector array on said detector surface on which said elements are arranged is such that, in relation to the seeker scan, the seeker scan converging information spot remains substantially focused on any of said detector elements located on said detector surface.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
150 words
A detector array for a rosette scan seeker for use in an airframe, the seeker optical elements producing an information spot scanning image of the distant field of view focused on an image plane, said detector array being fixed with respect to said airframe and comprising: a detector surface positioned at the image plane; and a plurality of discrete detector elements responsive to radiant energy, said elements being symmetrically arranged in an array about a central point on said detector surface, each of said detector elements being adapted to provide a separate signal each time the seeker scan sweeps across one of said elements; the maximum size of said detector array on said detector surface on which said elements are arranged is such that, in relation to the seeker scan, the seeker scan converging information spot remains substantially focused on any of said detector elements located on said detector surface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The detector array recited in claim 1 wherein the distance between adjacent detector elements is no greater than the diameter of any individual element in said array.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
The detector array recited in claim 1 wherein the diameter of said detector surface is no more than about seven times the diameter of any single detector element on said surface.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
The detector array recited in claim 1 wherein the diameter of said detector surface is no less than about three times the diameter of any single detector element on said surface.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
The detector array recited in claim 1 wherein the diameter of said detector surface is in the range of about three to seven times the diameter of any single detector element on said surface.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The detector array recited in claim 1 wherein said detector array comprises a ring of closely spaced elements equidistant from said central point.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
The detector array recited in claim 6 wherein said detector array further comprises a detector element centered on said central point and surrounded by said ring of detector elements.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
The detector array recited in claim 1 wherein each of said detector elements is circular.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
The detector array recited in claim 1 wherein at least some of said detector elements are oval.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
33 words
The detector array recited in claim 1 wherein each said detector element has a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the image of a point source target focused on said detector surface.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
39 words
The detector array recited in claim 1 wherein said detector elements are so arranged on said detector surface that in a single sweep of a point source target image across detector elements and said detector surface are substantially coplanar.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
The detector array recited in claim 1, wherein each said detector element is spaced from every other detector element.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
The detector array recited in claim 1, wherein said detector elements are substantially equidistant about said central point.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
18 words
The detector array recited in claim 1, wherein said detector elements and said detector surface are substantially coplanar.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
34 words
The detector array recited in claim 1, wherein the minimum size of said detector surface is no less than about three times the smallest dimension of any single detector element on said detector surface.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
137 words
A detector array for a rosette scan seeker for use in an airframe, the seeker optical elements producing an information spot scanning image of the distant field of view focused on an image plane, said detector array being fixed with respect to said airframe and comprising: a detector surface positioned at the image plane; and a plurality of discrete detector elements responsive to radiant energy, said elements being symmetrically arranged in an array about a central point on said detector surface, each of said detector elements being adapted to provide a separate signal each time the seeker scan sweeps across one of said elements; said detector elements being closely clustered in an array on said detector surface such that the seeker scan converging information spot remains substantially focused as it sweeps across any of said detector elements.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
137 words
A detector array for a rosette scan seeker for use in an airframe, the seeker optical elements producing an information spot scanning image of the distant field of view focused on an image plane, said detector array being fixed with respect to said airframe and comprising: a detector surface positioned at the image plane; and a plurality of discrete detector elements responsive to radiant energy, said elements being symmetrically arranged in an array about a central point on said detector surface, each of said detector elements being adapted to provide a separate signal each time the seeker scan sweeps across one of said elements; said detector elements being closely clustered in an array on said detector surface such that the seeker scan converging information spot remains substantially focused as it sweeps across any of said detector elements.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
27 words
The detector array recited in claim 16 wherein the distance between adjacent detector elements is no greater than the diameter of any individual element in said array.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
31 words
The detector array recited in claim 16 wherein the diameter of said detector surface is no more than about seven times the diameter of any single detector element on said surface.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
31 words
The detector array recited in claim 16 wherein the diameter of said detector surface is no less than about three times the diameter of any single detector element on said surface.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
34 words
The detector array recited in claim 16 wherein the diameter of said detector surface is in the range of about three to seven times the diameter of any single detector element on said surface.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
24 words
The detector array recited in claim 16 wherein said detector array comprises a ring of closely spaced detector elements equidistant from said central point.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
29 words
The detector array recited in claim 21 wherein said detector array further comprises a detector element centered on said central point and surrounded by said ring of detector elements.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
15 words
The detector array recited in claim 16 wherein each of said detector elements is circular.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
17 words
The detector array recited in claim 16 wherein at least some of said detector elements are oval.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
33 words
The detector array recited in claim 16 wherein each said detector element has a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the image of a point source target focused on said detector surface.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
41 words
The detector array recited in claim 16 wherein said detector elements are so arranged on said detector surface that in a single sweep of a point source target image across said detector surface at least two said detector elements are illuminated.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
19 words
The detector array recited in claim 16, wherein each said detector element is spaced from every other detector element.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
18 words
The detector array recited in claim 16 wherein said detector elements are substantially equidistant about said central point.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
18 words
The detector array recited in claim 16, wherein said detector elements and said detector surface are substantially coplanar.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
34 words
The detector array recited in claim 16, wherein the minimum size of said detector surface is no less than about three times the smallest dimension of any single detector element on said detector surface.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
149 words
A detector array for a rosette scan seeker for use in an airframe, the seeker optical elements producing an information spot scanning image of the distant field of view focused on an image plane, said detector array being fixed with respect to said airframe and comprising: a detector surface positioned at the image plane; and a plurality of discrete detector elements responsive to radiant energy, said elements being arranged in an array on said detector surface, each of said detector elements being adapted to independently provide a signal each time the seeker scan sweeps across one of said elements; the maximum distance from the center to the most distant said detector element of said detector array on said detector surface on which said elements are arranged is such that the seeker scan converging information spot remains substantially focused on any of said detector elements located on said detector surface.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
149 words
A detector array for a rosette scan seeker for use in an airframe, the seeker optical elements producing an information spot scanning image of the distant field of view focused on an image plane, said detector array being fixed with respect to said airframe and comprising: a detector surface positioned at the image plane; and a plurality of discrete detector elements responsive to radiant energy, said elements being arranged in an array on said detector surface, each of said detector elements being adapted to independently provide a signal each time the seeker scan sweeps across one of said elements; the maximum distance from the center to the most distant said detector element of said detector array on said detector surface on which said elements are arranged is such that the seeker scan converging information spot remains substantially focused on any of said detector elements located on said detector surface.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
19 words
The detector array recited in claim 31, wherein each said detector element is spaced from every other detector element.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
18 words
The detector array recited in claim 31, wherein said detector elements and said detector surface are substantially coplanar.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
33 words
The detector array recited in claim 31, wherein each said detector element has a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the image of a point source target focused on said detector surface.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
41 words
The detector array recited in claim 31, wherein said detector elements are so arranged on said detector surface that in a single sweep of a point source target image across said detector surface at least two said detector elements are illuminated.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
17 words
The detector array recited in claim 31, wherein at least some of said detector elements are oval.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
134 words
A detector array for a rosette scan seeker for use in an airframe, the seeker optical elements producing an information spot scanning image of the distant field of view focused on an image plane, said detector array being fixed with respect to said airframe and comprising: a detector surface positioned at the image plane; and a plurality of discrete detector elements responsive to radiant energy, said elements being arranged in an array on said detector surface, each of said detector elements being adapted to independently provide a signal each time the seeker scan information spot sweeps across one of said elements; said detector elements being closely clustered in an array on said detector surface such that the seeker scan converging information spot remains substantially focused as it sweeps across any of said detector elements.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
134 words
A detector array for a rosette scan seeker for use in an airframe, the seeker optical elements producing an information spot scanning image of the distant field of view focused on an image plane, said detector array being fixed with respect to said airframe and comprising: a detector surface positioned at the image plane; and a plurality of discrete detector elements responsive to radiant energy, said elements being arranged in an array on said detector surface, each of said detector elements being adapted to independently provide a signal each time the seeker scan information spot sweeps across one of said elements; said detector elements being closely clustered in an array on said detector surface such that the seeker scan converging information spot remains substantially focused as it sweeps across any of said detector elements.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
33 words
The detector array recited in claim 37, wherein the distance from the center of said detector array to the outermost said detector element is such as to maintain focus of the information spot.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
19 words
The detector array recited in clam 37, wherein each said detector element is spaced from every other detector element.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
19 words
The detector array recited in clam 37, wherein each said detector element is spaced from every other detector element.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
18 words
The detector array recited in claim 37, wherein said detector elements and said detector surface are substantially coplanar.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
33 words
The detector array recited in claim 37, wherein each said detector element has a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the image of a point source target focused on said detector surface.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
41 words
The detector array recited in claim 37, wherein said detector elements are so arranged on said detector surface that in a single sweep of a point source target image across said detector surface at least two said detector elements are illuminated.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
17 words
The detector array recited in claim 37, wherein at least some of said detector elements are oval.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3444380A
Cited
US4009393A
Cited
US3907435A
Cited
US4010365A
Cited
US4246480A
Cited
US4039246A
Cited
US4210807A
Cited
US4329579A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-09-19 | 2004-03-20 | 2004-09-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-09-19 | 2008-03-20 | 2008-09-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-09-19 | 2012-03-20 | 2012-09-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |