IP Library Granted Patent US 6,855,934
Granted Patent B2
US 6,855,934 · App. 10/684,721 · Granted Feb 15, 2005

Infrared imaging device, vehicle having the same installed therein, and infrared image adjustment device

Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 6,855,934
App. No.
10/684,721
Granted
Feb 15, 2005
Kind
B2
Abstract

In an infrared imaging device, shutting means 40 is configured so that it can be opened/closed and so as to shut off an infrared radiation coming into an optical system 20 when it is closed. During an imaging operation, the shutting means 40 is opened, and the optical system 20 causes an infrared radiation from an object 70 to form an image on an infrared detector 10 . The infrared detector 10 outputs a signal according to the amount of infrared light received by each pixel. Correction means 30 corrects sensitivity variations among pixels, the influence of the infrared radiation from the optical system 20 , etc. During a calibration operation, the shutting means 40 is closed, and the correction means 30 determines a correction coefficient for correcting fluctuations in the amount of infrared radiation from the optical system 20 by using the output of the infrared detector 10 imaging the shutting means 40.

Claims (9)

1. An infrared imaging device to be installed in a vehicle, the infrared imaging device comprising:

an infrared detector;

an optical system for causing an infrared radiation from an object to form an image on the infrared detector; and

a temperature retaining structure for stabilizing a temperature in a vicinity of the infrared detector and the optical system by using a mechanism in the vehicle

wherein the temperature retaining structure circulates an engine coolant of the vehicle in the vicinity of the infrared detector and the optical system.

2. A vehicle, comprising:

an infrared imaging device; and

a temperature retaining structure for stabilizing a temperature in a vicinity of the infrared imaging device by using a mechanism in the vehicle

wherein the temperature retaining structure circulates an engine coolant of the vehicle in the vicinity of the infrared imaging device.

Priority Claims (1)
JP 11-7636 · Jan 14, 1999 · national
Continuity (2)
Division 0988944300
Related Publication 20040075742A1 · Apr 22, 2004