Imaging system and method of creating images
AssigneeBatelle Memorial Institute
InventorsBrad A. Thomas, Matthew P. Rubal
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An imaging system includes a spherical window, a reflector, an image sensor, a housing and a snap ring. The reflector has a focus point located at a center of a sphere defined by an outer surface of the window. Light entering the window at an angle perpendicular to the outer surface of the window and traveling to the focus point is reflected onto the image sensor by the reflector. The window and housing have first and second grooves, respectively. In order to couple the window to the housing, the snap ring is placed in the second groove, the snap ring is compressed with the window and then the snap ring is allowed to expand so that the snap ring is located in both the first and second grooves.
Claims19
An imaging system comprising:
- a spherical window, wherein the window is a pressure window;
- a reflector including a focus point located at a center of a sphere defined by an outer surface of the window;
- and
- an image sensor, wherein light entering the window at an angle perpendicular to the outer surface of the window and traveling to the focus point is reflected onto the image sensor by the reflector, and the reflector is configured so that light entering the window, at different points, at an angle perpendicular to the outer surface of the window is reflected onto the image sensor by the reflector.
An imaging system comprising:
- a window including a first groove;
- an image sensor configured to receive light entering the window;
- a housing including a second groove;
- and
- a snap ring, wherein, when the window is coupled to the housing, the snap ring is located in both the first and second grooves.
A method of creating images with an imaging system including a spherical window, a housing coupled to the window, a reflector having a focus point located at a center of a sphere defined by an outer surface of the window and an image sensor, the method comprising:
- reflecting light entering the window at different points at an angle perpendicular to the outer surface of the window and traveling to the focus point onto the image sensor using the reflector;
- and
- preventing leaks between the window and the housing using a seal.
A method of assembling an imaging system including a window having a first groove, an image sensor configured to receive light entering the window, a housing having a second groove and a snap ring, the method comprising:
- placing the snap ring in the second groove;
- compressing the snap ring using the window;
- and
- allowing the snap ring to expand so that the snap ring is located in both the first and second grooves.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.