Radiant energy – Invisible radiant energy responsive electric signalling – Infrared responsive
Patent
1990-06-06
1992-01-07
Fields, Carolyn E.
Radiant energy
Invisible radiant energy responsive electric signalling
Infrared responsive
250342, 250347, 250349, G01J 506
Patent
active
050794191
ABSTRACT:
A horizon sensor scans an infrared detector over the earth's horizon generating first (A) and second (B) signals of finite pulse width representing radiation from the fields of view of the infrared detector as it is scanned across the earth's horizon. Signals (A-B) and (A+B)/3 are derived from the first (A) and second (B) signals. The horizon is detected when a threshold is exceeded when the absolute value (A-B) is less than the absolute value of (A+B)/3 whereby the detected horizon is essentially independent of the radiance variations of the earth's horizon. Sun and moon signals appearing in the field of view of the infrared detector are eliminated based on the smaller pulse width of such signals in comparison with the finite pulse width of the first and second signals. The method of radiance compensation can be implemented using a dual field of view for the infrared detector in a horizon crossing indicator sensor where the scanning of the detector is provided by the rotation of the satellite. In another embodiment, wherein the scanning of a single field of view is provided by a conical scanner in the sensor, the signal is digitized and delayed to provide the dual fields of view in which the horizon is detected in the same manner as the embodiment using two separate detectors with similar beneficial results.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3486024 (1969-12-01), Astheimer
patent: 3551681 (1970-12-01), Astheimer
patent: 4785169 (1988-11-01), Gontin
EDO Corporation, Barnes Engineering Div.
Fields Carolyn E.
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