摘要 |
An imaging system ( 30, 30' ) and corresponding method has a two-dimensional imaging sensor array ( 32 ) and an associated optical system. The optical system includes at least one optical arrangement ( 34, 36alpha, 36 b) defining a field of view ( 38 a , 38 b) of given angular dimensions and an optical switching mechanism ( 40 ) for alternately switching an optical axis of the imaging system between two directions ( 42alpha, 42 b). The optical switching mechanism and the optical arrangement(s) are deployed such that the imaging sensor array generates images of at least two generally non-overlapping fields of view of equal angular dimensions and with diverging optical axes in fixed spatial relation. Rapid switching between the fields of view allows quasi-continuous monitoring of a larger field of view than would otherwise be possible while maintaining sensitivity to transient events. Also disclosed is an infrared search and tracking system based on such imaging systems.
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