Patent ID: 6658207
Filing Date: 2003-12-02
Classification: G01C

Abstract:
A method for imaging a scene with a framing camera installed in an aerial reconnaissance vehicle, the camera comprising a two dimensional framing array of photosensitive cells, an optical system directing scene radiation onto said array, and a mechanism for rolling said camera about a roll axis, said array of cells storing pixel information and arranged in a plurality of rows and columns, comprising the steps of:(a) continuously rotating said camera about said roll axis with said roll mechanism to thereby direct scene information onto said two dimensional array; (b) exposing said array while said camera is rotating and transferring pixel information in said array at a rate substantially equal to an image motion rate due to said rotation of said camera; (c) reading out said pixel information from said array; and (d) repeating said steps (b), and (c) while said vehicle flies past a scene of interest and while said camera continuously rotates about said roll axis.