Roberto Conte

US Patent:

6353474, Mar 5, 2002

Filed:

Apr 13, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/548482

Inventors:

Thaddeus Kucharski - Marina Del Rey CA
Grant Ager - Encenitas CA
Jose J. Barbosa - Hawthorne CA
Roberto Conte - Culver City CA
Gregory H. Link - Sherman Oaks CA
William D. McKay - Torrance CA
Alan W. Tom - La Palma CA

Assignee:

Hughes Electronics Corporation - El Segundo CA

International Classification:

G01J 142

US Classification:

356218, 348 80, 348 81, 396427

Abstract:

An improved system and method for obtaining photogrammetric measurements which eliminates optical distortions created by thermal gradients on windows that are used to protect the photogrammetry camera. A gate valve is introduced between the window and the wall that opens for a limited time to allow the camera to take measurements of a test article contained within a thermal testing chamber. This limits or eliminates any thermal gradients on the window and improves photogrammetric measurements. With a gate valve the window can be removed entirely, as the gate valve can prevent a thermal gradient from being introduced to the lens of the photogrammetry camera. The improved system is suited for making close-in photogrammetric measures of test articles on earth.