<title>Microcomputer System For Controlling An Infrared Scanning Camera</title>

Abstract

A microcomputer control system was developed for an AGA System 680 Thermovision(R) Application of the infrared scanning camera to plume radiance measurements necessitated the development of a technique for achieving very rapid convergence to optimum operating conditions. The microprocessor based programmable controller satisfies this requirement and offers great operational felxibility. The plume radiation measurements system is comprised of an AGA 680 system, a Sangamo Sabre VI recorder, and the microcomputer system. The AGA equipment includes a 680 infrared camera with broadband anti-reflection coatings, a tape recorder adapter, a color monitor, and a remote filter and aperture selector. The Sangamo Sabre VI recorder is an IRIG portable recorder/reproducer configured with wideband group I FM and direct electronics. The control system incorporates an Intel 80/10 single board computer. Real time operator interaction is achieved through keyboard entry and off line through use of eraseable programmable read only memories. The design philosophy included complete retention of the Thermovision(R) manual controls and the use of inexpensive and readily available electronic components. The controller converges on appropriate operating conditions in an iterative manner based on sampling the signal level in a selectable field of view. Modifications of the AGA system were minimal consisting of the addition of three printed circuit boards and minor rewiring of the manual control unit. The remaining hardware required is housed in two companion chassis, one incorporating a single board computer and interface electronics and the other contains the electronics permitting choice of area of convergence. Results obtained in a ground test facility are presented. The results demonstrate both the utility of the microcomputer system in controlling the infrared camera and its capability to provide experiment control.© (1980) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.