Patents by Inventor James M. Florence

James M. Florence has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5457493
    Abstract: An image simulation system 20 for testing sensor systems 26 and for training image sensor personnel wherein synthetic image data is generated by a scene generator 21 and projected by an image projector 23. The image projector 23 uses a digital micromirror device array 27 to modulate the incident energy and create an image. Four modulation schemes are discussed including digital pulse-width modulation, phase contrast modulation, full complex modulation, and analog modulation. The digital pulse width modulation technique will typically require synchronizing the image sensor and the image projector. Phase contrast modulation, full complex modulation, and analog modulation do not require synchronizing the image projector 23 and the sensor system 26. Phase contrast modulation and full complex modulation have the capability to produce phase information within the image. The image simulation system 20 can produce high contrast images and is more flexible than prior art system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael Leddy, Mark Boysel, James A. Delong, James M. Florence, Tsen-Hwang Lin, Jeffrey Sampsell
  • Patent number: 5323002
    Abstract: A method and system for calibration of optical systems is disclosed. The system consists of a reference source (12), a spatial light modulator (26) for transmitting the reference source signal through non-imaging optics (30) and into the input of an optical system (36). The output of the optical system is then compared to the input signal and a correction is derived. The correction is stored and used real-time to adjust the output of the system to more accurately reflect the actual input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Jeffrey B. Sampsell, James M. Florence
  • Patent number: 5313479
    Abstract: A speckle-free display system using coherent light is disclosed. The light is directed through a spinning diffusing element to illuminate a spatial light modulator. The spinning element is operable to move the interference patterns around the screen at a speed where it is undetectable to the human eye. The diffusing element is more than likely comprised of ground glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: James M. Florence
  • Patent number: 5312513
    Abstract: A method for multiple phase light modulation, said method comprising providing a pixel (20) having at least two modulating elements (22),(24). The method further comprising addressing said at least two modulating elements (22), (24) whereby light incident on said addressed element undergoes discrete phase changes between addressable states. The method further comprises resolving light from said at least two modulating elements (22), (24), into a response having at least three unique phases. Other devices, systems and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: James M. Florence, R. Mark Boysel
  • Patent number: 5264930
    Abstract: A fast light interconnected processor device for image processing includes an image sensor for producing a line scan signal, a one-dimensional line display for producing a light having an intensity representative of the scan signal and an array of light detectors for producing a two-dimensional convolution of the image with a blurring function performed simultaneously with the scanning of the image scene. The image sensor is, for example, a thermal imager (forward looking infrared system) which outputs electrical signals representative of thermal energy emanating from a scene. The one-dimensional line display is, for example, a one-dimensional array of light emitting diodes which converts the electrical signals of the thermal image to a light image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: James M. Florence, John B. Allen
  • Patent number: 5148157
    Abstract: It is possible to control the amplitude and phase modulation of light independently and simultaneously. The invention described here details how to do so by dividing a picture element into smaller modulating elements, providing independent addressing for each element, setting the necessary angle for each element and then resolving them into the picture element. The invention also show one embodiment of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: James M. Florence
  • Patent number: 4672439
    Abstract: A FLIR imager is modified to include a hybrid optical/electronic processor for automatic local area dynamic range normalization. FLIR imagers have an objective lens for focusing IR energy emanating from a scene on a detector array. The detector array generates electrical signals representative of the scene. LEDs generate a visible picture of the thermal image of the scene for a video processor for formatting the signals for a particular type display (TV). The hybrid optical/electronic processor is inserted between the LEDs and the video processor; it includes a beamsplitter for directing the image to a pair of CCD cameras. The image at one camera is set in sharp focus to preserve all of the spatial frequency content (allpass) through the image reconstruction optics. While the image at the second camera is slightly defocused for averaging image information over small local regions the size of the defocused point spread function (spatial lowpass filtered).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1987
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: James M. Florence, John B. Allen