Abstract: A three-dimensional data processing and recognizing method including scanning and re-constructing objects to be detected so as to obtain three-dimensional data for recognition of the objects to be detected; extracting data matching to features from the three-dimensional data, so that the extracted data constitutes an interested target; with respect to the data matching to features, merging and classifying adjacent data points as one group, to form an image of the merged interested target; recognizing a cross section of the interested target; cutting the interested targets by a perpendicular plane which passes through a central point of the cross section and is perpendicular to it, in order to obtain a graph; and recognizing shape of the interested targets based on a property of the graph.

Abstract: A laser scanner for optically scanning and measuring an environment is provided. The laser scanner includes a light transmitter for emitting a light beam to measure a plurality of points in the environment, the light transmitter coupled to the rotating unit. A receiver is provided for receiving a reflected light beam reflected from the plurality of measurement points, the receiver being coupled to the rotating unit. A first image acquisition unit is configured to record a visible image of an area of the environment that includes the plurality of points. A sensing device is configured to record data of the area. A processor is operably coupled to the receiver, the first image acquisition unit and the sensing device, the processor is configured to associate a color value from the visible image and a recorded data value from the sensing device with each of the plurality of points.

Abstract: A scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) system is disclosed. The system may make use of an electron beam scanning system configured to generate a plurality of electron beam scans over substantially an entire sample, with each scan varying in electron-illumination intensity over a course of the scan. A signal acquisition system may be used for obtaining at least one of an image, a diffraction pattern, or a spectrum from the scans, the image, diffraction pattern, or spectrum representing only information from at least one of a select subplurality or linear combination of all pixel locations comprising the image. A dataset may be produced from the information. A subsystem may be used for mathematically analyzing the dataset to predict actual information that would have been produced by each pixel location of the image.

Abstract: Laser sensor with integrated rotating mechanism has a camera, a laser, and a chassis configured to rotate on its own axis, which has an indexed rotating mechanism which includes, in turn: a motorized set made up of a rotating motor positioned on an axis parallel to the rotating axis, and connected to this rotating axis by gears, and a motorized set made up of a locking motor housed inside the axis on a support; and in which the bottom of the support includes locking rollers and a ring coupled to this support in such a way that locking occurs as a result of contact between balls housed in the chassis and the rollers adjacent to the bottom of the support.

Abstract: A method involves obtaining a first beam image on a focal plane of a first camera and a second beam image on a focal plane of a second camera from light scattered by ambient atmospheric aerosols in the path of a laser beam. First and second projected beam images are formed, representing the respective first and second beam images in the projected scenes of the respective first and second cameras. First and second ambiguity planes are then formed from the respective first and second projected beam images. An intersection of the first and second ambiguity planes is then determined, identifying the position of the laser beam. A source of the laser beam is then determined, along with a camera-source plane. A beam elevation angle with respect to this plane is then determined, as well as beam azimuth angles with respect to lines between the respective camera and the source.

Abstract: A solution for evaluating an object using infrared data is provided. In particular, infrared data corresponding to the object is processed to enhance a set of signal features. The infrared data is analyzed to determine whether one or more anomalies are present.

Abstract: An autonomous ventilation system includes a variable-speed exhaust fan, a controller, an exhaust hood, and an infrared radiation (“IR”) sensor. The exhaust fan removes air contaminants from an area. The controller is coupled to the exhaust fan and adjusts the speed of the exhaust fan. The exhaust hood is coupled to the exhaust fan and directs air contaminants to the exhaust fan. The IR sensor is coupled to the controller, detects changes in IR index in a zone below the exhaust hood, and communicates information relating to detected changes in IR index to the controller. The controller adjusts the speed of the exhaust fan in response to information relating to detected changes in IR index. The autonomous ventilation system also includes an alignment laser to indicate a point at which the IR sensor is aimed and a field-of-view (“FOV”) indicator to illuminate the zone in which the IR sensor detects changes in IR index.

Abstract: An indirect radar holography apparatus for scanning a scene and generating a high-density signal pattern representing the scene. The apparatus illuminates the scene with radiation according to an illumination signal; generates a reference signal from the illumination signal; detects radiation emitted in a predetermined spectral range from a spot of the scene; generates a radiation signal per spot from the detected radiation; performs control so that radiation is detected at a number of spots distributed over the scene, the number being lower than the number of intensity signals of the high-density signal pattern; combines the radiation signals generated from the detected radiation and the reference signals to obtain a low-density signal pattern of intensity signals; and processes the intensity signals of said low-density signal pattern to generate the high-density signal pattern by applying compressive sensing to the low-density signal pattern.

Abstract: Radiometric imaging for scanning a scene includes a radiometer for detecting radiation emitted in a predetermined spectral range from a spot of the scene and for generating a radiation signal from the detected radiation. Spot movement circuitry effects a movement of the spot, from which the radiation is detected, to various positions. Control circuitry controls the spot movement circuit to effect the movement of the spot from one position to another position so that radiation is detected at a number of spots distributed over the scene. The number is lower than the number of pattern signals of the high-density signal pattern and the radiation signals generated from the radiation detected at the number of spots form a low-density signal pattern. Processing circuitry processes the radiation signals of the low-density signal pattern and generates the high-density signal pattern by applying compressive sensing to the low-density signal pattern.

Abstract: A solution for evaluating a vehicle using infrared data is provided. In particular, evaluation data for the vehicle is obtained, which includes infrared data for a plurality of sides of the vehicle as well as vehicle identification data for distinguishing the vehicle from another vehicle. The infrared data is processed to enhance a set of signal features. Additional non-infrared based data also can be obtained for evaluating the vehicle. The evaluation data is analyzed to determine whether one or more anomalies are present. The anomaly(ies) can be correlated with a possible problem with a component of the vehicle. Data on the anomaly, problem, and/or vehicle identification can be provided for use on another system, such as a remote inspection station, maintenance system, and/or the like.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing fixed and temporal noise in an infrared imaging system. The system may use correction tables with correction factors, each correction factor indexed to a plurality of system parameters.

Abstract: A solution for evaluating a vehicle using infrared data is provided. In particular, evaluation data for the vehicle is obtained, which includes infrared data for a plurality of sides of the vehicle as well as vehicle identification data for distinguishing the vehicle from another vehicle. The infrared data is processed to enhance a set of signal features. Additional non-infrared based data also can be obtained for evaluating the vehicle. The evaluation data is analyzed to determine whether one or more anomalies are present. The anomaly(ies) can be correlated with a possible problem with a component of the vehicle. Data on the anomaly, problem, and/or vehicle identification can be provided for use on another system, such as a remote inspection station, maintenance system, and/or the like.

Abstract: A thermal imaging camera is provided with at least two different sensitivities for alternating reading and with has a device for linking at least two more and less sensitive images read consecutively. The recording and displaying of thermal images makes it possible to combine images with two different dynamic ranges in a common thermal image, wherein the noise and drift of the pixel signals as well as the amount of storage needed for buffering and processing are reduced at the same time. An image buffering unit is designed as a common accumulator (8) for both more sensitive and less sensitive original images (B) and makes available a common output image (A).

Abstract: A passive electro-optical tracker uses a two-band IR intensity ratio to discriminate high-speed projectiles and obtain a speed estimate from their temperature, as well as determining the trajectory back to the source of fire. In an omnidirectional system a hemispheric imager with an MWIR spectrum splitter forms two CCD images of the environment. Three methods are given to determine the azimuth and range of a projectile, one for clear atmospheric conditions and two for nonhomogeneous atmospheric conditions. The first approach uses the relative intensity of the image of the projectile on the pixels of a CCD camera to determine the azimuthal angle of trajectory with respect to the ground, and its range. The second calculates this angle using a different algorithm. The third uses a least squares optimization over multiple frames based on a triangle representation of the smeared image to yield a real-time trajectory estimate.

Abstract: In an integrated gimbal and High-Powered Multiband Laser (HPMBL) for use in an infrared countermeasure apparatus in a pod mounted on an aircraft, the improvement comprises an optical bench that connects the optical path between side-by-side mounted gimbal and high power laser; and a kinematic mounting system that prevents optical bench bending.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a method and system for compensating non-uniformities among detector elements of a detector array, without the use of dither mirrors or requirement of scene motion for non-uniformity correction achieved by computing scene spatial gradient and temporal gradient of image frames of the scene captured by the detector array at different times, and utilizing both the scene spatial and temporal gradients in detailed local gradient processing. Such local gradient processing may include computing masks to preserve spatial scene details, while eliminating scene noise (e.g., fixed pattern noise) from the captured image frames and correcting non-uniformity among detector elements.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting the presence of concealed objects that can be utilized at locations where conventional methods cannot be utilized are disclosed. One embodiment of the method of these teachings for detecting the presence of concealed objects uses thermal radiation of a body as a source of radiation. Other embodiments include portable and handheld systems, devices, methods, and apparatus to determine the presence of a concealed object.

Abstract: An imaging arrangement combines a thermal imager with a laser imager to enable several correlated pictures to be produced which show different properties of the same field of view. A common scanning device is used to scan each pixel in the field of view in a raster-like pattern, and for each pixel data can be derived representing thermal content, range, optical reflectivity and velocity. The last three properties are obtained by coupling an optical interferometer to the scanning device which generates the picture representing the thermal content.

Abstract: A searchlight includes a canopy, a thermal-imaging camera, and an infrared (IR) light source. The thermal-imaging camera is mounted within the canopy so that the thermal-imaging camera is operable to move in conjunction with the canopy. The IR light source disposed along a periphery of the canopy.

Abstract: A topographic optical infrared tomography system for biophysical imaging includes a thermal camera operably disposed adjacent a body part equipped for obtaining thermal data readings from the body part and apparatus operably connected to the thermal camera for correcting thermal emissivity variations in the thermal data readings to provide corrected thermal data. A method for obtaining physiological data using the thermally corrected data is also provided.

Abstract: Thermographic imaging equipment is incorporated directly into cabinets housing electrical switchgear to provide for dedicated, nearly continuous monitoring of the contained equipment. A mechanical scanning technique may allow low-cost sensors to provide essentially continuous thermographic monitoring. Dedicated thermal imaging equipment allows automatic analysis through predefined temperature threshold maps.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices, systems and methods for imaging and sensation of objects. In particular, the present invention provides devices, systems and methods for spectroscopic imaging and sensation of objects.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a fused image is provided. The system comprises processing circuitry configured to access a plurality of images, group the images into a plurality of sets, fuse the images of each set to form a plurality of fused images and fuse the fused images to form a final fused image.

Abstract: Infrared light emitted by a fluorescent material is weak. When an infrared image obtained by this fluorescent material is superposed and displayed on a visible-light image, the infrared image is made clear. A signal <IR> of an IR pixel having selective sensitivity to infrared light is subtracted from RGB pixel signals <R>, <B>, and <G> of a solid-state image sensor by adders (20), and signals R0, G0, and B0 that correspond to the R, G, and B components of incident light within <R>, <G>, and <B> are separated and extracted. <IR> is multiplied by each of the gains ?R, ?G, and ?B to enhance the IR component by multipliers (22), and each is synthesized with R0, G0, and B0 by adders (24). ?R, ?G, and ?B are set so that the infrared image displayed on the visible-light image by the synthesized IR component is enhanced and displayed in a hue that can be distinguished from the color white or another visible-light image.

Abstract: A method of detecting a road feature in an image signal derived from an infrared-sensitive camera. The method, in overview, comprises processing an image frame by assigning binary values to pixels in the frame in response to their representative temperature, and then to analyze spatially the binary mask to identify regions of pixels having mutually similar assigned binary values. The road feature is subsequently found from the analysis of the identified regions of mutually similar binary values and a visual indication of the road feature in relation to the image frame provided to the user.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying an edge of a crop facilitates guidance of an agricultural machine or other work vehicle along an edge of a crop at an interface between harvested and unharvested portions of a field. A transmitter emits a plurality of a transmitted radiation pattern of one or more generally linear beams spaced apart within a defined spatial zone. A receiver collects an image of the defined spatial zone. A detector detects a presence of crop edge between a harvested and unharvested portion of a field based on an observed illumination radiation pattern on the unharvested portion formed by at least one of the generally linear beams. A data processor identifies coordinate data, in the collected image, associated with the detected crop edge.

Abstract: 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, 36a, 36b) defining a field of view (38a, 38b) of given angular dimensions and an optical switching mechanism (40) for alternately switching an optical axis of the imaging system between two directions (42a, 42b). 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.

Abstract: The condition of a glazing panel (2) is investigated using a viewing device (1) to view an illuminating electromagnetic radiation profile at a target zone. Data relating to the viewed radiation profile is compared to datum data, to produce an output related to the condition of the glazing panel at the target zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved method for visualizing the environment of a vehicle, especially in the dark. The invention also relates to a night vision system, which especially provides a visual image of the environment or the digital data thereof. Preferably, the visual image is a color image which indicates the visually perceptible objects of the environment. The system also provides an infrared image of the environment or the digital data thereof. The infrared image indicates the infrared radiation radiated by the visually perceptible and/or other objections. In a preferred form of embodiment, a merged image of the visual image and the infrared image of largely identical sections of the environment of the vehicle is represented on a display comprising at least one merged region and at least one region which is not merged or not merged to the same extent or not merged with the same weighting.

Abstract: A scanning device processes a multi-point simultaneous acquisition. The acquisition is processed for an infra-red diffuse optical tomography. An intensity modulated light is used with a frequency domain analysis theorem to obtain a reconstructed scanning image. The fibers are capable of a vertical movement and a radial movement. Thus, a precise image showing optical-information data is obtained with a low cost, even through scanning at a minimal angle.

Abstract: An infrared imaging probe that includes an elongated wand and an electrically isolating connection between the imaging components, located at the distal end of the wand, and the image processing components, located at the proximal end of the wand.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system display image data for a three-dimensional object in real-time, co-registering the image data acquired from a probe with the location on the three-dimensional object from which the image data was acquired, by tracking the position and orientation of the probe as the probe acquires the image data.

Abstract: A thermal scanning and imaging system contained within a closed area for a patient to enter and have a thermal scan completed to generate a thermal image of the patient from the thermal scan.

Abstract: To increase inspection throughput, the field of view (FOV) of an IR camera can be moved over the sample at a constant velocity. Throughout this moving, a modulation (e.g. optical or electrical) can be provided to the sample and IR images can be captured using the IR camera. Moving the FOV, providing the modulation, and capturing the IR images can be synchronized. The IR images can be filtered to generate the time delay LIT, thereby providing defect identification. In one embodiment, this filtering accounts for the number of pixels of the IR camera in a scanning direction. For the case of optical modulation, a dark field region can be provided for the FOV throughout the moving, thereby providing an improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) during filtering.

Abstract: Thermographic imaging equipment is incorporated directly into cabinets housing electrical switchgear to provide for dedicated, nearly continuous monitoring of the contained equipment. A mechanical scanning technique may allow low-cost sensors to provide essentially continuous thermographic monitoring. Dedicated thermal imaging equipment allows automatic analysis through predefined temperature threshold maps.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting the presence of concealed objects. One embodiment of the method of these teachings for detecting the presence of concealed objects is passive, does not require any external radiation source, uses thermal radiation of a body as a source of radiation. Other embodiments include unique systems, devices, methods, and apparatus to determine the presence of a concealed object.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting the presence of concealed objects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for detection of forest fires, based on the chemical analysis of the atmosphere through optic spectroscopy. The smoke originated from a fire has a chemical composition different from that of a normal atmosphere. This chemical composition is determined by the analysis of light absorption, which passes through the smoke, in its different wavelengths, carried out by a spectrometer. In this case, the spectrometer is associated to a telescope and solar light is used as the light source allowing the detection of smoke originated from a fire in a specific area of the horizon. The maximum distance from which the smoke can be detected depends only on the potency of the telescope and may be of many kilometers. The installation of the system on a rotating support and the use of computational logarithms makes the detection in any point of the horizon possible, a completely autonomous way.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an electromagnetic wave radiating portion, an electromagnetic wave detecting portion, a driving portion, a periodical signal generating portion for generating plural periodical signals, a memory portion, a processing portion, and an image forming portion. The driving portion changes the relative positional relationship between an object and the radiating portion. The detecting portion acquires transmitted or reflected wave from the object, as a time-series detection signal. The processing portion executes a process of multiplying the detection signals of the areas of the object with the periodical signals, and a process of adding the multiplied results and causing the memory portion to store the added results.

Abstract: A Terahertz scanning imaging device for imaging objects where the object is larger than the object to imager distance. The imager comprises scanning elements, sensors, and an image processor. The scanning elements are used to direct radiation to the sensors. Multiple scanning elements and sensors may be used, each scanning a portion of the field of view. The image processor, in communication with the sensors, generates a consolidated 2-dimensional image of a field of view.

Abstract: 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, 36?, 36b) defining a field of view (38?, 38b) of given angular dimensions and an optical switching mechanism (40) for alternately switching an optical axis of the imaging system between two directions (42?, 42b). 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.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an electromagnetic wave radiating portion, an electromagnetic wave detecting portion, a driving portion, a periodical signal generating portion for generating plural periodical signals, a memory portion, a processing portion, and an image forming portion. The driving portion changes the relative positional relationship between an object and the radiating portion. The detecting portion acquires transmitted or reflected wave from the object, as a time-series detection signal. The processing portion executes a process of multiplying the detection signals of the areas of the object with the periodical signals, and a process of adding the multiplied results and causing the memory portion to store the added results.

Abstract: An imaging device and methodology for sequentially adjusting an imaging direction to generate color unit images that together form a color panoramic image are provided. The imaging direction is sequentially adjusted to generate infrared unit images that together form an infrared panoramic image. The color panoramic image is produced by overlaying the color unit images, one color unit image on another, and the infrared panoramic image is produced by overlaying the infrared unit images, one infrared image on another. A resultant image is synthesized from the color panoramic image and the infrared panoramic image by overlaying, on an infrared image of an object, a color image corresponding to the location where the object has been imaged in infrared, and the resultant image is displayed.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a camera unit, a panorama-image generating section generating a panorama image of the entire area by combining a plurality of unit images obtained by the camera unit, a panorama-image storage/management section storing and managing the panorama image generated by the panorama-image generating section, an infrared camera photographing an object that has a temperature falling within a preset temperature range as an infrared image, a direction controller sequentially shifting the photographing direction of the infrared camera within the area being photographed, an infrared-image generating section combining a plurality of infrared images provided by the infrared camera, an image-synthesizing section synthesizing the panorama image generated by the panorama-image generating section, with the panorama infrared image generated by the infrared-image generating section, and a display displaying the synthesized image generated by the image-synthesizing section.

Abstract: A cost-effective method for detecting the three-dimensional shape of interior spaces such as footwear, prosthesis funnels, etc. is described. For this purpose the inner wall of the interior space is lined with a formfitting, elastic and photogrammetrically marked envelope (2), a series of overlapping recordings of said interior space marked in this way is produced with the aid of one or more imaging devices (4) and from this the 3D-shape of the interior space is determined using photogrammetrical methods. The invention describes various methods of lining the interior space, of guiding the imaging devices (9) into the different recording positions and of the type of the measurable interior spaces.

Abstract: A threat detection system for a light armored vehicle utilizes dual-purpose optical systems, the primary functions of which are maneuvering the vehicle, targeting and surveillance. Initial detection of a threat can occur with a wide field of view optical system fixed to a main turret of the vehicle system, where a signal from the wide field of view determines the direction of a threat and is then used to slew a narrow field of view optical system towards the threat. The direction of the threat is then further defined and sent to a very narrow field of view sensor used primarily with laser illumination. The very narrow field of view sensor has sufficient spatial resolution to detect both the threat and a launch platform for countering the threat.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an electromagnetic wave radiating portion, an electromagnetic wave detecting portion, a driving portion, a periodical signal generating portion for generating plural periodical signals, a memory portion, a processing portion, and an image forming portion. The driving portion changes the relative positional relationship between an object and the radiating portion. The detecting portion acquires transmitted or reflected wave from the object, as a time-series detection signal. The processing portion executes a process of multiplying the detection signals of the areas of the object with the periodical signals, and a process of adding the multiplied results and causing the memory portion to store the added results.

Abstract: 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, 36?, 36b) defining a field of view (38a, 38b) of given angular dimensions and an optical switching mechanism (40) for alternately switching an optical axis of the imaging system between two directions (42?, 42b). 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.

Abstract: A room temperature infrared imager, fabricated using MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) techniques, made up of individually functioning analog elements laid out in a horizontal and vertical block matrix (pixel array). The front of each individual pixel element is IR sensitive and varies its properties in proportion to the corresponding analog level of incident IR energy exposure. An image infrared energy is focused across the front of the array to ultimately create a visible light image. The detector elements are formed on the front of a substrate. On the rear of the substrate, right behind the detectors, are electronics which read the sensors exposure level. Formed on top of the electronics are Light Emitting Devices (LED's). The electronics vary the brightness of the LED's proportionally with the exposure level on the front of the detector. The image is formed by the different visible light levels that appear on the array readout.

Abstract: A monitoring device, process and system use an image recording device for recording an image falling on the eyes of the user of the device. The monitoring device includes a display and a signal processor with which at least the image signals recorded by the image recording device can be evaluated. An input medium and a storage medium are used for storing and retrieving information about the topology of the building. An instantaneous position of the user of the device is determined by evaluating the image signals sent by the image recording device by pattern recognition.