Responsive To Nonvisible Energy Patents (Class 348/162)
  • Patent number: 9164031
    Abstract: An apparatus configured to obtain a physical property of an object by time-domain spectroscopy includes: a detection unit; a delay unit configured to adjust a time difference between generation and detection; a shaping unit configured to collect the electromagnetic wave pulses; a waveform obtaining unit configured to construct a time waveform of the electromagnetic wave pulses; and a collecting position adjusting unit configured to adjust a collecting position. When the collecting position is moved, an amount of adjustment when the collecting position matches first and second reflection portions, respectively, of the object, and a difference by the delay unit required for detecting first and second pulses of the time waveform are obtained, and from an amount of change of the amount of adjustment and the difference, a thickness and a refractive index of a region between the first and second reflection portions of the object are calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeaki Itsuji
  • Publication number: 20150148665
    Abstract: [Problem] To accurately check a usage status of a medical product such as a damage status of the medical product or existence or nonexistence of the medical product. [Solution] A medical product (80) is configured to include a light-emissive septum (83) (constituent member) which includes a luminescent agent emitting near-infrared fluorescence according to irradiation of excitation light on a surface thereof. Even in a case where a port ion of the septum is separated as a core (83a) (separate piece) due to damage, the luminescent agent is also included on a surface of the core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: National University Corporation Kochi University
    Inventor: Takayuki Sato
  • Publication number: 20150130948
    Abstract: A semiconductor image sensor is repeatedly exposed to high-energy photons while a visible light obstructer is in place to block visible light from impinging on the sensor to generate a set of images from the exposures. A composite image is generated from the set of images with common noise substantially removed so the composite image includes image information corresponding to radiated pixels that absorbed at least some energy from the high-energy photons. The composite image is processed to determine a set of bright points in the composite image, each bright point being above a first threshold. The set of bright points is processed to identify lines with two or more bright points that include pixels therebetween that are above a second threshold and identify a presence of the high-energy particles responsive to a number of lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: BATTELLE ENERGY ALLIANCE, LLC
    Inventor: JOSHUA JOSEPH COGLIATI
  • Publication number: 20150103181
    Abstract: Image correction may comprise acquiring a pixel value for each pixel in a raw image of a sample; obtaining a corresponding filtered pixel value for each pixel in the raw image by applying a filtering function to a subset of pixels in a window surrounding each pixel; obtaining pixel values for a final image by performing a pixel-by-pixel division of each pixel value of the raw image by the corresponding filtered pixel value; and displaying or storing the final image. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Checkpoint Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Jianxun Mou
  • Publication number: 20150097963
    Abstract: An ultraviolet sensitive video camera is disclosed. The camera may have an input window and a bandpass filter. The input window may receive into the camera ultraviolet radiation reflected off of a subject. The bandpass filter may filter the ultraviolet radiation received into the camera through the input window. The bandpass filter may have a passband centered at about 254 nm and a bandwidth of about 1 nm to about 100 nm. The camera may also have an image sensor and at least one controller. The image sensor may collect the filtered ultraviolet radiation passing through the bandpass filter and generate an output based on the collected ultraviolet radiation. The at least one controller may be configured to generate video display signals based on the output of the image sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: SYNTRONICS, LLC
    Inventor: Michael K. Thorsted
  • Patent number: 8977049
    Abstract: A method for estimating signal-dependent noise includes defining a plurality of pixel groups from among the image pixels. The method further includes computing, for one or more signal levels of the image, a difference value between two pixel groups, whereby a respective one or more difference values are computed collectively. The method determines an estimated noise response of the image as a function of the one or more computed difference values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: NVIDIA Corporation
    Inventors: Timo Aila, Samuli Laine
  • Publication number: 20150062345
    Abstract: An image generation apparatus for generating an image includes a light source device; an optical deflection device to deflect laser beam from the light source device to a scanned face and a light detector; a light quantity adjustment device including a member disposable on a light path of the laser beam between the light source device and the optical deflection device; an emission light intensity adjustment unit to adjust emission light intensity of the light source device; and a controller to set a first adjustment target value of emission light intensity and an adjustment target value of light quantity when laser beam is deflected to the scanned face based on target luminance of the image, and a second adjustment target value of emission light intensity when laser beam is deflected to the light detector based on an adjustment target value of light quantity and detection sensitivity of the light detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Masato KUSANAGI
  • Publication number: 20150054960
    Abstract: A digital camera accesses, processes and displays a combination image composed of visible light and near non-visible (“NNV”) light. A method can include accessing, by a digital camera, raw data having first information associated with a first electromagnetic spectrum range and second information associated with a second electromagnetic spectrum range. The first electromagnetic spectrum range is substantially within the visible spectrum and the second electromagnetic spectrum range is substantially within the NNV spectrum. The method can also include optimizing the raw data for the visible spectrum, thereby generating a first visual image representation, and optimizing the raw data for the NNV spectrum, thereby generating a second visual image representation. The method can also include combining the first visual image representation and the second visual image representation to generate a combination image. The digital camera can then initiate the display of the combination image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Dylan C. Reid
  • Patent number: 8941734
    Abstract: A solution for monitoring an area for the presence of a flame and/or a leak, such as from a pressurized fluid, is provided. An imaging device can be used that acquires image data based on electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths only corresponding to at least one region of the electromagnetic spectrum in which electromagnetic radiation from an ambient light source is less than the electromagnetic radiation emitted by at least one type of flame for which the presence within the area is being monitored. An acoustic device can be used that is configured to acquire acoustic data for the area and enhance acoustic signals in a range of frequencies corresponding to a leak of a pressurized fluid present in the area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: International Electronic Machines Corp.
    Inventors: Zahid F. Mian, Ronald W. Gamache, Nick Glasser
  • Publication number: 20140368661
    Abstract: A method and a system for depth selective segmentation of an object are provided. The method comprises the following steps. An image is captured in an invisible domain of the optical spectrum by illuminating a scene of interest under an illumination corresponding to said invisible domain of the optical spectrum by an invisible light illumination unit. A binary mask is obtained from the image according to a threshold. Part of the image is eliminated by applying the binary mask to the image, and resulting in another image. The threshold is changed and another binary mask is obtained. The latest obtained binary mask is applied to the latest captured image. The step of changing of the threshold, the step of obtaining a mask and the step of applying the latest obtained binary mask on the latest captured image are performed at least once.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Ludovic ANGOT, Chun-Te WU, Wei-Yi LEE
  • Patent number: 8908044
    Abstract: An electronic device capable of detecting ultraviolent radiation and a method thereof are provided. The device includes a camera, a voltage-sensitive optical medium, a control switch, and a processor. When the electronic device enters an ultraviolent radiation detecting mode, the camera captures a first image. The processor controls the control switch to create an electrical potential across the optical medium and cause it to become darker after the camera captures the first image. The camera captures a second image after the control switch has allowed an electrical potential for a first preset time interval. The processor acquires reads the respective brightness of the first image and the second image, determines any difference, and determines and outputs the level of intensity of the ultraviolent radiation intensity by reference to a table of differences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen-Dong Luo
  • Publication number: 20140313342
    Abstract: The invention discloses methods for making photonic bandgap structures and photonic bandgap structures made by those processes. In one embodiment, the photonic bandgap structure is flexible. In another photonic bandgap structure, the structure has a graded, periodic grating. One embodiment of a method according to the present invention comprises the steps of preparing a pre-polymer mixture, positioning that mixture between two slides, exposing the mixture to electromagnetic radiation, curing the mixture, and discarding at least one of the slides. In another embodiment of the method, the pre-polymer mixture is exposed to the electromagnetic radiation through a prism. In one embodiment of the method, the pre-polymer mixture is exposed to the electromagnetic radiation through a lens. In one embodiment of the invention, the photonic bandgap structure is used as a filter in a multispectral imaging device comprising a imaging device, the filter, a processor, and an electronic image storage device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: The Research Foundation for the State University of New York
    Inventors: Qiaoqiang Gan, Alexander N. Cartwright, Ke Liu, Huina Xu
  • Patent number: 8854594
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for tracking at least position and angular orientation. The system comprises a computing device in communication with at least two cameras, wherein each of the cameras are able to capture images of one or more light sources attached to an object. A receiver is in communication with the computing device, wherein the receiver is able to receive at least angular orientation data associated with the object. The computing device determines the object's position by comparing images of the light sources and generates an output comprising the position and angular orientation of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: CAST Group of Companies Inc.
    Inventors: Gilray Densham, Justin Eichel
  • Patent number: 8854470
    Abstract: A vision-based augmented reality system using an invisible marker indicates an invisible marker on a target object to be tracked, such that it can rapidly and correctly track the target object by detecting the invisible marker. The augmented reality system includes a target object (TO) including an infrared marker (IM) drawn by an invisible infrared light-emitting material; a visible-ray camera (110) for capturing an image of the TO; an infrared-ray camera (120) for capturing an image of the IM included in the TO image; an optical axis converter for allowing the infrared-ray camera (120) and the visible-ray camera (110) to have the same viewing point; an image processing system (140) for rendering a prepared virtual image to the TO image to generate a new image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Industry-University Cooperation Foundation Hanyang University
    Inventors: Jong-Il Park, Han-Hoon Park
  • Publication number: 20140293062
    Abstract: A hyperspectral camera includes light mixing chambers (3000) projected onto an imaging sensor (2100). The projection of each chamber is slightly larger than a sensor pixel. The chambers are placed as a linear array (3100) in a slit plane (2040) or as a two dimensional matrix in front of the imaging sensor. The mixed light from each chamber is depicted by several sensor pixels. The sensor outputs information used to form an overdetermined equation set. The set is solved and optimised for the solution giving the lowest overall error or the best fit. The solution of the equation set combined with the optimisation is the intensity values of the chambers (3000) constituting imaginary pixels being calculated. These imaginary pixels form the output of an improved hyperspectral camera system, which has significantly lower optical errors like keystone and point spread function variation for different wavelengths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: NORSK ELEKTRO OPTIKK AS
    Inventors: Gudrun Kristine Høye, Andrei L. Fridman
  • Publication number: 20140267754
    Abstract: Provided is a method for applying a security marking to an object and a hyper-spectral imaging device to readout the embedded information in the security marking to verify the object's authenticity. The present invention relates generally to the field of security markings and anti-counterfeiting technologies. More particularly to optical product authentication methods, which are based on photoactive nanoparticles emitting in visible and near-infrared wavelengths when excited with ultra violet or near infrared light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Juha Rantala, Pekka Katila
  • Publication number: 20140267755
    Abstract: A star camera system that includes an optical system configured to focus radiation from a star to be imaged onto a collector that is in the form of an electron bombarded active pixel sensor (EBAPS) configured to provide high gain. The EBAPS comprising a photocathode disposed in a vacuum is configured to release electrons into the vacuum when exposed to radiation focused thereon by the optical system. The EBAPS includes an active pixel sensor anode disposed distant from the photocathode in the vacuum. An electric field is generated by a voltage source to direct the electrons from the photocathode to the active pixel sensor anode. Furthermore, the collector is mounted on a translation device configured to move the collector relative to the optical system by a predetermined amount of less than pixel size in the focal plane of the optical system to increase image resolution of a plurality of images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: THE CHARLES STARK DRAPER LABORATORY, INC.
    Inventors: Juha-Pekka J. Laine, Gregory Blasche, John J. Boyle, Paul Bohn, Robin M. Dawson, Benjamin F. Lane, Erik L. Waldron
  • Publication number: 20140267762
    Abstract: Systems and methods for extended color processing on Pelican array cameras in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of generating a high resolution image includes obtaining input images, where a first set of images includes information in a first band of visible wavelengths and a second set of images includes information in a second band of visible wavelengths and non-visible wavelengths, determining an initial estimate by combining the first set of images into a first fused image, combining the second set of images into a second fused image, spatially registering the fused images, denoising the fused images using bilateral filters, normalizing the second fused image in the photometric reference space of the first fused image, combining the fused images, determining a high resolution image that when mapped through a forward imaging transformation matches the input images within at least one predetermined criterion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Pelican Imaging Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Mullis, Dan Lelescu, Kartik Venkataraman
  • Patent number: 8835849
    Abstract: A method for obtaining a reflectance image from a plurality of thermal images utilizes a technique of A) obtaining a first thermal image of a subject, the first image containing both temperature and reflectance data; B) changing the environmental temperature of the scene, C) obtaining a second thermal image of the subject, the second image containing both temperature and reflectance data from the scene with said changed environmental temperature; and D) deriving a third image from the first and second images, that third image being essentially a reflectance image. In one embodiment, the third image is derived by subtracting the data in the first image from the data in the second image, or subtracting the data in the second image from the data in the first image. In another embodiment, either of the first or second images are processed along with the third image to produce a temperature image substantially devoid of reflectance information. A system for performing such techniques is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: MVT Equity LLC
    Inventor: Thomas D. Williams
  • Publication number: 20140253734
    Abstract: A method of acquiring an image of a scene illuminated by a first beam, by means of a sensor including at least two pixels, including the steps of: a) for each pixel, reading a first output value of the pixel representative of the intensity of the radiation received by the pixel during a first integration period during which the sensor is illuminated by a second beam coherent with the first beam; and b) for each pixel, reading a second output value of the pixel representative of the intensity of the radiation received by the pixel during a second integration period during which the sensor is not illuminated by the second beam, wherein steps a) and b) are repeated a plurality of times by changing, between two successive iterations, the angle of incidence or a phase parameter of the second beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Commissariat à L'énergie Atomique et aux énergies Alternatives
    Inventors: Assim Boukhayma, Antoine Dupret
  • Patent number: 8830327
    Abstract: A video surveillance system includes at least one of a camera or a streamer. A data base server is coupled to the camera and can store metadata for a video clip from the camera or streamer. A media storage server is coupled to both the camera or, the streamer, and to the data base server to store the clip in the absence of any network video recorders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Edsel James Tink, Yves Van Der Elst, Victor Gottardi
  • Patent number: 8823801
    Abstract: A digital X-ray capture device that uses an image array camera to capture a digital image of a standard X-ray film. The X ray-film is placed on a tray within a housing. An array of LED lights located under the tray illuminate the film. In the preferred embodiment the illuminated image of the X-ray bounces off a forty-five degree angle mirror and enters the image array camera. The digital image can then be downloaded to a standard computer. Custom software allows the user to manipulate the image as needed. The entire capture process takes only two seconds. A patients information can be added to the boarder of the captured image. The captured image can be sent via email to any other computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: James Scott Jacobson
  • Patent number: 8823800
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for the correction of a non-uniform sensitivity of detector elements in thermographic cameras in which background frames of an internal reference are recorded in shutter phases when the beam path of the thermographic camera is closed, the variations between the background frames of the shutter phases are logged, and an updated background frame is generated and used for the correction of at least one image frame, characterized in that the updated background frame is generated from at least one newly recorded background frame and a background frame to be updated in that the data of every pixel of the newly recorded background frame are multiplied by a first factor and are added to the data of every pixel of the background frame to be updated which are multiplied by a second factor, wherein the first factor is a value between zero and one, and the second factor is the difference between one and the first factor, so that the data of every pixel of the updated background frame are in the form
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: ESW GmbH
    Inventor: Frank Weisbach
  • Publication number: 20140240510
    Abstract: A photo conductive antenna irradiated with light pulse and generating terahertz wave includes a first layer formed by a semi-insulating substrate, a second layer located on the first layer and formed using a material having lower carrier mobility than carrier mobility of the semi-insulating substrate, a first electrode and a second electrode located on the second layer and applying a voltage to the first layer, a first region in which the second layer is formed on the first layer, and a second region in which the second layer is formed on the first layer, wherein the second region is located between the first electrode and the second electrode in a plan view, and the light pulse is applied to the second region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Satoshi TAKENAKA
  • Publication number: 20140240509
    Abstract: A short light pulse generation device includes: a light pulse generation portion that has a quantum well structure and generates a light pulse; a frequency chirping portion that has a quantum well structure and chirps a frequency of the light pulse; a light branching portion that branches a chirped light pulse; and a group velocity dispersion portion that has a plurality of optical waveguides, on which each of a plurality of the light pulses branched in the light branching portion is incident, and produces a group velocity difference depending on a wavelength with respect to a plurality of branched light pulses, wherein light path lengths of the light pulses in a plurality of light paths before the light pulse is branched in the light branching portion and then incident on the plurality of optical waveguides of the group velocity dispersion portion are equal to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON COPORATION
    Inventor: Hitoshi NAKAYAMA
  • Publication number: 20140240508
    Abstract: A spectrometry apparatus includes a light incident section on which incident light from an image pickup target is made incident, an image pickup section provided on an optical path of the incident light input from the light incident section, a variable wavelength interference filter configured to transmit light having a predetermined wavelength from the incident light input from the light incident section and capable of changing the wavelength of the light to be transmitted, and a filter-position switching section configured to advance and retract the variable wavelength interference filter to and from an optical path of the incident light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tsugio GOMI
  • Publication number: 20140211020
    Abstract: The present invention is an attachable and detachable video image capture and display instrument that comprises a digital video capture device that can easily be physically connected to a gun scope, spotting scope, telescope, microscope, monocular, binocular or other optical viewing instrument or optical instrument used for viewing or examining an object or scene. It has electronic output to a display device, recording instrument, computing instrumen video projection devise, or data transmission instrument by way of connections of various options including wires, blue tooth, cellular, or other methods of video and audio data transmission. The video data coming into the optical instrument can be viewed while it happens on various display monitors that are physically mounted to the optical instrument, or not physically mounted to the optical instrument. The image capture mode can he black and white, color, 3 dimensional, night vision, thermal vision, and all other imaging modes available in the industry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventor: William Henry Johns, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140204216
    Abstract: A method for measuring radioactivity using standard cameras in customer appliances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2012
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventor: Francois ANTIER
  • Patent number: 8780207
    Abstract: A computerised method of automatically acquiring a series of images, the method comprising the steps of: i) processing a data file containing a series of identifiers, each identifier corresponding to a geographic location of a property; ii) receiving location data from a geographic position sensing unit; iii) defining a camera search area (830) defined by the location data and a location of a camera relative to the location data; and iv) acquiring an image of a property when a geographic location (810a) of a property corresponding to one of the series of identifiers is within the camera search area (830).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Mark Group Limited
    Inventor: William John Rumble
  • Patent number: 8773285
    Abstract: A parking pilot method and a device thereof are disclosed. Image detectors capture surrounding images of a vehicle. A speed detector detects speed of the vehicle. A distance detector obtains distance between the vehicle and a barrier. A processor obtains relative coordinates of the vehicle and parking lot and the angle and width of the parking lot with the images, speed and distances. Thereby, the processor creates a preset parking pilot frame and works out a relative position of the preset parking pilot frame and the parking lot. Then, the processor designates the preset parking pilot frame and the parking lot on a display. According to the information on the display, the driver moves the vehicle to an initial position and makes the preset parking pilot frame coincide with the parking lot. Then, the processor instructs the driver to manually park the vehicle, or automatically parks the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Automotive Research & Test Center
    Inventors: Chi-Chun Yao, Chun-Hsiung Chen
  • Patent number: 8743206
    Abstract: A beam combiner is configured to generate a combined image by combining a first image and a second image, and transmit the combined image to a user. One or more light pipes are coupled to the beam combiner from one or more indicator lights. Each light pipe is configured to receive light from a respective indicator light and transmit the light from the respective indicator light to the beam combiner, which is then seen by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Exelis, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Ronald Lynam, Scott Joseph Adams
  • Patent number: 8723955
    Abstract: An apparatus for spatially resolved detection of objects has transmission and reception devices, in which transmission and reception regions overlap or intersect in a detection region which is disposed within a monitored zone. The monitored zone covers a detection angle in which the transmitted radiation is reflected by objects. An imaging arrangement is disposed in the propagation path of the transmitted radiation and/or of the reflected radiation and covers the total detection region at the transmission side and/or at the reception side at all times. Spatial resolution is used for influencing the propagation direction of the radiation and/or for the operation of the reception device, in a time varying manner, such that the spacing of the detection region relative to the imaging arrangement and/or the size of the detection region determined by the degree to which the transmission region and the reception region overlap or intersect changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Sick AG
    Inventors: Michael Kiehn, Mauri Aikio, Mika Aikio
  • Publication number: 20140125809
    Abstract: An ultraviolet sensitive video camera is disclosed. The camera may have an input window and a bandpass filter. The input window may receive into the camera ultraviolet radiation reflected off of a subject. The bandpass filter may filter the ultraviolet radiation received into the camera through the input window. The bandpass filter may have a passband centered at about 254 nm and a bandwidth of about 1 nm to about 100 nm. The camera may also have an image sensor and at least one controller. The image sensor may collect the filtered ultraviolet radiation passing through the bandpass filter and generate an output based on the collected Ultraviolet radiation. The at least one controller may be configured to generate video display signals based on the output of the image sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: SYNTRONICS, LLC
    Inventor: Michael K. THORSTED
  • Patent number: 8717430
    Abstract: A system for performing a medical procedure on a patient is provided. The system can include an imaging head defining a field of view relative to the patient. The imaging head can include at least one transmitter that emits at least one signal in the field of view, and at least one receiver that receives at least one reflected signal from the field of view. The at least one reflected signal received can be based on at least one electrical property of at least one material in the field of view. The system can further include a workstation, which can determine, based on the at least one reflected signal received by the at least one receiver, a location of at least one boundary of the material within the field of view. The system can include a display that displays an image of the location of the at least one boundary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Simon, Andrew Bzostek, Steven L. Hartmann, Brandon Merkl
  • Patent number: 8704670
    Abstract: A smoke detector includes processing circuitry coupled to a camera. The field-of-view of the camera contains one or more targets, each having spatial indicia thereon. At least a portion of one of the targets is coated, at least in part, by an infra-red absorbing dye. The dye produces visually discernable dark areas on the coated target(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Kwong Wing Au, Thomas W. Shoaff, Scott R. Lang
  • Publication number: 20140085481
    Abstract: A radiation measurement apparatus includes: a radiation detector which detects incoming radiations; a measurement processor which measures a distribution of a radiation source in an object on the basis of detection signals inputted from the radiation detector; an optical camera which takes an optical image of an object existing in the field of view; a controller which generates synthesized images by superimposing the distribution of the one or more radiation sources and the optical image; a rotation unit which changes the objective field of radiation measurement by automatic or manual rotation; and a controller which causes a display unit to display the multiple synthesized images in association with rotation angles in the automatic or manual rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: HITACHI CONSUMER ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Isao TAKAHASHI, Naoyuki YAMADA, Hisaki MORI, Tatsuo IZUMIDA
  • Patent number: 8670037
    Abstract: A method of obtaining imaging data from a tissue region is provided. The method is effected by associating imaging data with a surface contour of the tissue region and utilizing a model of contour changes in the tissue region to transform the data to reflect changes in the surface contour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Real Imaging Ltd.
    Inventors: Israel B. Arnon, Ori Elan
  • Publication number: 20140061470
    Abstract: A short optical pulse generator which includes an optical pulse generation portion that has a quantum well structure and generates an optical pulse, a frequency chirp portion that has a quantum well structure and chirps a frequency of the optical pulse, and a group velocity dispersion portion that includes a plurality of optical waveguides disposed in a mode coupling distance and which causes a group velocity difference corresponding to a wavelength in the optical pulse of which the frequency is chirped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hitoshi NAKAYAMA
  • Patent number: 8659668
    Abstract: A method is described comprising: applying a random pattern to specified regions of an object; tracking the movement of the random pattern during a motion capture session; and generating motion data representing the movement of the object using the tracked movement of the random pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Rearden, LLC
    Inventors: Tim S. Cotter, Stephen G. Perlman, John Speck, Roger Van der Laan, Kenneth A. Pearce, Greg LaSalle
  • Patent number: 8648914
    Abstract: A laser communication and spatial referencing system and related methods provides effective and secure non-line-of-sight communications. A laser communication and spatial referencing system includes a laser transmitter transmitting a pulsed laser beam encoded with binary communications data, and an imaging data receiver for receiving the pulsed laser beam reflecting off a reflective target. The imaging receiver decodes the binary communications data and determines the position of the laser beam. The laser communication and spatial referencing system may operate synchronously and/or asynchronously, and may include a display displaying a video image of area surrounding the target with the reflecting location superimposed on the image to provide visual identification of the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Teledyne Scientific & Imaging, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce K. Winker, Venkatarman Sundareswaran, Milind Mahajan, Steven L. Chen
  • Patent number: 8630509
    Abstract: An image represented by multiple nodes can be processed by determining whether labels can be propagated to a node from another node of the image. Conceptually, an image can be presented as a “structured grid” of multiple nodes (e.g., a structured grid of pixels of an image). In a “structured grid,” two or more nodes of the same level (e.g., nodes in the same gray level) can determine in parallel whether to propagate a label from one or more of its neighboring nodes that are labeled and propagate one or more labels accordingly. An image can be processed by iteratively repeating this process for nodes of successive levels. It will be appreciated that the disclosed techniques allow parallelism without requiring partitioning of an image or having to merge partitioned images. The disclosed techniques are especially suited for watershed algorithms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bor-Yiing Su, Tasneem G. Brutch
  • Publication number: 20140009622
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an imaging method may include receiving an intensity value of a first spectral channel associated with a pixel location. The intensity value of the first spectral channel may be based on electromagnetic radiation reflected from an object after being emitted from a narrow-band electromagnetic radiation source. The method may further include defining an intensity value of a second spectral channel based on the intensity value of the first spectral channel. The second spectral channel may be associated with a spectral region of electromagnetic radiation different from a spectral region of electromagnetic radiation associated with the first spectral channel. The method may also include associating the intensity value of the second spectral channel with the pixel location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc
    Inventors: Zhihua He, Nathaniel McCaffrey, Jason Sproul
  • Patent number: 8619143
    Abstract: An image sensing system includes an IR notch filter configured to block transmission of spectral energy having wavelengths in an interface region between the visible and the invisible spectra and enable transmission of spectral energy having wavelengths in at least the visible spectrum and the near-infrared (IR) spectrum, a digital image sensor including a two-dimensional array of pixel elements and configured to generate output signals at each pixel element as pixel data representing an image of a scene, and a color filter array including a two-dimensional array of selectively transmissive filters superimposed on and in registration with the two-dimensional array of pixel elements. The color filter array includes a first group of selectively transmissive filters disposed to transmit spectral energy in one or more colors of the visible spectrum and a second group of gray color filters disposed to transmit spectral energy in at least the near-infrared (IR) spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: PIXIM, Inc.
    Inventor: Ricardo J. Motta
  • Publication number: 20130321638
    Abstract: In a thermal imaging camera (1), an infrared image data stream (5) of infrared images (4) is captured during a random movement of the thermal imaging camera (1), and the infrared images (4) are combined into a higher-resolution infrared image (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: TESTO AG
    Inventors: Martin Stratmann, Jan-Frisco Evers-Senne, Matthias Schmieder, Jan Flusser, Fillip Sroubek
  • Patent number: 8599264
    Abstract: Methods for comparing infrared image data and/or for generating infrared image comparison data are provided. In one method two image data sets are selected including visual-light and infrared image data from one or more points of view of a scene. Visual-light image data from each data set can be compared to determine an alignment correlation between different points of view for the visual-light data. The alignment correlation can then be used to correlate infrared image data from each data set. The correlated infrared image data can be compared to generate infrared comparison image data. Thermal imaging cameras capable of performing such methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Fluke Corporation
    Inventor: Roger Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8577183
    Abstract: A method samples a first spectral band to obtain an initial image frame, determines at least one region of interest of the scene from the initial image frame, each of the at least one region of interest associated with a mean signal level, illuminates the at least one region of interest with at least one illuminator when the mean signal level of the at least one region of interest is at or below a respective threshold of a first plurality of thresholds, the at least one region of interest being illuminated in accordance with a power threshold indicating a minimum illuminator power and agility necessary to illuminate the at least one region of interest, collects at least one image frame in at least one sub-band of a second spectral band, and generates at least one image to be displayed from at least the at least one image frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Ian S. Robinson
  • Patent number: 8553089
    Abstract: The present invention switches to and from generation of a luminance signal based on a visible light pixel signal and generation of a luminance signal based on a near infrared light pixel signal depending on a result of comparison of signal levels of the visible light pixel signal and the near infrared light pixel signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Noguchi
  • Publication number: 20130250122
    Abstract: System and method for improving the shaving experience by providing improved visibility of the skin shaving area. A digital camera is integrated with the electric shaver for close image capturing of shaving area, and displaying it on a display unit. The display unit can be integral part of the electric shaver casing, or housed in a separated device which receives the image via a communication channel. The communication channel can be wireless (using radio, audio or light) or wired, such as dedicated cabling or using powerline communication. A light source is used to better illuminate the shaving area. Video compression and digital image processing techniques are used for providing for improved shaving results. The wired communication medium can simultaneously be used also for carrying power from the electric shaver assembly to the display unit, or from the display unit to the electric shaver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: May Patents Ltd.
    Inventor: Yehuda BINDER
  • Publication number: 20130222602
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for detecting leakage from a composition-containing pouch during the high-speed manufacturing process. The apparatus comprises: a platen comprising a pouch cavity and a plurality of platen edges adjacent to the cavity; an image capturing unit; an image processing unit; and ultraviolet-light emitting source. The composition itself comprises a fluorescent whitening compound. The ultra-violet emitting light source is arranged to illuminate the cavity and plurality of platen edges. The image capturing unit is arranged to capture an image of the illuminated cavity and plurality of platen edges. The image capturing unit is communicably attached to the image processing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Suzanne Khalaf, Stefan Meskens, Kerry Brian Johnson, Leon Byrd, JR.
  • Patent number: RE45031
    Abstract: A vision-based augmented reality system using an invisible marker indicates an invisible marker on a target object to be tracked, such that it can rapidly and correctly track the target object by detecting the invisible marker. The augmented reality system includes a target object including an infrared marker drawn by an invisible infrared light-emitting material; a visible-ray camera for capturing an image of the TO; an infrared-ray camera for capturing an image of the IM included in the TO image; an optical axis converter for allowing the infrared-ray camera and the visible-ray camera to have the same viewing point; an image processing system for rendering a prepared virtual image to the TO image to generate a new image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Industry-University Cooperation Foundation Hanyang University
    Inventors: Jong-Il Park, Han-Hoon Park