Patents by Inventor Christopher M. HOULE

Christopher M. HOULE 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: 9996913
    Abstract: A system for two color image fusion blending co-registered low light level images in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum with thermal infrared images maximizes the information content of the scene by detecting in which of the two image types, IR and visible, there is more structural information and increasing the weight of the pixels in the image type having the most structural information. Additionally, situational awareness is increased by categorizing image information as “scene” or “target” and colorizing the target images to highlight target features when raw IR values are above a predetermined threshold. The system utilizes Red, Green and Blue (RGB) planes to convey different information such that for targets the Red plane is used to colorize regions when raw IR exceeds the predetermined threshold. For scene images, the Green plane provides improved situational awareness due to the above weighted blend of the two image types.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Steven D. Beck, Derek T. Robison, Michael S. Chan, John H. Koltookian, Mark R. Mallalieu, Christopher M. Houle, Kari M. Karwedsky
  • Publication number: 20170163771
    Abstract: A system and method for enabling communication between devices using splitter cables are disclosed. In one example embodiment, the system includes a first device and a second device. Further, the system includes a first splitter cable having a first interface connected to the first device, a second interface connected to the second device and a third interface. Furthermore, the first splitter cable includes an embedded communications interface unit to enable communication between the first device and the second device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2014
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Inventors: David A. RICHARDS, Michael J. CHOINIERE, Robert W. COSTANTINO, Mark P. DEVINS, John R. FRANZINI, Christopher M. HOULE, Matthew H. ROBICHAUD
  • Publication number: 20160093034
    Abstract: A system for two color image fusion blending co-registered low light level images in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum with thermal infrared images maximizes the information content of the scene by detecting in which of the two image types, IR and visible, there is more structural information and increasing the weight of the pixels in the image type having the most structural information. Additionally, situational awareness is increased by categorizing image information as “scene” or “target” and colorizing the target images to highlight target features when raw IR values are above a predetermined threshold. The system utilizes Red, Green and Blue (RGB) planes to convey different information such that for targets the Red plane is used to colorize regions when raw IR exceeds the predetermined threshold. For scene images, the Green plane provides improved situational awareness due to the above weighted blend of the two image types.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventors: Steven D. BECK, Derek T. ROBISON, Michael S. CHAN, John H. KOLTOOKIAN, Mark R. MALLALIEU, Christopher M. HOULE, Kari M. KARWEDSKY