Patents by Inventor David B. Chenault

David B. Chenault 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: 11386648
    Abstract: In a method of using a polarimeter for improved mapping and perception of objects on the ground, the polarimeter records raw image data to obtain polarized images of an area. The raw image data is processed to form processed images. The processed images are enhanced, and objects are detected and tracked. The polarimeter may be in a vehicle on the ground or in the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Polaris Sensor Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd M. Aycock, David B. Chenault, John S. Harchanko
  • Publication number: 20210342578
    Abstract: A method for enhancing an image for facial recognition comprises capturing an image of the face with a polarizer and correcting the polarized image for non-uniformity. Stokes Parameters S0, S1, S2 are obtained by weighted subtraction of the polarized image to form Stokes images. DoLP is computed from the Stokes images, and facial recognition algorithms are applied to the DoLP image. A system for enhancing images for facial recognition comprises a polarimeter configured to record polarized image data of a subject's face, a signal processing unit and logic configured to receive and store in memory the image data from the polarimeter, calculate Stokes parameters from the image data, and compute a DoLP image from the Stokes parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: J. Larry Pezzaniti, David B. Chenault
  • Patent number: 11068700
    Abstract: A method for enhancing an image for facial recognition comprises capturing an image of the face with a polarizer and correcting the polarized image for non-uniformity. Stokes Parameters S0, S1, S2 are obtained by weighted subtraction of the polarized image to form Stokes images. DoLP is computed from the Stokes images, and facial recognition algorithms are applied to the DoLP image. A system for enhancing images for facial recognition comprises a polarimeter configured to record polarized image data of a subject's face, a signal processing unit and logic configured to receive and store in memory the image data from the polarimeter, calculate Stokes parameters from the image data, and compute a DoLP image from the Stokes parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: POLARIS SENSOR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: J. Larry Pezzaniti, David B. Chenault
  • Patent number: 11022541
    Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of foreign fluids on surface comprises estimating an expected polarization response for a foreign fluid desired to be detected. Oil from an oil spill is one such foreign fluid. A polarimeter records raw image data of a surface (e.g., the surface of water) to obtain polarized images of the surface. IR and polarization data products are computed from the polarized images. The IR and polarization data products are converted to multi-dimensional data set to form multi-dimensional imagery. Contrast algorithms are applied to the multi-dimensional imagery to form enhanced contrast images, from which foreign fluids can be automatically detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Polaris Sensor Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: David B. Chenault
  • Publication number: 20200110022
    Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of foreign fluids on surface comprises estimating an expected polarization response for a foreign fluid desired to be detected. Oil from an oil spill is one such foreign fluid. A polarimeter records raw image data of a surface (e.g., the surface of water) to obtain polarized images of the surface. IR and polarization data products are computed from the polarized images. The IR and polarization data products are converted to multi-dimensional data set to form multi-dimensional imagery. Contrast algorithms are applied to the multi-dimensional imagery to form enhanced contrast images, from which foreign fluids can be automatically detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Publication date: April 9, 2020
    Applicant: Polaris Sensor Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: David B. Chenault
  • Publication number: 20200082159
    Abstract: A method for enhancing an image for facial recognition comprises capturing an image of the face with a polarizer and correcting the polarized image for non-uniformity. Stokes Parameters S0, S1, S2 are obtained by weighted subtraction of the polarized image to form Stokes images. DoLP is computed from the Stokes images, and facial recognition algorithms are applied to the DoLP image. A system for enhancing images for facial recognition comprises a polarimeter configured to record polarized image data of a subject's face, a signal processing unit and logic configured to receive and store in memory the image data from the polarimeter, calculate Stokes parameters from the image data, and compute a DoLP image from the Stokes parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: J. Larry Pezzaniti, David B. Chenault
  • Publication number: 20200012841
    Abstract: In a method of using a polarimeter for improved mapping and perception of objects on the ground, the polarimeter records raw image data to obtain polarized images of an area. The raw image data is processed to form processed images. The processed images are enhanced, and objects are detected and tracked. The polarimeter may be in a vehicle on the ground or in the air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Applicant: Polaris Sensor Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd M. Aycock, David B. Chenault, John S. Harchanko
  • Publication number: 20200012119
    Abstract: In a method of detecting objects behind substantially transparent surfaces, a polarimeter with pixelated polarizer array architecture records raw image data of a surface and obtains polarized images. Glare is reduced in the polarized images to form enhanced contrast images. The glare reduction method selects optimal pixels from a subset of a super pixels of polarizing filters and displays the optimal pixels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventors: J. Larry Pezzaniti, David B. Chenault
  • Patent number: 10408918
    Abstract: In a method for determining orientation of an object, raw image data of the sky is recorded using a sky polarimeter. One or more of Stokes parameters (S0, S1, S2), degree of linear polarization (DoLP), and angle of polarization (AoP) are calculated from the image data to produce a set of processed images. Last known position and time data of the object are obtained, and a known Sun azimuth and elevation are calculated using the last known position and time data. Roll and pitch of the object are found, and the roll and pitch data are used to find a zenith in the processed images. The yaw/heading of the object is determined using the difference between a polarization angle at the zenith and a calculated Sun azimuth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Polaris Sensor Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Michael Aycock, David B. Chenault, Arthur Lompado, J. Larry Pezzaniti
  • Patent number: 10395113
    Abstract: A method for detecting and tracking aerial objects and vehicles comprises recording raw image data using a polarimeter to obtain polarized images of the sky. The images are then corrected for non-uniformity, optical distortion, and registration. IR and polarization data products are computed, and the resultant data products are converted to a multi-dimensional data set for exploitation. Contrast enhancement algorithms are applied to the multi-dimensional imagery to form enhanced object images. The enhanced object images may then be displayed to a user, and/or an annunciator may announce the presence of an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Polaris Sensor Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd M. Aycock, David B. Chenault, John S. Harchanko
  • Patent number: 10365210
    Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of foreign fluids on surface comprises estimating an expected polarization response for a foreign fluid desired to be detected. Oil from an oil spill is one such foreign fluid. A polarimeter records raw image data of a surface (e.g., the surface of water) to obtain polarized images of the surface. IR and polarization data products are computed from the polarized images. The IR and polarization data products are converted to multi-dimensional data set to form multi-dimensional imagery. Contrast algorithms are applied to the multi-dimensional imagery to form enhanced contrast images, from which foreign fluids can be automatically detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Polaris Sensor Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: David B. Chenault
  • Patent number: 10311285
    Abstract: A method for enhancing an image for facial recognition comprises capturing an image of the face with a polarizer and correcting the polarized image for non-uniformity. Stokes Parameters S0, S1, S2 are obtained by weighted subtraction of the polarized image to form Stokes images. DoLP is computed from the Stokes images, and facial recognition algorithms are applied to the DoLP image. A system for enhancing images for facial recognition comprises a polarimeter configured to record polarized image data of a subject's face, a signal processing unit and logic configured to receive and store in memory the image data from the polarimeter, calculate Stokes parameters from the image data, and compute a DoLP image from the Stokes parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: POLARIS SENSOR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: J. Larry Pezzaniti, David B. Chenault
  • Publication number: 20180328836
    Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of foreign fluids on surface comprises estimating an expected polarization response for a foreign fluid desired to be detected. Oil from an oil spill is one such foreign fluid. A polarimeter records raw image data of a surface (e.g., the surface of water) to obtain polarized images of the surface. IR and polarization data products are computed from the polarized images. The IR and polarization data products are converted to multi-dimensional data set to form multi-dimensional imagery. Contrast algorithms are applied to the multi-dimensional imagery to form enhanced contrast images, from which foreign fluids can be automatically detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Publication date: November 15, 2018
    Applicant: Polaris Sensor Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: David B. Chenault
  • Publication number: 20180259617
    Abstract: In a method for determining orientation of an object, raw image data of the sky is recorded using a sky polarimeter. One or more of Stokes parameters (S0, S1, S2), degree of linear polarization (DoLP), and angle of polarization (AoP) are calculated from the image data to produce a set of processed images. Last known position and time data of the object are obtained, and a known Sun azimuth and elevation are calculated using the last known position and time data. Roll and pitch of the object are found, and the roll and pitch data are used to find a zenith in the processed images. The yaw/heading of the object is determined using the difference between a polarization angle at the zenith and a calculated Sun azimuth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Applicant: Polaris Sensor Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Michael Aycock, David B. Chenault, Arthur Lompado, J. Larry Pezzaniti
  • Patent number: 9989625
    Abstract: A system for determining a new orientation and/or position of an object comprises a sky polarimeter configured to record image data of the sky, a signal processing unit, and logic configured to receive and store in memory the image data received from the sky polarimeter. The logic calculates the Stokes parameters (S0, S1, S2,), DoLP, and AoP from the image data, detects obscurants and filters the obscurants (such as clouds and trees) from the image data to produce a filtered image. The logic is further configured to find the Sun and zenith in the filtered image, and to determine the roll, pitch, yaw, latitude and longitude of the object using the filtered image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Polaris Sensor Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Michael Aycock, David B. Chenault, Arthur Lompado, J. Larry Pezzaniti
  • Patent number: 9970861
    Abstract: A method using Infrared Imaging Polarimetry for detecting the presence of foreign fluids on water comprises estimating an expected polarization response for a foreign fluid desired to be detected. Oil from an oil spill is one such foreign fluid. An optimal position of a polarimeter to take images of the water's surface is determined from the expected polarization response. The polarimeter is positioned at the optimal position and records raw image data of the water's surface to obtain polarized images of the area. The polarized images are corrected, and IR and polarization data products are computed. The IR and polarization data products are converted to multi-dimensional data set to form multi-dimensional imagery. Contrast algorithms are applied to the multi-dimensional imagery to form enhanced contrast images, from which foreign fluids can be automatically detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Polaris Sensor Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: David B. Chenault
  • Publication number: 20180005012
    Abstract: A method for detecting and tracking aerial objects and vehicles comprises recording raw image data using a polarimeter to obtain polarized images of the sky. The images are then corrected for non-uniformity, optical distortion, and registration. IR and polarization data products are computed, and the resultant data products are converted to a multi-dimensional data set for exploitation. Contrast enhancement algorithms are applied to the multi-dimensional imagery to form enhanced object images. The enhanced object images may then be displayed to a user, and/or an annunciator may announce the presence of an object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: Polaris Sensor Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd M. Aycock, David B. Chenault, Jonathan B. Hanks, John S. Harchanko
  • Publication number: 20170299501
    Abstract: A method using Infrared Imaging Polarimetry for detecting the presence of foreign fluids on water comprises estimating an expected polarization response for a foreign fluid desired to be detected. Oil from an oil spill is one such foreign fluid. An optimal position of a polarimeter to take images of the water's surface is determined from the expected polarization response. The polarimeter is positioned at the optimal position and records raw image data of the water's surface to obtain polarized images of the area. The polarized images are corrected, and IR and polarization data products are computed. The IR and polarization data products are converted to multi-dimensional data set to form multi-dimensional imagery. Contrast algorithms are applied to the multi-dimensional imagery to form enhanced contrast images, from which foreign fluids can be automatically detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Applicant: Polaris Sensor Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: David B. Chenault
  • Publication number: 20170184700
    Abstract: A system for determining a new orientation and/or position of an object comprises a sky polarimeter configured to record image data of the sky, a signal processing unit, and logic configured to receive and store in memory the image data received from the sky polarimeter. The logic calculates the Stokes parameters (S0, S1, S2,), DoLP, and AoP from the image data, detects obscurants and filters the obscurants (such as clouds and trees) from the image data to produce a filtered image. The logic is further configured to find the Sun and zenith in the filtered image, and to determine the roll, pitch, yaw, latitude and longitude of the object using the filtered image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Publication date: June 29, 2017
    Applicant: Polaris Sensor Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Michael Aycock, David B. Chenault, Arthur Lompado, J. Larry Pezzaniti
  • Patent number: 9589195
    Abstract: A method using Long Wave Infrared Imaging Polarimetry for improved mapping and perception of a roadway or path and for perceiving or detecting obstacles comprises recording raw image data using a polarimeter to obtain polarized images of the roadway or area. The images are then corrected for non-uniformity, optical distortion, and registration. IR and polarization data products are computed, and the resultant data products are converted to a multi-dimensional data set for exploitation. Contrast enhancement algorithms are applied to the multi-dimensional imagery to form enhanced object images. The enhanced object images may then be displayed to a user, and/or an annunciator may announce the presence of an object. Further, the vehicle may take evasive action based upon the presence of an object in the roadway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Polaris Sensor Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd M. Aycock, David B. Chenault, Jonathan B. Hanks, John S. Harchanko