Patents by Inventor Matthew F. Schmidt
Matthew F. Schmidt 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).
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Publication number: 20170374296Abstract: Systems and methods can be used to detect thermal anomalies in a target scene of an infrared image. Acquired thermal image data can be compared to a statistical thermal profile to detect thermal anomalies in the image data. Anomaly data based on the comparison can be used to generate an image representing locations and/or severity of detected anomalies. Systems can be used to acquire thermal image data for generating and/or updating statistical thermal profiles for use in anomaly detection processes. Auxiliary measurement devices can provide measurement data representative of one or more parameters of the target scene. The measurement data can be used to select from a plurality of possible statistical thermal profiles associated with the target scene to best match the current parameters of the scene.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2016Publication date: December 28, 2017Inventor: Matthew F. Schmidt
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Publication number: 20170315073Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) imaging device comprises a position sensor, an RF sensor assembly, an optical sensor, a processor, and a memory. The position sensor determines a position of the RF imaging device relative to a surface. The RF sensor assembly captures RF image data representing an RF image of a portion of a space behind the surface at the determined position. The optical sensor captures optical image data representing an optical image of the surface at the determined position. The processor produces a composite image in which at least one or more portions of the RF image and one or more portions of the optical image that correspond to the same position relative to the surface are simultaneously viewable. The RF image data and the optical image data are stored in the memory in association with position data derived from the determined position of the RF imaging device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2016Publication date: November 2, 2017Inventors: Jamie Rhead, Paul H. Heydron, Christopher D. Corrigan, Brian Knight, Nikola Mrvaljevic, Luis R. Silva, Matthew F. Schmidt
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Publication number: 20170315253Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) imaging device comprises an optical position sensor, an RF sensor assembly, a processor, and a memory. The optical position sensor captures an optical image of a field of view and outputs data representing the optical image. The RF sensor assembly is disposed at a first position and receives an RF signal for capturing an RF image of a portion of a space disposed behind a surface at the first position and outputs data representing the RF signal. The processor receives the data representing the optical image and the RF signal, and determines that an optical signature of a reference marker is present in the optical image. If the optical signature is present in the optical image, the processor defines the first position of the RF assembly as a reference position. The memory stores the data representing the RF signal in association with the reference position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2016Publication date: November 2, 2017Inventors: Jamie RHEAD, Paul H. HEYDRON, Christopher D. CORRIGAN, Nikola MRVALJEVIC, Matthew F. SCHMIDT
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Publication number: 20170191875Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2016Publication date: July 6, 2017Inventors: Matthew F. Schmidt, Thomas J. McManus
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Publication number: 20170061663Abstract: Systems and methods directed toward combining visible light and infrared images can include processing visible light image data to determine an edge factor value for a plurality of visible light pixels corresponding to the strength of an edge at that location. The edge factor value can be determined using features from the visible light image data and an edge gain input, which may be adjustable by a user. The edge factor values are combined with an edge midscale value to create a first set of modified visible light image data including pixels emphasized based on the strength of the edge in the visible light image. The modified visible light image data is combined with infrared image data to create combined image data having contribution from the infrared image data and the edge factor values from the visible light image data.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2015Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventors: Kirk R. Johnson, Matthew F. Schmidt
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Publication number: 20170024871Abstract: Aspects of the invention generally relate to illumination gas imaging and detection. Camera systems can illuminate a target scene with light sources configured to emit absorbing and non-absorbing wavelengths with respect to a target gas. An image of the target scene illuminated with a non-absorbing wavelength can be compared to a non-illuminated image of the target scene in order to determine information about the background of the target scene. If sufficient light of the non-absorbing wavelength is scattered by the scene toward a detector, the target scene comprises an adequate background for performing a gas imaging process. A camera system can alert a user of portions of the target scene suitable or unsuitable for performing a gas imaging process. If necessary, the user can reposition the system until sufficient portions of the target scene are recognized as suitable for performing the gas imaging process.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2016Publication date: January 26, 2017Inventors: Matthew F. Schmidt, Tyler B. Evans, Derek Hutton
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Patent number: 9464984Abstract: Aspects of the invention generally relate to illumination gas imaging and detection. Camera systems can illuminate a target scene with light sources configured to emit absorbing and non-absorbing wavelengths with respect to a target gas. An image of the target scene illuminated with a non-absorbing wavelength can be compared to a non-illuminated image of the target scene in order to determine information about the background of the target scene. If sufficient light of the non-absorbing wavelength is scattered by the scene toward a detector, the target scene comprises an adequate background for performing a gas imaging process. A camera system can alert a user of portions of the target scene suitable or unsuitable for performing a gas imaging process. If necessary, the user can reposition the system until sufficient portions of the target scene are recognized as suitable for performing the gas imaging process.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2014Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: Fluke CorporationInventors: Matthew F. Schmidt, Tyler B. Evans, Derek Hutton
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Patent number: 9442019Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2009Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Fluke CorporationInventors: Matthew F. Schmidt, Thomas J. McManus
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Patent number: 9277143Abstract: A thermal imaging camera with a repositionable focal plane array (FPA) is disclosed. An active portion of the FPA is used by the camera to generate a thermal image. The FPA may be positioned such that a defect in the FPA is located in an unused and inactive portion of the FPA.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2012Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: Fluke CorporationInventors: Matthew F. Schmidt, Kirk R. Johnson
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Patent number: 9251615Abstract: Animation of a thermal image captured by a thermal imager that includes automatically changing particular aspects of the presentation of the image. The coloring of the thermal image may automatically change through two or more color presentations. The colors which may automatically change or be “animated” may be any colors in the usual rainbow of color or in the grayscale. The animation may include a series of small, stepwise incremental changes that gradually change the image. If timed correctly and if the increments are sufficiently small, the transitions of the image may appear smooth, in the manner of a movie or cartoon.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignee: Fluke CorporationInventors: Matthew F. Schmidt, Jordan B. Schlichting, Thomas Heinke
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Publication number: 20150369730Abstract: Aspects of the invention generally relate to illumination gas imaging and detection. Camera systems can illuminate a target scene with light sources configured to emit absorbing and non-absorbing wavelengths with respect to a target gas. An image of the target scene illuminated with a non-absorbing wavelength can be compared to a non-illuminated image of the target scene in order to determine information about the background of the target scene. If sufficient light of the non-absorbing wavelength is scattered by the scene toward a detector, the target scene comprises an adequate background for performing a gas imaging process. A camera system can alert a user of portions of the target scene suitable or unsuitable for performing a gas imaging process. If necessary, the user can reposition the system until sufficient portions of the target scene are recognized as suitable for performing the gas imaging process.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2014Publication date: December 24, 2015Inventors: Matthew F. Schmidt, Tyler B. Evans, Derek Hutton
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Publication number: 20150022667Abstract: A thermal imaging camera comprises an infrared lens assembly and associated IR sensor for detecting thermal images of a target scene, a processor, and at least one additional sensor. The at least one additional sensor is configured to provide measurement data to the processor, where it is compared to a predetermined requirement. If the measurement data satisfies the predetermined requirement, the camera will prompt the user via a display. During use, the camera can prompt the user to provide annotation data, conduct a thermographic inspection, inspect the target scene, or perform other tasks based on the measurement data.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2013Publication date: January 22, 2015Inventors: Thomas J. McManus, Matthew F. Schmidt
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Publication number: 20140267353Abstract: Animation of a thermal image captured by a thermal imager that includes automatically changing particular aspects of the presentation of the image. The coloring of the thermal image may automatically change through two or more color presentations. The colors which may automatically change or be “animated” may be any colors in the usual rainbow of color or in the greyscale. The animation may include a series of small, stepwise incremental changes that gradually change the image. If timed correctly and if the increments are sufficiently small, the transitions of the image may appear smooth, in the manner of a movie or cartoon.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: FLUKE CORPORATIONInventors: Matthew F. Schmidt, Jordan B. Schlichting, Thomas Heinke
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Publication number: 20140184805Abstract: Various apparatuses and methods for compensating for ghosting effects in thermal imaging devices are disclosed. Offsets in thermal image data due to ghosting effects on thermal sensors may be modeled, predicted, and/or eliminated by various embodiments of the present invention. These models may be time-varying to compensate for dynamic offset behavior, and may be based on formulas, lookup tables, or the like. Predicted offset amounts may be compensated for in various ways in order to produce more accurate thermal image data free from accumulated offset.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2013Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: FLUKE CORPORATIONInventors: Matthew F. Schmidt, David T. Mumaw
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Patent number: 8760509Abstract: Infrared cameras are susceptible to fixed-pattern noise artifacts. These artifacts are due to numerous sources and typically show up as non-uniformities in an IR image of a uniform scene. Devices for and methods of refining non-uniformity corrections in an infrared (IR) camera are provided that correct for remaining fixed pattern noise.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2011Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Fluke CorporationInventors: Matthew F. Schmidt, Kirk R. Johnson
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Publication number: 20140132774Abstract: A thermal imaging camera with a repositionable focal plane array (FPA) is disclosed. An active portion of the FPA is used by the camera to generate a thermal image. The FPA may be positioned such that a defect in the FPA is located in an unused and inactive portion of the FPA.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2012Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: FLUKE CORPORATIONInventors: Matthew F. Schmidt, Kirk R. Johnson
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Patent number: 8233050Abstract: An infrared imaging system used for providing images from a plurality of views. The multiple view infrared imaging system includes a plurality of lens and infrared focal plane array (FPA) pairings, wherein each pairing can be used to provide an image and/or sample scene data of a distinct view. A single set of processing circuitry and a single set of one or more output elements may be utilized to provide such images. A multi-input switch may be utilized in combination with the single set of processing circuitry and output elements to provide images from any of the lens and FPA pairings based on the positioning of the switch.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2006Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Fluke CorporationInventors: Matthew F. Schmidt, Kirk Johnson, Shane M. Anderson
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Publication number: 20120169866Abstract: Infrared cameras are susceptible to fixed-pattern noise artifacts. These artifacts are due to numerous sources and typically show up as non-uniformities in an IR image of a uniform scene. Devices for and methods of refining non-uniformity corrections in an infrared (IR) camera are provided that correct for remaining fixed pattern noise.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2011Publication date: July 5, 2012Applicant: FLUKE CORPORATIONInventors: Matthew F. Schmidt, Kirk R. Johnson
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Publication number: 20100163730Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2009Publication date: July 1, 2010Applicant: FLUKE CORPORATIONInventors: Matthew F. Schmidt, Thomas J. McManus
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Publication number: 20080099683Abstract: An infrared imaging system used for providing images from a plurality of views. The multiple view infrared imaging system includes a plurality of lens and infrared focal plane array (FPA) pairings, wherein each pairing can be used to provide an image and/or sample scene data of a distinct view. A single set of processing circuitry and a single set of one or more output elements may be utilized to provide such images. A multi-input switch may be utilized in combination with the single set of processing circuitry and output elements to provide images from any of the lens and FPA pairings based on the positioning of the switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2006Publication date: May 1, 2008Applicant: FLUKE CORPORATIONInventors: Matthew F. Schmidt, Kirk Johnson, Shane M. Anderson