Patents by Inventor Patrick B. Richardson

Patrick B. Richardson 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: 10425569
    Abstract: Systems and methods may be provided for operating a camera based the position, orientation, or motion of the camera. A system can include a firearm, a camera mounted to the firearm, a sensor that gathers sensor data associated with at least one of a position, an orientation, or a motion of the firearm, and a processor that receives the sensor data and operates the camera based on the sensor data. The system may be used to capture image data such as video image data in response to a detected ballistic event, to modify the power status of the camera in response to a detected position of the camera, or to operate a display of the camera in response to a non-ballistic motion of the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: FLIR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew C. Teich, Patrick B. Richardson, Nicholas Hogasten
  • Patent number: 10425595
    Abstract: Modular infrared imaging systems and methods disclosed herein, in accordance with one or more embodiments, provide for capturing an infrared image, sensing a mode of operation, processing the captured infrared image according to the sensed mode of operation, generating a processed infrared image based on the sensed mode of operation, and displaying the processed infrared image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: FLIR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Frank, Yves Chappaz, Mary L. Deal, Patrick B. Richardson, Austin A. Richards, Nicholas Högasten, James T. Woolaway
  • Patent number: 9948872
    Abstract: Various systems and methods are disclosed for monitoring and controlling using small infrared imaging modules to enhance occupant safety and energy efficiency of buildings and structures. In one example, thermal images captured by infrared imaging modules may be analyzed to detect presence of persons, identify and classify power-consuming objects, and monitor environmental conditions. Based on the processed thermal images, various power-consuming objects (e.g., an HVAC system, lighting, a water heater, and other appliances) may be controlled to increase energy efficiency. In another example, thermal images captured by infrared imaging modules may be analyzed to detect various hazardous conditions, such as a combustible gas leak, a CO gas leak, a water leak, fire, smoke, and, an electrical hotspot. If such hazardous conditions are detected, an appropriate warning may be generated and/or various objects may be controlled to remedy the conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: FLIR Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Frank, Pierre Boulanger, Shawn Jepson, Patrick B. Richardson, Nile E. Fairfield, Nicholas Högasten, Theodore R. Hoelter, Katrin Strandemar
  • Patent number: 9729802
    Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein provide for some embodiments infrared camera systems for maritime applications. For example in one embodiment, a watercraft includes a plurality of image capture components coupled to the watercraft to capture infrared images around at least a substantial portion of a perimeter of the watercraft; a memory component adapted to store the captured infrared images; a processing component adapted to process the captured infrared images according to a man overboard mode of operation to provide processed infrared images and determine if a person falls from the watercraft; and a display component adapted to display the processed infrared images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: FLIR Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Frank, Patrick B. Richardson, James T. Woolaway, Austin A. Richards, Nicholas Högasten
  • Patent number: 9615006
    Abstract: Infrared camera systems and related methods for facilitating target position acquisition are provided for various applications. For example, a system may include a portable imaging/viewing subsystem having a target position finder and may also include a fixed mount camera subsystem having a camera and a camera positioner. A communications link may be configured to communicate a signal from the target position finder to the camera positioner. The signal may be representative of a position of a target being imaged/viewed with the portable imaging/viewing subsystem. The camera positioner may aim the camera toward the target in response to the signal. The target may, for example, be a man overboard. Thus, the system and related method may be useful in search and rescue operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: FLIR Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Terre, Jeffrey D. Frank, James T. Woolaway, Austin A. Richards, Patrick B. Richardson, Nicholas Hogasten
  • Publication number: 20160316128
    Abstract: Systems and methods may be provided for operating a camera based the position, orientation, or motion of the camera. A system can include a firearm, a camera mounted to the firearm, a sensor that gathers sensor data associated with at least one of a position, an orientation, or a motion of the firearm, and a processor that receives the sensor data and operates the camera based on the sensor data. The system may be used to capture image data such as video image data in response to a detected ballistic event, to modify the power status of the camera in response to a detected position of the camera, or to operate a display of the camera in response to a non-ballistic motion of the camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Publication date: October 27, 2016
    Inventors: Andrew C. Teich, Patrick B. Richardson, Nicholas Hogasten
  • Publication number: 20150341532
    Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein provide, for some embodiments, infrared cameras and target position acquisition techniques for various applications. For example, in one embodiment, a system may include a portable imaging/viewing subsystem having a target position finder and may also include a fixed mount camera subsystem having a camera and a camera positioner. A communications link may be configured to communicate a signal from the target position finder to the camera positioner. The signal may be representative of a position of a target being imaged/viewed with the portable imaging/viewing subsystem. The camera positioner may aim the camera toward the target in response to the signal. The target may, for example, be a man overboard. Thus, the system may be useful in search and rescue operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Inventors: William A. Terre, Jeffrey D. Frank, James T. Woolaway, Austin A. Richards, Patrick B. Richardson, Nicholas Hogasten
  • Patent number: 9083897
    Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein provide for infrared camera systems and methods for dual sensor applications. For example, in one embodiment, an enhanced vision system comprises an image capture component having a visible light sensor to capture visible light images and an infrared sensor to capture infrared images. The system comprises a first control component adapted to provide a plurality of selectable processing modes to a user, receive a user input corresponding to a user selected processing mode, and generate a control signal indicative of the user selected processing mode, wherein the plurality of selectable processing modes includes a visible light only mode, infrared only mode, and a combined visible-infrared mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: FLIR Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Högasten, Jeffrey S. Scott, Patrick B. Richardson, Jeffrey D. Frank, Austin A. Richards, James T. Woolaway
  • Patent number: 9047745
    Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein provide, for some embodiments, infrared cameras and target position acquisition techniques for various applications. For example, in one embodiment, a system may include a portable imaging/viewing subsystem having a target position finder and may also include a fixed mount camera subsystem having a camera and a camera positioner. A communications link may be configured to communicate a signal from the target position finder to the camera positioner. The signal may be representative of a position of a target being imaged/viewed with the portable imaging/viewing subsystem. The camera positioner may aim the camera toward the target in response to the signal. The target may, for example, be a man overboard. Thus, the system may be useful in search and rescue operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: FLIR Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Terre, Jeffrey D. Frank, James T. Woolaway, Austin A. Richards, Patrick B. Richardson, Nicholas Högasten
  • Publication number: 20140313343
    Abstract: Modular infrared imaging systems and methods disclosed herein, in accordance with one or more embodiments, provide for capturing an infrared image, sensing a mode of operation, processing the captured infrared image according to the sensed mode of operation, generating a processed infrared image based on the sensed mode of operation, and displaying the processed infrared image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: FLIR Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Frank, Yves Chappez, Mary L. Deal, Patrick B. Richardson, Austin A. Richards, Nicholas Högasten, James T. Woolaway
  • Publication number: 20140285672
    Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein provide for infrared camera systems and methods for dual sensor applications. For example, in one embodiment, an enhanced vision system comprises an image capture component having a visible light sensor to capture visible light images and an infrared sensor to capture infrared images. The system comprises a first control component adapted to provide a plurality of selectable processing modes to a user, receive a user input corresponding to a user selected processing mode, and generate a control signal indicative of the user selected processing mode, wherein the plurality of selectable processing modes includes a visible light only mode, infrared only mode, and a combined visible-infrared mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Nicholas Högasten, Jeffrey S. Scott, Patrick B. Richardson, Jeffrey D. Frank, Austin A. Richards, James T. Woolaway
  • Patent number: 8817106
    Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein provide an image capture component adapted to capture an infrared image, a control component adapted to provide a plurality of selectable processing modes to a user, receive a user input corresponding to a user selected processing mode, generate a control signal indicative of the user selected processing mode and transmit the generated control signal. The user selected processing modes, for example, may be directed to maritime applications, such as night docking, man overboard, night cruising, day cruising, hazy conditions, and/or shoreline modes. The systems and methods further provide a processing component adapted to receive the generated control signal from the control component, process the captured infrared image according to the user selected processing mode, and generate a processed infrared image, and a display component adapted to display the processed infrared image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: FLIR Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick B. Richardson, Jeffrey D. Frank, Austin A. Richards, Nicholas Högasten, James T. Woolaway
  • Publication number: 20140168439
    Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein provide for some embodiments infrared camera systems for maritime applications. For example in one embodiment, a watercraft includes a plurality of image capture components coupled to the watercraft to capture infrared images around at least a substantial portion of a perimeter of the watercraft; a memory component adapted to store the captured infrared images; a processing component adapted to process the captured infrared images according to a man overboard mode of operation to provide processed infrared images and determine if a person falls from the watercraft; and a display component adapted to display the processed infrared images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: FLIR Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Frank, Patrick B. Richardson, James T. Woolaway, Austin A. Richards, Nicholas Högasten
  • Patent number: 8749635
    Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein provide for infrared camera systems and methods for dual sensor applications. For example, in one embodiment, an enhanced vision system comprises an image capture component having a visible light sensor to capture visible light images and an infrared sensor to capture infrared images. The system comprises a first control component adapted to provide a plurality of selectable processing modes to a user, receive a user input corresponding to a user selected processing mode, and generate a control signal indicative of the user selected processing mode, wherein the plurality of selectable processing modes includes a visible light only mode, infrared only mode, and a combined visible-infrared mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: FLIR Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Högasten, Jeffrey S. Scott, Patrick B. Richardson, Jeffrey D. Frank, Austin A. Richards, James T. Woolaway
  • Patent number: 8659661
    Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein provide for some embodiments infrared camera systems for maritime applications. For example in one embodiment, a watercraft includes a plurality of image capture components coupled to the watercraft to capture infrared images around at least a substantial portion of a perimeter of the watercraft; a memory component adapted to store the captured infrared images; a processing component adapted to process the captured infrared images according to a man overboard mode of operation to provide processed infrared images and determine if a person falls from the watercraft; and a display component adapted to display the processed infrared images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: FLIR Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Frank, Patrick B. Richardson, James T. Woolaway, Austin A. Richards, Nicholas Högasten
  • Publication number: 20130321637
    Abstract: Various systems and methods are disclosed for monitoring and controlling using small infrared imaging modules to enhance occupant safety and energy efficiency of buildings and structures. In one example, thermal images captured by infrared imaging modules may be analyzed to detect presence of persons, identify and classify power-consuming objects, and monitor environmental conditions. Based on the processed thermal images, various power-consuming objects (e.g., an HVAC system, lighting, a water heater, and other appliances) may be controlled to increase energy efficiency. In another example, thermal images captured by infrared imaging modules may be analyzed to detect various hazardous conditions, such as a combustible gas leak, a CO gas leak, a water leak, fire, smoke, and, an electrical hotspot. If such hazardous conditions are detected, an appropriate warning may be generated and/or various objects may be controlled to remedy the conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: FLIR Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Frank, Pierre Boulanger, Shawn Jepson, Patrick B. Richardson, Nile E. Fairfield, Nicholas Högasten, Theodore R. Hoelter, Katrin Strandemar
  • Publication number: 20130278771
    Abstract: Various techniques are disclosed for systems and methods using small form factor infrared imaging modules to monitor various components of a vehicle wheel assembly. For example, a vehicle-mounted system may include one or more infrared imaging modules, a processor, a memory, a display, a communication module, and a vehicle speed sensor. The vehicle-mounted system may be mounted on, installed in, or otherwise integrated into a vehicle that has one or more wheel assemblies. The one or more infrared imaging modules may be configured to capture thermal images of desired portions of the wheel assemblies. Various thermal image analytics and profiling may be performed on the captured thermal images to determine the operating condition of various components of the wheel assemblies and to detect abnormalities. Monitoring information may be generated based on the detected condition and abnormalities, and presented to a driver or other occupants onboard the vehicle in real time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Carleton M. Magoun, Patrick B. Richardson, David M. Risdall, Shawn Jepson, Jay B. James, John H. Distelzweig, Nicholas Högasten, Theodore R. Hoelter, Katrin Strandemar
  • Patent number: D722635
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: FLIR Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick B. Richardson, Marcel Tremblay, Jace Dispenza
  • Patent number: D723395
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: FLIR Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jace Dispenza, Michael Kent, Patrick B. Richardson, Zhenmei Mao
  • Patent number: D737698
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: FLIR Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jace Dispenza, Michael Kent, Patrick B. Richardson, Zhenmei Mao