Patents by Inventor Philip R. Bingham

Philip R. Bingham 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: 11601601
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for producing high quality images in uncontrolled or impaired environments. In some examples of the disclosed technology, groups of cameras for high dynamic range (HDR), polarization diversity, and optional other diversity modes are arranged to concurrently image a common scene. For example, in a vehicle checkpoint application, HDR provides discernment of dark objects inside a vehicle, while polarization diversity aids in rejecting glare. Spectral diversity, infrared imaging, and active illumination can be applied for better imaging through a windshield. Preprocessed single-camera images are registered and fused. Faces or other features of interest can be detected in the fused image and identified in a library. Impairments can include weather, insufficient or interfering lighting, shadows, reflections, window glass, occlusions, or moving objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Justin S. Baba, Philip R. Bingham, David S. Bolme, Matthew R. Eicholtz, Regina Kay Ferrell, Christi R. Johnson, Hector J. Santos-Villalobos
  • Publication number: 20220035961
    Abstract: Nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of objects can elucidate impacts of various process parameters and qualification of the object. Computed tomography (CT) enables rapid NDE and characterization of objects. However, CT presents challenges because of artifacts produced by standard reconstruction algorithms. Beam-hardening artifacts especially complicate and adversely impact the process of detecting defects. By leveraging computer-aided design (CAD) models, CT simulations, and a deep-neutral network high-quality CT reconstructions that are affected by noise and beam-hardening can be simulated and used to improve reconstructions. The systems and methods of the present disclosure can significantly improve the reconstruction quality, thereby enabling better detection of defects compared with the state of the art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2021
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Inventors: Amir Ziabari, Singanallur Venkatakrishnan, Philip R. Bingham, Michael M. Kirka, Vincent C. Paquit, Ryan R. Dehoff, Abhishek Dubey
  • Publication number: 20210195086
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for producing high quality images in uncontrolled or impaired environments. In some examples of the disclosed technology, groups of cameras for high dynamic range (HDR), polarization diversity, and optional other diversity modes are arranged to concurrently image a common scene. For example, in a vehicle checkpoint application, HDR provides discernment of dark objects inside a vehicle, while polarization diversity aids in rejecting glare. Spectral diversity, infrared imaging, and active illumination can be applied for better imaging through a windshield. Preprocessed single-camera images are registered and fused. Faces or other features of interest can be detected in the fused image and identified in a library. Impairments can include weather, insufficient or interfering lighting, shadows, reflections, window glass, occlusions, or moving objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2020
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Applicant: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Justin S. Baba, Philip R. Bingham, David S. Bolme, Matthew R. Eicholtz, Regina Kay Ferrell, Christi R. Johnson, Hector J. Santos-Villalobos
  • Patent number: 10742894
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for producing high quality images in uncontrolled or impaired environments. In some examples of the disclosed technology, groups of cameras for high dynamic range (HDR), polarization diversity, and optional other diversity modes are arranged to concurrently image a common scene. For example, in a vehicle checkpoint application, HDR provides discernment of dark objects inside a vehicle, while polarization diversity aids in rejecting glare. Spectral diversity, infrared imaging, and active illumination can be applied for better imaging through a windshield. Preprocessed single-camera images are registered and fused. Faces or other features of interest can be detected in the fused image and identified in a library. Impairments can include weather, insufficient or interfering lighting, shadows, reflections, window glass, occlusions, or moving objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Justin S. Baba, Philip R. Bingham, David S. Bolme, Matthew R. Eicholtz, Regina Kay Ferrell, Christi R. Johnson, Hector J. Santos-Villalobos
  • Patent number: 10585253
    Abstract: Systems for determining the presence and distribution of gas emissions in an area are provided. For example, a system may include one or more light detectors and one or more reflectors and/or one more retroreflectors disposed around the perimeter, a light source configured to emit light at a plurality of wavelengths towards the one or more light detectors and/or the one or more reflectors and/or one or more retroreflectors, and one or more processors configured to receive information representing light intensity detected by the one or more light detectors, respectively at each of the plurality of wavelengths and determine gases present in each path based on the light intensity detected by the respective detector at each of the plurality of wavelengths and distribution thereof. The path being either light source-respective detector, light source-respective reflector-respective detector or light source-respective retroreflector-respective detector. Other system may not use reflectors and/or retroreflectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: UT-BATTELLE, LLC
    Inventors: Philip R. Bingham, Panagiotis G. Datskos, Tommy J. Phelps, Kenneth W. Tobin, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20190052792
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for producing high quality images in uncontrolled or impaired environments. In some examples of the disclosed technology, groups of cameras for high dynamic range (HDR), polarization diversity, and optional other diversity modes are arranged to concurrently image a common scene. For example, in a vehicle checkpoint application, HDR provides discernment of dark objects inside a vehicle, while polarization diversity aids in rejecting glare. Spectral diversity, infrared imaging, and active illumination can be applied for better imaging through a windshield. Preprocessed single-camera images are registered and fused. Faces or other features of interest can be detected in the fused image and identified in a library. Impairments can include weather, insufficient or interfering lighting, shadows, reflections, window glass, occlusions, or moving objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Publication date: February 14, 2019
    Applicant: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Justin S. Baba, Philip R. Bingham, David S. Bolme, Matthew R. Eicholtz, Regina Kay Ferrell, Christi R. Johnson, Hector J. Santos-Villalobos
  • Publication number: 20170322383
    Abstract: Systems for determining the presence and distribution of gas emissions in an area are provided. For example, a system may include one or more light detectors and one or more reflectors and/or one more retroreflectors disposed around the perimeter, a light source configured to emit light at a plurality of wavelengths towards the one or more light detectors and/or the one or more reflectors and/or one or more retroreflectors, and one or more processors configured to receive information representing light intensity detected by the one or more light detectors, respectively at each of the plurality of wavelengths and determine gases present in each path based on the light intensity detected by the respective detector at each of the plurality of wavelengths and distribution thereof. The path being either light source-respective detector, light source-respective reflector-respective detector or light source-respective retroreflector-respective detector. Other system may not use reflectors and/or retroreflectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Philip R. Bingham, Panagiotis G. Datskos, Tommy J. Phelps, Kenneth W. Tobin, JR.
  • Patent number: 9261468
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for performing combined neutron and gamma ray radiography. For example, one exemplary system comprises: a neutron source; a set of alpha particle detectors configured to detect alpha particles associated with neutrons generated by the neutron source; neutron detectors positioned to detect at least some of the neutrons generated by the neutron source; a gamma ray source; a set of verification gamma ray detectors configured to detect verification gamma rays associated with gamma rays generated by the gamma ray source; a set of gamma ray detectors configured to detect gamma rays generated by the gamma ray source; and an interrogation region located between the neutron source, the gamma ray source, the neutron detectors, and the gamma ray detectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Philip R. Bingham, John T. Mihalczo, James A. Mullens, Seth M. McConchie, Paul A. Hausladen
  • Patent number: 8586939
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for performing neutron radiography. For example, in one exemplary method, an object is interrogated with a plurality of neutrons. The plurality of neutrons includes a first portion of neutrons generated from a first neutron source and a second portion of neutrons generated from a second neutron source. Further, at least some of the first portion and the second portion are generated during a same time period. In the exemplary method, one or more neutrons from the first portion and one or more neutrons from the second portion are detected, and an image of the object is generated based at least in part on the detected neutrons from the first portion and the detected neutrons from the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Philip R. Bingham, Paul A. Hausladen, Seth M. McConchie, John T. Mihalczo, James A. Mullens
  • Patent number: 8354651
    Abstract: An imaging system and method of imaging are disclosed. The imaging system can include an external radiation source producing pairs of substantially simultaneous radiation emissions of a picturization emission and a verification emissions at an emission angle. The imaging system can also include a plurality of picturization sensors and at least one verification sensor for detecting the picturization and verification emissions, respectively. The imaging system also includes an object stage is arranged such that a picturization emission can pass through an object supported on said object stage before being detected by one of said plurality of picturization sensors. A coincidence system and a reconstruction system can also be included. The coincidence can receive information from the picturization and verification sensors and determine whether a detected picturization emission is direct radiation or scattered radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Philip R. Bingham, James Allen Mullens
  • Patent number: 8304737
    Abstract: An imaging system employing a coded aperture mask having multiple pinholes is provided. The coded aperture mask is placed at a radiation source to pass the radiation through. The radiation impinges on, and passes through an object, which alters the radiation by absorption and/or scattering. Upon passing through the object, the radiation is detected at a detector plane to form an encoded image, which includes information on the absorption and/or scattering caused by the material and structural attributes of the object. The encoded image is decoded to provide a reconstructed image of the object. Because the coded aperture mask includes multiple pinholes, the radiation intensity is greater than a comparable system employing a single pinhole, thereby enabling a higher resolution. Further, the decoding of the encoded image can be performed to generate multiple images of the object at different distances from the detector plane. Methods and programs for operating the imaging system are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Tobin, Jr., Philip R. Bingham, Ayman I. Hawari
  • Patent number: 8264694
    Abstract: An optical system includes an optical interferometer that generates interference phenomena between optical waves to measure multiple distances, thicknesses, and indices of refraction of a sample. An excitation-emission device allows an electromagnetic excitation and emission to pass through an objective in optical communication with the sample. An electromagnetic detector receives the output of the optical interferometer and the excitation-emission device to render a magnified image of the sample. A digital delay generator synchronizes the optical interferometer and excitation-emission device to operate in substantially unison to generate a noninvasive depth of field of the portion of the sample that corrects a plurality of optical aberrations in real-time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher J. Mann, Philip R. Bingham
  • Patent number: 8248614
    Abstract: An optical system performs imaging in a transmissive and reflective mode. The system includes an optical interferometer that generates interference phenomena between optical waves to measure multiple distances, thicknesses, and indices of refraction of a sample. Measurements are made through a galvanometer that scans a pre-programmed angular arc. An excitation-emission device allows an electromagnetic excitation and emission to pass through an objective in optical communication with the sample. An electromagnetic detector receives the output of the optical interferometer and the excitation-emission device to render a magnified three dimensional image of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher J. Mann, Philip R. Bingham, Shaun S. Gleason
  • Publication number: 20120019510
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for performing neutron radiography. For example, in one exemplary method, an object is interrogated with a plurality of neutrons. The plurality of neutrons includes a first portion of neutrons generated from a first neutron source and a second portion of neutrons generated from a second neutron source. Further, at least some of the first portion and the second portion are generated during a same time period. In the exemplary method, one or more neutrons from the first portion and one or more neutrons from the second portion are detected, and an image of the object is generated based at least in part on the detected neutrons from the first portion and the detected neutrons from the second portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: Philip R. Bingham, Paul A. Hausladen, Seth M. McConchie, John T. Mihalczo, James A. Mullens
  • Publication number: 20120001064
    Abstract: An imaging system and method of imaging are disclosed. The imaging system can include an external radiation source producing pairs of substantially simultaneous radiation emissions of a picturization emission and a verification emissions at an emission angle. The imaging system can also include a plurality of picturization sensors and at least one verification sensor for detecting the picturization and verification emissions, respectively. The imaging system also includes an object stage is arranged such that a picturization emission can pass through an object supported on said object stage before being detected by one of said plurality of picturization sensors. A coincidence system and a reconstruction system can also be included. The coincidence can receive information from the picturization and verification sensors and determine whether a detected picturization emission is direct radiation or scattered radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventors: PHILIP R. BINGHAM, James Allen Mullens
  • Patent number: 7978336
    Abstract: An optical system includes more than two optical interferometers that generate interference phenomena between optical waves to measure a plurality of distances, a plurality of thicknesses, and a plurality of indices of refraction of a sample. An electromagnetic detector receives an output of the optical interferometers to render a magnified image of at least a portion of the sample. A controller reduces or eliminates undesired optical signals through a hierarchical phase unwrapping of the output of the electromagnetic detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher J. Mann, Philip R. Bingham
  • Publication number: 20110079725
    Abstract: An imaging system employing a coded aperture mask having multiple pinholes is provided. The coded aperture mask is placed at a radiation source to pass the radiation through. The radiation impinges on, and passes through an object, which alters the radiation by absorption and/or scattering. Upon passing through the object, the radiation is detected at a detector plane to form an encoded image, which includes information on the absorption and/or scattering caused by the material and structural attributes of the object. The encoded image is decoded to provide a reconstructed image of the object. Because the coded aperture mask includes multiple pinholes, the radiation intensity is greater than a comparable system employing a single pinhole, thereby enabling a higher resolution. Further, the decoding of the encoded image can be performed to generate multiple images of the object at different distances from the detector plane. Methods and programs for operating the imaging system are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicants: UT-BATTELLE, LLC, NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Tobin, JR., Philip R. Bingham, Ayman I. Hawari
  • Publication number: 20100231918
    Abstract: An optical system includes more than two optical interferometers that generate interference phenomena between optical waves to measure a plurality of distances, a plurality of thicknesses, and a plurality of indices of refraction of a sample. An electromagnetic detector receives an output of the optical interferometers to render a magnified image of at least a portion of the sample. A controller reduces or eliminates undesired optical signals through a hierarchical phase unwrapping of the output of the electromagnetic detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Christopher J. Mann, Philip R. Bingham
  • Publication number: 20100231895
    Abstract: An optical system performs imaging in a transmissive and reflective mode. The system includes an optical interferometer that generates interference phenomena between optical waves to measure multiple distances, thicknesses, and indices of refraction of a sample. Measurements are made through a galvanometer that scans a pre-programmed angular arc. An excitation-emission device allows an electromagnetic excitation and emission to pass through an objective in optical communication with the sample. An electromagnetic detector receives the output of the optical interferometer and the excitation-emission device to render a magnified three dimensional image of the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Christopher J. Mann, Philip R. Bingham, Shaun S. Gleason
  • Publication number: 20100231896
    Abstract: An optical system includes an optical interferometer that generates interference phenomena between optical waves to measure multiple distances, thicknesses, and indices of refraction of a sample. An excitation-emission device allows an electromagnetic excitation and emission to pass through an objective in optical communication with the sample. An electromagnetic detector receives the output of the optical interferometer and the excitation-emission device to render a magnified image of the sample. A digital delay generator synchronizes the optical interferometer and excitation-emission device to operate in substantially unison to generate a noninvasive depth of field of the portion of the sample that corrects a plurality of optical aberrations in real-time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Christopher J. Mann, Philip R. Bingham