Patents by Inventor Pierre Boulanger

Pierre Boulanger 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: 11568178
    Abstract: Various techniques are provided for training a neural network to classify images. A convolutional neural network (CNN) is trained using training dataset comprising a plurality of synthetic images. The CNN training process tracks image-related metrics and other informative metrics as the training dataset is processed. The trained inference CNN may then be tested using a validation dataset of real images to generate performance results (e.g., whether a training image was properly or improperly labeled by the trained inference CNN). In one or more embodiments, a training dataset and analysis engine extracts and analyzes the informative metrics and performance results, generates parameters for a modified training dataset to improve CNN performance, and generates corresponding instructions to a synthetic image generator to generate a new training dataset. The process repeats in an iterative fashion to build a final training dataset for use in training an inference CNN.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Teledyne FLIR Commercial Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Pierre Boulanger
  • Patent number: 11445131
    Abstract: An imager array may be provided as part of an imaging system. The imager array may include a plurality of infrared imaging modules. Each infrared imaging module may include a plurality of infrared sensors associated with an optical element. The infrared imaging modules may be oriented, for example, substantially in a plane facing the same direction and configured to detect images from the same scene. Such images may be processed in accordance with various techniques to provide images of infrared radiation. The infrared imaging modules may include filters or lens coatings to selectively detect desired ranges of infrared radiation. Such arrangements of infrared imaging modules in an imager array may be used to advantageous effect in a variety of different applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Teledyne FLIR, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas Högasten, Mark Nussmeier, Eric A. Kurth, Theodore R. Hoelter, Katrin Strandemar, Pierre Boulanger, Barbara Sharp
  • Patent number: 11339089
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing neutral color antireflective glass substrates by ion implantation, the method including ionizing a N2 source gas so as to form a mixture of single charge and multicharge ions of N, forming a beam of single charge and multicharge ions of N by accelerating with an acceleration voltage A between 20 kV and 25 kV and setting the ion dosage at a value between 6×1016 ions/cm2 and ?5.00×1015×A/kV+2.00×1017 ions/cm2. A neutral color antireflective glass substrates including an area treated by ion implantation with a mixture of simple charge and multicharge ions according to the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignees: AGC GLASS EUROPE, AGC GLASS COMPANY NORTH AMERICA, AGC Inc., QUERTECH INGENIERIE
    Inventors: Benjamine Navet, Pierre Boulanger, Denis Busardo
  • Patent number: 11070747
    Abstract: Various techniques are provided for implementing a segmented focal plane array (FPA) of infrared sensors. In one example, a system includes a segmented FPA. The segmented FPA includes a top die having an array of infrared sensors (e.g., bolometers). The top die may also include a portion of a read-out integrated circuit (ROIC). The segmented FPA also includes a bottom die having at least a portion of the ROIC. The top and the bottom dies are electrically coupled via inter-die connections. Advantageously, the segmented FPA may be fabricated with a higher yield and a smaller footprint compared with conventional FPA architectures. Moreover, the segmented FPA may be fabricated using different semiconductor processes for each die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: FLIR Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Simolon, Eric A. Kurth, Mark Nussmeier, Nicholas Högasten, Theodore R. Hoelter, Katrin Strandemar, Pierre Boulanger, Barbara Sharp
  • Patent number: 11066329
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing antireflective glass substrates by ion implantation, comprising selecting a source gas of N2, or O2, ionizing the source gas so as to form a mixture of single charge and multicharge ions of N, or O, forming a beam of single charge and multicharge ions of N, or O by accelerating with an acceleration voltage A between 13 kV and 40 kV and setting the ion dosage at a value between 5.56×1014×A/kV+4.78×1016 ions/cm2 and ?2.22×1016×A/kV+1.09×1018 ions/cm2, as well as antireflective glass substrates comprising an area treated by ion implantation with a mixture of simple charge and multicharge ions according to this method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignees: AGC GLASS EUROPE, AGC GLASS COMPANY NORTH AMERICA, AGC Inc., QUERTECH INGENIERIE
    Inventors: Benjamine Navet, Pierre Boulanger, Denis Busardo
  • Patent number: 11029211
    Abstract: Flight based infrared imaging systems and related techniques, and in particular UAS based thermal imaging systems, are provided to improve the monitoring capabilities of such systems over conventional infrared monitoring systems. An infrared imaging system is configured to compensate for various environmental effects (e.g., position and/or strength of the sun, atmospheric effects) to provide high resolution and accuracy radiometric measurements of targets imaged by the infrared imaging system. An infrared imaging system is alternatively configured to monitor and determine environmental conditions, modify data received from infrared imaging systems and other systems, modify flight paths and other commands, and/or create a representation of the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: FLIR Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Frank, Theodore R. Hoelter, Nicholas Högasten, Austin A. Richards, Michael Kent, Julie R. Moreira, Pierre Boulanger, Raymond Valdes, Jonathan Li
  • Patent number: 11001038
    Abstract: An improved laminated assembly comprising functional elements with connections extending outside of the laminated assembly preventing air, moisture and water from entering the assembly as well as a method to prevent air, moisture and water from entering a laminated assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: AGC GLASS EUROPE
    Inventors: Pierre Defoy, Pierre Boulanger, Samuel Martinquet
  • Publication number: 20210133510
    Abstract: Various techniques are provided for training a neural network to classify images. A convolutional neural network (CNN) is trained using training dataset comprising a plurality of synthetic images. The CNN training process tracks image-related metrics and other informative metrics as the training dataset is processed. The trained inference CNN may then be tested using a validation dataset of real images to generate performance results (e.g., whether a training image was properly or improperly labeled by the trained inference CNN). In one or more embodiments, a training dataset and analysis engine extracts and analyzes the informative metrics and performance results, generates parameters for a modified training dataset to improve CNN performance, and generates corresponding instructions to a synthetic image generator to generate a new training dataset. The process repeats in an iterative fashion to build a final training dataset for use in training an inference CNN.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2021
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventor: Pierre Boulanger
  • Patent number: 10841508
    Abstract: Various techniques are provided to monitor electrical equipment. In some implementations, a monitoring system for a cabinet may include an infrared camera and a non-thermal camera. The infrared camera may be configured to capture one or more thermal images of at least a portion of electrical equipment positioned in an interior cavity of the cabinet. The non-thermal camera may be configured to capture one or more non-thermal images such as visible light images of the portion of electrical equipment. In some implementations, combined images may be generated that include characteristics of the thermal images and the non-thermal images for viewing by a user. In some implementations, the cameras may receive electrical power through a physical coupling to an electrical connector within the cabinet and/or through electromagnetic energy harvesting techniques. Other implementations are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: FLIR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Scanlon, Michael Fox, Nicholas Högasten, Theodore R. Hoelter, Katrin Strandemar, Pierre Boulanger, Barbara Sharp, Mark Nussmeier, Eric A. Kurth
  • Patent number: 10703674
    Abstract: The invention concerns a process for increasing the scratch resistance of a glass substrate by implantation of simple charge and multicharge ions, comprising maintaining the temperature of the area of the glass substrate being treated at a temperature that is less than or equal to the glass transition temperature of the glass substrate, selecting the ions to be implanted among the ions of Ar, He, and N, setting the acceleration voltage for the extraction of the ions at a value comprised between 5 kV and 200 kV and setting the ion dosage at a value comprised between 1014 ions/cm2 and 2.5×1017 ions/cm2.The invention further concerns glass substrates comprising an area treated by implantation of simple charge and multicharge ions according to this process and their use for reducing the probability of scratching on the glass substrate upon mechanical contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignees: AGC GLASS EUROPE, AGC Inc., QUERTECH INGENIERIE
    Inventors: Benjamine Navet, Pierre Boulanger, Lionel Ventelon, Denis Busardo, Frederic Guernalec
  • Patent number: 10433725
    Abstract: An eye gaze and hand data capturing system for use with a human performing a manual task (such as a surgical procedure) with a hand-held instrument (such as a surgical instrument), includes subsystems for tracking pupil position head position and orientation, hand position, and force applied by the hand to an instrument, all operatively connected to a computer that repeatedly determines an eye gaze vector, the hand position and orientation, and the force applied to the instrument and records such information as a record of spatially and temporally coherent data in a database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: THE GOVERNORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA
    Inventors: Simon Byrns, Michael Feist, Bin Zheng, Pierre Boulanger
  • Patent number: 10405834
    Abstract: An anatomical structure is segmented from images generated in an anatomical scan. A user input device is configured for manually identifying two or more seed points on a plurality of the images. An image processor is configured to identify an optimal path through seed points on the plurality of images with a graph search. The optimal path between corresponding seed points on different images defines a boundary contour, and the anatomical structure includes two or more boundary contour. The image processor is further configured to interpolate the boundary contours over a three-dimensional volume using cardinal splines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: The Governors of the University of Alberta
    Inventors: Jacob Lester Jaremko, Abhilash Hareendranathan, Myles Mabee, Richard Thompson, Pierre Boulanger, Kumaradevan Punithakumar
  • Patent number: 10393575
    Abstract: Techniques are provided to perform flat field correction for infrared cameras using a liquid shutter. Devices and methods provide a focal plane array (FPA) that receives infrared radiation (e.g., thermal infrared radiation) from a scene, and infrared-opaque liquid disposed in a cavity of a liquid shutter housing, and a fluid controller that directs the liquid from a reservoir area of the cavity to a field of view area of the cavity to block the FPA from the infrared radiation. Flat field correction terms may be determined and radiometric calibration may be performed. In one example, a liquid shutter uses voltages to direct liquid. In another example, a liquid shutter uses magnetic fields from electromagnets to direct liquid such as ferrofluid. In another example, a liquid shutter uses electrowetting techniques to direct liquid such as water. In a further example, a liquid shutter uses a pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: FLIR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Vu L. Nguyen, Theodore R. Hoelter, Pierre Boulanger, Marcel Tremblay, Robert Pietsch
  • Patent number: 10389953
    Abstract: A shutter assembly may be provided for an infrared imaging module to selectively block external infrared radiation from reaching infrared sensors of the infrared imaging module. For example, the shutter assembly may comprise a paddle situated external to an optical element (e.g., lens) and adapted to be selectively moved by an actuator to substantially block external infrared radiation from entering the optical element. The shutter assembly may be stacked relative to a housing of the infrared imaging module without excessively increasing the overall profile of the infrared imaging module. A substantially reflective low emissivity interior surface may be provided on the paddle to reflect infrared radiation originating from an infrared sensor assembly of the infrared imaging module back to the infrared sensor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: FLIR Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore R. Hoelter, Joseph Kostrzewa, Pierre Boulanger, Barbara Sharp, Eric A. Kurth, Nicholas Högasten, Katrin Strandemar
  • Patent number: 10321031
    Abstract: Various techniques are disclosed for providing a device attachment configured to releasably attach to and provide infrared imaging functionality to mobile phones or other portable electronic devices. For example, a device attachment may include a housing with a tub on a rear surface thereof shaped to at least partially receive a user device, an infrared sensor assembly disposed within the housing and configured to capture thermal infrared image data, and a processing module communicatively coupled to the infrared sensor assembly and configured to transmit the thermal infrared image data to the user device. Thermal infrared image data may be captured by the infrared sensor assembly and transmitted to the user device by the processing module in response to a request transmitted by an application program or other software/hardware routines running on the user device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: FLIR Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Frank, Nicholas Högasten, Theodore R. Hoelter, Katrin Strandemar, Pierre Boulanger, Barbara Sharp, Andrew C. Teich, Dwight Dumpert, Mark Nussmeier, Eric A. Kurth, Gerald W. Blakeley, III, Michael Fox
  • Patent number: 10321076
    Abstract: A partially attenuating shutter may be used to identify and reduce fixed pattern noise (FPN) associated with imaging devices. In one example, a system includes an image capture component configured to capture images in response to incident radiation from a scene along an optical path. The system includes a shutter configured to attenuate a first portion of the incident radiation and permit a second portion of the incident radiation to pass. The system also includes an actuator configured to translate the shutter between an open position out of the optical path, and a closed position in the optical path between the scene and the image capture component. The system also includes a processor configured to determine a plurality of FPN correction terms using images captured by the image capture component while the shutter is in the open and closed positions. Related systems and methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: FLIR Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Sam Grigorian, Nicholas Högasten, Pierre Boulanger
  • Publication number: 20190141261
    Abstract: An imager array may be provided as part of an imaging system. The imager array may include a plurality of infrared imaging modules. Each infrared imaging module may include a plurality of infrared sensors associated with an optical element. The infrared imaging modules may be oriented, for example, substantially in a plane facing the same direction and configured to detect images from the same scene. Such images may be processed in accordance with various techniques to provide images of infrared radiation. The infrared imaging modules may include filters or lens coatings to selectively detect desired ranges of infrared radiation. Such arrangements of infrared imaging modules in an imager array may be used to advantageous effect in a variety of different applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Inventors: Nicholas Högasten, Mark Nussmeier, Eric A. Kurth, Theodore R. Hoelter, Katrin Strandemar, Pierre Boulanger, Barbara Sharp
  • Patent number: 10244190
    Abstract: Techniques using small form factor infrared imaging modules are disclosed. An imaging system may include visible spectrum imaging modules, infrared imaging modules, illumination modules, and other modules to interface with a user and/or a monitoring system. Visible spectrum imaging modules and infrared imaging modules may be positioned in proximity to a scene that will be monitored while visible spectrum-only images of the scene are either not available or less desirable than infrared images of the scene. Imaging modules may be configured to capture images of the scene at different times. Image analytics and processing may be used to generate combined images with infrared imaging features and increased detail and contrast. Selectable aspects of non-uniformity correction processing, true color processing, and high contrast processing, may be performed on the captured images. Control signals based on the combined images may be presented to a user and/or a monitoring system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: FLIR Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Pierre Boulanger, Barbara Sharp, Theodore R. Hoelter, Andrew C. Teich, Nicholas Högasten, Jeffrey S. Scott, Katrin Strademar, Mark Nussmeier, Eric A. Kurth
  • Patent number: 10230910
    Abstract: Various techniques are disclosed for providing an infrared imaging module that exhibits a small form factor and may be used with one or more portable devices. Such an infrared imaging module may be implemented with a housing that includes electrical connections that may be used to electrically connect various components of the infrared imaging module. In addition, various techniques are disclosed for providing system architectures for processing modules of infrared imaging modules. In one example, a processing module of an infrared imaging module includes a first interface adapted to receive captured infrared images from an infrared image sensor of the infrared imaging module. The processing module may also include a processor adapted to perform digital infrared image processing on the captured infrared images to provide processed infrared images. The processing module may also include a second interface adapted to pass the processed infrared images to a host device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: FLIR Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Pierre Boulanger, Theodore R. Hoelter, Barbara Sharp, Eric A. Kurth
  • Patent number: 10169666
    Abstract: Systems and methods for an image-assisted remote control vehicle are provided. An image-assisted remote control system may include a motion controlled device such as an image-assisted remote control vehicle and a remote control device. The motion controlled device may include one or more imaging modules, such as a thermal imaging module and/or a non-thermal imaging module. An infrared image of a part of a track may be captured using the infrared imaging module. A boundary of the track may be detected using the infrared image. The operation of the vehicle may be modified based on the boundary. Modifying the operation of the vehicle in this way may provide a remote controlled vehicle with the ease of use of a slot car track set, the flexibility of remote control cars and the ability for a user to design their own track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: FLIR Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Pierre Boulanger