Patents by Inventor Timothy E. Ostromek

Timothy E. Ostromek 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: 8170366
    Abstract: Processing image information includes receiving light having image information. A first optical transform is performed on the light to yield a first optically transformed light, and a second optical transform is performed on the light to yield a second optically transformed light. A first metric is generated in accordance with the first optically transformed light, and a second metric is generated in accordance with the second optically transformed light. The first metric and the second metric are processed to yield a processed metric. An inverse optical transform is performed on the processed metric to process the image information of the light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: L-3 Communications Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy E. Ostromek, Antonio V. Bacarella
  • Publication number: 20110205368
    Abstract: A user portable viewing device (D) includes a plurality of non-coaxially aligned sensors (26 and 32) for sensing a scene (74). A processing element (P) combines electronic images into a single electronic image. A display (24) displaying the combined electronic image is adaptable for mounting in an optical axis (A1) including an eye (20) of the user (U) and an input end (28) of the first sensor 26 for direct view. In a second embodiment, a system for fusing images comprises sensors (52 and 56) for generating sets of image data. An information processor (P) receives and samples the sets of image data to generate sample data for computing a fused image array. A display (24) receives the fused image array and displays a fused colorized image generated from the fused image array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timothy E. Ostromek, Joseph P. Estrera, Jeffrey C. Short, Lee S. May, JR., Bruce V. Hoodswain, Timothy B. Hogan
  • Patent number: 7969462
    Abstract: A user portable viewing device includes a plurality of non-coaxially aligned sensors for sensing a scene. A processing element combines electronic images into a single electronic image. A display displaying the combined electronic image is adaptable for mounting in an optical axis including an eye of the user and an input end of the first sensor for direct view. In a second embodiment, a system for fusing images comprises sensors for generating sets of image data. An information processor receives and samples the sets of image data to generate sample data for computing a fused image array. A display receives the fused image array and displays a fused colorized image generated from the fused image array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: L-3 Communications Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy E. Ostromek, Joseph P. Estrera, Jeffrey C. Short, Lee S. May, Jr., Bruce V. Hoodswain, Timothy B. Hogan
  • Patent number: 7564015
    Abstract: A method for processing light energy is provided that includes receiving a plurality of photons reflected by an object and generating sensor data that is based a portion of the plurality of photons received. The sensor data is processed in order to generate processed sensor data. A segment of the processed sensor data that directly corresponds to the portion of the plurality of photons is displayed such that the segment may be viewed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Antonio V. Bacarella, Timothy E. Ostromek, Joseph P. Estrera, David W. Davis
  • Patent number: 7373023
    Abstract: Generating an image includes receiving a light at sensors, where the light is associated with images. A previous matrix is determined, where the previous matrix includes image information associated with an image. For each sensor, a current image data corresponding to a current image is generated and a current matrix is determined using the previous matrix and the current image data. The current matrix includes image information associated with the current image. A fusion matrix is computed according to the current matrix of each sensor, where the fusion matrix initiates generation of a fused image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Guidance and Electronics Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy E. Ostromek, Antonio V. Bacarella
  • Patent number: 7274830
    Abstract: A method and system for fusing image data includes an electronic circuit (L) for synchronizing image frames. An adaptive lookup table unit (302a, 302b) receives the image frame data sets and applies correction factors to individual pixels. The size of an image is then scaled or otherwise manipulated as desired by data formatting processors (312a and 312b). Multiple images communicated within parallel circuit branches (P1 and P2) are aligned and registered together with sub-pixel resolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Antonio V. Bacarella, Timothy E. Ostromek, Timothy B. Hogan, Jeffrey C. Short, Gabriel H. Denk, Robert F. Lund
  • Patent number: 7176963
    Abstract: A system, a method, and software for image fusion are disclosed. Image sensors sense light and generate image sensor data in response to the light. Spectral detectors detect energy of the light proximate each image sensor, and a voltage value corresponding to the detected energy is determined. A weight factor for each image sensor is calculated according to the voltage value. The image sensor data from each image sensor is weighted according to the weight factor for the image sensor, and the weighted image sensor data are fused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy E. Ostromek
  • Patent number: 7177485
    Abstract: A system and method for combining image data are disclosed. Sensor data sets (210, 212) are received from sensors (112). An image metric (214) with slots (217) is generated by repeating the following for each sensor data set (210, 212) until a final slot (217) of the image metric (214) is reached: generating display data from a subset of a sensor data set (210) for a slot (217) of the image metric, and generating display data from a subset of a next sensor data set (212) for a next slot (217) of the image metric (214). An image generated from the image metric (214) is displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Antonio V. Bacarella, David W. Davis, Timothy E. Ostromek
  • Patent number: 7129462
    Abstract: An image intensification camera system (C) for gathering image data includes an image intensifier (310) for amplifying received light (312). A relay optic assembly (316) is coupled between the image intensifier (310) and a digital image sensor (318), such as a CMOS or CCD device. Digital logic (322) is used to process or output an image or related data (334).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy B. Hogan, Antonio V. Bacarella, Timothy E. Ostromek, Jeffrey C. Short, Rodney L. Doster
  • Patent number: 7098436
    Abstract: A technique for generating an image having multiple hues includes filtering first photons at a first wavelength range using a first input filter section of an input filter, and filtering second photons at a second wavelength range using a second input filter section of the input filter. The first photons are directed towards a tube pixel set of a sensor, and the second photons are directed towards the tube pixel set. The first photons and the second photons are detected at the sensor. The first photons are received using a first output filter section of an output filter, and the second photons are received using a second output filter section of the output filter. An image is generated from the first photons and the second photons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Antonio V. Bacarella, Timothy E. Ostromek
  • Patent number: 7092013
    Abstract: An InGaAs Image Intensifier (“I2”) Camera (C) detects and forms an image (310) to be viewed. An InGaAs photocathode Image Intensifier (312) is used to pass an amplified signal (316) from a screen (320). The InGaAs image intensification tube (312) is optically coupled (328) to an imaging device (322) for passing output light. The output light (316) from the InGaAs tube (312) is transformed by an electronic circuit (322) producing a desired signal output (324). The signal output (324) from the electronic circuit (322) may be further enhanced into an enhanced signal output (310). The enhanced signal output may be formatted into a form for viewing or may be saved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Antonio V. Bacarella, Timothy E. Ostromek, Timothy B. Hogan, Rodney L. Doster, Jeffrey C. Short, Joseph P. Estrera
  • Patent number: 7091930
    Abstract: A sensor unit (F) has at least a first and second sensor (10, 12) arranged along a sensor axis (14). A head adapter (16) provides support to mount at least one selected device about a user's cranium (18). A securing module (20) is attached to the sensor unit for mounting the sensor unit (F) to the head adapter (16). The sensor unit (F) is to be mounted above an ocular axis (22) formed between a pair of eyes (24) of the user (U) when the sensor unit (F) is attached to the head adapter element (16). When the sensor unit (F) is secured to the user (U) with the head adapter element (16), the sensor axis (14) is essentially perpendicular to the user's ocular axis (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy E. Ostromek, Joseph P. Estrera, Antonio V. Bacarella, Kenneth W. Sauter, Michael J. Iosue, Timothy B. Hogan
  • Patent number: 6970190
    Abstract: An event synchronizing apparatus E for an image intensification camera system C for gathering image data includes an image intensifier 348 for amplifying received light 312. A relay optic assembly 316 is coupled between the image intensifier 348 and a digital image sensor 350, such as a CMOS or CCD device. Digital logic 352 is used to process or output an image or related data 334. An event detector 340 digitizes an input signal 342 from an illumination source 338 and generates an electrical output synchronization signal 346 in response to the input optical signal 342. The image intensifier camera C derives imaging and control information for the synchronization signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy E. Ostromek, Timothy B. Hogan, Antonio V. Bacarella, Jeffrey C. Short, Jerry D. Porter
  • Patent number: 6861638
    Abstract: A technique for generating an image having multiple hues includes filtering first photons at a first wavelength range using a first input filter section of an input filter, and filtering second photons at a second wavelength range using a second input filter section of the input filter. The first photons are directed towards a tube pixel set of a sensor, and the second photons are directed towards the tube pixel set. The first photons and the second photons are detected at the sensor. The first photons are received using a first output filter section of an output filter, and the second photons are received using a second output filter section of the output filter. An image is generated from the first photons and the second photons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Antonio V. Bacarella, Timothy E. Ostromek
  • Publication number: 20040131277
    Abstract: A system and method for combining image data are disclosed. Sensor data sets (210, 212) are received from sensors (112). An image metric (214) with slots (217) is generated by repeating the following for each sensor data set (210, 212) until a final slot (217) of the image metric (214) is reached: generating display data from a subset of a sensor data set (210) for a slot (217) of the image metric, and generating display data from a subset of a next sensor data set (212) for a next slot (217) of the image metric (214). An image generated from the image metric (214) is displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Antonio V. Bacarella, David W. Davis, Timothy E. Ostromek
  • Publication number: 20040130630
    Abstract: A system, a method, and software for image fusion are disclosed. Image sensors sense light and generate image sensor data in response to the light. Spectral detectors detect energy of the light proximate each image sensor, and a voltage value corresponding to the detected energy is determined. A weight factor for each image sensor is calculated according to the voltage value. The image sensor data from each image sensor is weighted according to the weight factor for the image sensor, and the weighted image sensor data are fused.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Timothy E. Ostromek
  • Patent number: 6760062
    Abstract: Synchronizing subsystems includes receiving an objective and constraints at a timing module from a processor. The constraints describe subsystems that include at least one sensor. An objective function is determined in response to the objective. The objective function includes a function of time variables, where a time variable is associated with a subsystem. The objective function is optimized in accordance with the constraints to determine a time value for each time variable, and the subsystems are synchronized according to the time values. Data is received from the synchronized subsystems at the processor, and an image is generated from the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy E. Ostromek, Antonio V. Bacarella
  • Patent number: 6747821
    Abstract: A system (S) for mounting and aligning a detector (D) about an observation instrument (10) includes a first detector (12) movably coupled to the observation instrument (10) off an axis of observation centerline (14) for the observation instrument (10). A retainer (16) is mounted with the observation instrument (10) to secure the first detector (12) to the observation instrument (10). The retainer (16) permits rotatable movement of the first detector (12) about the axis of observation centerline (14). The retainer (16) also preferably includes an attachment point (20) for mounting the first detector (12) to the retainer (16). The first detector (12) should be adjustable at least about an axis (22) essentially perpendicular to the axis of the observation centerline (14) for the observation instrument (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy E. Ostromek, Timothy B. Hogan, Jeffrey C. Short, Antonio V. Bacarella, Jerry D. Porter, Allan B. Lewis, Rodney L. Doster, Robert F. Lund
  • Publication number: 20040036013
    Abstract: A technique for generating an image having multiple hues includes filtering first photons at a first wavelength range using a first input filter section of an input filter, and filtering second photons at a second wavelength range using a second input filter section of the input filter. The first photons are directed towards a tube pixel set of a sensor, and the second photons are directed towards the tube pixel set. The first photons and the second photons are detected at the sensor. The first photons are received using a first output filter section of an output filter, and the second photons are received using a second output filter section of the output filter. An image is generated from the first photons and the second photons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Antonio V. Bacarella, Timothy E. Ostromek
  • Patent number: 6674062
    Abstract: A system (300) for gating a sensor (118) includes a detector (120) that detects light and outputs a signal (102) corresponding to the light. A control unit (334) receives the signal (106), and enables and disables a power supply (314) in response to the signal (106) to generate a gated power signal (316). The power supply (314) outputs the gated power signal (316) to a sensor (118) sensing the light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy E. Ostromek, Joseph P. Estrera, Antonio V. Bacarella