Patents by Inventor Vernon R. Goodman

Vernon R. Goodman 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: 10055885
    Abstract: Discussed herein are systems, devices, and methods for filtering digital elevation map (DEM) data. A method can include ingesting digital elevation map (DEM) data and intensity data from a panchromatic (PAN) or multi-spectral (MS) image, filling in voids in the ingested DEM data using local interpolation to create interpolated DEM data, creating a shadow map based on the received intensity data, modifying, using the created shadow map, a height of one or more pixels in the interpolated DEM data to create a modified DEM file, and storing the modified DEM file in a memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Vernon R. Goodman
  • Patent number: 9699453
    Abstract: Embodiments of a method and apparatus for video enhancement are generally described herein. In some embodiments, the method includes accessing a first frame of the video. The first frame can include pixel data with intensity values within one of a number of non-overlapping ranges of intensity values. The method can further include compressing the intensity values of the first pixel data to generate non-linearly compressed (NLC) pixel data such that the intensity values are compressed into smaller ranges of intensity values. The method can further include upsampling the NLC pixel data based on an upsampling ratio. The method can further include decompressing the intensity values of the upsampled pixel data by reassigning intensity values of the upsampled pixel data to intensity values in the original intensity value ranges. Other example methods, systems, and apparatuses are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Vernon R. Goodman, Rebekah Montgomery
  • Publication number: 20170076456
    Abstract: Discussed herein are systems, devices, and methods for filtering digital elevation map (DEM) data. A method can include ingesting digital elevation map (DEM) data and intensity data from a panchromatic (PAN) or multi-spectral (MS) image, filling in voids in the ingested DEM data using local interpolation to create interpolated DEM data, creating a shadow map based on the received intensity data, modifying, using the created shadow map, a height of one or more pixels in the interpolated DEM data to create a modified DEM file, and storing the modified DEM file in a memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Inventor: Vernon R. Goodman
  • Patent number: 9330435
    Abstract: Generally discussed herein are systems and apparatuses that relate to systems and methods for analysis of 3D light radar (LiDAR) point clouds. The disclosure also includes techniques of bare earth and feature extraction. According to an example, bare earth and feature extraction can include estimation of a ground layer, generation of an inverse Above Ground Layer (AGL), identification of paths, roads, and cleared areas, identification and removal of buildings, and identification of a Human Activity Layer (HAL). This combination of features may provide for a much higher probability of detection of human activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Vernon R. Goodman, Rebekah Montgomery
  • Publication number: 20150269705
    Abstract: Generally discussed herein are systems and apparatuses that relate to systems and methods for analysis of 3D light radar (LiDAR) point clouds. The disclosure also includes techniques of bare earth and feature extraction. According to an example, bare earth and feature extraction can include estimation of a ground layer, generation of an inverse Above Ground Layer (AGL), identification of paths, roads, and cleared areas, identification and removal of buildings, and identification of a Human Activity Layer (HAL). This combination of features may provide for a much higher probability of detection of human activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Applicant: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Vernon R. Goodman, Rebekah Montgomery
  • Patent number: 9118872
    Abstract: Embodiments of a method and apparatus for image enhancement are generally described herein. In some embodiments, the method includes accessing two or more sets of first pixel data representative of two or more images of a physical object. The method can further include transforming the two or more sets of pixel data to generate two or more sets of frequency domain data. The method can further include upsampling each of the two or more sets of frequency domain data to generate a set of upsampled frequency domain data. The method can further include re-transforming the set of upsampled frequency domain data to generate two or more sets of second pixel data. The method can further include combining two or more sets of second pixel data to generate an enhanced image of the physical object. Other example methods, systems, and apparatuses are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Vernon R. Goodman, Rebekah Montgomery
  • Patent number: 8994818
    Abstract: A method includes receiving image data obtained by a laser imaging system. The method also includes identifying a minimum post spacing obtainable in a three-dimensional image constructed using the image data. The minimum post spacing defines a maximum obtainable resolution of the image. Identifying the minimum post spacing includes using (i) multiple point spread functions associated with the image data and (ii) a number of laser pulses directed at a specified area by the imaging system during capture of the image data. Identifying the minimum post spacing may also include using (iii) a minimum contrast ratio associated with the image. The point spread functions may be associated with different point reflectors, have a Gaussian distribution, and overlap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Vernon R. Goodman
  • Publication number: 20150071566
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for image processing of XYZ point clouds obtained from a GmAPD LADAR using low-pass filtering followed by high-pass filtering and deconvolution. Preferably, the low-pass filter parameters are developed numerically utilizing Weiner-Levinson Deconvolution (WLD).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventor: Vernon R. Goodman
  • Patent number: 8913784
    Abstract: A method, in accordance with particular embodiments, includes receiving voxel data for a plurality of voxels. Each voxel is associated with a unique volume of space associated with a geographic area. The voxel data for each respective voxel includes one or more values based on one or more reflections from one or more light pulses from a LIDAR system. The method further includes identifying noise values from among the one or more values for each respective voxel. The method additionally includes determining a baseline threshold comprising a static value that is uniform for each of the voxels. The method additionally includes determining a dynamic threshold that varies between the voxels and is based on the identified noise values. The method further includes applying the baseline and dynamic thresholds to the voxel data to generate filtered voxel data. The method also includes generating a three-dimensional image based on the filtered voxel data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Corey J. Collard, Vernon R. Goodman
  • Patent number: 8885883
    Abstract: A method for processing XYZ point cloud of a scene acquired by a GmAPD LADAR includes: performing on a computing device a three-dimensional statistical differencing on the XYZ point cloud obtained from the GmAPD LADAR to produce a SD point cloud; and displaying an image of the SD point cloud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Vernon R. Goodman
  • Patent number: 8805075
    Abstract: A method includes obtaining image data associated with a specified area having one or more objects. The method also includes segmenting the image data into one or more segments associated with the one or more objects. The method further includes analyzing each of the one or more segments to identify a vibrometry spectrum associated with the corresponding object. In addition, the method includes generating an image of the specified area using the vibrometry spectrum associated with each object. The image of the specified area could illustrate each of the one or more objects with an intensity based on a total power of that target's total vibrational energy. The image of the specified area could also illustrate movement of at least one object over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Vernon R. Goodman, Rebekah R. Montgomery, Steven B. Seida
  • Patent number: 8768068
    Abstract: In one aspect, a computerized method to automatically detect buildings includes determining if each point of a set of filtered points is on a line by processing the set of filtered points in one pass including a) locating a first point of the set of filter points nearest to a second point of the set of filtered points, b) determining if the distance between the first point and the second point is greater than a distance threshold; c) determining if the first point and the second point have collinearity greater than a collinearity threshold; and d) designating the first point as an endpoint of a line that includes the second point if the distance between the first point and the second point is greater than the distance threshold and if the first point and the second point have collinearity greater than the collinearity threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Vernon R. Goodman, John T. Crews
  • Publication number: 20140072220
    Abstract: A method includes obtaining image data associated with a specified area having one or more objects. The method also includes segmenting the image data into one or more segments associated with the one or more objects. The method further includes analyzing each of the one or more segments to identify a vibrometry spectrum associated with the corresponding object. In addition, the method includes generating an image of the specified area using the vibrometry spectrum associated with each object. The image of the specified area could illustrate each of the one or more objects with an intensity based on a total power of that target's total vibrational energy. The image of the specified area could also illustrate movement of at least one object over time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Vernon R. Goodman, Rebekah R. Montgomery, Steven B. Seida
  • Patent number: 8659747
    Abstract: In one aspect, a computerized method to automatically determine thresholds includes receiving data generated from a Geiger-mode avalanche photodiode (GmAPD) laser detecting and ranging (LADAR) sensor of a scene, determining an overall threshold value for the scene using a binomial distribution and determining post threshold values for each x-y position in the scene. The computerized method also includes, for each x-y position, using a maximum value of the post threshold values and the overall threshold value to filter the data from the scene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Vernon R. Goodman
  • Publication number: 20140028834
    Abstract: A method includes receiving image data obtained by a laser imaging system. The method also includes identifying a minimum post spacing obtainable in a three-dimensional image constructed using the image data. The minimum post spacing defines a maximum obtainable resolution of the image. Identifying the minimum post spacing includes using (i) multiple point spread functions associated with the image data and (ii) a number of laser pulses directed at a specified area by the imaging system during capture of the image data. Identifying the minimum post spacing may also include using (iii) a minimum contrast ratio associated with the image. The point spread functions may be associated with different point reflectors, have a Gaussian distribution, and overlap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Vernon R. Goodman
  • Publication number: 20130108148
    Abstract: In one aspect, a computerized method to automatically detect buildings includes determining if each point of a set of filtered points is on a line by processing the set of filtered points in one pass including a) locating a first point of the set of filter points nearest to a second point of the set of filtered points, b) determining if the distance between the first point and the second point is greater than a distance threshold; c) determining if the first point and the second point have collinearity greater than a collinearity threshold; and d) designating the first point as an endpoint of a line that includes the second point if the distance between the first point and the second point is greater than the distance threshold and if the first point and the second point have collinearity greater than the collinearity threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Vernon R. Goodman, John T. Crews
  • Publication number: 20130051655
    Abstract: A method, in accordance with particular embodiments, includes receiving voxel data for a plurality of voxels. Each voxel is associated with a unique volume of space associated with a geographic area. The voxel data for each respective voxel includes one or more values based on one or more reflections from one or more light pulses from a LIDAR system. The method further includes identifying noise values from among the one or more values for each respective voxel. The method additionally includes determining a baseline threshold comprising a static value that is uniform for each of the voxels. The method additionally includes determining a dynamic threshold that varies between the voxels and is based on the identified noise values. The method further includes applying the baseline and dynamic thresholds to the voxel data to generate filtered voxel data. The method also includes generating a three-dimensional image based on the filtered voxel data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Corey J. Collard, Vernon R. Goodman
  • Publication number: 20130022241
    Abstract: A method for processing XYZ point cloud of a scene acquired by a GmAPD LADAR includes: performing on a computing device a three-dimensional statistical differencing on the XYZ point cloud obtained from the GmAPD LADAR to produce a SD point cloud; and displaying an image of the SD point cloud.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventor: Vernon R. Goodman
  • Publication number: 20130021342
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing of XYZ point clouds obtained from a GmAPD LADAR using low-pass filtering followed by high-pass filtering and deconvolution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventor: Vernon R. Goodman
  • Patent number: 8344944
    Abstract: A System and Method for CW interference suppression in pulsed signal processing having a front-end, an A/D converter, a data store, and a suppressor module coupled to both the A/D converter and the data store. The front-end is operable to receive a waveform and communicate such to the A/D converter to digitize for processing by the suppressor module. The suppressor module being operable to further process the digitized waveform by way of applying a FFT to obtain a corresponding amplitude spectrum of the digitized waveform, clipping the amplitude spectrum to obtain a clipped amplitude spectrum, performing successive piece-wise IFFTs on the positive frequency points of the clipped amplitude spectrum to obtain multiple amplitude-time series, each having a frequency value assigned, and then stacking such amplitude-time series successively in the data store to form a time-frequency spectrogram array to thereby facilitate suppression of interference signals and detection of data pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Vernon R Goodman