Abstract: Various techniques are disclosed for providing a wearable apparatus having an integrated infrared imaging module. In one example, a wearable apparatus implemented as a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) may include a shield to protect a user from an external environment, one or more infrared imaging modules, a projector, a processor, and a communication module for projecting a user-viewable thermal image onto a surface of the shield. Such infrared imaging modules may be positioned internal to the SCBA for protection from a hazardous external environment. In another example, a wearable apparatus implemented as a welding mask may include one or more infrared imaging modules, a projector, a processor, and a communication module, so as to project a user-viewable thermal image onto a surface of a shield of the welding mask, while at the same time protecting these components and the welder's face from a harsh welding environment.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for determining a range on a golf course are disclosed. Methods may utilize infrared imaging to assist in determining a range. An infrared image (e.g., a thermal image) of a portion of a golf course that includes a flagstick is captured. The flagstick includes a thermal target. The thermal target of the flagstick is detected based on the infrared image. A light is emitted to the flagstick based on the detected thermal target. The light reflected from the flagstick is detected. A distance to the flagstick is calculated based on the detected light and the distance is provided. An apparatus for performing the methods may be a thermal-assisted rangefinder that includes an infrared imaging module, a light source, a light detector, a visible light optical device, and a processor. The visible light optical device may include a lens, a display, and/or a visible light camera.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided for an infrared sensor assembly having a hybrid infrared sensor array. In one example, such a hybrid infrared sensor array may include a plurality of microbolometers and a non-bolometric infrared sensor. The non-bolometric infrared sensor may be a thermopile or other type of infrared sensor different from a bolometer-based sensor. The non-bolometric infrared sensor may be utilized to provide a more accurate and stable temperature reading of an object or area of a scene captured by the array. In some embodiments, the non-bolometric infrared sensor may also be utilized to perform a shutter-less radiometric calibration of the microbolometers of the array. An infrared sensor assembly may include, for example, the hybrid infrared sensor array, as well as a substrate including bond pads and/or appropriate circuits to obtain and/or transmit output signals from the non-bolometric infrared sensor.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided for an infrared sensor assembly having a hybrid infrared sensor array. In one example, such a hybrid infrared sensor array may include a plurality of microbolometers and a non-bolometric infrared sensor. The non-bolometric infrared sensor may be a thermopile or other type of infrared sensor different from a bolometer-based sensor. The non-bolometric infrared sensor may be utilized to provide a more accurate and stable temperature reading of an object or area of a scene captured by the array. In some embodiments, the non-bolometric infrared sensor may also be utilized to perform a shutter-less radiometric calibration of the microbolometers of the array. An infrared sensor assembly may include, for example, the hybrid infrared sensor array, as well as a substrate including bond pads and/or appropriate circuits to obtain and/or transmit output signals from the non-bolometric infrared sensor.

Abstract: Various techniques are disclosed for providing object recognition using thermal imaging. Unique thermal features of an object such as a human face can be detected using a thermal imaging module. The thermal imaging module may be included in an authentication system that performs authentication operations for users of a secure system based on the detected thermal features. The thermal features may include a thermal map of a user's face. An object recognition system such as an authentication system may include a non-thermal imaging module that captures non-thermal images of the object. The object recognition system may recognize objects using thermal images and non-thermal images in separate object recognition operations or by combining the thermal and non-thermal images and performing object recognition operations using the combined image. A thermal imaging authentication system may help eliminate user passwords on phones, tablets, computers and/or other secure access systems.

Abstract: Various techniques are disclosed for providing a wearable apparatus having an integrated infrared imaging module. In one example, a wearable apparatus implemented as a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) may include a shield to protect a user from an external environment, one or more infrared imaging modules, a projector, a processor, and a communication module for projecting a user-viewable thermal image onto a surface of the shield. Such infrared imaging modules may be positioned internal to the SCBA for protection from a hazardous external environment. In another example, a wearable apparatus implemented as a welding mask may include one or more infrared imaging modules, a projector, a processor, and a communication module, so as to project a user-viewable thermal image onto a surface of a shield of the welding mask, while at the same time protecting these components and the welder's face from a harsh welding environment.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided for an infrared sensor assembly having a hybrid infrared sensor array. In one example, such a hybrid infrared sensor array may include a plurality of microbolometers and a non-bolometric infrared sensor. The non-bolometric infrared sensor may be a thermopile or other type of infrared sensor different from a bolometer-based sensor. The non-bolometric infrared sensor may be utilized to provide a more accurate and stable temperature reading of an object or area of a scene captured by the array. In some embodiments, the non-bolometric infrared sensor may also be utilized to perform a shutter-less radiometric calibration of the microbolometers of the array. An infrared sensor assembly may include, for example, the hybrid infrared sensor array, as well as a substrate including bond pads and/or appropriate circuits to obtain and/or transmit output signals from the non-bolometric infrared sensor.

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.

Abstract: Various techniques are disclosed for providing a wearable apparatus having an integrated infrared imaging module. In one example, a wearable apparatus implemented as a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) may include a shield to protect a user from an external environment, one or more infrared imaging modules, a projector, a processor, and a communication module for projecting a user-viewable thermal image onto a surface of the shield. Such infrared imaging modules may be positioned internal to the SCBA for protection from a hazardous external environment. In another example, a wearable apparatus implemented as a welding mask may include one or more infrared imaging modules, a projector, a processor, and a communication module, so as to project a user-viewable thermal image onto a surface of a shield of the welding mask, while at the same time protecting these components and the welder's face from a harsh welding environment.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for determining a range on a golf course are disclosed. Methods may utilize infrared imaging to assist in determining a range. An infrared image (e.g., a thermal image) of a portion of a golf course that includes a flagstick is captured. The flagstick includes a thermal target. The thermal target of the flagstick is detected based on the infrared image. A light is emitted to the flagstick based on the detected thermal target. The light reflected from the flagstick is detected. A distance to the flagstick is calculated based on the detected light and the distance is provided. An apparatus for performing the methods may be a thermal-assisted rangefinder that includes an infrared imaging module, a light source, a light detector, a visible light optical device, and a processor. The visible light optical device may include a lens, a display, and/or a visible light camera.

Abstract: Various techniques are disclosed for providing object recognition using thermal imaging. Unique thermal features of an object such as a human face can be detected using a thermal imaging module. The thermal imaging module may be included in an authentication system that performs authentication operations for users of a secure system based on the detected thermal features. The thermal features may include a thermal map of a user's face. An object recognition system such as an authentication system may include a non-thermal imaging module that captures non-thermal images of the object. The object recognition system may recognize objects using thermal images and non-thermal images in separate object recognition operations or by combining the thermal and non-thermal images and performing object recognition operations using the combined image. A thermal imaging authentication system may help eliminate user passwords on phones, tablets, computers and/or other secure access systems.

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.

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.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided for an infrared sensor assembly having a hybrid infrared sensor array. In one example, such a hybrid infrared sensor array may include a plurality of microbolometers and a non-bolometric infrared sensor. The non-bolometric infrared sensor may be a thermopile or other type of infrared sensor different from a bolometer-based sensor. The non-bolometric infrared sensor may be utilized to provide a more accurate and stable temperature reading of an object or area of a scene captured by the array. In some embodiments, the non-bolometric infrared sensor may also be utilized to perform a shutter-less radiometric calibration of the microbolometers of the array. An infrared sensor assembly may include, for example, the hybrid infrared sensor array, as well as a substrate including bond pads and/or appropriate circuits to obtain and/or transmit output signals from the non-bolometric infrared sensor.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed in accordance with some embodiments for integrating an infrared camera system into a vehicle's lighting component. For example in accordance with an embodiment, a lighting component for a vehicle includes a housing; an infrared camera disposed within the housing; a light source disposed within the housing and disposed at least partially around the infrared camera; and a lens coupled to the housing and adapted to allow infrared radiation to pass through and be received by the infrared camera and to allow light provided by the light source to be transmitted through the lens. Furthermore, one or more infrared cameras may be integrated into a vehicle to provide various capabilities, such as for example stereoscopic infrared imaging, multi-spectral stereoscopic imaging (e.g., using infrared and visible wavelengths or various infrared wavelengths for multi-color infrared imaging), and/or provide various fields of view (e.g., foveal imaging).

Abstract: Various techniques are disclosed for providing a wearable apparatus having an integrated infrared imaging module. In one example, a wearable apparatus implemented as a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) may include a shield to protect a user from an external environment, one or more infrared imaging modules, a projector, a processor, and a communication module for projecting a user-viewable thermal image onto a surface of the shield. Such infrared imaging modules may be positioned internal to the SCBA for protection from a hazardous external environment. In another example, a wearable apparatus implemented as a welding mask may include one or more infrared imaging modules, a projector, a processor, and a communication module, so as to project a user-viewable thermal image onto a surface of a shield of the welding mask, while at the same time protecting these components and the welder's face from a harsh welding environment.

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.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide improved infrared camera techniques for vehicular applications. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle includes at least a first plate to reflect infrared energy and an infrared camera to detect the infrared energy reflected from the first plate(s) to provide infrared images. The plate allows the infrared camera to provide a desired line of sight view without requiring the infrared camera to be directly within the line of sight.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide improved techniques for assembling and packaging infrared camera components. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an infrared camera includes a housing having a plurality of holes, with a shutter, a lens, an infrared detector, and a first spacer disposed within the housing. The first spacer is secured within the housing by an adhesive disposed in one or more of the holes of the housing.

Abstract: In a microbolometer detector the individual transducers in the focal plane array are support by leg members that are attached to the underlying readout integrated circuit (ROIC) chip at locations underneath transducers other than transducer which they support. A variety of configurations are possible. For example, the leg members may be attached to the ROIC chip at locations under adjacent transducers on opposite sides or on the same side of the supported transducer, or at locations underneath transducers that are not immediately adjacent to the supported transducer. In this way the effective length of the leg members and therefore the thermal isolation of the transducer they support can be increased.