Infrared-to-visible Imaging Patents (Class 250/330)
  • Patent number: 8797409
    Abstract: An imaging device for real-time display of image data on a local display and on a remote display is disclosed. In some embodiments, the imaging device can include an imaging engine, a memory device for storing image data, and a processor for receiving the image data from the imaging engine, storing the image data in the memory device, retrieving the image data from the memory device, and transmitting the image data to both a local display and remote display so that the image data can be viewed on both the remote display and local display simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Fluke Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas Heinke
  • Patent number: 8796626
    Abstract: An optical sensor includes a visible light sensor includes a visible light sensing transistor and an infrared light sensor includes an infrared light sensing transistor, wherein the visible light sensing transistor receives a first driving voltage through a first driving voltage line, the infrared light sensing transistor receives a second driving voltage through a second driving voltage line, and the visible light sensing transistor and the infrared light sensing transistor receive a reference voltage through a reference voltage line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kun-Wook Han, Sung-Ryul Kim, Woong-Kwon Kim, Dae-Cheol Kim, Ki-Hun Jeong, Jung-Suk Bang, Yun-Jong Yeo, Byeong-Hoon Cho, Hong-Kee Chin, Sung-Jin Mun
  • Patent number: 8785854
    Abstract: A measurement system including a reference resistive sensor traversed by a reference current, with a reference arm having a reference resistance and being traversed by the reference current in order to produce a reference voltage between its ends, at least one measurement resistive sensor traversed by a measurement current that depends on a measurement taken by the measurement resistive sensor, a measurement mirror arm traversed by a current, and a device for measuring the difference between the measurement current and the current traversing the measurement mirror arm. The resistance of the measurement mirror arm of each measurement resistive sensor is equal to the reference resistance and the measurement system further includes a device for applying, to each measurement mirror arm, the reference voltage. The device for applying the reference voltage being designed to the isolated to a current of the measurement mirror arm when the reference voltage is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'energie atomique et aux energies alternatives
    Inventors: Bertrand Dupont, Michael Tchagaspanian
  • Patent number: 8780161
    Abstract: The present invention describes a method of modifying an image in a video that includes the step of capturing a visible light image of an area, where the visible light image captured at a first frame rate. The method in addition includes the step of capturing a corresponding infrared light image of an area, the infrared light image being captured when the area is illuminated with an infrared light source, the infrared light image captured at the substantially the same frame rate as the visible light image. Based on the infrared light image, at least a subset of the human perceptible characteristics of the captured visible light image are modified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Ramin Samadani, Chen Wu
  • Patent number: 8759770
    Abstract: A system for qualifying usability risk associated with subsurface defects in a multilayer coating includes a component having a multilayer coating, an infrared detection device for capturing infrared images of the multilayered coating and a processing unit that is in electronic communication with the infrared detection device where the processing unit generates a subsurface defect map of the multilayer coating based on the infrared images. The system further includes a risk map of the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Steven Charles Woods, James Carroll Baummer
  • Patent number: 8735817
    Abstract: A target engagement system includes a night vision goggle system operating within a predetermined wavelength band, and a laser module projecting light onto a target, where the light operates at a wavelength that is outside of the predetermined wavelength band. Also included is a receive system for receiving the light reflected from the target and converting the light into a wavelength within the predetermined wavelength band. In this manner, the receive system provides the converted light to the night vision goggle system, and the night vision goggle system amplifies the converted light for viewing by a user. The receive system includes a clip-on device for removably attaching the receive system between the target and the night vision goggle system. The receive system includes an up-converting phosphor layer for up-converting the received light into a wavelength detectable by the night vision goggle system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Exelis, Inc.
    Inventors: Nils I. Thomas, Daniel M. Thorsen, Kevin P. Hines
  • Patent number: 8710440
    Abstract: Provided are a measuring device and a measuring method that use terahertz light, by which a substance to be detected can be detected with high sensitivity and high accuracy. A measuring device using a pulsed electromagnetic wave is provided with a substance detection plate, a means for generating the pulsed electromagnetic wave having amplitude intensity dependent on the amount of a substance to be detected at an irradiation position by irradiating the substance detection plate with a pulsed laser beam, and a detection means for detecting the amplitude intensity of the pulsed electromagnetic wave, and measures the change of the state of a solution containing the substance to be detected on the basis of the amplitude intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: National University Corporation Okayama University
    Inventors: Toshihiko Kiwa, Keiji Tsukada
  • Patent number: 8692198
    Abstract: A monolithic sensor for detecting infrared and visible light according to an example includes a semiconductor substrate and a semiconductor layer coupled to the semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor layer includes a device surface opposite the semiconductor substrate. A visible light photodiode is formed at the device surface. An infrared photodiode is also formed at the device surface and in proximity to the visible light photodiode. A textured region is coupled to the infrared photodiode and positioned to interact with electromagnetic radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: SiOnyx, Inc.
    Inventors: Jutao Jiang, Jeffrey McKee, Martin U. Pralle
  • Patent number: 8680468
    Abstract: An IR camera includes a first optical subsystem for generating an IR image of an object and a second optical subsystem for generating a visual light image of the object. The IR camera further includes a focusing device for focusing the first optical subsystem. The IR camera also has a processor for determining a focus distance for focusing the first optical subsystem on the object. The processor determines the focus distance based on a displacement of a feature in the visual light image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: FLIR Systems AB
    Inventors: Katrin Strandemar, Björn Roth, Magnus Boman
  • Patent number: 8659664
    Abstract: A portable camera system (100) includes a lens (104) for forming a focused image of a survey scene (106) onto a focal plane array (108). The focal plane array (108) comprises a cooled two dimensional array of quantum well infrared photo detectors, (QWIP) having a peak spectral responsivity in the wavelength range of 10.4 to 10.8 ?m. The camera includes a cooled band pass optical filter (110) having a peak spectral transmittance approximately centered at a wavelength of 10.57 ?m and a full width half maximum spectral transmittance bandwidth of approximately 10.3 to 10.7 ?m. The camera system (100) is usable to detect an invisible gas plume in a video image of a survey scene if the gas plume contains sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), ammonia, (NH3), Uranyl Fluoride (U2O2F2), or any other gas having an absorption band that that at least partially falls within the wavelength band 10.3 to 10.8 ?m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: FLIR Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Benson, Thomas J. Scanlon, Paul A. Czerepuszko
  • Patent number: 8658975
    Abstract: Disclosed is an image sensor for measuring illumination, proximity and color temperature, including: a light source unit configured to irradiate infrared with a wavelength of a specific band onto an object; a light source controller configured to control power supplied to the light source unit; an infrared transmission filter configured to allow only the infrared and visible ray with the wavelength of the specific band among light incident through a lens after being reflected by the object to selectively transmit therethrough; a first sensing unit provided with an image pixel for acquiring an image of the object introduced through the infrared transmission filter; and a second sensing unit configured to receive the infrared and the visible ray having passed through the infrared transmission filter and measure current illumination, proximity to the object and color temperature of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Siliconfile Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Byoung-Su Lee, Chan-Ki Kim, Young-Ho Seo
  • Publication number: 20140042319
    Abstract: A thermal imaging camera that intermittently captures thermal images of a scene for long term monitoring of the scene. The thermal images may be captured after each interval of a time delay interval and/or upon detection of a threshold change in thermal energy in the scene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: FLUKE CORPORATION
    Inventors: James T. Pickett, Thomas Heinke
  • Patent number: 8649848
    Abstract: System and method are described for synchronizing a pulsed source of the near infrared illumination used in visualizing subcutaneous structures with the background illumination normally extant in medical treatment settings that allow both enhanced image acquisition and use of higher power pulsed infrared illumination sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Robert L. Crane, Michael P. Buchin
  • Patent number: 8649932
    Abstract: A solution for evaluating a vehicle using infrared data is provided. In particular, evaluation data for the vehicle is obtained, which includes infrared data for a plurality of sides of the vehicle as well as vehicle identification data for distinguishing the vehicle from another vehicle. The infrared data is processed to enhance a set of signal features. Additional non-infrared based data also can be obtained for evaluating the vehicle. The evaluation data is analyzed to determine whether one or more anomalies are present. The anomaly(ies) can be correlated with a possible problem with a component of the vehicle. Data on the anomaly, problem, and/or vehicle identification can be provided for use on another system, such as a remote inspection station, maintenance system, and/or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: International Electronic Machines Corp.
    Inventors: Zahid F. Mian, Robert W. Foss
  • Publication number: 20140008536
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for determining an unknown degree of amorphicity in a bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy. A specimen can be prepared from the alloy, irradiated with passive radiation, imaged to provide a thermal image, and the image analyzed to assess the differences in emissivities in the image. The degree of amorphicity can be determined based on the differences in thermal emissivities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventors: Christopher D. PREST, Matthew S. SCOTT, Dermot J. STRATTON, Joseph C. POOLE, Theodore A. WANIUK
  • Patent number: 8618486
    Abstract: An apparatus visualizing internal information of an object includes a detection unit of terahertz wave, a generating unit of a time waveform of the terahertz wave, a modulation unit, an adjustment unit, and an addition unit. The modulation unit sequentially performs spatial modulation on a propagation distance for each pixel of a terahertz wave corresponding to a pixel in a horizontal direction by using a plurality of modulation patterns, and emits a plurality of terahertz waves. Based on a time amount converted from the change of the propagation distances corresponding to the modulation patterns, the adjustment unit adjusts a position on a time axis of the time waveforms of a plurality of terahertz waves and calculates a new plurality of time waveforms. The addition unit adds a new time waveform for each pixel. The apparatus can suppress reduction in signal intensity of a terahertz wave while maintaining detection sensitivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeaki Itsuji
  • Publication number: 20130341509
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a portable device for detecting the presence of explosive materials, including bulk explosive materials and out-gassed by products of explosive materials. The portable device may comprise a tunable filter and a NIR detector, configured so as to generate a NIR hyperspectral image representative of a target. The portable device may also comprise a RGB detector configured to generate a video image of a region of interest. The disclosure also provides for a method of detecting explosive materials using NIR hyperspectral imaging which may comprise collecting interacted photons, passing the interacted photons through a tunable filter, and detecting the interacted photons to generate a NIR hyperspectral image representative of a target. The method may also comprise surveying a region of interest using a RGB detector to identify a target for further inspection using NIR hyperspectral imaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: Chemimage Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Nelson, Patrick Treado, Charles Gardner, JR.
  • Patent number: 8592766
    Abstract: A display device is applied to a light sensing system. The display device includes a display module and a pattern layer. The pattern layer is made of optical material capable of either fully or partially reflecting or absorbing invisible light of specific wavelength emitted from the display module, and is formatted on the display module, thus defining gaps through which invisible light can pass. A light sensor is utilized to sense the pre-determined pattern defined by the invisible light passing through the pattern layer. Based on the light sensing result, the light sensor can recognize the corresponding pattern. The optical material of the pattern layer may be arranged to incorporate locational varying invisible light transmittance to define the pre-determined pattern at a finer degree, thus further increasing sensing accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignees: Lite-On Electronics (Guangzhou) Limited, Lite-On Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Meng-Hsin Kuo
  • Patent number: 8569684
    Abstract: A system and method for optimizing fixed and temporal noise in an infrared imaging system. The system may use correction tables with correction factors, each correction factor indexed to a plurality of system parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventors: Steven J. Olson, Jordan L. Holt
  • Patent number: 8563928
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing sub-diffraction limited images utilizing an exponential scaling effect. An exemplary system provides an optical source that focuses an optical beam onto a target. The focused optical beam has sufficient optical intensity to induce an exponential signal response within the target. A detection device detects the exponential signal response. A scanning device scans the focused optical source and another device records the detection of the exponential signal response for purposes of producing a sub-diffraction limited image. The system further includes a display device that displays at least a portion of the recorded detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Quantum Focus Instruments Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Aaron Falk
  • Publication number: 20130206988
    Abstract: Embodiments of the subject invention relate to a method and apparatus for infrared (IR) detection. Organic layers can be utilized to produce a phototransistor for the detection of IR radiation. The wavelength range of the IR detector can be modified by incorporating materials sensitive to photons of different wavelengths. Quantum dots of materials sensitive to photons of different wavelengths than the host organic material of the absorbing layer of the phototransistor can be incorporated into the absorbing layer so as to enhance the absorption of photons having wavelengths associated with the material of the quantum dots. A photoconductor structure can be used instead of a phototransistor. The photoconductor can incorporate PbSe or PbS quantum dots. The photoconductor can incorporate organic materials and part of an OLED structure. A detected IR image can be displayed to a user. Organic materials can be used to create an organic light-emitting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
    Inventor: UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
  • Patent number: 8507859
    Abstract: Provided is an optical arrangement of the infrared camera comprising a lens unit in which a lens is supported by a frame body, an infrared detector module in which an infrared detector for detecting amount of an infrared ray transmitted through the lens as a heat and converting the infrared rays to an image signal is sealed in a housing having a window portion, and a shutter provided between the lens and the infrared detector module. A detector surface of the infrared detector, the window portion, the shutter, and the lens are arranged such that an inclination angle of a virtual straight line which connects each corner portion of the detector surface, the window portion and a maximum aperture of the shutter, and edge portion of an effective lens area of a lens closest to the shutter against to an optical axis is 25° to 35°, is adopted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Tamron Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsushi Koide
  • Publication number: 20130187047
    Abstract: A wide field-of-view infrared optical imaging system with extended spectral coverage into the 1.0 to 2.5 ?m wavelength range. In one example, an optical imaging system includes an imaging detector sensitive to light in a wavelength range of at least 1.0 ?m to 5.0 ?m, and a plurality of lenses optically coupled together and configured to focus incoming light onto the imaging detector, the plurality of lenses each comprised of a material that is transparent to the light in the wavelength range of at least 1.0 ?m to 5.0 ?m, wherein a pupil of the optical imaging system is located external to the plurality of lenses between the plurality of lenses and the imaging detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventor: Lacy G. Cook
  • Patent number: 8491135
    Abstract: An apparatus determines a cursor position in an illumination field of a projector. An obstruction is detected in the illumination field. The cursor position is determined as the point on the obstruction furthest from where the obstruction crosses a border of the illumination field. A distance to the point on the obstruction is determined and compared to a distance to a point not on the obstruction. Gestures are recognized as a function of movement of the obstruction and the determined distances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Microvision, Inc.
    Inventors: Margaret K. Brown, George Thomas Valliath, David R. Nash
  • Publication number: 20130181128
    Abstract: A photoconductive antenna is adapted to generate terahertz waves when irradiated by pulsed light. The photoconductive antenna includes a first conductive region, a second conductive region, and a semiconductor region. The second conductive region is spaced apart from the first conductive region to form a gap therebetween in a top plan view of the photoconductive antenna. The semiconductor region is positioned in the gap between the first conductive region and the second conductive region in the top plan view. An interfacial surface of the semiconductor region positioned in the gap is flush with first interfacial surfaces of the first and second conductive regions. Second interfacial surfaces of the first and second conductive regions positioned on an opposite side from the first interfacial surfaces are positioned on the same side with respect to the interfacial surface of the semiconductor region positioned in the gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
  • Patent number: 8487254
    Abstract: A system and method for active thermal stealth or deception, the system including at least two objects, each having at least one active plate and a processing module coupled to the active plate for activating the plate to provide a desired thermal signature to the object, and a remotely located central control unit for external actuation of the processing modules in each object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Eltics Ltd
    Inventor: Ronen Meir
  • Patent number: 8482613
    Abstract: A motion detector actuated camera for taking pictures of birds or other small thermally discernable objects utilizes a plurality of filters to detect the speed of certain bird movements within the field of view of the camera to actuate the camera when a bird is in the field of view and capture images while the bird moves about the field of view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventors: John Kempf, Bart Stephens, Fuxian Yin, Stylianos Derventzis
  • Publication number: 20130168550
    Abstract: A photoconductive antenna is adapted to generate terahertz waves when irradiated by pulsed light. The photoconductive antenna includes first and second conductive layers, a semiconductor layer, and first and second electrodes. The semiconductor layer is made of a semiconductor material having a carrier density that is lower than a carrier density of the semiconductor material of the first conductive layer or the second conductive layer. The first and second electrodes are electrically connected to the first and second conductive layers, respectively. The semiconductor layer includes an incidence surface through which the pulsed light enters the semiconductor layer, and an emission surface from which the terahertz waves are emitted. The incidence surface is positioned in a side surface of the semiconductor layer having a normal direction extending orthogonal to a lamination direction, and the emission surface is positioned in the side surface at a position different from the incidence surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
  • Patent number: 8478480
    Abstract: A solution for evaluating a vehicle using infrared data is provided. In particular, evaluation data for the vehicle is obtained, which includes infrared data for a plurality of sides of the vehicle as well as vehicle identification data for distinguishing the vehicle from another vehicle. The infrared data is processed to enhance a set of signal features. Additional non-infrared based data also can be obtained for evaluating the vehicle. The evaluation data is analyzed to determine whether one or more anomalies are present. The anomaly(ies) can be correlated with a possible problem with a component of the vehicle. Data on the anomaly, problem, and/or vehicle identification can be provided for use on another system, such as a remote inspection station, maintenance system, and/or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: International Electronic Machines Corp.
    Inventors: Zahid F. Mian, Robert W. Foss
  • Patent number: 8476590
    Abstract: In a thermal imaging camera for acquisition of thermographic images of a measurement object, an electronic evaluation unit is integrated into the thermal imaging camera; it is designed for recognition of corresponding partial regions of the acquired thermographic images, and with it, the acquired images can be assembled into an overall image by overlapping the corresponding partial regions and displayed. The acquisition of the images preferably takes place during the swiveling of the thermal imaging camera over the solid angle region of the desired overall image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Testo AG
    Inventors: Martin Stratmann, Andreas Messerschmid, Patrick Zahn, Matthias Schmieder
  • Publication number: 20130161513
    Abstract: A protective enclosure for a thermal imager having a window and protective grid. The protective grid is designed in relation to the lens of the thermal imaging device such that the grid pattern geometry and size accommodate the thermal imaging device's pupil size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: FLUKE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alex S. Nikittin, Salvador Alvarez, JR.
  • Patent number: 8471204
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a dual-band focal plane array includes a readout circuit (ROIC), and a plurality of electro-optical (EO) polymer pixels for absorbing visible and/or short wave infrared (SWIR) radiation, each of the EO polymer pixels electrically coupled to the ROIC. The detector further includes a plurality of microbolometers for detecting long wave infrared (LWIR) radiation, each microbolometer electrically coupled to the ROIC via contact legs disposed between adjacent microbolometers and between adjacent EO polymer pixels. A method of fabricating a focal plane array is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Flir Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard E. Bornfreund
  • Publication number: 20130153765
    Abstract: A photoconductive antenna is adapted to generate terahertz waves when irradiated by pulsed light. The photoconductive antenna includes first and second conductive layers, a semiconductor layer positioned between the first and second conductive layers, first and second electrodes, and a dielectric layer. The semiconductor layer is made of a semiconductor material having a carrier density that is lower than a carrier density of the semiconductor material of the first conductive layer or the second conducive layer. The first and second electrodes are electrically connected to the first and second conductive layers, respectively. The second electrode has an aperture through which the pulsed light passes. The dielectric layer is made of a dielectric material, and is in contact with a surface of the semiconductor layer having a normal direction extending orthogonal to a lamination direction of the first conductive layer, the semiconductor layer, and the second conductive layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
  • Patent number: 8461528
    Abstract: Disclosed is an image recording apparatus comprising a temperature sensing module, a detecting module, an image capture module and a control unit. The control unit acquires an appropriate high threshold and an appropriate low threshold corresponding to an ambient temperature sensed by a temperature sensing module. The control unit outputs a high threshold voltage and a low threshold voltage to the detecting module for adjusting the sensitivity of the image recording apparatus to suit a variable ambient temperature properly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Asia Optical International Ltd.
    Inventors: Yen-Chao Chen, Jung-Ching Wang
  • Patent number: 8462983
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a method for remote identification of at least one gas includes sampling a plurality of spectral images of a scene wherein each spectral image is sampled at a different wavelength, providing a reference spectral image, and generating a spatial displacement expression by detecting the spatial misregistration in at least one region of the spectral images between the reference spectral image and at least one of the plurality of spectral images. At least one reference spatial displacement expression is provided corresponding to at least one gas, and at least one identification process is implemented to identify at least one gas. The identification process employs the generated spatial displacement expression and the at least one reference spatial displacement expression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd
    Inventors: Karni Wolowelsky, Zvi Figov
  • Patent number: 8461529
    Abstract: A waveband imager includes an imaging pixel that utilizes photon tunneling with a thermally actuated bimorph structure to convert infrared radiation to visible radiation. Infrared radiation passes through a transparent substrate and is absorbed by a bimorph structure formed with a pixel plate. The absorption generates heat which deflects the bimorph structure and pixel plate towards the substrate and into an evanescent electric field generated by light propagating through the substrate. Penetration of the bimorph structure and pixel plate into the evanescent electric field allows a portion of the visible wavelengths propagating through the substrate to tunnel through the substrate, bimorph structure, and/or pixel plate as visible radiation that is proportional to the intensity of the incident infrared radiation. This converted visible radiation may be superimposed over visible wavelengths passed through the imaging pixel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventor: Scott R. Hunter
  • Publication number: 20130134309
    Abstract: This invention provides devices and methods for broad-band amplification of non linear properties. This invention provides devices comprising optically non linear material that is in contact with a slit array. The slit array causes enhancement of the electromagnetic field within the non linear materials. The enhancement of the electromagnetic field within the optically non linear material results in an amplified non linear response exhibited by the optically non linear materials. This invention provides detectors and imaging systems based on devices and methods of this invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: Yissum and Research Development Company of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem LTD.
    Inventor: Yissum and Research Development Company of t
  • Patent number: 8450686
    Abstract: A thermal imaging system to facilitate analysis of thermal images comprises a portable thermal imager having a communication interface for transfer of data. The imager also has an on-board memory in which image data for corresponding thermal images is stored. A remote computer is operative to communicate with the thermal imager via the communication interface for download of the image data. The computer runs software operative to superimpose at least one marker at a selected location on a thermal image, the marker being saved on the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Fluke Corporation
    Inventors: Stefan Warnke, James T. Pickett
  • Patent number: 8441644
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the photo-acoustic identification and quantification of one or more analyte species present in a gaseous or liquid medium in low concentration utilizing a laser and a resonant optical cavity containing the medium and having within the cavity at least two partially transparent mirrors, one of which is a cavity coupling mirror and one of which is moveably mounted on an assembly responsive to an input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: LI-COR, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Kachanov, Serguei Koulikov
  • Patent number: 8439503
    Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein involves systems, methods, apparatuses or devices related to infrared imaging or infrared imaging projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Reichow, Christopher R. Runco, Tom E. Brentnall, Thomas F. LaDuke
  • Patent number: 8431898
    Abstract: An infrared cut filter removable (ICR) module control apparatus includes a photoresistor, first to sixth electronic switches, an ICR module, a comparator, and a central processing unit (CPU). A first terminal of the photoresistor is connected to a power supply through a resistor. A second terminal of the photoresistor is grounded, and connected to the second to fourth electronic switches and the CPU through the first electronic switch. The second electronic switch is connected to the fifth and sixth switches. A node between the third and fourth switches is connected to a first input terminal of the ICR module and the non-inverting terminal of the comparator. A node between the fifth and sixth switches is connected to a second input terminal of the ICR module and the inverting terminal of the comparator. The CPU is connected to the output terminal of the comparator and connected to the first electronic switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Chih Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8426813
    Abstract: A method of visually detecting a leak of a chemical emanating from a component includes aiming a passive infrared camera system towards the component; filtering an infrared image with an optical bandpass filter, the infrared image being that of the leak; after the infrared image passes through the lens and optical bandpass filter, receiving the filtered infrared image with an infrared sensor device; electronically processing the filtered infrared image received by the infrared sensor device to provide a visible image representing the filtered infrared image; and visually identifying the leak based on the visible image. The passive infrared camera system includes: a lens; a refrigerated portion including the infrared sensor device and the optical bandpass filter (located along an optical path between the lens and the infrared sensor device). At least part of a pass band for the optical bandpass filter is within an absorption band for the chemical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Leak Surveys, Inc.
    Inventor: David W Furry
  • Patent number: 8421011
    Abstract: A glass pane (1) has an inner side (6) and an outer side (5) and a detector (10) located on the inner side (6) for electromagnetic radiation which, coming from the outer side (5), passes through the glass pane (1) and can be detected by means of the detector. The glass pane (1) is a composite pane, in particular a glass pane of composite safety glass of a motor vehicle, with an inner pane (3) and an outer pane (2), which are joined to each other with the aid of a film (4) arranged between the inner pane (3) and the outer pane (2). In order also to obtain a sufficient intensity of the electromagnetic radiation passing through the glass pane (1) and detectable by the detector (10) in glass panes with a small transmission coefficient, it is proposed that the beam path of the electromagnetic radiation leading to the detector (10) penetrate only the material of the outer pane (2) and pass through the plane of the inner pane (3) in the region of a continuous hole (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass France
    Inventors: Martin Melcher, Jan Gruenert, Karl-Josef Ollfisch, Marc Maurer
  • Patent number: 8421797
    Abstract: A remote control system and a remote control apparatus allow a human operator to remotely control a mobile body easily even if the system uses a low-speed communications link. The remote control system includes a remote control apparatus, in which a CPU selects old information based on both old information and the latest mobile body information from a mobile body, and determines a virtual view point V. The CPU generates a three-dimensional environmental image K and the virtual view point V based on the selected old information, and also generates a mobile body model M, a reference point B and a clipping center point based on the latest mobile body information and data regarding a mobile body model M, in a global coordinate system GC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toru Kido, Yorihide Takehara, Masataka Ito, Maki Sugimoto, Fumitoshi Matsuno
  • Patent number: 8410441
    Abstract: In a thermal imaging camera for acquisition of thermographic images of a measurement object, an electronic evaluation unit is integrated into the thermal imaging camera; it is designed for recognition of corresponding partial regions of the acquired thermographic images, and with it, the acquired images can be assembled into an overall image by overlapping the corresponding partial regions and displayed. The acquisition of the images preferably takes place during the swiveling of the thermal imaging camera over the solid angle region of the desired overall image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: TESTO AG
    Inventors: Martin Stratmann, Andreas Messerschmid, Patrick Zahn, Matthias Schmieder
  • Patent number: 8407616
    Abstract: A graphical user interface facilitates methods for analyzing a temperature distribution across a scene that is captured by a thermal imaging device. Preferably, the interface includes a both a two-dimensional image of the captured scene and a three-dimensional representation of the captured scene. The three-dimensional representation is formed by a plurality of pixels, each of which are coded by a qualitative value from within a range of qualitative values, and each value, within the range, corresponds to a temperature. Each of the plurality of pixels is arranged, in a first and a second dimension of the three dimensions, according to a position of a corresponding pixel of the two-dimensional image, and, in a third dimension, according to a magnitude of the temperature associated therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Fluke Corporation
    Inventors: Peter A. Bergstrom, Jordan B. Schlichting
  • Patent number: 8405028
    Abstract: Embodiments of the subject invention relate to a method and apparatus for infrared (IR) detection. Organic layers can be utilized to produce a phototransistor for the detection of IR radiation. The wavelength range of the IR detector can be modified by incorporating materials sensitive to photons of different wavelengths. Quantum dots of materials sensitive to photons of different wavelengths than the host organic material of the absorbing layer of the phototransistor can be incorporated into the absorbing layer so as to enhance the absorption of photons having wavelengths associated with the material of the quantum dots. A photoconductor structure can be used instead of a phototransistor. The photoconductor can incorporate PbSe or PbS quantum dots. The photoconductor can incorporate organic materials and part of an OLED structure. A detected IR image can be displayed to a user. Organic materials can be used to create an organic light-emitting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventor: Franky So
  • Patent number: 8405406
    Abstract: A detection apparatus and an imaging apparatus are capable of accurately conducting non-destructive observation of a target by using an incoherent electromagnetic wave. The detection apparatus has a generating section, a first coupler section, a delaying section, a second coupler section and a signal processing section. The generating section 101 includes a coherent electromagnetic wave source 102 and a diffusing section 103 for generating a pseudoincoherent electromagnetic wave by changing a propagation state of the coherent electromagnetic wave in accordance with a code pattern. The incoherent electromagnetic wave is split into first and second waves and the first wave is affected by the target of observation while the second wave is delayed by the delaying section. The first and second waves are then coupled to produce a coupled wave having a correlation signal of them and the signal is utilized to acquire information on the inside of the target of observation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeaki Itsuji
  • Patent number: 8405719
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for measuring corona discharge of power facilities by a UV sensor with an optical lens. The apparatus includes a UV sensor array receiving UV rays from an analyzing target of a power facility at a location separated a predetermined distance from the target, an optical lens unit focusing the UV rays to the UV sensor array, a signal detector detecting the UV rays in the form of a pulse voltage waveform signal, a UV image processor processing the detected pulse voltage waveform signal into a UV image, a real image measurement unit photographing a real image of the analyzing target, a real image processor displaying a photographed real image; a matching unit combining the photographed real image with the UV image, and an image/data output unit detecting a location of corona discharge based on the combined UV image and real image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Korea Electric Safety Corp.
    Inventors: Kil Mok Shong, Young Seok Kim
  • Patent number: RE44604
    Abstract: A system for and a method of synchronous acquisition of pulsed source light performs monitoring of aircraft flight operation. Diode sources of illumination (18, 108, 208) are pulsed (16, 106, 206) at one-half the video frame rate of an imaging camera (36, 136, 236). Alternate frames view the world-scene with lights of interest pulsed on, and then off, respectively. Video differencing (34, 134, 234) eliminates the background scene, as well as all lights not of interest. Suitable threshholding over a resulting array of camera pixel-differences acquires the desired lights and represents them as point symbology on a display (40, 140, 240). In an enhanced vision landing system embodiment, the desired lights (symbols) overlay or are fused on a thermal image of the scene; alternatively, the symbols overlay a visible scene (TV) image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Max-Viz, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Richard Kerr, Gregory A. Zuro, Michael E. Fossey