With Linear Array Patents (Class 348/145)
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Patent number: 11669109Abstract: Embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of aircrafts and disclose a method and apparatus for yaw fusion and an aircraft. The method for yaw fusion is applicable to an aircraft and includes: acquiring global positioning system (GPS) data, inertial measurement unit (IMU) data, and magnetometer data, wherein the GPS data includes GPS location, velocity, acceleration information, and GPS velocity signal quality, and the IMU data includes IMU acceleration information and IMU angular velocity information; determining a corrected yaw according to the IMU data, the GPS data, and the magnetometer data; determining a magnetometer alignment deviation angle according to the magnetometer data, the GPS data, and the corrected yaw; determining a GPS realignment deviation angle according to the GPS data and the IMU acceleration information; and generating a fused yaw according to the corrected yaw, the magnetometer alignment deviation angle, and the GPS realignment deviation angle.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2022Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: AUTEL ROBOTICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Tianbao Zhang, Yingjie Li
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Patent number: 11402506Abstract: A laser measuring instrument comprises a light emitter, a driver, a scanning unit, a light receiving signal processing module for detecting a reciprocating time per pulsed light of a distance measuring light and performing a distance measurement, and a timing generating circuit for issuing a timing signal, wherein the timing generating circuit is configured to issue a timing signal for making the light emitter pulse-emit in a short cycle and a timing signal for pausing a light emission, the driver is configured to make the light emitter pulse-emit according to the timing signals, a light emission time interval in the short cycle is set such that a measuring point is multiply irradiated with the pulsed light by two or more times within a time when the pulsed light passes the measuring point, and the light receiving signal processing module is configured to integrate acquired light receiving signals and to carry out the distance measurement.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2018Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: TOPCON CorporationInventors: Fumio Ohtomo, Kaoru Kumagai, Ken-ichiro Yoshino
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Patent number: 11386649Abstract: Technology is provided for identifying concrete and/or asphalt (or other materials) in a multispectral satellite image that has multiple bands including a first set of bands from a first sensor and a second set of bands from a second sensor. The second sensor is at a different position on a focal plane as compared to the first sensor so that a single location depicted in the multispectral image will have been sensed at different times by the first sensor and the second sensor. The system identifies moving vehicles in the multispectral image and subsequently identifies sample pixels in the multispectral image that are near the moving vehicles. These pixels are high confidence samples of roads made of concrete and/or asphalt. Additional pixels are identified in the multispectral image having spectral characteristics that are within a threshold of spectral characteristics of the sample pixels. These additional pixels also depict concrete and/or asphalt.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2019Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: MAXAR INTELLIGENCE INC.Inventor: Brett W. Bader
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Patent number: 11359911Abstract: An abrasion inspection apparatus includes: a first imaging unit that is installed on a side of a track, a vehicle traveling along the track, a guide wheel being installed on a side of the vehicle, the first imaging unit imaging an inside of the track via a telecentric lens; a second imaging unit that is installed in a vehicle traveling direction with respect to the first imaging unit on the side of the track and images the inside of the track via a telecentric lens; an image acquisition unit that acquires an image which is an image of a boundary of the guide wheel captured by the first imaging unit and is an image of a boundary on a first direction side in the vehicle traveling direction and an image which is an image of the boundary of the guide wheel captured by the second imaging unit at the same time as the capturing of the image by the first imaging unit and is an image of a boundary on an opposite side to the first direction side; and a guide wheel detection unit that detects an abrasion situation of thType: GrantFiled: September 19, 2019Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Katsuaki Morita, Masahiro Yamada, Kazuki Ozaki, Hiroyuki Kono
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Patent number: 11320310Abstract: A multispectral sensor comprises an opaque housing having a first chamber with a first aperture and a separate second chamber with a second aperture. An optical emitter is arranged in the first chamber and is arranged to emit light of a specified wavelength or range of wavelengths through the first aperture. An optical sensor is arranged in the second chamber and arranged to detect received photons through the second aperture. A control unit is configured to initiate emission of light by the optical emitter and a measurement unit is configured to provide sensor signals generated by the optical sensor. The optical sensor comprises an array of sensor pixels of a first type and pixels of a second type. The pixels of the first type each have a different transmission characteristic, each generating a multispectral sensor signal, respectively. The pixels of the second type have a same transmission characteristic and each generate a compensation sensor signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2019Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: ams Sensors Germany GmbHInventors: Gunter Siess, Dalibor Stojkovic
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Patent number: 11073616Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to a laser scanner for scanning a ground from a seaborne or airborne vehicle, comprising a scanning unit for emitting a fan-shaped scan pattern made of laser beams fanned out about a scan axis and for receiving the laser beams reflected off the ground and an evaluation unit connected to the scanning unit for evaluating the laser beams that are received. The laser scanner is characterized by a measuring unit that is designed to measure the height of the vehicle above ground, and an actuation device that can be anchored to the vehicle and that is connected to the measuring unit. The actuation device is designed to rotate the fan-shaped scan pattern of the scanning unit with respect to the vehicle about a first actuation axis that is different from the scan axis, depending on the measured height above the ground.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2017Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: Riegl Laser Measurement Systems GmbHInventors: Peter Rieger, Andreas Ullrich
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Patent number: 11016276Abstract: An imaging system for creating an image of a target object comprising a mirror mounted on a gimbal and arranged to rotate about at least one axis, a gimbal drive unit configured to control the orientation of the gimbal, and a camera having its optical axis directed onto the mirror in order that an image reflected in the mirror is within a field of view of the camera, wherein the control unit is arranged to position the gimbal such that a reflection of a target object is within a field of view of the camera.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2015Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: Fugro ROAMES Pty LimitedInventors: Steven Robert Keen, James Gordon Bangay
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Patent number: 10798317Abstract: The present invention provides a multispectral color imaging device, an automatic calibration method based on a reference reflective surface, and a method for eliminating background signals. A multispectral color imaging device including a light house module comprising a light source and a light intensity collection device surrounding the light source; an integrating sphere module including an integrating sphere, a light inlet on one side of the integrating sphere, a light outlet on the top of the integrating sphere, a sample holder gateway on the other side of the integrating sphere and a sample holder having access to the interior of the integrating sphere; and a filter wheel module including a camera, a filter wheel below the camera, and a lens below the filter wheel. The device and calibration methods of the present invention together improve the accuracy and stability of the measurement.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2018Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel LimitedInventors: John Haozhong Xin, Hui-liang Shen, Quan-geng Ge
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Patent number: 10521467Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for using cinematic techniques to present data. Embodiments of the invention can be used to infer and generate cinematic techniques or combinations thereof based on a model and user action. Cinematic techniques can be used to meet the data exploration and analysis requirements of a user. As such, embodiments of the invention permit users (including non-programmers) to employ cinematic techniques (possibly in combination with other techniques) to gain insights into their data and also convey appropriate emotional messages.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2018Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Vijay Mital, Suraj T. Poozhiyil, Darryl Rubin, Amir Netz, Olivier Colle, Andrew Douglas Reddish, Christian Beaumont
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Patent number: 10498957Abstract: A complete or global monitoring and illumination system installed externally on a single point on the aircraft, on a platform that would be called the “base platform”, which includes all the light outlets and all the cameras required for monitoring refuelling operations from a single point on the fuselage. The system is placed in the lower part, under the axis of the fuselage and simultaneously reduces the time required for installation and makes installation less expensive. Thus, assembly or dismantling of the system involves this single structure that includes all that is required for providing the aircraft with a complete viewing system for monitoring in-flight operations.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2015Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Inventor: Alberto Adarve Lozano
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Patent number: 10288988Abstract: A camera stabilization system that is configured to stabilize a plurality of cameras mounted and positioned for virtual reality video recording. The system includes a support apparatus designed to accept and secure a variety of cameras with each camera in the support apparatus optimally orientated for recording still or moving images which can thereafter be processed to create a seamless, 360-degree image suitable for viewing with commercially available virtual reality head-mounted display (HMD). Stabilization of the apparatus is provided by means of stabilization system attached to the apparatus and which stabilization system includes a sensor, processor, controller and motors designed to receive indications about the horizon and dynamically stabilize motion along one or more of the X, Y, and/or Z axis of the apparatus, thereby allowing an operator to record steady, stabilized virtual reality images while moving the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2018Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Inventors: Nikolay Malukhin, Ruslan Skvortsov
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Patent number: 10259580Abstract: A system and method for displaying on a display inside of an aircraft a panoramic view of a view outside the aircraft. The system includes a window plug configured to fit into a window of an aircraft. The window plug includes a camera positioned to capture video outside of the aircraft and a display positioned over the window plug. The camera and display are connected to a processor to display the captured video on the display. The system may include a control panel that controls the operation of the camera and display. A device may be used to control pan and zoom features of the camera. A plurality of cameras may be connected to the processor, which may combine the captured videos from the plurality of cameras to display a single panoramic video on a single display or a plurality of displays. The combined video may be a 3D video.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2015Date of Patent: April 16, 2019Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventor: David Teo
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Patent number: 10179655Abstract: A system is provided for generating an alert to the presence of emission vapors for a low altitude in-flight aircraft. An obstacle database and a terrain database provide parameters for obstacles and terrain features to a synthetic vision processor. The processor creates a graphic overlay of the terrain and obstacles that is combined with thermal images of emission vapors by a combined vision processor to create a combined synthetic image. An emissions threat calculator analyzes the synthetic image for the presence of emission vapors. If any emission vapors are detected in proximity to the aircraft, an alert and suggested maneuvers to avoid the emission vapors are sent to the aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2017Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Jeevish Glastine Gurumoorthi, Mohammed Ibrahim Mohideen, Prabhudev Bhuyar
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Patent number: 9554065Abstract: An image capture instrument implements an addition of accumulation signals for photodetectors which are adjacent within a row of photodetectors. Segments are defined in the row with one and the same common length of segment, while being progressively offset by an offset length which is constant. The accumulation signals are added together for photodetectors which belong to one and the same segment. The offset length is less than the segment length, and greater than half said segment length. Artifacts in the image captured, which are due to spectrum aliasing, are thus decreased. The signal-to-noise ratio of the image is increased.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Airbus Defence and Space SASInventor: Philippe Luquet
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Patent number: 9542738Abstract: Automated methods and systems of creating three dimensional LIDAR data are disclosed, including a method comprising capturing images of a geographic area with one or more image capturing devices as well as location and orientation data for each of the images corresponding to the location and orientation of the one or more image capturing devices capturing the images, the images depicting an object of interest; capturing three-dimensional LIDAR data of the geographic area with one or more LIDAR system such that the three-dimensional LIDAR data includes the object of interest; storing the three-dimensional LIDAR data on a non-transitory computer readable medium; analyzing the images with a computer system to determine three dimensional locations of points on the object of interest; and updating the three-dimensional LIDAR data with the three dimensional locations of points on the object of interest determined by analyzing the images.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2016Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: Pictometry International Corp.Inventors: Stephen L. Schultz, David R. Nilosek, David S. Petterson, Timothy S. Harrington
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Patent number: 9532035Abstract: An imaging system on an aerial vehicle, includes: a group of rotating camera including at least a first and a second rotating cameras on the aerial vehicle; and a control part which controls a first virtual rotation track of the first rotating camera and a second virtual rotation track of the second rotating camera and allows shots to be taken at multiple photograph-shooting points on the first virtual rotation track and the second virtual rotation track; wherein the control part controls a set of multiple photograph-shooting points on the first virtual rotation track and those on the second virtual rotation track to be substantially in a grid shape. Accordingly, a 3D image could be acquired by using the group of rotating cameras on the aerial vehicle during a relatively short endurance flight and more information on images created in such a method could be estimated.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2016Date of Patent: December 27, 2016Assignee: National Institute of Meteorological ResearchInventors: Kyu Young Choi, Yong Hee Lee, Kwang Deuk Ahn, Hee Choon Lee
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Patent number: 9521322Abstract: An imager contains an image sensor with laterally varying spectral response. The imager is scanned over a scene or object to form a spectral image. The spectral responses are repeated at different positions in the field of view so as to reduce the effect of scene nonidealities, such as angle dependence or temporal variation, on the spectral image data. A part of the image sensor may be used for conventional two-dimensional imaging. This part of the image sensor may be used to estimate the scene geometry and scan movement, enabling further improvement in the spectral integrity.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2014Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Assignee: Forsvarets forskningsinstituttInventor: Torbjørn Skauli
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Patent number: 9402067Abstract: An imaging optical system and a three-dimensional (3D) image acquisition apparatus which includes the imaging optical system are provided. The imaging optical system includes an object lens configured to transmit light; first and second image sensors having different sizes from each other; a beamsplitter on which the light transmitted by the object lens is incident, the beamsplitter being configured to split the light incident thereon into light of a first wavelength band and light of a second wavelength band, and to direct the light of the first wavelength band to the first image sensor and the light of the second wavelength band to the second image sensor; and at least one optical element, disposed between the beamsplitter and the second image sensor, configured to reduce an image that is incident on the second image sensor, the optical element including at least one of a Fresnel lens and a diffractive optical element.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2013Date of Patent: July 26, 2016Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Yong-hwa Park, Alexander Gorelov, Jang-woo You, Alexander Shirankov, Seung-wan Lee
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Patent number: 9390559Abstract: Systems and methods for enhanced display of obstacles in a combined vision display are provided. The system comprises a display unit and an enhanced vision system configured to generate first signals representative of enhanced vision images. Data storage device contains obstacle data representative of obstacles. Synthetic vision system is configured to selectively retrieve obstacle data from data storage device and generate second signals representative of synthetic vision images of one or more obstacles. Processor is in operable communication with display unit and coupled to receive first and second signals and configured, in response thereto, to: overlay the synthetic vision images of the one or more obstacles over the enhanced vision images and command display unit to display the synthetic vision images of the one or more obstacles overlaid over the enhanced vision images. The overlaid synthetic vision images of the one or more obstacles may be visually highlighted.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2013Date of Patent: July 12, 2016Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Thea L. Feyereisen, Gang He, John G. Suddreth, Patricia May Ververs
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Patent number: 9292913Abstract: An image display and analysis system is disclosed. The image display and analysis system and method includes a system for reading an image having an object of interest. The image includes corresponding location data indicative of position and orientation of the image capturing device(s) used to capture the image. The system receives one or more selected points within the image on the object of interest, and calculates a measurement of the object of interest using pixel location, the position and orientation of the image capturing device(s), and a TGP vertical plane.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Pictometry International Corp.Inventors: Stephen L. Schultz, David R. Nilosek, David S. Petterson, Timothy S. Harrington
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Patent number: 9126700Abstract: The invention uses plurality of forward-looking preview cameras each looking at different nadir angle viewpoint to get cloud information from approaching target areas. The invention uses fuzzy logic system and other decision mechanisms to decide which target images should be acquired in which particular sequence and when the target image acquisition should start. The invention intends to give autonomous decision capability to agile earth observation satellites to make decision on their own to get the highest yield of quality images of target areas.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2010Date of Patent: September 8, 2015Inventors: Tarik Ozkul, Suhail Aldhafri
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Patent number: 9103719Abstract: Described herein are technologies pertaining to computing the solar irradiance distribution on a surface of a receiver in a concentrating solar power system or glint/glare emitted from a reflective entity. At least one camera captures images of the Sun and the entity of interest, wherein the images have pluralities of pixels having respective pluralities of intensity values. Based upon the intensity values of the pixels in the respective images, the solar irradiance distribution on the surface of the entity or glint/glare corresponding to the entity is computed.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2011Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Clifford Kuofei Ho, Siri Sahib Singh Khalsa
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Patent number: 9025024Abstract: What is disclosed is a system and method for identifying materials comprising an object captured in a video and for using the identified materials to track that object as it moves across the captured video scene. In one embodiment, a multi-spectral or hyper-spectral sensor is used to capture a spectral image of an object in an area of interest. Pixels in the spectral planes of the spectral images are analyzed to identify a material comprising objects in that area of interest. A location of each of the identified objects is provided to an imaging sensor which then proceeds to track the objects as they move through a scene. Various embodiments are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2011Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Beilei Xu, Wencheng Wu, Lalit Keshav Mestha, Graham Pennington
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Patent number: 9019373Abstract: A monitoring device includes an indicating unit configured to indicate an object to be monitored; a camera to acquire time-series images; a predicting unit configured to predict the position of destination of the characteristic points belonging to a first aggregation including characteristic points having an amount of movement larger than a reference amount of movement set in advance; a detecting unit configured to detect the position of center of gravity of the changed area; a determining unit configured to determine the positions of destination as an indicating position when representative amount of movement is larger than a first threshold value and determine the position of center of gravity as the indicating position when the representative amount of movement is smaller than the first threshold value; and a control unit configured to control the indicating unit to cause the indicating unit to indicate the indicating position are provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2012Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Tsuyoshi Tasaki, Daisuke Yamamoto
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Patent number: 9013576Abstract: An aerial photographing image pickup method comprises a step of making a flying object fly meanderingly, a step of taking the image at each vertex where a direction is changed in the meandering flight, a step of extracting feature points from a common overlay portion of the images taken from at least three adjacent vertices, a step of determining two images of two vertices in the images as one set and acquiring positional information of the two vertices by a GPS device for each set regarding at least two sets, a step of performing photogrammetry of the measuring points corresponding to the feature points based on positional information and based on the feature points of the two images and a step of determining the feature points when the surveying results of the measuring points coincide with each other in at least the two sets as tie points for image combination.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2012Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha TOPCONInventors: Fumio Ohtomo, Kazuki Osaragi, Tetsuji Anai, Hitoshi Otani
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Patent number: 8970673Abstract: Provided is a system and method for scanning a target area, including capturing images from onboard a platform for use in producing one or more stereoscopic views. A first set of at least two image sequences of at least two images each, covering the target area or a subsection thereof is captured. As the platform continues to move forward, at least one other set of images covering the same target area or subsection thereof is captured. At least one captured image from each of at least two of the sets may be used in producing a stereoscopic view.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2011Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.Inventors: Victor Gostynski, Dror Lubin
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Patent number: 8953044Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that include a video-based analysis system that detects, tracks and archives vehicles in video stream data at multiple resolutions. The system includes an image capturing device that captures video stream data having video at a first high resolution. A vehicle detection module detects at least one vehicle within the video. A vehicle analysis module is configured to analyze the video and to extract one or more key vehicle features from the video to enable identification of a vehicle of interest (VOI) according to a set of predetermined criteria. A subsampling module creates a reduced resolution video stream in a second subsampled resolution that is lower than the first high resolution while maintaining the one or more extracted key features within the reduced resolution video stream in the first high resolution, and archives the reduced resolution video stream into a video database.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2011Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Wencheng Wu, Edgar A. Bernal, Robert P. Loce, Martin E. Hoover
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Patent number: 8947527Abstract: Zoom illumination system for use with closed circuit TV cameras in applications requiring long distance illumination, such as surveillance and night vision. The system includes multiple strings of LEDs, which may have additional lenses, with each LED string capable of providing illumination for a predetermined viewing angle. The LED strings can be switched on and off to provide illumination as desired.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2012Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Inventors: Valdis Postovalov, Dmitry Postovalov
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Patent number: 8937656Abstract: The invention relates to a method for testing bottles or the like containers (1) filled with a bulk material and mechanically closed by means of a container closure (2), the container closures (2) each comprising an original security ring (4) held on said container (1) in the closed state thereof in an interlocking and/or force-fit manner, such that opening the container (1) is possible only by separating and/or destroying the originality security ring (4), characterized in that the containers (1) are tested by means of at least one optoelectronic sensor system (10) after filling and closing for intactness of the originality security element (4).Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2009Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: KHS GmbHInventors: Heinrich Wiemer, Horst Böcker, Jürgen Herrmann
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Patent number: 8928750Abstract: An airborne reconnaissance system which comprises: (a) A focal plane array positioned at a focal plane of an optical unit, said focal plane array having an area A, and comprises a plurality of optical pixels sensitive to light; (b) Optical unit for acquiring light rays from a terrain portion, said optical unit comprises a plurality of optical components that are positioned along an optical path, and designed to maneuver said light rays to produce at the focal plane an image of said terrain portion, said image having an area which is several times larger than the focal plane array area A; (c) At least one light diversion optical component along said optical path which, for each acquired terrain portion image, switches between several n states, thereby causing in each state different diversion of said light rays within said path, thereby to impinge in each state another fraction of the terrain image on said focal plane array; and (d) Capturing means for recording in each state of the at least one light diversioType: GrantFiled: June 26, 2006Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Rafael-Armament Development Authority Ltd.Inventors: Zvi Yavin, Gabriel Katlan
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Patent number: 8886484Abstract: A method and an apparatus for air-borne or space-borne radiometric measurement of object points present in an object scene on the surface of a astronomical body. A corrected recording of image points in an image plane in which object points from the object scene are imaged on a detector, is carried out by determining recording errors of the detector caused by systematically occurring spatial and temporal changes in a scanning movement of the detector, with reference to a measurement line relative to a recording field, then generally an actuation function along the measurement line in the form of different trigger times in which measurements of the individual object points are initiated exactly at that time. Based on the triggering of the detector elements due to the actuation function synchronized measurements of all of the object points of every row of an object matrix are carrying out along the designated measurement line.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2011Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Jena-Optronik GmbHInventor: Alexander Pillukat
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Patent number: 8860804Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically capturing, uploading, and publishing content. The system may include one or more monitoring modules for providing captured content to a remote site.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2010Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Xanboo Inc.Inventors: Babak Rezvani, Jack L. Chen, Edward B. Kalin, Reza Jalili
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Patent number: 8823797Abstract: Simulated high resolution, multi-view video based on video input from low resolution, single-direction cameras is provided. Video received from traffic cameras, security cameras, monitoring cameras, and comparable ones is fused with patches from a database of pre-captured images and/or temporally shifted video to create higher quality video, as well as multiple viewpoints for the same camera.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2010Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Billy Chen, Eyal Ofek
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Publication number: 20140211006Abstract: An imaging device intended to be placed on board a satellite or an aircraft comprises at least two detector arrays that are arranged in the same focal plane. Each detector array itself comprises a unidirectional detector and at least one additional detector, produced on one same single-piece substrate dedicated to said detector array. The arrangement of the detectors in the focal plane is then carried out in a modular fashion, by positioning the respective substrates of the detector arrays. Several arrangements are proposed that are compatible with the unidirectional and bidirectional push-broom scanning modes.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2013Publication date: July 31, 2014Inventors: Michel Tulet, Gilles Planche
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Patent number: 8792005Abstract: A system and method for automatically determining the camera field of view in a camera network. The system has a plurality of spatially separated cameras and direction sensors, carried on respective cameras, configured to measure the angle directions of the field of views of the cameras. Elevation sensors are operably coupled to respective cameras to measure the elevation angles of thereof. A controller is configured to process direction and elevation measurement signals transmitted from the cameras to automatically determine the cameras' fields of views. One or more cameras having a field of view containing or nearby an event of interest can be selected from the determined field of views and indicated to a user via a graphical user interface. Selected cameras which are rotatably mounted can be rotated if need be to automatically bring the event of interest into the field of views of the selected cameras.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2006Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Steve D. Huseth, Saad J. Bedros
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Patent number: 8730323Abstract: An image converter for performing processes of cutting out a part of a distorted circular image photographed by use of a fisheye lens and converting the part into a planar regular image. The image converter includes a distorted circular image memory, a planar regular image memory, a parameter input unit, a corresponding coordinate calculating unit, and a planar regular image forming unit.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2013Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Koji Inagaki
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Patent number: 8723950Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating the fit of a modular window assembly into a simulated vehicle body opening includes a base member, a vehicle body opening/sheet metal simulator mounted to the base member, one or more light sources disposed in the vehicle body opening/sheet metal simulator and one or more devices for securing the vehicle window to the vehicle body opening/sheet metal simulator. A method of utilizing the apparatus is also a part of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2011Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Pilkington Group LimitedInventor: Brian Hertel
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Patent number: 8711220Abstract: Systems and methods are described that directly detect whether or not enhanced vision system images obtained from a moving vehicle are degraded. If they are, image display is turned off to reduce operator distraction. When image quality is restored, image display is turned back on so operators can take advantage of EVS capabilities.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2011Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Aireyes, Inc.Inventor: Carlo L. M. Tiana
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Patent number: 8620064Abstract: A method is provided for imaging a workpiece by capturing successive frames of an elongate stationary field of view transverse to a workpiece transit path of a robot, while the workpiece is transported by the robot. The robot transit path is illuminated with an elongate illumination pattern transverse to the transit path to obtain a workpiece image of successive frames. Motion-induced image distortion is prevented or reduced adjusting the camera frame rate in real time in proportion to changes in robot velocity profile of the workpiece along the transit path.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2010Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Abraham Ravid, Todd Egan, Karen Lingel
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Patent number: 8614743Abstract: A security camera system according to present invention embodiments includes a telephoto type lens with one or more factors of optical zoom. A set of prisms that steer incoming beams from the surrounding environment (to adjust the field of view) is disposed in front of the lens. The security camera system preferably includes a wide angle staring mode that encompasses a large field of view, where the prisms are oriented to provide no steering effect. The security camera system further includes a high-resolution zoom mode, where the telephoto lens focuses on a region of interest and the prisms perform beam steering to adjust the field of view and enable the region of interest or an object to remain at the center of the security camera system view. Image processing techniques may be employed that consider the beam steering angle and the field of view to compensate for distortion effects.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2007Date of Patent: December 24, 2013Assignee: Exelis Inc.Inventor: Robert Scott Winsor
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Publication number: 20130321626Abstract: A camera assembly is disclosed for mounting on a vehicle (e.g. an aircraft). An exemplary camera assembly can include: a fixture (e.g. a rotatable drum); a camera; and a mirror; wherein the fixture is arranged to be rotated relative to the vehicle about an axis; the camera is mounted on the fixture such that the camera has a substantially fixed position relative to the fixture; the mirror is mounted on the fixture such that, if the fixture rotates, the mirror rotates; the mirror is rotatable relative to the fixture about a further axis, the further axis being substantially perpendicular to the axis; and the camera is arranged to detect electromagnetic radiation reflected by the mirror. The axis and the further axis may intersect.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2012Publication date: December 5, 2013Applicant: BAE SYSTEMS plcInventors: Harry John Finn, Andrew Christopher Tebay, David Robert Parker, Simon Graham Stockton
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Patent number: 8581981Abstract: An optical imaging system and associated methods for capturing images from an aircraft, such as a UAV. A camera unit on-board the aircraft is remotely controlled from an image control station. The image control station receives image data from the camera unit, and also delivers control signals for determining a viewing mode of the image.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2007Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Southwest Research InstituteInventors: Kevin Alley, Roger Lopez, Richard Somers
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Publication number: 20130258106Abstract: A method of using an image sensor onboard a satellite or an aircraft comprises two simultaneous sequences of image capture. The first sequence corresponds to a capture of observation images, and the second sequence corresponds to a capture of images dedicated to the detection of a shifting of the observation images. The images dedicated to the detection of the shifting are restricted to windows that are at least in part contained in a main window the of observation images. Furthermore, said images dedicated to the detection of shifting are captured at a frequency greater than a frequency of the observation images.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2011Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: ASTRIUM SASInventors: Michel Tulet, Xavier Sembely
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Patent number: 8537219Abstract: An invention for identifying a spatial location of an event within video image data is provided. In one embodiment, there is a spatial representation tool, including a compression component configured to receive trajectory data of an event within video image data, and generate a set of compressed spatial representation of the trajectory data of the event within the video image data. A database component is configured to input the set of compressed spatial representations into a relational database, and a search component is configured to search the relational database to identify a spatial location of the event within the video image data.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2009Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Michael J. Desimone, Arun Hampapur, Zuoxuan Lu, Carl P. Mercier, Christopher S. Milite, Stephen R. Russo, Chiao-Fe Shu, Chek K. Tan
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Patent number: 8452077Abstract: A method is provided for imaging a workpiece by capturing successive frames of an elongate stationary field of view transverse to a workpiece transit path of a robot, while the workpiece is transported by the robot. The robot transit path is illuminated with an elongate illumination pattern transverse to the transit path to obtain a workpiece image of successive frames. Motion-induced image distortion is corrected by computing respective correct locations of respective ones of the frames along the transit path.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2010Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Abraham Ravid, Todd Egan, Karen Lingel
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Publication number: 20130093885Abstract: An aerial imaging array including at least two imaging devices provided on a mount attachable to an aircraft, such that the imaging devices view downwards. Each imaging device has a field of view, and the imaging devices are arranged such that there is a gap between adjacent fields of view. Each imaging device has an image frame, and each image frame has a vertical centerline and a transverse centerline. The imaging devices are posed within the mount such that the projections of the vertical centerlines onto a horizontal plane are substantially parallel. The gap between adjacent fields of view is at least a quarter of the width of the smaller of the adjacent fields of view, and the viewing directions of imaging devices providing adjacent fields of view are less than 20 degrees apart.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2012Publication date: April 18, 2013Inventor: Matthew Paul Mellor
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Patent number: 8416300Abstract: Embodiments described herein comprise a system and method for improving visibility of a roadway using an improved visibility system. The method comprising receiving data from a plurality of fog detectors located proximate a roadway and determining, based on the data from the plurality of fog detectors, that fog is present about the roadway. The method further comprising obtaining, after the determining that fog is present about the roadway, a plurality of images of the roadway by activating a plurality of cameras located proximate the roadway. The method further comprising creating a composite image by combining two or more of the plurality of images, wherein the composite image depicts the roadway unobstructed by fog and transmitting the composite image to a display device located in a vehicle traveling along the roadway.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2009Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Giuseppe Longobardi
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Patent number: 8416298Abstract: A method for moving object detection, comprising generating a time series of multi-exposures of scenes, each multi-exposure of a scene comprising a sequence of at least two at least partially overlapping images of that scene captured in rapid succession, wherein the time series of multi-exposures periodically revisits substantially the same scenes, detecting moving objects within each multi-exposure by comparing its sequence of overlapping images, and tracking objects by comparing moving objects detected within multi-exposures of substantially the same scenes.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2008Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Visionmap Ltd.Inventor: Michael Pechatnikov
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Publication number: 20130050973Abstract: A magnetic stand for a tablet device is disclosed. The magnetic stand is configured to rigidly hold a portion of the tablet device in place and to shield the magnetic field from adversely affecting nearby devices susceptible to strong magnetic fields. The shielding portion of the magnetic stand allows for significant increases in magnetic field strength when compared to similarly configured, unshielded products.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventor: Matthew D. ROHRBACH
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Patent number: 8305449Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a focus state has an optical image-forming system that forms an object image, a plurality of line sensors that is arranged on a projected area of the optical image-forming system; a plurality of monitor sensors that is arranged on the projected area along the direction of a line-sensor array, each monitor sensor being adjacent to a corresponding line sensor and monitoring an amount of light incident on the corresponding line sensor; and a signal processor that outputs image-pixel signals corresponding to the object image on the basis of electric charges accumulated in the plurality of line sensors. At least an endmost monitor sensor corresponding to an endmost line sensor is arranged on the center-facing side of the endmost line sensor.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2010Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Pentax Ricoh Imaging Company, Ltd.Inventors: Koichi Sato, Yutaka Takakubo, Kazuo Sugitani