Infrared Patents (Class 348/164)
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Patent number: 10110986Abstract: Haptic feedback is generated on a headphone to indicate contexts of ambient sound. In this way, noise-canceling headphones can alert the wearer to audible cues of potentially dangerous situations that otherwise would be suppressed by the noise cancellation feature of the headphones.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2017Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: MOTOROLA MOBILITY LLCInventor: Jun-Ki Min
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Patent number: 10104344Abstract: A surface scanning method and apparatus attached to a highway vehicle, mobile equipment, or the like, that traverses existing roadways and bridges. The apparatus has at least one of a variously adaptable, complete, and ready to operate packaged kit including configured sensor suites with one or more of a visual scanning sensor; an infra-red scanning sensor; and an elevation measuring sensor.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2015Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: GS ENGINEERING SERVICES, INC.Inventor: Gary Bryan Howard
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Patent number: 10089724Abstract: Provided are a system and method for image sharpening is provided that involves capturing an image, and then decomposing the image into a plurality of image-representation components, such as RGB components for example. Each image-representation component is transformed to obtain an unsharpened multi-resolution representation for each image-representation component. A multi-resolution representation includes a plurality of transformation level representations. Sharpness information is transported from an unsharpened transformation level representation of a first one of the image-representation components to a transformation level representation of an unsharpened multi-resolution representation of a second one of the image-representation components to create a sharpened multi-resolution representation of the second one of the image-representation components. The sharpened multi-resolution representation of the second one of the image-representation components is then transformed to obtain a sharpened image.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2017Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Wenyi Zhao, Simon P. DiMaio, David D. Scott
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Patent number: 10078887Abstract: Methods and systems for correcting non-uniformity in focal plane arrays include averaging pixel intensity values from a plurality of data captures to generate an image, spatially median filtering the image to generate a median filtered image, temporally stacking the median filtered image with at least one previously median filtered images to generate a median filtered image stack, and temporally median filtering a pixel offset value stack corresponding to each of a plurality of filtered pixel locations within the median filtered image stack to generate a process dataset.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2015Date of Patent: September 18, 2018Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.Inventors: Michael N. Mercier, Kevin C. Cole, Joseph M. Schlupf
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Patent number: 10070073Abstract: A camera (10) that includes: a sensor module (1) which measures radiation data; heat radiation parts (14-1, 14-2) which radiate heat generated as the sensor module (1) is cooled; an electrical apparatus (20); and fans (15-1, 15-2) which generate a flow of a first fluid for cooling the heat radiation parts (14-1, 14-2). The camera further has a first passage (41) through which the first fluid flows, a second passage (43) through which a second fluid for cooling the electrical apparatus (20) flows, and a merging part (44) which suctions the second fluid from the second passage (43) into the first passage (41) by means of the flow of the first fluid. Such a camera (10) can be made more compact than other cameras which further include a fan for circulating the second fluid through the second passage (43).Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2014Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Shigeo Kasai, Katsuhiro Saito
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Patent number: 10054773Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a wide-field imaging system for the infrared spectral range. The system can include a vacuum chamber that is optically open for the passage of the field rays originating from the scene to be imaged, a cooled dark chamber placed inside the vacuum chamber and provided with a cold diaphragm, an infrared detector placed inside the cooled dark chamber, and a device for optically conjugating the field rays with the detector.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2015Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: Office National d'Études et de Recherches Aérospatiales (ONERA)Inventors: Guillaume Druart, Tatiana Grulois, Nicolas Guerineau, Joël Deschamps
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Patent number: 10057510Abstract: An infrared imaging system combines a low-resolution infrared camera with a high-resolution visible-light camera. Information extracted from images taken using the visible-light camera is combined with the low-resolution infrared images to produce an infrared image with enhanced spatial details. The process of extracting the information from the visible image adjusts the quantization level of the visible-light image to scale visible objects to match objects identified in the infrared image.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2015Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: Rambus Inc.Inventors: David G. Stork, Patrick R. Gill
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Patent number: 10038830Abstract: A mobile device case for coupling around a miniature camera-enabled mobile device a case shutter button mechanism for actuating the miniature camera module of the mobile camera system. A half-press or single tap triggers a precapture settings menu and a full-press or double tap triggers capture of an image.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2017Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: Moment IncInventors: Marc Barros, Erik Hedberg, Josh Baxley, Amanda Kirk, Bradley G. Castaneda, Zachary Reed, Steve McCallion, Wesley Glen Wirth, Robert John Lincoln, Russell Hudyma, Michael Thomas, Eric Davis, Arash Ghorbani
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Patent number: 10015474Abstract: A thermal imaging system having visible light and infrared camera modules can perform various methods for reducing parallax errors between captured visible light and infrared images. The system can perform a first calibration method, which can be manual or automatic, and can receive subsequent parallax refinement adjustments via a user interface. The parallax refinement adjustments may be stored in memory for future use. Systems can include an add-on lens capable of interfacing with the infrared camera module for producing modified infrared images. The system can perform methods to reduce parallax between modified infrared and visible light images, and can receive subsequent parallax refinement adjustments to further reduce parallax between the modified infrared and visible light images. The add-on lens parallax refinement data can be stored in memory of the camera memory of the lens for future use in parallax correction.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2015Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: Fluke CorporationInventors: Jamie Rhead, Thomas J. McManus
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Patent number: 10007825Abstract: A positioning system for positioning a to-be-positioned device includes three or more reference objects each providing individual unique feature information associated with a two-dimensional coordinate. A positioning device includes an image capturing unit obtaining image data of three of the reference objects, and a processing unit obtaining, based on the image data, three pixel positions corresponding respectively to the three reference objects in the image data, obtaining the two-dimensional coordinate of the location of the three reference objects, and estimating a positioning coordinate of the to-be-positioned device using a triangulation positioning method based on the three pixel positions, a focal length used for obtaining the image data and the two-dimensional coordinates.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2014Date of Patent: June 26, 2018Assignee: AUTOMOTIVE RESEARCH & TESTING CENTERInventors: Tian-Li Wang, Rong-Terng Juang, Chu-Yuan Hsu, Yi-Feng Su
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Patent number: 9971948Abstract: Imaging apparatus includes an image capture device, which includes an optical transmitter, which is configured to emit one or more pulses of infrared radiation toward an area containing a body surface of a living subject, and an optical receiver, which is configured to receive the pulses reflected from the body surface and to generate an output indicative of a modulation of the pulses by tissue below the body surface. A processor is configured to generate, based on the modulation of the pulses, an image of blood vessels located beneath the body surface within the area.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2015Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Andrew T. Herrington, Jawad Nawasra, Scott T. Smith
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Patent number: 9958582Abstract: An image sensor includes an optical sensor layer including a plurality of light-sensitive cells configured to sense light to generate electrical signals, and a color filter array layer disposed on the optical sensor layer and including a plurality of color filters respectively facing the plurality of light-sensitive cells. Each of the plurality of color filters includes a nanostructure in which a first material having a first refractive index and a second material having a second refractive index higher than the first refractive index are arranged. The first material and the second material are alternatively positioned at an interval less than a central wavelength of a color of the color filter. Thus, a thin image sensor having good wavelength selectivity and suitable for obtaining high resolution images is provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2015Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignees: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD., CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGYInventors: Seunghoon Han, Yu Horie, Andrei Faraon, Sungwoo Hwang
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Patent number: 9912926Abstract: A biochemistry measurement method includes obtaining a first pixel array and a second pixel array with a photosensitive array, transforming the first pixel array and the second pixel array into a first color space coordinate matrix and a second color space coordinate matrix, extracting the first color space coordinate matrix and the second color space coordinate matrix to from a third color space coordinate matrix and a fourth color space coordinate matrix, and obtaining a color space vector matrix according to the third color space coordinate matrix and the fourth color space coordinate matrix.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2016Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignees: LITE-ON ELECTRONICS (GUANGZHOU) CO., LTD., LITE-ON TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Hong Ru Guo, Yu Jin Kao, Yang-Li Yang
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Patent number: 9900484Abstract: A method includes the steps of emitting infrared light of a predetermined wavelength to an object, receiving infrared light of a predetermined wavelength different from the infrared light emitted from the object, and adjusting white balance of an image output from a camera at this time, thereby showing the incident infrared light as white. The method further includes the steps of emitting white visible light to the object from an RGB light source, receiving visible light emitted from the object, and adjusting the intensity of the RGB light source for each of R, G, and B, thereby adjusting white balance of a captured image.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2011Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignees: Semiconductor Components Industries, LLC, National University Corporation Kochi UniversityInventors: Kazuaki Kojima, Takashi Tanimoto, Takayuki Sato
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Patent number: 9831284Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes an Si substrate in which a photoelectric conversion unit that photoelectrically converts visible light incident from a back surface side is formed, and a lower substrate provided under the Si substrate and configured to photoelectrically convert infrared light incident from the back surface side.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2016Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Keiji Mabuchi, Hideshi Abe, Hideo Kanbe, Shiro Uchida
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Patent number: 9813610Abstract: The present invention relates a method of obtaining motion picture footage of a moving object within an environment, being a surveyed environment or an environment of known dimensions. The method including the steps of: creating a computer generated virtual map of the environment within a control apparatus. At least one bias zone overlays the virtual map, the at least one bias zone being a predetermined or variable pattern, capturing a dynamic primary image of said object using a first motion picture camera, and capturing a dynamic halo image that extends around the primary image using a second motion picture camera. The said first and second motion picture cameras being controlled by the control apparatus such that a position or size of the halo image relative to the primary image is regulated by the at least one bias zone.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2014Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: Trace Optics PTY LTDInventor: Jeremy Lorenz Anderson
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Patent number: 9813600Abstract: Techniques for automatically selecting from amongst multiple camera views available in a multi-camera system. In an aspect, one or more metrics are calculated for multiple camera views. The metrics may be used to identify one or more of the camera views as fulfilling a condition, in response to which a particular one of the camera views may be selected for display. For example, in a “select-better-view” strategy, the camera view associated with a more optimal image (e.g., better lighting, or absence of occlusion) is selected for display. In a “flag-diagnostic-view” strategy, the camera view associated with a less optimal image is displayed, e.g., to indicate that a particular camera may require user attention. Specific techniques for calculating metrics are further disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2014Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Emad Barsoum, Tommer Leyvand, Spencer Perreault, Robert Smith, Michael Hall
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Patent number: 9787953Abstract: An image sensor, and an apparatus and method of acquiring an image by using the image sensor are provided. The image sensor includes a color filter having an array of a plurality of types of color filter elements, where each of the color filter elements transmits visible light in a certain wavelength band and blocks visible light outside the certain wavelength band; a photoelectric conversion cell array that detects light that has been transmitted through the color filter; and a modulator, disposed on the photoelectric conversion cell array, which changes a rate of light transmitted to the photoelectric conversion cell array based on an applied voltage.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2015Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Sunghyun Nam, Yunhee Kim, Sookyoung Roh, Hongkyu Park, Seokho Yun
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Patent number: 9787914Abstract: An uncooled high-resolution 12 micron pixel pitch 3D-stacked component thermal camera including an electronics board, a camera circuit card assembly (CCA) with an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), flash memory, a spacer, a wafer level packaged Focal Plane Array (FPA) wafer with a lens housing attach ring on the FPA, and a window.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2015Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.Inventors: Louise C Sengupta, Pierre-Alain S Auroux, Evan A Binkerd, Richard J Blackwell, Jr., Mihir D Boal, Jeffrey F Bryant, Don A Harris, Donald D McManus
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Patent number: 9775504Abstract: Disclosed embodiments integrate a camera into an intraoral mirror. Integrating a camera into an intraoral mirror provides an efficient way to record and display what is visible to the healthcare provider in the mirror.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2017Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: DENTAL SMARTMIRROR, INC.Inventors: Gidon Oded Elazar, Dan Zidkiahu Harkabi, Joshua Israel Wachspress
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Patent number: 9769435Abstract: Cameras can be used to detect if a visitor enters a field of view. Cameras can be mounted in many different areas, including outside buildings, inside buildings, and near other items such as pools. Cameras can send alerts to remote computing devices regarding visitors. Thus, a user of a camera can see and even speak with visitors who are located far away from the user.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2015Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: SkyBell Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Frank Scalisi, Desiree Mejia
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Patent number: 9760783Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for vehicle occupancy detection comprises collecting image data of a vehicle, creating a first value according to a plurality of characteristics of a driver position of the vehicle, and then creating at least one other value according to a plurality of characteristics of at least one other candidate occupant position in the vehicle. The characteristics of the driver position of the vehicle and candidate occupant position of the vehicle are compared in order to determine the vehicle occupancy.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2014Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Conduent Business Services, LLCInventors: Beilei Xu, Peter Paul, Florent Perronnin
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Patent number: 9753509Abstract: An imaging apparatus for a thermal analyzer is configured to image a heated sample inside a thermal analyzer main body section from an observation window provided in the thermal analyzer main body section. The imaging apparatus is provided with: an imaging device that is provided with a lens housing and a main body section; a holding section configured to hold the imaging device to have an orientation in which the lens housing is oriented toward the observation window, and the main body section is positioned on the opposite side of the observation window across the lens housing; and a cooling fan configured to provide airflow inside the holding section. The holding section is provided with a cooling air passage having an intake portion and an exhaust portion. At least a portion of the lens housing is arranged in the cooling air passage to be cooled by the airflow provided by the cooling fan.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2015Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: Hitachi High-Tech Science CorporationInventors: Shinya Nishimura, Hirohito Fujiwara, Kentaro Yamada
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Patent number: 9713983Abstract: A boundary line recognition apparatus receives detection results transmitted from camera devices and a laser radar device performing different optical detection methods. These detection results indicate information regarding a lane boundary line of a vehicle lane on a roadway on which an own vehicle drives. The apparatus further obtains surrounding environmental information of the own vehicle on the roadway, and selects at least one of the camera devices and the laser radar device suitable for correctly recognizing the lane boundary line on the basis of the environmental information. The apparatus finally recognizes the lane boundary line with high accuracy on the basis of the detection result transmitted form one or more devices selected based on the environment information.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2015Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Masanari Takaki, Kenji Kobayashi
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Patent number: 9712762Abstract: A method is provided for detecting a target not emitting in the wavelength region lying between 1 ?m and 1.9 ?m. The target is situated in a night sky luminous environment of level less than or equal to 4. Use is made of an imaging device of focal length f and of pupil diameter D, comprising at least one detector comprising types of pixels configured to operate in the wavelength region lying between 1 ?m and 1.9 ?m, the detectors exhibiting a noise level of less than 0.6×1015/(f/D)2, and from the image obtained by this device is extracted at least one negative-contrast zone, that is to say a black zone on a bright background corresponding to the presence of the target in the night sky of level less than or equal to 4.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2013Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: THALESInventor: Thierry Midavaine
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Patent number: 9706137Abstract: Various techniques are provided to monitor electrical equipment. In some implementations, a monitoring system for a cabinet may include an infrared camera configured to capture thermal images of at least a portion of electrical equipment positioned in an interior cavity of the cabinet. In some implementations, the monitoring system also includes a communication interface configured to transmit the thermal images from the infrared camera for external viewing by a user. In some implementations, the thermal images may be provided through various wired and wireless communication techniques. In some implementations, the infrared camera may receive electrical power through a physical coupling to an electrical connector within the cabinet and/or through electromagnetic energy harvesting techniques. Other implementations are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: FLIR Systems, Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Scanlon, Michael Fox, Nicholas Högasten, Theodore R. Hoelter, Katrin Strandemar
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Patent number: 9692991Abstract: Systems and methods for multispectral imaging are disclosed. The multispectral imaging system can include a near infrared (NIR) imaging sensor and a visible imaging sensor. The disclosed systems and methods can be implemented to improve alignment between the NIR and visible images. Once the NIR and visible images are aligned, various types of multispectral processing techniques can be performed on the aligned images.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2012Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Xiaopeng Zhang, Gang Qiu, Jilai Wang, Xiaoming Zhou, Liang Shen, Milivoje Aleksic, Sundeep Vaddadi, Shaojie Zhuo
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Patent number: 9679933Abstract: An image sensor is provided. The image sensor includes a red (R) pixel, a green (G) pixel, a blue (B) pixel and an infrared (IR) pixel, and R, G and B filters respectively disposed at the R, G and B pixels. The image sensor also includes an IR pass filter disposed at the IR pixel and an IR filter stacked with the R, G and B filters, wherein the IR filter cuts off at least IR light with a specific wavelength. Furthermore, a method of forming an image sensor is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2014Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: VISERA TECHNOLOGIES COMPANY LIMITEDInventors: Tzu-Wei Huang, Wei-Ko Wang, Chi-Han Lin
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Patent number: 9674466Abstract: A method to correct an image in a dual-aperture camera. Infrared noise may be subtracted from a pixel of an RGB image by the amount proportional to the distance from the corresponding edge to minimize imaging defects in a dual aperture camera. Such defect minimization may prevent edge information from being lost. A method reduces the effect of false color along the edges by converting inconsistent color edges to more consistent monochrome edges using the YCbCr color space.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2015Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: Dual Aperture International Co., Ltd.Inventors: Andrew Wajs, Hyunsang Park
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Patent number: 9671281Abstract: An imaging system includes an imager housing having a primary aperture defining an optical axis. A primary lens is disposed over the primary aperture. A first focal plane array (FPA) is within the imager housing. A second FPA is within the imager housing. A digital micro-mirror device (DMD) is angled with respect to the optical axis and optically coupled to the primary lens to selectively reflect light entering the primary aperture to at least one of the first FPA or the second FPA.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2015Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: Sensors Unlimited, Inc.Inventors: John A. Wieners, Henry W. Neal
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Patent number: 9667817Abstract: A master device images an object device and uses the image to identify the object device. The master device determines whether the object device is cable of being interfaced with based on the image and registers with the object device for interfacing. The master device then automatically interfaces with the identified object device. The master device may receive broadcast data from the object device including information about the visual appearance of the object device and use the broadcast data in the identification of the object device. The master device may retrieve data related to the object device and display the related data, which may be display the data over the displayed image of the object device. The master device may provide an interface to control the object device or be used to pass data to the object device.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2015Date of Patent: May 30, 2017Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Matthew S Grob, Serafin Diaz Spindola, Gerald V Wright, Jr., Virginia Walker Keating
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Patent number: 9613410Abstract: Gas visualization in an image depicting a scene, for an example embodiment comprises capturing a first IR image depicting the scene at a first time instance and a second IR image depicting the scene at a second time instance; performing image processing operations on image data derived from said first IR image and from said second IR image, to generate a collection of data representing the location of gas in one of the first or second IR images; and generating a third image by adjusting pixel values in an image depicting the scene, dependent on pixel values of said collection of data. According to various embodiments, there is further provided further processing of the collection of data, and/or gas detection, before generation of the third image with adjusted pixel values.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2016Date of Patent: April 4, 2017Assignee: FLIR Systems ABInventor: Katrin Strandemar
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Patent number: 9608027Abstract: A pixel array includes a plurality of visible light pixels arranged in the pixel array. Each one of the plurality of visible light pixels includes a photosensitive element arranged in a first semiconductor die to detect visible light. Each one of the plurality of visible light pixels is coupled to provide color image data to visible light readout circuitry disposed in a second semiconductor die stacked with and coupled to the first semiconductor die in a stacked chip scheme. A plurality of infrared (IR) pixels arranged in the pixel array. Each one of the plurality of IR pixels includes a single photon avalanche photodiode (SPAD) arranged in the first semiconductor die to detect IR light. Each one of the plurality of visible light pixels is coupled to provide IR image data to IR light readout circuitry disposed in the second semiconductor die.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2015Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Tianjia Sun, Rui Wang, Tiejun Dai
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Patent number: 9562849Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein describe a divided-aperture infrared spectral imaging (DAISI) system that is adapted to acquire multiple IR images of a scene with a single-shot (also referred to as a snapshot). The plurality of acquired images having different wavelength compositions that are obtained generally simultaneously. The system includes at least two optical channels that are spatially and spectrally different from one another. Each of the at least two optical channels are configured to transfer IR radiation incident on the optical system towards an optical FPA unit comprising at least two detector arrays disposed in the focal plane of two corresponding focusing lenses. The system further comprises at least one temperature reference source or surface that is used to dynamically calibrate the two detector arrays and compensate for a temperature difference between the two detector arrays.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2014Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: Rebellion Photonics, Inc.Inventors: Robert Timothy Kester, Nathan Adrian Hagen
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Patent number: 9548336Abstract: Image sensors, and electronic devices including the same, include a first photo-sensing device sensing light in a full visible to near infrared ray region, a second photo-sensing device sensing light in a blue wavelength region, a third photo-sensing device sensing light in a red wavelength region, and a fourth photo-sensing device sensing light in a green wavelength region. At least one of the first photo-sensing device, the second photo-sensing device, the third photo-sensing device, and the fourth photo-sensing device includes a pair of light-transmitting electrodes facing each other, and a photoactive layer between the light-transmitting electrodes. The photoactive layer includes an organic light-absorbing material.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2014Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kyu Sik Kim, Satoh Ryuichi, Hong-Seok Lee
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Patent number: 9523608Abstract: What is disclosed is a system and method for processing image data acquired using a multi-band infrared camera system with a spectral mosaic filter arranged in a geometric pattern without having to perform a demosaicing that is typical with processing data from an array of sensors. In one embodiment, image data that has been captured using a camera system that has a spectral filter mosaic comprising a plurality of spectral filters arrayed on a grid. A material index is determined, using intensity values collected by sensor elements associated with a cell's respective spectral filters. All of the material indices collectively generate a material index image. Thereafter, material identification is performed on the material index image using, for example, pixel classification. Because the demosaicing step can be effectively avoided, image processing time is reduced. The teachings hereof find their uses in a wide array of applications including automated HOV/HOT violation detection.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2012Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Beilei Xu, Lalit Keshav Mestha, Yao Rong Wang, Peter Paul
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Patent number: 9521346Abstract: Provided is a readout integrated circuit (ROIC). The ROIC includes a memory for each of a plurality of pixels, an address selector to synchronize a subsequent bias voltage for each of the pixels, a reference voltage recover switch to subtract the initial bias voltage from an output voltage of the integrated circuit and to result an integrator voltage for a sample and hold block, and a pulse-width control circuit to prevent crosstalk of the subsequent bias voltage between first and second ones of the pixels while a pixel clock selects adjacent columns. The memory maintains an initial bias voltage for each pixel during an initial integration frame time and during a sample and hold readout processing time. The sample and hold readout processing time is utilized to write a subsequent bias voltage for each pixel for a subsequent integration frame time to allow the first one of the pixels to have a different bias voltage than the second one of the pixels inside each integration frame time.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2015Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Assignee: STC.UNMInventors: Glauco Rogerio Cugler-Fiorante, Payman Zarkesh-Ha, Sanjay Krishna
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Patent number: 9521353Abstract: A recorder includes a file saving processor configured to record measurement data in a first file in time series, to temporarily store image data with information for associating the image data with the measurement data that is regarded as being received at the same time, to record image data corresponding to a point in time when a trigger is generated and also a given number of image data before the trigger is generated and a given number of image data after the trigger is generated, in the temporarily stored image data, in a second file, to create a third file in which the measurement data recorded in the first file and the image data recorded in the second file are associated with each other, and to associate the first file, the second file, and the third file with each other to save the associated files.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2014Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Assignee: YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORPORATIONInventors: Toshiaki Yoneyama, Yasuhiro Yoshino, Noriaki Idenoshita
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Patent number: 9516240Abstract: An imaging apparatus is connected to a client device and has an infrared cut filter to cut infrared light, a toggling unit to toggle an infrared cut filter state between on and off, and reception, control, and transmission units. The reception unit receives automatic adjustment information relating to the state, along with an imaging setting command for the imaging apparatus to automatically control the state. The control unit automatically controls the toggling unit based on the imaging setting command. The transmission unit transmits setting information relating to the automatic adjustment information to the client device. The setting information transmitted by the transmission unit indicates whether automatic adjustment information used by the control unit can be set in each of a case where the state is turned on to enable the infrared cut filter or a case where the state is turned off to disable the infrared cut filter.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2016Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Mitsuo Niida
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Patent number: 9507488Abstract: A solid state power controller for an aircraft, the solid state power controller includes a solid state switching device for activating an electrical power output bus, a control unit for controlling the solid state switching device, and a current sensing circuit for monitoring current flowing in the electrical power output bus. The current sensing circuit includes a sensing fuse that provides a simplified and more reliable solid state power controller.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2014Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Xueli Wang, Zhenhua Xu, XiaoYan Yu
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Patent number: 9503623Abstract: Disclosed are improved methods, systems and devices for color night vision that reduce the number of intensifiers and/or decrease noise. In some embodiments, color night vision is provided in system in which multiple spectral bands are maintained, filtered separately, and then recombined in a unique three-lens-filtering setup. An illustrative four-camera night vision system is unique in that its first three cameras separately filter different bands using a subtractive Cyan, Magenta and Yellow (CMY) color filtering-process, while its fourth camera is used to sense either additional IR illuminators or a luminance channel to increase brightness. In some embodiments, the color night vision is implemented to distinguish details of an image in low light. The unique application of the three-lens subtractive CMY filtering allows for better photon scavenging and preservation of important color information.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2015Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: APPLIED MINDS, LLCInventors: Michael Keesling, Bran Ferren, Adrian Kaehler, Dan Ruderman, David Beal, Pablo Maurin, Eric Powers
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Patent number: 9503669Abstract: A smart control device for controlling a television (TV) set includes at least one sensing device and a processor. The sensing device is configured to detect whether a person is in front of the TV set, and generate a first control signal upon determining that at least one person is in front of the TV set, or generate a second control signal upon determining that no people are in front of the TV set. The processor obtains the control signal generated by the sensing device, and turns on the TV set when the control signal is the first control signal and if the TV set was turned off, or turns off the TV set after a first predetermined time period elapsed, when the control signal is the second control signal and if the TV set was turned on.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2015Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: Sheng-Feng Weng, Chuan-Te Chan, Wen-Chia Lee
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Patent number: 9488533Abstract: A method of monitoring an electrical device includes receiving an operational condition of an electrical device, receiving a measurement indicative of a thermal parameter of the electrical device corresponding to the operational condition, and storing the measurement in memory in association with the operational condition. A system for monitoring electrical devices includes a processor communicative with a memory and the memory has instructions recorded thereon that, when read by the processor, cause the processor to execute the method.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2014Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Assignee: Kidde Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Ted R. Schnetker
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Patent number: 9471964Abstract: The present disclosure provides a non-local mean-based video denoising method, so as to remove illumination variation in a video by using image histogram specification filtering processing. The present disclosure further provides a non-local mean-based video denoising apparatus. The apparatus comprises a filtering module used for remove illumination variation in a video by using image histogram specification filtering processing. In the present disclosure, self-adaptive adjustment can be carried out on a change of an illumination condition.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2015Date of Patent: October 18, 2016Assignees: PEKING UNIVERSITY, PEKING UNIVERSITY FOUNDER GROUP CO., LTD., BEIJING FOUNDER ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Jie Ren, Jiaying Liu, Zongming Guo, Yue Zhuo
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Patent number: 9448134Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting chemical species including a lens, a beam splitter, first and second bandpass filters, and first and second electromagnetic radiation detectors. The first bandpass filter has a first transmittance window having a first width transmitting greater than 50% of the filtered first electromagnetic radiation beam within a first electromagnetic radiation wavelength range. The second bandpass filter includes a second transmittance window having a second width within a second electromagnetic radiation wavelength range. The second transmittance window has an upper limit wavelength value that is greater than an upper limit wavelength value of the first transmittance window. The second bandpass filter is configured to transmit a lesser percentage of the second electromagnetic radiation beam passing through the second transmittance window than the first bandpass filter transmits of the first electromagnetic radiation beam passing through the first transmittance window.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2015Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research CompanyInventors: Jonathan M. Morris, Yousheng Zeng
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Patent number: 9442566Abstract: An imaging device adapted to provide eye-tracking data by imaging at least one eye of a viewer, wherein: the imaging device is switchable between at least an active mode and a ready mode; the imaging device is configured to use active eye illumination in the active mode, which enables tracking of a corneal reflection; and the imaging device is configured, in the ready mode, to reduce an illumination intensity from a value the illumination intensity has in the active mode, and to provide eye-tracking data which include eye position but not eye orientation.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2015Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: TOBII ABInventors: Henrik Eskilsson, Mårten Skogö, John Elvesjö, Peter Blixt
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Patent number: 9436367Abstract: A computer-implemented method and a computer system for processing an infrared (IR) image based on a swipe gesture are provided. For example, the method may comprise: displaying an IR image within one or more graphical objects displayed on a touch screen; receiving a user indication of a swipe gesture via said touch screen, wherein receiving a user indication further comprises generating first data representing a first swipe gesture starting location and second data representing a first swipe gesture direction; processing the one or more graphical objects, wherein the processing comprises modifying various parameters or attributes associated with the IR image and/or image processing the IR image based on the first and the second data; and displaying the one or more processed graphical objects including the IR image processed according to the modified parameters or attributes.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2014Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: FLIR Systems ABInventor: Mattias Andersson
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Patent number: 9423940Abstract: The present invention relates in general to the field of applications and functions of an IR-camera device operated by a user in connection with the recording of IR images and to processing of IR images on a computer application program. A system for managing annotations to IR images comprising selectable annotation input functions that are actuatable by means of control commands displayed on the display is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2013Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignee: FLIR SYSTEMS ABInventors: Mikael Erlandsson, Erland George-Svahn, Torsten Sandbäck
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Patent number: 9426389Abstract: A second imaging device such as a thermal imager adapted for use with a first imaging device such as an image intensifier night vision goggle system whereby the output image of the second imaging device is collimated and projected upon the objective lens of the first imaging device to provide an optically fused image to the viewer.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2014Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignee: Vectronix Inc.Inventors: William B. Hornback, Douglas Harwood, Brian Tussey
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Patent number: 9411132Abstract: An optical image capturing system, from an object side to an image side, comprises a first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth lens elements. The first lens element with refractive power has a convex object-side surface. The second through fifth lens elements have refractive power and both of an object-side surface and an image-side surface of the four lens elements are aspheric. The sixth lens with negative refractive power has a concave object-side surface. Both of the image-side and object-side surfaces of the six lens elements are aspheric and at least one of the two surfaces has inflection points. Each of the six lens elements may have refractive power. When specific conditions are satisfied, the optical image capturing system can have a better optical path adjusting ability to acquire better imaging quality.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2014Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: ABILITY OPTO-ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO. LTD.Inventors: Nai-Yuan Tang, Yeong-Ming Chang