公开(公告)号：US08587637B1

公开(公告)日：2013-11-19

申请号：US12775868

申请日：2010-05-07

Applicant: Michael E. Cryder ,  Henry J Tatko ,  James T. Woolaway ,  John D. Schlesselmann

Inventor： Michael E. Cryder ,  Henry J Tatko ,  James T. Woolaway ,  John D. Schlesselmann

IPC: H04N13/02

CPC classification number: G01S7/4865 ,  G01S7/4861 ,  G01S17/89 ,  H04N13/254 ,  H04N13/271

Abstract: Various techniques are provided for forming three-dimensional images. For example, in one embodiment, a system for three-dimensional imaging of an object includes an imaging sensor that provides a focal plane array and a sensor controller. The system also includes a laser illuminator coupled to the sensor controller. The laser illuminator is adapted to emit at least one laser pulse to be reflected from at least one plane of the object and detected by the focal plane array as at least one two-dimensional image frame of light intensities. The sensor controller is adapted to associate a range dimension of the plane with the image frame to facilitate formation of a three-dimensional image of the object. Related methods are also contemplated.

Abstract translation: 提供了用于形成三维图像的各种技术。 例如，在一个实施例中，用于对象的三维成像的系统包括提供焦平面阵列和传感器控制器的成像传感器。 该系统还包括耦合到传感器控制器的激光照明器。 所述激光照射器适于发射至少一个激光脉冲，以从所述物体的至少一个平面反射并由所述焦平面阵列检测为至少一个光强度的二维图像帧。 传感器控制器适于将平面的范围尺寸与图像帧相关联，以便于形成对象的三维图像。 还考虑了相关方法。

公开(公告)号：US5756999A

公开(公告)日：1998-05-26

申请号：US799663

申请日：1997-02-11

Applicant: William J. Parrish ,  James T. Woolaway

Inventor： William J. Parrish ,  James T. Woolaway

IPC: G01J5/20 ,  G01J5/22 ,  H04N5/33 ,  H04N5/365 ,  G01J5/24

CPC classification number: H04N5/33 ,  G01J5/20 ,  G01J5/22 ,  H04N5/3651

Abstract: Correction for temperature-induced non-uniformities in the response characteristics of the microbolometers in an infrared focal plane array (FPA) is performed by applying a non-uniform corrective bias to the individual microbolometers. The corrective bias is applied either before or during the bias or integration period during which the detectors are sampled. The bias-correction can be applied to two-dimensional detector multiplexers at each column amplifier input, the reference potential for each column amplifier or the voltage supply for each detector element. The magnitude of each corrective bias is determined by calibrating the detectors at different temperatures and different levels of incident infrared radiation. According to another aspect of this invention, a microbolometer which is thermally-shorted to the substrate on which the read out integrated circuit (ROIC) is formed is used along with the sensing microbolometer to compensate for variations in temperature. Circuitry for providing on-ROIC substrate temperature control is also described. This invention allows the operation of a microbolometer FPA over a wider range of device substrate temperatures and thereby significantly reduces the complexity and cost of the system as compared with the conventional technique of cooling the FPA.

Abstract translation: 红外焦平面阵列（FPA）中的微量热计的响应特性中的温度诱导的不均匀性的校正是通过对各个微量热计进行不均匀的校正偏差来进行的。 纠正偏压在采样检测器的偏置或积分期间之前或期间施加。 偏置校正可以应用于每个列放大器输入处的二维检测器多路复用器，每个列放大器的参考电位或每个检测器元件的电压源。 每个校正偏差的大小通过校准不同温度和不同入射红外辐射水平的检测器来确定。 根据本发明的另一方面，与传感微电热计一起使用热短路至其上形成读出的集成电路（ROIC）的衬底的微热辐射计，以补偿温度变化。 还描述了用于提供ROIC衬底温度控制的电路。 与传统的冷却FPA技术相比，本发明允许在更宽范围的器件衬底温度下操作微热辐射计FPA，从而显着降低系统的复杂性和成本。

公开(公告)号：US09052381B2

公开(公告)日：2015-06-09

申请号：US12776094

申请日：2010-05-07

Applicant: James T. Woolaway ,  John D. Schlesselmann

Inventor： James T. Woolaway ,  John D. Schlesselmann

IPC: G01C3/08 ,  G06M7/00 ,  G01S7/486 ,  G01S17/89

CPC classification number: G01S7/4863 ,  G01S17/89

Abstract: Various techniques are provided for performing detection using a focal plane array (FPA). For example, in one embodiment, a unit cell of an FPA may be implemented to support rapid sampling in response to one or more laser pulses reflected from an object or feature of interest. An FPA implemented with such unit cells may be used, for example, in an imaging system capable of detecting a plurality of two dimensional image frames and providing a three dimensional image using the detected two dimensional image frames. Other applications of such rapid sampling unit cells are also contemplated.

Abstract translation: 提供了使用焦平面阵列（FPA）进行检测的各种技术。 例如，在一个实施例中，可以实现FPA的单位单元以响应于从感兴趣的对象或特征反射的一个或多个激光脉冲来支持快速采样。 使用这种单位单元实现的FPA可以用于例如能够检测多个二维图像帧并使用检测到的二维图像帧来提供三维图像的成像系统。 也考虑了这种快速采样单元的其它应用。

公开(公告)号：US08817106B2

公开(公告)日：2014-08-26

申请号：US11946798

申请日：2007-11-28

Applicant: Patrick B. Richardson ,  Jeffrey D. Frank ,  Austin A. Richards ,  Nicholas Högasten ,  James T. Woolaway

Inventor： Patrick B. Richardson ,  Jeffrey D. Frank ,  Austin A. Richards ,  Nicholas Högasten ,  James T. Woolaway

IPC: H04N5/33

CPC classification number: H04N5/33 ,  H04N5/23245

Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein provide an image capture component adapted to capture an infrared image, a control component adapted to provide a plurality of selectable processing modes to a user, receive a user input corresponding to a user selected processing mode, generate a control signal indicative of the user selected processing mode and transmit the generated control signal. The user selected processing modes, for example, may be directed to maritime applications, such as night docking, man overboard, night cruising, day cruising, hazy conditions, and/or shoreline modes. The systems and methods further provide a processing component adapted to receive the generated control signal from the control component, process the captured infrared image according to the user selected processing mode, and generate a processed infrared image, and a display component adapted to display the processed infrared image.

Abstract translation: 本文公开的系统和方法提供适于捕获红外图像的图像捕获组件，适于向用户提供多种可选处理模式的控制组件，接收与用户选择的处理模式对应的用户输入，产生指示 并发送所生成的控制信号。 例如，用户选择的处理模式可以针对海上应用，例如夜间停靠，人员舷外，夜间巡航，日间巡航，朦胧条件和/或海岸线模式。 所述系统和方法还提供一种处理部件，其适于从控制部件接收生成的控制信号，根据用户选择的处理模式处理所捕获的红外图像，并生成经处理的红外图像，以及显示部件， 红外图像。

公开(公告)号：US20130208125A1

公开(公告)日：2013-08-15

申请号：US11946798

申请日：2007-11-28

Applicant: Patrick B. Richardson ,  Jeffrey D. Frank ,  Austin A. Richards ,  Nicholas Hogasten ,  James T. Woolaway

Inventor： Patrick B. Richardson ,  Jeffrey D. Frank ,  Austin A. Richards ,  Nicholas Hogasten ,  James T. Woolaway

IPC: H04N5/33

CPC classification number: H04N5/33 ,  H04N5/23245

Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein provide an image capture component adapted to capture an infrared image, a control component adapted to provide a plurality of selectable processing modes to a user, receive a user input corresponding to a user selected processing mode, generate a control signal indicative of the user selected processing mode and transmit the generated control signal. The user selected processing modes, for example, may be directed to maritime applications, such as night docking, man overboard, night cruising, day cruising, hazy conditions, and/or shoreline modes. The systems and methods further provide a processing component adapted to receive the generated control signal from the control component, process the captured infrared image according to the user selected processing mode, and generate a processed infrared image, and a display component adapted to display the processed infrared image.

Abstract translation: 本文公开的系统和方法提供适于捕获红外图像的图像捕获组件，适于向用户提供多种可选处理模式的控制组件，接收与用户选择的处理模式对应的用户输入，产生指示 并发送所生成的控制信号。 例如，用户选择的处理模式可以针对海上应用，例如夜间停靠，人员舷外，夜间巡航，日间巡航，朦胧条件和/或海岸线模式。 所述系统和方法还提供一种处理部件，其适于从控制部件接收生成的控制信号，根据用户选择的处理模式处理所捕获的红外图像，并生成经处理的红外图像，以及显示部件， 红外图像。

公开(公告)号：US06465798B1

公开(公告)日：2002-10-15

申请号：US09391789

申请日：1999-09-08

Applicant: Theodore R. Hoelter ,  James T. Woolaway

Inventor： Theodore R. Hoelter ,  James T. Woolaway

IPC: G01J100

CPC classification number: H01L27/16 ,  H04N5/33

Abstract: Analog signal voltages are updated sequentially in a first sample-and-hold circuit, while an emitter element displays a pixel of a first display frame in response to a stored analog signal voltage in an isolated parallel second sample-and-hold circuit. After all unit cells are updated, the switches are reversed for the two parallel sample-and-hold circuits, displaying a pixel of a second display frame in response to an updated stored analog signal voltage in the first sample-and-hold circuit. The operation of the two parallel circuits alternates for each sequential frame. A constant current source in the unit cell provides constant power dissipation and temperature, independent from variations in emitter element current, up to a predetermined constant current limit. For emitter element currents greater than the predetermined limit, an independent current source in the unit cell is automatically activated without involving external control logic. Modular system architecture permits large area displays, 1024×1024 emitter elements and larger, having high data throughput. All-digital signal and control logic interfaces provide versatile operation, wide dynamic range, and noise immunity.

Abstract translation: 模拟信号电压在第一采样保持电路中顺序更新，而发射极元件响应于隔离并联的第二采样保持电路中存储的模拟信号电压而显示第一显示帧的像素。 在更新了所有单位单元之后，对于两个并行取样和保持电路，开关被反转，响应于第一采样和保持电路中更新的存储的模拟信号电压而显示第二显示帧的像素。 两个并联电路的操作对于每个顺序帧交替。 在单元电池中的恒流源提供恒定的功耗和温度，独立于发射极元件电流的变化，直到预定的恒定电流极限。 对于大于预定极限的发射极元件电流，单元电池中的独立电流源自动激活而不涉及外部控制逻辑。 模块化系统架构允许大面积显示器，1024×1024发射极元件和更大的数据吞吐量。 全数字信号和控制逻辑接口提供多种操作，宽动态范围和抗噪声能力。

公开(公告)号：US06344651B1

公开(公告)日：2002-02-05

申请号：US09427645

申请日：1999-10-27

Applicant: James T. Woolaway ,  William J. Parrish ,  Stephen H. Black

Inventor： James T. Woolaway ,  William J. Parrish ,  Stephen H. Black

IPC: H03F345

CPC classification number: G01J5/24 ,  H03F3/082 ,  H03F3/45197 ,  H03F3/68 ,  H03F2203/45652 ,  H03F2203/45658 ,  H03F2203/45682 ,  H04N5/33

Abstract: A differential current mode amplifier circuit (5,5′) includes a first circuit leg having a first current source providing a current I1 coupled in series with a first transistor (m1) at a first circuit node (n1). The first transistor has a control terminal for coupling to an input signal potential (Vs). Vs is obtained from a unit cell of a radiation detector array, and is indicative of a magnitude of an integrated, photon-induced charge. The first circuit leg outputs a first output current (Is). A second circuit leg includes a second current source providing a current I2 coupled in series with a second transistor (m2) at a second circuit node (n2). The second transistor has a control terminal for coupling to an input reference potential (Vr). The second circuit leg outputs a second output current (Ir). A resistance (Rs) is coupled between the first circuit leg and the second circuit leg at the first circuit node and the second node. The current flow through Rs is proportional to a difference between Vs and Vr, and is thus indicative of a magnitude of Vs.

Abstract translation: 差分电流模式放大器电路（5,5'）包括具有第一电流源的第一电路支路，该第一电流源提供与第一电路节点（n1）上的第一晶体管（m1）串联耦合的电流I1。 第一晶体管具有用于耦合到输入信号电位（Vs）的控制端子。 Vs是从放射线检测器阵列的单位单元获得的，并且表示积分的光子诱导电荷的大小。 第一电路支路输出第一输出电流（Is）。 第二电路支路包括提供与第二电路节点（n2）上的第二晶体管（m2）串联耦合的电流I2的第二电流源。 第二晶体管具有用于耦合到输入参考电位（Vr）的控制端子。 第二电路支路输出第二输出电流（Ir）。 电阻（Rs）在第一电路节点和第二节点处耦合在第一电路支路和第二电路支路之间。 通过Rs的电流与Vs和Vr之间的差成比例，因此表示Vs的大小。

公开(公告)号：US5717208A

公开(公告)日：1998-02-10

申请号：US655425

申请日：1996-05-30

Applicant: James T. Woolaway, II

Inventor： James T. Woolaway, II

IPC: G02B26/10 ,  H01L27/146 ,  H04N5/33 ,  H04N5/349 ,  H04N5/365 ,  H04N5/369 ,  G01J5/24 ,  H01L31/09

CPC classification number: H04N5/3656 ,  G02B26/101 ,  H01L27/1465 ,  H04N5/33 ,  H04N5/349

Abstract: An improved imaging technique is disclosed wherein an output from an IR-FPA (16) corresponds to image motion, wherein a scene image stays correlated with the IR-FPA readout, and wherein non-uniformities (e.g., fixed pattern spatial noise) are uncorrelated from frame to frame. The uncorrelated fixed pattern spatial noise is identified and removed by a signal processor, such as a SB-NUC block (24). The scene image is scanned over the IR-FPA by a dither mirror (14) in synchronism with the movement of a frame of pixels (17) on the IR-FPA. Electronics (16a, 16b, 30, 32, 34) are included on the IR-FPA for controlling the scanning and read out of pixels within a currently selected frame.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种改进的成像技术，其中来自IR-FPA（16）的输出对应于图像运动，其中场景图像与IR-FPA读出保持相关，并且其中非均匀性（例如，固定模式空间噪声）不相关 从帧到帧。 通过诸如SB-NUC块（24）的信号处理器识别和去除不相关的固定图案空间噪声。 与IR-FPA上的像素（17）的移动同步，通过抖动反射镜（14）在IR-FPA上扫描场景图像。 IR-FPA中包括电子装置（16a，16b，30,32,34），用于控制当前选择的帧内的像素的扫描和读出。

公开(公告)号：US08822922B1

公开(公告)日：2014-09-02

申请号：US13584649

申请日：2012-08-13

Applicant: Tom Scanlon ,  James T. Woolaway ,  Robert P. Madding

Inventor： Tom Scanlon ,  James T. Woolaway ,  Robert P. Madding

IPC: G01J5/00 ,  G01J5/02 ,  G01J5/08

CPC classification number: G01J5/02 ,  G01J5/025 ,  G01J5/026 ,  G01J5/0265 ,  G01J5/0275 ,  G01J5/042 ,  G01J5/08 ,  G01J5/089 ,  G01J5/0893 ,  G01J5/0896 ,  G01R31/308

Abstract: In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, a portable inspection system is disclosed to wirelessly capture inspection data, such as for example an infrared image, sound information, and/or electrical measurement information. The inspection data may be securely recorded (e.g., with an encryption algorithm) along with associated information, which may include for example date, time, system settings, operator identification, and location.

Abstract translation: 根据本发明的至少一个实施例，公开了一种便携式检查系统来无线地捕获检查数据，例如红外图像，声音信息和/或电测量信息。 检查数据可以安全地记录（例如，使用加密算法）以及相关联的信息，其可以包括例如日期，时间，系统设置，操作者标识和位置。

公开(公告)号：US20120224063A1

公开(公告)日：2012-09-06

申请号：US13443794

申请日：2012-04-10

Applicant: William A. Terre ,  Jeffrey D. Frank ,  James T. Woolaway ,  Austin A. Richards ,  Patrick B. Richardson ,  Nicholas Högasten

Inventor： William A. Terre ,  Jeffrey D. Frank ,  James T. Woolaway ,  Austin A. Richards ,  Patrick B. Richardson ,  Nicholas Högasten

IPC: H04N5/33 ,  H04N7/18 ,  H04N5/225

CPC classification number: H04N5/2253 ,  B60R11/04 ,  G08B13/1963 ,  G08B13/19643 ,  H04N5/23206 ,  H04N5/23216 ,  H04N5/332 ,  H04N5/44 ,  H04N7/183

Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein provide, for some embodiments, infrared cameras and target position acquisition techniques for various applications. For example, in one embodiment, a system may include a portable imaging/viewing subsystem having a target position finder and may also include a fixed mount camera subsystem having a camera and a camera positioner. A communications link may be configured to communicate a signal from the target position finder to the camera positioner. The signal may be representative of a position of a target being imaged/viewed with the portable imaging/viewing subsystem. The camera positioner may aim the camera toward the target in response to the signal. The target may, for example, be a man overboard. Thus, the system may be useful in search and rescue operations.

Abstract translation: 对于一些实施例公开的系统和方法为各种应用提供红外相机和目标位置获取技术。 例如，在一个实施例中，系统可以包括具有目标定位器的便携式成像/观察子系统，并且还可以包括具有相机和相机定位器的固定安装摄像机子系统。 通信链路可以被配置为将来自目标定位器的信号传送到相机定位器。 信号可以代表用便携式成像/观察子系统成像/观看的目标的位置。 相机定位器可以响应于信号将相机瞄准目标。 例如，目标可能是一个超人的人。 因此，该系统在搜索和救援操作中可能是有用的。