Patent · US Active

Optical array for high-quality imaging in harsh environments

US11601601B2 · kind B2 · utility

0Cited by
6References
17Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateAug 10, 2020
Grant dateMar 7, 2023
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 10, 2040

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG06T2207/30268
  • WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for producing high quality images in uncontrolled or impaired environments. In some examples of the disclosed technology, groups of cameras for high dynamic range (HDR), polarization diversity, and optional other diversity modes are arranged to concurrently image a common scene. For example, in a vehicle checkpoint application, HDR provides discernment of dark objects inside a vehicle, while polarization diversity aids in rejecting glare. Spectral diversity, infrared imaging, and active illumination can be applied for better imaging through a windshield. Preprocessed single-camera images are registered and fused. Faces or other features of interest can be detected in the fused image and identified in a library. Impairments can include weather, insufficient or interfering lighting, shadows, reflections, window glass, occlusions, or moving objects.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.