Image processor
US5926164A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 18, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jul 20, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 18, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06T2207/30252
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An infrared-spectrum image processor mounted in a vehicle assists a driver in seeing under difficult conditions, such as rain, smog or fog. The device operates, in part, on the principle that infrared rays are "visible" at longer distances than are light rays falling within the visible spectrum, especially when adverse visual conditions exist. Also, different objects have different images when "viewed" in the infrared spectrum. Thus, even if an image is difficult to see in the visible spectrum, if the infrared spectrum is not disturbed, it may be possible to "see" the objects anyway. In operation, the processor analyzes a histogram derived from a taken image. If the histogram shows a distribution containing two peaks, the processor determines that there is an obscure image. For mounting on a vehicle an infrared camera is mounted on the vehicle roof. A dash-mounted display is provided for transmitting the processed images to the driver to facilitate decision-making while driving.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.