Time spaced infrared image enhancement

US9451183B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• FLIR Systems, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Nicholas Högasten · Lompoc, US
• Dwight Dumpert · Goleta, US
• Theodore R. Hoelter · Goleta, US
• Jeffrey S. Scott · Goleta, US
• Katrin Strandemar · Rimbo, SE
• Mark Nussmeier · Goleta, US
• Eric A. Kurth · Lompoc, US
• Pierre Boulanger · Goleta, US
• Barbara Sharp · Lompoc, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 21, 2013
• Grant date: Sep 20, 2016
• Expiry date: Dec 21, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H04N25/76
• WIPO field: Audio-visual technology
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

Techniques using small form factor infrared imaging modules are disclosed. An imaging system may include visible spectrum imaging modules, infrared imaging modules, and other modules to interface with a user and/or a monitoring system. Visible spectrum imaging modules and infrared imaging modules may be positioned in proximity to a scene that will be monitored while visible spectrum-only images of the scene are either not available or less desirable than infrared images of the scene. Imaging modules may be configured to capture images of the scene at different times. Image analytics and processing may be used to generate combined images with infrared imaging features and increased detail and contrast. Triple fusion processing, including selectable aspects of non-uniformity correction processing, true color processing, and high contrast processing, may be performed on the captured images. Control signals based on the combined images may be presented to a user and/or a monitoring system.