EP0476959A2
Expired / Lapsed
EP
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
System and method for fusing video imagery from multiple sources in real time
Assignee: Raytheon Co
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Filing: 1991-09-17
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2011-09-17
Abstract
Abstract A system and method for fusing or merging video imagery from multiple sources such that the resultant image has improved information content over any one of the individual video images. The sensors generating the video imagery are typically responsive to different spectral content in the scene being scanned, such as visible and infra-red or short and long wavelength infra-red, and the like. This permits real-time, high pixel rate operation with hardware implementation of moderate cost and complexity. Image enhancement by frequency content specification is another advantage of this approach. The flexibility permits application to many different video formats and line rates. <IMAGE>
Inventors
- 👤 Richard D. Tinkler
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 16:33
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06T; G06T5/00; G06T5/50
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
156 words
A system for real time merging of video imagery information from multiple different sources, comprising: (a) a first sensor focused upon a sensor field for producing first signals indicative of a predetermined portion of a sensor field; (b) a second sensor having different characteristics from said first sensor and focused upon said sensor field for producing second signals indicative of said predetermined portion of said sensor field; (c) means for separating said first signals into first feature signals and first background signals and for separating said second signals into second feature signals and second background signals; (d) means responsive to said first and second feature signals for selecting the one of said first and second feature signals having the best features therein; (e) means responsive to said first and second feature signals for providing composite background signal; and (f) means for merging said composite background signal and said selected feature signal to provide a merged signal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 1 further including function means to perform a function responsive to said merged signal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
11 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said signals are digital signals.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 1 and 3 wherein said first and second sensors are simultaneously focused upon said sensor field.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system of claim 1, 3 and 4 wherein said means for merging includes means for weighting the ratio of said composite features signal to said selected feature signal.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 1,3,4 and 5 wherein said first sensor and said second sensor are responsive to different spectral bands.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
151 words
A Method for real time merging of video imagery information from multiple different sources, comprising the steps of: (a) focusing a first sensor upon a sensor field to produce first signals indicative of a predetermined portion of a sensor field; (b) focusing a second sensor having different characteristics from said first sensor upon said sensor field to produce second signals indicative of said predetermined portion of said sensor field; (c) separating said first signals into first feature signals and first background signals and for separating said second signals into second feature signals and second background signals; (d) selecting the one of said first and second feature signals having the best features therein responsive to said first and second feature signals; (e) providing a composite background signal responsive to said first and second feature signals; and (f) merging said composite background signal and said selected feature signal to provide a merged signal.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 7 further including the step of performing a function responsive to said merged signal.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 7 wherein said signals are digital signals.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
20 words
The method of claims 7 and 9 wherein said first and second sensors are simultaneously focused upon said sensor field.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
26 words
The method of claims 7 and 10 wherein said step of merging includes weighting the ratio of said composite features signal to said selected feature signal.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
23 words
The method of claims 7, 9, 10 and 11, wherein said first sensor and said second sensor are responsive to different spectral bands.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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