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US5138162A
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Method and apparatus for producing enhanced images of curved thermal objects
Assignee: United States Department of the Army
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Filing: 1988-12-16
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Granted: 1992-08-11
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Expires: 2008-12-16
Abstract
Abstract Curved thermal objects emit infrared energy with different ratios of ordiy-to-extraordinary polarizations compared to flat thermal objects. The invention takes advantage of this by taking the sum or difference of or between thermal images for two different polarization images of a scene. The curved objects are enhanced with respect to the remainder of the scene on a viewer.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael Hacskaylo
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 19:40
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06T; G06T5/00; G06T5/50; H; H04; H04N; H04N23/00; H04N23/20; H04N23/23; G01; G01J; G01J5/00; G01J5/58
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
89 words
A method of producing an enhanced image, compared to an unpolarized, polarized, or partially polarized image, from infrared radiation of a curved object in an infrared field, including the following steps: detecting and storing a first image from an infrared field including such an object for a particular polarization of the infrared radiation therefrom; detecting and storing a second image from said field including said object for another particular polarization of the infrared radiation therefrom; combining said stored images to produce said enhanced image and; displaying said enhanced image.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
89 words
A method of producing an enhanced image, compared to an unpolarized, polarized, or partially polarized image, from infrared radiation of a curved object in an infrared field, including the following steps: detecting and storing a first image from an infrared field including such an object for a particular polarization of the infrared radiation therefrom; detecting and storing a second image from said field including said object for another particular polarization of the infrared radiation therefrom; combining said stored images to produce said enhanced image and; displaying said enhanced image.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said images are combined by taking the difference therebetween.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said images are combined by taking the sum thereof.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
74 words
A device for producing an enhanced image, compared to an unpolarized, polarized, or partially polarized image, from infrared radiation of a curved object in an infrared field of view, including: means for alternately providing different polarizations of the radiation from said field of view; means for detecting images from said means for providing; means for storing and combining alternate pairs of images to provide a composite image; and means for displaying said composite image.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
74 words
A device for producing an enhanced image, compared to an unpolarized, polarized, or partially polarized image, from infrared radiation of a curved object in an infrared field of view, including: means for alternately providing different polarizations of the radiation from said field of view; means for detecting images from said means for providing; means for storing and combining alternate pairs of images to provide a composite image; and means for displaying said composite image.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-08-11 | 1996-02-10 | 1996-08-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-08-11 | 2000-02-10 | 2000-08-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-08-11 | 2004-02-10 | 2004-08-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |