US5555324A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for generating a synthetic image by the fusion of signals representative of different views of the same scene
Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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Filing: 1994-11-01
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Granted: 1996-09-10
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Expires: 2014-11-01
Abstract
Abstract A method and system for processing two input digital image signals, each being representative of a different two dimensional view of the same scene, to produce three processed image signals. A center-surround shunt processor transforms each input image signal to produce a respective processed image signal. Another center-surround shunt processor produces the third processed image signal from the first two processed image signals. In the latter processor, one of the first two processed image signals is selected as a center image and the other is selected as a surround image. The processor performs a computation associated with each pixel in the center image with data selected from the center image to form a central element for the computation and data selected from the surround image to form a surround element for the computation. The result of each computation is a pixel of the third processed image signal. The three processed image signals may be applied to the respective RGB inputs of an RGB display device.
Inventors
- 👤 Allen M. Waxman
- 👤 David A. Fay
- 👤 Alan N. Gove
- 👤 Michael C. Seibert
- 👤 Joseph P. Racamato
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 09:03
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06T; G06T5/00; G06T5/20; G06T5/50; H; H04; H04N; H04N23/00; H04N23/10; H04N23/11; H04N23/20; H04N23/23
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 88
Claim 1
Independent Claim
377 words
A method for processing first and second digital image signals, each of said image signals being representative of a different two dimensional view of the same scene, each of said image signals including a two dimensional array of pixels, each of said pixels having an associated value representative of a detectable characteristic at a corresponding position in said scene, comprising the steps of: A. center-surround shunt processing said first image signal to generate a first processed image signal including a two dimensional array of pixels, said processing including performing a computation associated with each pixel in said first image signal, wherein for each of said computations, pixels in a neighborhood including at least said associated pixel collectively form a central element for said computation, and pixels in a neighborhood at least surrounding said central element collectively form a surround element for said computation, wherein a result of each of said computations is a pixel of said first processed image signal, B. center-surround shunt processing said second image signal to generate a second processed image signal including a two dimensional array of pixels, said processing including performing a computation associated with each pixel in said second image signal, wherein for each of said computations, pixels in a neighborhood including at least said associated pixel collectively form a central element for said computation, and pixels in a neighborhood at least surrounding said central element collectively form a surround element for said computation, wherein a result of each of said computations is a pixel of said second processed image signal, C. center-surround shunt processing portions of said first and second processed image signals to generate a third processed image signal including a two dimensional array of pixels, said processing including a computation associated with each pixel in one of said first and second processed image signals, wherein for each of said computations, pixels in a neighborhood including at least said associated pixel form a central element for said computation, and pixels in a neighborhood at least surrounding a central element corresponding to said central element in the other of said first and second processed image signals form a surround element for said computation, wherein a result of each of said computations is a pixel of said third processed image signal.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
377 words
A method for processing first and second digital image signals, each of said image signals being representative of a different two dimensional view of the same scene, each of said image signals including a two dimensional array of pixels, each of said pixels having an associated value representative of a detectable characteristic at a corresponding position in said scene, comprising the steps of: A. center-surround shunt processing said first image signal to generate a first processed image signal including a two dimensional array of pixels, said processing including performing a computation associated with each pixel in said first image signal, wherein for each of said computations, pixels in a neighborhood including at least said associated pixel collectively form a central element for said computation, and pixels in a neighborhood at least surrounding said central element collectively form a surround element for said computation, wherein a result of each of said computations is a pixel of said first processed image signal, B. center-surround shunt processing said second image signal to generate a second processed image signal including a two dimensional array of pixels, said processing including performing a computation associated with each pixel in said second image signal, wherein for each of said computations, pixels in a neighborhood including at least said associated pixel collectively form a central element for said computation, and pixels in a neighborhood at least surrounding said central element collectively form a surround element for said computation, wherein a result of each of said computations is a pixel of said second processed image signal, C. center-surround shunt processing portions of said first and second processed image signals to generate a third processed image signal including a two dimensional array of pixels, said processing including a computation associated with each pixel in one of said first and second processed image signals, wherein for each of said computations, pixels in a neighborhood including at least said associated pixel form a central element for said computation, and pixels in a neighborhood at least surrounding a central element corresponding to said central element in the other of said first and second processed image signals form a surround element for said computation, wherein a result of each of said computations is a pixel of said third processed image signal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method according to claim 1 comprising the further step of: applying said first, second, and third processed image signals to a respective one of the red (R), green (G), and blue (B) inputs of an RGB display device.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
92 words
The method according to claim 2 comprising the further steps of: transforming said first, second and third processed image signals in accordance with an RGB transform operator to generate corresponding hue, saturation, and value signals, allowing user modification of said hue, saturation, and value signals, and transforming said modified hue, saturation and value signals in accordance with an inverse RGB transform operator to generate corresponding modified R, G and B signals, and substituting said modified R, G and B signals at said R, G, and B inputs of said RGB display device.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method according to claim 1 comprising the further steps of: generating said first digital image signal whereby said first digital image signal is representative of reflected light from said scene, and generating said second digital image signal whereby said second digital signal is representative of emitted light from said scene.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method according to claim 1 comprising the further steps of: generating said first digital image signal whereby said first digital image signal is representative of reflected light from said scene, and generating said second digital image signal whereby said second digital signal is representative of reflected light from said scene.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method according to claim 1 comprising the further steps of: generating said first digital image signal whereby said first digital image signal is representative of emitted light from said scene, and generating said second digital image signal whereby said second digital signal is representative of reflected light from said scene.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method according to claim 1 comprising the further steps of: generating said first digital image signal whereby said first digital image signal is representative of emitted light from said scene, and generating said second digital image signal whereby said second digital signal is representative of emitted light from said scene.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of: generating said first and second digital image signals in response to the acquisition of data representative of detectable characteristics associated with each of said view of said scene.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 8 wherein said detectable characteristics associated with each of said views of said scene are the same.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method according to claim 9 wherein each of said detectable characteristics is selected from the group consisting of electromagnetic energy reflected from said scene, electromagnetic energy emitted from said scene, acoustic energy reflected from said scene, acoustic energy emitted from said scene.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method according to claim 8 wherein said detectable characteristics associated with each of said views of said scene are different.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method according to claim 11 wherein each of said detectable characteristics is selected from the group consisting of electromagnetic energy reflected from said scene, electromagnetic energy emitted from said scene, acoustic energy reflected from said scene, acoustic energy emitted from said scene.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
89 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein said first digital image signal is representative of light from said scene having wavelengths in a first spectral range from the group consisting of 0.4-1.1 microns, 1.1-3 microns, 3-5 microns and 7.5-13 microns, and wherein said second digital image signal is representative of light from said scene having wavelengths in a second spectral range from the group consisting of 0.4-1.1 microns, 1.1-3 microns, 3-5 microns and 7.5-13 microns, and wherein said first spectral range and said second spectral range are substantially non-overlapping.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein said first digital image signal is representative of light from said scene having wavelengths in the range 0.4-1.1 microns, and said second digital image is representative of LWIR light from said scene having wavelengths in the range 7.5-13 microns.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
62 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein said first digital image signal is representative of light from said scene having wavelengths in a first portion of the range 0.4-1.1 microns, and said second digital image is representative of light from said scene having wavelengths in a second portion of the range 0.4-1.1 microns, wherein said first and second portions are substantially non-overlapping.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein said first digital image signal is representative of LWIR light from said scene having wavelengths in the range 7.5-13 microns, and said second digital image is representative of light from said scene having wavelengths in the range 0.4-1.1 microns.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
64 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein said first digital image signal is representative of LWIR light from said scene having wavelengths in a first portion of the range 7.5-13 microns, and said second digital image is representative of LWIR light from said scene having wavelengths in a second portion of the range 7.5-13 microns, wherein said first and second portion are substantially non-overlapping.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
53 words
The method according to claim 1 further comprising the step of: generating said first and second digital image signals in response to the acquisition of data representative each of said views of said scene, each of said views being taken along an associated axis extending to said scene, said axes being substantially coincident.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method according to claim 18 wherein said data acquisition for each of said views occurs at substantially the same time.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method according to claim 19 wherein said first and second image data signals are representative of views of said scene that are substantially in registration.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method according to claim 19 wherein said first and second image data signals are representative of views of said scene that are out of registration.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method according to claim 18 wherein said data acquisition for each of said views occurs at times separated by a time interval.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method according to claim 22 wherein said first and second image data signals are representative of views of said scene that are substantially in registration.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method according to claim 22 wherein said first and second image data signals are representative of views of said scene that are out of registration.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
53 words
The method according to claim 1 further comprising the step of: generating said first and second images in response to the acquisition of data representative of said views, each of said views being taken along an associated axis extending to said scene, said axes being angularly offset and substantially intersecting at said scene.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method according to claim 25 wherein said data acquisition for each of said views occurs at substantially the same time.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method according to claim 26 wherein said first and second image data signal are representative of views of said scene that are substantially in registration.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method according to claim 26 wherein said first and second image data signals are representative of views of said scene that are out of registration.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method according to claim 25 wherein said data acquisition for each of said views occurs at times separated by a time interval.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method according to claim 29 wherein said first and second image data signals are representative of views of said scene that are substantially in registration.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method according to claim 29 wherein said first and second image data signals are representative of views of said scene that are out of registration.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
109 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein each of said computations for generating said first, second and third processed image signals includes calculating a difference between a weighted average of the values associated with the pixels in one of said central elements and a weighted average of the values associated with the pixels in one of said surround elements, and includes calculating a sum of a weighted average of the values associated with the pixels in one of said central elements and a weighted average of the values associated with the pixels in one of said surround elements, and includes calculating a quotient of said difference and said sum.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method according to claim 32 wherein each of said weighted averages is a gaussian distributed weighted average.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
111 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein each of said computations for generating said first, second and third processed image signals includes calculating a difference between a weighted average of the values associated with the pixels in one of said central elements and a weighted average of the values associated with the pixels in one of said surround elements, includes calculating a sum of a constant and a weighted average of the values associated with the pixels in one of said central elements and a weighted average of the values associated with the pixels in one of said surround elements, and includes calculating a quotient of said difference and said sum.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method according to claim 34 wherein each of said weighted averages is a gaussian distributed weighted average.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
397 words
A system for processing first and second digital image signals, each of said image signals being representative of a different two dimensional view of the same scene, each of said image signals including a two dimensional array of pixels, each of said pixels having an associated value representative of a detectable characteristic at a corresponding position in said scene, comprising: A. means for center-surround shunt processing said first image signal to generate a first processed image signal including a two dimensional array of pixels, said processing means including first computation means for performing a computation associated with each pixel in said first image signal, wherein for each of said computations, pixels in a neighborhood including at least said associated pixel collectively form a central element for said computation, and pixels in a neighborhood at least surrounding said central element collectively form a surround element for said computation, wherein a result of each of said computations is a pixel of said first processed image signal, B. means for center-surround shunt processing said second image signal to generate a second processed image signal including a two dimensional array of pixels, said processing means including second computation means for performing a computation associated with each pixel in said second image signal, wherein for each of said computations, pixels in a neighborhood including at least said associated pixel collectively form a central element for said computation, and pixels in a neighborhood at least surrounding said central element collectively form a surround element for said computation, wherein a result of each of said computations is a pixel of said second processed image signal, and C. means for center-surround shunt processing portions of said first and second processed image signals to generate a third processed image signal including a two dimensional array of pixels, said processing means including third computation means for performing a computation associated with each pixel in one of said first and second processed image signals, wherein for each of said computations, pixels in a neighborhood including at least said associated pixel form a central element for said computation, and pixels in a neighborhood at least surrounding a central element corresponding to said central element in the other of said first and second processed image signals form a surround element of said computation, wherein a result of each of said computations is a pixel of said third processed image signal.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
397 words
A system for processing first and second digital image signals, each of said image signals being representative of a different two dimensional view of the same scene, each of said image signals including a two dimensional array of pixels, each of said pixels having an associated value representative of a detectable characteristic at a corresponding position in said scene, comprising: A. means for center-surround shunt processing said first image signal to generate a first processed image signal including a two dimensional array of pixels, said processing means including first computation means for performing a computation associated with each pixel in said first image signal, wherein for each of said computations, pixels in a neighborhood including at least said associated pixel collectively form a central element for said computation, and pixels in a neighborhood at least surrounding said central element collectively form a surround element for said computation, wherein a result of each of said computations is a pixel of said first processed image signal, B. means for center-surround shunt processing said second image signal to generate a second processed image signal including a two dimensional array of pixels, said processing means including second computation means for performing a computation associated with each pixel in said second image signal, wherein for each of said computations, pixels in a neighborhood including at least said associated pixel collectively form a central element for said computation, and pixels in a neighborhood at least surrounding said central element collectively form a surround element for said computation, wherein a result of each of said computations is a pixel of said second processed image signal, and C. means for center-surround shunt processing portions of said first and second processed image signals to generate a third processed image signal including a two dimensional array of pixels, said processing means including third computation means for performing a computation associated with each pixel in one of said first and second processed image signals, wherein for each of said computations, pixels in a neighborhood including at least said associated pixel form a central element for said computation, and pixels in a neighborhood at least surrounding a central element corresponding to said central element in the other of said first and second processed image signals form a surround element of said computation, wherein a result of each of said computations is a pixel of said third processed image signal.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
66 words
A system according to claims 36 further comprising: means for generating said first digital image signal, wherein said first digital image signal is representative of reflected light from said scene having wavelengths in the range 0.4-1.1 microns, and means for generating said second digital image signal wherein said second digital image is representative of emitted light from said scene having wavelengths in the range 7.5-13 microns.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
231 words
A system according to claim 37, wherein said first generating means includes: A. a reflected light input optical assembly including means of receiving said reflected light from said scene to establish said view and for transferring said received light to an output optical port, B. an electro-optic camera having an input electro-optic port and means for generating a reflected light digital signal representative of light applied to said input electro-optic port, said reflected light digital signal corresponding to said first digital image data signal, and C. an image intensifier assembly coupled to said output optical port of said reflected light input optical assembly and including means for intensifying and transferring light from said output optical port to said input electro-optic port, and wherein said second generating means includes: D. an emitted light input optical assembly including means for receiving said emitted light from said scene to establish said view and for transferring said received light to an output optical port, E. a thermal camera having an input thermal port and means for generating an emitted light digital signal representative of emitted light applied to said input thermal port, said emitted light digital signal corresponding to said second digital image data signal, F. coupler coupled to said output optical port of said emitted light input optical assembly including means for transferring light from said output optical port to said input thermal port.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
15 words
A system according to claim 38 wherein said center-surround processing means are programmed digital computers.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
82 words
A system according to claim 38 further comprising a common axis input assembly including: A. aperture means for receiving said reflected light and said emitted light along a common axis from said scene, B. beam splitter including: i. means for transferring a portion of said reflected light received by said aperture means to said reflected light input optical assembly, and ii. means for transferring a portion of said emitted light received by said aperture means to said emitted light input optical assembly.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
68 words
A system according to claim 40 wherein said reflected light transferring means of said beam splitter includes a dichroic mirror positioned along said common axis and substantially transparent of said reflected light, and wherein said emitted light transferring means of said beam splitter includes said dichroic mirror and an emitted light mirror, said dichroic mirror and said emitted light mirror being substantially fully reflective to said emitted light.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
124 words
A system according to claim 37 further comprising a common axis input assembly including: i. aperture means for receiving said reflected light and said emitted light along a common axis from said scene, ii. beam splitter including: a. a dichroic mirror positioned along said common axis to receive said reflected light and said emitted light from said aperture means, said dichroic mirror being substantially transparent to said reflected light and substantially fully reflective to said emitted light, b. a first transfer medium and associated lens for transferring said reflected light passing through said dichroic mirror to said first generating means, and c. a second transfer medium and associated lens for transferring said emitted light reflected from said dichroic mirror to said second generating means.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
39 words
A system according to claim 42 wherein said first generating means is a low light CCD array, and wherein said second generating means is a long wave infrared (LWIR) imager, wherein said emitted light is long wave infrared light.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
37 words
A system according to claim 43, further comprising a display device and means for applying said first, second and third processed image signals to said display device, whereby a synthetic image is generated by said display device.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
29 words
A system according to claim 44 wherein said common axis input assembly, said first generating means, said second generating means and said display device are within a single housing.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
44 words
The system according to claim 36 further comprising: an RGB display device and associated means for applying said first, second, and third processed image signals to a respective one of the red (R), green (G), and blue (B) inputs of said RGB display device.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
96 words
The method according to claim 46 further comprising: means for transforming said first, second and third processed image signals in accordance with an RGB transform operator to generate corresponding hue, saturation, and value signals, user controlled means for modifying said hue, saturation, and value signals, and means for transforming said modified hue, saturation and value signals in accordance with an inverse RGB transform operator to generate corresponding modified R, G and B signals, and means for substituting said modified R, G and B signals at said R, G, and B inputs of said RGB display device.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
52 words
The system according to claim 36 further comprising: means for generating said first digital image signal whereby said first digital image signal is representative of reflected light from said scene, and means for generating said second digital image signal whereby said second digital signal is representative of emitted light from said scene.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
52 words
The system according to claim 36 further comprising: means for generating said first digital image signal whereby said first digital image signal is representative of reflected light from said scene, and means for generating said second digital image signal whereby said second digital signal is representative of reflected light from said scene.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
52 words
The system according to claim 36 further comprising: means for generating said first digital image signal whereby said first digital image signal is representative of emitted light from said scene, and means for generating said second digital image signal whereby said second digital signal is representative of reflected light from said scene.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
52 words
The system according to claim 36 further comprising: means for generating said first digital image signal whereby said first digital image signal is representative of emitted light from said scene, and means for generating said second digital image signal whereby said second digital signal is representative of emitted light from said scene.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
40 words
The system of claim 36 further comprising the step of: means for generating said first and second digital image signals in response to the acquisition of data representative of detectable characteristics associated with each of said view of said scene.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 52 wherein said detectable characteristics associated with each of said views of said scene are the same.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
43 words
The system according to claim 53 wherein each of said detectable characteristics is selected from the group consisting of electromagnetic energy reflected from said scene, electromagnetic energy emitted from said scene, acoustic energy reflected from said scene, acoustic energy emitted from said scene.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system according to claim 52 wherein said detectable characteristics associated with each of said views of said scene are different.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
43 words
The system according to claim 55 wherein each of said detectable characteristics is selected from the group consisting of electromagnetic energy reflected from said scene, electromagnetic energy emitted from said scene, acoustic energy reflected from said scene, acoustic energy emitted from said scene.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
100 words
The system according to claim 36 further comprising: input means for generating said first digital image signal, wherein said first digital image signal is representative of light from said scene having wavelengths in a first spectral range from the group consisting of 0.4-1.1 microns, 1.1-3 microns, 3-5 microns and 7.5-13 microns, and wherein said second digital image signal is representative of light from said scene having wavelengths in a second spectral range from the group consisting of 0.4-1.1 microns, 1.1-3 microns, 3-5 microns and 7.5-13 microns, and wherein said first spectral range and said second spectral range are substantially non-overlapping.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
68 words
The system according to claim 57 wherein said input means is operative whereby said first digital image signal is representative of light from said scene having wavelengths in a first portion of the range 0.4-1.1 microns, and said second digital image is representative of light from said scene having wavelengths in a second portion of the range 0.4-1.1 microns, wherein said first and second portions are substantially non-overlapping.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
46 words
The system according to claim 57 wherein said first digital image signal is representative of LWIR light from said scene having wavelengths in the range 7.5-13 microns, and said second digital image is representative of light from said scene having wavelengths in the range 0.4-1.1 microns.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
64 words
The system according to claim 57 wherein said first digital image signal is representative of LWIR light from said scene having wavelengths in a first portion of the range 7.5-13 microns, and said second digital image is representative of LWIR light from said scene having wavelengths in a second portion of the range 7.5-13 microns, wherein said first and second portion are substantially non-overlapping.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
52 words
The system according to claim 36 further comprising: means for generating said first and second digital image signals in response to the acquisition of data representative each of said views of said scene, each of said views being taken along an associated axis extending to said scene, said axes being substantially coincident.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
34 words
The system according to claim 61 wherein generating means for said first and second digital image signal is operative whereby said data acquisition for each of said views occurs at substantially the same time.
Claim 65
Independent Claim
26 words
The system according to claims 62 wherein said first and second image data signal are representative of views of said scene that are substantially in registration.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system according to claim 62 wherein said first and second image data signals are representative of views of said scene that are out of registration.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
35 words
The system according to claim 61 wherein generating means for said first and second digital image is operative whereby said data acquisition for each of said views occurs at times separated by a time interval.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system according to claim 65 wherein said first and second image data signal are representative of views of said scene that are substantially in registration.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system according to claim 65 wherein said first and second image data signals are representative of views of said scene that are out of registration.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
52 words
The system according to claim 36 further comprising: means for generating said first and second images in response to the acquisition of data representative of said views, each of said views being taken along an associated axis extending to said scene, said axes being angularly offset and substantially intersecting at said scene.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
34 words
The system according to claim 68 wherein generating means for said first and second digital image signal is operative whereby said data acquisition for each of said views occurs at substantially the same time.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system according to claim 69 wherein said first and second image data signal are representative of views of said scene that are substantially in registration.
Claim 73
Independent Claim
26 words
The system according to claims 69 wherein said first and second image data signals are representative of views of said scene that are out of registration.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
36 words
The system according to claim 25 wherein generating means for said first and second digital image signal is operative whereby said data acquisition for each of said views occurs at times separated by a time interval.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system according to claim 72 wherein said first and second image data signals are representative of views of said scene that are substantially in registration.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system according to claim 72 wherein said first and second image data signals are representative of views of said scene that are out of registration.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
109 words
The system according to claim 36 wherein each of said first, second, and third computation means includes means for calculating a difference between a weighted average of the values associated with the pixels in one of said central elements and a weighted average of the values associated with the pixels in one of said surround elements, includes means for calculating a sum of a weighted average of the values associated with the pixels in one of said central elements and a weighted average of the values associated with the pixels in one of said surround elements, and includes means for calculating a quotient of said difference and said sum.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system according to claim 75 wherein each of said weighted averages is a gaussian distributed weighted average.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
112 words
The system according to claim 36 wherein each of said first, second and third computation means includes means for calculating a difference between a weighted average of the values associated with the pixels in one of said central elements and a weighted average of the values associated with the pixels in one of said surround elements, includes means for calculating a sum of a constant and a weighted average of the values associated with the pixels in one of said central elements and a weighted average of the values associated with the pixels in one of said surround elements, and includes means for calculating a quotient of said difference and said sum.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system according to claim 77 wherein each of said weighted averages is a gaussian distributed weighted average.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
46 words
The system according to claim 36 further comprising: means for generating said first and second images in response to the acquisition of data representative of said views, each of said views being taken along an associated axis extending to said scene, said axes being substantially parallel.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
34 words
The system according to claim 79 wherein generating means for said first and second digital image signal is operative whereby said data acquisition for each of said views occurs at substantially the same time.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system according to claim 80 wherein said first and second image data signal are representative of views of said scene that are substantially in registration.
Claim 84
Independent Claim
26 words
The system according to claims 80 wherein said first and second image data signals are representative of views of said scene that are out of registration.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
78 words
The method according to claim 1 comprising the further step of: applying a first combination of said first, second, and third processed image signals to a first input of a color display device, applying a second combination of said first, second, and third processed image signals to a second input of said color display device, and applying a third combination of said first, second, and third processed image signals to a third input of said color display device.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
60 words
The method according to claim 4, further comprising the steps of: applying said first processed image signal to the green (G) input of an RGB display device, applying said second processed image signal to the blue (B) input of said RGB display device, and applying said third processed image signal to the red (R) input of said RGB display device.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
90 words
The system according to claim 36 further comprising: a color display device and associated means for applying a first combination of said first, second, and third processed image signals to a first input of said color display device, and associated means for applying a second combination of said first, second, and third processed image signals to a second input of said color display device, and associated means for applying a third combination of said first, second, and third processed image signals to a third input of said color display device.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
72 words
The system according to claim 48, further comprising: an RGB display device and associated means for applying said first processed image signal to the green (G) input of said RGB display device, and associated means for applying said second processed image signal to the blue (B) input of said RGB display device, and associated means for applying said third processed image signal to the red (R) input of said RGB display device.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-09-10 | 2000-03-11 | 2000-09-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-09-10 | 2004-03-11 | 2004-09-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-09-10 | 2008-03-11 | 2008-09-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |