US6972714B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Optically-augmented microwave imaging system and method
Assignee: Agilent Technologies Inc
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Filing: 2004-06-08
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Granted: 2005-12-06
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Expires: 2024-06-08
Abstract
Abstract An imaging system includes an optical (visible-light or near IR) imaging system and a microwave imaging system. The optical imaging system captures an optical image of the object, produces optical image data representing the optical image and extracts optical image information from the optical image data. The microwave imaging system produces microwave image data representing a microwave image of the object in response to the optical image information.
Inventors
- 👤 Izhak Baharav
- 👤 Robert C. Taber
- 👤 S. Jeffrey Rosner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 15:59
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01S; G01S13/00; G01S13/88; G01S13/89; G01N; G01N22/00; G01S13/86; G01S13/867
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
87 words
An imaging system, comprising: an optical imaging system configured to capture an optical image of an object, to produce optical image data representing the optical image and to extract optical image information from the optical image data; and a microwave imaging system operable to illuminate the object with microwave radiation and to make microwave measurements in response thereto, said microwave imaging system being configured to produce microwave image data representing a microwave image of the object in response to the optical image information and the microwave measurements.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
87 words
An imaging system, comprising: an optical imaging system configured to capture an optical image of an object, to produce optical image data representing the optical image and to extract optical image information from the optical image data; and a microwave imaging system operable to illuminate the object with microwave radiation and to make microwave measurements in response thereto, said microwave imaging system being configured to produce microwave image data representing a microwave image of the object in response to the optical image information and the microwave measurements.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The imaging system of claim 1 , wherein the microwave measurements measure a characteristic of the response of the object to the microwave radiation.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
57 words
The imaging system of claim 1 , wherein said microwave imaging system is operable in response to the optical image information to identify data points corresponding to spatial regions associated with the object, said microwave imaging system being further operable to solve for the identified data points using the microwave measurements to produce the microwave image data.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
The imaging system of claim 3 , wherein said microwave imaging system is operable to direct microwave radiation to the spatial regions in response to the optical image information.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The imaging system of claim 3 , wherein the spatial regions are located at the perimeter of the object.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
The imaging system of claim 3 , wherein the spatial regions are located within a boundary region including at least one side of the object.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
The imaging system of claim 3 , wherein the spatial regions enable said microwave imaging system to solve for the data points in a volume occupied by the object.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
The imaging system of claim 1 , wherein said microwave imaging system is operable to track motion of the object in response to the optical image information.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
38 words
The imaging system of claim 1 , wherein said optical imaging system comprises: a light source arranged to illuminate the object; and a sensor for producing the optical image data in response to light reflected by the object.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
The imaging system of claim 1 , wherein said microwave imaging system comprises: a microwave node configured to direct microwave radiation towards the object and receive reflected microwave radiation from the object.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
61 words
A method for imaging an object, the method comprising: acquiring optical image data representing an optical image of an object; extracting optical image information from the optical image data; and producing microwave image data representing a microwave image of the object in response to the optical image information and microwave measurements taken responsive to illumination of the object with microwave radiation.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
61 words
A method for imaging an object, the method comprising: acquiring optical image data representing an optical image of an object; extracting optical image information from the optical image data; and producing microwave image data representing a microwave image of the object in response to the optical image information and microwave measurements taken responsive to illumination of the object with microwave radiation.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 11 , wherein said producing further comprises: using the optical image information to identify data points corresponding to spatial regions associated with the object; and solving for the identified data points using the microwave measurements.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 12 , further comprising: directing the microwave radiation to the spatial regions using the optical image information.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 11 , wherein said producing further comprises: tracking motion of the object in response to the optical image information to produce the microwave image data.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 11 , wherein said acquiring further comprises: illuminating the object with light; receiving light reflected from the object; and producing the optical image data in response to the reflected light.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 11 , wherein said producing further comprises: illuminating the object with microwave radiation; and receiving microwave radiation reflected by the object.
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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) | 2008-12-05 | 2009-06-06 | 2009-12-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2012-12-05 | 2013-06-06 | 2013-12-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2016-12-05 | 2017-06-06 | 2017-12-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |