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Patent 7381937 Click For Printable Version of This Patent
Patent Information:  USPTO Site Listing

Patent Number: 7381937
Case ID: 0
Patent Title: Image analysis and enhancement system
Status: ACTIVE
Status Date: 10/10/2008 10:46:33 AM
Issue Date: 6/3/2008
Filed Date: 9/13/2005
Serial #: 1/225,405
Assignee Name: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army (Washington, DC)
Inventor(s): Ashley, Paul R. , Pittman, William C.
Lab Information:  View Lab Profile

Lab Name: Army Aviation & Missile Research, Development & Engineering Center
Location: AMSRD-AMR-AS-TI
Redstone Arsenal, AL 35898-5000
Contact: Contact Lab About This Patent
   
Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention pertains to the field of imaging. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system of imaging that utilizes a plurality of image collection hardware elements that can be selectively employed to give a desired image configuration for a desired imaging technique.

2. Discussion of the Background

The prior art demonstrates a number of techniques used for image processing. These techniques involve configuring and then reconfiguring an image to achieve an improved image, i.e., an image reconfiguration.

For example, it is well established that contrast is reduced when a scene is viewed through a medium with suspended particles in it, but contrast can be enhanced by viewing the scene through two orthogonal polarizations, then taking the difference between the two polarized scenes. Taking the difference between the two polarizations has the effect of reducing the  . . . . More
Abstract:
An image analysis and enhancement system is provided with an image processor, imaging metrics, an image storage depository, and a reconfigurable sensor device that can be present at the same location. A remote reconfigurable sensor device is connected to the image processor via a communication link. Both the reconfigurable sensor device and the remote reconfigurable sensor device are equipped with selectable optical elements and imaging elements that are selected in a desired combination and orientation to capture desired image frames from a target scene or object. The selectable optical and imaging elements are provided with actuating devices to move and translate the selected optical and imaging elements into a desired orientation with one another, so that a desired imaging technique can be employed to obtain an enhanced image. The system is applicable to industrial, medical and military use.
Claims:
What is claimed is:

1. An image analysis and enhancement system, comprising: an image processor; imaging metrics connected to said image processor; an image depository for storing images, said image depository being connected to said image processor; means for controlling the image processor; means for displaying an image stored in said image depository; and a reconfigurable sensor device for obtaining a plurality of configurations of a target image; said reconfigurable sensor device being connected to said image processor.

2. A system according to claim 1, further comprising: at least one remote reconfigurable sensor device for obtaining a plurality of configurations of a remote-image target, said remote reconfigurable sensor device being connected to said image processor.

3. A system according to claim 1, wherein said reconfigurable sensor device is provided with a plurality of optical and image-collecting elements, said reconfigurable sensor device . . . . More