U.S. patent application number 11/735606 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-16 for light analyzer device and method for detecting objects utilizing the light analyzer device.
Invention is credited to David K. Lambert, Andrzej M. Pawlak.
Application Number | 20080252878 11/735606 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39828287 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080252878 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pawlak; Andrzej M. ; et
al. |
October 16, 2008 |
LIGHT ANALYZER DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DETECTING OBJECTS UTILIZING
THE LIGHT ANALYZER DEVICE
Abstract
A light analyzer device and a method for detecting objects
utilizing the light analyzer device are provided. The light
analyzer device includes a focal plane array configured to receive
the light that has passed through a light filter and to generate a
first digital image based on the light that has passed through the
light filter. The light analyzer device further includes a
microprocessor operably coupled to the focal plane array. The
microprocessor is configured to receive the first digital image,
and to determine whether the first digital image corresponds to a
stored digital image. The light analyzer device further includes a
light emitting device operably coupled to the microprocessor. The
microprocessor is further configured to induce the light emitting
device to output a visual indicator indicating that the first
digital image corresponds to the stored digital image.
Inventors: |
Pawlak; Andrzej M.;
(Rochester Hills, MI) ; Lambert; David K.;
(Sterling Heights, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
M/C 480-410-202, PO BOX 5052
TROY
MI
48007
US
|
Family ID: |
39828287 |
Appl. No.: |
11/735606 |
Filed: |
April 16, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
356/72 ; 208/1;
257/E27.136 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01L 27/14649
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
356/72 ;
208/1 |
International
Class: |
G01N 21/00 20060101
G01N021/00; H01L 27/00 20060101 H01L027/00 |
Claims
1. A light analyzer device, comprising: a light filter configured
to receive light and to allow light within a predetermined
wavelength range therein to pass through the light filter; a focal
plane array configured to receive the light that has passed through
the light filter and to generate a first digital image based on the
light that has passed through the light filter; a microprocessor
operably coupled to the focal plane array, the microprocessor
configured to receive the first digital image, and to determine
whether the first digital image corresponds to a stored digital
image; and a light emitting device operably coupled to the
microprocessor, the microprocessor being further configured to
induce the light emitting device to output a visual indicator
indicating that the first digital image corresponds to the stored
digital image, when the microprocessor determines the first digital
image corresponds to the stored digital image.
2. The light analyzer device of claim 1, wherein the microprocessor
is further configured to retrieve the stored digital image from a
memory device operably coupled to the microprocessor.
3. The light analyzer device of claim 1, further comprising: a
projection optical lens being configured to project light from the
light emitting device corresponding to the visual indicator onto a
beam splitter; and the beam splitter being configured to reflect
the light corresponding to the visual indicator in a first
direction for viewing by an observer, the beam splitter being
further configured to transmit light from a scene in the first
direction.
4. The light analyzer device of claim 1, wherein the light emitting
device comprises a display device, the microprocessor is further
configured to induce the display device to display the first
digital image.
5. The light analyzer device of claim 4, wherein the projection
optical lens is further configured to project light from the light
emitting device corresponding to the first digital image onto a
beam splitter; and the beam splitter being configured to reflect
the light corresponding to the first digital image in a first
direction for viewing by an observer, the beam, splitter being
further configured to transmit light from a scene therethrough in
the first direction.
6. The light analyzer device of claim 1, further comprising a
focusing optical lens configured to focus the light onto the light
filter.
7. The light analyzer device of claim 1, wherein the microprocessor
is further configured to induce the light emitting device to output
the visual indicator for a first predetermined time interval after
the microprocessor determines that the first digital image
corresponds to the stored digital image.
8. The light analyzer device of claim 7, wherein the microprocessor
is further configured to prevent the light emitting device from
outputting the visual indicator for a second predetermined time
interval after the first predetermined time interval.
9. The light analyzer device of claim 1, wherein the stored digital
image corresponds to one of an image of a pedestrian proximate a
roadway, an image of a person riding a bicycle, an image of a
child, and an image of a dog.
10. A method for detecting objects utilizing a light analyzer
device, the light analyzer device having a light filter, a focal
plane array disposed proximate the light filter, a microprocessor
operably coupled to the focal plane array, and a light emitting
device operably coupled to the microprocessor, the method
comprising: receiving light at the light filter and filtering the
light such that only light within a predetermined wavelength range
passes through the light filter; receiving the light that has
passed through the light filter at the focal plane array;
generating a first digital image based on the light received at the
focal plane array and sending the first digital image to the
microprocessor, utilizing the focal plane array; determining
whether the first digital image corresponds to a stored digital
image, utilizing the microprocessor; and outputting a visual
indicator from the light emitting device indicating that the first
digital image corresponds to the stored digital image, when the
microprocessor determines the first digital image corresponds to
the stored digital image.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising retrieving the
stored digital image from a memory device operably coupled to the
microprocessor.
12. The method of claim 10, further comprising: projecting light
from the light emitting device corresponding to the visual
indicator onto the beam splitter, utilizing a projection optical
lens; reflecting the light corresponding to the visual indicator in
a first direction from a beam splitter for viewing by an observer;
and transmitting light from a scene through the beam splitter in
the first direction.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein the light emitting device
comprises a display device, the method further comprising
displaying the first digital image on the display device.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the method further comprises:
projecting light from the display device corresponding to the first
digital image onto the beam splitter, utilizing the projection
optical lens; and reflecting the light corresponding to the first
digital image from the beam splitter in a first direction for
viewing by an observer; and transmitting light from a scene through
the beam splitter in the first direction.
15. The method of claim 10, further comprising focusing light onto
the light filter utilizing a focusing optical lens.
16. A light analyzer device, comprising: a light filter configured
to receive light and to allow light within a predetermined
wavelength range therein to pass through the light filter; a focal
plane array configured to receive the light that has passed through
the light filter and to generate a first digital image based on the
light that has passed through the light filter; a microprocessor
operably coupled to the focal plane array, the microprocessor
configured to receive the first digital image, and to determine
whether the first digital image corresponds to a stored digital
image; and an electrical speaker operably coupled to the
microprocessor, the microprocessor being further configured to
induce the electrical speaker to output a sound indicating that the
first digital image corresponds to the stored digital image, when
the microprocessor determines the first digital image corresponds
to the stored digital image.
17. A light analyzer device, comprising: a light filter configured
to receive light and to allow light within a predetermined
wavelength range therein to pass through the light filter; a focal
plane array configured to receive the light that has passed through
the light filter and to generate a first digital image based on the
light that has passed through the light filter; a microprocessor
operably coupled to the focal plane array, the microprocessor
configured to receive the first digital image, and to determine
whether the first digital image corresponds to a stored digital
image; and a vibratable device operably coupled to the
microprocessor, the microprocessor being further configured to
induce the vibratable device to vibrate indicating that the first
digital image corresponds to the stored digital image, when the
microprocessor determines the first digital image corresponds to
the stored digital image.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] This application relates to a light analyzer device and a
method for detecting objects utilizing the light analyzer
device.
[0002] An infrared imaging device has been developed that generates
an image on a display monitor corresponding to a scene during low
light level conditions. A user of the infrared imaging device,
however, may not be able to readily identify desired objects in the
image. This is a significant drawback to a user attempting to
utilize the infrared imaging device to view desired objects in the
scene. The inventors herein have also recognized that the user may
also want to be alerted that a specific type of object is being
imaged without needing to focus their attention on a visual
display.
[0003] Accordingly, the inventors herein have recognized a need for
a light analyzer device and a method that minimizes and/or
eliminates the above mentioned deficiencies.
SUMMARY
[0004] A light analyzer device in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment is provided the light analyzer device includes a light
filter configured to receive light and to allow light within a
predetermined wavelength range therein to pass through the light
filter. The light analyzer device further includes a focal plane
array configured to receive the light that has passed through the
light filter and to generate a first digital image based on the
light that has passed through the light filter. The light analyzer
device further includes a microprocessor operably coupled to the
focal plane array. The microprocessor is configured to receive the
first digital image, and to determine whether the first digital
image corresponds to a stored digital image. The light analyzer
device further includes a light emitting device operably coupled to
the microprocessor. The microprocessor is further configured to
induce the light emitting device to output a visual indicator
indicating that the first digital image corresponds to the stored
digital image, when the microprocessor determines the first digital
image corresponds to the stored digital image.
[0005] A method for detecting objects utilizing a light analyzer
device in accordance with another exemplary embodiment is provided.
The light analyzer device has a light filter, a focal plane array
disposed proximate the light filter, a microprocessor operably
coupled to the focal plane array, and a light emitting device
operably coupled to the microprocessor. The method includes
receiving light at the light filter and filtering the light such
that only light within a predetermined wavelength range passes
through the light filter. The method further includes receiving the
light that has passed through the light filler at the focal plane
array. The method further includes generating a first digital image
based on the light received at the focal plane array and sending
the first digital image to the microprocessor, utilizing the focal
plane array. The method further includes determining whether the
first digital image corresponds to a stored digital image,
utilizing the microprocessor. The method further includes
outputting a visual indicator from the light emitting device
indicating that the first digital image corresponds to the stored
digital image, when the microprocessor determines the first digital
image corresponds to the stored digital image.
[0006] A light analyzer device in accordance with another exemplary
embodiment is provided. The light analyzer device includes a light
filter configured to receive light and to allow light within a
predetermined wavelength range therein to pass through the light
filter. The light analyzer device further includes a focal plane
array configured to receive the light that has passed through the
light filter and to generate a first digital image based on the
light that has passed through the light filter. The light analyzer
device further includes a microprocessor operably coupled to the
focal plane array. The microprocessor is configured to receive the
first digital image, and to determine whether the first digital
image corresponds to a stored digital image. The light analyzer
device further includes an electrical speaker operably coupled to
the microprocessor. The microprocessor is further configured to
induce the electrical speaker to output a sound indicating that the
first digital image corresponds to the stored digital image, when
the microprocessor determines the first digital image corresponds
to the stored digital image.
[0007] A light analyzer device in accordance with another exemplary
embodiment is provided. The light analyzer device includes a light
filter configured to receive light and to allow light within a
predetermined wavelength range therein to pass through the light
filter. The light analyzer device further includes a focal plane
array configured to receive the light that has passed through the
light filter and to generate a first digital image based on the
light that has passed through the light filter. The light analyzer
device further includes a microprocessor operably coupled to the
focal plane array. The microprocessor is configured to receive the
first digital image, and to determine whether the first digital
image corresponds to a stored digital image. The light analyzer
device further includes a vibratable device operably coupled to the
microprocessor. The microprocessor is further configured to induce
the vibratable device to vibrate indicating that the first digital
image corresponds to the stored digital image, when the
microprocessor determines the first digital image corresponds to
the stored digital image.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TEE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic of a light analyzer device in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment; and
[0009] FIGS. 2-3 are flowcharts of a method for detecting objects
utilizing the light analyzer device of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0010] Referring to FIG. 1, a light analyzer device 10 in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment is shown. The light
analyzer device 10 includes a focusing optical lens 12, a light
filter 14, a focal plane array 16, a microprocessor 18, a memory
device 20, a voltage source 22, a light emitting device 26, an
electrical speaker 27, a vibratable device 29, a projection optical
lens 28, and a beam splitter 30.
[0011] The focusing optical lens 12 is provided to receive light
from an environment scene 31 and to focus the light on the light
filter 14. The light filter 14 receives the light from the focusing
optical lens 12 and only allows light within a predetermined
wavelength range to pass through the light filter 14. For example,
in one exemplary embodiment, the predetermined wavelength range is
the infrared wavelength range. Of course, the predetermined
wavelength range could be outside of the infrared wavelength
range.
[0012] The focal plane array 16 is disposed proximate the light
lifter 14. In one exemplary embodiment, the focal plane array 16 is
disposed approximately one focal length behind the focusing lens
12, so that light from a scene is focused onto the focal plane
array 16. The light filter 14 is disposed between the focusing lens
12 and the focal plane array 16 so that light that reaches the
focal plane array 16 first passes through the light filter 14.
During operation, the focal plane array 16 receives the light from
the light filter 14 and generates a digital image based on the
light. The focal plane array 16 is further transmits the digital
image to the microprocessor 18.
[0013] The microprocessor 18 is provided to receive the digital
image from the focal place array 16 and to determine whether the
received digital image corresponds to one of a plurality of digital
images stored in the memory device 20. For example, a stored
digital image 21 in the memory device 20 can comprise one of image
of a pedestrian proximate a roadway, an image of the person riding
a bicycle, an image of a child, and an image of a dog. As
illustrated, the microprocessor 18 is operably coupled to the focal
plane array 16, the memory device 20, the power source 22, and the
light emitting device 26. During operation, when the microprocessor
18 receives the digital image from the focal plane array 16, the
microprocessor 18 retrieves one or more stored digital images from
the memory device 20. Thereafter, the microprocessor 18 compares
the digital image from the focal plane array 16 to each of the
retrieved store digital images to determine whether any portion of
the received digital image from the focal plane array has a
relatively high degree of correlation to one of the retrieved
stored digital images. If the degree of correlation between any
portion of the digital image received from the focal plane array 16
and a stored digital image is greater than a threshold correlation
value, the digital image received from the focal plane array 16
corresponds to the stored digital image. In this event, the
microprocessor 18 performs the following tasks: (i) generates a
visual indicator indicating that a predefined object has been
detected in the digital image received from the focal plane array
16, (ii) generates a signal to induce the electrical speaker 27 to
emit a sound indicating the predefined object has been detected in
the digital image received from the focal plane array 16, and (iii)
generates another signal to induce the vibratable device 29 to
vibrate indicating the predefined object has been detected in the
digital image received from the focal plane array 16. Further, the
microprocessor 18 generates signals to induce the light emitting
device 26 to display the digital image received from the focal
plane array 16.
[0014] The voltage source 22 is configured to supply an operational
voltage to the microprocessor 18. In particular, when the switch 24
operably coupled to the voltage source 22 has a closed operational
position, the microprocessor 18 receives the operational voltage
from the voltage source 22. Alternately, when the switch 24 has an
open operational position, the microprocessor 18 does not receive
the operational voltage from the voltage source 22.
[0015] The light emitting device 26 is provided to display a
digital image received from the microprocessor 18, and a visual
indicator, such as a display icon or textual message, generated by
the microprocessor 18 if applicable. In one exemplary embodiment,
the light device 26 comprises a display device. As illustrated, the
light emitting device 26 is operably coupled to the microprocessor
18.
[0016] The electrical speaker 21 is provided to emit a sound
indicating a predefined object has been detected in the digital
image received from the focal plane array 16, in response to a
control signal from the microprocessor 18.
[0017] The vibratable device 29 is provided to vibrate indicating a
predefined object has been detected in the digital image received
from the focal plane array 16, in response to a control signal from
the microprocessor 18.
[0018] The projection optical lens 28 is disposed proximate the
light emitting device 26. In one exemplary embodiment, the
projection optical lens 28 is disposed a distance equal to one
focal length of the lens 28 from the display device 26. The
projection optical lens 28 is configured to receive light
corresponding to a digital image from the light emitting device 26
and a visual indicator, and to project the light onto the beam
splitter 30. It should be noted that in one exemplary embodiment,
the focal length of lens 12 is approximately equal to the focal
length of lens 28, and the dimensions of an object displayed on the
display device 26 are approximately equal to dimensions of the real
image of the object focused by the focusing lens 12 on the focal
plane array 16.
[0019] The beam splitter 30 is provided to reflect light received
from the light emitting device 26 in a first direction towards a
human observer 33. The beam splitter 30 is further provided to
transmit visible light from a scene 31 and to pass the visible
light therethrough in the first direction towards the human
observer 33. Thus, the human observer 33 looking at the beam
splitter 30 can view visible light corresponding to the scene 31, a
visible representation of the infrared light corresponding to the
scene 31, and a visual indicator indicating whether a desired
object is in the view of the scene 31. The light analyzer device 10
is aligned (for example by adjusting the angular orientation of
beam splitter 30 along two orthogonal axes) so that the projected
scene horn display device 26, as seen by an observer looking into
the beam splitter 30, overlays the visible scene as observed
through the beam splitter 30.
[0020] The detectable light wavelength range of the light filter 14
is chosen to match the intended function of the light analyzer
device 10. For example, when the light analyzer device 10 utilized
to defect pedestrians standing near a roadway, the device 10 may
use a light filter 14 that passes the thermal black-body peak
radiation therethrough, near a 10 micron wavelength, from a source
at human body temperature, but not transmit light wavelengths
shorter than three microns. As another example, when the light
analyzer device 10 is utilized to detect a leak of a specific gas
from a container or pipe, the device 10 may use a light filter that
only transmits a band of infrared light that is absorbed by the
specific gas. The known infrared absorption spectrum of the gas
would be utilized to select the light filter 14.
[0021] Referring to FIGS. 2-4, a flowchart of a method for
detecting objects utilizing the light analyzer device 10 in
accordance with another exemplary embodiment will now be
explained.
[0022] At step 100, the focusing optical lens 12 receives light
from a scene 31 and focuses the light onto the light filter 14.
[0023] At step 102, the light filter 14 only allows light within a
predetermined wavelength range to pass through the light filter 14.
In one exemplary embodiment, the predetermined wavelength range is
an infrared wavelength range.
[0024] At step 104, the focal plane array 16 receives the light
that has passed through the light filter 14 and a real image of the
scene is formed on the focal plane array 16. The focal plane array
16 generates a first digital image based on the received light.
[0025] At step 106, the microprocessor 18 operably coupled to the
focal plane array 16 receives the first digital image.
[0026] At step 108, the microprocessor 18 retrieves a stored
digital image from a memory device 20, in response to receiving the
first digital image.
[0027] At step 110, the microprocessor 18 determines whether the
first digital image corresponds to the stored digital image.
[0028] At step 112, the microprocessor 18 induces the display
device 26 to output a visual indicator for a first predetermined
time interval indicating that the first digital image corresponds
to the stored digital image, when the microprocessor 18 determines
the first digital image corresponds to the stored digital image. In
one exemplary embodiment, the visual indicator is an icon. In
another exemplary embodiment, the visual indicator is a textual
message. The microprocessor 18 further induces the display device
26 to stop outputting the visual indicator for a second
predetermined time interval after the first predetermined time
interval.
[0029] At step 114, the microprocessor 18 induces the electrical
speaker 27 to output a sound for the first predetermined time
interval indicating that the first digital image corresponds to the
stored digital image, when the microprocessor 18 determines the
first digital image corresponds to the stored digital image. The
microprocessor 18 further induces the electrical speaker 27 to stop
outputting the sound for the second predetermined time interval
after the first predetermined time interval.
[0030] At step 116, the microprocessor 18 induces the vibratable
device 29 to vibrate for the first predetermined time interval
indicating that the first digital image corresponds to the stored
digital image, when the microprocessor 18 determines the first
digital image corresponds to the stored digital image. The
microprocessor 18 further induces the vibratable device 29 to stop
vibrating for the second predetermined time interval after the
first predetermined time interval.
[0031] At step 118, the microprocessor 18 induces the display
device 26 to display the first digital image.
[0032] At step 120, the projection optical lens 28 receives light
from the display device 26 and projects the light from the display
device 26 corresponding to the visual indicator and the first
digital image onto the beam splitter 30.
[0033] At step 122, the beam splitter 30 reflects the light
corresponding to the visual indicator and the first digital image
in a first direction for viewing by an observer.
[0034] At step 124, the beam splitter 30 further receives light
from the scene 31 and passes the light from the scene 31
therethrough in the first direction for viewing by the observer.
After step 124, the method returns to step 100.
[0035] The light analyzer device and the method for detecting
objects utilizing the light analyzer device provide a substantial
advantage over other devices and methods. In particular, the light
analyzer device and the method provide a technical effect of
indicating when a scene has a desired object therein by analyzing
digital images corresponding to the scene.
[0036] While the invention has been described with reference to
exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in
the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope
of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to
adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the
invention without departing from the essential scope thereof.
Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the
particular embodiment disclosed for carrying this invention, but
that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the
scope of the appended claims. Moreover, the use of the terms,
first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from
another. Further, the use of the terms a, an, etc. do not denote a
limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least
one of the referenced items.
* * * * *