Michael H Balch

US Patent:

7505609, Mar 17, 2009

Filed:

Sep 1, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/217621

Inventors:

Richard Leon Hartman - Huntsville AL, US
Keith Bryan Farr - Madison AL, US
Michael Kevin Balch - Madison AL, US

Assignee:

Advanced Optical Systems, Inc. - Huntsville AL

International Classification:

G06K 9/00

US Classification:

382103

Abstract:

Methods for using training images to define correlation strength surfaces about reference filters, permitting direct solution of position and orientation using images of a target object with only a few reference filters are disclosed. Correlations of selected reference filters with training images are used to develop expressions describing shapes of respective correlation surfaces at incremental changes relative to an aspect or range used for a filter. Correlations of target images with only a few reference filters may then be used to define target orientation and range in many real-world applications. A method for determining target object orientation and/or range based on interpolations, using results of correlations of a target image with composite filters having reduced sensitivities for different orientation axes, or range, is also disclosed. Techniques for using training images to create such composite filters are disclosed, as are extensions of methods to additional dimensions.

US Patent:

8144931, Mar 27, 2012

Filed:

Apr 28, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/431727

Inventors:

Richard L. Hartman - Huntsville AL, US
Michael K. Balch - Madison AL, US
Keith B. Farr - Madison AL, US
Matthew A. Kliesner - Madison AL, US

International Classification:

G06K 9/00
H04N 5/225

US Classification:

382103, 348169

Abstract:

A real time digital correlation system is disclosed. Reference filters are constructed to define a region of filter space, and filters may be predictively selected based on a trajectory of selected filters through the filter space. In some instances, selected features of a spacecraft are selected for correlation to produce full 6DoF information. In other instances, portions of a correlation target are selected for correlation to produce 6DoF information. Digital filters of the invention are preferably 4-bit filters, and use unique mapping algorithms to map phase and intensity information from larger images, such as 12, 16, 32 and 64 bit images, to the 4-bit format.

US Patent:

7345743, Mar 18, 2008

Filed:

Mar 21, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/386253

Inventors:

Richard L. Hartman - Huntsville AL, US
Michael K. Balch - Madison AL, US
Stephen R. Granade - Madison AL, US

Assignee:

Advanced Optical Systems - Huntsville AL

International Classification:

G01C 3/08

US Classification:

356 401

Abstract:

A range and bearing-finding system is disclosed. A diverging encoded laser beam is transmitted to a target, and a return reflection of the encoded beam received. The transmitted beam is sampled, and a plurality of predetermined time delays are applied to the sampled laser beam. The sampled laser beam with each of the predetermined time delays is correlated with the return reflection until a sampled laser beam having a time delay providing the highest correlation is found, the time delay indicating laser travel time to and from the target. Range is determined from this time delay. Bearing of the target is found by using a quadrant protector to receive the return reflection. The process for finding bearing uses the correlation process used to find range.