Method of fusion or merging imagery data for improved visual perception using monoscopic and stereographic fusion and retinal decay techniques

• US 7,907,150 B2
• Filed: 08/09/2004
• Issued: 03/15/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 08/09/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: William E. Knight
• Original Assignee: Doubleshot, Inc.
• Inventors: Shulman, Alan, Snyder, III, Donald R.
• Primary Examiner(s): HARRISON, CHANTE E
• Application Number:
  US10/914,376
• Publication Number:
  US 20050128584A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,409 Days
• Field of Search: 345/419, 345/629, 345/9, 362/459, 348 42- 60
• US Class Current: 345/629
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/341 using temporal multiplexing
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/33 Transforming infrared radiation cameras or camera modules for generating image signals from infrared radiation H04N23/20; circuitry of SSIS for transforming infrared radiation into image signals H04N25/20

Abstract

A method of presenting multiple image sources of approximately registered images so that the mind can easily fuse the multiple images into one image. Improvement to fusing can be achieved by alternating views between sources at 85 hertz or more. The insertion of a black frame between the succession of frames optimizes the neurological functions of the human optical system (produces retinal decay) such that the perception of a useful fused image is greatly enhanced. Stereographic fusion can also be achieved to allow for fusion of loosely registered datasets.

Claims

1. A method of displaying multiple source images via a display monitor device to first and second eyes of a viewer for fusion into a single useful image, the method comprising:

a) acquiring a first image from a first imaging source associated with a first viewing field;

b) acquiring a second image from a second imaging source associated with a second viewing field that overlaps or is adjacent to the first viewing field; and

c) alternating, on the display monitor device, a visual display of the first image with a first black field and the second image with a second black field sequentially,

wherein durations of the visual displays of the first and the second images, and durations of the visual displays of the first and the second black fields are selected based on durations of retinal decays in the first and second eyes, to achieve fusion of the first and second images.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the first eye is presented with a frame of the first image while the second eye is presented with the second black field, alternating with the second eye being presented with a frame of the second image while the first eye is presented with the first black field, such that each eye alternatively views the first or the second imaging source and the first or the second black field.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein one of the imaging sources is a non-visual imaging source.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein said non-visual imaging source comprises a thermal camera.

5. The method of claim 3 where said non-visual imaging source comprises an infrared camera.

6. The method of claim 3 wherein said non-visual imaging source comprises a sonar source.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein said first black field or second black field comprises a null image.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein said first black field or second black field comprises a black frame.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein said alternating visual displays of the first and second images is carried out at a frame rate of at least approximately 80 Hz.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the first eye and the second eye are both presented with a frame of the first image followed by the first black field followed by a frame of the second image.

11. The method of claim 1, further comprising acquiring a third image from a third imaging source, and alternating the visual display of the third image with a third black field to each first and second eye sequentially.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the viewer views the display monitor device without using a selection device.

13. A method of displaying multiple source images via a display monitor device to first and second eyes of a viewer for fusion into a single useful image, the method comprising:

a) acquiring a first image from a first imaging source associated with a first viewing field;

b) acquiring a second image from a second imaging source associated with a second viewing field that overlaps or is adjacent to the first viewing field; and

c) alternating a visual display of the first image with a first black field and the second image with a second black field sequentially,

wherein durations of the visual displays of the first and the second images, and durations of the visual displays of the first and the second black fields are selected based on durations of retinal decays in the first and second eyes, to achieve fusion of the first and second images.