# US 2015/0146009 A1 · Alignment of visible light sources based on thermal images > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2015/0146009 A1 - Document ID: US20150146009A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 13/802,578 - Filed: 2013-03-13 - Published: 2015-05-28 - Earliest claimed: 2011-06-10 - Assignees: FLIR Systems, Inc. - Inventors: Joseph Kostrzewa; Shawn Jepson; Nicholas Högasten; Theodore R. Hoelter; Katrin Strandemar - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20150146009A1 ## CPC - G06T 5/50: using two or more images, e.g. averaging or subtraction - G06T 5/70: Denoising; Smoothing - G06T 5/73: Deblurring; Sharpening - H04N 23/23: from thermal infrared radiation - H04N 23/45: for generating image signals from two or more image sensors being of different type or operating in different modes, e.g. with a CMOS sensor for moving images in combination with a charge-coupled device [CCD] for still images - H04N 23/56: provided with illuminating means - H04N 23/635: {Region indicators; Field of view indicators} - H04N 25/671: for non-uniformity detection or correction - H04N 25/674: based on the scene itself, e.g. defocusing - H04N 25/677: for reducing the column or line fixed pattern noise - G06T 2207/10048: Infrared image - G06T 2207/30196: Human being; Person - H04N 23/11: for generating image signals from visible and infrared light wavelengths - H04N 23/54: Mounting of pick-up tubes, electronic image sensors, deviation or focusing coils - H04N 23/55: Optical parts specially adapted for electronic image sensors; Mounting thereof - H04N 23/57: Mechanical or electrical details of cameras or camera modules specially adapted for being embedded in other devices - G06T: IMAGE DATA PROCESSING OR GENERATION, IN GENERAL - H04N: PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION ## Abstract Various techniques are disclosed for providing systems for providing alignment guide information to selectively direct a visible light source to substantially align the visible light source with a desired subject and to project a visible light beam substantially on the desired subject. For example, a system may include a small form factor infrared imaging module to capture thermal images of a scene, which may be received by a processor to generate alignment guide information such as a user-viewable image of the scene, a user-viewable cue, and a framing reticle. In another example, such a system may be implemented as a camera. In yet another example, such a system may be implemented as a spotlight. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A system comprising: an infrared imaging module comprising a focal plane array (FPA) configured to capture an unblurred thermal image of a scene and an intentionally blurred image of the scene; a processor configured to determine a plurality of non-uniform correction (NUC) terms based on the intentionally blurred thermal image, apply the NUC terms to the unblurred thermal image to remove noise form the unblurred thermal image, and generate alignment guide information from the unblurred thermal image; and a visible light source configured to be selectively directed based on the alignment guide information to substantially align the visible light source with a desired subject and project a visible light beam substantially on the subject. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the infrared imaging module is oriented so that an optical axis of the infrared imaging module is substantially parallel to the visible light beam. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, further comprising a display configured to present the alignment guide information to a user. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The system of claim 3, wherein the alignment guide information comprises a user-viewable image of the scene based on the unblurred thermal image. ### Claim 5 (depends on 3) The system of claim 3, wherein the alignment guide information comprises a user-viewable cue indicating how the visible light source should be directed to project the visible light beam substantially on the subject. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the system is a camera and the visible light source is a flash of the camera. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the system is a spotlight. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the visible light source is selectively directed by a user of the system. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the visible light source is selectively directed by the system without requiring direction by a user. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the system is a shutterless system configured to determine the NUC terms without blocking the FPA from the scene. ### Claim 11 A method of operating a system, the method comprising: capturing an unblurred thermal image of a scene and an intentionally blurred image of the scene at a focal plane array (FPA) of an infrared imaging module; determining a plurality of non-uniform correction (NUC) terms based on the intentionally blurred thermal image; applying the NUC terms to the unblurred thermal image to remove noise form the unblurred thermal image; generating, from the unblurred thermal image, alignment guide information; receiving a force to selectively direct a visible light source to substantially align the visible light source with a desired subject based on the alignment guide information; and projecting a visible light beam from the visible light source substantially on the subject while the visible light source is aligned based on the alignment guide information. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The method of claim 11, wherein the infrared imaging module is oriented so that an optical axis of the infrared imaging module is substantially parallel to the visible light beam. ### Claim 13 (depends on 11) The method of claim 11, further comprising displaying the alignment guide information to a user. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The method of claim 13, wherein the alignment guide information comprises a user-viewable image of the scene based on the unblurred thermal image. ### Claim 15 (depends on 13) The method of claim 13, wherein the alignment guide information comprises a user-viewable cue indicating how the visible light source should be directed to project the visible light beam substantially on the subject. ### Claim 16 (depends on 11) The method of claim 11, wherein the system is a camera, the infrared imaging module is part of the camera, and the visible light source is a flash of the camera. ### Claim 17 (depends on 11) The method of claim 11, wherein the system is a spotlight. ### Claim 18 (depends on 11) The method of claim 11, wherein the force is provided by a user of the system. ### Claim 19 (depends on 11) The method of claim 11, wherein the force is provided by the system without requiring direction by a user. ### Claim 20 (depends on 11) The method of claim 11, wherein the determining is performed without blocking the FPA from the scene.