Michael K Giles

Title: Michael K. Giles: Innovator in Structured Lighting Systems

Introduction

Michael K. Giles is a notable inventor based in Las Cruces, New Mexico. He has made significant contributions to the field of structured lighting systems, holding three patents that showcase his innovative approaches to solving complex problems in illumination technology.

Latest Patents

One of his latest patents focuses on the reduction of background clutter in structured lighting systems. This invention outlines methods for segmenting the reflected light of an illumination source from background illumination. The process involves pulsing the light source synchronously with the opening of a shutter in an imaging device. Additionally, it estimates the contribution of background clutter by interpolating images collected at multiple spectral bands, excluding the characteristic wavelength. The estimated background contribution is then subtracted from the image of the scene. Furthermore, a polarizing filter can be placed between the imaging device and the scene to enhance the effectiveness of the illumination source.

Another significant patent by Giles is related to the characterization of collimation and beam alignment. This invention describes an apparatus and method for characterizing light beam collimation and alignment using a liquid crystal device. The device receives a light beam from a collimation lens, generating a lenslet array. A corresponding array of point spread functions is detected by a charge-coupled device camera, allowing for the characterization of light beam collimation and alignment. The data obtained can be utilized to adjust the collimation lens to correct any misalignment.

Career Highlights

Michael K. Giles has worked with prominent organizations, including New Mexico State University Technology Transfer Corporation and Sandia Corporation. His experience in these institutions has allowed him to develop and refine his innovative ideas in structured lighting technology.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Giles has collaborated with notable colleagues such as Jeffrey J. Carlson and Denise D. Padilla. These partnerships have contributed to the advancement of his research and inventions.

Conclusion

Michael K. Giles is a distinguished inventor whose work in structured lighting systems has led to significant advancements in the field. His innovative patents reflect his commitment to improving illumination technology and addressing challenges in background clutter and beam alignment.