Company Filing History:
Years Active: 2016-2018
Title: Innovations by Michael S. Chan in Image Fusion and Situational Awareness
Introduction
Michael S. Chan is an accomplished inventor based in Medford, MA (US). He has made significant contributions to the fields of image processing and situational awareness through his innovative patents. With a total of 2 patents, Chan's work focuses on enhancing the information content of images in low-light conditions, particularly for military applications.
Latest Patents
One of Chan's latest patents is titled "Contrast Based Image Fusion." This system is designed for two-color image fusion, blending co-registered low light level images in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum with thermal infrared images. The goal is to maximize the information content of the scene by detecting which of the two image types—IR and visible—contains more structural information. The system increases the weight of the pixels in the image type that has the most structural information. Additionally, it categorizes image information as 'scene' or 'target' and colorizes target images to highlight features when raw IR values exceed a predetermined threshold. The system utilizes Red, Green, and Blue (RGB) planes to convey different information, enhancing situational awareness.
Another significant patent by Chan is the "System and Method for Situational Awareness and Target Cueing." This invention is particularly useful in military applications, especially in extreme low-light situations where traditional low-light level sensors may fail to provide situational awareness (SA) information. The system allocates thermal information to the green SA channel, ensuring that contextual information is always available to the user. This capability surpasses existing low-light level sensor technology in challenging conditions, maintaining situational awareness at the native resolution of the thermal sensor.
Career Highlights
Michael S. Chan is currently employed at BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc. His work at this esteemed company has allowed him to develop and refine his innovative technologies, contributing to advancements in military and security applications.
Collaborations
Chan has collaborated with notable colleagues, including John H. Koltookian and Derek T. Robison. These partnerships have fostered a collaborative environment that enhances the development of cutting-edge technologies.
Conclusion
Michael S. Chan's contributions to image fusion and situational awareness demonstrate his commitment to innovation in technology. His patents reflect a deep understanding of the challenges faced in low-light conditions and provide solutions that enhance operational effectiveness.