Visible light and IR combined image camera with a laser pointer US Filing date Jul 21, 2008 Publication dateSep 10, 2013 InventorsRoger SchmidtRoger Schmidt, Kirk R. Johnson, Thomas J. McManusKirk R. JohnsonThomas J. McManus Dare Bodington Original AssigneeFluke Corporation
10) camera front and back 12) camera housing 13) a visible-light (VL) lens 14) an infrared (IR) lens 16) focus ring 17) an LED torch/flash 18) laser pointer 20) display 22) user controls
FIG. 14: IR image of a cup FIG. 15: VL image of a cup FIG. 16: Partial “alpha blended” image of a cup The laser pointer along with a digital marker were used to focus and align the two cameras: Once both cameras were adjusted so the laser spot and digital marker coincided, the VL and IR images could be blended.
Prior Art examples Composite visible/thermal-infrared imaging apparatus US Imaging system with independent processing of visible an infrared light energy US What distinguishes it?/What is novel?The laser pointer “The laser pointer may be used for marking a hot spot on an object or for focusing an IR lens of a camera on an object.” Inventors Robert D. Lillquist Original AssigneeGeneral Electric Company InventorsMark G. FontenotMark G. Fontenot, Richard Feinberg, Howard KatzRichard FeinbergHoward Katz Original AssigneeStryker Corporation
Fluke Corporation manufactures industrial testing equipment including electronic test equipment. This camera could be used to evaluate/test/check circuit boards and other electronic devices to ensure they are perform correctly (no overheating etc.). Uses?