Patents Assigned to Faro Technology, Inc.
  • Patent number: 11415723
    Abstract: A device and method for projecting a light pattern is provided. The device includes a processor system and a housing. A three-dimensional (3D) measurement device is operably coupled to the housing that measures a distance to a surface in an environment. A laser projector is operably coupled to the housing, the laser projector having a light source and a pair of movable mirrors, the light source positioned to emit light onto the pair of movable mirrors. Wherein the processor system is responsive to non-transitory executable computer instructions for: determining 3D coordinates of points on the surface with the 3D measurement device; selecting a pattern; causing the laser projector to emit a beam of light and moving the pair of mirrors to generate the pattern on the surface; and adjusting the pattern based at least in part on the 3D coordinates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Jens Trollmann, Stefan Mueller
  • Patent number: 11408728
    Abstract: A dimensional measuring device includes an overview camera and a triangulation scanner. A six-DOF tracking device tracks the dimensional measuring device as the triangulation scanner measures three-dimensional (3D) coordinates on an exterior of the object. Cardinal points identified by the overview camera are used to register in a common frame of reference 3D coordinates measured by the triangulation scanner on the interior and exterior of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Bernd-Dietmar Becker, Robert E. Bridges, Ariane Stiebeiner, Rolf Heidemann, Matthias Wolke
  • Patent number: 11353317
    Abstract: A system and method for measuring three-dimensional (3D) coordinate values of an environment is provided. The method including moving a scanning platform through the environment along a path. The position of the scanning platform is localized using the scanner. 3D coordinate values are with a 3D scanner that is coupled to the scanning platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Oliver Zweigle, João Santos, Aleksej Frank, Ahmad Ramadneh, Muhammad Umair Tahir, Tobias Boehret
  • Patent number: 11350077
    Abstract: A three-dimension scanning apparatus and method of use is disclosed. The system includes a light intensity meter for measuring a level of light intensity at a first camera of the 3D scanning apparatus. The first camera has an adjustable aperture. A processor is provided that is configured to adjust the adjustable aperture of the first camera automatically based on the measured light level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Döring, Martin Ossig, Gerrit Hillebrand
  • Patent number: 11340058
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a three-dimensional (3D) measuring device is provided. The 3D measuring device includes a processor system that is configured to generate a point cloud representing multiple surfaces. The point cloud includes multiple scan points. Generating the point cloud includes receiving spherical coordinates for a scan point, the spherical coordinates comprising a distance (r), a polar angle (?), and an azimuth angle (?). Generating the point cloud further includes homogenizing a scan point density of the surfaces by filtering the scan points. The homogenizing includes computing a value (p) for the scan point based on the spherical coordinates. Based on the value exceeding a predetermined threshold, storing the scan point as part of the point cloud, and based on the value not exceeding the predetermined threshold, discarding the scan point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Julian Becker, Daniel Pompe
  • Patent number: 11333761
    Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) coordinate measurement device combines tracker and scanner functionality. The tracker function is configured to send light to a retroreflector and determine distance to the retroreflector based on the reflected light. The tracker is also configured to track the retroreflector as it moves, and to determine 3D coordinates of the retroreflector. The scanner is configured to send a beam of light to a point on an object surface and to determine 3D coordinate of the point. In addition, the scanner is configured to adjustably focus the beam of light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth Steffey, Robert E. Bridges, David H. Parker
  • Patent number: 11321491
    Abstract: A method that includes providing a database for storing meta-data that describes steps in a workflow and an order of the steps in the workflow. The meta-data includes, for each of the steps: a description of an input data file for the step; a description of a transaction performed at the step; and a description of an output data file generated by the step based at least in part on applying the transaction to the input data file. Data that includes meta-data for a step in the workflow is received and the data is stored in the database. A trace of the workflow is generated based at least in part on contents of the database. The generating is based on receiving a request from a requestor for the trace of the workflow. At least a subset of the trace is output to the requestor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Martin Ossig, Oswin Horvath, Daniel Flohr
  • Patent number: 11315282
    Abstract: A system and method for documenting a scene having evidence markers is provided. The method includes placing the evidence markers in the scene. A plurality of 3D coordinates of points are measured on surfaces in the environment, a first portion of the plurality of 3D coordinates being on a first evidence marker of the evidence markers, the evidence marker having a photogrammetric symbol on one surface. A point cloud is generated from the plurality of 3D coordinates. The first evidence marker in the point cloud based is automatically identified at least in part on the photogrammetric symbol. The location and at least one attribute of the evidence marker are stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: David J. Dustin, Dennis C. Sweet
  • Patent number: 11300400
    Abstract: A system and method of determining three-dimensional coordinates is provided. The method includes, with a projector, projecting onto an object a projection pattern that includes collection of object spots. With a first camera, a first image is captured that includes first-image spots. With a second camera, a second image is captured that includes second-image spots. Each first-image spot is divided into first-image spot rows. Each second-image spot is divided into second-image spot rows. Central values are determined for each first-image and second-image spot row. A correspondence is determined among first-image and second-image spot rows, the corresponding first-image and second-image spot rows being a spot-row image pair. Tach spot-row image pair having a corresponding object spot row on the object. Three-dimensional (3D) coordinates of each object spot row are determined on the central values of the corresponding spot-row image pairs. The 3D coordinates of the object spot rows are stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Döring, Rolf Heidemann, Martin Ossig, Gerrit Hillebrand
  • Patent number: 11293748
    Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) measurement system, a method of measuring 3D coordinates, and a method of generating dense 3D data is provided. The method of measuring 3D coordinates includes using a first 3D measurement device and a second 3D measurement device in a cooperative manner is provided. The method includes acquiring a first set of 3D coordinates with the first 3D measurement device. The first set of 3D coordinates are transferred to the second 3D measurement device. A second set of 3D coordinates is acquired with the second 3D measurement device. The second set of 3D coordinates are registered to the first set of 3D coordinates in real-time while the second 3D measurement device is acquiring the second set of 3D coordinates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Döring, Gerrit Hillebrand, Rasmus Debitsch, Rene Pfeiffer, Martin Ossig, Alexander Kramer
  • Patent number: 11287241
    Abstract: A portable articulated arm coordinate measuring machine (AACMM) for measuring the coordinates of an object in space is provided. The AACMM includes a base and a manually positionable arm portion having an opposed first end and second end, the arm portion being rotationally coupled to the base, the arm portion including a plurality of connected arm segments, each arm segment including at least one position transducer for producing a position signal. A wire wound torsion spring is operably coupled between two of the connected arm segments. A first measurement probe is coupled to the first end, the first measurement probe having a first extension element. An electronic circuit is provided that receives the position signal from the at least one position transducer and provides data corresponding to a position of the first measurement probe. A probe end is disposed between the first measurement probe and the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: James P. Phipps, Dragos M. Stanescu, Kishore Lankalapalli
  • Patent number: 11269061
    Abstract: A system and method of scanning an environment and acquiring an image is provided. The system includes a mobile device having a camera and a first position indicator. A scanner having a light emitter and a light receiver is provided. The scanner determining coordinates of surfaces in an environment in response to emitting light with the light emitter and receiving light with the light receiver, the scanner having a second position indicator. One or more processors are provided that determine the position of the mobile computing device and transmits the data between the scanner in response to the first position indicator engaging the second position indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Ahmad Ramadneh, Aleksej Frank, Joao Santos, Oliver Zweigle
  • Patent number: 11270046
    Abstract: Aspects include a system and method for converting from point cloud data to computer-aided design (CAD) objects. A method includes providing a point cloud and a catalog of CAD objects. One of a plurality of points in the point cloud representing an item is selected. A CAD object in the catalog that corresponds to the item is selected. The CAD object is aligned to the item in the point cloud. A position and orientation of the aligned CAD object is output. The position and orientation are expressed in a coordinate system of the point cloud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Heiko Bauer, Denis Wohlfeld
  • Patent number: 11262194
    Abstract: A triangulation scanner having an enclosure, a projector coupled to the enclosure and configured to emit a first light, and three cameras also coupled to the enclosure. The scanner further includes at least one processor to determine the three-dimensional coordinates in a local frame of reference based at least in part on receiving the first light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Yazid Tohme, Rolf Heidemann, Markus Grau, Robert E. Bridges
  • Patent number: 11231263
    Abstract: Wearable coordinate measurement devices are described. The wearable coordinate measurement devices include a wearable member and a measurement portion attached to the wearable member. The measurement portion includes a first rotary measurement device, a first probe linkage having a first probe tip on an end thereof, and a second probe linkage having a second probe tip on an end thereof. The first rotary measurement device is configured to detect a separation distance between the first probe tip and the second probe tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: James P. Phipps, Chad Crisostomo, Fabiano Kovalski, Nicholas Nicou, Jeremy W. Mares, Dragos Stanescu, Kishore Lankalapalli
  • Patent number: 11226937
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a distributed measurement system. The system performs operations that include receiving, via a user interface of a user device, a request to access a data file of a project. The project includes one or more data files including the data file, and at least one of the one or more data files is generated based at least in part on measurement data output from a measurement device. One or more editing options are provided for editing the data file. The one or more editing options vary based at least in part on one or both of a characteristic of the user device and a characteristic of the data file. The data file is edited in response to receiving an editing request that includes an editing option of the one or more editing options.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Oliver Zweigle, Ahmad Ramadneh, Aleksej Frank, Joao Santos
  • Patent number: 11194019
    Abstract: A system for using an augmented reality (AR) enabled mobile computing device for performing one-touch registration of three-dimensional (3D) scans of an environment is provided. The system includes one or more processors, a mobile computing device, and a 3D scanner being movable from a first position to a second position. The processors are responsive to executable instructions which cause the 3D scanner at the first and second positions to determine 3D coordinates of a first and second collection of points on object surfaces in the environment. In addition, the 3D scanner receives an estimated location of the mobile computing device from the mobile device in response to the 3D scanner being in contact with the mobile computing device at the first and second locations. A registration of the first collection of points and the second collection of points is based on the estimated locations of the mobile computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Ahmad Ramadneh, Aleksej Frank, Joao Santos, Oliver Zweigle
  • Patent number: 11145116
    Abstract: A system and method for scanning an environment and generating an annotated 2D map is provided. The system includes a 2D scanner having a light source, an image sensor and a first controller. The first controller determines a distance value to at least one of the object points. The system further includes a 360° camera having a movable platform, and a second controller that merges the images acquired by the cameras to generate an image having a 360° view in a horizontal plane. The system also includes processors coupled to the 2D scanner and the 360° camera. The processors are responsive to generate a 2D map of the environment based at least in part on a signal from an operator and the distance value. The processors being further responsive for acquiring a 360° image and integrating it at a location on the 2D map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Aleksej Frank, Matthias Wolke, Oliver Zweigle
  • Patent number: 11112501
    Abstract: A method for measuring and registering 3D coordinates has a 3D scanner measure a first collection of 3D coordinates of points from a first registration position. A 2D scanner collects horizontal 2D scan sets as 3D measuring device moves from first to second registration positions. A processor determines first and second translation values and a first rotation value based on collected 2D scan sets. 3D scanner measures a second collection of 3D coordinates of points from second registration position. Processor adjusts second collection of points relative to first collection of points based at least in part on first and second translation values and first rotation value. Processor identifies a correspondence among registration targets in first and second collection of 3D coordinates, and uses this correspondence to further adjust the relative position and orientation of first and second collection of 3D coordinates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Oliver Zweigle, Bernd-Dietmar Becker, Reinhard Becker
  • Patent number: D939367
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Axel Ruhland, Jonas Bader, Benjamin Müller, Matthias Gramenz