Patents by Inventor Michael J. Magee

Michael J. Magee has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7382471
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a non-contact method for measuring the surface profile of an object that can include generating a point-type optical signal and projecting it on a rotatable precision optical grating, generating a rotating pattern of light and dark lines onto the object, recording a series of images of the rotating pattern moving across the object with an image receiving device and calculating the surface profile of the object. Other embodiments can include a method to calibrate the system and a non-contact apparatus that generally includes a point-type light source, a rotatably mounted optical grating being configured to project a moving grating image on the object, a processor in communication with the image capturing device and configured to receive image input from the image capturing device and generate a surface profile representation of the object therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Ernest A. Franke, Michael J. Magee, Michael P. Rigney, Joseph N. Mitchell, Robert J. Beeson
  • Patent number: 7283664
    Abstract: A method of interactively using a computer to select a sensor combination for analyzing images of a scene in order to distinguish between objects or patterns. Two or more images are acquired, each image from a different sensor. One or more regions of interest (ROIs) are then defined in the scene. A parallel axis plot is then used to display pixel traces of pixels from the ROI, with each axis of the plot representing one of the images. One or more axes may then be constrained, by selecting a range of values on an axis. Pixel traces that satisfy the constraint are illustrated graphically. Further analysis is performed by displaying pixel images of the constrained image, and by performing statistical analysis of the constraint(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Michael J. Magee, Ernest A. Franke, Jeremy K. Zoss
  • Patent number: 7061628
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a non-contact method for measuring the surface profile of an object that can include generating a point-type optical signal and projecting it on a rotatable precision optical grating, generating a rotating pattern of light and dark lines onto the object, recording a series of images of the rotating pattern moving across the object with an image receiving device and calculating the surface profile of the object. Other embodiments can include a method to calibrate the system and a non-contact apparatus that generally includes a point-type light source, a rotatably mounted optical grating being configured to project a moving grating image on the object, a processor in communication with the image capturing device and configured to receive image input from the image capturing device and generate a surface profile representation of the object therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Ernest A. Franke, Michael J. Magee, Michael P. Rigney, Joseph N. Mitchell, Robert J. Beeson
  • Patent number: 6985172
    Abstract: Surveillance apparatus and methods effective for detecting incidents are based upon improved image processing techniques applied to infrared and visible light spectrum images in a time sequence. A reference image is generated by removing motion objects from an image of a region of interest. The reference image is compared to an image to be analyzed to detect motion. Detected motion is analyzed and classified as motion objects. The motion objects are then compared to a motion model, which classifies the objects as being anticipated or unanticipated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Michael P. Rigney, Michael J. Magee, Ernest A. Franke
  • Publication number: 20040057618
    Abstract: A method of interactively using a computer to select a sensor combination for analyzing images of a scene in order to distinguish between objects or patterns. Two or more images are acquired, each image from a different sensor. One or more regions of interest (ROIs) are then defined in the scene. A parallel axis plot is then used to display pixel traces of pixels from the ROI, with each axis of the plot representing one of the images. One or more axes may then be constrained, by selecting a range of values on an axis. Pixel traces that satisfy the constraint are illustrated graphically. Further analysis is performed by displaying pixel images of the constrained image, and by performing statistical analysis of the constraint(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Michael J. Magee, Ernest A. Franke, Jeremy K. Zoss
  • Publication number: 20030007159
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a non-contact method for measuring the surface profile of an object that can include generating a point-type optical signal and projecting it on a rotatable precision optical grating, generating a rotating pattern of light and dark lines onto the object, recording a series of images of the rotating pattern moving across the object with an image receiving device and calculating the surface profile of the object. Other embodiments can include a method to calibrate the system and a non-contact apparatus that generally includes a point-type light source, a rotatably mounted optical grating being configured to project a moving grating image on the object, a processor in communication with the image capturing device and configured to receive image input from the image capturing device and generate a surface profile representation of the object therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Ernest A. Franke, Michael J. Magee, Michael P. Rigney, Joseph N. Mitchell, Robert J. Beeson
  • Patent number: 6411328
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods effective for detecting, locating and characterizing traffic-related incidents are based upon improved image processing techniques applied to infrared and visible light spectrum roadway images in a time sequence. Substantially real-time isolation and identification of anomalous or unexpected traffic conditions allows control of traffic signals and dispatch of law enforcement, maintenance or emergency medical care resources to reduce cost and increase safety. Detectable traffic-related incidents include, for example, the appearance of a stationary object on a roadway, the appearance of a pedestrian on a roadway, and the identification and location of vehicles obstructing traffic flow by moving too slowly or erratically or in the wrong direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Ernest A. Franke, Ernest S. Kinkler, Michael J. Magee, Steven B. Seida