Patents by Inventor Robert A. Wolff
Robert A. Wolff 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).
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Publication number: 20240166072Abstract: A control system and method determine a target storage amount of electrical energy to store in an energy storage device onboard a vehicle during a charge operation in which the vehicle receives the electrical energy from an off-board power source. The control system and method determine the target storage amount based at least in part on a performance target for a planned trip of the vehicle. The control system and method control power electronics onboard the vehicle to distribute the electrical energy received during the charge operation between the energy storage device and one or more loads of the vehicle so that the energy storage device receives the target storage amount of electrical energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2023Publication date: May 23, 2024Inventors: Henry Todd Young, Jason Daniel Kuttenkuler, Jeffrey John Wolff, Daniel Robert Wallace, Rekha Doddarangaiah Prasad
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Publication number: 20240092179Abstract: A method including detecting that a vehicle that may be propelled by an electric drive system having one or more motors disconnects or begins disconnecting from an off-board source of power while the one or more motors are being powered by the off-board source of power. The method may include supplanting a decreasing amount of a first electric energy supplied by the off-board source of power to the electric drive system with an amount of a second electric energy supplied by an onboard source of power to the electric drive system responsive to the detection of the disconnect from the off-board source of power.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2023Publication date: March 21, 2024Inventors: Jennifer Sobierajski, Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Haris Memic, Henry Todd Young, Ibrahim Kacar, James Ghofulpo, Jeffrey John Wolff, Timothy Warren Brown, Daniel Robert Wallace
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Patent number: 11927137Abstract: A system may include an insulation mount assembly configured to mount insulation within a component of an exhaust diffuser of a combustion system. The insulation mount assembly includes an insulation cover plate configured to cover the insulation over a wall of the component, and a plurality of mounting clips configured to extend partially over the insulation plate and couple to the wall of the component. Each clip of the plurality of mounting clips is configured to enable movement of the insulation cover plate in a first direction along a surface of the wall and block movement of the insulation cover plate in a second direction crosswise to the surface of the wall.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2022Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignee: GE Infrastructure Technology LLCInventors: Robert Jamiołkowski, Damian Wolff, Adam Wiśniewski
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Patent number: 11562502Abstract: This invention provides an easy-to-manufacture, easy-to-analyze calibration object which combines measurable and repeatable, but not necessarily accurate, 3D features—such as a two-sided calibration object/target in (e.g.) the form of a frustum, with a pair of accurate and measurable features, more particularly parallel faces separated by a precise specified thickness, so as to provide for simple field calibration of opposite-facing DS sensors. Illustratively, a composite calibration object can be constructed, which includes the two-sided frustum that has been sandblasted and anodized (to provide measurable, repeatable features), with a flange whose above/below parallel surfaces have been ground to a precise specified thickness. The 3D corner positions of the two-sided frustum are used to calibrate the two sensors in X and Y, but cannot establish absolute Z without accurate information about the thickness of the two-sided frustum; the flange provides the absolute Z information.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2020Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Assignee: Cognex CorporationInventors: Aaron S. Wallack, Gang Liu, Robert A. Wolff, David J. Michael, Ruibing Wang, Hongwei Zhu
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Publication number: 20220180499Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for determining the location and characteristics of certain surface features that comprises elevated or depressed regions with respect to a smooth surrounding surface on an object. A filter acts on a range image of the scene. A filter defines an annulus or other perimeter shape around each pixel in which a best-fit surface is established. A normal to the pixel allows derivation of local displacement height. The displacement height is used to establish a height deviation image of the object, with which bumps, dents or other height-displacement features can be determined. The bump filter can be used to locate regions on a surface with minimal irregularities by mapping such irregularities to a grid and then thresholding the grid to generate a cost function. Regions with a minimal cost are acceptable candidates for application of labels and other items in which a smooth surface is desirable.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2021Publication date: June 9, 2022Inventors: Mikhail Akopyan, Lowell D. Jacobson, Robert A. Wolff
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Patent number: 11240435Abstract: The techniques described herein relate to methods, apparatus, and computer readable media configured to determine parameters for image acquisition. One or more image sensors are each arranged to capture a set of images of a scene, and each image sensor comprises a set of adjustable imaging parameters. A projector is configured to project a moving pattern on the scene, wherein the projector comprises a set of adjustable projector parameters. The set of adjustable projector parameters and the set of adjustable imaging parameters are determined, based on a set of one or more constraints, to reduce noise in 3D data generated based on the set of images.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2020Date of Patent: February 1, 2022Assignee: Cognex CorporationInventors: Robert Wolff, Thomas Penny, Marcus Große
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Patent number: 11176655Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for determining the location and characteristics of certain surface features that comprises elevated or depressed regions with respect to a smooth surrounding surface on an object. A filter acts on a range image of the scene. A filter defines an annulus or other perimeter shape around each pixel in which a best-fit surface is established. A normal to the pixel allows derivation of local displacement height. The displacement height is used to establish a height deviation image of the object, with which bumps, dents or other height-displacement features can be determined. The bump filter can be used to locate regions on a surface with minimal irregularities by mapping such irregularities to a grid and then thresholding the grid to generate a cost function. Regions with a minimal cost are acceptable candidates for application of labels and other items in which a smooth surface is desirable.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2014Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: Cognex CorporationInventors: Mikhail Akopyan, Lowell D. Jacobson, Robert A. Wolff
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Publication number: 20210092300Abstract: The techniques described herein relate to methods, apparatus, and computer readable media configured to determine parameters for image acquisition. One or more image sensors are each arranged to capture a set of images of a scene, and each image sensor comprises a set of adjustable imaging parameters. A projector is configured to project a moving pattern on the scene, wherein the projector comprises a set of adjustable projector parameters. The set of adjustable projector parameters and the set of adjustable imaging parameters are determined, based on a set of one or more constraints, to reduce noise in 3D data generated based on the set of images.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2020Publication date: March 25, 2021Applicant: Cognex CorporationInventors: Robert Wolff, Thomas Penny, Marcus Große
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Publication number: 20200388053Abstract: This invention provides an easy-to-manufacture, easy-to-analyze calibration object which combines measurable and repeatable, but not necessarily accurate, 3D features—such as a two-sided calibration object/target in (e.g.) the form of a frustum, with a pair of accurate and measurable features, more particularly parallel faces separated by a precise specified thickness, so as to provide for simple field calibration of opposite-facing DS sensors. Illustratively, a composite calibration object can be constructed, which includes the two-sided frustum that has been sandblasted and anodized (to provide measurable, repeatable features), with a flange whose above/below parallel surfaces have been ground to a precise specified thickness. The 3D corner positions of the two-sided frustum are used to calibrate the two sensors in X and Y, but cannot establish absolute Z without accurate information about the thickness of the two-sided frustum; the flange provides the absolute Z information.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2020Publication date: December 10, 2020Inventors: Aaron S. Wallack, Gang Liu, Robert A. Wolff, David J. Michael, Ruibing Wang, Hongwei Zhu
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Patent number: 10791277Abstract: The techniques described herein relate to methods, apparatus, and computer readable media configured to determine parameters for image acquisition. One or more image sensors are each arranged to capture a set of images of a scene, and each image sensor comprises a set of adjustable imaging parameters. A projector is configured to project a moving pattern on the scene, wherein the projector comprises a set of adjustable projector parameters. The set of adjustable projector parameters and the set of adjustable imaging parameters are determined, based on a set of one or more constraints, to reduce noise in 3D data generated based on the set of images.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2018Date of Patent: September 29, 2020Assignee: Cognex CorporationInventors: Robert Wolff, Thomas Penny, Marcus Große
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Patent number: 10775160Abstract: This invention provides a system for measuring displacement of an object surface having a displacement sensor that projects a line on the object surface and receives light from the projected line at an imager in a manner defines a plurality of displacement values in a height direction. A vision system processor operates on rows of imager pixels to determine a laser line center in columns of imager pixels in each of a plurality of regions of interest. Each region of interest defines a plurality of rows that correspond with expected locations of the projected line on the object surface. A GUI can be used to establish the regions. In further embodiments, the system generates grayscale images with the imager. These grayscale images can be compared to a generated height image to compensate for contrast-induced false height readings. Imager pixels can be compared to a reference voltage to locate the line.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2018Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: Cognex CorporationInventors: Robert A. Wolff, Michael C. Moed, Mikhail Akopyan, Robert Tremblay, Willard Foster, Aaron S. Wallack
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Publication number: 20200084384Abstract: The techniques described herein relate to methods, apparatus, and computer readable media configured to determine parameters for image acquisition. One or more image sensors are each arranged to capture a set of images of a scene, and each image sensor comprises a set of adjustable imaging parameters. A projector is configured to project a moving pattern on the scene, wherein the projector comprises a set of adjustable projector parameters. The set of adjustable projector parameters and the set of adjustable imaging parameters are determined, based on a set of one or more constraints, to reduce noise in 3D data generated based on the set of images.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2018Publication date: March 12, 2020Applicant: Cognex CorporationInventors: Robert Wolff, Thomas Penny, Marcus Große
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Patent number: 10438036Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for reading and decoding ID features located on a surface of a curved, sloped and/or annular object, such as a tire moving on a conveyor. A plurality of 3D sensors are operatively connected to a vision system processor. The sensors are calibrated by calibration parameters to generate a stitched-together 3D image of a field of view in a common coordinate space. A motion conveyance (e.g. a conveyor) causes the object and the 3D sensors to move in relative motion, and the conveyance provides motion information to the vision system processor. An ID finder locates ID features within a version of the 3D image and a decoder (e.g. an OCR reader) generates data from the ID features. The ID finder can locate a trained portion of the ID and the search for variable code elements at a known orientation relative to the trained portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2016Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: Cognex CorporationInventors: Matthew R. Reome, Ali M. Zadeh, Robert A. Wolff, Ruibing Wang, Aaron S. Wallack, David J. Michael, Hongwei Zhu, Benjamin D. Klass
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Publication number: 20190265027Abstract: This invention provides a system for measuring displacement of an object surface having a displacement sensor that projects a line on the object surface and receives light from the projected line at an imager in a manner defines a plurality of displacement values in a height direction. A vision system processor operates on rows of imager pixels to determine a laser line center in columns of imager pixels in each of a plurality of regions of interest. Each region of interest defines a plurality of rows that correspond with expected locations of the projected line on the object surface. A GUI can be used to establish the regions. In further embodiments, the system generates grayscale images with the imager. These grayscale images can be compared to a generated height image to compensate for contrast-induced false height readings. Imager pixels can be compared to a reference voltage to locate the line.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2018Publication date: August 29, 2019Inventors: Robert A. Wolff, Michael C. Moed, Mikhail Akopyan, Robert Tremblay, Willard Foster, Aaron S. Wallack
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Publication number: 20180374239Abstract: This invention provides an easy-to-manufacture, easy-to-analyze calibration object which combines measurable and repeatable, but not necessarily accurate, 3D features—such as a two-sided calibration object/target in (e.g.) the form of a frustum, with a pair of accurate and measurable features, more particularly parallel faces separated by a precise specified thickness, so as to provide for simple field calibration of opposite-facing DS sensors. Illustratively, a composite calibration object can be constructed, which includes the two-sided frustum that has been sandblasted and anodized (to provide measurable, repeatable features), with a flange whose above/below parallel surfaces have been ground to a precise specified thickness. The 3D corner positions of the two-sided frustum are used to calibrate the two sensors in X and Y, but cannot establish absolute Z without accurate information about the thickness of the two-sided frustum; the flange provides the absolute Z information.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2017Publication date: December 27, 2018Inventors: Aaron S. Wallack, Robert A. Wolff, David J. Michael, Ruibing Wang, Hongwei Zhu
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Patent number: 10041786Abstract: This invention provides a system for measuring displacement of an object surface having a displacement sensor that projects a line on the object surface and receives light from the projected line at an imager in a manner defines a plurality of displacement values in a height direction. A vision system processor operates on rows of imager pixels to determine a laser line center in columns of imager pixels in each of a plurality of regions of interest. Each region of interest defines a plurality of rows that correspond with expected locations of the projected line on the object surface. A GUI can be used to establish the regions. In further embodiments, the system generates grayscale images with the imager. These grayscale images can be compared to a generated height image to compensate for contrast-induced false height readings. Imager pixels can be compared to a reference voltage to locate the line.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2017Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: Cognex CorporationInventors: Robert A. Wolff, Michael C. Moed, Mikhail Akopyan, Robert Tremblay, Willard Foster, Aaron S. Wallack
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Patent number: 10036167Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to a new flat or A-frame pop-up canopy, shelter, cover, and/or awning, to the integration of skylights and electrical lights systems, to clocks and watches that can record a persons preferred alarm voice or video, winter gloves made to look like or with caricatures formed with or on them, digital radio and TV systems with a method of overcoming lost signal interruptions, and a single vent HVAC temperature control systems. Each of these approaches make life easier and/or more fun for people.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2014Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Inventors: Kevin Alan Wolff, Harrison Robert Wolff, Benjamin Grayson Wolff, Mary Louise M. Wolff
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Publication number: 20170299380Abstract: This invention provides a system for measuring displacement of an object surface having a displacement sensor that projects a line on the object surface and receives light from the projected line at an imager in a manner defines a plurality of displacement values in a height direction. A vision system processor operates on rows of imager pixels to determine a laser line center in columns of imager pixels in each of a plurality of regions of interest. Each region of interest defines a plurality of rows that correspond with expected locations of the projected line on the object surface. A GUI can be used to establish the regions. In further embodiments, the system generates grayscale images with the imager. These grayscale images can be compared to a generated height image to compensate for contrast-induced false height readings. Imager pixels can be compared to a reference voltage to locate the line.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2017Publication date: October 19, 2017Inventors: Robert A. Wolff, Michael C. Moed, Mikhail Akopyan, Robert Tremblay, Willard Foster, Aaron S. Wallack
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Patent number: 9605950Abstract: This invention provides a system for measuring displacement of an object surface having a displacement sensor that projects a line on the object surface and receives light from the projected line at an imager in a manner defines a plurality of displacement values in a height direction. A vision system processor operates on rows of imager pixels to determine a laser line center in columns of imager pixels in each of a plurality of regions of interest. Each region of interest defines a plurality of rows that correspond with expected locations of the projected line on the object surface. A GUI can be used to establish the regions. In further embodiments, the system generates grayscale images with the imager. These grayscale images can be compared to a generated height image to compensate for contrast-induced false height readings. Imager pixels can be compared to a reference voltage to locate the line.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2014Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: COGNEX CORPORATIONInventors: Robert A. Wolff, Michael C. Moed, Mikhail Akopyan, Robert Tremblay, Willard Foster, Aaron S. Wallack
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Publication number: 20150213606Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for determining the location and characteristics of certain surface features that comprises elevated or depressed regions with respect to a smooth surrounding surface on an object. A filter acts on a range image of the scene. A filter defines an annulus or other perimeter shape around each pixel in which a best-fit surface is established. A normal to the pixel allows derivation of local displacement height. The displacement height is used to establish a height deviation image of the object, with which bumps, dents or other height-displacement features can be determined. The bump filter can be used to locate regions on a surface with minimal irregularities by mapping such irregularities to a grid and then thresholding the grid to generate a cost function. Regions with a minimal cost are acceptable candidates for application of labels and other items in which a smooth surface is desirable.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2014Publication date: July 30, 2015Inventors: Mikhail Akopyan, Lowell D. Jacobson, Robert A. Wolff