Patents by Inventor Urs Vokinger

Urs Vokinger 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: 11796314
    Abstract: Measurement method where a code projection which is dependent on a three-dimensional position of a code carrier relative to a sensor arrangement is generated on a sensor arrangement, and at least part of the code projection is captured. An angular position of the code carrier with reference to the defined axis of rotation is ascertained and a current measurement position of the measurement component relative to a base is determined, wherein, a position value for at least one further degree of freedom of the code carrier relative to the sensor arrangement is ascertained on the basis of the code projection and is taken into account to determine the current measurement position, and a relative position of the connecting element with respect to the holder and/or the deformation thereof is determined from the position value in the form of a change in shape or size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: LEICA GEOSYSTEMS AG
    Inventors: Heinz Lippuner, Urs Vokinger, Knut Siercks
  • Publication number: 20220390228
    Abstract: Measurement method where a code projection which is dependent on a three-dimensional position of a code carrier relative to a sensor arrangement is generated on a sensor arrangement, and at least part of the code projection is captured. An angular position of the code carrier with reference to the defined axis of rotation is ascertained and a current measurement position of the measurement component relative to a base is determined, wherein, a position value for at least one further degree of freedom of the code carrier relative to the sensor arrangement is ascertained on the basis of the code projection and is taken into account to determine the current measurement position, and a relative position of the connecting element with respect to the holder and/or the deformation thereof is determined from the position value in the form of a change in shape or size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2022
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Applicant: LEICA GEOSYSTEMS AG
    Inventors: Heinz LIPPUNER, Urs VOKINGER, Knut SIERCKS
  • Patent number: 11454499
    Abstract: Measurement method where a code projection which is dependent on a three-dimensional position of a code carrier relative to a sensor arrangement is generated on a sensor arrangement, and at least part of the code projection is captured. An angular position of the code carrier with reference to the defined axis of rotation is ascertained and a current measurement position of the measurement component relative to a base is determined, wherein, a position value for at least one further degree of freedom of the code carrier relative to the sensor arrangement is ascertained on the basis of the code projection and is taken into account to determine the current measurement position, and a relative position of the connecting element with respect to the holder and/or the deformation thereof is determined from the position value in the form of a change in shape or size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: LEICA GEOSYSTEMS AG
    Inventors: Heinz Lippuner, Urs Vokinger, Knut Siercks
  • Patent number: 9846063
    Abstract: A linear encoder can have a mass embodiment having a position code marking, a read head having a calibration means, and a control and analysis unit, and calibration method for calibrating a position code made of code elements using the read head. The read head has a sensor unit having at least two detection reference points, the detection distance of which establishes at least one standard with high precision. In the scope of the calibration method, calibrated position values are prepared for code elements with the aid of the standard, which is determined with high precision, and are stored in the control and analysis unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: HEXAGON TECHNOLOGY CENTER GMBH
    Inventors: Urs Vokinger, Heinz Lippuner, Knut Siercks
  • Patent number: 9823097
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for determining absolute coding represented by code elements of an optical code track, with illumination of the absolute coding with light, modulating of some of the illuminating light on code elements, determining of the absolute coding as modulated light and continuously varying modulation of the light on neighboring code elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: HEXAGON TECHNOLOGY CENTER GMBH
    Inventors: Urs Vokinger, Heinz Lippuner
  • Patent number: 9816842
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein include an optoelectronic position measuring device that may include a code carrier, which carries an optically detectable position code, a radiation source for emitting optical radiation onto the code carrier, and a detection element having a multiplicity of light-sensitive reception regions for receiving at least part of the optical radiation, as a result of which a scanning signal dependent on the position code can be generated and a position of the code carrier relative to the detection element can thus be detected, wherein the measurement components are arranged in a fixed spatial relationship with respect to one another on a carrier element, the code carrier is movable with one degree of freedom, in particular rotationally or along an axis, and the code carrier and the carrier element are arranged at a fixed spatial distance with respect to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: HEXAGON TECHNOLOGY CENTER GMBH
    Inventors: Urs Vokinger, Werner Amann
  • Patent number: 9638550
    Abstract: System for determining relative positions comprising an encoder having encoder elements, and a sensor unit having a first sensor and at least one second sensor. The sensor unit and the encoder are movable relative to one another and their position relative to one another is determinable by the system. The first sensor and second sensor have a sensor distance with respect to one another. The sensor furthermore has a component composed of a dimensionally stable and aging-resistant material having a coefficient of thermal expansion which, in terms of absolute value, is in a range of 0 to 5·10?6K?1. The sensor distance is determinable highly precisely by the component by virtue of the component serving for the positional fixing of the sensors or by virtue of the component having a scale with the aid of which the sensor distance can be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: HEXAGON TECHNOLOGY CENTER GMBH
    Inventors: Urs Vokinger, Heinz Lippuner, Werner Amann, Knut Siercks
  • Patent number: 9341500
    Abstract: The invention relates to a calibration method that can be carried out without a reference system for an angle measuring device having a code carrier carrying an absolute position code, and at least two reading heads comprising a fixed, known angle position at an angular distance, wherein the code carrier can be rotated relative to the reading heads, and different angle positions of the code carrier relative to the reading heads can thus be captured. Angle position values of the reading heads in an angular setting are determined and angular error is determined, which are repeated. And, a mathematical analysis method is performed, including determining the parameters of a mathematical function quantifying the angular error, and determining calibration parameters as parameters of the quantifying mathematical function or as a correction or code table derived from the parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: LEICA GEOSYSTEMS AG
    Inventors: Heinz Lippuner, Urs Vokinger, Knut Siercks
  • Publication number: 20150233738
    Abstract: System for determining relative positions comprising an encoder having encoder elements, and a sensor unit having a first sensor and at least one second sensor. The sensor unit and the encoder are movable relative to one another and their position relative to one another is determinable by the system. The first sensor and second sensor have a sensor distance with respect to one another. The sensor furthermore has a component composed of a dimensionally stable and aging-resistant material having a coefficient of thermal expansion which, in terms of absolute value, is in a range of 0 to 5·10?6 K?1. The sensor distance is determinable highly precisely by the component by virtue of the component serving for the positional fixing of the sensors or by virtue of the component having a scale with the aid of which the sensor distance can be measured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Publication date: August 20, 2015
    Inventors: Urs VOKINGER, Heinz LIPPUNER, Werner AMANN, Knut SIERCKS
  • Publication number: 20150233742
    Abstract: Some embodiments include a linear encoder having a mass embodiment having a position code marking, a read head having a calibration means, and a control and analysis unit, and calibration method for calibrating a position code made of code elements using the read head. The read head has a sensor unit having at least two detection reference points, the detection distance of which establishes at least one standard with high precision. In the scope of the calibration method, calibrated position values are prepared for code elements with the aid of the standard, which is determined with high precision, and are stored in the control and analysis unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Publication date: August 20, 2015
    Inventors: Urs VOKINGER, Heinz LIPPUNER, Knut SIERCKS
  • Publication number: 20150144775
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for determining absolute coding represented by code elements of an optical code track, with illumination of the absolute coding with light, modulating of some of the illuminating light on code elements, determining of the absolute coding as modulated light and continuously varying modulation of the light on neighbouring code elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Urs Vokinger, Heinz Lippuner
  • Publication number: 20150014520
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein include an optoelectronic position measuring device that may include a code carrier, which carries an optically detectable position code, a radiation source for emitting optical radiation onto the code carrier, and a detection element having a multiplicity of light-sensitive reception regions for receiving at least part of the optical radiation, as a result of which a scanning signal dependent on the position code can be generated and a position of the code carrier relative to the detection element can thus be detected, wherein the measurement components are arranged in a fixed spatial relationship with respect to one another on a carrier element, the code carrier is movable with one degree of freedom, in particular rotationally or along an axis, and the code carrier and the carrier element are arranged at a fixed spatial distance with respect to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Urs Vokinger, Werner Amann
  • Publication number: 20130132026
    Abstract: Measurement method where a code projection which is dependent on a three-dimensional position of a code carrier relative to a sensor arrangement is generated on a sensor arrangement, and at least part of the code projection is captured. An angular position of the code carrier with reference to the defined axis of rotation is ascertained and a current measurement position of the measurement component relative to a base is determined, wherein, a position value for at least one further degree of freedom of the code carrier relative to the sensor arrangement is ascertained on the basis of the code projection and is taken into account to determine the current measurement position, and a relative position of the connecting element with respect to the holder and/or the deformation thereof is determined from the position value in the form of a change in shape or size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: LEICA GEOSYSTEMS AG
    Inventors: Heínz Lippuner, Urs Vokinger, Knut Siercks
  • Publication number: 20120222465
    Abstract: The invention relates to a calibration method that can be carried out without a reference system for an angle measuring device having a code carrier carrying an absolute position code, and at least two reading heads comprising a fixed, known angle position at an angular distance, wherein the code carrier can be rotated relative to the reading heads, and different angle positions of the code carrier relative to the reading heads can thus be captured. Angle position values of the reading heads in an angular setting are determined and angular error is determined, which are repeated. And, a mathematical analysis method is performed, including determining the parameters of a mathematical function quantifying the angular error, and determining calibration parameters as parameters of the quantifying mathematical function or as a correction or code table derived from the parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2010
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: LEICA GEOSYSTEMS AG
    Inventors: Heinz Lippuner, Urs Vokinger, Knut Siercks
  • Patent number: 8085394
    Abstract: The invention relates to an optoelectronic measurement method for determining a position, particularly an angle or a length, of a code carrier (10) that carries a position code (11) and is movable relative to a detector element (30) with a degree of freedom, particularly in a rotary or translational fashion. The detector element (30) has at least one line in the longitudinal direction comprising a plurality of light-sensitive receiving regions (31) disposed in a linear fashion. In the course of the positional measurement method, a projection is produced of part of the position code (11) on the detector element (30) that is dependent on the position of the code carrier (10); said projection is produced by at least an emission of optical radiation onto the code carrier (10) using a laser diode (20) having an emitter edge (21), and said projection is detected by the detector element (30). The position of the code carrier (10) relative to the detector element (30) is derived from the projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Leica Geosystems AG
    Inventors: Urs Vokinger, Heinz Bernhard, Werner Amann
  • Publication number: 20100134790
    Abstract: The invention relates to an optoelectronic measurement method for determining a position, particularly an angle or a length, of a code carrier (10) that carries a position code (11) and is movable relative to a detector element (30) with a degree of freedom, particularly in a rotary or translational fashion. The detector element (30) has at least one line in the longitudinal direction comprising a plurality of light-sensitive receiving regions (31) disposed in a linear fashion. In the course of the positional measurement method, a projection is produced of part of the position code (11) on the detector element (30) that is dependent on the position of the code carrier (10); said projection is produced by at least an emission of optical radiation onto the code carrier (10) using a laser diode (20) having an emitter edge (21), and said projection is detected by the detector element (30). The position of the code carrier (10) relative to the detector element (30) is derived from the projection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: LEICA GEOSYSTEMS AG
    Inventors: Urs Vokinger, Heinz Bernhard, Werner Amann
  • Patent number: 6984837
    Abstract: In order to improve target illumination, a light source (2) of an emitter, which has a laser diode (3) configured as an edge emitter with a wavelength of 1,550 nm, has beam forming optics (4) mounted downstream in relation thereto, which comprise a cylindrical lens (7) and a first deflection element (8) with three fields having different diffraction structures. Said deflection element are located next to one another and crosswise in relation to the first fields and which also have different diffraction structures. Said deflection element directs the partial beams to the aperture of a collimator (1) in such a way that the partial beams substantially fill said aperture. The first deflection element (8) and a mount (6) for the cylindrical lens (7) are integral and, alike the second deflection element (10), are made of plastic. Both parts are glued to opposite sides of the frontal areas of a block (5) made of glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Leica Geosystems A.G.
    Inventors: Bernhard Gächter, Andreas Schilling, Laurent Stauffer, Urs Vokinger
  • Patent number: 6714285
    Abstract: In order to improve target illumination a light emitter comprises several partial light sources (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d), the partial beams (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) of which are collected by means of a beam collector optic (2) and directed to the aperture of a collimator (1). The beam collector optic (2) comprises two half-mirrored sheets (12a, 12b), which each direct two similarly polarized partial beams (5a, b; 5c, d) side by side onto a polarization cube (13), where the pairs of partial beams which are polarized perpendicular and orthogonal to each other are overlaid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Leica Geosystems A.G.
    Inventors: Bernhard Gächter, Urs Vokinger
  • Publication number: 20030184727
    Abstract: In order to improve target illumination, a light source (2) of an emitter, which has a laser diode (3) configured as an edge emitter with a wavelength of 1,550 nm, has beam forming optics (4) mounted downstream in relation thereto, which comprise a cylindrical lens (7) and a first deflection element (8) with three fields having different diffraction structures. Said deflection element are located next to one another and crosswise in relation to the first fields and which also have different diffraction structures. Said deflection element directs the partial beams to the aperture of a collimator (1) in such a way that the partial beams substantially fill said aperture. The first deflection element (8) and a mount (6) for the cylindrical lens (7) are integral and, alike the second deflection element (10), are made of plastic. Both parts are glued to opposite sides of the frontal areas of a block (5) made of glass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: Bernhard Gacther, Andreas Schilling, Laurent Stauffer, Urs Vokinger
  • Publication number: 20030164937
    Abstract: In order to improve target illumination a light emitter comprises several partial light sources (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d), the partial beams (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) of which are collected by means of a beam collector optic (2) and directed to the aperture of a collimator (1). The beam collector optic (2) comprises two half-mirrored sheets (12a, 12b), which each direct two similarly polarised partial beams (5a, b; 5c, d) side by side onto a polarisation cube (13), where the pairs of partial beams which are polarised perpendicular and orthogonal to each other are overlaid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventors: Bernhard Gachter, Urs Vokinger