With Photodetection Of Reflected Beam Angle With Respect To A Unidirectional Source Beam Patents (Class 356/141.1)
  • Patent number: 11719512
    Abstract: The present application provides a remote-controlled gun, comprising a gun base, a gun body, an angle adjustment device, a camera, and a remote controller, wherein the angle adjustment device is connected with the gun body and the gun base, and configured for adjusting a pitch shooting angle of the gun body with respect to the gun base in a vertical plane and a left and right swing angle of the gun body with respect to the gun base in a horizontal plane; the camera is configured for monitoring a shooting target and a front sight of the gun body; the remote controller is connected with the camera and configured for displaying a monitoring image of the camera; and the remote controller is also connected with the angle adjustment device and configured for controlling the gun body to rotate with respect to the gun base until the front sight is aligned with the shooting target within a monitoring area; and the remote controller is also connected with the gun body, and configured for controlling the shooting of the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: China Intelligent Building & Energy Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yang Jiang, Xulai Jiang
  • Patent number: 11698445
    Abstract: A vehicle, Lidar system for the vehicle and method of scanning an object with the Lidar system. The Lidar system includes a first quarter wave plate, a first deflection stage and a detector. The first quarter wave plate produces a circularly polarized scanning beam of light. The first deflection stage selects a rotation direction for a polarization vector of the scanning beam and deflects the scanning beam by a selected angle based on the selected rotation direction of the polarization vector. The detector receives a reflected beam that is a reflection of the scanning beam from the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Tzvi Philipp
  • Patent number: 11493615
    Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods that detect an electromagnetic signal in a constant interference environment. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic signal is a light signal. A constant interference detector may detect false signal “hits” generated by constant interference, such as bright light saturation, from valid signals. The constant interference detector determines if there is constant interference for a time period that is greater than a time period of the valid signal. In one embodiment, if a received signal exceeds a programmable threshold value for a programmable period of time, when compared to previously stored ambient light, a control signal is generated to inform the next higher network layer of a sudden change in ambient light. This control signal can be used to either discard the present return or process the signal in a different way. A constant interference detector may be a component of a LIDAR system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: VELODYNE LIDAR USA, INC.
    Inventors: Pravin Kumar Venkatesan, Roger Jullian Pinto, Jianghui Su, Abhilash Goyal
  • Patent number: 11474254
    Abstract: Provided are a multi-axis scanning system and method that utilize a single scanner. The scanner radially projects an output beam in a first angular plane over a range of scan angles. At least one reflector is fixed relative to the scanner to receive the output beam in at least one portion of the range of scan angles and redirects the received output beam in at least one other angular plane extending at least partially beneath the first angular plane. The first angular plane can be substantially parallel to a ground surface and the at least one other angular plane can include a plane that extends from the reflective surface to the ground surface. The scanner can be configured to detect a reflection of the output beam, to determine a distance to an object reflecting an incident output beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Piaggio Fast Forward Inc.
    Inventors: Rossitza D. Kotelova, Kevin Shadle
  • Patent number: 11313961
    Abstract: A device and method for identifying a position of an object uses a comparison value is calculated based on a first distance and first angle measured by a first distance sensor. This value is compared with a second distance or a second angle measured by a second distance sensor. Based on the result of the comparison, it is concluded whether the object is located above or below a predefined height over a first sensor plane in which the first distance sensor is situated. An angle of greater than zero degrees is situated in this case between a first sensor axis of the first distance sensor and a second sensor axis of the second distance sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Sebastian Olbrich, Simon Klenk
  • Patent number: 11309442
    Abstract: A semiconductor substrate has a first surface and a second surface which is opposite to the first surface. A photoelectric conversion portion has a PN junction configured with first and second semiconductor regions of different conductivity types. A buried portion is buried in the semiconductor substrate and includes an electrode and a dielectric member located between the electrode and the semiconductor substrate and in contact with the second semiconductor region. The second semiconductor region is located in a position deeper than the first semiconductor region. The buried portion is located to extend from a first surface to a position deeper than the first semiconductor region. Electric potentials are supplied to the first semiconductor region, the second semiconductor region, and the electrode in such a manner that an inversion layer occurring between the electrode and the second semiconductor region and the first semiconductor region are in contact with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Morimoto, Hajime Ikeda, Junji Iwata
  • Patent number: 11303795
    Abstract: Systems, methods and non-transitory computer readable media for determining image capturing parameters in construction sites are provided. For example, at least one electronic record may be accessed, the at least one electronic record may include information related to an object in a construction site. The information related to the object may be analyzed to determine at least one capturing parameter associated with the object. Further, the systems, methods and non-transitory computer readable media may cause a capturing, at the construction site, of at least one image of the object using the determined at least one capturing parameter associated with the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: CONSTRU LTD
    Inventor: Ron Zass
  • Patent number: 11287521
    Abstract: System and methods for obtaining sizing of an irregularly shaped object. The methods comprise: displaying, by a display of a handheld scanner system, a 3D optical figure of a subject; displaying a grid superimposed over the 3D optical figure of the subject, the grid comprising a plurality of marks arranged in rows and columns; generating, by a radar module of the handheld scanner system, range data specifying a sensed spacing between the radar module and at least a surface of a first portion of the irregularly shaped object which is covered by at least one item; receiving, by a processor of the handheld scanner system, the range data from the radar module as the subject is being scanned; and causing at least one first visual characteristic of a first mark of said plurality of marks to change when corresponding range data is successfully received by the processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: BODIDATA, INC.
    Inventors: Albert Charpentier, Michael Boylan, Tuoc Luong, Hoa V. Pham, Long Nguyen, Hai Nguyen, Tung V. Vu
  • Patent number: 11280607
    Abstract: A laser receiving arrangement, co-operable with a reference plane defined by a laser transmitter, including a data storage device, a sensing arrangement, a logic arrangement and a user interface. The data storage device stores a respective desired elevation for each of a plurality of target points. The sensing arrangement senses the reference plane and produces an output indicative of an elevation of a selected target point relative to the reference plane. The logic arrangement is configured to receive from the data storage device the respective desired elevation of the selected target point, receive the output of the sensing arrangement, and produce an output based on at least the received elevation and the received output. The user interface is configured to produce an output interpretable by a user, based on the output of the logic arrangement and indicative of a deviation of the target point from its respective desired elevation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: STAFF HOLDINGS PTY LTD
    Inventors: Ross Earley, Jason Andrew Byron
  • Patent number: 11176837
    Abstract: A method and a system are provided herein for calculating whether or not a specific aerial vehicle at a specified point of time can maneuver over a given location in the terrain while complying with terrain clearance requirements. The system may include a computer memory configured to store a 3D model representing at least a portion of a terrain located in a vicinity of an aerial vehicle; a computer processor configured to map said portion of the terrain into at least two types: a first type indicative of a potential of the aerial vehicle to maneuver over a respective terrain while complying with terrain clearance, and a second type indicative of a non-potential of said aerial vehicle to maneuver over a respective terrain, wherein the mapping is carried out based on said parameters, the 3D model and given predefined performance of the aerial vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: ELBIT SYSTMES LTD.
    Inventors: Sharon Hiddai, Judith Zelicovici, Jacob Avinu, Eyal Ziv, Yana Zohar, Yonathan Mizrahi
  • Patent number: 11129691
    Abstract: An active marker device (100) is introducible into a human tissue and for tracking a region of interest of a human body. The active marker device includes a light source (101) for emitting light such that the emitted light can be detected by an optical sensor. In this way, the active marker device and/or the region of interest can be tracked by a tracking system including the optical sensor. The active marker device (100) also includes a switch (102) for turning the light source on and off and for operating the light source in a pulsed mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Bernardus Hendrikus Wilhelmus Hendriks, Michael Grass, Thomas Koehler, Harold Agnes Wilhelmus Schmeitz, Roland Proksa, Vishnu Vardhan Pully, Marco Andreas Jacobus Van As, Waltherus Cornelis Jozef Bierhoff, Franciscus Marinus Antonius Maria Van Gaal, Drazenko Babic
  • Patent number: 11092305
    Abstract: A coherent light beam from a light source is scanned by a scanning member and is incident to a light receiving surface of a light diffusing element. The incident light beam is emitted as diffused light, passes through an illumination optical system, and forms a drawing spot on an illumination target surface. When a scan control unit controls scanning of the light beam, an illumination area is formed by the moving drawing spot on the illumination target surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shumpei Nishio, Makio Kurashige
  • Patent number: 11060819
    Abstract: Armored vehicles, weapon measurement system, and methods for determining barrel elevation of a gun, are provided. In one example, an armored vehicle includes a vehicle body portion and a gun having a barrel extending away from the vehicle body portion at a barrel elevation angle. A weapon measurement system includes a reference light generator arrangement configured to generate a reference light at a single wavelength or within a narrow wavelength band and to diffuse the reference light, thereby defining a distributed reference light. An image sensor arrangement includes an image sensor and a filter. The filter is configured to substantially block light that is at a different wavelength than the distributed reference light while allowing the distributed reference light to pass through to the image sensor for determining the barrel elevation angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: General Dynamics Mission Systems—Canada
    Inventor: James Hugh Lougheed
  • Patent number: 10987178
    Abstract: Various surgical hubs are disclosed. A surgical hub is for use with a surgical system in a surgical procedure performed in an operating room. The surgical hub comprises: non-contact sensors and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to: determine bounds of the operating room based on measurements performed by the non-contact sensors; and establish a control arrangement with a detected surgical hub located within the bounds of the operating room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jason L. Harris, David C. Yates
  • Patent number: 10976886
    Abstract: A display apparatus is provided. The display apparatus includes a display that displays an image, a first sensor that detects an intensity of light incident from an area in front of the display, a second sensor that detects a color of light incident from a different direction than the light sensed by the first sensor, and a processor that corrects the intensity of the light sensed by the first sensor using the color of the light sensed by the second sensor and controls an operation of the display apparatus based on the corrected intensity of the light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Young-min Kim, Geon-woo Nam
  • Patent number: 10935345
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods, circuits, components, apparatus, devices, assemblies and systems for imaging. According to some embodiments, there may be provided a sight for a firearm to assist in aiming the firearm towards a target in a field of view of the sight. A target-view optical assembly introduces additional light information to light passing from an objective-side aperture to a viewing-side aperture. A display array assembly renders and collimates the additional light information coupled into the passing light. And a controller causes a display array of the display array assembly to dynamically render a targeting reticle, wherein a location of the dynamically rendered targeting reticle on the display is a function of a distance to an intended target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Inventors: Michael Ben Oren, Ran Ben Oren
  • Patent number: 10908265
    Abstract: Various embodiments are disclosed for improved scanning ladar transmission, including but not limited to an example embodiment where feedback control is used to finely control mirror scan positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: AEYE, INC.
    Inventor: Luis Carlos Dussan
  • Patent number: 10877131
    Abstract: A distributed FM LiDAR system that provides a central unit that includes a frequency modulated optical signal source and a central receiver for reflected light, along with multiple optical heads that include only optical components is described. No optical delay lines or timing compensation photonic or electronic circuitry is necessary between the central unit and the optical heads. The relatively simple optical heads do not require extensive protection from shock or vibration, and can be distributed between a vehicle and a towed trailer or similar vehicle, with connections being provided by an optical coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Scott Singer, Lutfollah Maleki
  • Patent number: 10866319
    Abstract: A stray-light tolerant LIDAR measurement system. The system comprises an interferometer assembly having a continuous-wave laser source, a photodetection arrangement and optical components. The laser source comprises a laser-light-generating component, a downstream optical phase modulator and a control unit connected to the modulator to deliver a control signal corresponding to a pseudo-noise signal defined by a predetermined phase function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Inventor: Ernst Brinkmeyer
  • Patent number: 10859702
    Abstract: Systems described herein use outside-in positional tracking. A base station emits one or more rotational light beams to illuminate a local area. The rotational light beams rotate around a rotation axis and are used for positional tracking one or more objects in the local area. The one or more rotational light beams retroreflect from the one or more objects in the local area. The one or more objects include retroreflectors that retroreflect light beams incident on them. The base station detects the retroreflected light beams. The base station generates illumination data in response to the detected light beams. A system analyzes the illumination to determine an orientation and/or a location of an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Maurice Moore, Evan Paul Gander, Jason Victor Tsai, Zhaoming Zhu, Richard Andrew Newcombe, Renzo De Nardi, Nicholas Daniel Trail
  • Patent number: 10801812
    Abstract: A boresight alignment system for an aiming device that aligns the bore of the weapon to the optics, in this case the reticle, by incorporating the use of a HUD to produce the reticle in an aiming device, thus allowing electronic adjustment of the reticle that can be stored in the aiming devices memory and eliminating the necessity for manual adjustments of azimuth and elevation settings is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Meopta U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventor: Philip E. Buchsbaum
  • Patent number: 10788322
    Abstract: Assigning measuring points to fixed points includes calculating fixed point distances between fixed points in a fixed point coordinate system; determining coordinates of measuring points in a measuring point coordinate system; calculating measuring point distances between the measuring points; comparing at least two measuring point distances with the fixed point distances and identifying at least two pairs each consisting of a measuring point distance and a fixed point distance; determining a reference point in the measuring point coordinate system or in the fixed point coordinate system; determining first and second reference point parameters of the measuring points or fixed points corresponding to the pairs; determining second reference point parameters of the fixed points corresponding to the pairs in the fixed point coordinate system; identifying correspondences between the first reference point parameters and the second reference point parameters and assigning the corresponding measuring points to the co
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: TRIMBLE Jena GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Vogel, Thomas Korn
  • Patent number: 10731977
    Abstract: A laser angle measuring device has a concave detection surface with a plurality of light sensors and an opaque light shield. One or more multi-axis gravity sense potentiometers determine the orientation of the laser angle measuring device, and a GPS receiver determines the location of the laser angle measuring device. The laser angle measuring device is part of a system including one or more laser emitters, each with one or more selectable laser sources. Each laser emitter may also include location and orientation measuring mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean D. Howard, Michael S. Richard, Geoffrey A. Lohff
  • Patent number: 10690498
    Abstract: An automatic point layout system identifies points and their coordinates using vertical planes of laser light. Laser controllers aim vertical laser light planes that will cross at any desired point on the jobsite floor. The user views a virtual jobsite illustration on a remote controller touchscreen display, and selects a point of interest. Commands are sent to the two laser controllers, which aim their laser transmitters at that point of interest, showing visible laser light lines that intersect directly at the point of interest, for staking. The user selects a second point of interest on the touchscreen display, commanding the laser transmitters to rotate to a new set of coordinates. The user performs these functions seamlessly; the remote controller allows the user to quickly move from one point of interest to the next, without having changing to any other operating mode between the identifying and staking of each new point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Trimble, Inc.
    Inventors: Jamin Michael Turner, Kevin Marc Morrissey, Chris William Snyder, Ayman Zuhdi Hajmousa
  • Patent number: 10677924
    Abstract: Techniques are described herein that are capable of forming a depth map and/or projecting an image onto object(s) based on the depth map. A depth map is a three-dimensional representation of an environment. Forming the depth map may utilize a progressive resolution refinement technique. For example, locating information may be determined in accordance with the progressive resolution refinement technique in response to performing a scan of a current point over a field of view. The current point is a point, selected from a plurality of points (e.g., a grid of points) in the field of view, to which a detection beam of light is directed at a respective time as the scan is performed over the field of view. In accordance with this example, the locating information may be coordinated with the scan to form the depth map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Mezmeriz, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford A. Lardin, Shahyaan Desai, Scott G. Adams
  • Patent number: 10597853
    Abstract: A measuring jig is attached to an antenna support member of a revolving unit, and used to measure a slewing position of the revolving unit together with an external measurement apparatus. The measuring jig includes a prism mirror and an attachment member. The prism mirror reflects projection light from the external measurement apparatus. The attachment member attaches the prism mirror to the antenna support member. The attachment member is configured to be attached to the antenna support member by sandwiching an attached portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Ryosuke Okui, Takeo Yamada, Gousuke Nakashima
  • Patent number: 10510171
    Abstract: Described embodiments include a system that includes a display and a processor. The processor is configured to modify an image slice by filling a portion, of the image slice, that corresponds to an anatomical cavity with a representation of a wall of the anatomical cavity, and to display the modified image slice on the display. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventors: Vadim Gliner, Andres Claudio Altmann, Ram Bernard Mayer
  • Patent number: 10481266
    Abstract: A three-dimensional imaging system includes a lidar sensor having a first optical axis oriented at a first angle toward a scene and configured to determine a three-dimensional image of one or more first objects in the scene, and an optical three-dimensional sensor having a second optical axis oriented at a second angle toward the scene and configured to construct a three-dimensional image of one or more second objects in the scene. The first three-dimensional sensor is characterized by a first angular field of view. The second three-dimensional sensor is characterized by a second angular field of view different from the first angular field of view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Cepton Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jun Pei, Mark A. McCord, June Ye
  • Patent number: 10473462
    Abstract: The system includes a survey machine having an image-taking section, a section of measuring a distance to a target and a section of measuring an angle, a pointing rod which is positioned on the measurement point X and includes, at a position deviated from a fixed length L from the measurement point, the prism, and an inclination sheet having a mark. The three-dimensional position of the measurement point is measured by equipping the inclination sheet to the pointing rod, imaging a mark surface in the image-taking section, calculating the inclination angle of the inclination sheet with respect to the eye direction from the survey machine by image-analyzing the mark surface, and determining the three-dimensional position of the measurement point from a three-dimensional position of the prism, the inclination angle of the inclination sheet and the fixed length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOPCON
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Nishita, Kaoru Kumagai
  • Patent number: 10466051
    Abstract: A sporting field measurement system is disclosed wherein a user is prompted to select, on a mobile device, a field for marking from various sporting field types including, but not limited to football, baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, track, tennis, basketball, cricket, polo, rugby, Australian football, volleyball, and badminton. The Global National Satellite System (GNSS) or at least the global positioning system (GPS) is used to locate a user's device. An application displays, on a display, of the mobile device, the dimensions of the specified sporting field as an overlay on a map, generated by the positioning system and it will communicate with the GNSS or GPS of the device to allow the user to track his or her movement along a specified path of a proposed field. This will allow the user to place the appropriate markers and/or paint the field. Deviations from the path may be indicated on the display of the mobile device or by an audio indication generated by the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Inventors: Lee Edward Haynes, Byron Lee Robinson
  • Patent number: 10466341
    Abstract: An optical platform assembly may include a head with a scan mirror; a body with an optical module to detect a hard body object; and a rotary connector that attaches the head to the body of the optical platform assembly. In some instances, the rotary connector may allow the head to rotate about the body, where the body is mounted and stationary to the surface. The optical body may be configured to detect for specific hard body objects, such as periscopes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: PHYSICAL OPTICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenneth Levin, Ranjit D. Pradhan, Kang Lee, Andrew Kostrzewski, Tomasz Jannson, Samuel Nieva, Jr., Shean Thomas McMahon
  • Patent number: 10402611
    Abstract: A code reader may include a housing, an image sensor, and a processing unit. The code reader may include a set of orientations. The housing may be configured to be adjustably oriented, such as rotated. The image sensor may be disposed within the housing, and configured to capture an image of a target area. The processing unit may be disposed within said housing, and be in communication with the image sensor. The processing unit may be configured to, in response to determining an orientation of the housing, select a function so that the code reader is configured to perform the function corresponding with the determined orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Datalogic USA Inc.
    Inventor: Wesley W Hardin
  • Patent number: 10390792
    Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnosis device includes an image generation unit configured to generate image data of a target object diagnosed by a first user; a location confirming unit configured to confirm first location information of a probe with respect to the target object; a communication unit configured to transmit the image data and the first location information and to receive second location information of an auxiliary probe with respect to an auxiliary target object; and a display configured to display a location correction display of the probe based on the second location information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: SAMSUNG MEDISON CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Doo-hyun Choi
  • Patent number: 10371791
    Abstract: An underwater positioning system provides position information for a rover, moveable within a reference frame. The system may comprise: at least one beacon having a light source, located at a fixed position within the reference frame; an underwater imaging device, moveable with the rover in the reference frame to observe the light source from different viewpoints and determine direction data representing a direction or change in direction of the light source with respect to the imaging device; an orientation sensor, associated with the imaging device to determine an orientation of the imaging device with respect to the reference frame and generate orientation data; and a scaling element for providing scaling data representative of a distance between the imaging device and the light source. Various different beacons may be provided. In alternative system implementations, the locations of light source(s) and underwater imaging device are reversed between rover and beacon(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Fugro N.V.
    Inventors: Arnoud Marc Jongsma, Carl Sonnier
  • Patent number: 10372137
    Abstract: The invention provides a control system for a construction machine comprising: a laser surveying instrument, a construction machine and a direction detecting unit, wherein the construction machine has a working mechanical unit, a machine control device, a machine communication unit, two beam detectors and at least one target and a tilt sensor, wherein the laser surveying instrument has a laser rotary projecting device for projecting a laser beam in rotary irradiation, an electronic distance measuring instrument and a surveying communication unit, wherein each of the beam detectors transmits a photodetection result to the laser surveying instrument or the machine control device, wherein the laser surveying instrument or the machine control device calculates a left-right tilting of the construction machine based on the photodetection result and a distance measurement result of the target, and the machine control device controls an operation of the construction machine based on a detection result of the directio
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: TOPCON Corporation
    Inventor: Fumihiko Kamizono
  • Patent number: 10329740
    Abstract: A mobile earth moving machine includes a carrier, at least one machine element movable relative to the carrier, a positioning system for determining 3D position and orientation data of the earth moving machine, at least one sensing device for determining position and orientation data of the movable machine element, at least one range finder device for detecting at least one object in a field of the range finder device and providing point cloud output of the object, and at least one control unit configured to receive and process the produced data. The range finder device is a solid-state device without internal movable mechanical elements, whereby the device is without internal scanning equipment. The range finder device is arranged on the movable machine element and is configured to be moved together with the movable machine element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Novatron Oy
    Inventors: Visa Hokkanen, Jukka Tervahauta, Mikko Vesanen
  • Patent number: 10298886
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of representing the movements, if any, of a structure (10), the method being performed in an appliance (50) including a camera (52), said structure being provided with at least one movement measurement device (20, 22, 24). The invention comprises: a step of acquiring an image of the structure with the help of the camera; a step of sending a query to a remote server (30); a step of receiving at least some information about the movement measurement device in response to said query, said information including data about at least one measurement obtained with the help of the movement measurement device; and a step of inserting said measurement data in said image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: SOLETANCHE FREYSSINET
    Inventors: Stephane Slusarek, Fabien Ranvier, Paul Da Fonseca
  • Patent number: 10261187
    Abstract: Described embodiments provide a laser detection and ranging (LADAR) system. The LADAR system transmits a laser signal including a train of coherent pulses and receives a return signal based on the transmitted laser signal that is reflected from a target. The LADAR system forms one or more range bins of the return signal. Each range bin includes a train of coherent pulses formed based upon the transmitted laser signal. For each range bin, the LADAR system generates a phasogram associated with the train of coherent pulses. The phasogram is generated by determining a relative phase between the return signal and a reference signal. The LADAR system generates a vibration spectrum of the return signal based upon the generated phasogram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Maurice J. Halmos
  • Patent number: 10081075
    Abstract: A beam processor for processing a work surface of a workpiece W by irradiating the work surface with a beam, includes: an output source for outputting the beam, a beam moving device for moving the beam output from the output source; and a plurality of reflectors disposed on an optical path of the beam between the beam moving device and the work surface for reflecting the beam moved by the beam moving device and conducting the beam to the work surface, wherein the plurality of reflectors is inclined a predetermined angle corresponding to an incident direction of the beam so that the beam moved by the beam moving device is conducted nearly vertically to a different position of the work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: YUKI ENGINEERING SYSTEM CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Kiyoyuki Kondo
  • Patent number: 10048378
    Abstract: A method and device for determining position coordinates of a target object is disclosed. The method includes positioning a target device on the target object, transmitting a laser beam onto the target device, reflecting the laser beam off of the target device, recording an image of the target device by a camera device with the reflected laser beam as a light reflection in the image, and determining a focus of the light reflection in the image. The reflected laser beam is received and a distance to the target object is calculated from the received beam. A first offset is calculated from a focal length of the camera device, the calculated distance to the target object, and a first image coordinate of the focus of the light reflection in the image. The position coordinates of the target object are calculated from the distance and the first offset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Torsten Gogolla, Andreas Winter
  • Patent number: 10031213
    Abstract: A laser scanner includes a light source, a scanning mirror, and a first photodetector. The scanning mirror includes: a first reflective surface reflects the laser light from the light source; and a second reflective surface that reflects, toward the photodetector, the laser light reflected from the target object. The first reflective surface and at least part of the second reflective surface are disposed at mutually different angles. When a first optical axis passing through the target object and the first reflective surface is parallel with a second optical axis passing through the target object and the second reflective surface, a third optical axis passing through the first reflective surface and the light source and a fourth optical axis passing through the second reflective surface and the photodetector are at a predetermined angle relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignees: FUNAI ELECTRIC CO., LTD., KYOTO UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Atsushi Mushimoto, Ryusuke Horibe, Manabu Murayama, Yuichiro Masuda, Tomohisa Hirai, Shingo Setono, Fumitoshi Matsuno
  • Patent number: 9995017
    Abstract: A framework comprises a laser distance meter (LDM), first and second laser reflectors at respective nodes, and an excavator including a chassis, a linkage assembly (LA) including a boom and stick, an implement including the nodes and tilting about axis TA, an implement sensor generating signal ?tilt, and architecture. The LDM generates LDM distance signals DLDM and LDM angle of inclination signals ?INC between the LDM and the laser reflectors. The architecture comprises LA actuators and a controller programmed to determine the TA relative to horizontal based on ?tilt and execute an iterative process to curl the excavating implement and create bucket angles, align the LDM and the first node to determine a set of rotated IDV, align the LDM and the second node to determine a set of rotated IPV, and determine implement dimensions between the nodes based on the set of rotated IDV and IPV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Trimble Control Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Mark Nicholas Howell, Samuel Joseph Frei
  • Patent number: 9976854
    Abstract: Embodiments provide for a geodetic instrument comprising a scanning head, a reflecting optical element, a radiation source, a control unit and an electronic distance measurement (EDM) unit. The scanning head is rotatable about a first axis. The reflecting optical element mounted in the scanning head and rotatable about the same first axis. The radiation source is adapted to emit light to be output along a light beam path from the geodetic instrument via light reflection against the reflecting optical element. The control unit is adapted to adjust an angular displacement profile of the reflecting optical element about the first axis relative to an angular displacement profile of the scanning head such that an angular displacement of the light beam path about the first axis as a function of time presents a stair-like profile. The EDM unit is adapted to determine a distance to a target during a flat portion of the stair-like profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Trimble AB
    Inventor: Ulf Berg
  • Patent number: 9977119
    Abstract: A rotating optical range finder includes a stationary base, a rotating base, an optical sensor, a transmitting circuit, a receiving circuit, a first induction coil, and a second induction coil. The rotating base is disposed on the stationary base. The optical sensor is disposed in the rotating base. The transmitting circuit is disposed in the stationary base. The receiving circuit is disposed in the rotating base and electrically connected to the optical sensor. The first induction coil is disposed in the stationary base and electrically connected to the transmitting circuit. The second induction coil is disposed in the rotating base and electrically connected to the receiving circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Arima Lasers Corp.
    Inventors: Ming-Cho Wu, Ching-Hui Lin, Ming-Hui Fang
  • Patent number: 9958269
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention relate to a method for determining the position data of a geodesic surveying instrument by comparing of a reference data set extracted from data of an image of the surroundings of the surveying instrument position with position-referenced data sets which consists of data of a corresponding type, and determining the position data using the position reference of the selected position-referenced data set that has a comparatively important level of match with the reference data set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: HEXAGON TECHNOLOGY CENTER GMBH
    Inventors: Bernhard Metzler, Stefan Martin Benjamin Gächter Toya
  • Patent number: 9952315
    Abstract: A laser radar (LADAR) system includes a laser transmitter configured to emit laser pulses at a first wavelength, a non-linear converter configured to convert the laser pulses to a second wavelength prior to spectral filtering of amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) that is emitted from the laser transmitter in a spectrum concentrated around the first wavelength, and a spectral filter configured to substantially filter the ASE and allow the laser pulses at the second wavelength to pass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: Brian F. Boland, Robert D. Stultz, John J. Wootan
  • Patent number: 9930230
    Abstract: A harsh environment camera system. The system can include an enclosure having an electronics compartment and a camera compartment with a camera opening. A camera module is disposed within the camera compartment and one or more electronic components capable of generating heat are positioned in the electronics compartment. A compressed gas connector, connectable to a gas source, can be mounted on the enclosure. A metering orifice having an inlet and an outlet is in fluid communication with the connector. The metering orifice is operative to cool a gas flowing therethrough, thereby condensing moisture from the gas. A gas conduit is in fluid communication with the outlet of the orifice and extends through the electronics compartment to the camera compartment. A portion of the gas conduit is positioned in close proximity to the one or more electronic components, whereby the gas is heated prior to entering the camera compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Larry Costa
  • Patent number: RE48042
    Abstract: A LIDAR device may transmit light pulses originating from one or more light sources and may receive reflected light pulses that are then detected by one or more detectors. The LIDAR device may include a lens that both (i) collimates the light from the one or more light sources to provide collimated light for transmission into an environment of the LIDAR device and (ii) focuses the reflected light onto the one or more detectors. The lens may define a curved focal surface in a transmit path of the light from the one or more light sources and a curved focal surface in a receive path of the one or more detectors. The one or more light sources may be arranged along the curved focal surface in the transmit path. The one or more detectors may be arranged along the curved focal surface in the receive path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventors: Gaetan Pennecot, Pierre-Yves Droz, Drew Eugene Ulrich, Daniel Gruver, Zachary Morriss, Anthony Levandowski
  • Patent number: RE48688
    Abstract: A LiDAR-based 3-D point cloud measuring system includes a base, a housing, a plurality of photon transmitters and photon detectors contained within the housing, a rotary motor that rotates the housing about the base, and a communication component that allows transmission of signals generated by the photon detectors to external components. In several versions of the invention, the system includes a vertically oriented motherboard, thin circuit boards such as ceramic hybrids for selectively mounting emitters and detectors, a conjoined D-shaped lens array, and preferred firing sequences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Velodyne Lidar USA, Inc.
    Inventor: David S. Hall
  • Patent number: RE48874
    Abstract: A LIDAR device may transmit light pulses originating from one or more light sources and may receive reflected light pulses that are then detected by one or more detectors. The LIDAR device may include a lens that both (i) collimates the light from the one or more light sources to provide collimated light for transmission into an environment of the LIDAR device and (ii) focuses the reflected light onto the one or more detectors. The lens may define a curved focal surface in a transmit path of the light from the one or more light sources and a curved focal surface in a receive path of the one or more detectors. The one or more light sources may be arranged along the curved focal surface in the transmit path. The one or more detectors may be arranged along the curved focal surface in the receive path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventors: Gaetan Pennecot, Pierre-Yves Droz, Drew Eugene Ulrich, Daniel Gruver, Zachary Morriss, Anthony Levandowski