Contour Plotting Patents (Class 356/2)
  • Patent number: 11804689
    Abstract: A sensing method for in-situ non-perturbing measurement of characteristics of laser beams at the exit of the laser beam delivery fiber tips include measuring power of a laser beam transmitted through delivery fiber tip in fiber-optics systems. A sensing devices for in-situ non-perturbing sensing and control of multiple characteristics of laser light transmitted through light delivery fiber tips includes a fiber-tip coupler comprised of a shell with enclosed delivery fiber having a specially designed angle-cleaved endcap and one or several tap fibers that are specially arranged and assembled at back side of the endcap and other variations. Methods and system architectures for in-situ non-perturbing control of characteristics of laser beams at the exit of the laser beam delivery fiber tips include fiber-tip couplers and sensing modules that receive laser light from tap fibers, and systems for optical processing to enhance light characteristics suitable for in-situ measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: II-VI DELAWARE, INC.
    Inventors: Mikhail A. Vorontsov, Vladimir Ovchinnikov
  • Patent number: 11425357
    Abstract: Energy-efficient epipolar imaging is applied to the ToF domain to significantly expand the versatility of ToF sensors. The described system exhibits 15+ m range outdoors in bright sunlight; robustness to global transport effects such as specular and diffuse inter-reflections; interference-free 3D imaging in the presence of many ToF sensors, even when they are all operating at the same optical wavelength and modulation frequency; and blur- and distortion-free 3D video in the presence of severe camera shake. The described embodiments are broadly applicable in consumer and robotics domains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignees: CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY, THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO
    Inventors: Srinivasa Narasimhan, Supreeth Achar, Kiriakos Kutulakos, Joseph Bartels, William Whittaker
  • Patent number: 11408730
    Abstract: A stress measuring device and a stress measuring method for measuring a stress distribution of an object are provided. The stress measuring method includes: receiving a first-dimension image of the object; marking an area of the first-dimension image to generate a marked area; calculating a first stress applied to the marked area and transforming the marked area to a strained marked area corresponding to a second-dimension image to generate a determination result; and calculating the stress distribution corresponding to the first-dimension image of the object according to the determination result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: I-Hung Chiang, Hung-Hsien Ko, Cheng-Ta Pan, Wen-Yung Yeh, Cheng-Chung Lee
  • Patent number: 11410428
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a sensor unit configured to acquire positional information of at least one object located in the vicinity of the vehicle, the sensor unit comprising a plurality of sensor modules. A controller is configured to determine a tracking filter based on a correspondence relationship between the plurality of sensor modules and the at least one object and to track the position of the at least one object using the positional information of the at least one object and the tracking filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai Autoever Corp.
    Inventors: Bong Ju Kim, Byung-Jik Keum, Ho-Jun Kim, Sungsuk Ok
  • Patent number: 11192500
    Abstract: A method for stitching image data captured by multiple vehicular cameras includes equipping a vehicle with a vehicular vision system having a control and a plurality of cameras disposed at the vehicle so as to have respective fields of view exterior the vehicle. Image data captured by first and second cameras of the plurality of cameras is processed to detect and track an object present in and moving within an overlapping portion of the fields of view of the first and second cameras. Image data captured by the first and second cameras is stitched, via processing provided captured image data, to form stitched images. Stitching of captured image data is adjusted responsive to determination of a difference between a feature of a detected and tracked object as captured by the first camera and the feature of the detected and tracked object as captured by the second camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Ghanshyam Rathi, Hilda Faraji, Nikhil Gupta, Christian Traub, Michael Schaffner, Goerg Pflug
  • Patent number: 11086324
    Abstract: A method of imaging an area using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) collects a plurality of images from a sensor mounted to the UAV. The plurality of images are processed to detect regions that require additional imaging and an updated flight plan and sensor gimbal position plan is created to capture portions of the area identified as requiring additional imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: KING ABDULLAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Neil G. Smith, Mohamed Shalaby, Luca Passone
  • Patent number: 10957063
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, methods, and non-transitory computer readable media for generating modified video content to reduce depth conflicts between user interface elements and video objects. For example, the disclosed systems can analyze an input video to identify feature points that designate objects within the input video and to determine the depths of the identified feature points. In addition, the disclosed systems can compare the depths of the feature points with a depth of a user interface element to determine whether there are any depth conflicts. In response to detecting a depth conflict, the disclosed systems can modify the depth of the user interface element to reduce or avoid the depth conflict. Furthermore, the disclosed systems can apply a blurring effect to an area around a user interface element to reduce the effect of depth conflicts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: ADOBE INC.
    Inventors: Stephen DiVerdi, Cuong Nguyen, Aaron Hertzmann, Feng Liu
  • Patent number: 10951878
    Abstract: There are provided a mobile terminal including light emitting devices and a method for controlling the same. A mobile terminal includes a camera, a light emitting unit including a plurality of light emitting devices, the light emitting unit emitting light toward a space corresponding to an image received through the camera, and a controller for controlling light emitting devices, which emit light toward a space corresponding to a portion of the image among the plurality of light emitting devices, to be used in extracting depth information of the portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Ayoung Cho, Yunsup Shin, Salkmann Ji, Jinwon Kang
  • Patent number: 10932857
    Abstract: Methods of orthopedic fixation and imagery analysis are provided. Images of first and second bone segments attached to a fixation apparatus are captured. Fixator elements identified in the images can be used to obtain imaging scene parameters. Bone elements identified in the images can be used with the imaging scene parameters to reconstruct a three dimensional representation of positions and/or orientations of the first and second bone segments with respect to the fixation apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Arkadijus Nikonovas
  • Patent number: 10935370
    Abstract: A deformometer includes: a cavity body; entry and exit optical cavity optics, such that the optical cavity produces filtered combined light from combined light; a first laser that provides first light; a second laser that provides second light; an optical combiner that: receives the first light; receives the second light; combines the first light and the second light; produces combined light from the first light and the second light; and communicates the combined light to the entry optical cavity optic; a beam splitter that: receives the filtered combined light; splits the filtered combined light; a first light detector in optical communication with the beam splitter and that: receives the first filtered light from the beam splitter; and produces a first cavity signal from the first filtered light; and a second light detector that: receives the second filtered light; and produces a second cavity signal from the second filtered light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE
    Inventors: Zeeshan Ahmed, Kevin O. Douglass, Stephen P. Eckel, Patrick F. Egan, Jay H. Hendricks, Jack A. Stone, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10825192
    Abstract: An automated log scaling system and associated methods are disclosed. In the system and methods, one or more imagers may capture depictions of respective first ends and/or second ends of a plurality of logs, and use the captured depictions to scale the plurality of logs. A diameter value for each end of the log may be determined using the captured depictions. Relative location values for each captured end may be determined and used to form a length of each log. Information captured in the images is used to identify the type of tree or species of tree for each log. At least one of the diameter values may be multiplied by the determined log length, and the resulting product value may be compared to values in a log scaling chart to determine a value for the log. The value of multiple logs may be used to form a load of logs for distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Datalog, LLC
    Inventor: David Stroble
  • Patent number: 10801838
    Abstract: An instrument for dynamically observing the evolution behavior of the slope topography. The dual hosts emit parallel, equal-height and overlapped laser planes from different directions, and project the laser planes onto a slope landform. The image acquisition device shoots the slope landform with the projected laser lines at an angle perpendicular to the laser-planes. Then a video screenshot can be formed and imported into a computer to form a three-dimensional map. Finally, the volume, slope gradient and other parameters of the slope body can be obtained. As the knobs on the mechanically micro-adjustable host of the topography meter are turned, the laser-planes can become precisely equidistant and parallel. A novel topography meter is disclosed, which can conveniently calibrate the spacing and angle of the linear lasers and accurately observe all landforms including the local deep trenches on an eroding slope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: DALIAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Xiangzhou Xu, Wenzhao Guo, Hongwu Zhang, Lu Gao, Xingyang Zhao
  • Patent number: 10788313
    Abstract: There are provided in the present disclosure a method for determining a position of an item, an item monitoring system and a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium, and relates to the technical field of intelligent monitoring. The method is applied to a processing device connected to a depth sensor installed on a rack, the rack is located in a sensing space of the depth sensor, the rack is provided with a plurality of feature components, and each kind of item on the rack is placed corresponding to a feature component, the method comprises: acquiring depth information and light intensity information collected by the depth sensor; determining position information of each feature component according to the light intensity information and the depth information; determining the position information of an item placed corresponding to each feature component according to the position information of each feature component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: BEIJING KUANGSHI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Danqing Liu
  • Patent number: 10739460
    Abstract: Apparatus for mapping includes an illumination assembly, which projects a line of radiation extending in a first direction across a scene. A detection assembly receives the radiation reflected from the scene within a sensing area that contains at least a part of the line of the radiation, and includes a linear array of detector elements and objective optics, which focus the reflected radiation from the sensing area onto the linear array. A scanning mirror scans the line of radiation and the sensing area together over the scene in a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction. Processing circuitry processes signals output by the detector elements in response to the received radiation in order to construct a three-dimensional (3D) map of an object in the scene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Alexander Shpunt, Yuval Gerson
  • Patent number: 10602123
    Abstract: There is provided a method for creating a stereoscopic image sequence. The method can include capturing a sequence of static images and forming a plurality of image pairs. Each image pair can include a first image and a second image selected from the sequence of static images. Selection of the first image can be done in a manner so that the image pairs are formed a spatially coherent manner. The stereoscopic image sequence can be created based on the image pairs. Creating the stereoscopic image sequence can, for example, relate to producing a stereoscopic video.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Creative Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Wong Hoo Sim, Teck Chee Lee, Desmond Hii, Xiaoting Liu
  • Patent number: 10586347
    Abstract: An automated log scaling system and associated methods are disclosed. In the system and methods, one or more imagers may capture depictions of respective first ends and/or second ends of a plurality of logs, and use the captured depictions to scale the plurality of logs. A diameter value for each end of the log may be determined using the captured depictions. Relative location values for each captured end may be determined and used to form a length of each log. Information captured in the images is used to identify the type of tree or species of tree for each log. At least one of the diameter values may be multiplied by the determined log length, and the resulting product value may be compared to values in a log scaling chart to determine a value for the log. The value of multiple logs may be used to form a load of logs for distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Datalog, LLC
    Inventor: David Stroble
  • Patent number: 10529092
    Abstract: A method for reducing matching errors in disparity images by information in zoom images is revealed. Images with different local length captured by two zoom cameras are given. Perform image and zoom rectification of the images to get a new image center. Then cross checking is used to check whether the corresponding points of each pixel in the image are matched for marking the pixel as a reliable point or an unreliable point. Computation of stereo matching cost is carried out when a reliable point is marked. Otherwise stereo matching and zoom image matching are performed. The matching cost is aggregated by weighting so as to select the matching cost that mostly represents the similarity. Use WTA to get final matching results and disparities thereof for disparity selection. Lastly use a median filter to remove noise from the image for disparity refinement and get a final disparity image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: CREATE ELECTRONIC OPTICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Huei-Yung Lin, Yu-Ting Chen
  • Patent number: 10503943
    Abstract: A log scanning system and method for scanning a log load. Each individual log in the log load may have an ID element with a unique log ID data on at least one log end face. The system has a handheld scanner unit for free-form scanning by an operator over a load end face of the log load. The scanner unit has a depth sensor configured to capture a series of depth images of the load end face and a texture sensor configured to capture a series of texture images of the load end face during the load end face scan. The system also has a data processor(s) that receives and processes the depth and texture images captured from the scan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: C 3 Limited
    Inventors: Nawar Sami Alwesh, Glen Edward Murphy, David William Penman, Johann August Schoonees, Robert Jan Valkenburg
  • Patent number: 10422633
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and a determination device for determining a surface shape of an object. In order to build the determination device as compact as possible, according to the invention, the object is illuminated by an illuminating line and illuminating light reflected by the object is directed to a sensor line of the determination device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Jabil Optics Germany GmbH
    Inventor: Eberhard Piehler
  • Patent number: 10402988
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide an image processing apparatus and an image processing method for positioning and identifying signals sources. The image processing apparatus includes an imaging device to capture an image containing a set of pixels, wherein the set of pixels comprises a first subset of pixels representing a plurality of stripes associated with the multiple signal sources; a memory to store the image; a positioning device to determine positions of the multiple signal sources according to the stripes; and an identity determining device to determine identities of the multiple signal sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: GUANGDONG VIRTUAL REALITY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jie He, Jingwen Dai, Congling Wan, Yongtao Hu
  • Patent number: 10397550
    Abstract: A system and method for three-dimensional measurement of surfaces. In one embodiment, a measurement system includes a laser projector, a first camera, and a processor. The laser projector is configured to emit a laser projection onto a surface for laser triangulation. The first camera is configured to provide images of the surface, and is disposed at an oblique angle with respect to the laser projector. The processor is configured to apply photogrammetric processing to the images, to compute calibrations for laser triangulation based on a result of the photogrammetric processing, and to compute, based on the calibrations, coordinates of points of the surface illuminated by the laser projection via laser triangulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventors: Arnaud Dumont, Fred Jallon, Patrick Raymond, Jason Kestner, Madhav Parimi
  • Patent number: 10327627
    Abstract: A plenoptic otoscope captures images used in making a medical diagnosis. For example, the plenoptic data can be processed to produce enhanced imagery of the ear interior, and this enhanced imagery can be used in making a medical diagnosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kathrin Berkner, Lingfei Meng, Ivana Tosic, Nikhil Balram
  • Patent number: 10304187
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, an image processing apparatus includes an acquirer, first and second calculators, and a selector. The acquirer acquires a first image of an object captured in a first imaging direction and a second image of the object captured in a second imaging direction. The first calculator calculates, for each pixel included in the respective first and second images, likelihood of whether the pixel is included in a region of the object on the basis of feature information indicating image feature. The second calculator calculates, on the basis of the likelihood, a degree of similarity between a region of interest in the first image and a candidate region in the second image. The candidate region is a candidate of a corresponding region corresponding to the region of interest. The selector selects the candidate region serving as the corresponding region on the basis of the degree of similarity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Yuki Iwanaka, Takeshi Mita, Yoshiyuki Kokojima
  • Patent number: 10078901
    Abstract: A camera arrangement includes at least one illuminating device for illuminating a plurality of fields of vision. At least one object to be detected is in each of the fields of vision. The camera arrangement also includes at least one objective lens for focusing a beam path which includes at least one of the plurality of fields of vision or for focusing a plurality of beam paths each including at least one of the plurality of fields of vision. A TOF sensor is also provided. The at least one illuminating device, the at least one objective lens and the TOF sensor are arranged with respect to one another and with respect to the fields of vision and the objects in the latter in such a manner that images of the objects can be imaged on the one TOF sensor at the same time or in temporal succession.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Andreas Eppinger Bergisch, Frank Schliep, Oliver Kirsch, Hannes Rene Boehm
  • Patent number: 9964510
    Abstract: An electrolytic device includes four channels separated by three charged barriers. The device can be used to suppress an eluent stream containing separated sample analyte ions and/or to pretreat a sample stream containing unseparated analyte ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: DIONEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kannan Srinivasan, Sheetal Bhardwaj, Rong Lin
  • Patent number: 9933512
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for surveying at least one target using a geodetic device. According to said method, a camera of the device captures a visual image and surveys an angle and/or a distance to the target with geodetic precision, the angle and/or distance surveillance being supported or controlled by the visual image. At the same time of capture of the visual image at least two distance points of a distance image are captured as the spatial distribution of discrete distance points in the area of detection. When the visual image and the distance image are correlated with each other, the target is recognized or the measuring process is controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: LEICA GEOSYSTEMS AG
    Inventors: Bernhard Braunecker, Marcel Rohner
  • Patent number: 9843639
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for inter-device communication processing is described. The method includes acquiring first sensing data collected by a first sensor arranged at a first electronic device and second sensing data collected by a second sensor arranged at a second electronic device; determining a first track on the basis of the first sensing data; determining a second track on the basis of the second sensing data; judging the first track and the second track match, and acquiring a first judgment result; when the first judgment result indicates that the first track and the second track match, executing a command related to data transmission to establish between the first electronic device and the second electronic device a transmission channel used for data transmission and/or perform data transmission between the first electronic device and the second electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignees: LENOVO (BEIJING) CO., LTD., BEIJING LENOVO SOFTWARE LTD.
    Inventors: Xiaoyu Zhou, Xiaobing Guo
  • Patent number: 9835446
    Abstract: A non-contacting deviation measurement system projects a first line and a second line upon a surface of an object. The projections of the first line and second line are arranged to overlap at an intersection line oriented at a nominal location such that when the surface is oriented at the nominal location, the intersection line appears on the surface. As the location of the surface deviates from the nominal location, the first line and second line as projected upon the surface move away from one another. The distance between the lines may be used to calculate the deviation from the nominal location. The deviation calculated may be compared to a predetermined maximum allowable deviation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Vista Outdoor Operations LLC
    Inventors: Scott E. Moore, Brett Olin
  • Patent number: 9732479
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for rolling wheel deflection measurement are disclosed. The apparatus includes a rolling wheel to be moved along a measuring surface in a first direction; a frame extending essentially along the measuring surface in the first direction from at least the rolling wheel; four spaced apart range sensors; a scanner for scanning in a first time interval a number of lines using each of the range sensors, so as to get a corresponding number of virtual images, in which the pixel values represent distances; and a data processor adapted for comparing and matching the virtual images, so as to identify corresponding regions, and for calculating a deflection value using matched pixel values of virtual images from the virtual images based on the identification corresponding regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: DYNATEST INTERNATIONAL A/S
    Inventor: Jakob Find Madsen
  • Patent number: 9713869
    Abstract: The calibration device combines a work object with an industrial robot and a robot tool. The work object uses a pair of beam projecting lasers and three plane projecting lasers, the laser beams intersecting at a laser intersecting point. The laser intersection point of the laser beams and laser planes represent the location of the reference coordinate system which is selected to be the origin of the robot path being downloaded from the off-line programming. Once this off-line programming is created, the work object is placed onto the fixture on the manufacturing shop floor in the same place as the CAD environment. The user then manipulates the TCP into position of the laser intersection point and the laser planes. The robot is then manipulated down a first laser with the TCP recording a second point along a first laser beam and recording a third point along the opposing laser beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Inventor: Matthew E. Trompeter
  • Patent number: 9595447
    Abstract: This disclosure provides a detection apparatus configured to detect a moire pattern generated by grid patterns having grid pitches different from each other including: an image-pickup unit configured to pick up an image of the moire pattern; an imaging optical system configured to cause the image-pickup unit to image the moire pattern; and a processing unit configured to process an image-pickup result of the moire pattern imaged by the image-pickup unit, wherein a mark including a plurality of patterns having a width not larger than the resolving power of the imaging optical system arranged in a measuring direction and changed in duty ratio between the widths and intervals of the plurality of patterns is imaged by the image-pickup unit, and the processing unit evaluates the detection apparatus by processing the image-pickup result of the mark picked up by the image-pickup unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Inada, Kazuhiko Mishima, Takafumi Miyaharu
  • Patent number: 9476970
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to autonomous vehicles. Specifically, the features described may be used alone or in combination in order to improve the safety, use, driver experience, and performance of these vehicles. In particular, the disclosure includes a system and method of determining a vehicle's location based on a comparison of images captured from the vehicle with a database of images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Nathaniel Fairfield, Christopher Paul Urmson, Michael Steven Montemerlo
  • Patent number: 9442212
    Abstract: Methods and devices for inspecting liquid are disclosed. According to the method, it is firstly determined whether the package of the liquid is transparent, semi-transparent, or opaque; in a case that the package of the liquid is transparent or semi-transparent, Raman spectrum analysis is implemented by a Raman spectrum module on the inspected liquid to judge whether the inspected liquid is dangerous or is suspected; and in a case that the package of the inspected liquid is opaque, the inspected liquid are inspected by using an X-ray dual-energy scanning technology to judge whether the inspected liquid is dangerous or is suspected. The above solution has advantages that the inspection speed is high, the material can be recognized, it is suitable for various packing materials with various shapes, the accuracy of the inspection result is high or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Nuctech Company Limited
    Inventors: Yumin Yi, Li Zhang, Hongqiu Wang, Huacheng Feng, Jianhong Zhang
  • Patent number: 9443159
    Abstract: A computer and a terminal apparatus retain position information about targets. The terminal apparatus includes: a capturing portion that captures an image of the target; a position information acquisition portion that acquires information about a position to capture the target; an orientation information acquisition portion that acquires information about an orientation to capture the target; and a communication portion that transmits the image, the position information, and the orientation information to the computer. The computer identifies at least one first target candidate as a candidate for the captured target from the targets based on the position information about the targets, the acquired position information, and the acquired orientation information. The computer identifies at least one second target candidate from at least the one first target candidate based on a distance from the terminal apparatus to the captured target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiki Yumbe, Takashi Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 9443305
    Abstract: A computerized system for displaying and making measurements based upon captured oblique images. The system includes a computer system executing image display and analysis software causing the computer system to display at least one oblique image having corresponding geo-location position data; receive one or more signals indicative of user selection of at least two points on a man-made structure depicted within the at least one oblique image; and calculate at least one measurement between the at least two points on the man-made structure depicted within the at least one oblique image using the geo-location position data associated with the at least one oblique image. The system may calculate at least one measurement using a series of interconnected line segments between at least two points on a geographic structure depicted within the at least one oblique image using the geo-location position data associated with the at least one oblique image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Pictometry International Corp.
    Inventors: Stephen L. Schultz, Frank D. Giuffrida, Robert L. Gray, Charles Mondello
  • Patent number: 9384399
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for processing image data obtained from scanning a network infrastructure for the detection and analysis of specific objects of interest, such as powerlines and other overhead conductors, or similar structures. The image data comprises a plurality of co-ordinate points in three-dimensional space, and in order to identify conductors in the network infrastructure, the method involves analyzing the co-ordinate points to identify sets of co-ordinate points indicative of a set of substantially parallel lines, and analyzing the co ordinate points on the basis of said identified substantially parallel lines thereby to allow identification and mapping of hanging catenaries representing said conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: FUGRO ROAMES PTY LTD.
    Inventor: James Gordon Bangay
  • Patent number: 9182657
    Abstract: A computerized system for displaying and making measurements based upon captured oblique images. The system includes an image-capturing device capturing oblique aerial images at image-capturing events and issuing image-data signals corresponding to captured images; at least one geo-locating device issuing a corresponding at least one geo-locating signal indicative at least in part of a geo-location of said image-capturing device during each image capturing event; a computer system receiving and storing said image-data signals and said at least one geo-locating signal; and the computer system executing image and data acquiring software reading the image-data signals and the at least one geo-locating signal, and associating each of the image-data signal with a corresponding at least one geo-locating signal for each image-capturing event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Pictometry International Corp.
    Inventors: Stephen L. Schultz, Frank D. Giuffrida, Robert L. Gray, Charles Mondello
  • Patent number: 9151607
    Abstract: A system for determining the position and location of a module comprising: a module which includes an optical generator which generates an optical beam; a diffractive element placed in the path of the optical beam which generates an optical pattern; a reference length artifact placed in a location with close proximity to the optical pattern; and a plurality of digital cameras connected to a computer with photogrammetry software and a minimization algorithm installed on the computer; where the digital cameras are set up in different locations to take one or more digital images of the optical pattern, with at least one digital image including the reference length artifact; and where the digital images are downloaded onto the computer and processed by the photogrammetry software to generate optical coordinate data followed by the insertion of the optical coordinate data into the minimization algorithm to generate the position and location of the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHARLOTTE
    Inventors: Angela Devon Davies, Brigid Ann Mullany, Edward Phillip Morse, Matthew Alan Davies
  • Patent number: 8982330
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus of profiling a surface are disclosed. The method comprises projecting slit pattern light toward a target object in at least two directions in sequence to obtain pattern images reflected on the target object, obtaining heights by using the pattern images according to the directions, obtaining vector fields showing a direction of maximum variation of height, obtaining confidence indexes of the heights corresponding to the at least two directions, obtaining integrated vector fields by using the confidence indexes and the vector fields, and calculating height of each position of the target object by using the integrated vector fields. Therefore, accuracy is enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Koh Young Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Evgeny Vorobyev
  • Patent number: 8970823
    Abstract: A device for optically scanning and measuring an environment is provided. The device includes a movable scanner having at least one first projector for producing at least one uncoded first pattern on an object in the environment. The scanner includes at least one camera for recording images of the object provided with the pattern and a controller coupled to the first projector and the camera. The device further includes at least one second projector which projects a stationary uncoded second pattern on the object while the scanner is moved. Wherein the controller has a processor configured to determine a set of three-dimensional coordinates of points on a surface of the object from a set of images acquired by the camera based at least in part on the first pattern. The controller is further configured to register the set of images relative based in part on the stationary second pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: FARO Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Rolf Heidemann, Martin Ossig, Reinhard Becker
  • Patent number: 8773646
    Abstract: Fiber optic scanner and method for transmitting and receiving optical signals and range imaging camera including fiber optic scanner. The fiber optic scanner includes a light guide array including individual light guides arranged such that a first end has first ends of the individual light guides arranged in an image plane of collimating optics and a second end has second ends of the individual light guides arranged in a circular manner. A central light guide includes a first end arranged at a center of the circularly arranged second ends of the individual light guides and a motor driven reflector arranged to guide light emerging from the circularly arranged ends of the individual light guides into the central light guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Eads Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Ulrich Schwanke
  • Patent number: 8675047
    Abstract: A detection device of a planar area is provided. The detection device includes an image obtaining section for obtaining a left image and a right image; a planar area aligning section for setting given regions of interest to the obtained left image and the right image, and through use of a geometric transform function that matches the region of interest of the right image with the region of interest of the left image, performing geometric transform to generate a geometric transform image; and a planar area detecting section for detecting a planar area based on the geometric transform image and the region of interest of the right image. The planar area aligning section sets the planar area detected by the planar area detecting section as a given region of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Morihiko Sakano, Mirai Higuchi, Takeshi Shima, Shoji Muramatsu
  • Patent number: 8619237
    Abstract: Laser-Scanning Intersecting Plane Tomography (L-SIPT) can provide a non-contact imaging geometry that can allow high speed volumetric scanning, such as of non-scattering to moderately scattering tissues. The L-SIPT imaging apparatus can include a first lens, located and configured to receive from a sample light received from different depths of the sample. A first light redirector can be located and configured to receive via the first lens and to redirect light received from the different depths of the sample to provide redirected light to a light detector capable of detecting individual measurements of light at different locations along a first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
    Inventors: Elizabeth Marjorie Clare Hillman, Matthew B. Bouchard
  • Patent number: 8311777
    Abstract: An oven wall three-dimensional profile data (701) representing concave and convex amounts on all over oven walls (14R, 14L) at a right side and left side of a coking chamber (11) is generated by using image signals obtained by a wall surface observation apparatus (200). A resistance index “k” in which a resistance received by pushed coke (15) resulting from a rising gradient existing on the oven wall (14) is indexed is asked by using the oven wall three-dimensional profile data (701). It can be verified that there is a correlation between this resistance index “k” and a pushing load. Accordingly, it is possible to quantitatively evaluate a state of the oven wall (14) affecting on the pushing load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Nippon Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Masato Sugiura, Michitaka Sakaida, Koichi Fukuda, Tomoyuki Nakagawa, Akihide Sano, Yoshifumi Morizane, Keisuke Irie
  • Patent number: 8290739
    Abstract: A method for determining a mobility of an object includes the steps of measuring at least a portion of a shape of an object under an initial increment of a weight load of a plurality of increments of a total weight load using a device and measuring at least a portion of the shape of the object under a next increment of a total weight load of a plurality of increments of a weight load using the device. Repeating the measurements until a total weight load is achieved and comparing the measurements from the device under the plurality of incremental weight loads, thereby determining a mobility of at least the portion of said object under the plurality of increments of weight loads. The method further includes adjusting the elevation and angular orientation of a support surface for the object to achieve further measurements and a device for obtaining such measurements. The method further includes comparing the mobility of a present object to a normal-object to determine a deviation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Amfit, Inc.
    Inventors: Tony Tadin, Arjen Sundman
  • Patent number: 8243284
    Abstract: A method for measuring the roundness profiles moved forward in longitudinal direction inside a rolling mill, using two laser scanners, respectively provided with a light-sensitive sensor and a laser. At least three shadow edges that fit against the round profile to be measured and enclose the round profile to form a polygon are generated and measured and the corresponding tangents are computed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Zumbach Electronic AG
    Inventor: Urs-Peter Studer
  • Patent number: 8194970
    Abstract: A method for producing three-dimensionally structured surfaces of objects, the object surface being created as a reproduction of a three-dimensionally structured original surface with the aid of a machining tool. Accordingly, the topology of the original surface is first determined, a measured depth value being assigned to each surface or grid element, creating a depth map of the original surface. The depth values are evaluated in terms of their influence on the reflective properties of the surface elements and the reflective properties are stored in the form of parameters. The depth values are then modified in accordance with the reflective values and are used as topological data for the electronic control of a machining tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Benecke-Kaliko AG
    Inventors: Oliver Stahlhut, Christian Neumann, Michael Mäker
  • Patent number: 8184144
    Abstract: The present invention calibrates interior orientation parameters (IOP) and exterior orientation parameters (EOP). With the calibrated IOPs and EOPs, a remotely controlled camera can quickly obtains corresponding IOPs and EOPs no matter on panning, tilting or zooming. Thus, the remotely controlled camera obtains accuracies on imaging and measuring and obtains wide applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: National Central University
    Inventors: Chi-Farn Chen, Li-Yu Chang, Su-Rung Yang
  • Patent number: 8134719
    Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining 3-D surface contour image data of a tooth has a double telecentric optical system disposed to form an image of the surface of the tooth onto an image detector array. A focus adjustment mechanism is actuable to adjust the position of either or both the double telecentric optical system and the image detector array along an optical axis to each of a sequence of focus positions. A control logic processor is in control signal communication with the focus adjustment mechanism to adjust focus position, and is in image data communication with the image detector array for receiving image data obtained by the image detector array and with a memory for storing the received image data corresponding to each of the sequence of focus positions. The control logic processor is further responsive to stored instructions for computing 3-D surface contour image data from the image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Rongguang Liang, Lawrence A. Ray
  • Patent number: 8116853
    Abstract: The attenuation and other optical properties of a medium are exploited to measure a thickness of the medium between a sensor and a target surface. Disclosed herein are various mediums, arrangements of hardware, and processing techniques that can be used to capture these thickness measurements and obtain three-dimensional images of the target surface in a variety of imaging contexts. This includes general techniques for imaging interior/concave surfaces as well as exterior/convex surfaces, as well as specific adaptations of these techniques to imaging ear canals, human dentition, and so forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Douglas P. Hart, Federico Frigerio, Davide M. Marini