Patents Assigned to Facet Technology Corp.
  • Patent number: 9989456
    Abstract: A system for the determination of retroreflectivity values for reflective surfaces disposed along a roadway repeatedly illuminates an area along the roadway that includes at least one reflective surface using a light source. Multiple light intensity values are measured over a field of view which includes at least a portion of the area illuminated by the light source. A computer processing system is used to identifying a portion of the light intensity values associated with a reflective surface and analyze the portion of the light intensity values to determine at least one retroreflectivity value for that reflective surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Facet Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Jamie E. Retterath, Robert A. Laumeyer
  • Patent number: 9671328
    Abstract: A system for classifying different types of sheeting materials of road signs depicted in a videostream compares estimated retroreflectivity values against known minimum retroreflectivity values for each of a plurality of colors. Once a road sign has been identified in the videostream, the frames associated with that road sign are analyzed to determine each of a plurality of colors present on the road sign. An estimated retroreflectivity for each of the plurality of colors present on the road sign is then determined. By comparing the estimated retroreflectivity for each of the plurality of colors against known minimum retroreflectivity values for the corresponding color for different types of sheeting materials, an accurate determination of the classification of the sheeting material of the road sign is established. Preferably, certain conditions of gross failure of the sheeting material are filtered out before classification of the sheeting material is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Facet Technology Corp.
    Inventors: James E. Retterath, Robert A. Laumeyer
  • Patent number: 9360554
    Abstract: LiDAR (light detection and ranging) systems use one or more emitters and a detector array to cover a given field of view where the emitters each emit a single pulse or a multi-pulse packet of light that is sampled by the detector array. On each emitter cycle the detector array will sample the incoming signal intensity at the pre-determined sampling frequency that generates two or more samples per emitted light packet to allow for volumetric analysis of the retroreflected signal portion of each emitted light packet as reflected by one or more objects in the field of view and then received by each detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Facet Technology Corp.
    Inventors: James E. Retterath, Robert A. Laumeyer
  • Patent number: 9335255
    Abstract: A system for the assessment of reflective surfaces disposed along a roadway repeatedly illuminates an area along the roadway that includes at least one reflective surface using a light source. Multiple light intensity values are measured over a field of view which includes at least a portion of the area illuminated by the light source. A computer processing system is used to identifying a portion of the light intensity values associated with a reflective surface and analyze the portion of the light intensity values to determine assessment for that reflective surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Facet Technology Corp.
    Inventors: James E. Retterath, Robert A. Laumeyer
  • Patent number: 8860944
    Abstract: A system for the assessment of reflective surfaces disposed along a roadway repeatedly illuminates an area along the roadway that includes at least one reflective surface using a light source. Multiple light intensity values are measured over a field of view which includes at least a portion of the area illuminated by the light source. A computer processing system is used to identifying a portion of the light intensity values associated with a reflective surface and analyze the portion of the light intensity values to determine assessment for that reflective surface. In one embodiment, a virtual nighttime drive through along a roadway is simulated using a plurality of intensity values to simulate reflections from each reflective surface disposed along the roadway during the virtual drive through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Facet Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Jamie E. Retterath, Robert A. Laumeyer
  • Patent number: 8775322
    Abstract: Computerized methods, devices, and systems are provided for facilitating property and service transactions. Characteristics are entered, tracked and updated for potential buyers and potential sellers. Prospective buyers can locate potential sellers based on buyer preferences and seller characteristics. Prospective sellers can locate potential buyers based on seller preferences and buyer characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Facet Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Gary E. Heyer
  • Patent number: 8660311
    Abstract: A system for the assessment of reflective surfaces disposed along a roadway repeatedly illuminates an area along the roadway that includes at least one reflective surface using a light source. Multiple light intensity values are measured over a field of view which includes at least a portion of the area illuminated by the light source. A computer processing system is used to identifying a portion of the light intensity values associated with a reflective surface and analyze the portion of the light intensity values to determine assessment for that reflective surface. In one embodiment, a virtual nighttime drive through along a roadway is simulated using a plurality of intensity values to simulate reflections from each reflective surface disposed along the roadway during the virtual drive through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Facet Technology Corp.
    Inventors: James E. Retterath, Robert A. Laumeyer
  • Patent number: 7995796
    Abstract: A system for classifying different types of sheeting materials of road signs depicted in a videostream compares estimated retroreflectivity values against known minimum retroreflectivity values for each of a plurality of colors. Once a road sign has been identified in the videostream, the frames associated with that road sign are analyzed to determine each of a plurality of colors present on the road sign. An estimated retroreflectivity for each of the plurality of colors present on the road sign is then determined. By comparing the estimated retroreflectivity for each of the plurality of colors against known minimum retroreflectivity values for the corresponding color for different types of sheeting materials, an accurate determination of the classification of the sheeting material of the road sign is established. Preferably, certain conditions of gross failure of the sheeting material are filtered out before classification of the sheeting material is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Facet Technology Corp.
    Inventors: James E. Retterath, Robert A. Laumeyer
  • Patent number: 7590310
    Abstract: The present invention is an automated and extensible system for the analysis and retrieval of images based on region-of-interest (ROI) analysis of one or more true objects depicted by an image. The system uses a Regions Of Interest (ROI) database that is a relational or analytical database containing searchable vectors that represent the images stored in a repository. Entries in the ROI database are created by an image locator and ROI classifier that work in tandem to locate images within the repository and extract the relevant information that will be stored in the ROI database. Unlike existing region-of-interest search systems, the ROI classifier analyzes objects in an image to arrive at the actual features of the true object, instead of merely describing the features of the image of that object. Graphical searches are performed by the collaborative workings of an image retrieval module, an image search requestor and an ROI query module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Facet Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Jamie E. Retterath, Robert A. Laumeyer
  • Patent number: 7515736
    Abstract: A system for classifying different types of sheeting materials of road signs depicted in a videostream compares estimated retroreflectivity values against known minimum retroreflectivity values for each of a plurality of colors. Once a road sign has been identified in the videostream, the frames associated with that road sign are analyzed to determine each of a plurality of colors present on the road sign. An estimated retroreflectivity for each of the plurality of colors present on the road sign is then determined. By comparing the estimated retroreflectivity for each of the plurality of colors against known minimum retroreflectivity values for the corresponding color for different types of sheeting materials, an accurate determination of the classification of the sheeting material of the road sign is established. Preferably, certain conditions of gross failure of the sheeting material are filtered out before classification of the sheeting material is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Facet Technology, Corp.
    Inventors: James E. Retterath, Robert A. Laumeyer
  • Publication number: 20070154067
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for rapidly analyzing frame(s) of digitized video data which may include objects of interest randomly distributed throughout the video data and wherein said objects are susceptible to detection, classification, and ultimately identification by filtering said video data for certain differentiable characteristics of said objects. The present invention may be practiced on pre-existing sequences of image data or may be integrated into an imaging device for real-time, dynamic, object identification, classification, logging/counting, cataloging, retention (with links to stored bitmaps of said object), retrieval, and the like. The present invention readily lends itself to the problem of automatic and semi-automatic cataloging of vast numbers of objects such as traffic control signs and utility poles disposed in myriad settings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Applicant: FACET TECHNOLOGY CORP.
    Inventors: Robert Laumeyer, James Retterath
  • Publication number: 20070055441
    Abstract: A vehicle navigation system uses prerecorded intersection images to more quickly and efficiently acquaint the driver with approaching intersections and other points of interest as part of a navigation system. The pre-recorded images are recorded, selected and processed with header information that associates the selected landmark images of approaching intersections and other points of interest to spatial nodes based on runs defined by routing information in the navigation system. The runs defined by the routing information correlate to a path or road segment to be traveled with the spatial nodes defining a transition point from one run to another, such as a roadway intersection where a turn is required to follow the routing information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Applicant: Facet Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Jamie Retterath, Robert Laumeyer
  • Publication number: 20060262312
    Abstract: A system for the automated determination of retroreflectivity values for reflective surfaces disposed along a roadway repeatedly illuminates an area along the roadway that includes at least one reflective surface using a strobing light source. Multiple light intensity values are measured over a field of view which includes at least a portion of the area illuminated by the light source. A computer processing system is used to identifying a portion of the light intensity values associated with a reflective surface and analyze the portion of the light intensity values to determine at least one retroreflectivity value for that reflective surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Publication date: November 23, 2006
    Applicant: Facet Technology Corp.
    Inventors: James Retterath, Robert Laumeyer
  • Patent number: 7060981
    Abstract: A system for detecting embedded objects in a specimen that includes a transport system effecting movement of the specimen relative to an imaging zone along a transport path. The system also includes detector systems arranged to operably image the specimen in the imaging zone. Each detector system includes an emitter, detector, and a primary axis defined between the emitter and detector and that crosses the transport path. Energy from the emitter is directed along the primary axis and transmitted to a unique detector producing a succession of images as there is movement of the specimen relative to the imaging zone. The system further includes a computer system operably connected to the detector systems to receive and combine the succession of images producing a plurality of image slices that are combined as a representation of the specimen for use in detecting embedded objects in the specimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Facet Technology Corp.
    Inventors: James E. Retterath, Robert A. Laumeyer
  • Patent number: 6829927
    Abstract: A system that performs content analysis on comestible products using volumetric determination with a single-chamber technique in a mass production environment. The content value determination system includes a conveyor system, a system for weighing the comestible products interposed along the path of the conveyor, a volumetric determination station that consists of a plurality of receiving chambers, and a control module. In this embodiment, each receiving chamber is equipped with a pressure sensor and a mechanical system for modifying the volume of the chamber. In addition, both the pressure sensors and the volume modification system of each receiving chamber are operably connected to the control module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Facet Technology Corp.
    Inventors: James E. Retterath, Robert A. Laumeyer, Steven A. Chapman
  • Publication number: 20040062442
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for rapidly analyzing frame(s) of digitized video data which may include objects of interest randomly distributed throughout the video data and wherein said objects are susceptible to detection, classification, and ultimately identification by filtering said video data for certain differentiable characteristics of said objects. The present invention may be practiced on pre-existing sequences of image data or may be integrated into an imaging device for real-time, dynamic, object identification, classification, logging/counting, cataloging, retention (with links to stored bitmaps of said object), retrieval, and the like. The present invention readily lends itself to the problem of automatic and semi-automatic cataloging of vast numbers of objects such as traffic control signs and utility poles disposed in myriad settings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: Facet Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Robert Anthony Laumeyer, James Eugene Retterath
  • Publication number: 20040035198
    Abstract: A system that performs content analysis on comestible products using volumetric determination with a single-chamber technique in a mass production environment. The content value determination system includes a conveyor system, a system for weighing the comestible products interposed along the path of the conveyor, a volumetric determination station that consists of a plurality of receiving chambers, and a control module. In this embodiment, each receiving chamber is equipped with a pressure sensor and a mechanical system for modifying the volume of the chamber. In addition, both the pressure sensors and the volume modification system of each receiving chamber are operably connected to the control module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: Facet Technology Corp.
    Inventors: James E. Retterath, Robert A. Laumeyer, Steven A. Chapman
  • Patent number: 6674878
    Abstract: A system for the automated determination of retroreflectivity values for reflective surfaces disposed along a roadway repeatedly illuminates an area along the roadway that includes at least one reflective surface using a strobing light source. Multiple light intensity values are measured over a field of view which includes at least a portion of the area illuminated by the light source. A computer processing system is used to identifying a portion of the light intensity values associated with a reflective surface and analyze the portion of the light intensity values to determine at least one retroreflectivity value for that reflective surface. Preferably, color images of the area and locational information are also generated by the system and are used together with a characterization profile of the light source to enhance the accuracy of the determination of retroreflectivity values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Facet Technology Corp.
    Inventors: James E. Retterath, Robert A. Laumeyer
  • Patent number: 6625315
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for rapidly analyzing frame(s) of digitized video data which may include objects of interest randomly distributed throughout the video data and wherein said objects are susceptible to detection, classification, and ultimately identification by filtering said video data for certain differentiable characteristics of said objects. The present invention may be practiced on pre-existing sequences of image data or may be integrated into an imaging device for real-time, dynamic, object identification, classification, logging/counting, cataloging, retention (with links to stored bitmaps of said object), retrieval, and the like. The present invention readily lends itself to the problem of automatic and semi-automatic cataloging of vast numbers of objects such as traffic control signs and utility poles disposed in myriad settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Facet Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Robert Anthony Laumeyer, James Eugene Retterath
  • Patent number: 6609423
    Abstract: A system that performs content analysis on comestible products using volumetric determination with a single-chamber technique in a mass production environment. The content value determination system includes a conveyor system, a system for weighing the comestible products interposed along the path of the conveyor, a volumetric determination station that consists of a plurality of receiving chambers, and a control module. In this embodiment, each receiving chamber is equipped with a pressure sensor and a mechanical system for modifying the volume of the chamber. In addition, both the pressure sensors and the volume modification system of each receiving chamber are operably connected to the control module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Facet Technology Corp.
    Inventors: James E. Retterath, Robert A. Laumeyer, Steven A. Chapman