Patents by Inventor Beat Frick

Beat Frick has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10895505
    Abstract: A color measuring apparatus includes a measurement assembly which includes at least one illumination assembly for applying substantially parallel illumination light to a measurement spot of a measurement object and a pick-up assembly for capturing the measurement light radiated back from the measurement spot in an observation direction and for converting the same into corresponding electrical signals. The illumination assembly includes at least two illumination subassemblies which illuminate the measurement spot from different illumination sub-directions near a first preset nominal illumination direction, each with preferably parallel illumination light. By the illumination from different illumination sub-directions slightly deviating from the nominal illumination direction, angular errors of the illumination assembly can be compensated for in a simple manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: X-RITE EUROPE GMBH
    Inventor: Beat Frick
  • Publication number: 20190331530
    Abstract: A color measuring apparatus includes a measurement assembly which includes at least one illumination assembly for applying substantially parallel illumination light to a measurement spot of a measurement object and a pick-up assembly for capturing the measurement light radiated back from the measurement spot in an observation direction and for converting the same into corresponding electrical signals. The illumination assembly includes at least two illumination subassemblies which illuminate the measurement spot from different illumination sub-directions near a first preset nominal illumination direction, each with preferably parallel illumination light. By the illumination from different illumination sub-directions slightly deviating from the nominal illumination direction, angular errors of the illumination assembly can be compensated for in a simple manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Publication date: October 31, 2019
    Inventor: Beat Frick
  • Patent number: 10332306
    Abstract: A system and method of determining data representing a mapping of optical signals described by image data of a reflecting surface of a structure to a three-dimensional surface geometry of the reflecting surface is provided. At least first, second and third light sources are provided, comprising a broadband point light source, a spectrally variable point light source and a movable linear broadband light source, respectively. First, second and third images are acquired, corresponding to each light source. Surface geometry data describing a three-dimensional surface geometry of the reflecting surface is acquired. Based on the image data and the surface geometry data, reflecting surface mapping data describing a mapping between the reflections described by the first image data, second image data and third image data, and the three-dimensional surface geometry of the reflecting surface is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: X-Rite Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: Adrian Kohlbrenner, Martin Rump, Beat Frick, Christopher Schwartz
  • Patent number: 10260950
    Abstract: A hand-held measurement device for appearance analyses includes a measurement array which comprises a number of illumination means for applying illumination light to a measurement field in at least three illumination directions and a number of pick-up means for capturing the measurement light in at least one observation direction. The illumination directions and the observation directions lie in a common system plane. At least one pick-up means is embodied to spectrally gauge the measurement light in a locally integral way, and at least one imaging pick-up means is embodied to gauge the measurement light in terms of color in a locally resolved way. The spectral pick-up means and the locally resolving pick-up means are arranged such that they receive the measurement light reflected by the measurement field under the same observation conditions and in particular from the same observation direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: X-RITE SWITZERLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Peter Ehbets, Beat Frick, Mark Wegmuller, Jorg Hunkemeier, Guido Niederer
  • Publication number: 20190086265
    Abstract: A color measuring apparatus includes a measurement assembly which includes at least one illumination assembly for applying substantially parallel illumination light to a measurement spot of a measurement object and a pick-up assembly for capturing the measurement light radiated back from the measurement spot in an observation direction and for converting the same into corresponding electrical signals. The illumination assembly includes at least two illumination subassemblies which illuminate the measurement spot from different illumination sub-directions near a first preset nominal illumination direction, each with preferably parallel illumination light. By the illumination from different illumination sub-directions slightly deviating from the nominal illumination direction, angular errors of the illumination assembly can be compensated for in a simple manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2018
    Publication date: March 21, 2019
    Inventor: Beat Frick
  • Patent number: 10215641
    Abstract: A color measuring apparatus includes a measurement assembly which includes at least one illumination assembly for applying substantially parallel illumination light to a measurement spot of a measurement object and a pick-up assembly for capturing the measurement light radiated back from the measurement spot in an observation direction and for converting the same into corresponding electrical signals. The illumination assembly includes at least two illumination subassemblies which illuminate the measurement spot from different illumination sub-directions near a first preset nominal illumination direction, each with preferably parallel illumination light. By the illumination from different illumination sub-directions slightly deviating from the nominal illumination direction, angular errors of the illumination assembly can be compensated for in a simple manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: X-Rite Switzerland GmbH
    Inventor: Beat Frick
  • Publication number: 20190049304
    Abstract: A hand-held measurement device for appearance analyses includes a measurement array which comprises a number of illumination means for applying illumination light to a measurement field in at least three illumination directions and a number of pick-up means for capturing the measurement light in at least one observation direction. The illumination directions and the observation directions lie in a common system plane. At least one pick-up means is embodied to spectrally gauge the measurement light in a locally integral way, and at least one imaging pick-up means is embodied to gauge the measurement light in terms of colour in a locally resolved way. The spectral pick-up means and the locally resolving pick-up means are arranged such that they receive the measurement light reflected by the measurement field under the same observation conditions and in particular from the same observation direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Publication date: February 14, 2019
    Inventors: Peter EHBETS, Beat FRICK, Mark WEGMULLER, Jorg HUNKEMEIER, Guido NIEDERER
  • Patent number: 10126171
    Abstract: A hand-held measurement device for appearance analyzes includes a measurement array which comprises a number of illumination means for applying illumination light to a measurement field in at least three illumination directions and a number of pick-up means for capturing the measurement light in at least one observation direction. The illumination directions and the observation directions lie in a common system plane. At least one pick-up means is embodied to spectrally gauge the measurement light in a locally integral way, and at least one imaging pick-up means is embodied to gauge the measurement light in terms of color in a locally resolved way. The spectral pick-up means and the locally resolving pick-up means are arranged such that they receive the measurement light reflected by the measurement field under the same observation conditions and in particular from the same observation direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: X-RITE SWITZERLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Peter Ehbets, Beat Frick, Mark Wegmüller, Jörg Hünkemeier, Guido Niederer
  • Publication number: 20180322686
    Abstract: A system and method of determining data representing a mapping of optical signals described by image data of a reflecting surface of a structure to a three-dimensional surface geometry of the reflecting surface is provided. At least first, second and third light sources are provided, comprising a broadband point light source, a spectrally variable point light source and a movable linear broadband light source, respectively. First, second and third images are acquired, corresponding to each light source. Surface geometry data describing a three-dimensional surface geometry of the reflecting surface is acquired. Based on the image data and the surface geometry data, reflecting surface mapping data describing a mapping between the reflections described by the first image data, second image data and third image data, and the three-dimensional surface geometry of the reflecting surface is determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Adrian Kohlbrenner, Martin Rump, Beat Frick, Christopher Schwartz
  • Patent number: 10049294
    Abstract: The present disclosure advantageously provides apparatus, systems and methods which facilitate estimating and accounting for illumination conditions, viewing conditions and reflectance characteristics for imaged surfaces when performing color measurement, correction and/or transformation in an imaging process, such as photography. Advantageously, the disclosed apparatus, systems and methods may utilize a set of one or more illumination target elements for extrapolating illumination conditions from an imaged scene. The disclosure may be used to improve determination of color correction/transformation parameters and/or to facilitate determining a reflectance model for a target surface of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: X-Rite Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: James William Vogh, Jr., Olivier Calas, Beat Frick
  • Patent number: 10026215
    Abstract: A system and method of determining data representing a mapping of optical signals described by image data of a reflecting surface of a structure to a three-dimensional surface geometry of the reflecting surface is provided. At least first, second and third light sources are provided, comprising a broadband point light source, a spectrally variable point light source and a movable linear broadband light source, respectively. First, second and third images are acquired, corresponding to each light source. Surface geometry data describing a three-dimensional surface geometry of the reflecting surface is acquired. Based on the image data and the surface geometry data, reflecting surface mapping data describing a mapping between the reflections described by the first image data, second image data and third image data, and the three-dimensional surface geometry of the reflecting surface is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: X-Rite Switzerland GMBH
    Inventors: Adrian Kohlbrenner, Martin Rump, Beat Frick, Christopher Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20180024005
    Abstract: A hand-held measurement device for appearance analyses includes a measurement array which comprises a number of illumination means for applying illumination light to a measurement field in at least three illumination directions and a number of pick-up means for capturing the measurement light in at least one observation direction. The illumination directions and the observation directions lie in a common system plane. At least one pick-up means is embodied to spectrally gauge the measurement light in a locally integral way, and at least one imaging pick-up means is embodied to gauge the measurement light in terms of colour in a locally resolved way. The spectral pick-up means and the locally resolving pick-up means are arranged such that they receive the measurement light reflected by the measurement field under the same observation conditions and in particular from the same observation direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Peter EHBETS, Beat Frick, Mark Wegmüller, Jörg Hünkemeier, Guido Niederer
  • Patent number: 9772230
    Abstract: A hand-held measurement device for appearance analyses includes a measurement array which comprises a number of illumination means for applying illumination light to a measurement field in at least three illumination directions and a number of pick-up means for capturing the measurement light in at least one observation direction. The illumination directions and the observation directions lie in a common system plane. At least one pick-up means is embodied to spectrally gauge the measurement light in a locally integral way, and at least one imaging pick-up means is embodied to gauge the measurement light in terms of color in a locally resolved way. The spectral pick-up means and the locally resolving pick-up means are arranged such that they receive the measurement light reflected by the measurement field under the same observation conditions and in particular from the same observation direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: X-Rite Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Ehbets, Beat Frick, Mark Wegmuller, Jorg Hunkemeier, Guido Niederer
  • Publication number: 20160224861
    Abstract: The present disclosure advantageously provides apparatus, systems and methods which facilitate estimating and accounting for illumination conditions, viewing conditions and reflectance characteristics for imaged surfaces when performing color measurement, correction and/or transformation in an imaging process, such as photography. Advantageously, the disclosed apparatus, systems and methods may utilize a set of one or more illumination target elements for extrapolating illumination conditions from an imaged scene. The disclosure may be used to improve determination of color correction/transformation parameters and/or to facilitate determining a reflectance model for a target surface of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Applicant: X-RITE SWITZERLAND GMBH
    Inventors: James William Vogh, JR., Olivier Calas, JR., Beat Frick
  • Publication number: 20160171748
    Abstract: A digital data processing method of determining data representing a mapping of optical signals described by image data of a reflecting surface of a structure to a three-dimensional surface geometry of the reflecting surface is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Applicant: X-Rite Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: Adrian Kohlbrenner, Martin Rump, Beat Frick, Christopher Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20160011052
    Abstract: A color measuring apparatus includes a measurement assembly which includes at least one illumination assembly for applying substantially parallel illumination light to a measurement spot of a measurement object and a pick-up assembly for capturing the measurement light radiated back from the measurement spot in an observation direction and for converting the same into corresponding electrical signals. The illumination assembly includes at least two illumination subassemblies which illuminate the measurement spot from different illumination sub-directions near a first preset nominal illumination direction, each with preferably parallel illumination light. By the illumination from different illumination sub-directions slightly deviating from the nominal illumination direction, angular errors of the illumination assembly can be compensated for in a simple manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Applicant: X-RITE SWITZERLAND GMBH
    Inventor: Beat Frick
  • Patent number: 9163990
    Abstract: In a calibrating method for a filter color measuring device that includes at least three color channels, a calibration matrix for transforming output signals of the color channels into tristimulus color values is formed. The calibration is performed spectrally, wherein the spectral sensitivities of the color channels of the color measuring device and the spectral emission properties of typical light sources are measured and stored, and the calibration matrix is calculated from the spectral sensitivities and the spectral emission properties of the light sources and the spectral evaluation functions of the standard observer, e.g., according to CIE 1931.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: X-Rite Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas A. Lianza, Andrew Masia, Wang Long Zhou, Richard Federico, Beat Frick
  • Publication number: 20150032430
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of digitally generating, via the use of a computer, data indicative of a synthesized appearance of a simulated material having physically plausible appearance attributes. The method includes determining a set of data indicative of the synthesized appearance of the simulated material based at least in part on data associated with the physically tangible source material and at least in part on data of measured attributes of the physically tangible reference material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: X-RITE EUROPE GMBH
    Inventors: Martin Rump, Marc S. Ellens, Adrian Kohlbrenner, Francis Lamy, Beat Frick
  • Patent number: 8872811
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of digitally generating, via the use of a computer, data indicative of a synthesized appearance of a simulated material having physically plausible appearance attributes. The method includes determining a set of data indicative of the synthesized appearance of the simulated material based at least in part on data associated with the physically tangible source material and at least in part on data of measured attributes of the physically tangible reference material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: X-Rite Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Rump, Marc S. Ellens, Adrian Kohlbrenner, Francis Lamy, Beat Frick
  • Publication number: 20140152990
    Abstract: A hand-held measurement device for appearance analyses includes a measurement array which comprises a number of illumination means for applying illumination light to a measurement field in at least three illumination directions and a number of pick-up means for capturing the measurement light in at least one observation direction. The illumination directions and the observation directions lie in a common system plane. At least one pick-up means is embodied to spectrally gauge the measurement light in a locally integral way, and at least one imaging pick-up means is embodied to gauge the measurement light in terms of colour in a locally resolved way. The spectral pick-up means and the locally resolving pick-up means are arranged such that they receive the measurement light reflected by the measurement field under the same observation conditions and in particular from the same observation direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: X-RITE EUROPE GMBH
    Inventors: Peter Ehbets, Beat Frick, Mark Wegmuller, Jorg Hunkemeier, Guido Niederer