Patents by Inventor E. John McGarry

E. John McGarry 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: 9451142
    Abstract: A single chip vision sensor of an embodiment includes a pixel array and one or more circuits. The one or more circuits are configured to search an image for one or more features using a model of the one or more features. A method of an embodiment in a single chip vision sensor includes obtaining an image based at least partially on sensed light, and searching the image for one or more features using a model of the one or more features. A system of an embodiment includes the single chip vision sensor and a device. The device is configured to receive one or more signals from the single chip vision sensor and to control an operation based at least partially on the one or more signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Cognex Corporation
    Inventors: E. John McGarry, A. Piers N. Plummer
  • Patent number: 8867847
    Abstract: A method and system for probe-based pattern matching including an apparatus for synthetic training of a model of a pattern. The apparatus comprises a sensor for obtaining an image of the pattern and a processor for receiving the image of the pattern from the sensor and running a program. In the steps performed by the program a boundary of the pattern in the image is identified. A plurality of positive probes are placed at selected points along the boundary of the pattern and at least one straight segment of the boundary of the pattern is identified. The at least one straight segment of the boundary is extended to provide an imaginary straight segment and a plurality of negative probes are placed at selected points along the imaginary straight segment, where each negative probe has a negative weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Cognex Technology and Investment Corporation
    Inventors: William M. Silver, E. John McGarry, Sanjay Nichani, Adam Wagman
  • Patent number: 8811715
    Abstract: Described are computer-based methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for wafer identification fault recovery. A digital image is received that includes a data symbol comprising a message encoded in a set of data cells. The digital image is processed to form a set of classified data cells, wherein one or more classified data cells from the set of classified data cells comprises an error. User interface data is transmitted comprising the digital image and interactive graphics, the interactive graphics including at least one data cell control. Interaction data is received from the interactive graphics that modifies a data cell location, a data cell state, or both, of at least one classified data cell from the set of classified data cells to form a modified set of classified data cells. An error free decoded message string is generated based on the modified set of classified data cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Cognex Corporation
    Inventors: E. John McGarry, Robb Robles, Steven Webster
  • Patent number: 8743220
    Abstract: A system and method captures a moving image of a scene that can be more readily de-blurred as compared to images captured through other methods operating on equivalent exposure-time intervals. Rather than stopping and starting the light measurement during the exposure-time interval, photo-generated current is switched between multiple charge storage sites in accordance with a temporal switching pattern that optimizes the conditioning of the solution to the inverse blur transform. By switching the image intensity signal between storage sites all of the light energy available during the exposure-time interval is transduced to electronic charge and captured to form a temporally decomposed representation of the moving image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Cognex Corporation
    Inventors: E. John McGarry, William M. Silver
  • Patent number: 8570393
    Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for processing discrete image data within an overall set of acquired image data based upon a focus of attention within that image. The result of such processing is to operate upon a more limited subset of the overall image data to generate output values required by the vision system process. Such output value can be a decoded ID or other alphanumeric data. The system and method is performed in a vision system having two processor groups, along with a data memory that is smaller in capacity than the amount of image data to be read out from the sensor array. The first processor group is a plurality of SIMD processors and at least one general purpose processor, co-located on the same die with the data memory. A data reduction function operates within the same clock cycle as data-readout from the sensor to generate a reduced data set that is stored in the on-die data memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Cognex Corporation
    Inventors: Michael C. Moed, E. John McGarry
  • Patent number: 8542281
    Abstract: This invention provides a system and method captures a moving image of a scene that can be more readily de-blurred as compared to images captured through the above-referenced and other known methods operating on an equivalent exposure-time interval. Rather than stopping and starting the integration of light measurement during the exposure-time interval, photo-generated current is switched between multiple charge storage sites in accordance with a temporal switching pattern that optimizes the conditioning of the solution to the inverse blur transform. By switching the image intensity signal between storage sites all of the light energy available during the exposure-time interval is transduced to electronic charge and captured to form a temporally decomposed representation of the moving image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Cognex Corporation
    Inventors: E. John McGarry, William M. Silver
  • Publication number: 20130142421
    Abstract: A method and system for probe-based pattern matching including an apparatus for synthetic training of a model of a pattern. The apparatus comprises a sensor for obtaining an image of the pattern and a processor for receiving the image of the pattern from the sensor and running a program. In the steps performed by the program a boundary of the pattern in the image is identified. A plurality of positive probes are placed at selected points along the boundary of the pattern and at least one straight segment of the boundary of the pattern is identified. The at least one straight segment of the boundary is extended to provide an imaginary straight segment and a plurality of negative probes are placed at selected points along the imaginary straight segment, where each negative probe has a negative weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: Cognex Corporation
    Inventors: William M. Silver, E. John McGarry, Sanjay Nichani, Adam Wagman
  • Patent number: 8434686
    Abstract: This invention provides a point-of-sale scanning device that employs vision sensors and vision processing to decode symbology and matrices of information of objects, documents and other substrates as such objects are moved (swiped) through the field-of-view of the scanning device's window. The scanning device defines a form factor that conforms to that of a conventional laser-based point-of-sale scanning device using a housing having a plurality of mirrors, oriented generally at 45-degree angles with respect to the window's plane so as to fold the optical path, thereby allowing for an extended depth of field. The path is divided laterally so as to reach opposing lenses and image sensors, which face each other and are oriented along a lateral optical axis between sidewalls of the device. The sensors and lenses can be adapted to perform different parts of the overall vision system and/or code recognition process. The housing also provides illumination that fills the volume space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Cognex Corporation
    Inventor: E. John McGarry
  • Patent number: 8363942
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining the absence or presence of one or more instances of a predetermined pattern in an image, and for determining the location of each found instance within a multidimensional space. A model represents the pattern to be found, the model including a plurality of probes. Each probe represents a relative position at which a test is performed in an image at a given pose, each such test contributing evidence that the pattern exists at the pose. The method further includes a comparison of the model with a run-time image at each of a plurality of poses. A match score is computed at each pose to provide a match score surface. Then, the match score is compared with an accept threshold, and used to provide the location any instances of the pattern in the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Cognex Technology and Investment Corporation
    Inventors: William M. Silver, E. John McGarry, Sanjay Nichani, Adam Wagman
  • Patent number: 8363972
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining the absence or presence of one or more instances of a predetermined pattern in an image, and for determining the location of each found instance within a multidimensional space. A model represents the pattern to be found, the model including a plurality of probes. Each probe represents a relative position at which a test is performed in an image at a given pose, each such test contributing evidence that the pattern exists at the pose. The method further includes a comparison of the model with a run-time image at each of a plurality of poses. A match score is computed at each pose to provide a match score surface. Then, the match score is compared with an accept threshold, and used to provide the location any instances of the pattern in the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Cognex Corporation
    Inventors: William M. Silver, E. John McGarry, Matthew L. Hill, Nigel J. Foster, Sanjay Nichani, Willard P. Foster, Adam Wagman
  • Patent number: 8363956
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining the absence or presence of one or more instances of a predetermined pattern in an image, and for determining the location of each found instance within a multidimensional space. A model represents the pattern to be found, the model including a plurality of probes. Each probe represents a relative position at which a test is performed in an image at a given pose, each such test contributing evidence that the pattern exists at the pose. The method further includes a comparison of the model with a run-time image at each of a plurality of poses. A match score is computed at each pose to provide a match score surface. Then, the match score is compared with an accept threshold, and used to provide the location any instances of the pattern in the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Cognex Corporation
    Inventors: William M. Silver, E. John McGarry, Matthew L. Hill, Nigel J. Foster, Sanjay Nichani, Willard P. Foster, Adam Wagman
  • Patent number: 8335380
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining the absence or presence of one or more instances of a predetermined pattern in an image, and for determining the location of each found instance within a multidimensional space. A model represents the pattern to be found, the model including a plurality of probes. Each probe represents a relative position at which a test is performed in an image at a given pose, each such test contributing evidence that the pattern exists at the pose. The method further includes a comparison of the model with a run-time image at each of a plurality of poses. A match score is computed at each pose to provide a match score surface. Then, the match score is compared with an accept threshold, and used to provide the location any instances of the pattern in the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Cognex Corporation
    Inventors: William M. Silver, E. John McGarry, Sanjay Nichani, Adam Wagman
  • Patent number: 8331673
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining the absence or presence of one or more instances of a predetermined pattern in an image, and for determining the location of each found instance within a multidimensional space. A model represents the pattern to be found, the model including a plurality of probes. Each probe represents a relative position at which a test is performed in an image at a given pose, each such test contributing evidence that the pattern exists at the pose. The method further includes a comparison of the model with a run-time image at each of a plurality of poses. A match score is computed at each pose to provide a match score surface. Then, the match score is compared with an accept threshold, and used to provide the location any instances of the pattern in the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Cognex Corporation
    Inventors: William M. Silver, E. John McGarry, Matt Hill, Willard Foster
  • Patent number: 8320675
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining the absence or presence of one or more instances of a predetermined pattern in an image, and for determining the location of each found instance within a multidimensional space. A model represents the pattern to be found, the model including a plurality of probes. Each probe represents a relative position at which a test is performed in an image at a given pose, each such test contributing evidence that the pattern exists at the pose. The method further includes a comparison of the model with a run-time image at each of a plurality of poses. A match score is computed at each pose to provide a match score surface. Then, the match score is compared with an accept threshold, and used to provide the location any instances of the pattern in the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Cognex Corporation
    Inventors: William M. Silver, E. John McGarry, Sanjay Nichani, Adam Wagman
  • Patent number: 8295613
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining the absence or presence of one or more instances of a predetermined pattern in an image, and for determining the location of each found instance within a multidimensional space. A model represents the pattern to be found, the model including a plurality of probes. Each probe represents a relative position at which a test is performed in an image at a given pose, each such test contributing evidence that the pattern exists at the pose. The method further includes a comparison of the model with a run-time image at each of a plurality of poses. A match score is computed at each pose to provide a match score surface. Then, the match score is compared with an accept threshold, and used to provide the location any instances of the pattern in the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Cognex Corporation
    Inventors: William M. Silver, E. John McGarry, Sanjay Nichani, Adam Wagman
  • Patent number: 8265395
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining the absence or presence of one or more instances of a predetermined pattern in an image, and for determining the location of each found instance within a multidimensional space. A model represents the pattern to be found, the model including a plurality of probes. Each probe represents a relative position at which a test is performed in an image at a given pose, each such test contributing evidence that the pattern exists at the pose. The method further includes a comparison of the model with a run-time image at each of a plurality of poses. A match score is computed at each pose to provide a match score surface. Then, the match score is compared with an accept threshold, and used to provide the location any instances of the pattern in the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Cognex Corporation
    Inventors: William M. Silver, E. John McGarry, Matt Hill, Nigel J. Foster, Willard Foster
  • Patent number: 8254695
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining the absence or presence of one or more instances of a predetermined pattern in an image, and for determining the location of each found instance within a multidimensional space. A model represents the pattern to be found, the model including a plurality of probes. Each probe represents a relative position at which a test is performed in an image at a given pose, each such test contributing evidence that the pattern exists at the pose. The method further includes a comparison of the model with a run-time image at each of a plurality of poses. A match score is computed at each pose to provide a match score surface. Then, the match score is compared with an accept threshold, and used to provide the location any instances of the pattern in the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Cognex Corporation
    Inventors: William M. Silver, E. John McGarry, Sanjay Nichani, Adam Wagman
  • Patent number: 8249362
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining the absence or presence of one or more instances of a predetermined pattern in an image, and for determining the location of each found instance within a multidimensional space. A model represents the pattern to be found, the model including a plurality of probes. Each probe represents a relative position at which a test is performed in an image at a given pose, each such test contributing evidence that the pattern exists at the pose. The method further includes a comparison of the model with a run-time image at each of a plurali of poses. A match score is computed at each pose to provide a match score surface. Then, the match score is compared with an accept threshold, and used to provide the location any instances of the pattern in the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Cognex Corporation
    Inventors: William M. Silver, E. John McGarry
  • Patent number: 8244041
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining the absence or presence of one or more instances of a predetermined pattern in an image, and for determining the location of each found instance within a multidimensional space. A model represents the pattern to be found, the model including a plurality of probes. Each probe represents a relative position at which a test is performed in an image at a given pose, each such test contributing evidence that the pattern exists at the pose. The method further includes a comparison of the model with a run-time image at each of a plurality of poses. A match score is computed at each pose to provide a match score surface. Then, the match score is compared with an accept threshold, and used to provide the location any instances of the pattern in the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Cognex Corporation
    Inventors: William M. Silver, E. John McGarry, Nigel J. Foster, Sanjay Nichani
  • Patent number: 8229222
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining the absence or presence of one or more instances of a predetermined pattern in an image, and for determining the location of each found instance within a multidimensional space. A model represents the pattern to be found, the model including a plurality of probes. Each probe represents a relative position at which a test is performed in an image at a given pose, each such test contributing evidence that the pattern exists at the pose. The method further includes a comparison of the model with a run-time image at each of a plurality of poses. A match score is computed at each pose to provide a match score surface. Then, the match score is compared with an accept threshold, and used to provide the location any instances of the pattern in the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Cognex Corporation
    Inventors: William M. Silver, E. John McGarry, Matt Hill, Willard Foster, Adam Wagman