Patents by Inventor James E. Retterath

James E. Retterath 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).

  • Publication number: 20160377529
    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: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: James E. Retterath, Robert A. Laumeyer
  • Publication number: 20160356881
    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: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: James E. Retterath, Robert A. Laumeyer
  • Publication number: 20160259038
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for acquiring three-dimensional LiDAR information of a scene are disclosed. According to one aspect, acquiring three-dimensional information includes emitting N pulses in a sequence with each successive pulse having a relative time shift to the sampling reference, thus producing a reconstructed sampled signal with an effective sampling rate of N times the sampling reference. According to another aspect, acquiring three-dimensional information includes emitting two or more frequencies, the differences of each pair of differing frequencies being designated as ?f, and sampling the return information with the use of a sampling reference. Frequency analysis is performed on the sampled information to determine the reference times at which the ?f signals occur and the signal intensity of the ?f signals at each time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    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
  • Publication number: 20150293228
    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: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Publication date: October 15, 2015
    Inventors: James E. Retterath, Robert A. Laumeyer
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120065940
    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: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    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: 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
  • Patent number: 7411681
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Facet Technology Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Retterath, Robert A. Laumeyer
  • Patent number: 7173707
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Facet Technology Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Retterath, Robert A. 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: 7043057
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Facet Technology, Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Retterath, Robert A. Laumeyer
  • Patent number: 6891960
    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: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Facet Technology
    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: 20040156531
    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: December 15, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: Facet Technology Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Retterath, Robert A. Laumeyer
  • 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: 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