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).
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Publication number: 20160377529Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2016Publication date: December 29, 2016Inventors: James E. Retterath, Robert A. Laumeyer
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Publication number: 20160356881Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2016Publication date: December 8, 2016Inventors: James E. Retterath, Robert A. Laumeyer
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Publication number: 20160259038Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2015Publication date: September 8, 2016Inventors: James E. Retterath, Robert A. Laumeyer
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Patent number: 9360554Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 11, 2014Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: Facet Technology Corp.Inventors: James E. Retterath, Robert A. Laumeyer
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Patent number: 9335255Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 13, 2014Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: Facet Technology Corp.Inventors: James E. Retterath, Robert A. Laumeyer
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Publication number: 20150293228Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2014Publication date: October 15, 2015Inventors: James E. Retterath, Robert A. Laumeyer
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Patent number: 8660311Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 8, 2011Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Facet Technology Corp.Inventors: James E. Retterath, Robert A. Laumeyer
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Publication number: 20120065940Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Inventors: James E. Retterath, Robert A. Laumeyer
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Patent number: 7995796Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 7, 2009Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Facet Technology Corp.Inventors: James E. Retterath, Robert A. Laumeyer
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Patent number: 7515736Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 11, 2005Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: Facet Technology, Corp.Inventors: James E. Retterath, Robert A. Laumeyer
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Patent number: 7411681Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 5, 2007Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: Facet Technology CorporationInventors: James E. Retterath, Robert A. Laumeyer
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Patent number: 7173707Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 3, 2006Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Facet Technology CorporationInventors: James E. Retterath, Robert A. Laumeyer
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Patent number: 7060981Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 7, 2004Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Assignee: Facet Technology Corp.Inventors: James E. Retterath, Robert A. Laumeyer
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Patent number: 7043057Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 15, 2003Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: Facet Technology, CorporationInventors: James E. Retterath, Robert A. Laumeyer
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Patent number: 6891960Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 10, 2001Date of Patent: May 10, 2005Assignee: Facet TechnologyInventors: James E. Retterath, Robert A. Laumeyer
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Patent number: 6829927Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 16, 2003Date of Patent: December 14, 2004Assignee: Facet Technology Corp.Inventors: James E. Retterath, Robert A. Laumeyer, Steven A. Chapman
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Publication number: 20040156531Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2003Publication date: August 12, 2004Applicant: Facet Technology CorporationInventors: James E. Retterath, Robert A. Laumeyer
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Publication number: 20040035198Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2003Publication date: February 26, 2004Applicant: Facet Technology Corp.Inventors: James E. Retterath, Robert A. Laumeyer, Steven A. Chapman
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Patent number: 6674878Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 30, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Facet Technology Corp.Inventors: James E. Retterath, Robert A. Laumeyer
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Patent number: 6609423Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 23, 2002Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Assignee: Facet Technology Corp.Inventors: James E. Retterath, Robert A. Laumeyer, Steven A. Chapman