Patents by Inventor Kent Kahle
Kent Kahle 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: 20240060774Abstract: An augmented-reality device is used with a surveying system to guide a base station, such as a total station, during relock after loss of line of sight with a surveying instrument, such as a surveying pole with a reflective prism. A position of the surveying instrument in relation to the augmented-reality device is calculated while an object in the environment blocks line of sight from the base station to the surveying instrument. A position of the surveying instrument in relation to the environment is calculated based on the position of the surveying instrument in relation to the augmented-reality device. The position of the surveying instrument in relation to the environment is used by the base station to point toward to the surveying instrument.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2023Publication date: February 22, 2024Applicant: Trimble Inc.Inventors: Kent Kahle, David Hyland, Benedict JG Atkins, Eliot Jones, Marc Howell, Steven Ostrowski
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Patent number: 11869159Abstract: A laser scanner is used with a mixed reality device to track and/or locate objects in an environment, such as a construction site. In some configurations, mixed reality is used to assist laser scanning. A collection of data points representing a point cloud can be acquired with a laser scanner. A reference frame of a mixed-reality device is aligned to the data of the point cloud. A graphic is presented on a display of the mixed-reality device. The graphic is positioned on the display in relation to the environment, based on the reference frame of the mixed-reality device being aligned to data of the point cloud. An item in the environment is tracked (e.g., a hazard or a tool). Data is provided to the mixed-reality device regarding a position of the item in the environment.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2022Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: Trimble Inc.Inventors: Kent Kahle, Jordan Lawver
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Patent number: 11821730Abstract: An augmented-reality system is combined with a surveying system to make measurement and/or layout at a construction site more efficient. A reflector can be mounted to a wearable device having an augmented-reality system. A total station can be used to track a reflector, and truth can be transferred to the wearable device while an obstruction is between the total station and the reflector. Further, a target can be used to orient a local map of a wearable device to an environment based on a distance between the target and the wearable device.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2022Date of Patent: November 21, 2023Assignee: Trimble Inc.Inventors: Kent Kahle, David Hyland, Benedict JG Atkins, Eliot Jones, Marc Howell, Steven Ostrowski
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Publication number: 20230351541Abstract: An augmented-reality device is aligned with an environment using a correction source. A position of a reflector (or other device that is part of a surveying system) coupled with a surveying rod is measured in relation to a correction. A position of a visual design, which is coupled with the surveying rod, is measured in relation to an augmented-reality device, based on an image of the visual design acquired by the augmented-reality device. A coordinate system of the augmented-reality device is aligned with the environment based on the position of the reflector in relation to the correction source, the position of the visual design in relation to the augmented-reality device, and an offset between the reflector and visual design.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2022Publication date: November 2, 2023Applicant: Trimble Inc.Inventors: Young Jin Lee, Scott Graybill, Matthew Fonken, Ashish Dhital, Jordan Lawver, Kent Kahle
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Publication number: 20230152093Abstract: An augmented-reality system is combined with a surveying system to make measurement and/or layout at a construction site more efficient. A reflector can be mounted to a wearable device having an augmented-reality system. A total station can be used to track a reflector, and truth can be transferred to the wearable device while an obstruction is between the total station and the reflector. Further, a target can be used to orient a local map of a wearable device to an environment based on a distance between the target and the wearable device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2022Publication date: May 18, 2023Applicant: Trimble Inc.Inventors: Kent Kahle, David Hyland, Benedict JG Atkins, Eliot Jones, Marc Howell, Steven Ostrowski
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Patent number: 11512956Abstract: An augmented-reality system is combined with a surveying system to make measurement and/or layout at a construction site more efficient. A reflector can be mounted to a wearable device having an augmented-reality system. A total station can be used to track a reflector, and truth can be transferred to the wearable device while an obstruction is between the total station and the reflector. Further, a target can be used to orient a local map of a wearable device to an environment based on a distance between the target and the wearable device.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2020Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: Trimble Inc.Inventors: Kent Kahle, David Hyland, Benedict J G Atkins, Eliot Jones, Marc Howell, Steven Ostrowski
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Publication number: 20220358731Abstract: A laser scanner is used with a mixed reality device to track and/or locate objects in an environment, such as a construction site. In some configurations, mixed reality is used to assist laser scanning. A collection of data points representing a point cloud can be acquired with a laser scanner. A reference frame of a mixed-reality device is aligned to the data of the point cloud. A graphic is presented on a display of the mixed-reality device. The graphic is positioned on the display in relation to the environment, based on the reference frame of the mixed-reality device being aligned to data of the point cloud. An item in the environment is tracked (e.g., a hazard or a tool). Data is provided to the mixed-reality device regarding a position of the item in the environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2022Publication date: November 10, 2022Applicant: Trimble Inc.Inventors: Kent Kahle, Jordan Lawver
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Patent number: 11373381Abstract: A system for integrating high-density laser scanner data with mixed-reality is disclosed. In some implementations, the system may acquire, using a laser scanner, a collection of data points representing a three-dimensional point cloud, wherein the laser scanner includes: a laser configured to generate an optical beam; a beam-steering device configured to steer the optical beam; and a detector configured to receive light from the optical beam, after light from the optical beam is reflected from an object in an environment. The system may transmit data of the point cloud to the augmented-reality device, wherein the augmented-reality device comprises: one or more cameras configured to acquire images of the environment; and a display configured to render graphics on the display. The system may align a reference frame of the augmented-reality device to the data of the point cloud.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2021Date of Patent: June 28, 2022Assignee: Trimble Inc.Inventors: Kent Kahle, Jordan Lawver
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Publication number: 20220011104Abstract: An augmented-reality system is combined with a surveying system to make measurement and/or layout at a construction site more efficient. A reflector can be mounted to a wearable device having an augmented-reality system. A total station can be used to track a reflector, and truth can be transferred to the wearable device while an obstruction is between the total station and the reflector. Further, a target can be used to orient a local map of a wearable device to an environment based on a distance between the target and the wearable device.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2020Publication date: January 13, 2022Inventors: Kent Kahle, David Hyland, Benedict JG Atkins, Eliot Jones, Marc Howell, Steven Ostrowski
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Publication number: 20220011103Abstract: An augmented-reality system is combined with a surveying system to make measurement and/or layout at a construction site more efficient. A reflector can be mounted to a wearable device having an augmented-reality system. A total station can be used to track a reflector, and truth can be transferred to the wearable device while an obstruction is between the total station and the reflector. Further, a target can be used to orient a local map of a wearable device to an environment based on a distance between the target and the wearable device.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2020Publication date: January 13, 2022Inventors: Kent Kahle, David Hyland, Benedict JG Atkins, Eliot Jones, Marc Howell, Steven Ostrowski
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Patent number: 11221217Abstract: An augmented-reality system is combined with a surveying system to make measurement and/or layout at a construction site more efficient. A reflector can be mounted to a wearable device having an augmented-reality system. A total station can be used to track a reflector, and truth can be transferred to the wearable device while an obstruction is between the total station and the reflector. Further, a target can be used to orient a local map of a wearable device to an environment based on a distance between the target and the wearable device.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2020Date of Patent: January 11, 2022Assignee: Trimble Inc.Inventors: Kent Kahle, David Hyland, Benedict J G Atkins, Eliot Jones, Marc Howell, Steven Ostrowski
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Patent number: 11181991Abstract: A system and method for determining a position and orientation (e.g., pose) of a rigid body. The rigid body may be a position enabled projector, a surveying rod, a power tool, a drill robot, etc., in a given space. The position of the rigid body is specified by a set of three coordinates and the orientation is specified by a set of three angles. As such, based on these six values, the position and orientation of the rigid body can be determined.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2018Date of Patent: November 23, 2021Assignee: Hilti AktiengesellschaftInventors: Kent Kahle, Sascha Korl, Andreas Winter, Scott Graybill
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Patent number: 11002541Abstract: A Position and Orientation Measurement Engine (POME) is a mobile camera system that can be used for accurate indoor measurement (e.g., at a construction site). The POME uses a plurality of cameras to acquire images of a plurality of targets. If locations of the plurality of targets are precisely known, images of the targets can be used to determine a position of the POME in relation to the plurality of targets. However, to precisely determine locations of the plurality of targets can be time consuming and/or use expensive equipment. This disclosure discusses how to use a camera system with an electronic distance measuring unit to determine locations of the plurality of targets.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2019Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: Trimble Inc.Inventors: Young Jin Lee, Kent Kahle, Malte Seidler, Paul Montgomery, Andreas Winter
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Patent number: 10997747Abstract: A Position and Orientation Measurement Engine (POME) is a mobile camera system that can be used for accurate indoor measurement (e.g., at a construction site). The POME uses a plurality of cameras to acquire images of a plurality of targets. If locations of the plurality of targets are precisely known, images of the targets can be used to determine a position of the POME in relation to the plurality of targets. However, to precisely determine locations of the plurality of targets can be time consuming and/or use expensive equipment. This disclosure discusses how to use the POME itself to determine locations of the plurality of targets.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2019Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: Trimble Inc.Inventors: Young Jin Lee, Kent Kahle, Malte Seidler
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Publication number: 20210025705Abstract: A Position and Orientation Measurement Engine (POME) is a mobile camera system that can be used for accurate indoor measurement (e.g., at a construction site). The POME uses a plurality of cameras to acquire images of a plurality of targets. If locations of the plurality of targets are precisely known, images of the targets can be used to determine a position of the POME in relation to the plurality of targets. However, to precisely determine locations of the plurality of targets can be time consuming and/or use expensive equipment. This disclosure discusses how to use a camera system with an electronic distance measuring unit to determine locations of the plurality of targets.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2019Publication date: January 28, 2021Inventors: Young Jin Lee, Kent Kahle, Malte Seidler, Paul Montgomery, Andreas Winter
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Publication number: 20200357134Abstract: A Position and Orientation Measurement Engine (POME) is a mobile camera system that can be used for accurate indoor measurement (e.g., at a construction site). The POME uses a plurality of cameras to acquire images of a plurality of targets. If locations of the plurality of targets are precisely known, images of the targets can be used to determine a position of the POME in relation to the plurality of targets. However, to precisely determine locations of the plurality of targets can be time consuming and/or use expensive equipment. This disclosure discusses how to use the POME itself to determine locations of the plurality of targets.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2019Publication date: November 12, 2020Inventors: Young Jin Lee, Kent Kahle, Malte Seidler
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Publication number: 20200218366Abstract: A system and method for determining a position and orientation (e.g., pose) of a rigid body. The rigid body may be a position enabled projector, a surveying rod, a power tool, a drill robot, etc., in a given space. The position of the rigid body is specified by a set of three coordinates and the orientation is specified by a set of three angles. As such, based on these six values, the position and orientation of the rigid body can be determined.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2018Publication date: July 9, 2020Applicant: Hilti AktiengesellschaftInventors: Kent KAHLE, Sascha KORL, Andreas WINTER, Scott GRAYBILL
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Publication number: 20200151848Abstract: A system and method for surface profiling via a projection system, such as a position enabled projector. By way of example, a three-dimensional representation of a physical object, such as an uneven surface of the object, may be generated and profiled. The three-dimensional representation may be a 3D point cloud, a surface mesh, or any other suitable type of representation. A two-dimensional image to be projected onto the surface may undergo an image transformation based on the generated 3D representation of the surface. The transformed image is then projected onto the surface, where the image points projected are at their true positions with true scale. Moreover, the projected image may be automatically updated when the projector is moved to a new position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2018Publication date: May 14, 2020Inventors: Kent KAHLE, Vinod KHARE, Sascha KORL, Andreas WINTER
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Patent number: 10646975Abstract: Multiple cameras are used for tool positioning, as-built documentation, and/or personnel monitoring in construction site. A camera unit comprises one or more imaging devices, a processing computer, and a communication device. The camera units are placed at multiple locations in a construction site to cover an area. The camera units are self-positioned by detecting a calibration target that moves within a working volume. The camera units can detect and calculate positions of objects, including measurement sticks, tools, personnel, etc., in the area.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2019Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: Trimble Inc.Inventors: Kent Kahle, Young Jin Lee
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Patent number: 10460267Abstract: A method for reporting as-built data of a project is disclosed. In one embodiment, at least one attribute of a task perform by a handheld tool is recorded at the handheld tool. The attribute of the at least one task is reported via a wireless communication link to an information management system. The at least one attribute of the task is used to update a record of a project stored at the information management system.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2012Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignee: Trimble Inc.Inventors: Kent Kahle, Pat Bohle, Markus Messmer, Oliver Glockner, Angela Beckenbauer, Till Cramer, Andreas Winter