Patents by Inventor Konrad Klein
Konrad Klein 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: 11879725Abstract: The invention relates to an optical measuring method for three-dimensionally capturing the surface of an object by means of an optical capturing unit, wherein the optical capturing unit is moved relative to the object during a first measurement time period, the object is illuminated by the capturing unit with an illumination beam having a light intensity, height images are captured by the capturing unit in succession at a capturing frequency, at least some of the captured height images during the measurement time period are added to form a total height image and the total height image is displayed, and the light intensity and/or the capturing frequency are controlled during the measurement time period by control signals, the control signals being produced at time intervals during the measurement time period and each control signal being produced on the basis of at least one sensor signal of a temperature sensor.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2019Date of Patent: January 23, 2024Assignee: DENTSPLY SIRONA INC.Inventors: Konrad Klein, Peter Fritz, Anders Adamson
-
Patent number: 11412993Abstract: A system for scanning anatomical structures and for visualizing the scanning result, wherein the system includes an intraoral scanner, which intraorally captures an image of the anatomical structures, an extraoral detection unit, which detects a spatial position of the intraoral scanner relative to an observer or a person conducting the scan, and a computing unit, which, during the scanning procedure, connects the scanner with a screen and the detection unit and generates a scanning result based on the intraorally captured image of the anatomical structures and the detected spatial position of the intraoral scanner relative to the observer, and which, during pauses in the scanning procedure, estimates the position, orientation and scaling of the anatomical structures and, as a scanning result, generates an image of the anatomical structures corresponding to the estimation, and wherein the screen displays the scanning result generated by the computing unit.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2016Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc.Inventors: Severin Stalder, Markus Berner, Konrad Klein
-
Publication number: 20210298884Abstract: The invention relates to an optical measuring method for three-dimensionally capturing the surface of an object by means of an optical capturing unit, wherein the optical capturing unit is moved relative to the object during a first measurement time period, the object is illuminated by the capturing unit with an illumination beam having a light intensity, height images are captured by the capturing unit in succession at a capturing frequency, at least some of the captured height images during the measurement tune period are added to form a total height image and the total height image is displayed, and the light intensity and/or the capturing frequency are controlled during the measurement time period by control signals, the control signals being produced at time intervals during the measurement time period and each control signal being produced on the basis of at least one sensor signal of a temperature sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2019Publication date: September 30, 2021Applicant: DENTSPLY SIRONA INC.Inventors: Konrad KLEIN, Peter FRITZ, Anders ADAMSON
-
Publication number: 20210267461Abstract: The invention relates to an optical measuring method for the three-dimensional detection of the surface of an object using an optical recording unit. The optical recording unit is moved relative to the object during a first measurement time interval, height maps are successively detected by the recording unit at a recording frequency, and at least some of the detected height maps are each added to an overall height map and displayed. The recording frequency is regulated by control signals during the measurement time interval. The control signals are generated spaced apart in time and for the purposes of producing each control signal, a statistic for the quality of the height map is determined for the respectively last detected height image and used for producing the control signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2019Publication date: September 2, 2021Applicant: DENTSPLY SIRONA INC.Inventors: Konrad KLEIN, Peter FRITZ, Anders ADAMSON
-
Publication number: 20200163533Abstract: The invention relates to a window system for an intraoral scanner. Said window system comprises an optical element having a thermal conductivity of more than 1 W m?1 K?1. A window, which comprises a pane made for example of a plastic, glass, or corundum, is detachably disposed on the optical element at an average distance of less than 1 mm. At least one heat source is also connected to the optical element. The invention further relates to an intraoral scanner. Said intraoral scanner comprises the window system. The optical element and the at least one heat source are connected to the intraoral scanner. The window is disposed in a cover. Said cover can be disposed on the intraoral scanner such that the window has an average distance of less than 1 mm from the optical element.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2018Publication date: May 28, 2020Applicant: DENTSPLY SIRONA INC.Inventors: Hong-Keun KIM, Martin WOHANKA, Konrad KLEIN
-
Patent number: 10127347Abstract: A method is proposed for creating a virtual articulator for a jaw and the associated dentition having the following steps: image a virtual model of the teeth of the maxilla (140); image a virtual model of the teeth of the mandible (130); buccal imaging of the position and orientation of the teeth (130, 140) of the maxilla and mandible in the closed-bite position; buccal imaging of the position and orientation of the teeth (130, 140) of the maxilla and mandible in a slightly open position; computational determination of the position of the condylar articulation axis (150) relative to the teeth (130, 140) of the mandible and/or maxilla from the imaged positions and orientations; and a virtual articulator can thereby be created without having to possess special knowledge, e.g. of the dimensions of a specific mechanical articulator or any adapter elements, or their arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2013Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Assignee: Sirona Dental Systems GmbHInventor: Konrad Klein
-
Publication number: 20180192964Abstract: A system for scanning anatomical structures and for visualizing the scanning result, wherein the system includes an intraoral scanner, which intraorally captures an image of the anatomical structures, an extraoral detection unit, which detects a spatial position of the intraoral scanner relative to an observer or a person conducting the scan, and a computing unit, which, during the scanning procedure, connects the scanner with a screen and the detection unit and generates a scanning result based on the intraorally captured image of the anatomical structures and the detected spatial position of the intraoral scanner relative to the observer, and which, during pauses in the scanning procedure, estimates the position, orientation and scaling of the anatomical structures and, as a scanning result, generates an image of the anatomical structures corresponding to the estimation, and wherein the screen displays the scanning result generated by the computing unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2016Publication date: July 12, 2018Applicant: DENTSPLY SIRONA inc.Inventors: Severin STALDER, Markus BERNER, Konrad KLEIN
-
Publication number: 20160162631Abstract: A method is proposed for creating a virtual articulator for a jaw and the associated dentition having the following steps: image a virtual model of the teeth of the maxilla (140); image a virtual model of the teeth of the mandible (130); buccal imaging of the position and orientation of the teeth (130, 140) of the maxilla and mandible in the closed-bite position; buccal imaging of the position and orientation of the teeth (130, 140) of the maxilla and mandible in a slightly open position; computational determination of the position of the condylar articulation axis (150) relative to the teeth (130, 140) of the mandible and/or maxilla from the imaged positions and orientations; and a virtual articulator can thereby be created without having to possess special knowledge, e.g. of the dimensions of a specific mechanical articulator or any adapter elements, or their arrangement.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2013Publication date: June 9, 2016Applicant: Sirona Dental Systems GMBHInventor: Konrad Klein
-
Patent number: 8830303Abstract: A dental 3D camera for optically scanning a three-dimensional object, and a method for operating a dental 3D camera. The camera operates in accordance with a triangulation procedure to acquire a plurality of images of the object. The method comprises forming at least one comparative signal based on at least two images of the object acquired by the camera while at least one pattern is projected on the object, and determining at least one camera shake index based on the at least one comparative signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2012Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Sirona Dental Systems GmbHInventors: Joachim Pfeiffer, Konrad Klein
-
Patent number: 8615128Abstract: For the purpose of 3D scanning the surface of an object by optical double triangulation using the phase-shifting method, more particularly for dental purposes, at least two 3D scans of the same object (1) are carried out at different triangulation angles (?1, ?2), the first angle of which is known and the second angle of which is known at least approximately. For each pixel (Bi) of the phase related image (?1(x,y)), a wave number (wz(xi,yi) is determined using the second phase related image, the integral portion of which is equal to the order (n) of the uniqueness range (E1) in which the respective pixel (Bi) is located. The wave number (wz(x,y)) is optimized, at least for a random sample of m pixels (Bi), by minimizing a non-integral portion of the wave number (wz (xi,yi)?[wz(xi,yi)]).Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2009Date of Patent: December 24, 2013Assignee: Sirona Dental Systems GmbHInventors: Axel Schwotzer, Konrad Klein
-
Publication number: 20120327192Abstract: A dental 3D camera for optically scanning a three-dimensional object, and a method for operating a dental 3D camera. The camera operates in accordance with a triangulation procedure to acquire a plurality of images of the object. The method comprises forming at least one comparative signal based on at least two images of the object acquired by the camera while at least one pattern is projected on the object, and determining at least one camera shake index based on the at least one comparative signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2012Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: SIRONA DENTAL SYSTEMS GMBHInventors: Joachim Pfeiffer, Konrad Klein
-
Patent number: 8334894Abstract: A dental 3D camera for optically scanning a three-dimensional object, and a method for operating a dental 3D camera. The camera operates in accordance with a triangulation procedure to acquire a plurality of images of the object. The method comprises forming at least one comparative signal based on at least two images of the object acquired by the camera while at least one pattern is projected on the object, and determining at least one camera shake index based on the at least one comparative signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2009Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: Sirona Dental Systems GmbHInventors: Joachim Pfeiffer, Konrad Klein
-
Publication number: 20110311105Abstract: For the purpose of 3D scanning the surface of an object by optical double triangulation using the phase-shifting method, more particularly for dental purposes, at least two 3D scans of the same object (1) are carried out at different triangulation angles (?1, ?2), the first angle of which is known and the second angle of which is known at least approximately. For each pixel (Bi) of the phase related image (?1(x,y)), a wave number (wz(xi,yi) is determined using the second phase related image, the integral portion of which is equal to the order (n) of the uniqueness range (E1) in which the respective pixel (Bi) is located. The wave number (wz(x,y)) is optimized, at least for a random sample of m pixels (Bi), by minimizing a non-integral portion of the wave number (wz (xi,yi)?[wz(xi,yi)]).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2009Publication date: December 22, 2011Applicant: SIRONA DENTAL SYATEMS GMBHInventors: Axel Schwotzer, Konrad Klein
-
Publication number: 20100158490Abstract: A dental 3D camera for optically scanning a three-dimensional object, and a method for operating a dental 3D camera. The camera operates in accordance with a triangulation procedure to acquire a plurality of images of the object. The method comprises forming at least one comparative signal based on at least two images of the object acquired by the camera while at least one pattern is projected on the object, and determining at least one camera shake index based on the at least one comparative signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2009Publication date: June 24, 2010Applicant: SIRONA DENTAL SYSTEMS GMBHInventors: JOACHIM PFEIFFER, KONRAD KLEIN
-
Patent number: 7707126Abstract: A method and apparatus for use with a system including a processor that controls a resource configuration to perform a sequence including a plurality of cells, the method for programming the processor to help a system operator restart the sequence after the sequence is halted, the method comprising the steps of, during a commissioning procedure, the method including the steps of providing a sequence including at least one conditional section including at least one decision cell that determines which of at least two different subsets of conditional cells (cell subsets) to perform during the at least one conditional section, beginning with the first sequence cell, performing each cell, after each cell is performed, identifying resource operating characteristics (ROCs), correlating the identified ROCs with a cell identifier and storing the identified ROCs as required ROCs along with the cell identifier for subsequent use during a restart procedure.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2004Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Konrad Klein, Keith McRitchie
-
Publication number: 20080046101Abstract: A control element, in particular for a vehicle, is provided including a plurality of individual modules which change the shape of the control element as a function of the context. There are a plurality of degrees of freedom of adjustment which are enabled or disabled as a function of the control element context, it being possible to adapt the external shape of the control element to the enabled degrees of freedom of adjustment of the control element by raising and/or lowering at least one of the individual modules. The control element may be used, for example, in a motor vehicle operator control system.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2005Publication date: February 21, 2008Applicant: DAIMLERCHRYSLER AGInventors: Konrad Klein, Bernhard Straub
-
Publication number: 20060031715Abstract: A method and apparatus for use with a system including a processor that controls a resource configuration to perform a sequence including a plurality of cells, the method for programming the processor to help a system operator restart the sequence after the sequence is halted, the method comprising the steps of, during a commissioning procedure, the method including the steps of providing a sequence including at least one conditional section including at least one decision cell that determines which of at least two different subsets of conditional cells (cell subsets) to perform during the at least one conditional section, beginning with the first sequence cell, performing each cell, after each cell is performed,identifying resource operating characteristics (ROCs), correlating the identified ROCs with a cell identifier and storing the identified ROCs as required ROCs along with the cell identifier for subsequent use during a restart procedure.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2004Publication date: February 9, 2006Inventors: Konrad Klein, Keith McRitchie
-
Patent number: 5838251Abstract: A method and a device with which data can be programmed into a vehicle component are provided. It is proposed to keep available at a central office the data which it encodes upon request with a code that is specific to the vehicle component and transmits it to the requesting location, and decoding is performed only in the vehicle component itself. In this way, a high level of protection against unauthorized attempts to acquire data during transmission of this data to be programmed into the component is ensured. Suitable devices for working the method include direct connectability of the individual vehicle component to a programming device at the requesting location for direct programming, or alternatively, intermediate connection of an intermediate storage component. In this way, for example, mobility-limiting key programming can be achieved that is highly protected against manipulation. The method and device are usable in vehicles with an anti-theft protection system and for vehicle rental systems.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1996Date of Patent: November 17, 1998Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AGInventors: Horst Brinkmeyer, Guenter Schwegler, Brigitte Althen, Bertolt Krueger, Konrad Klein, Thomas Krehbiehl, Guenther Metsch
-
Patent number: 5726885Abstract: The invention provides a hire vehicle transport system of the type in which a plurality of usable vehicles are available for hire at one or more collection and return points, and a control center performs control and monitoring functions. The collection and return points are equipped with automatic collection and return machines which issue, to authorized persons, driving authorizations for the vehicles parked at the respective collection and return point in the form of associated vehicle keys and take back again the keys of the vehicles parked there at the end of the journey. The automatic collection and return machines have a data exchange link with the control center. According to the invention, the control center is configured as a disposition center which ascertains the individual availability of vehicles at the collection and return points and makes reservations for individual vehicles using the availability analysis.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 1995Date of Patent: March 10, 1998Assignee: Daimler-Benz AGInventors: Konrad Klein, Gunter Metsch
-
Patent number: 4470253Abstract: A spinning frame of the type having a main drafting zone through which two fiber bands move in spaced parallel relation for subsequent twisting into a single yarn is provided with a first pair of rollers located at the entrance to the main drafting zone, a second pair of rollers located at the exit of the main drafting zone, a pair of endless leather tapes extending about a roller in each of the first and second pair of rollers, and a third pair of rollers for delivering two fiber bands from the main drafting zone to a suitable twisting device.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 1982Date of Patent: September 11, 1984Assignee: Firma Zinser Textilmaschinen GmbHInventors: Gunter Schulz, Friedrich Dinkelmann, Konrad Klein, Roland Emberger