Patents by Inventor Matthew D. Engle

Matthew D. Engle 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: 11966810
    Abstract: This invention provides a system for separating a field of view (FOV) of a scene imaged by a vision system camera assembly, in which a separating mirror assembly redirects a first optical path of at least a first optics with respect to at least a first image sensor in the camera assembly. A first reflecting assembly redirects the first optical path from the separating mirror toward a first FOV. The first optical path is extended free of splitting the image. The separating mirror assembly redirects a second optical path of a second optics with respect to a second image sensor in the camera assembly. A second reflecting assembly redirects the second optical path from the separating mirror toward a second FOV. The second optical path is extended free of splitting the image projected from the scene on the second image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Cognex Corporation
    Inventors: Laurens Nunnink, Bennet Heidekorn, Jens Ruetten, Martijn Lambertus Peter Visser, Carl W. Gerst, III, William Equitz, Matthew D. Engle
  • Patent number: 11323629
    Abstract: This invention provides a single-camera vision system, typically for use in logistics applications, that allows for adjustment of the camera viewing angle to accommodate a wide range of object heights and associated widths moving relative to an imaged scene with constant magnification. The camera assembly employs an image sensor that is more particularly suited to such applications, with an aspect (height-to-width) ratio of approximately 1:4 to 1:8. The camera assembly includes a distance sensor to determine the distance to the top of each object. The camera assembly employs a zoom lens that can change at relatively high speed (e.g. <10 ms) to allow adjustment of the viewing angle from object to object as each one passes under the camera's field of view (FOV). Optics that allow the image to be resolved on the image sensor within the desired range of viewing angles are provided in the camera lens assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Cognex Corporation
    Inventors: Laurens Nunnink, Esther Oteo Lozano, Richard Reuter, Matthew D. Engle
  • Patent number: 11301657
    Abstract: The present invention relates to optical imaging devices and methods for reading optical codes. The image device comprises a sensor, a lens, a plurality of illumination devices, and a plurality of reflective surfaces. The sensor is configured to sense with a predetermined number of lines of pixels, where the predetermined lines of pixels are arranged in a predetermined position. The lens has an imaging path along an optical axis. The plurality of illumination devices are configured to transmit an illumination pattern along the optical axis, and the plurality of reflective surfaces are configured to fold the optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: COGNEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nicole Dippel, Esther Oteo, Laurens Nunnink, Carl W. Gerst, Matthew D. Engle
  • Patent number: 11100301
    Abstract: The present invention relates to optical imaging devices and methods for reading optical codes. The image device comprises a sensor, a lens, a plurality of illumination devices, and a plurality of reflective surfaces. The sensor is configured to sense with a predetermined number of lines of pixels, where the predetermined lines of pixels are arranged in a predetermined position. The lens has an imaging path along an optical axis. The plurality of illumination devices are configured to transmit an illumination pattern along the optical axis, and the plurality of reflective surfaces are configured to fold the optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: COGNEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Esther Oteo, Laurens Nunnink, Matthew D. Engle, Carl W. Gerst, III
  • Publication number: 20210097247
    Abstract: The present invention relates to optical imaging devices and methods for reading optical codes. The image device comprises a sensor, a lens, a plurality of illumination devices, and a plurality of reflective surfaces. The sensor is configured to sense with a predetermined number of lines of pixels, where the predetermined lines of pixels are arranged in a predetermined position. The lens has an imaging path along an optical axis. The plurality of illumination devices are configured to transmit an illumination pattern along the optical axis, and the plurality of reflective surfaces are configured to fold the optical axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Inventors: Nicole Dippel, Esther Oteo, Laurens Nunnink, Carl W. Gerst, Matthew D. Engle
  • Publication number: 20200387682
    Abstract: The present invention relates to optical imaging devices and methods for reading optical codes. The image device comprises a sensor, a lens, a plurality of illumination devices, and a plurality of reflective surfaces. The sensor is configured to sense with a predetermined number of lines of pixels, where the predetermined lines of pixels are arranged in a predetermined position. The lens has an imaging path along an optical axis. The plurality of illumination devices are configured to transmit an illumination pattern along the optical axis, and the plurality of reflective surfaces are configured to fold the optical axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2020
    Publication date: December 10, 2020
    Inventors: Esther Oteo, Laurens Nunnink, Matthew D. Engle, Carl W. Gerst
  • Patent number: 10701275
    Abstract: This invention provides a single-camera vision system, typically for use in logistics applications, that allows for adjustment of the camera viewing angle to accommodate a wide range of object heights and associated widths moving relative to an imaged scene with constant magnification. The camera assembly employs an image sensor that is more particularly suited to such applications, with an aspect (height-to-width) ratio of approximately 1:4 to 1:8. The camera assembly includes a distance sensor to determine the distance to the top of each object. The camera assembly employs a zoom lens that can change at relatively high speed (e.g. <10 ms) to allow adjustment of the viewing angle from object to object as each one passes under the camera's field of view (FOV). Optics that allow the image to be resolved on the image sensor within the desired range of viewing angles are provided in the camera lens assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: COGNEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Laurens Nunnink, Esther Oteo Lozano, Richard Reuter, Matthew D. Engle
  • Publication number: 20200160012
    Abstract: This invention provides a system for separating a field of view (FOV) of a scene imaged by a vision system camera assembly, in which a separating mirror assembly redirects a first optical path of at least a first optics with respect to at least a first image sensor in the camera assembly. A first reflecting assembly redirects the first optical path from the separating mirror toward a first FOV. The first optical path is extended free of splitting the image. The separating mirror assembly redirects a second optical path of a second optics with respect to a second image sensor in the camera assembly. A second reflecting assembly redirects the second optical path from the separating mirror toward a second FOV. The second optical path is extended free of splitting the image projected from the scene on the second image sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Publication date: May 21, 2020
    Inventors: Laurens Nunnink, Bennet Heidekorn, Jens Ruetten, Martijn Lambertus Peter Visser, Carl W. Gerst, III, William Equitz, Matthew D. Engle
  • Patent number: 10565413
    Abstract: The present invention relates to optical imaging devices and methods for reading optical codes. The image device comprises a sensor, a lens, a plurality of illumination devices, and a plurality of reflective surfaces. The sensor is configured to sense with a predetermined number of lines of pixels, where the predetermined lines of pixels are arranged in a predetermined position. The lens has an imaging path along an optical axis. The plurality of illumination devices are configured to transmit an illumination pattern along the optical axis, and the plurality of reflective surfaces are configured to fold the optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: COGNEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Esther Oteo, Laurens Nunnink, Matthew D. Engle, Carl W. Gerst
  • Patent number: 10445544
    Abstract: This invention provides a field of view expander (FOVE) removably attached to a vision system camera having an image sensor defining an image plane. In an embodiment the FOVE includes first and second mirrors that transmit light from a scene in respective first and second partial fields of view along first and second optical axes. Third and fourth mirrors respectively receive reflected light from the first and second mirrors. The third and fourth mirrors reflect the received light onto the image plane in a first strip and a second strip adjacent to the first strip. The first and second optical axes are approximately parallel and a first focused optical path length between the scene and the image plane and a second focused optical path between the image plane and the scene are approximately equal in length. The optical path can be rotated at a right angle in embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: COGNEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Laurens Nunnink, Carl W. Gerst, III, William Equitz, Matthew D. Engle
  • Publication number: 20190138774
    Abstract: The present invention relates to optical imaging devices and methods for reading optical codes. The image device comprises a sensor, a lens, a plurality of illumination devices, and a plurality of reflective surfaces. The sensor is configured to sense with a predetermined number of lines of pixels, where the predetermined lines of pixels are arranged in a predetermined position. The lens has an imaging path along an optical axis. The plurality of illumination devices are configured to transmit an illumination pattern along the optical axis, and the plurality of reflective surfaces are configured to fold the optical axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Inventors: Esther Oteo, Laurens Nunnink, Matthew D. Engle, Carl W. Gerst
  • Publication number: 20190034676
    Abstract: This invention provides a field of view expander (FOVE) removably attached to a vision system camera having an image sensor defining an image plane. In an embodiment the FOVE includes first and second mirrors that transmit light from a scene in respective first and second partial fields of view along first and second optical axes. Third and fourth mirrors respectively receive reflected light from the first and second mirrors. The third and fourth mirrors reflect the received light onto the image plane in a first strip and a second strip adjacent to the first strip. The first and second optical axes are approximately parallel and a first focused optical path length between the scene and the image plane and a second focused optical path between the image plane and the scene are approximately equal in length. The optical path can be rotated at a right angle in embodiments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventors: Laurens Nunnink, Carl W. Gerst, III, William Equitz, Matthew D. Engle
  • Patent number: 10116870
    Abstract: This invention provides a single-camera vision system, typically for use in logistics applications, that allows for adjustment of the camera viewing angle to accommodate a wide range of object heights and associated widths moving relative to an imaged scene with constant magnification. The camera assembly employs an image sensor that is more particularly suited to such applications, with an aspect (height-to-width) ratio of approximately 1:4 to 1:8. The camera assembly includes a distance sensor to determine the distance to the top of each object. The camera assembly employs a zoom lens that can change at relatively high speed (e.g. <10 ms) to allow adjustment of the viewing angle from object to object as each one passes under the camera's field of view (FOV). Optics that allow the image to be resolved on the image sensor within the desired range of viewing angles are provided in the camera lens assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Cognex Corporation
    Inventors: Laurens Nunnink, Esther Oteo Lozano, Richard Reuter, Matthew D. Engle
  • Patent number: 9996721
    Abstract: The present invention relates to optical imaging devices and methods for reading optical codes. The image device comprises a sensor, a lens, a plurality of illumination devices, and a plurality of reflective surfaces. The sensor is configured to sense with a predetermined number of lines of pixels, where the predetermined lines of pixels are arranged in a predetermined position. The lens has an imaging path along an optical axis. The plurality of illumination devices are configured to transmit an illumination pattern along the optical axis, and the plurality of reflective surfaces are configured to fold the optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: COGNEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Esther Oteo, Laurens Nunnink, Matthew D Engle, Carl W Gerst, III
  • Publication number: 20180060626
    Abstract: The present invention relates to optical imaging devices and methods for reading optical codes. The image device comprises a sensor, a lens, a plurality of illumination devices, and a plurality of reflective surfaces. The sensor is configured to sense with a predetermined number of lines of pixels, where the predetermined lines of pixels are arranged in a predetermined position. The lens has an imaging path along an optical axis. The plurality of illumination devices are configured to transmit an illumination pattern along the optical axis, and the plurality of reflective surfaces are configured to fold the optical axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Esther Oteo, Laurens Nunnink, Matthew D Engle, Carl W Gerst, III
  • Patent number: 9892298
    Abstract: This invention provides a field of view expander (FOVE) removably attached to a vision system camera having an image sensor defining an image plane. In an embodiment the FOVE includes first and second mirrors that transmit light from a scene in respective first and second partial fields of view along first and second optical axes. Third and fourth mirrors respectively receive reflected light from the first and second mirrors. The third and fourth mirrors reflect the received light onto the image plane in a first strip and a second strip adjacent to the first strip. The first and second optical axes are approximately parallel and a first focused optical path length between the scene and the image plane and a second focused optical path between the image plane and the scene are approximately equal in length. The optical path can be rotated at a right angle in embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: COGNEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Laurens Nunnink, Carl W. Gerst, III, William Equitz, Matthew D. Engle
  • Patent number: 9857575
    Abstract: This invention provides a field of view expander (FOVE) removably attached to a vision system camera having an image sensor defining an image plane. In an embodiment the FOVE includes first and second mirrors that transmit light from a scene in respective first and second partial fields of view along first and second optical axes. Third and fourth mirrors respectively receive reflected light from the first and second mirrors. The third and fourth mirrors reflect the received light onto the image plane in a first strip and a second strip adjacent to the first strip. The first and second optical axes are approximately parallel and a first focused optical path length between the scene and the image plane and a second focused optical path between the image plane and the scene are approximately equal in length. The optical path can be rotated at a right angle in embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: COGNEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Laurens Nunnink, Carl Gerst, William Equitz, Matthew D. Engle
  • Patent number: 9734372
    Abstract: The described mobile device for optically reading a machine-interpretable code, used for example in an order picking system for consumer and/or consumable goods, includes a head-mountable scanner with a code reader and a control unit controlling the head-mounted scanner to switch the code reader between a detection mode and a reading mode. In the detection mode, the code reader operates in a low power mode sufficient to detect the presence of a machine-interpretable code. The control unit switches the code reader into the higher-powered reading mode when the code is detected to optically read the code. A wireless communication device may also be provided to wirelessly transmit information corresponding to the scanned code to a remote receiving unit for storage and/or data processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: OCADO INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Lars Sverker Ture Lindbo, Paul Clarke, Matthew D. Engle
  • Publication number: 20160188936
    Abstract: This invention provides a field of view expander (FOVE) removably attached to a vision system camera having an image sensor defining an image plane. In an embodiment the FOVE includes first and second mirrors that transmit light from a scene in respective first and second partial fields of view along first and second optical axes. Third and fourth mirrors respectively receive reflected light from the first and second mirrors. The third and fourth mirrors reflect the received light onto the image plane in a first strip and a second strip adjacent to the first strip. The first and second optical axes are approximately parallel and a first focused optical path length between the scene and the image plane and a second focused optical path between the image plane and the scene are approximately equal in length. The optical path can be rotated at a right angle in embodiments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: Laurens Nunnink, Carl W. Gerst, III, William Equitz, Matthew D. Engle
  • Publication number: 20160132707
    Abstract: The described mobile device for optically reading a machine-interpretable code, used for example in an order picking system for consumer and/or consumable goods, includes a head-mountable scanner with a code reader and a control unit controlling the head-mounted scanner to switch the code reader between a detection mode and a reading mode. In the detection mode, the code reader operates in a low power mode sufficient to detect the presence of a machine-interpretable code. The control unit switches the code reader into the higher-powered reading mode when the code is detected to optically read the code. A wireless communication device may also be provided to wirelessly transmit information corresponding to the scanned code to a remote receiving unit for storage and/or data processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Applicant: OCADO INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Lars Sverker Ture LINDBO, Paul CLARKE, Matthew D. ENGLE