Patents by Inventor Oliver Zweigle

Oliver Zweigle 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: 20190392622
    Abstract: A system and method of generating a two-dimensional (2D) image of an environment is provided. The system includes a 2D scanner having a controller that determines a distance value to at least one of the object points. One or more processors are operably coupled to the 2D scanner, the one or more processors being responsive to nontransitory executable instructions for generating a plurality of 2D submaps of the environment based at least in part on the distance value, each submap generated from a different point in the environment. A map editor is provided that is configured to: select a subset of submaps from the plurality of 2D submaps; and generate the 2D image of the environment using the subset of 2D submaps. The method provides for realigning of 2D submaps to improve the quality of a global 2D map.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2019
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventors: João Santos, Ahmad Ramadneh, Aleksej Frank, Oliver Zweigle
  • Publication number: 20190340433
    Abstract: A system that includes computer executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations including receiving a first 2D map of a location. The first 2D map was generated at a first time based on first scan data from a coordinate measurement scanner and a portable computing device. The coordinate measurement scanner includes a light source, a first image sensor, and a controller. The portable computing device includes a second image sensor. A second 2D map of the location is received. The second 2D map was generated at a second time based on second scan data from the coordinate measurement scanner and the portable computing device. The first 2D map is aligned with the second 2D map, and their contents are compared. Any differences in the contents of the first 2D map and the second 2D map are output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2019
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Inventors: Aleksej Frank, Oliver Zweigle, Ahmad Ramadneh, Joao Santos
  • Publication number: 20190339391
    Abstract: A system and method of measuring 3D points is provided. The method includes defining a first frame of reference with a mobile computing device. A second frame of reference is defined with a mobile 3D measurement device. The mobile computing device is moved within a predetermined distance of the mobile 3D measurement device. The first frame of reference and the second frame of reference are registered when the mobile computing device is within the predetermined distance from the mobile 3D measurement device. The mobile computing device is moved along a path to define a trajectory in the first frame of reference. The trajectory is transmitted to the mobile 3D measurement device. The mobile 3D measurement device is moved along the trajectory in response to receiving the trajectory. 3D coordinates of point on an object are acquired with the mobile 3D measurement device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Inventors: João Santos, Aleksej Frank, Ahmad Ramadneh, Oliver Zweigle
  • Publication number: 20190335160
    Abstract: A system for using an augmented reality (AR) enabled mobile computing device for performing one-touch registration of three-dimensional (3D) scans of an environment is provided. The system includes one or more processors, a mobile computing device, and a 3D scanner being movable from a first position to a second position. The processors are responsive to executable instructions which cause the 3D scanner at the first and second positions to determine 3D coordinates of a first and second collection of points on object surfaces in the environment. In addition, the 3D scanner receives an estimated location of the mobile computing device from the mobile device in response to the 3D scanner being in contact with the mobile computing device at the first and second locations. A registration of the first collection of points and the second collection of points is based on the estimated locations of the mobile computing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Publication date: October 31, 2019
    Inventors: Ahmad Ramadneh, Aleksej Frank, Joao Santos, Oliver Zweigle
  • Publication number: 20190325592
    Abstract: A system and method of generating a two-dimensional image of an environment is provided. The system includes a 2D scanner that comprises a light source, an image sensor and a controller. The controller determines a distance value to at least one of the object points. An inertial measurement unit is coupled to the scanner and has a first sensor. The first sensor has a first characteristic. A mobile computing device is removably coupled to the 2D scanner, the mobile computing device having a second sensor, the second sensor having a second characteristic. Processors are provided that are responsive to compare the first characteristic and the second characteristic and select one of the first or second sensor based on the comparison. The processors are further generate an image of the environment based on a signal from the selected first or second sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2018
    Publication date: October 24, 2019
    Inventors: Oliver Zweigle, Ahmad Ramadneh, Aleksej Frank, Joao Santos
  • Patent number: 10445913
    Abstract: One or more embodiments are described for generating a two dimensional map of an environment using a set of submaps that include point clouds of the environment that are captured using a scanner device that is moved from one position to another in the environment. An example method includes revising the two-dimensional map by editing at least one of the submaps from the set, independently of the other submaps from the set. In one or more examples, the editing may be based on one or more of the other submaps from the set. The one or more embodiments facilitate revising the two-dimensional map in an offline manner and without rescanning the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Joao Santos, Ahmad Ramadneh, Aleksej Frank, Oliver Zweigle
  • Patent number: 10447991
    Abstract: According to one or more embodiments, a system of generating a two-dimensional (2D) map of an environment includes a 2D scanner and a wall sensor positioned at a fixed position with respect to the 2D scanner, the wall sensor detects a presence of an internal element inside a wall in the environment. Further, the system includes one or more processors operably coupled to the 2D scanner and the wall sensor. The processors generate a wall map of a wall in the environment, the wall map including an occupancy grid with a plurality of cells, a cell representative of a corresponding portion of the wall, and the cell indicative of the occupancy of an internal element in the corresponding portion. Further, the processors associate the wall map with a location of the wall in the 2D map of the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Oliver Zweigle, Ahmad Ramadneh, Aleksej Frank, João Santos
  • Publication number: 20190304150
    Abstract: A system that includes a coordinate measurement scanner having a first image sensor, one or more processors coupled to the scanner for generating a 2D image of the environment, a portable computing device having a second image sensor coupled to the one or more processors, and a mapping system. The one or more processors correlate a location captured by a first image from the portable computing device with the location in the 2D image of the environment in response to the first image being acquired by the second image sensor. The system further includes a mapping system configured to: generate a 2D map based on the 2D image of the environment, apply image recognition to the first image to identify and label an object in the first image, and update the 2D map based at least in part on the label of the object in the first image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Inventors: Oliver Zweigle, Joao Santos, Aleksej Frank, Ahmad Ramadneh
  • Patent number: 10408606
    Abstract: An inspection system for measuring an object is provided. The inspection system includes an entryway sized to receive the object. At least two non-contact coordinate measurement devices are positioned with a field of view being at least partially within or adjacent to the entryway, each of the at least two non-contact coordinate measurement devices being operable to measure 3D coordinates for a plurality of points on the object as one of the object or the entryway move from a first position to a final position. A pose measurement device is operable to determine the six-degree of freedom (6DOF) pose of the object. One or more processors are provided that register the 3D coordinates for the plurality of points from each of the at least two non-contact coordinate measurement devices based at least in part on the 6DOF pose of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Simon Raab, Bernd-Dietmar Becker, Rolf Heidemann, Steffen Kappes, João Santos, Oliver Zweigle, Aleksej Frank
  • Publication number: 20190272655
    Abstract: One or more embodiments are described for generating a two dimensional map of an environment using a set of submaps that include point clouds of the environment that are captured using a scanner device that is moved from one position to another in the environment. An example method includes revising the two-dimensional map by editing at least one of the submaps from the set, independently of the other submaps from the set. In one or more examples, the editing may be based on one or more of the other submaps from the set. The one or more embodiments facilitate revising the two-dimensional map in an offline manner and without rescanning the environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2018
    Publication date: September 5, 2019
    Inventors: Joao Santos, Ahmad Ramadneh, Aleksej Frank, Oliver Zweigle
  • Publication number: 20190249980
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a kinematic nest that supports an element having a spherical surface, a rotation mechanism that rotates the element, and processor that activates the rotation mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Muhammad Umair Tahir, Oliver Zweigle, Robert E. Bridges
  • Publication number: 20190251741
    Abstract: Technical solutions are described for generating an augmented reality map of an environment. An example method includes obtaining, by a 2D scanner, a 2D scan set including 2D coordinates of points in the environment. The method further includes capturing and displaying, by a portable computing device, a live video stream of a field of view, the portable computing device being fixed at a relative position with respect to the 2D scanner. The method further includes displaying a selection marker overlaid on the live video stream at a location in response to a user input. The method further includes projecting a beam of visible light on an object point in the field of view, corresponding to the location on the display of the selection marker. The method further includes receiving, via the portable computing device, a selection input and in response generating and storing an annotation at the object point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Oliver Zweigle, Ahmad Ramadneh, Aleksej Frank, Joao Santos
  • Publication number: 20190170876
    Abstract: A method for measuring and registering 3D coordinates has a 3D scanner measure a first collection of 3D coordinates of points from a first registration position. A 2D scanner collects horizontal 2D scan sets as 3D measuring device moves from first to second registration positions. A processor determines first and second translation values and a first rotation value based on collected 2D scan sets. 3D scanner measures a second collection of 3D coordinates of points from second registration position. Processor adjusts second collection of points relative to first collection of points based at least in part on first and second translation values and first rotation value. Processor identifies a correspondence among registration targets in first and second collection of 3D coordinates, and uses this correspondence to further adjust the relative position and orientation of first and second collection of 3D coordinates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2019
    Publication date: June 6, 2019
    Inventors: Oliver Zweigle, Bernd-Dietmar Becker, Reinhard Becker
  • Publication number: 20190156568
    Abstract: A system and method for scanning an environment and generating an annotated 2D map is provided. The system includes a 2D scanner having a light source, an image sensor and a first controller. The first controller determines a distance value to at least one of the object points. The system further includes a 360° camera having a movable platform, and a second controller that merges the images acquired by the cameras to generate an image having a 360° view in a horizontal plane. The system also includes processors coupled to the 2D scanner and the 360° camera. The processors are responsive to generate a 2D map of the environment based at least in part on a signal from an operator and the distance value. The processors being further responsive for acquiring a 360° image and integrating it at a location on the 2D map.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Aleksej Frank, Matthias Wolke, Oliver Zweigle
  • Publication number: 20190154806
    Abstract: A system and method for analyzing a surface of an object is provided. The system includes a 3D measurement device operable to acquire a plurality of points on the surface of the object and determine 3D coordinates for each of the points. The system further includes processors operably coupled to the 3D measurement device. The processors are responsive to computer instructions when executed on the processors for performing a method comprising: generating a point cloud from the 3D coordinates of the plurality of points; extracting a first set of points from the plurality of points; defining a first reference geometry through the first set of points; measuring at least one first metric from each of the points in the first set of points to the first reference geometry; and identifying a nonconforming feature based at least in part on the at least one first metric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Oliver Zweigle, Aleksej Frank, Johannes Buback
  • Publication number: 20190137627
    Abstract: A mobile three-dimensional (3D) measuring system includes a 3D measuring device, a multi-legged stand coupled to the 3D measuring device, and a motorized dolly detachably coupled to the multi-legged stand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Inventors: Oliver Zweigle, Bernd-Dietmar Becker, Hamidreza Rajaie, Robert E. Bridges
  • Patent number: 10282854
    Abstract: A method and system of generating a two-dimensional map with an optical scanner is provided. The method comprises acquiring coordinate data of points in an area being scanned with a mobile optical scanner. A current 2D map from the coordinate data is generated. A copy of the current 2D map is saved on a periodic or aperiodic basis. At least one data registration error is identified in the current 2D map. The saved copy of the current 2D map from a point in time prior to the registration error is determined. A second data set of coordinate data acquired after the determined saved copy is identified. The second data set is aligned to the determined saved copy to form a new current 2D map. The new current 2D map is stored in memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Oliver Zweigle, Aleksej Frank, Bernd-Dietmar Becker
  • Patent number: 10203413
    Abstract: A method for measuring and registering 3D coordinates has a 3D scanner measure a first collection of 3D coordinates of points from a first registration position. A 2D scanner collects horizontal 2D scan sets as 3D measuring device moves from first to second registration positions. A processor determines first and second translation values and a first rotation value based on collected 2D scan sets. 3D scanner measures a second collection of 3D coordinates of points from second registration position. Processor adjusts second collection of points relative to first collection of points based at least in part on first and second translation values and first rotation value. Processor identifies a correspondence among registration targets in first and second collection of 3D coordinates, and uses this correspondence to further adjust the relative position and orientation of first and second collection of 3D coordinates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Oliver Zweigle, Bernd-Dietmar Becker, Reinhard Becker
  • Patent number: 10175360
    Abstract: A mobile three-dimensional (3D) measuring system includes a 3D measuring device, a multi-legged stand coupled to the 3D measuring device, and a motorized dolly detachably coupled to the multi-legged stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Oliver Zweigle, Bernd-Dietmar Becker, Hamidreza Rajaie, Robert E. Bridges
  • Patent number: 10126415
    Abstract: A system includes a measurement device configured to measure a distance, a first angle, and a second angle to a retroreflector target. The system further includes a probe having the retroreflector target, an inclinometer sensor, a camera, and a processor, the inclinometer sensor configured to determine a two-dimensional inclination of the probe relative to a gravity vector, the camera configured to capture an image of a light emitted from or reflected by the measurement device, the processor configured to determine six degrees of freedom of the probe based at least in part on the distance, the first angle, the second angle, the two-dimensional inclination, and the captured image of the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Bernd-Dietmar Becker, Rolf Heidemann, Oliver Zweigle, Matthias Wolke