Patents by Inventor Ralph Weisner

Ralph Weisner 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).

  • Z-axis measurement system
    Patent number: 4920273
    Abstract: This invention concerns an optical system for use with a television camera for detecting the surface location of an object. A preferred optical image having a distinct, unique, recognizable pattern is projected on a surface along a defined path that ultimately falls on an imaging sensor associated with a television camera. The optical configuration causes a maximum light pattern energy to fall on the image sensor when the focal point coincides exactly with the surface of the object being detected. The system is not an automatic focussing system, since best focus is normally considered to be that condition which produces an image of maximum detail and sharpness, and the present invention does not rely on detail or sharpness of image for its operation. The invention can be used as an automatic focussing device if desired, since best focus can be derived as a useful by-product of accurate surface detection. In operation the camera moves in the Z direction through the point of maximum light pattern energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1990
    Assignee: View Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Sacks, Ralph Weisner
  • Z-axis height measurement system
    Patent number: 4743771
    Abstract: This invention concerns an optical system for use with a television camera for detecting the surface location of an object. A preferred optical image having a distinct, unique, recognizable pattern is projected on a surface along a defined path that ultimately falls on an imaging sensor associated with a television camera. The optical configuration causes a maximum light pattern energy to fall on the image sensor when the focal point coincides exactly with the surface of the object being detected. The system is not an automatic focussing system, since best focus is normally considered to be that condition which produces an image of maximum detail and sharpness, and the present invention does not rely on detail or sharpness of image for its operation. The invention can be used as an automatic focussing device if desired, since best focus can be derived as a useful by-product of accurate surface detection. In operation the camera moves in the Z direction through the point of maximum light pattern energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1988
    Assignee: View Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Sacks, Ralph Weisner