Patents by Inventor Rex M. Craig

Rex M. Craig 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: 9041915
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to systems and methods for the capture of information regarding scenes using single or multiple three-dimensional LADAR systems. Where multiple systems are included, those systems can be placed in different positions about the imaged scene such that each LADAR system provides different viewing perspectives and/or angles. In accordance with further embodiments, the single or multiple LADAR systems can include two-dimensional focal plane arrays, in addition to three-dimensional focal plane arrays, and associated light sources for obtaining three-dimensional information about a scene, including information regarding the contours of the objects within the scene. Processing of captured image information can be performed in real time, and processed scene information can include data frames that comprise three-dimensional and two-dimensional image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: BALL AEROSPACE & TECHNOLOGIES CORP.
    Inventors: Ronald P. Earhart, Rex M. Craig, Christian J. Grund, Bevan Staple, Carl S. Weimer
  • Publication number: 20120044476
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to systems and methods for the capture of information regarding scenes using single or multiple three-dimensional LADAR systems. Where multiple systems are included, those systems can be placed in different positions about the imaged scene such that each LADAR system provides different viewing perspectives and/or angles. In accordance with further embodiments, the single or multiple LADAR systems can include two-dimensional focal plane arrays, in addition to three-dimensional focal plane arrays, and associated light sources for obtaining three-dimensional information about a scene, including information regarding the contours of the objects within the scene. Processing of captured image information can be performed in real time, and processed scene information can include data frames that comprise three-dimensional and two-dimensional image data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: BALL AEROSPACE & TECHNOLOGIES CORP.
    Inventors: Ronald P. Earhart, Rex M. Craig, Christian J. Grund, Bevan Staple, Carl S. Weimer
  • Patent number: 7961301
    Abstract: The present invention pertains in general to a single, integrated flash LADAR system and method. The system includes data processing hardware and software, a passive two-dimensional camera, a three-dimensional camera, a light source, and a common optical path. One or more star trackers can also be included. In addition, auxiliary components, such as an inertial measurement unit and a global positioning system receiver can be included. The system can be closely integrated with a critical algorithm suite that operates in multiple modes, in real-time to enable landing, docking, and navigation functions, such as Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC), Altimetry, Velocimetry, Terrain Relative Navigation (TRN), Hazard Detection and Avoidance (HDA), and dust penetration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Ronald P. Earhart, Rex M. Craig, Christian J. Grund, Ian J. Gravseth, Xiaopei Huang, Carl S. Weimer
  • Publication number: 20100208244
    Abstract: The present invention pertains in general to a single, integrated flash LADAR system and method. The system includes data processing hardware and software, a passive two-dimensional camera, a three-dimensional camera, a light source, and a common optical path. One or more star trackers can also be included. In addition, auxiliary components, such as an inertial measurement unit and a global positioning system receiver can be included. The system can be closely integrated with a critical algorithm suite that operates in multiple modes, in real-time to enable landing, docking, and navigation functions, such as Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC), Altimetry, Velocimetry, Terrain Relative Navigation (TRN), Hazard Detection and Avoidance (HDA), and dust penetration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: BALL AEROSPACE & TECHNOLOGIES CORP.
    Inventors: Ronald P. Earhart, Rex M. Craig, Christian J. Grund, Ian J. Gravseth, Xiaopei Huang, Carl S. Weimer