Patents by Inventor Robert D. Lorentz

Robert D. Lorentz 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: 11847661
    Abstract: Systems and methods for authenticating material samples are provided. Digital images of the samples are processed to extract computer-vision features, which are used to train a classification algorithm along with location and optional time information. The extracted features/information of a test sample are evaluated by the trained classification algorithm to identify the test sample. The results of the evaluation are used to track and locate counterfeits or authentic products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Nicholas A. Asendorf, Jennifer F. Schumacher, Robert D. Lorentz, James B. Snyder, Golshan Golnari, Muhammad Jamal Afridi
  • Publication number: 20210229834
    Abstract: The systems and techniques of this disclosure relate to improving work safety in confined spaces by, for example, using machine vision to analyze location marking labels in the confined space to control an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) within the confined space. In one example, a system includes a UAV that includes an imaging device and a processor communicatively coupled to the imaging device. The processor may be configured to receive, from the imaging device, an image of a confined space, detect a location marking label within the image, process the image to decode data embedded on the location marking label, and control navigation of the UAV within the confined space based on the data decoded from the location marking label.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Publication date: July 29, 2021
    Inventors: James W. Howard, James L.C. Werness, Jr., Caroline M. Ylitalo, Claire R. Donoghue, John A. Wheatley, Robert D. Lorentz, Tien Yi T.H. Whiting, Matthew E. Sousa, Carla H. Barnes
  • Publication number: 20210216940
    Abstract: In one example, a system includes one or more personal protective equipment (PPE) devices each configured to be worn by a worker, the PPE devices each including one or more sensors that generate activity data indicative of activities of workers operating within one or more work environments. The system also includes a computing device, the computing device configured to: identify, based at least on the activity data, a plurality of clusters of one or more entities, wherein each entity of the entities is associated with one or more of the workers; and output an indication of a difference between performance by a target entity with respect to safety events and performance by the cluster that includes the target entity with respect to safety events.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventors: Nicholas A. Asendorf, Saber Taghvaeeyan, Ronald D. Jesme, Justin M. Johnson, Robert W. Shannon, Robert D. Lorentz, Andrew H. Tilstra, Eric C. Lobner, Steven T. Awiszus, Glenn E. Casner, Kiran S. Kanukurthy
  • Patent number: 10997543
    Abstract: In one example, a system includes one or more personal protective equipment (PPE) devices each configured to be worn by a worker, the PPE devices each including one or more sensors that generate activity data indicative of activities of workers operating within one or more work environments. The system also includes a computing device, the computing device configured to: identify, based at least on the activity data, a plurality of clusters of one or more entities, wherein each entity of the entities is associated with one or more of the workers; and output an indication of a difference between performance by a target entity with respect to safety events and performance by the cluster that includes the target entity with respect to safety events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Nicholas A. Asendorf, Saber Taghvaeeyan, Ronald D. Jesme, Justin M. Johnson, Robert W. Shannon, Robert D. Lorentz, Andrew H. Tilstra, Eric C. Lobner, Steven T. Awiszus, Glenn E. Casner, Kiran S. Kanukurthy
  • Publication number: 20200364513
    Abstract: Systems and methods for authenticating material samples are provided. Digital images of the samples are processed to extract computer-vision features, which are used to train a classification algorithm along with location and optional time information. The extracted features/information of a test sample are evaluated by the trained classification algorithm to identify the test sample. The results of the evaluation are used to track and locate counterfeits or authentic products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2018
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Inventors: Nicholas A. Asendorf, Jennifer F. Schumacher, Robert D. Lorentz, James B. Snyder, Golshan Golnari, Muhammad Jamal Afridi
  • Patent number: 10769402
    Abstract: A non-contact friction ridge capture device is described. The device comprises a device housing, the device housing including an electronics compartment and an illumination shield, with an opening between the electronics compartment and the illumination shield into which a user can insert the user's hand. The device further comprising a camera disposed in the electronics compartment for capturing an image of at least one friction ridge surface on a user's hand. The device further comprises a light source disposed in the electronics compartment, the light source emitting light in the direction of the illumination shield, wherein the peak wavelength of emitted light is in the range of 440 to 570 nanometers (nm). The user's hand is not required to contact the device when the camera captures the image of at least one friction ridge surface on a user's hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Thales Dis France SA
    Inventors: David J. Badzinski, Robert L. Brott, Alexander Domek, Douglas Dunn, Jonathan D. Grandrud, Robert D. Lorentz, Michael A. Meis, Theresa Meyer, Anthony J. Sabelli, Shannon D. Scott, Blake R. Shamla, Robert W. Shannon, John A. Wheatley, Glenn E. Casner, Brett A. Howell
  • Publication number: 20190347597
    Abstract: In one example, a system includes one or more personal protective equipment (PPE) devices each configured to be worn by a worker, the PPE devices each including one or more sensors that generate activity data indicative of activities of workers operating within one or more work environments. The system also includes a computing device, the computing device configured to: identify, based at least on the activity data, a plurality of clusters of one or more entities, wherein each entity of the entities is associated with one or more of the workers; and output an indication of a difference between performance by a target entity with respect to safety events and performance by the cluster that includes the target entity with respect to safety events.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2019
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Inventors: Nicholas A. Asendorf, Saber Taghvaeeyan, Ronald D. Jesme, Justin M. Johnson, Robert W. Shannon, Robert D. Lorentz, Andrew H. Tilstra, Eric C. Lobner, Steven T. Awiszus, Glenn E. Casner, Kiran S. Kanukurthy
  • Patent number: 10405796
    Abstract: Methods for estimating and predicting tooth wear based upon a single 3D digital model of teeth. The 3D digital model is segmented to identify individual teeth within the model. A digital model of a tooth is selected from the segmented model, and its original shape is predicted. The digital model is compared with the predicted original shape to estimate wear areas. A mapping function based upon values relating to tooth wear can also be applied to the selected digital model to predict wear of the tooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Evan J. Ribnick, Guruprasad Somasundaram, Brian J. Stankiewicz, Aya Eid, Ravishankar Sivalingam, Shannon D. Scott, Anthony J. Sabelli, Robert D. Lorentz
  • Patent number: 10127196
    Abstract: A mobile device comprises a sensor to produce image data containing a visual representation of a plurality of physical notes, each of the physical notes comprising separate physical objects, a processor, and at least one module. The module can process the image data to determine boundaries for each of the plurality of physical notes and to determine, based on the boundaries, one or more characteristics for each of the physical notes. The module can also create a digital note representative of each of the plurality of physical notes, apply a set of rules to identify any of the rules that specify criteria satisfied by one or more characteristics of the physical notes, and for each of the identified rules, perform one or more actions specified by the rule to each of the digital notes for which the characteristics of the physical notes satisfies the criteria specified by the rule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Richard J. Moore, Guruprasad Somasundaram, Diane R. Wolk, Brian J. Stankiewicz, Robert D. Lorentz, Scott D. Pearson, Shingo Moriyasu
  • Publication number: 20180268193
    Abstract: A non-contact friction ridge capture device is described. The device comprises a device housing, the device housing including an electronics compartment and an illumination shield, with an opening between the electronics compartment and the illumination shield into which a user can insert the user's hand. The device further comprising a camera disposed in the electronics compartment for capturing an image of at least one friction ridge surface on a user's hand. The device further comprises a light source disposed in the electronics compartment, the light source emitting light in the direction of the illumination shield, wherein the peak wavelength of emitted light is in the range of 440 to 570 nanometers (nm). The user's hand is not required to contact the device when the camera captures the image of at least one friction ridge surface on a user's hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Publication date: September 20, 2018
    Inventors: David J. BADZINSKI, Robert L. BROTT, Alexander DOMEK, Douglas DUNN, Jonathan D. GRANDRUD, Robert D. LORENTZ, Michael A. MEIS, Theresa MEYER, Anthony J. SABELLI, Shannon D. SCOTT, Blake R. SHAMLA, Robert W. SHANNON, John A. WHEATLEY, Glenn E. CASNER, Brett A. HOWELL
  • Publication number: 20170311873
    Abstract: Methods for estimating and predicting tooth wear based upon a single 3D digital model of teeth. The 3D digital model is segmented to identify individual teeth within the model. A digital model of a tooth is selected from the segmented model, and its original shape is predicted. The digital model is compared with the predicted original shape to estimate wear areas. A mapping function based upon values relating to tooth wear can also be applied to the selected digital model to predict wear of the tooth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Evan J. Ribnick, Guruprasad Somasundaram, Brian J. Stankiewicz, Aya Eid, Ravishankar Sivalingam, Shannon D. Scott, Anthony J. Sabelli, Robert D. Lorentz
  • Patent number: 9782302
    Abstract: A wetness sensor includes a substrate that carries a tuned RF circuit. The circuit includes a conductive pattern applied to the substrate, a capacitor, and a jumper all disposed on a same side of the substrate. The conductive pattern includes an inductive coil, and an inner and outer terminus. The jumper electrically couples the inner terminus to the outer terminus. The jumper also includes a frangible link which, when contacted by a target fluid, produces a drastic change in the operation of the RF circuit. The drastic change can be interpreted by a remote reader as a “wet” condition. Contact of the frangible link by the target fluid may change the impedance or resistance of the RF circuit by at least a factor of 5, 10, 100, or more, and/or may cause the frangible link to disintegrate to produce an open circuit, and/or may substantially render the RF circuit inoperative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Justin M. Johnson, Lori-Ann S. Prioleau, Brinda B. Badri, James C. Vanous, Robert D. Lorentz, Jacob D. Chatterton, Steven J. Perron, Donald R. Battles
  • Publication number: 20170252227
    Abstract: A wetness sensor includes a self-supporting substrate and an electrically conductive trace carried by the substrate. The trace is patterned to provide at least a portion of a tuned RF circuit, which may be disposed on only one side of the substrate and characterized by an impedance or resistance. The trace is not self-supporting. The substrate is adapted to dissolve, swell, or otherwise degrade when contacted by a target fluid. Such degradation produces a drastic change in the operation of the RF circuit, which can be interpreted by a remote reader as a “wet” condition. Contact of the substrate by the target fluid may change the impedance or resistance of the RF circuit by at least a factor of 5, 10, 100, or 1000, and/or may cause the trace to disintegrate so as to provide the RF circuit with an open circuit, and/or may substantially render the RF circuit inoperative.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Publication date: September 7, 2017
    Inventors: Lori-Ann S. Prioleau, Justin M. Johnson, Robert D. Lorentz, Brinda B. Badri, James C. Vanous, Jacob D. Chatterton, Steven J. Perron, Donald R. Battles, Badri Veeraraghavan
  • Patent number: 9737257
    Abstract: Methods for estimating and predicting tooth wear based upon a single 3D digital model of teeth. The 3D digital model is segmented to identify individual teeth within the model. A digital model of a tooth is selected from the segmented model, and its original shape is predicted. The digital model is compared with the predicted original shape to estimate wear areas. A mapping function based upon values relating to tooth wear can also be applied to the selected digital model to predict wear of the tooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Evan J. Ribnick, Guruprasad Somasundaram, Brian J. Stankiewicz, Aya Eid, Ravishankar Sivalingam, Shannon D. Scott, Anthony J. Sabelli, Robert D. Lorentz
  • Patent number: 9681996
    Abstract: A wetness sensor includes a self-supporting substrate and an electrically conductive trace carried by the substrate. The trace is patterned to provide at least a portion of a tuned RF circuit, which may be disposed on only one side of the substrate and characterized by an impedance or resistance. The trace is not self-supporting. The substrate is adapted to dissolve, swell, or otherwise degrade when contacted by a target fluid. Such degradation produces a drastic change in the operation of the RF circuit, which can be interpreted by a remote reader as a “wet” condition. Contact of the substrate by the target fluid may change the impedance or resistance of the RF circuit by at least a factor of 5, 10, 100, or 1000, and/or may cause the trace to disintegrate so as to provide the RF circuit with an open circuit, and/or may substantially render the RF circuit inoperative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Lori-Ann S. Prioleau, Justin M. Johnson, Robert D. Lorentz, Brinda B. Badri, James C. Vanous, Jacob D. Chatterton, Steven J. Perron, Donald R. Battles, Badri Veeraraghavan
  • Patent number: 9563696
    Abstract: At least some aspects of the present disclosure feature systems and methods for managing notes. The note management system includes a note source, a note recognition module, a note extraction module, and a note labeling module. The note source is a visual representation of a scene having a note. The note recognition module is configured to receive the visual representation and determine a general boundary of the note from the visual representation. The note extraction module is configured to extract content of the note from the visual representation based on the determined general boundary. The note labeling module is configured to label the note with a category.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Willem V. Bastiaens, Gabriel A. Biller, Kristopher W. Clover, Brian R. Hackerson, Masuma W. Henry, Stephen M. June, Brian L. Linzie, Robert D. Lorentz, David M. Mahli, Richard J. Moore, Cristin E. Moran, Michael E. O'Brien, Scott D. Pearson, Dennard J. Powell, Olen Ronning, Guruprasad Somasundaram, Brian J. Stankiewicz, Diane R. Wolk
  • Publication number: 20160220173
    Abstract: Methods for estimating and predicting tooth wear based upon a single 3D digital model of teeth. The 3D digital model is segmented to identify individual teeth within the model. A digital model of a tooth is selected from the segmented model, and its original shape is predicted. The digital model is compared with the predicted original shape to estimate wear areas. A mapping function based upon values relating to tooth wear can also be applied to the selected digital model to predict wear of the tooth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Inventors: Evan J. Ribnick, Guruprasad Somasundaram, Brian J. Stankiewicz, Aya Eid, Ravishankar Sivalingam, Shannon D. Scott, Anthony J. Sabelli, Robert D. Lorentz
  • Patent number: 9378426
    Abstract: At least some aspects of the present disclosure feature systems and methods for note recognition. The note recognition system includes a sensor, a note recognition module, and a note extraction module. The sensor is configured to capture a visual representation of a scene having one or more notes. The note recognition module is coupled to the sensor. The note recognition module is configured to receive the captured visual representation and determine a general boundary of a note from the captured visual representation. The note extraction module is configured to extract content of the note from the captured visual representation based on the determined general boundary of the note.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Gabriel A. Biller, Kristopher W. Clover, Masuma W. Henry, Stephen M. June, Brian L. Linzie, Robert D. Lorentz, David M. Mahli, Richard J. Moore, Cristin E. Moran, Tasuku Nakayama, Scott D. Pearson, Dennard J. Powell, Olen Ronning, Guruprasad Somasundaram, Brian J. Stankiewicz, Diane R. Wolk
  • Publication number: 20150262023
    Abstract: At least some aspects of the present disclosure feature systems and methods for note recognition. The note recognition system includes a sensor, a note recognition module, and a note extraction module. The sensor is configured to capture a visual representation of a scene having one or more notes. The note recognition module is coupled to the sensor. The note recognition module is configured to receive the captured visual representation and determine a general boundary of a note from the captured visual representation. The note extraction module is configured to extract content of the note from the captured visual representation based on the determined general boundary of the note.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventors: Gabriel A. Biller, Kristopher W. Clover, Masuma W. Henry, Stephen M. June, Brian L. Linzie, Robert D. Lorentz, David M. Mahli, Richard J. Moore, Cristin E. Moran, Tasuku Nakayama, Scott D. Pearson, Dennard J. Powell, Olen Ronning, Guruprasad Somasundaram, Brian J. Stankiewicz, Diane R. Wolk
  • Patent number: 9070036
    Abstract: At least some aspects of the present disclosure feature systems and methods for note recognition. The note recognition system includes a sensor, a note recognition module, and a note extraction module. The sensor is configured to capture a visual representation of a scene having one or more notes. The note recognition module is coupled to the sensor. The note recognition module is configured to receive the captured visual representation and determine a general boundary of a note from the captured visual representation. The note extraction module is configured to extract content of the note from the captured visual representation based on the determined general boundary of the note.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Gabriel A. Biller, Kristopher W. Clover, Masuma W. Henry, Stephen M. June, Brian L. Linzie, Robert D. Lorentz, David M. Mahli, Richard J. Moore, Cristin E. Moran, Tasuku Nakayama, Scott D. Pearson, Dennard J. Powell, Olen Ronning, Guruprasad Somasundaram, Brian J. Stankiewicz, Diane R. Wolk