Patents by Inventor Robert E. Bridges

Robert E. Bridges 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).

  • Method and apparatus for following an operator and locking onto a retroreflector with a laser tracker
    Patent number: 9772394
    Abstract: A method for measuring three-dimensional (3D) coordinates includes providing a retroreflector and a laser tracker. In a first instance, an operator gives a follow-operator gesture. The laser tracker responds by following movement of the operator. In a second instance, the operator gives a lock-on gesture. The laser tracker responds by steering a beam of light onto the retroreflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Kalyan Nagalla, Robert C. Mehler, Robert E. Bridges
  • TRIANGULATION SCANNER AND CAMERA FOR AUGMENTED REALITY
    Publication number: 20170251192
    Abstract: A method of combining 2D images into a 3D image includes providing a coordinate measurement device and a triangulation scanner having an integral camera associated therewith, the scanner being separate from the coordinate measurement device. In a first instance, the coordinate measurement device determines the position and orientation of the scanner and the integral camera captures a first 2D image. In a second instance, the scanner is moved, the coordinate measurement device determines the position and orientation of the scanner, and the integral camera captures a second 2D image. A cardinal point common to the first and second images is found and is used, together with the first and second images and the positions and orientations of the scanner in the first and second instances, to create the 3D image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventor: Robert E. Bridges
  • Combination scanner and tracker device having a focusing mechanism
    Patent number: 9746560
    Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) coordinate measurement device combines tracker and scanner functionality. The tracker function is configured to send light to a retroreflector and determine distance to the retroreflector based on the reflected light. The tracker is also configured to track the retroreflector as it moves, and to determine 3D coordinates of the retroreflector. The scanner is configured to send a beam of light to a point on an object surface and to determine 3D coordinate of the point. In addition, the scanner is configured to adjustably focus the beam of light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth Steffey, Robert E. Bridges, David H. Parker
  • Apparatus and method to compensate bearing runout in an articulated arm coordinate measurement machine
    Patent number: 9746304
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for correcting errors in a bearing cartridge used in a portable articulated arm coordinate measurement machine (AACMM) is provided. The method includes providing a cartridge having a first bearing and a second bearing arranged in a fixed relationship to define an axis, the cartridge further including an angle measurement device configured to measure a rotation of a portion of the cartridge about the axis. A plurality of angles is measured with the angle measurement device. A first plurality of displacements is determined at a first position along the axis, each of the first plurality of displacements being associated with one of the plurality of angles. Compensation values are determined based at least in part on the plurality of angles and the first plurality of displacements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Robert E. Bridges, Raymond Sullivan, Eric J. Moy, Michael J. Hale
  • ARTICULATED ARM COORDINATE MEASUREMENT MACHINE THAT USES A 2D CAMERA TO DETERMINE 3D COORDINATES OF SMOOTHLY CONTINUOUS EDGE FEATURES
    Publication number: 20170211927
    Abstract: A portable articulated arm coordinate measuring machine (AACMM) having an integrated camera captures 2D images of an object at three or more different poses. A processor determines 3D coordinates of a smoothly continuous edge point of the object based at least in part on the captured 2D images and pose data provided by the AACMM.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Publication date: July 27, 2017
    Inventors: Robert E. Bridges, Joydeep Yadav
  • LENGTH ARTIFACT AND METHOD OF MEASUREMENT
    Publication number: 20170199025
    Abstract: A length artifact has a first side wall, a second side wall, and a base portion, the first side wall and the second side wall separated by an air gap at least four millimeters wide, the base portion being attached to a bottom of the first side wall and the second side wall, the base portion further having a first platform region that includes a first nest and a second platform region that includes a second nest, the first nest and the second nest configured to accept a spherical surface of a retroreflector target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventor: Robert E. Bridges
  • REGISTRATION OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL COORDINATES MEASURED ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR PORTIONS OF AN OBJECT
    Publication number: 20170191822
    Abstract: A dimensional measuring device includes an overview camera and a triangulation scanner. A six-DOF tracking device tracks the dimensional measuring device as the triangulation scanner measures three-dimensional (3D) coordinates on an exterior of the object. Cardinal points identified by the overview camera are used to register in a common frame of reference 3D coordinates measured by the triangulation scanner on the interior and exterior of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: Bernd-Dietmar Becker, Robert E. Bridges, Ariane Stiebeiner, Rolf Heidemann, Matthias Wolke
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FOLLOWING AN OPERATOR AND LOCKING ONTO A RETROREFLECTOR WITH A LASER TRACKER
    Publication number: 20170176169
    Abstract: A method for measuring three-dimensional (3D) coordinates includes providing a retroreflector and a laser tracker. In a first instance, an operator gives a follow-operator command. The laser tracker responds by following movement of the operator. In a second instance, the operator gives a lock-on command. The laser tracker responds by steering a beam of light onto the retroreflector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Inventors: Kalyan Nagalla, Robert C. Mehler, Robert E. Bridges
  • Method and apparatus for using gestures to control a laser tracker
    Patent number: 9684055
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for controlling a measurement device remotely through gestures performed by a user. The method includes providing a relationship between each of a plurality of commands and each of a plurality of user gestures. A gesture is performed by the user with the user's body that corresponds to one of the plurality of user gestures. The gesture performed by the user is detected. A first command is determined from one of the plurality of commands based at least in part on the detected gesture. Then the first command is executed with the laser tracker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Robert E. Bridges, David H. Parker, Kelley Fletcher
  • DYNAMIC RANGE OF A LINE SCANNER HAVING A PHOTOSENSITIVE ARRAY THAT PROVIDES VARIABLE EXPOSURE
    Publication number: 20170167850
    Abstract: A line scanner measures 3D coordinates of an object surface and includes a projector with a light source that projects a line of light at the object surface. The line scanner also has a camera with a 2D array of light sensors and electronics that controls the exposure and readout times of each light sensor, the exposure time being controlled in either rows or columns of the array in a non-sequential manner, the readout time being controlled in either rows or columns that are the same as the rows or columns whose exposure time is being controlled, each of the light sensors converts an amount of captured optical energy into a digital signal value, the captured optical energy being from a reflected line of light from the object surface. Further includes a processor that receives the digital signal values and calculates the 3D coordinates of the object surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2016
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventor: Robert E. Bridges
  • Triangulation scanner and camera for augmented reality
    Patent number: 9661295
    Abstract: A method of combining 2D images into a 3D image includes providing a coordinate measurement device and a triangulation scanner having an integral camera associated therewith, the scanner being separate from the coordinate measurement device. In a first instance, the coordinate measurement device determines the position and orientation of the scanner and the integral camera captures a first 2D image. In a second instance, the scanner is moved, the coordinate measurement device determines the position and orientation of the scanner, and the integral camera captures a second 2D image. A cardinal point common to the first and second images is found and is used, together with the first and second images and the positions and orientations of the scanner in the first and second instances, to create the 3D image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Robert E. Bridges
  • Intensity modulation at two frequencies for interferometric measuring of distance
    Patent number: 9631921
    Abstract: A method for measuring a distance includes modulating the light beam at a first frequency, receiving a second beam by the optical detector to produce a first electrical signal having the first frequency and a first phase; modulating the light beam at a second frequency different than the first frequency; receiving the second beam by the optical detector to produce a second electrical signal having the second frequency and a second. After these steps, the retroreflector is moved while modulating the light beam continuously at the second frequency; and a first distance to the retroreflector is determined based at least in part on a the first and second frequencies and phases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Robert E. Bridges, Lawrence B. Brown, James K. West, D. Scott Ackerson
  • Locator camera arrangement having multiple light sources
    Patent number: 9631922
    Abstract: A method for measuring a distance includes modulating the light beam at a first frequency, receiving a second beam by the optical detector to produce a first electrical signal having the first frequency and a first phase; modulating the light beam at a second frequency different than the first frequency; receiving the second beam by the optical detector to produce a second electrical signal having the second frequency and a second. After these steps, the retroreflector is moved while modulating the light beam continuously at the second frequency; and a first distance to the retroreflector is determined based at least in part on a the first and second frequencies and phases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC
    Inventors: Robert E. Bridges, Lawrence B. Brown, James K. West, D. Scott Ackerson
  • SYSTEM FOR MEASURING SIX DEGREES OF FREEDOM
    Publication number: 20170108528
    Abstract: A system that measures six degrees-of-freedom of a remote target, the system including a dimensional measuring device having a camera, the remote target including a retroreflector, at least three light markers, and a pitch-yaw sensor, the six degrees-of-freedom determined based at least in part on measured 3D coordinates of the retroreflector by the dimensional measuring device, on a captured image of the at least three light markers by the camera, and on readings of the pitch-yaw sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Mikhail Atlas, Lawrence B. Brown, William W. Christine, Max K. Kim, Daniel J. O'Neill, James Schloss, Zhiguang Willam Xu, Robert E. Bridges
  • Articulated arm coordinate measurement machine having a 2D camera and method of obtaining 3D representations
    Patent number: 9628775
    Abstract: A portable articulated arm coordinate measuring machine includes a noncontact 3D measuring device that has a projector that is manually movable by an operator from a first position to a second position. The projector is configured to emit a first pattern of light onto an object. The noncontact 3D measuring device further includes a scanner camera and an edge-detecting camera. The scanner camera is arranged to receive the first pattern of light reflected from the surface of the object. The edge-detecting camera arranged to receive light reflected from an edge feature of the object. The articulated arm coordinate measurement machine includes a processor configured to determine first 3D coordinates of an edge point of the edge feature based on electrical signals received from the scanner camera and the edge-detecting camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Robert E. Bridges, Paul C. Atwell
  • ARTICULATED ARM COORDINATE MEASUREMENT MACHINE HAVING A 2D CAMERA AND METHOD OF OBTAINING 3D REPRESENTATIONS
    Publication number: 20170102224
    Abstract: A portable articulated arm coordinate measuring machine includes a noncontact 3D measuring device that has a projector configured to emit a first pattern of light onto an object, a scanner camera arranged to receive the first pattern of light reflected from the surface of the object, an edge-detecting camera arranged to receive light reflected from an edge feature of the object, and a processor configured to determine first 3D coordinates of an edge point of the edge feature based on electrical signals received from the scanner camera and the edge-detecting camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Publication date: April 13, 2017
    Inventors: Robert E. Bridges, Paul C. Atwell
  • Method and apparatus for using gestures to control a laser tracker
    Patent number: 9618602
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for controlling a laser tracker remotely from the laser tracker through gestures performed by a user. The method includes providing a rule of correspondence between each of a plurality of commands and each of a plurality of user gestures. A gesture is performed by the user with the user's body that corresponds to one of the plurality of user gestures. The gesture performed by the user is detected. The gesture recognition engine determines a first command from one of the plurality of commands that correspond with the detected gesture. Then the first command is executed with the laser tracker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Robert E. Bridges, David H. Parker, Kelley Fletcher
  • Length artifact and method of measurement
    Patent number: 9612107
    Abstract: A length artifact has a first side wall, a second side wall, and a base portion, the first side wall and the second side wall separated by an air gap at least four millimeters wide, the base portion being attached to a bottom of the first side wall and the second side wall, the base portion further having a first platform region that includes a first nest and a second platform region that includes a second nest, the first nest and the second nest configured to accept a spherical surface of a retroreflector target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Robert E. Bridges
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR USING GESTURES TO CONTROL A LASER TRACKER
    Publication number: 20170090005
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for controlling a measurement device remotely through gestures performed by a user. The method includes providing a relationship between each of a plurality of commands and each of a plurality of user gestures. A gesture is performed by the user with the user's body that corresponds to one of the plurality of user gestures. The gesture performed by the user is detected. A first command is determined from one of the plurality of commands based at least in part on the detected gesture. Then the first command is executed with the laser tracker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Robert E. Bridges, David H. Parker, Kelley Fletcher
  • THREE-DIMENSIONAL IMAGER THAT INCLUDES A DICHROIC CAMERA
    Publication number: 20170094251
    Abstract: A three-dimensional measuring system includes a body, an internal projector attached to the body, and a dichroic camera assembly, the dichroic camera assembly including a first beam splitter that directs a first portion of incoming light into a first channel leading to a first photosensitive array and a second portion of the incoming light into a second channel leading to a second photosensitive array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Matthias Wolke, Denis Wohlfeld, Rolf Heidemann, Robert E. Bridges