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).

  • Six degree-of-freedom laser tracker that cooperates with a remote sensor
    Patent number: 9482746
    Abstract: A method of measuring with a coordinate measurement device and a target sensor a sense characteristic and a surface set associated with the sense characteristic, the method including the steps of: providing the target sensor having a body, a first retroreflector, a sensor, and a sensor processor, providing the coordinate measurement device, sending the first beam of light from the coordinate measurement device to the first retroreflector; receiving the second beam of light from the first retroreflector; measuring the orientational set and the translational set, the translational set based at least in part on the second beam of light; determining the surface set; sensing the sense characteristic; and saving the surface set and the sense characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Robert E. Bridges
  • Apparatus to compensate bearing runout in a three-dimensional coordinate measuring system
    Patent number: 9482525
    Abstract: A device measures three-dimensional coordinates of a target by sending a beam of light to the target and measuring the distance and angles from the device to the target. It further bases the three-dimensional coordinates on bearing compensation values that depend on a number of bearing rotations and a bearing angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Robert E. Bridges
  • Measurement system having air temperature compensation between a target and a laser tracker
    Patent number: 9482755
    Abstract: A target is provided having a retroreflector. A body is provided having a spherical exterior portion, the body containing a cavity. The cavity is sized to hold the retroreflector, the cavity open to the exterior of the body and having at least one surface opposite the opening, the retroreflector at least partially disposed in the cavity, wherein the retroreflector and at least one surface define a space therebetween. A transmitter is configured to emit an electromagnetic signal. A first actuator is configured to initiate emission of the electromagnetic signal, wherein the transmitter and the first actuator are affixed to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Peter G. Cramer, Robert E. Bridges, Nils P. Steffensen, Robert C. Mehler, Kenneth Steffey, John M. Hoffer, Daniel G. Lasley
  • Diagnosing multipath interference and eliminating multipath interference in 3D scanners by directed probing
    Patent number: 9482514
    Abstract: A method for determining 3D coordinates of points on a surface of the object by providing a remote probe having a probe tip and a non-contact 3D measuring device having a projector and camera coupled to a processor, projecting a pattern onto the surface to determine a first set of 3D coordinates of points on the surface, determining susceptibility of the object to multipath interference by projecting and reflecting rays from the measured 3D coordinates of the points, projecting a first light to direct positioning of the remote probe by the user, the first light determined at least in part by the susceptibility to multipath interference, touching the probe tip to the surface at the indicated region, illuminating at least three spots of light on the remote probe, capturing an image of the at least three spots with the camera, and determining 3D coordinates of the probe tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Robert E. Bridges
  • Three-dimensional coordinate scanner and method of operation
    Patent number: 9482529
    Abstract: A noncontact optical three-dimensional measuring device that includes a first projector, a first camera, a second projector, and a second camera; a processor electrically coupled to the first projector, the first camera, the second projector, and the second camera; and computer readable media which, when executed by the processor, causes the first digital signal to be collected at a first time and the second digital signal to be collected at a second time different than the first time and determines three-dimensional coordinates of a first point on the surface based at least in part on the first digital signal and the first distance and determines three-dimensional coordinates of a second point on the surface based at least in part on the second digital signal and the second distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Bernd-Dietmar Becker, Robert E. Bridges
  • TWO-CAMERA TRIANGULATION SCANNER WITH DETACHABLE COUPLING MECHANISM
    Publication number: 20160313114
    Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) scanner having two cameras and a projector is detachably coupled to a device selected from the group consisting of: an articulated arm coordinate measuring machine, a camera assembly, a six degree-of-freedom (six-DOF) tracker target assembly, and a six-DOF light point target assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Publication date: October 27, 2016
    Inventors: Yazid Tohme, Rolf Heidemann, Markus Grau, Robert E. Bridges
  • Laser tracker that cooperates with a remote camera bar and coordinate measurement device
    Patent number: 9476695
    Abstract: A system includes a laser tracker, a camera bar, an accessory, and an electrical system, the camera bar including a mounting structure, two cameras, and three non-collinear reflector points, the accessory including a plurality of light markers, the electrical system including a processor that causes the tracker to measure 3D coordinates of the three reflector points, to measure the light markers with the cameras, and to determine a position and orientation of the assembly in a tracker coordinate system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Bernd-Dietmar Becker, Robert E. Bridges
  • MOBILE THREE-DIMENSIONAL MEASURING INSTRUMENT
    Publication number: 20160291160
    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: March 30, 2016
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Inventors: Oliver Zweigle, Bernd-Dietmar Becker, Hamidreza Rajaie, Robert E. Bridges
  • Diagnosing multipath interference and eliminating multipath interference in 3D scanners using projection patterns
    Patent number: 9453717
    Abstract: A method for determining 3D coordinates of points on a surface of the object by providing a non-contact 3D measuring device having a projector and camera coupled to a processor, projecting a pattern onto the surface to determine a first set of 3D coordinates of points on the surface, determining susceptibility of the object to multipath interference by projecting and reflecting rays from the measured 3D coordinates of the points, selecting a pattern as a single line stripe or a single spot based on the susceptibility to multipath interference, and projecting the pattern onto the surface to determine a second set of 3D coordinates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Robert E. Bridges
  • Target apparatus for three-dimensional measurement system
    Patent number: 9453913
    Abstract: A target is provided having a retroreflector. A body is provided having a spherical exterior portion, the body containing a cavity. The cavity is sized to hold the retroreflector, the cavity open to the exterior of the body and having at least one surface opposite the opening, the retroreflector at least partially disposed in the cavity, wherein the retroreflector and at least one surface define a space therebetween. A transmitter is configured to emit an electromagnetic signal. A first actuator is configured to initiate emission of the electromagnetic signal, wherein the transmitter and the first actuator are affixed to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Peter G. Cramer, Robert E. Bridges, Nils P. Steffensen, Robert C. Mehler, Kenneth Steffey, John M. Hoffer, Jr., Daniel G. Lasley
  • Three-dimensional scanner with external tactical probe and illuminated guidance
    Patent number: 9448059
    Abstract: An assembly that includes a projector and camera is used with a processor to determine three-dimensional (3D) coordinates of an object surface. The processor fits collected 3D coordinates to a mathematical representation provided for a shape of a surface feature. The processor fits the measured 3D coordinates to the shape and, if the goodness of fit is not acceptable, selects and performs at least one of: changing a pose of the assembly, changing an illumination level of the light source, changing a pattern of the transmitted With the changes in place, another scan is made to obtain 3D coordinates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Robert E. Bridges, Yazid Tohme, Bernd-Dietmar Becker, Charles Pfeffer
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR USING GESTURES TO CONTROL A LASER TRACKER
    Publication number: 20160266229
    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: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Robert E. Bridges, David H. Parker, Kelley Fletcher
  • Method for finding a home reference distance using a spherically mounted retroreflector
    Patent number: 9423492
    Abstract: A method of finding a home reference distance of a 3D coordinate measurement device in which a mathematical adjustment is made to move the vertex point to the sphere center of a spherically mounted retroreflector (SMR).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Robert E. Bridges
  • Three-dimensional measurement device having three-dimensional overview camera
    Patent number: 9417317
    Abstract: A device is provided that includes a housing and a first motor. The first motor rotates about a first axis. A second motor is coupled to rotate the housing, the second motor rotating about a second axis. A device frame of reference is defined by the first and second axis. A mirror is rotated about the first axis by the first motor. A first and second angle measuring devices measure a first and second angle of rotation. A 3D time-of-flight camera is arranged within the housing coaxially with the first axis. The camera acquires an image of an object reflected from the mirror. A processor determines at least one first 3D coordinate of at least one point on the object, the first 3D coordinate based at least in part on the image acquired by the camera, the first angle of rotation, and the second angle of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Robert E. Bridges, David H. Parker
  • Coordinate measuring device with a six degree-of-freedom handheld probe and integrated camera for augmented reality
    Patent number: 9402070
    Abstract: A method of combining 2D images into a 3D image includes providing a coordinate measurement device and a six-DOF probe having an integral camera associated therewith, the six-DOF probe being separate from the coordinate measurement device. In a first instance, the coordinate measurement device determines the position and orientation of the six-DOF probe and the integral camera captures a first 2D image. In a second instance, the six-DOF probe is moved, the coordinate measurement device determines the position and orientation of the six-DOF probe, and the integral camera captures a second 2D image. A cardinal point common to the first and second image is found and is used, together with the first and second images and the positions and orientations of the six-DOF probe in the first and second instances, to create the 3D image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Yazid Tohme, Robert E. Bridges
  • Determining retroreflector orientation by optimizing spatial fit
    Patent number: 9395174
    Abstract: A program storage device having instructions that cause a programmable control device to obtain a two-dimensional (2D) image of markings on a retroreflector, determine a 2D mathematical representation of the markings on the retroreflector, extract a first collection of 2D coordinates from the 2D mathematical representation and a corresponding second collection of 2D coordinates from the 2D image of markings, determine a figure of merit, and adjust guess values for three orientation angles of the retroreflector to improve the figure of merit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Robert E. Bridges
  • Method and apparatus for using gestures to control a laser tracker
    Patent number: 9383189
    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: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Robert E. Bridges, David H. Parker, Kelley Fletcher
  • Method and apparatus for locking onto a retroreflector with a laser tracker
    Patent number: 9377885
    Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) coordinate measurement system includes a communication device, a retroreflector, and a laser tracker. The communication device includes a first light source and an operator-controlled unit that controls emission from the first light source. The laser tracker includes a wide field-of-view (FOV) camera, a second light source, a narrow FOV camera next to the second light source, and a processor. The processor determines that a lock-in command has been given in response to the wide FOV camera capturing light emitted by the first light source. To lock onto the retroreflector, the processor captures with the narrow FOV camera light from the second light source reflected by the retroreflector and uses the image to lock onto the retroreflector with a beam of light from the tracker. It measures a distance and two angles with the tracker to get 3D coordinates of the retroreflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Robert E. Bridges, Jennifer K. Park
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FOLLOWING AN OPERATOR AND LOCKING ONTO A RETROREFLECTOR WITH A LASER TRACKER
    Publication number: 20160178348
    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: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventors: Kalyan Nagalla, Robert C. Mehler, Robert E. Bridges
  • TRIANGULATION SCANNER AND CAMERA FOR AUGMENTED REALITY
    Publication number: 20160171776
    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: December 7, 2015
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventor: Robert E. Bridges