Patents by Inventor Robert Wolff

Robert Wolff 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: 11240435
    Abstract: The techniques described herein relate to methods, apparatus, and computer readable media configured to determine parameters for image acquisition. One or more image sensors are each arranged to capture a set of images of a scene, and each image sensor comprises a set of adjustable imaging parameters. A projector is configured to project a moving pattern on the scene, wherein the projector comprises a set of adjustable projector parameters. The set of adjustable projector parameters and the set of adjustable imaging parameters are determined, based on a set of one or more constraints, to reduce noise in 3D data generated based on the set of images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Cognex Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Wolff, Thomas Penny, Marcus Große
  • Publication number: 20210092300
    Abstract: The techniques described herein relate to methods, apparatus, and computer readable media configured to determine parameters for image acquisition. One or more image sensors are each arranged to capture a set of images of a scene, and each image sensor comprises a set of adjustable imaging parameters. A projector is configured to project a moving pattern on the scene, wherein the projector comprises a set of adjustable projector parameters. The set of adjustable projector parameters and the set of adjustable imaging parameters are determined, based on a set of one or more constraints, to reduce noise in 3D data generated based on the set of images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Publication date: March 25, 2021
    Applicant: Cognex Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Wolff, Thomas Penny, Marcus Große
  • Patent number: 10791277
    Abstract: The techniques described herein relate to methods, apparatus, and computer readable media configured to determine parameters for image acquisition. One or more image sensors are each arranged to capture a set of images of a scene, and each image sensor comprises a set of adjustable imaging parameters. A projector is configured to project a moving pattern on the scene, wherein the projector comprises a set of adjustable projector parameters. The set of adjustable projector parameters and the set of adjustable imaging parameters are determined, based on a set of one or more constraints, to reduce noise in 3D data generated based on the set of images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Cognex Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Wolff, Thomas Penny, Marcus Große
  • Publication number: 20200084384
    Abstract: The techniques described herein relate to methods, apparatus, and computer readable media configured to determine parameters for image acquisition. One or more image sensors are each arranged to capture a set of images of a scene, and each image sensor comprises a set of adjustable imaging parameters. A projector is configured to project a moving pattern on the scene, wherein the projector comprises a set of adjustable projector parameters. The set of adjustable projector parameters and the set of adjustable imaging parameters are determined, based on a set of one or more constraints, to reduce noise in 3D data generated based on the set of images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2018
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Applicant: Cognex Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Wolff, Thomas Penny, Marcus Große
  • Patent number: 10036167
    Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to a new flat or A-frame pop-up canopy, shelter, cover, and/or awning, to the integration of skylights and electrical lights systems, to clocks and watches that can record a persons preferred alarm voice or video, winter gloves made to look like or with caricatures formed with or on them, digital radio and TV systems with a method of overcoming lost signal interruptions, and a single vent HVAC temperature control systems. Each of these approaches make life easier and/or more fun for people.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Inventors: Kevin Alan Wolff, Harrison Robert Wolff, Benjamin Grayson Wolff, Mary Louise M. Wolff
  • Publication number: 20130271619
    Abstract: A control device for a lens (12) of a camera (10), in particular an HD camera, for adjusting the focus, the aperture and/or the zoom comprises at least one electric motor drive unit (16) for adjusting a lens ring (14) and at least one operating unit (18) with a manually deflectable operating element (28) for controlling the drive unit (16). The operating unit (18) has a monitoring device which provides tactile feedback about the extent and/or the direction of the manual deflection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Martin Longmore, Robert Wolff, Joachim Meinberg, Wolfgang Stanek
  • Patent number: 7623674
    Abstract: Enhanced portal security is provided through stereoscopy, including a stereo door sensor for detecting and optionally preventing access violations, such as piggybacking and tailgating. A portal security system can include a 3D imaging system that generates a target volume from plural 2D images of a field of view about a portal; and a processor that detects and tracks people candidates moving through the target volume to detect a portal access event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Cognex Technology and Investment Corporation
    Inventors: Sanjay Nichani, Cyril C. Marrion, Jr., Robert Wolff, David Shatz, Raymond A. Fix, Gene Halbrooks
  • Patent number: 7305114
    Abstract: This invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a human/machine interface (HMI) for use with machine vision systems (MVSs) that provides the machine vision system processing functionality at the sensor end of the system, and uses a communication interface to exchange control, image and analysis information with a standardized, preferably portable device that can be removed from the MVS during runtime. In an illustrative embodiment, this portable device can be a web-browser equipped computer (handheld, laptop or fixed PC) or a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). The communication interface on the sensor-end of the system is adapted to communicate over a cable or wireless communication link (for example infrared (IR) or radio frequency (RF)), with a corresponding communication interface in the portable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Cognex Technology and Investment Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Wolff, William Silver
  • Patent number: 7167575
    Abstract: A two-dimensional (2-D) machine-vision safety-solution involving a method and apparatus for performing high-integrity, high efficiency machine vision. A known structured lighting texture pattern is projected upon a target area. A model image of the pattern on an empty target field is stored during an initial training step. The machine vision safety solution digitally interprets a camera image of the light reflected by the objects in the target area to detect and characterize a pattern in the image. The pattern characterization is then processed to determine if a distortion of the characterization factors is larger than a predetermined threshold, and results in an alarm condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Cognex Corporation
    Inventors: Sanjay Nichani, Robert Wolff, William Silver, David A. Schatz
  • Publication number: 20060129938
    Abstract: A method and system is provided for detecting, commanding and controlling diverse home devices currently connected to a home network. An interface is provided for accessing the home devices that are currently connected to a home network. According to the method, a device link file is generated, wherein the device link file identifies home devices that are currently connected to the home network. A device link page is created, wherein the device link page contains a device button that is associated with each home device that is identified in the device link file. A hyper-text link is associated with each device button, wherein the hyper-text link provides a link to an HTML page that is contained on the home device that is associated with the device button, and the device link page is displayed on a browser based home device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Publication date: June 15, 2006
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard Humpleman, G. Harms, Michael Deacon, Robert Wolff
  • Publication number: 20060053375
    Abstract: A method and system is provided for detecting, commanding and controlling diverse home devices currently connected to a home network. An interface is provided for accessing the home devices that are currently connected to a home network. According to the method, a device link file is generated, wherein the device link file identifies home devices that are currently connected to the home network. A device link page is created, wherein the device link page contains a device button that is associated with each home device that is identified in the device link file. A hyper-text link is associated with each device button, wherein the hyper-text link provides a link to an HTML page that is contained on the home device that is associated with the device button, and the device link page is displayed on a browser based home device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Publication date: March 9, 2006
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard Humpleman, G. Kevin Harms, Michael Deacon, Robert Wolff
  • Publication number: 20050246624
    Abstract: A method and system is provided for detecting, commanding and controlling diverse home devices currently connected to a home network. An interface is provided for accessing the home devices that are currently connected to a home network. According to the method, a device link file is generated, wherein the device link file identifies home devices that are currently connected to the home network. A device link page is created, wherein the device link page contains a device button that is associated with each home device that is identified in the device link file. A hyper-text link is associated with each device button, wherein the hyper-text link provides a link to an HTML page that is contained on the home device that is associated with the device button, and the device link page is displayed on a browser based home device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Publication date: November 3, 2005
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard Humpleman, G. Harms, Michael Deacon, Robert Wolff
  • Publication number: 20050120301
    Abstract: A method and system is provided for detecting, commanding and controlling diverse home devices currently connected to a home network. An interface is provided for accessing the home devices that are currently connected to a home network. According to the method, a device link file is generated, wherein the device link file identifies home devices that are currently connected to the home network. A device link page is created, wherein the device link page contains a device button that is associated with each home device that is identified in the device link file. A hyper-text link is associated with each device button, wherein the hyper-text link provides a link to an HTML page that is contained on the home device that is associated with the device button, and the device link page is displayed on a browser based home device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Publication date: June 2, 2005
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard Humpleman, G. Harms, Michael Deacon, Robert Wolff
  • Publication number: 20050093697
    Abstract: Enhanced portal security is provided through stereoscopy, including a stereo door sensor for detecting and optionally preventing access violations, such as piggybacking and tailgating. A portal security system can include a 3D imaging system that generates a target volume from plural 2D images of a field of view about a portal; and a processor that detects and tracks people candidates moving through the target volume to detect a portal access event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventors: Sanjay Nichani, Cyril Marrion, Robert Wolff, David Shatz, Raymond Fix, Gene Halbrooks
  • Publication number: 20050022110
    Abstract: A method and system is provided for detecting, commanding and controlling diverse home devices currently connected to a home network. An interface is provided for accessing the home devices that are currently connected to a home network. According to the method, a device link file is generated, wherein the device link file identifies home devices that are currently connected to the home network. A device link page is created, wherein the device link page contains a device button that is associated with each home device that is identified in the device link file. A hyper-text link is associated with each device button, wherein the hyper-text link provides a link to an HTML page that is contained on the home device that is associated with the device button, and the device link page is displayed on a browser based home device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Publication date: January 27, 2005
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard Humpleman, G. Harms, Michael Deacon, Robert Wolff
  • Publication number: 20050010866
    Abstract: A method and system is provided for detecting, commanding and controlling diverse home devices currently connected to a home network. An interface is provided for accessing the home devices that are currently connected to a home network. According to the method, a device link file is generated, wherein the device link file identifies home devices that are currently connected to the home network. A device link page is created, wherein the device link page contains a device button that is associated with each home device that is identified in the device link file. A hyper-text link is associated with each device button, wherein the hyper-text link provides a link to an HTML page that is contained on the home device that is associated with the device button, and the device link page is displayed on a browser based home device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Publication date: January 13, 2005
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard James Humpleman, G. Kevin Harms, Michael Deacon, Robert Wolff
  • Patent number: 6684402
    Abstract: A hub that controls the acquisition of images from a plurality of image sources utilizes image acquisition logic that selectively applies a first set of control signals (e.g., “shutter” signals) to imaging devices, causing them to acquire images. The logic applies a second set of control signals (e.g., “readout” signals) to the devices, causing them to output the images to the hub. Those images are transferred by the hub to a host over an isochronous communications medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Cognex Technology and Investment Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Wolff
  • Patent number: 6469734
    Abstract: A two-dimensional (2-D) machine-vision safety-solution involving a method and apparatus for performing high-integrity, high efficiency machine vision. The machine vision safety solution digitally filters a configurable number of time-sequenced images of a viewed area to create a filtered image. A textured background is used as a static target and viewed under ambient light, or alternatively a texture is observed under IR light. An artificial texture can be created with a particularized pattern. Each new image is then compared to the previously created model and a pixel-oriented difference image is calculated. The difference image is then processed for segmentation features attributable to an intruder object. For segmentation results that exceed a predetermined threshold, an alarm condition is set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Cognex Corporation
    Inventors: Sanjay Nichani, Robert Wolff, William Silver, David A. Schatz
  • Patent number: 6319343
    Abstract: Ceramic green sheets of controlled microporosity and method of making same have been provided. Controlled microporosity is achieved by including certain ionic species in the ceramic composition, particularly boron, phosphorus and copper oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Cynthia N. Felisberto, Stephen A. Milkovich, Robert Wolff Nufer
  • Patent number: 5798469
    Abstract: A sintered structure is formed from a powdered material by the steps of providing a first, green powdered material which can be a ceramic or metallic ceramic material. A second, preformed mold blank material to the green powdered material, wherein the preformed mold blank will not fuse with the first, green powdered material. The mold blank material is different green material having a higher sintering temperature than the first green powdered material. Then the structure is fired at the sintering temperature of the first, green powdered material; and the preformed mold blank material from the fired powdered material is removed. Grooves can be formed by pressing non-sinterable lines into a green sheet prior to firing. A wave guide unit can be formed in the ceramic. A ceramic structure can be formed with fracture markings in the green powdered material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Wolff Nufer