Patents by Inventor William Equitz
William Equitz 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: 11966810Abstract: This invention provides a system for separating a field of view (FOV) of a scene imaged by a vision system camera assembly, in which a separating mirror assembly redirects a first optical path of at least a first optics with respect to at least a first image sensor in the camera assembly. A first reflecting assembly redirects the first optical path from the separating mirror toward a first FOV. The first optical path is extended free of splitting the image. The separating mirror assembly redirects a second optical path of a second optics with respect to a second image sensor in the camera assembly. A second reflecting assembly redirects the second optical path from the separating mirror toward a second FOV. The second optical path is extended free of splitting the image projected from the scene on the second image sensor.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2019Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: Cognex CorporationInventors: Laurens Nunnink, Bennet Heidekorn, Jens Ruetten, Martijn Lambertus Peter Visser, Carl W. Gerst, III, William Equitz, Matthew D. Engle
-
Patent number: 11782156Abstract: This invention provides an integrated time-of-flight sensor that delivers distance information to a processor associated with the camera assembly and vison system. The distance is processed with the above-described feedback control, to auto-focus the camera assembly's variable lens during runtime operation based on the particular size/shape object(s) within the field of view. The shortest measured distance is used to set the focus distance of the lens. To correct for calibration or drift errors, a further image-based focus optimization can occur around the measured distance and/or based on the measured temperature. The distance information generated by the time-of-flight sensor can be employed to perform other functions. Other functions include self-triggering of image acquisition, object size dimensioning, detection and analysis of object defects and/or gap detection between objects in the field of view and software-controlled range detection to prevent unintentional reading of (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2022Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: Cognex CorporationInventors: Andreas Weber, Laurens Nunnink, Rene Delasauce, William Equitz
-
Publication number: 20230194710Abstract: This invention provides an integrated time-of-flight sensor that delivers distance information to a processor associated with the camera assembly and vison system. The distance is processed with the above-described feedback control, to auto-focus the camera assembly's variable lens during runtime operation based on the particular size/shape object(s) within the field of view. The shortest measured distance is used to set the focus distance of the lens. To correct for calibration or drift errors, a further image-based focus optimization can occur around the measured distance and/or based on the measured temperature. The distance information generated by the time-of-flight sensor can be employed to perform other functions. Other functions include self-triggering of image acquisition, object size dimensioning, detection and analysis of object defects and/or gap detection between objects in the field of view and software-controlled range detection to prevent unintentional reading of (e.g.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2022Publication date: June 22, 2023Inventors: Andreas Weber, Laurens Nunnink, Rene Delasauce, William Equitz
-
Patent number: 11513311Abstract: This invention provides a removably mountable lens assembly for a vision system camera that includes an integral auto-focusing liquid lens unit, in which the lens unit compensates for focus variations by employing a feedback control circuit that is integrated into the body of the lens assembly. The feedback control circuit receives motion information related to the bobbin of the lens from a position sensor (e.g. a Hall sensor) and uses this information internally to correct for motion variations that deviate from the lens setting position at a desired lens focal distance setting. Illustratively, the feedback circuit can be interconnected with one or more temperature sensors that adjust the lens setting position for a particular temperature value. In addition, the feedback circuit can communicate with an accelerometer that reads a direction of gravity and thereby corrects for potential sag in the lens membrane based upon the spatial orientation of the lens.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2020Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: Cognex CorporationInventors: Laurens Nunnink, Rene Delasauce, William Equitz
-
Patent number: 11422257Abstract: This invention provides an integrated time-of-flight sensor that delivers distance information to a processor associated with the camera assembly and vison system. The distance is processed with the above-described feedback control, to auto-focus the camera assembly's variable lens during runtime operation based on the particular size/shape object(s) within the field of view. The shortest measured distance is used to set the focus distance of the lens. To correct for calibration or drift errors, a further image-based focus optimization can occur around the measured distance and/or based on the measured temperature. The distance information generated by the time-of-flight sensor can be employed to perform other functions. Other functions include self-triggering of image acquisition, object size dimensioning, detection and analysis of object defects and/or gap detection between objects in the field of view and software-controlled range detection to prevent unintentional reading of (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2020Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: Cognex CorporationInventors: Andreas Weber, Laurens Nunnink, Rene Delasauce, William Equitz
-
Patent number: 11002854Abstract: This invention provides an integrated time-of-flight sensor that delivers distance information to a processor associated with the camera assembly and vision system. The distance is processed with the above-described feedback control, to auto-focus the camera assembly's variable lens during runtime operation based on the particular size/shape object(s) within the field of view. The shortest measured distance is used to set the focus distance of the lens. To correct for calibration or drift errors, a further image-based focus optimization can occur around the measured distance and/or based on the measured temperature. The distance information generated by the time-of-flight sensor can be employed to perform other functions. Other functions include self-triggering of image acquisition, object size dimensioning, detection and analysis of object defects and/or gap detection between objects in the field of view and software-controlled range detection to prevent unintentional reading of (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2017Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: Cognex CorporationInventors: Andreas Weber, Laurens Nunnink, Rene Delasauce, William Equitz
-
Publication number: 20210003811Abstract: This invention provides a removably mountable lens assembly for a vision system camera that includes an integral auto-focusing liquid lens unit, in which the lens unit compensates for focus variations by employing a feedback control circuit that is integrated into the body of the lens assembly. The feedback control circuit receives motion information related to the bobbin of the lens from a position sensor (e.g. a Hall sensor) and uses this information internally to correct for motion variations that deviate from the lens setting position at a desired lens focal distance setting. Illustratively, the feedback circuit can be interconnected with one or more temperature sensors that adjust the lens setting position for a particular temperature value. In addition, the feedback circuit can communicate with an accelerometer that reads a direction of gravity and thereby corrects for potential sag in the lens membrane based upon the spatial orientation of the lens.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2020Publication date: January 7, 2021Inventors: Laurens Nunnink, Rene Delasauce, William Equitz
-
Publication number: 20200319337Abstract: This invention provides an integrated time-of-flight sensor that delivers distance information to a processor associated with the camera assembly and vison system. The distance is processed with the above-described feedback control, to auto-focus the camera assembly's variable lens during runtime operation based on the particular size/shape object(s) within the field of view. The shortest measured distance is used to set the focus distance of the lens. To correct for calibration or drift errors, a further image-based focus optimization can occur around the measured distance and/or based on the measured temperature. The distance information generated by the time-of-flight sensor can be employed to perform other functions. Other functions include self-triggering of image acquisition, object size dimensioning, detection and analysis of object defects and/or gap detection between objects in the field of view and software-controlled range detection to prevent unintentional reading of (e.g.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2020Publication date: October 8, 2020Inventors: Andreas Weber, Laurens Nunnink, Rene Delasauce, William Equitz
-
Patent number: 10712529Abstract: This invention provides a removably mountable lens assembly for a vision system camera that includes an integral auto-focusing liquid lens unit, in which the lens unit compensates for focus variations by employing a feedback control circuit that is integrated into the body of the lens assembly. The feedback control circuit receives motion information related to the bobbin of the lens from a position sensor (e.g. a Hall sensor) and uses this information internally to correct for motion variations that deviate from the lens setting position at a desired lens focal distance setting. Illustratively, the feedback circuit can be interconnected with one or more temperature sensors that adjust the lens setting position for a particular temperature value. In addition, the feedback circuit can communicate with an accelerometer that reads a direction of gravity and thereby corrects for potential sag in the lens membrane based upon the spatial orientation of the lens.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: Cognex CorporationInventors: Laurens Nunnink, Rene Delasauce, William Equitz
-
Publication number: 20200160012Abstract: This invention provides a system for separating a field of view (FOV) of a scene imaged by a vision system camera assembly, in which a separating mirror assembly redirects a first optical path of at least a first optics with respect to at least a first image sensor in the camera assembly. A first reflecting assembly redirects the first optical path from the separating mirror toward a first FOV. The first optical path is extended free of splitting the image. The separating mirror assembly redirects a second optical path of a second optics with respect to a second image sensor in the camera assembly. A second reflecting assembly redirects the second optical path from the separating mirror toward a second FOV. The second optical path is extended free of splitting the image projected from the scene on the second image sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2019Publication date: May 21, 2020Inventors: Laurens Nunnink, Bennet Heidekorn, Jens Ruetten, Martijn Lambertus Peter Visser, Carl W. Gerst, III, William Equitz, Matthew D. Engle
-
Patent number: 10445544Abstract: This invention provides a field of view expander (FOVE) removably attached to a vision system camera having an image sensor defining an image plane. In an embodiment the FOVE includes first and second mirrors that transmit light from a scene in respective first and second partial fields of view along first and second optical axes. Third and fourth mirrors respectively receive reflected light from the first and second mirrors. The third and fourth mirrors reflect the received light onto the image plane in a first strip and a second strip adjacent to the first strip. The first and second optical axes are approximately parallel and a first focused optical path length between the scene and the image plane and a second focused optical path between the image plane and the scene are approximately equal in length. The optical path can be rotated at a right angle in embodiments.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2018Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: COGNEX CORPORATIONInventors: Laurens Nunnink, Carl W. Gerst, III, William Equitz, Matthew D. Engle
-
Patent number: 10210362Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a vision process using a camera having a multi-focus lens having a lens field of view where the lens can be set at different focus positions the method comprising the steps of positioning at least one of the camera and an item to be imaged so the lens field of view is directed at the item to be imaged, obtaining a plurality of images where each image is obtained with the lens focus at a different position and after each image is obtained, attempting to perform the machine vision process using the image irrespective of whether or not the lens was focused when the image was obtained.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2015Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: COGNEX CORPORATIONInventors: Sateesh Nadabar, William Equitz
-
Publication number: 20190034676Abstract: This invention provides a field of view expander (FOVE) removably attached to a vision system camera having an image sensor defining an image plane. In an embodiment the FOVE includes first and second mirrors that transmit light from a scene in respective first and second partial fields of view along first and second optical axes. Third and fourth mirrors respectively receive reflected light from the first and second mirrors. The third and fourth mirrors reflect the received light onto the image plane in a first strip and a second strip adjacent to the first strip. The first and second optical axes are approximately parallel and a first focused optical path length between the scene and the image plane and a second focused optical path between the image plane and the scene are approximately equal in length. The optical path can be rotated at a right angle in embodiments.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2018Publication date: January 31, 2019Inventors: Laurens Nunnink, Carl W. Gerst, III, William Equitz, Matthew D. Engle
-
Publication number: 20190011557Abstract: This invention provides an integrated time-of-flight sensor that delivers distance information to a processor associated with the camera assembly and vision system. The distance is processed with the above-described feedback control, to auto-focus the camera assembly's variable lens during runtime operation based on the particular size/shape object(s) within the field of view. The shortest measured distance is used to set the focus distance of the lens. To correct for calibration or drift errors, a further image-based focus optimization can occur around the measured distance and/or based on the measured temperature. The distance information generated by the time-of-flight sensor can be employed to perform other functions. Other functions include self-triggering of image acquisition, object size dimensioning, detection and analysis of object defects and/or gap detection between objects in the field of view and software-controlled range detection to prevent unintentional reading of (e.g.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2017Publication date: January 10, 2019Inventors: Andreas Weber, Laurens Nunnink, Rene Delasauce, William Equitz
-
Patent number: 10057498Abstract: This invention provides a vision system camera assembly and method for using the same that employs a light-field camera with an associated vision system image sensor and overlying microlens optics to acquire images of a scene. The camera generates a light field allowing object features at varying depths of field to be clearly imaged in a concurrent manner. In an illustrative embodiment a vision system, and associated method of use thereof, which images an object or other subject in a scene includes a vision system camera with an optics assembly and a light field sensor assembly. The camera is constructed and arranged to generate light field image data from light received through the optics assembly. A light field process analyzes the light field image data and that generates selected image information. A vision system processor then operates a vision system process on the selected image information to generate results therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: Cognex CorporationInventors: Laurens Nunnink, William Equitz, David J. Michael
-
Patent number: 9892298Abstract: This invention provides a field of view expander (FOVE) removably attached to a vision system camera having an image sensor defining an image plane. In an embodiment the FOVE includes first and second mirrors that transmit light from a scene in respective first and second partial fields of view along first and second optical axes. Third and fourth mirrors respectively receive reflected light from the first and second mirrors. The third and fourth mirrors reflect the received light onto the image plane in a first strip and a second strip adjacent to the first strip. The first and second optical axes are approximately parallel and a first focused optical path length between the scene and the image plane and a second focused optical path between the image plane and the scene are approximately equal in length. The optical path can be rotated at a right angle in embodiments.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2015Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: COGNEX CORPORATIONInventors: Laurens Nunnink, Carl W. Gerst, III, William Equitz, Matthew D. Engle
-
Patent number: 9857575Abstract: This invention provides a field of view expander (FOVE) removably attached to a vision system camera having an image sensor defining an image plane. In an embodiment the FOVE includes first and second mirrors that transmit light from a scene in respective first and second partial fields of view along first and second optical axes. Third and fourth mirrors respectively receive reflected light from the first and second mirrors. The third and fourth mirrors reflect the received light onto the image plane in a first strip and a second strip adjacent to the first strip. The first and second optical axes are approximately parallel and a first focused optical path length between the scene and the image plane and a second focused optical path between the image plane and the scene are approximately equal in length. The optical path can be rotated at a right angle in embodiments.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2015Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: COGNEX CORPORATIONInventors: Laurens Nunnink, Carl Gerst, William Equitz, Matthew D. Engle
-
Publication number: 20160188936Abstract: This invention provides a field of view expander (FOVE) removably attached to a vision system camera having an image sensor defining an image plane. In an embodiment the FOVE includes first and second mirrors that transmit light from a scene in respective first and second partial fields of view along first and second optical axes. Third and fourth mirrors respectively receive reflected light from the first and second mirrors. The third and fourth mirrors reflect the received light onto the image plane in a first strip and a second strip adjacent to the first strip. The first and second optical axes are approximately parallel and a first focused optical path length between the scene and the image plane and a second focused optical path between the image plane and the scene are approximately equal in length. The optical path can be rotated at a right angle in embodiments.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2015Publication date: June 30, 2016Inventors: Laurens Nunnink, Carl W. Gerst, III, William Equitz, Matthew D. Engle
-
Publication number: 20160188935Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a vision process using a camera having a multi-focus lens having a lens field of view where the lens can be set at different focus positions the method comprising the steps of positioning at least one of the camera and an item to be imaged so the lens field of view is directed at the item to be imaged, obtaining a plurality of images where each image is obtained with the lens focus at a different position and after each image is obtained, attempting to perform the machine vision process using the image irrespective of whether or not the lens was focused when the image was obtained.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2015Publication date: June 30, 2016Applicant: COGNEX CORPORATIONInventors: Sateesh NADABAR, William EQUITZ
-
Publication number: 20160104023Abstract: A method for scanning and decoding encoded symbols comprises processing low resolution image data from a full field of view and/or high resolution image data from one or more windowed segments of the field of view to provide imaging that is easily adaptable to different types of symbols and varying environmental conditions. The scanning method can be switched between the low resolution mode and the high resolution mode automatically based on whether the low resolution data is sufficiently accurate to decode the symbol.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2015Publication date: April 14, 2016Inventors: Laurens Nunnink, William Equitz