Following A Target (e.g., A Star Or Instrument Pointer Or Other Object) Other Than A Pattern Patents (Class 250/203.1)
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MEMS micro-mirror array laser beam steerer for simultaneous illumination of multiple tracked targets
Patent number: 11837840Abstract: A multiple target tracker and beam steerer utilizes a MEMs MMA for beam steering to simultaneously illuminate multiple tracked targets per frame. The MMA can be adaptively segmented to change the number of output beams, and the power in a given beam, based on a list of tracked targets, range to targets, threat level etc. The MMA can be adaptively configured to simultaneously perform one or more Designation, Range Finding and Active Imaging modes on the same or different tracked targets. The MMA can be segmented so that each segment includes a plurality of mirrors to “oversample” the input beam. The mirrors in a given segment may be controlled to provide wavefront correction to the corresponding output beam.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2020Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Gerald P. Uyeno, Sean D. Keller, Benn H. Gleason -
Patent number: 11822020Abstract: A scanning LiDAR system includes a base frame, an optoelectronic assembly, and a lens assembly. The optoelectronic assembly includes one or more laser sources and one or more photodetectors, and is fixedly attached to the base frame. The lens assembly includes one or more lenses. The one or more lenses have a focal plane. The scanning LiDAR system further includes a first flexure assembly flexibly coupling the lens assembly to the base frame. The first flexure assembly is configured such that the one or more laser sources and the one or more photodetectors are positioned substantially at the focal plane of the one or more lenses. The first flexure assembly is further configured to be flexed so as to scan the lens assembly laterally in a plane substantially perpendicular to an optical axis of the emission lens.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2019Date of Patent: November 21, 2023Assignee: Cepton Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jun Pei, Mark A. McCord, Ying Xu
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Patent number: 11789252Abstract: Provided herein are various improvements to optical-inertial stabilization systems, such as those employed on electro-optical systems that receive or emit optical energy. In one example, a system includes an optical reference element rigidly coupled to a primary mirror. The optical reference element propagates a reference signal through optic elements that form at least a portion of an optical path corresponding to the primary mirror. A measurement of the reference signal is made after propagation through the optic elements to determine errors associated with the optical path. The system can also include inertial sensors rigidly coupled to the primary mirror and optical reference element to form an assembly. The inertial sensors are configured to measure inertial rotation of the assembly. Rotational adjustments about two axes can be produced for the assembly based at least on the inertial rotation properties to correct for disturbance or drift.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2020Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Timothy Roland Hilby, Jesse William Fisher, Luke L. Wieczorek, Michael L. Tartaglia
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Patent number: 11754680Abstract: A LADAR system includes a transmitter configured to emit a directed optical signal. The LADAR system includes an optical aperture through which the directed optical signal is emitted. The optical aperture receives a return optical signal that is based on the directed optical signal. The system includes a detector to generate a measurement by comparing an attribute of the return optical signal to a predefined threshold. The measurement is based on an amount of backscatter in the return optical signal. The system includes an obstructive element that is controllable, based on the measurement, to move either into or out of a path of the return optical signal. The obstructive element is configured to block the return optical signal at least partly. The system includes a focal plane located in the path of the return optical signal. The obstructive element is disposed between the optical aperture and the focal plane.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2020Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: RAYTHEON COMPANYInventors: Timothy P. Johnson, Matthew J. Klotz, Ian S. Robinson
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Patent number: 11735099Abstract: A display that can play dynamic video imagery using purely infrared light. Such dynamic video imagery is useful in testing infrared detection equipment. The display contains thousands of solid state infrared LEDs. Different infrared LED types are used. Each type of LED in use emits infrared light in some selected band of the infrared spectrum. The overall display can be designed to simulate infrared signal sources for a particular type of infrared detection system. If a particular infrared detection system detects infrared energy only in a specific range, the infrared LED display can be made to have a high resolution of LEDs within that specific range and a lower resolution of LEDs outside that specific range that would be useful for calibration purposes.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2021Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: DHPC Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Yei Wo
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Patent number: 11719927Abstract: Some embodiments of a mirror tilt actuator include a chassis, one or more magnetic yoke structures affixed to the chassis, and a carriage moveably mounted to the chassis. In some embodiments, the chassis includes an indentation for affixing one or more magnetic yoke structures, and the chassis further includes one or more bearing receivers for mounting a mirror carriage. In some embodiments, the carriage includes one or more bearing members. In some embodiments, the one or more bearing members rest in one or more respective bearing receivers of the chassis. In some embodiments, the one or more edge members terminate in one or more curved leading edge faces. Some embodiments further include a magnet fixedly mounted to the carriage, a magnetic coil wrapped around a coil shaft mounted to the chassis.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2020Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Richard J. Topliss, Yuval Gerson
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Patent number: 11662209Abstract: The invention discloses a preferable short arc initial orbit determining method based on Gauss solution cluster, and belongs to the astrodynamics field, including: grouping the observation data, using Gauss method to obtain the target state vector at the corresponding time point for each group of data, forming a solution set of preliminary estimation; dividing the solution set of preliminary estimation into a position component vector solution set and a velocity component vector solution set for clustering to obtain a position component vector solution cluster and a velocity component vector solution cluster; based on the position component vector solution cluster and the velocity component vector solution cluster, generating a two-dimensional trajectory solution set; evaluating each of the two-dimensional trajectories by using a trajectory optimal method, calculating the number of root of orbits corresponding to the optimal two-dimensional trajectory, thereby completing determination of initial orbit.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2019Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: HUAZHONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYInventors: Jing Hu, Binzhe Li, Li Fang, Tao Xiong, Xiang Gao, Susu Kang, Kan Jiang
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Patent number: 11598854Abstract: A surveying system comprises an object to be measured having a retro-reflector and a surveying instrument main body for emitting a distance measuring light and performing a measurement based on a reflected distance measuring light, wherein the surveying instrument main body comprises a distance measuring light projecting module, a photodetector, a measuring unit, an optical axis deflector which has a reference optical axis and deflects a distance measuring optical axis, a projecting direction detecting module which detects a deflection angle and a deflection angle direction of the distance measuring optical axis, and an arithmetic control module, and wherein the arithmetic control module is configured to control the optical axis deflector, to perform a two-dimensional scan with the distance measuring light, to detect the deflection angle direction of the distance measuring light at a moment of detecting a photodetecting signal by the projecting direction detecting module, and to move an approximate center ofType: GrantFiled: April 30, 2019Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: TOPCON CorporationInventors: Fumio Ohtomo, Kaoru Kumagai
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Patent number: 11579014Abstract: An optical detector system provides beam positioning data to an optical tracking system to facilitate optical communications. The optical detector system comprises a plurality of optical photodetectors. For example, a two-by-two array may be used. Incoming light passes through one or more optical elements, such as a lens and a dispersive optical element. A first portion of the beam entering the optical elements is directed into a first spot having a first area on the array. A second portion of the beam entering the optical elements is dispersed to form a second spot having a second area on the array that is larger than the first area. This combination of first portion and second portion of the beam incident on the array provides unambiguous information in the output of the photodetectors that is indicative of a position of the incoming beam with respect to the array.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2020Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: AMAZON TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Rui Zhang, Jeff Clark Adams, Markus Stefan Duelli, Donald Mitchell Cornwell, Prafulla Masalkar
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Patent number: 11554035Abstract: A system and method for tracking the sun with a heliostat mirror is disclosed. The solar tracking system comprises: a camera configured to capture high dynamic range images of the sky, a plurality of cameras configured to capture images of the heliostat mirror, and a tracking controller. The images of the heliostat mirror include reflections of the sky. The tracking controller is configured to generate a circumsolar radiance map characterizing the brightness of at least a portion of the sky with the high dynamic range images.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2021Date of Patent: January 17, 2023Assignee: Heliogen Holdings, Inc.Inventor: Alexander Sonn
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Patent number: 11472571Abstract: An aviation integrated optics and lighting unit for securing to a light receptacle of an aircraft. The aviation integrated optics and lighting unit comprises a housing, a light-emitting device, and an optical sensor. The light-emitting device is secured to the housing. The optical sensor is positioned in the housing and is configured to capture optical data.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2021Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Assignee: Appareo Systems, LLCInventors: Matt Dondoneau, Kristofer Garberg, Nicholas Butts
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Patent number: 11474207Abstract: A Lidar system is provided. The Lidar system comprises: a set of light sources configured to emit a plurality of light beams; a set of optical fiber elements, wherein each of the set of light sources is optically coupled to a first end of one or more optical fiber elements from the set of optical fiber elements; and at least one mounting unit comprising a structure configured to receive a second end of the set of optical fiber elements at one or more directions thereby affecting a direction of the plurality of light beams individually.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2019Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Assignee: Hesai Technology Co. Ltd.Inventors: Rui Wang, Xuezhou Zhu, Na Li, Jiasheng Li, Hongguang Wang, Shaoqing Xiang, Yifan Li
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Patent number: 11454693Abstract: A solar tracker assembly comprises a support column, a torsion beam connected to the support column, a mounting mechanism attached to the torsion beam, a drive system connected to the torsion beam, and a torsion limiter connected to an output of the drive system. When an external force causes a level of torsion on the drive system to exceed a pre-set limit the torsion limiter facilitates rotational movement of the solar tracker assembly in the direction of the torsion, thereby allowing the external force to rotate about a pivot axis extending through the torsion beam. Exemplary embodiments also include methods of aligning a plurality of rows of solar trackers.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2020Date of Patent: September 27, 2022Assignee: Array Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Ronald P. Corio
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Patent number: 11336371Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are described for free space optical communication. An example device can comprise a defocuser configured to receive an optical signal from a laser and control a beam divergence of the optical signal. The optical signal can comprise a data signal and a beacon signal. The device can comprise a controller configured to cause the defocuser to adjust the beam divergence based on an operational mode of the laser.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2019Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: CACI, INC.—FEDERALInventors: Gerald Nykolak, David C. Nielsen, Andrew Russell Grant
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Patent number: 11288830Abstract: Disclosed in the present disclosure is a representation learning-based star identification method, which utilizes an end-to-end and representation learning based neural network model RPNet, for fast, efficient, and robust full-sky star identification tasks. The RPNet learns a unique star pattern for each star from a huge amount of random simulated star image samples, then a classification is made on these star patterns learned before. The RPNet comprises two parts: (1) a star pattern generator (SPG) based on a star pattern generation network to generate unique star patterns for the star image samples; (2) a star pattern classifier (SPC) to classify the unique star patterns generated on the front end. And a weight search verification algorithm is also proposed in the invention for filtering and verification of main stars of the GRSs identified by the RPNet, which further improves tremendously the identification ability for a single star image.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2020Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: Beihang UniversityInventors: Jie Jiang, Likai Xu
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Patent number: 11193760Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning two coaxially coupled rotatable shafts. A servo operated positioning device is movable along a longitudinal axis parallel to the axis of the shafts, and movable vertically to position a laser range (LRF) adjacent to the two shafts, which measures the distance between the LRF and a spot on the shafts. A controller having a processor and memory communicates with the positioning device and the LRF to collect data at two axial positions on each shaft. At each position the LRF measures the distance to the shaft and stores the measurement and location data. The LRF is vertically repositioned and the measurement and storing steps are repeated over a scan distance sufficient to provide enough data to determine the location of the shaft center. The processor then calculates and compares the shafts centerlines and determines the necessary adjustments needed to move the shafts into coaxial alignment.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2020Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: REDALIGN LLCInventors: Fred L. Strunk, Thomas Edward Woycik, Marshall Bruce Cummings
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Patent number: 11048407Abstract: An interface for use on board a physical object, such as a vehicle, a projectile, a drone, etc., that travels autonomously under the influence of undetermined external forces that affect its travel path. During travel, the interface collects travel data, and automatically and dynamically executes a sequence of executable commands or functions using the collected data, in order to adjust deviations of the travel path relative to a predetermined travel path. The interface stores the travel data as a graphical data layer, which is superposed onto a graphical function layer for determining the travel path deviation and for dynamically executing corrective commands. The graphical function layer includes a graphical executable grid that defines a plurality of executable outlines or cells. Different executable commands or functions are embedded within the plurality of executable outlines or cells.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2019Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Inventors: Michelle M Kassatly, Danielle M Kassatly, Gabrielle M Kassatly, L. Samuel A Kassatly
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Patent number: 10969571Abstract: Disclosed herein are configurations for few-mode fiber optical endoscope systems employing distal optics and few-mode, double-clad or other optical fiber wherein the systems directing an optical beam to a sample via the optical fiber; collecting light backscattered from the sample; direct the backscattered light to a detector via the optical fiber; and detect the backscattered light; wherein the directed optical beam is single mode and the collected light is one or more higher order modes.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2016Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Inventor: Eric Swanson
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Patent number: 10926414Abstract: A system for calibrating tool center point of robot is provided, which may include a first image sensor, a second image sensor, and a controller. The first image sensor may have a first image central axis. The second image sensor may have a second image central axis not parallel to the first image central axis, and intersect the first image central axis at an intersection point. The controller may control a robot to repeatedly move a tool center point thereof between the first and the second image central axis. The controller may record a calibration point including the coordinates of the joints of the robot when the tool center point overlaps the intersection point, and then move the tool center point and repeat the above steps to generate several calibration points, whereby the controller may calculate the coordinate of the tool center point according to the calibration points.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2017Date of Patent: February 23, 2021Assignee: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Cheng-Kai Huang, Yeou-Bin Guu, Yi-Len Chen, Chwen-Yi Yang, Jan-Hao Chen
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Patent number: 10868205Abstract: A light converting optical system employing a planar light trapping optical structure illuminated by a source of monochromatic light. The light trapping optical structure includes a photoresponsive layer including quantum dots. The photoresponsive layer is configured at a relatively low thickness and located between opposing broad-area reflective surfaces that confine and redistribute light within the light trapping structure, causing multiple transverse propagation of light through the photoresponsive layer and enhanced absorption and light conversion. The light trapping optical structure further incorporates optical elements located on a light path between the light source and the photoresponsive layer.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2019Date of Patent: December 15, 2020Assignee: SW TECHNOLOGY INNOVATIONS, INC.Inventor: Sergiy Vasylyev
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Patent number: 10852385Abstract: A method for controlling the orientation of a solar module including a single-axis solar tracker orientable about an axis of rotation, and a photovoltaic device supported by said tracker and having upper and lower photoactive faces, including: measurement of a distribution of the solar luminance called incident luminance originating from the incident solar radiation coming from the sky to reach the upper face, said distribution being established according to several elevation angles; measurement of a distribution of the solar luminance called reflected luminance originating from the albedo solar radiation corresponding to the reflection of the solar radiation on the ground to reach the lower face, said distribution being established according to several elevation angles; determination of an optimum orientation considering the measurements of said distributions of the incident and reflected solar luminance; servo-control of the orientation of the module on said optimum orientation.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2016Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Assignee: NEXTracker Inc.Inventors: Jérôme Arliaud, Madyan Michotte De Welle
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Patent number: 10725286Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical device, wherein a platform is formed in a top substrate and is configured to turn through a rotation angle. The platform has a slit and faces a cavity. A plurality of integrated photodetectors is formed in a bottom substrate so as to detect the light through the slit and generate signals correlated to the light through the slit. The area of the slit varies with the rotation angle of the platform and causes diffraction, more or less marked as a function of the angle. The difference between the signals of two photodetectors arranged at different positions with respect to the slit yields the angle.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2018Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS S.r.l.Inventors: Roberto Carminati, Enri Duqi, Sebastiano Conti
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Patent number: 10685458Abstract: A method for producing a calibrated radiometric image by un calibrated or partly calibrated thermal imaging device, the method comprising a steps of capturing first and second images on different sets of capturing conditions, obtaining motion matrix characterizing difference between said sets of capturing conditions, obtaining point spread function matrices characterizing a blur condition of said first and second images and obtaining system gain, and calculating a drift by inverting said system gain, motion and point spread function matrices; and calculating a calibrated image by inverting said system gain, motion, point spread function matrices and said first and second images.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2017Date of Patent: June 16, 2020Assignees: RAMOT AT TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY LTD., The State of Israel, Ministry of Agriculture...Inventors: Iftach Klapp, Nir Sochen, Shahar Papini
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Patent number: 10679375Abstract: A markerless tracking device comprising a source configured to direct a beam on a plurality of beam paths, where each beam path illuminates a distinct region of an object; a sensor configured to receive beam reflected from each region in order to generate an image of each region; and a processor configured to generate a metric which indicates suitability of a beam trajectory, wherein the metric is generated by comparing images of selected regions, and wherein the beam trajectory is a path over which the beam is to be directed by the source during markerless tracking of the object.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2016Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: GUIDANCE MARINE LIMITEDInventors: Russell William James Miles, Andrew James Knight
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Patent number: 10545052Abstract: Disclosed is a pyranometer with a housing, a sensor in the housing, an inner window and an outer dome-shaped window both overlying the sensor. An air inlet duct and an air outlet duct extend in the housing and end in a space confined by the outer window for passing air through the space, from the inlet duct to the outlet duct. The housing is substantially closed such that no outside air flows are allowed into the housing and includes a ventilator, the inlet duct being in fluid communication with a high pressure side of the ventilator, the outlet duct being in fluid communication with a low pressure side of the ventilator. The air blown into the space below the outer window is heated by the ventilator power and optionally by and added electrical heater.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2016Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: HUKSEFLUX HOLDING B.V.Inventors: Eric Richard Hoeksema, Cornelis Jan Van Den Bos
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Patent number: 10488733Abstract: A long range electromagnetic radiation sensor apparatus comprising a sensing system for receiving electromagnetic radiation signals from an object or area of interest and at least one electromagnetic radiation sensor, the apparatus further comprising an electromagnetic radiation source and a control system configured to cause electromagnetic radiation from said source to be applied to a selected plurality of three-dimensional portions of an atmospheric volume between said optical system and said object or area of interest (204) so as to heat and/or ionise the air within said portions, wherein said selected portions are spatially located together in a three-dimensional configuration so as to simulate an electromagnetic radiation path modifying device (202) for capturing said electromagnetic signals from said object or area of interest and directing and/or converging said captured signals toward said electromagnetic radiation sensor of said sensing system.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2016Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: BAE Systems plcInventor: Nicholas Giacomo Robert Colosimo
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Patent number: 10488176Abstract: A metrology apparatus has an illumination source that directs collimated light to a reference surface and to an optical component having a test surface that is in parallel with the reference surface. A first imaging lens defines a Fourier transform plane for light reflected from the reference surface and the test surface. A spatial filtering element is actuable to a blocking position that blocks specular light at the transform plane. A second imaging lens forms, at an image plane, an image of the test surface. A sensor array generates image data from received light at the image plane.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2017Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventors: Thomas James Dunn, Paul Francis Michaloski
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Patent number: 10488549Abstract: A power beaming system includes a power beam reception unit and a power beam transmission unit. The power beam reception unit includes a power conversion array, such as a photovoltaic array, arranged to capture at least a portion of a power beam, and a power supply circuit arranged to convert flux from the captured portion of the power beam to electric power. The power beam transmission unit includes a power beam transmitter circuit to transmit a low-flux search beam during a first time window, and further arranged to transmit a high-flux power beam during a second time window. The power beam transmission unit also includes a location detection circuit arranged to identify a location of the reception unit based on the power beam transmitter circuit transmitting the low-flux search beam during the first time window.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2016Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: LaserMotive, Inc.Inventors: Jordin T. Kare, Thomas J. Nugent, Jr., Carsten Casey Erickson
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Patent number: 10475274Abstract: Three-dimensional displays and related techniques are provided. A method of generating a stereoscopic 3D image of a casino game apparatus is provided. A first static 2D image may be applied to a surface in a virtual 3D environment as a first texture of the surface in a first view of the virtual 3D environment. A second static 2D image may be applied to the surface in the virtual 3D environment as a second texture of the surface in a second view of the virtual 3D environment. A stereoscopic 3D image of the casino game apparatus may be generated, the stereoscopic 3D image comprising the first view of the virtual 3D environment with the first static 2D image applied as the first texture to the surface and the second view of the virtual 3D environment with the second static 2D image applied as the second texture to the surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2014Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: IGT CANADA SOLUTIONS ULCInventors: Stefan Keilwert, Klaus Achmuller, Lukas Angermayer, Armin Herlitz, Sven Aurich
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Patent number: 10359317Abstract: The invention provides a method for detecting thermal emissions from the new moon, wherein the new moon is positioned at an angle of less than about 5 degrees from the Sun. The invention utilizes a radio telescope, wherein a side-lobe level of the radio telescope is less than about ?20 dB, wherein an effective telescope diameter of the radio telescope depends on a wavelength of operation. Further, a FWHM beamwidth of the radio telescope is less than about 0.5 degree. The method comprises setting one or more of the operating frequency of the radio telescope to a value selected from the range of about 1 GHz and about 100 GHz, and the operating bandwidth of the radio telescope to a value selected from the range of about 1 GHz and about 10 GHz. In addition, the method comprises collecting at least one observation from the radio telescope.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2013Date of Patent: July 23, 2019Assignee: King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology (KACST)Inventors: Yaser A Hafez, Hamoud H Alharbi
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Patent number: 10283009Abstract: Provided is a sphere magnetic levitation system having magnetic-aligning devices that magnetically align the position of a sphere levitated by electromagnets according to whether the sphere is levitated, and a method of operating the sphere magnetic levitation system. The sphere magnetic levitation system includes: a sphere; a plurality of electromagnets symmetrically positioned about the sphere and spaced apart from the sphere at equal distances; and a plurality of magnetic-aligning devices provided around the sphere, and coming into contact with the sphere or separated from the sphere by a predetermined distance according to the modes of the system. The system is operated in one mode from among: an idle mode, in which the magnetic-aligning devices are in direct contact with and support the sphere; and an operation mode, in which the magnetic-aligning devices are separated from the sphere and the sphere is levitated and rotated.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2014Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: KOREA AEROSPACE RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventor: Seon Ho Lee
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Patent number: 10279729Abstract: In a light control device, positional information of another vehicle present near an own vehicle is acquired. An irradiation area is set based on the position of the other vehicle. Output for changing the irradiation area of a light in the own vehicle is performed to achieve the set irradiation area. The output for changing the irradiation area is prohibited until the elapse of a wait time that has been set in advance are included. According to the light control device, the irradiation area of the light is not changed until the elapse of the wait time. Therefore, annoyance caused by the irradiation area being frequently changed can be suppressed.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2013Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Shinichi Futamura
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Patent number: 10277788Abstract: Provided are an ultrathin digital camera inspired by an eye of an insect, that includes a prism array including a plurality of transmission channels refracting incident light and a micro lens array including micro lenses focusing the light and is implemented so that the respective transmission channels receive visual information on partial regions of an entire field of view (FOV) like a visual organ of the eye of the insect, and a method of manufacturing the same.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2017Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and TechnologyInventors: Ki-Hun Jeong, Dongmin Keum, Kyungwon Jang
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Patent number: 10277824Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods that employ a mechanical method for adjusting camera field angles at a high speed. The adjustments may be synchronized to a high speed image capture process. As such, multiple frames can be captured without experiencing significant object movement or hand shake. The systems and methods may be used to capture videos and/or photo stitching, because both camera position and objects in the scene are static during the high speed image capture.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2017Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: Visbit Inc.Inventor: Changyin Zhou
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Patent number: 10265022Abstract: An approach is provided for processing various sensor data and determining various characteristics associated with a user. A data collection module may process and/or facilitate a processing of sensor data for determining one or more distance measurements between at least one body part of a user and a device. The data collection module may determine one or more biometrical characteristics associated with the user based, at least in part, on the one or more distance measurements.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2012Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Assignee: Nokia Technologies OyInventor: Jyri Kalervo Rauhala
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Patent number: 10267675Abstract: An optical receiver (100) for detection of light from one or more sources (108) comprises an opaque layer (102) disposed on a first surface. An aperture (104) is formed in the opaque layer. An optical detector (106) has a detection region disposed on a second surface. The first and second surfaces are spaced apart from one another such that light passing through the aperture (104) illuminates a corresponding illumination region (110) on the second surface, and is detected by the optical detector (106) In the event that the detection region overlaps the illumination region. Multiple apertures may be formed in the opaque layer, and/or multiple optical detectors may be disposed on the second surface. The optical receiver may thereby enable optical signals originating at different locations to be detected, and distinguished, over a wide field of view.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2015Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Assignee: Monash UniversityInventor: Jean Armstrong
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Patent number: 10145670Abstract: Systems and methods that provide a framework for location tracking of a movable target component or device (e.g., an automated device or a hand-operated device) to accurately cover an area of interest along a specified path or in a specified region. Grid patterns are projected onto a surface of a workpiece or a part. The projected grid lines may be straight or curved. Straight grid lines can be parallel or intersecting. The grid pattern may include a path to be followed. The lines of the projected grid pattern are detected by a grid detection sensor which is mounted onboard the movable target component or device. Information from the grid detection sensor is fed to a location mapping program. The systems and methods also enable navigation for use in automated and autonomous manufacturing and maintenance operations, as well as other tracking-based applications.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2016Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Gary E. Georgeson, James J. Troy, Scott W. Lea
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Patent number: 10142012Abstract: A dedicated satellite to reduce the cost and increase the rate and reliability of data transmission from space to ground is provided. For each client satellite producing data in Earth orbit, a dedicated relay satellite is provided. The relay satellite may fly near the client satellite and receive data from the client satellite by RF communication. The relay satellite may transmit the data to a ground terminal or to another satellite using a laser communication system. Because the relay satellite is not physically connected to the client satellite, the attitude-control requirements of an optical communication system are not imposed on the client satellite. The relay satellite may also be deployed from the client satellite. The relay satellite may allow downlinking large amounts of data for new satellite operators without an existing ground network and for established satellite operators seeking higher data rates, lower latency, or reduced ground system operating costs.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2016Date of Patent: November 27, 2018Assignee: THE AEROSPACE CORPORATIONInventor: Richard P. Welle
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Patent number: 10086475Abstract: Laser processing machines, such as laser cutting machine, including a work table receiving workpiece, and work arm with a laser cutting head. Laser cutting head includes nozzle receiving device and nozzle. Via nozzle laser beam may be directed onto work piece. Machine includes main drives moving work arm and/or the laser cutting head on X-Y-Z axes to process work piece, as well as an alignment unit to adjust laser beam. An adjusting station includes receiving unit fixing nozzle and/or the nozzle receiving device during centering of nozzle. The alignment unit has head element in laser cutting head. Head element receives nozzle and/or the nozzle receiving device and is slidable in X-Y directions, via the main drives. Head element may be fixed in a selected position, within the laser cutting head, via clamping device releasable during nozzle centering at adjusting station.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2018Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: BYSTRONIC LASER AGInventors: Daniel Cathry, Ernest Imboden, Tobias Bugmann, David Broger, Thierry Perrin
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Patent number: 10031329Abstract: An optical telescope is provided that includes a steering mirror configured to receive and redirect optical signals. The steering mirror is configured to be controllably oriented so as to control a direction in which the optical signals are redirected and to correspondingly control a line of sight. The optical telescope also includes a beam tube that includes a turning mirror configured to receive the optical signals from the steering mirror. The optical telescope also includes a primary mirror downstream of the turning mirror and configured to collimate the optical signals. Further, the optical telescope includes an output mirror configured to receive the optical signals from the primary mirror and to redirect the optical signals from the optical telescope. The output mirror is configured to be controllably oriented so as to control a direction in which the optical signals are redirected and to correspondingly control the line of sight.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2015Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Jed Eden Donaldson, Joseph Nolan Paranto
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Patent number: 9986138Abstract: A device for performing eyetracking on a handheld device includes and eyetracking camera and an eyetracking camera boom mount. The eyetracking camera boom mount physically and electrically connects a handheld device and the eyetracking camera. The eyetracking camera boom mount includes an extension boom that positions the eyetracking camera behind the user's hands. The extension boom provides the eyetracking camera with a view of the user's eyes that is unobstructed by the user's hands. The device can further include an operating scene camera for monitoring a person's hand operations on the handheld device. The operating scene camera can be mounted on the same extension boom as the eyetracking camera or on a separate extension boom.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2017Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: LC Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Dixon Cleveland, Jonathan Alexandar West
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Patent number: 9946061Abstract: A support structure for an optical reflecting telescope including a beam inlet a primary support for a primary mirror, a secondary support for a secondary mirror, struts which extend between the primary support and the secondary support, and a beam outlet. The support structure has a contour of a single shell hyperboloid. The primary support, the secondary support and the struts are configured so that they support the primary mirror and the secondary mirror so that a z-shaped beam path is provided between the beam inlet, the primary mirror, the secondary mirror and the beam outlet. The struts have identical length.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2015Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: MBDA Deutschland GmbHInventors: Thomas Klaffert, Michael Schneider
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Patent number: 9932719Abstract: The invention provides a control system for a construction machine comprises a construction machine and a measuring instrument, wherein the construction machine comprises at least two targets, a tilt detecting component, a driving unit, a machine control unit and a machine communication unit, wherein the measuring instrument comprises a distance measuring unit, an optical axis deflecting unit for deflecting the optical axes, a projecting direction detecting unit for detecting a deflection angle and a deflecting direction and a measurement control unit for determining a measuring point and transmitting a measurement result, wherein the measurement control unit allows the distance measuring unit to alternately measure the targets and calculates a direction and front-back and left-right tilts of the construction machine based on three-dimensional positions of the targets and a detection result of the tilt detecting component, and the machine control unit controls the driving unit based on a calculation result.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2017Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: TOPCON CorporationInventors: Fumio Ohtomo, Kaoru Kumagai
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Patent number: 9927236Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus (30) for determining the distance between a light beam (10) and a point (12) on an object surface (14) using a light sensor (16) with a planar measuring field (18), the method comprising Steps A to E, and the apparatus (30) being configured so as to perform the method.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Prüftechnik Dieter Busch AGInventors: Christine Zöcke, Nicolas Meunier, Dietrich Brunn
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Patent number: 9859939Abstract: A microscope has a microscope control unit including at least one radio system having a wireless radio interface. The at least one radio system of the microscope control unit comprises: at least one first radio system configured to furnish at least one first radio characteristic and at least one second radio system configured to furnish at least one second radio characteristic, at least one radio system configured to furnish a first and a second radio characteristic in a predetermined time cycle, or both.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2013Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: LEICA MICROSYSTEMS CMS GMBHInventor: Frank Sieckmann
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Patent number: 9851442Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for detecting and tracking a target are disclosed. The disclosed method involves receiving, with an infra-red (IR) fine track sensor, a IR signal from the target. The method further involves determining, with at least one processor, an estimate of a direction of the target using the IR signal. Also, the method involves transmitting, with a Laser transmitter, a Laser beam towards the direction of the target. Further, the method involves receiving, with a Laser receiver, the Laser signal after it reflects off the target. In one or more embodiments, the Laser receiver is a photon receiver (e.g., a geiger-mode avalanche photo-diode (Gm-APD) receiver).Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2013Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Mark Lo, Joel E. Anspach, Michael C. Cates
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Patent number: 9844360Abstract: A medical imaging system may include an imaging device; an optical head coupled to the imaging device, the optical head comprising a plurality of optical sensors; and a control unit in communication with the optical head. The control unit may be configured to: receive data from the plurality of optical sensors, determine a subset of optical sensors from the plurality of optical sensors for viewing one or more visible targets based on the received data from the plurality of optical sensors, and instruct the optical head to transmit images from the subset of optical sensors.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2014Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: CLEAR GUIDE MEDICAL, INC.Inventors: Philipp Jakob Stolka, Pezhman Foroughi, Matthew C. Rendina, Gregory Donald Hager
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Patent number: 9843597Abstract: Techniques for monitoring a controller area network bus are described herein. In one example, a system comprises a processor that is to detect a message from a source electronic control unit in a vehicle and calculate a location of the source electronic control unit based on at least two arrival times, the arrival times indicating a distance between a first monitor and the source electronic control unit. The processor can also detect that the message corresponds to a function controlled by a second electronic control unit and generate a warning that the message from the source electronic control unit is malicious.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2015Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Yair Allouche, Yossi Gilad, Oded Margalit
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Patent number: 9835671Abstract: According to the present disclosure, there are provided a method of determining which one of first and second input signals Rez+ and Rez? is shorted to ground based on a magnitude of a Lissajous signal, a method of determining which one of first and third output signals S1 and S3 is shorted to any one of the first and second input signals Rez+ and Rez? based on an average magnitude value of the third output signal S3, and a method of determining which one of second and fourth output signals S2 and S4 is shorted to the first input signal Rez+ based on an average magnitude value of the fourth output signal S4.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2014Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Seong Min Kim, Dae Woong Han, Jeong Won Roh
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Patent number: 9819868Abstract: A gimbal mount for a sensor having an outer and inner gimbal mount to stabilize vibrations in a wide frequency band without having to statically balance the sensor. A direct drive is provided for at least one drive of an outer axis of rotation of the outer gimbal mount and an amplified piezo actuator is provided for at least one drive of an inner axis of rotation of the inner gimbal mount. The at least one outer axis of rotation is provided for vibration stabilization in a first range of the frequency band to be stabilized and the at least one inner axis of rotation stabilization is provided for vibration stabilization in a second range in the frequency band to be stabilized. The outer gimbal mount and the inner gimbal mount are embodied as mechanically rigid constructions which transmit vibrations in the frequency band to be stabilized essentially without damping.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2015Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Assignee: Dynamic Perspective GmbHInventors: Peter von Borcke-Morawitz, Stefan Morawitz