Laser Patents (Class 340/557)
  • Patent number: 11938639
    Abstract: A boundary protection method and system of a radiation detection robot. The boundary protection method comprises: a first laser radar and a second laser radar are arranged diagonally, a first marking rod and a second marking rod are arranged diagonally; a boundary of an interlocking zone is defined by the first laser radar, the second laser radar, the first marking rod and the second marking rod; the object to be detected is placed in the interlocking zone; the radiation detection robot uses rays to detect the object to be detected in the interlocking zone; an early warning zone is provided outside the interlocking zone; wherein when it is detected that a person or object has intruded into the interlocking zone, the radiation detection robot stops emitting rays; and when it is detected that a person or object has intruded into the early warning zone, a warning is issued directly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignees: TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY, NUCTECH COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Zhiqiang Chen, Jin Cui, Bin Hu, Dong Lin, Huawei Wu
  • Patent number: 11914399
    Abstract: An optical fiber sensing system according to the present disclosure includes an optical fiber (10) that detects vibration, a detection unit (21) that detects occurrence of a predetermined event, based on an optical signal on which vibration detected by the optical fiber (10) is superimposed, an identification unit (22) that identifies an occurrence location of the predetermined event, based on the optical signal, and identifies a movement destination area serving as a moving destination of an unmanned aerial vehicle that monitors an occurrence location of the predetermined event, based on an occurrence location of the predetermined event, and a control unit (23) that controls the unmanned aerial vehicle to move to the movement destination area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takashi Kojima
  • Patent number: 11915593
    Abstract: A device may include a memory storing instructions and processor configured to execute the instructions to receive information relating to a plurality of vehicles in an area. The device may be further configured to use a trained machine learning model to determine a likelihood of collision by one or more of the plurality of vehicles; identify one or more relevant vehicles of the plurality of vehicles that are in danger of collision based on the determined likelihood of collision; and send an alert indicating the danger of collision to at least one of the identified one or more relevant vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: Derek Wade Ohlarik, Mauricio Pati Caldeira de Andrada, Krishna Pichumani Iyer, Hoo Dennis Ong
  • Patent number: 11190838
    Abstract: A multimedia device capable of providing notification information for each user in a standby mode is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jaeyoung Park, Hyunjung Hong, Jihye Lee
  • Patent number: 11009606
    Abstract: A laser radar device includes: a light-transmission-side lens that shapes a laser beam emitted from a laser light source into a line shape extending along a horizontal direction; a scanner that projects the line-shaped laser beam while scanning the same in a vertical direction of a measurement-target area; a light-reception-side lens that receives reflected light reflected from the measurement-target area; a light reception line sensor including a plurality of light reception cells lined up along the horizontal direction; a light-reception-side optical system that gathers the reflected light received by the light-reception-side lens toward the light reception line sensor, and in which the light-gathering ratio in the vertical direction is set so as to be greater than the light-gathering ratio in the horizontal direction; and an information generation unit that generates three-dimensional information of the measurement-target area based on a reception signal outputted by the light reception line sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Kohei Kawazoe, Takahiro Kubota
  • Patent number: 10885758
    Abstract: A method includes receiving first position data from at least one of a TOF sensor or a LIDAR. The first position data is representative of a position of a human within a hazardous environment. The method further includes receiving second position data associated with a plurality of wearable sensors associated with a plurality of personnel. The method further includes comparing the first position data to the second position data to identify a match between the first position data and the second position data. The method further includes sensing a signal to an alert device associated with the hazardous environment such that the alert device issues an alert in response to the first position data failings to match the second position data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Transocean Sedeo Forex Ventures Limited
    Inventors: Paul Johnson, Travis Mcguire
  • Patent number: 10810857
    Abstract: A system and method for automatically detecting unauthorized entry into a pool requiring no user involvement, and having a high degree of accuracy. The system comprises a plurality of light beam emitter devices and a plurality of light beam receiver devices positioned along an interior perimeter of the pool and a processor in communication with the plurality of light beam emitter devices and the plurality of light beam receiver devices. The plurality of light beam emitter devices emit a plurality of light beams and the plurality of light beam receiver devices receive a plurality of emitted light beams to form a grid extending across a the pool. Additionally, the processor monitors the grid, detects unauthorized entry into the pool based on an interruption of the grid, and generates and transmits an alarm message based on whether a level of the interruption of the grid exceeds a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Inventor: Paul Vegliante
  • Patent number: 10426156
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically deterring pest with a light projection on the ground that is perceived as a predator by pests such as birds, which triggers a fear reaction from the birds to leave the area. The apparatus is designed to project a large beam of more than 60 mm diameter in visible light with sufficient power to be seen during daylight. The apparatus is adapted to pan and tilt continuously and randomly within specified limits that are programmed to project the beam in various areas and protect the areas from birds. The apparatus relies on a robotic arm or orientable support mounted on a frame that can be displaced or repositioned easily thanks to a forklift. Methods for activating and controlling the apparatus are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: 9943129 CANADA INC.
    Inventors: Mathieu Hamel, Julien Chosson
  • Patent number: 10188300
    Abstract: An infrared thermometer for measuring a body temperature in no contact with a human body includes: a main unit incorporating an infrared sensor; a distance sensor detecting a distance between the main unit and the human body when the main unit approaches the human body; and a controller for calculating the body temperature based on quantity of infrared from the infrared sensor when the distance sensor detects that the distance between the main unit and the human body is within a predetermined distance. The distance sensor includes: a light source; a projector lens for projecting light of the light source toward the human body; a light receiving sensor; and a light receiving lens that allows the light receiving sensor to receive return light of the light, which is obtained as a result of being reflected by the human body, when the main unit is located within the predetermined distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: BIO ECHO NET INC.
    Inventor: Hideki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9582005
    Abstract: A method of confining a robot in a work space includes providing a portable barrier signal transmitting device including a primary emitter emitting a confinement beam primarily along an axis defining a directed barrier. A mobile robot including a detector, a drive motor and a control unit controlling the drive motor is caused to avoid the directed barrier upon detection by the detector on the robot. The detector on the robot has an omnidirectional field of view parallel to the plane of movement of the robot. The detector receives confinement light beams substantially in a plane at the height of the field of view while blocking or rejecting confinement light beams substantially above or substantially below the plane at the height of the field of view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph L. Jones, Philip R. Mass
  • Patent number: 9517171
    Abstract: Bed, comprising a lower frame (1) and an upper frame (2) with a supporting surface for a mattress, and where the upper frame (2) is connected to the lower frame (1) so that the upper frame can be raised and lowered in proportion to the lower frame by means of one or more adjusting means (5, 6) driven by an electric motor. In order to prevent squeezing between the upper and lower frame when the upper frame is lowered, the bed is provided with anti squeezing means. These comprise a light source and a receiver positioned in a corner of the lower frame. The light source sends a light beam which follows the lower frame all the way around and runs just above the top side of the lower frame. When the light beam is interrupted the control unit reacts by cutting off the current for the motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Linak A/S
    Inventors: Thomas Egelund Andersen, Morten Fog
  • Patent number: 9429651
    Abstract: A device for detecting a presence of an object includes an optical phased array, a detector, a processing portion and an indicator. The optical phased array can transmit a first optical beam to a first location at a first time and can transmit a second optical beam to a second location at a second time. The detector can detect a first reflected beam based on the first optical beam and can detect a second reflected beam based on the second optical beam. The processing portion can determine the presence of the object based on the first reflected beam and the second reflected beam. The indicator can generate an indicator signal based on the presence of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Jerry A. Krill, Michael J. O'Driscoll, Michael C. Gross, Stergios J. Papadakis, Gerald F. Ricciardi, Isaac N. Bankman, Joseph S. Peri
  • Patent number: 9348421
    Abstract: An interactive, zone-based installation enables a user to interact with an object, such as a retail product, an appliance, a food item, a poster, a non-touch screen monitor, an object of nature, or any other of a number of various items. A user approaches the object and reaches for it. The installation displaying the object has a sensor such as a camera. The sensor is coupled to a processor and continuously feeding an image depth buffer stream. Within the field of view of the sensor is a 3D zone. The zone is strategically positioned near or around the object. When a user reaches for the object there is a change in the depth buffer data stream. If this change exceeds time and sensitivity thresholds implying an intentional gesture by the user, an output event is triggered by the processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: FLOAT HYBRID ENTERTAINMENT INC.
    Inventors: Kevin Weston, Steven Chen
  • Patent number: 9247215
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for detecting and imaging an object comprising a sensor node including a sensor for sensing the object and a camera for recording an image of the object. A wireless sensor radio is connected to the camera for transmitting the recorded image of the object to a display node for displaying the image of the object at a remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Inventor: Stephan P. Athan
  • Patent number: 8970374
    Abstract: A system for detecting intrusion across a surface, comprising a plurality of light sources projecting an array of illuminating beams along different optical paths in the surface and a detector array system directed such that it detects along a plurality of fields of view in the surface, illumination reflected from the illuminating beams. A signal processing system detects changes along the array of fields of view, in the reflected illumination level detected by the detector system. An increase greater than a predefined level in the reflected illumination level from any field of view provides an indication of an intrusion across the surveilled surface along that field of view, at the crossing point of the direction of that field of view with the optical path whose illuminating beam generated the increase in reflected illumination from that field of view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Shilat Optronics Ltd
    Inventors: Avishay Guetta, Doron Korngut, Gil Blai
  • Patent number: 8917177
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed including one or more security structures. The one or more security structures includes: a weldable frame; a plurality of composite panels, each panel securable to the weldable frame, each composite panel configured to form at least one joint with at least one adjoining composite panel; and a respective security element embedded within each of the composite panels. The security element is configured to detect a breach in the composite panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Angel Secure Networks, Inc.
    Inventor: Fred Hewitt Smith
  • Patent number: 8907792
    Abstract: A theft protection device (108, 110) for the detection of unauthorized intrusion or entrance into a protected area (104) is provided, wherein the protected area (104) is surrounded by a physical barrier (102) which has at least one access area (106) and which can be overcome outside the access area (106) by reaching over or surmounting, wherein the device (108, 110) comprises a laser scanner (108) which is arranged and oriented such that its surveillance plane (114) detects reaching over and surmounting of the barrier (102) to then output a theft signal. The device (108, 110) comprises an authorization device (110) of the access area (106) which is configured to activate or deactivate the laser scanner (108) upon authorized passage through the access area (106).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Sick AG
    Inventor: Matthias Mezger
  • Patent number: 8854544
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for controlling operation of an electronic device, such as a TV. The system includes a first sensor located at or near the electronic device and a second sensor spaced apart from the first sensor, wherein the first and second sensors are configured to detect motion of a user within an operating zone associated with the electronic device. A processor is coupled to the electronic device and the first and second sensors, the processor being configured to input a signal from the first and second sensors. Memory is coupled to the processor, the memory comprising a sensing algorithm configured to process the input signal from the first and second sensors and determine the location of the user with respect to the operating zone. The processor is configured to send a control command to the electronic device based on an output of the sensing algorithm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Ling Jun Wong
  • Patent number: 8829889
    Abstract: A laser protective wall element for a housing in laser machining stations with which increased protection, in particular for the eyes of living beings, can be achieved. In a laser protective wall element for a housing at laser machining stations, an intermediate layer is present which has hot conductor properties. The intermediate layer can be formed between electrically conductive plate-like elements, an electrically conductive plate-like element and an electrically conductive coating or also two electrically conductive layers or can be arranged there. The electrically conductive plate-like elements, the coating and/or the layers are connected to an electrical voltage source as well as a measuring instrument which detects electrical current, electrical resistance and/or electrical capacity and whose measured signal change can be used for the condition monitoring of the laser protective wall element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Angewandten Forschung E.V.
    Inventors: Jan Hannweber, Stefan Kuehn, Sven Bretschneider, Michael Melde
  • Patent number: 8816863
    Abstract: Systems and methods for generating a laser beam illuminating a space around an object are provided. The laser beam illuminates an animal that is approaching the object in the space. The laser beam is generated by a laser illuminating at least a first micro-mirror that moves under control of a processor. Additional micro-mirrors are contemplated. The laser beam reflected from the moving micro-mirror illuminates the space around the object. Laser, processor and micro-mirrors are dimensioned to illuminate with a high probability an area with a cross-section perpendicular to a laser beam of 10 cm by 10 cm inside the space at a distance of up to 200 meters from the laser or farther.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Corporation
    Inventor: Farshid Arman
  • Patent number: 8810433
    Abstract: A garage door opener and parking guide combination includes a male connector that is configured to be removably extended into and electrically coupled to a light bulb socket. A light bulb is electrically coupled to the male connector and emits light when electricity is supplied to the light bulb socket. The light bulb is non-removably coupled to the male connector. The male connector includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is threaded. The light bulb includes a plurality of light emitting diodes. A first electrical coupler is mounted in and non-removably affixed to the second portion of the male connector. The first electrical coupler is in electrical communication with the male connector. A laser light assembly is removably electrically coupled to the first electrical coupler and emits laser light when the male connector receives electricity from the light bulb socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Ronald W. Aarons
  • Patent number: 8786436
    Abstract: A multiple optical axis photoelectric sensor is provided that stops a control output according to light being obstructed in a detection area. First and second variable signals indicate the duration of an optical axis scan processing for which light entrance detection and light obstruction detection are obtained, respectively. The first and second variable signals are updated according to results of each scan in the optical axis scan processing. When the value of the first variable reaches a predetermined first reference value, and when a final value of the second variable is equal to or lower than a predetermined second reference value, a notification is made that the light obstruction is detected due to a malfunction. As a result of this notification, whether output signal of the sensor is erroneously switched due to a cause other than an object of a detection target can correctly be made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Ryo Kozawa, Kazunori Osako
  • Patent number: 8754787
    Abstract: There is proposed a marine security system which comprises at least two different monitoring elements (IRC, IRS) and a controller (PC) connected thereto in particular for warding off pirates, said controller triggering an alarm and/or activating alarm devices as a function of the displays or outputs of the different monitoring elements. In addition, at least two separate line or conduit systems (LA, LB) and outlets (DA, DB) connected thereto are provided, from which at least one substance can be discharged. In the event of an alarm, at least one substance is specifically supplied to the outlets (DA, DB), wherein said outlets are installed in different locations or sections (A1-A5, B1-B5) of the hull (S) and can be specifically activated there. The outlets (DA, DB) may also have different designs in order to optimally discharge the respective substance, for example by atomizing, nebulizing, spraying or pouring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: LexGabinia UG
    Inventors: Sven Furus, Jan-Hendrik Stroher
  • Patent number: 8742884
    Abstract: A sensor system includes at least one safety sensor unit for monitoring a safety relevant zone of a plant. The sensor system also includes a display unit connected to the sensory unit or integrated into it. The sensor system outputs a safety switch signal on an intrusion of an unpermitted object into the monitored, safety relevant zone and the safety sensor unit has an input interface for receiving a further safety switch signal. The input interface can be configured such that, on the one hand, it can receive the further safety switch signal and, on the other hand, can also receive external, non-safety relevant signals of an external device. The display unit is designed to display internal state data of the sensor system and information resulting from the external non-safety relevant signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Sick AG
    Inventors: Christian Klingelhöfer, Felix Dreher
  • Patent number: 8704670
    Abstract: A smoke detector includes processing circuitry coupled to a camera. The field-of-view of the camera contains one or more targets, each having spatial indicia thereon. At least a portion of one of the targets is coated, at least in part, by an infra-red absorbing dye. The dye produces visually discernable dark areas on the coated target(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Kwong Wing Au, Thomas W. Shoaff, Scott R. Lang
  • Publication number: 20140043158
    Abstract: Debo Alarm System Second Phase (D.A.S.S.P.) is a mobile Security System for the Home, Apartment, RV, Commercial Businesses, and Vacation Suite etc. . . . This alarm system is unique because it utilizes the existing wiring in the area you are trying to secure. The system works like a traditional alarm system with 911 and Carbon Monoxide function. This system not only has the ability to monitor the inside of your home it also allows you to monitor the perimeter of your home. The Debo Alarm System Second Phase has a detachable Mobile Module with 911 and Carbon Monoxide function. The Mobile Module can be used to monitor your home system and protect you at a second location. The Mobile Module can be plugged into a wall socket like a cell phone. The Mobile Module has an internal rechargeable battery to allow a wide range of security functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventor: Durwin Keith Lasker
  • Patent number: 8648292
    Abstract: A photoelectric switch reduces a cost load of a user while ensuring its protection function inherent to safety equipment without impairing its safety function, and an optical scanning type photoelectric switch is provided with a muting function settable by the user, which is a function of temporarily invalidating sensing of part or the whole of a protection area, and is provided with two output systems, with respect to each of which the muting function is settable and on each output of which an inspection signal is superimposed at a different timing in a time-division manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Keyence Corporation
    Inventors: Shinji Kawabata, Tetsu Inoue
  • Patent number: 8629938
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for controlling operation of an electronic device, such as a TV. The system includes a first sensor located at or near the electronic device and a second sensor spaced apart from the first sensor, wherein the first and second sensors are configured to detect motion of a user within an operating zone associated with the electronic device. A processor is coupled to the electronic device and the first and second sensors, the processor being configured to input a signal from the first and second sensors. Memory is coupled to the processor, the memory comprising a sensing algorithm configured to process the input signal from the first and second sensors and determine the location of the user with respect to the operating zone. The processor is configured to send a control command to the electronic device based on an output of the sensing algorithm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Ling Jun Wong
  • Patent number: 8600650
    Abstract: When a vehicle passes through an intersection that is stored in a collection target intersection database and for which direction-specific probe information is collected, a CPU of a navigation device generates a plurality of direction-specific probe information (entry link, exit link, section travel time, and the like) from a plurality of unit distance section information that is collected within a direction-specific traffic information acquisition section until the vehicle passes through the intersection, an entry link traveled before entering the intersection; and an exit link traveled after passing through the intersection, and transmits these to an information distribution center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Zaitsu, Shinji Kachi, Kenji Nagase, Tsuyoshi Iwata, Toshio Inoguchi, Kazunori Watanabe, Teruhide Hayashida
  • Patent number: 8584345
    Abstract: Because reprocessing or refurbishing of physiological sensors reuses large portions of an existing sensor, the material costs for refurbishing sensors is significantly lower than the material costs for making an entirely new sensor. Typically, existing reprocessors replace only the adhesive portion of an adhesive physiological sensor and reuse the sensing components. However, re-using the sensing components can reduce the reliability of the refurbished sensor and/or reduce the number of sensors eligible for refurbishing due to out-of-specification sensor components. It is therefore desirable to provide a process for refurbishing physiological sensors that replaces the sensing components of the sensor. While sensing components are replaced, generally, sensor cable and/or patient monitor attachments are retained, resulting in cost savings over producing new sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Masimo Corporation
    Inventors: Ammar Al-Ali, Yassir Abdul-Hafiz, Massi Joe E. Kiani
  • Patent number: 8547238
    Abstract: A system for confirming the detection of a fire using a plurality of radiation or flame sensors each equipped with a radiation detector and an optical filter having a spectral transmission characteristic in which at least one optical filter is redundant to at least one other optical filter. The result is a system having operationally redundant sensors. In use, if a fire is detected by one of the redundant sensors without including the other redundant radiation sensor in the fire detection calculation, then a fire detection algorithm can switch to the other operationally redundant sensor to check for confirmation of a fire. Due to the spatial separation and if the object is small and close, a different result will be obtained with the redundant detector being used in the calculation compared to the primary detector that is associated with the redundant detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: KnowFlame, Inc.
    Inventor: John Harchanko
  • Patent number: 8542109
    Abstract: An intrusion detection system that provides foliage penetration is disclosed employing an array of field disturbance transceivers operating at UHF frequencies. The array of transceivers generate a multiplicity of electromagnetic wave fields between nearby units and detect the presence of intruders by detecting disturbances in these fields. The emitted UHF signals used to generate the electromagnetic wave fields are also used to provide the communication link between transceivers in the array and to a control station. The control station facilitates the operation of the array from a remote monitoring site. A unique method of array deployment provides multiple opportunities to detect an intruder and secondarily provides redundant communication links in case of a sensor failure. Automatic means of setting detection thresholds based on environmental conditions assures a high probability of detection along with a low false alarm rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Flir Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Walker Butler, John Edward Bjornholt
  • Patent number: 8508366
    Abstract: A method of identifying a potential security threat in a space. A first scan of the space is performed during a first time interval by illuminating at least a portion of the space with energy from an energy source at an illumination angle, such that the energy is reflected from a surface in the space. An incident angle of the reflected energy is detected with a detector located at a known distance from the energy source and a distance from the surface to the energy source is calculated based on the incident angle. The steps are repeated for a plurality of different locations in the space. A first map of the space is generated from the first scan, and a second map is generated from a second scan of the area. The maps are compared to determine a change in the space and to determine if a potential security threat is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Dennis M. Petricoin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8471705
    Abstract: A multifunction detector for detecting energy reflected from the surface, the detector comprising: a focal plane array in communication with the optical receiving path; and an optical receiving path; a read-only integrated circuit in communication with the optical receiving path, integrated with a focal plane array; and a processor programmed to operate the focal plane array and read-out integrated circuit in a first mode to process signals in a first frequency band, and in a second mode to process signals in a second, wider frequency band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: William Yenisch, Richard LeBlanc
  • Patent number: 8466786
    Abstract: A lock mechanism for locking a door or the like with a Sabbath control unit comprises a Sabbath control unit comprising an optical device including a light beam emitter and detector spaced apart with a line of sight path between them, the optical device operative to provide output indicating if a light beam emitted by the emitter is received by the detector, and a locking mechanism comprising a moving member operative to be displaced between a locked state position wherein the door is locked and an unlocked state position wherein the door is unlocked, wherein the moving member is operative to block the line of sight path while in the locked state position and to clear the line of site path while in the unlocked state position, and wherein the Sabbath control unit is operative to activate an electronic device in response to output indicating that the light beam emitted by the emitter has not been received by the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Rav-Mafteah Ltd.
    Inventor: Asher Haviv
  • Patent number: 8436732
    Abstract: A security system lays out a sensing optical fiber tautly at the perimeter of an area to be secured. The sensing optical fiber has at least one sensing Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) which is stretched when the sensing optical fiber is stretched by an intruder. The center wavelength of reflection of the stretched sensing FBG shifts towards longer wavelengths. The shifted center wavelength of reflection is detected using a reference FBG with a longer center wavelength of reflection. The sensing optical fiber has a loose buffer coating for isolating the sensing optical fiber and the sensing FBG from nuisance disturbances and noise such as vibrations caused by wind. Trip wires may be attached to the sensing optical fiber for enhancing intruder detection. A cut of the sensing optical fiber may be detected by monitoring the optical power exiting the far end of the sensing optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventor: Jason Bentley Lamont
  • Patent number: 8432281
    Abstract: A method and system that creates a boundary with an alert and deterring function when the boundary is crossed. The system employs a base unit and one or more portable IR motion sensors which are capable of discriminating between objects of differing physical characteristics, and notifies the user when the parameters for sufficient obstruction have been met. Both sensors and base unit have audio and visual deterring capabilities to frighten away unwanted intruders. The method and system can be utilized in camping situations to deter dangerous wildlife and can be configured to notify users when children exit from an area. The system can be used to create a contiguous perimeter, or any boundary arrangement desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Utah State University
    Inventors: James T. Reese, Rickey D Hughes
  • Patent number: 8395492
    Abstract: An apparatus, method, and computer program product for monitoring a tire are provided. An apparatus comprises a laser system comprising a number of lasers configured to identify a radius of a tire of a vehicle located on a ground, wherein a laser in the number of lasers is associated with an axle of the tire. The apparatus also comprises a tire monitoring system configured to identify a set of acceptable radii for the tire using a weight of the vehicle and information about the tire, determine whether the radius of the tire is within the set of acceptable radii, and generate an indication that the radius of the tire is not within the set of acceptable radii comprising the radius of the tire responsive to an absence of a determination that the radius of the tire is within the set of acceptable radii.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Trent Daryl Miller
  • Patent number: 8344885
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed including one or more security structures. The one or more security structures includes: a weldable frame; a plurality of composite panels, each panel securable to the weldable frame, each composite panel configured to form at least one joint with at least one adjoining composite panel; and a respective security element embedded within each of the composite panels. The security element is configured to detect a breach in the composite panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Angel Secure Networks Inc.
    Inventor: Fred Hewitt Smith
  • Patent number: 8325027
    Abstract: A safety light apparatus includes a first light source to emit a first light beam and a first light modulator to modulate the first light beam to project a first light image resembling a left boundary of a bike lane. A second light source emits a second light beam, and a second light modulator modulates the second light beam to project a second light image resembling a right boundary of a bike lane. A housing supports the first and second light sources and the first and second light modulators. A mounting device is provided for mounting the housing to a bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Lightlane LLC
    Inventors: Alexander Kirby Tee, Evan Isaac Timerding Gant
  • Publication number: 20120274466
    Abstract: A theft protection device (108, 110) for the detection of unauthorized intrusion or entrance into a protected area (104) is provided, wherein the protected area (104) is surrounded by a physical barrier (102) which has at least one access area (106) and which can be overcome outside the access area (106) by reaching over or surmounting, wherein the device (108, 110) comprises a laser scanner (108) which is arranged and oriented such that its surveillance plane (114) detects reaching over and surmounting of the barrier (102) to then output a theft signal. The device (108, 110) comprises an authorization device (110) of the access area (106) which is configured to activate or deactivate the laser scanner (108) upon authorized passage through the access area (106).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: SICK AG
    Inventor: Matthias MEZGER
  • Patent number: 8284071
    Abstract: An assembly (20) for controlling movement of an automatically moveable door panel (22) includes a sensor (30, 32, 34) positioned on at least one of a door panel (22) or a door frame member (24, 26). The sensitive portion provides an indication of when an object is in contact with or in very close proximity to a sensitive portion. A sensitive portion is established over an area of the door or door frame member at which an object may become caught during automated door movement. A disclosed example includes using an electromechanical film as a sensor so that the sensitive portion is responsive to pressure applied by the object on the sensitive portion. Another disclosed example includes a field effect sensor that generates an electric field that is at least partially interrupted when an object contacts or comes in very close proximity to the sensitive portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Pei-Yuan Peng, Jaime A. Rivera, Atsushi Yamada, Takashi Saiki
  • Patent number: 8269628
    Abstract: A triple-sensor motion detector is provided for illuminating the approach to a display case or other object. The triple-sensor motion detector provides a field of detection that spans the front width of the case, yet does not include the areas along the sides of the case. The detector reduces inadvertent triggering of the illumination by persons approaching the side of the case or approaching another case on the other side of an aisle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Advance Electronic Concepts
    Inventors: Daniel Gagnon, Paul Lukas, Robert Baker
  • Patent number: 8248235
    Abstract: This invention provides an area monitoring sensor capable of setting a monitor area without connecting a terminal device for area setting. The area monitoring sensor that emits detection light in different emitting directions and senses an intruder within a monitor area based on reflection of the detection light, the monitor area being previously set as a polygonal shaped area defined by three or more sides, the sensor being provided on a first side out of the sides of the monitor area, and includes a side selecting unit that selects a second side other than the first side out of the three or more sides that define the monitor area based on an operation input; a distance specifying unit that specifies a distance between the area monitoring sensor and the second side that is being selected by the side selecting unit based on an operation input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Keyence Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsu Inoue, Akiji Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 8200049
    Abstract: A system and method for a structure monitoring and locating a disturbance event is disclosed. The system includes a compact transceiver chip sending optical signals in three optical fibers that encompass the monitored structure appropriately. The system contains a sequence of loops, wherein the first and the second fiber forming the loop clockwise, while the third fiber is winded along the same loop counterclockwise. A set of two detectors registers the returning signals, and a time delay between those signals is calculated, which is indicative of the disturbance event location. The event location is determined with different sensitivity in different parts of the monitored structure depending on the density of fibers in these parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: CeLight, Inc.
    Inventors: Arkady Kaplan, Isaac Shpantzer
  • Patent number: 8193936
    Abstract: A solar powered perimeter beam security system comprising a plurality of spaced towers. The towers have detection beams extending between them for detecting an intruder when at least one of the detection beams is interrupted. Each of the towers communicates with a remote unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Solarbeam Security, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Houston
  • Patent number: 8077034
    Abstract: The invention refers to a sensor (10) for presence detection, and a method for presence detection, in a detection area (18) comprising at least an image generator (14) for generating an image on a detection area (18) formed by illuminated structures reflecting from said detection area (18), a detector (20) for detecting signals of the image reflected from the detection area (18), an image processing unit (24) for comparing the signals based on the reflected and received image with signals of a reference image stored in storing means of the image processing unit (24), wherein the image generator (14) generates a pattern (16) on the detection area (18) having illuminated and non-illuminated zones, the image processing unit (24) uses triangulation technique to detect changes of the pattern (16) within the detection area (18) over the reference image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: BEA SA
    Inventors: Yves Borlez, Olivier Gillieaux, Christian Leprince
  • Patent number: 8077054
    Abstract: A garage door opener and parking guide combination includes a housing that includes a drive assembly mechanically coupled to a garage door to selectively open or close the garage door when the drive assembly is activated. The housing is attached to a ceiling of a garage containing the garage door. A light bulb socket is in electrical communication with a control of the drive assembly and receiving electricity while the drive assembly is activated. A male connector is removably extended in and electrically coupled to the light bulb socket. A light bulb is electrically coupled to the male connector and emits light when electricity is supplied to the light bulb socket. A laser light assembly is electrically coupled to the male connector and emits laser light when the male connector receives electricity from the light bulb socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: Ronald W. Aarons
  • Patent number: 8063780
    Abstract: This invention provides a monitor area setting device with which an area can be easily added to or deleted from a monitor area. The device includes: an area addition/deletion specifying unit that specifies an addition area and a deletion area based on an input signal from an operating unit; an inconsistent area extraction unit that extracts an area that is between the safety area and the addition area with respect to the safety sensor as an inconsistent area; and an area setting update unit that updates area setting information so as to set an area formed either by adding the addition area and the inconsistent area to the safety area or by excluding the deletion area and the inconsistent area from the safety area as a new monitor area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Keyence Corporation
    Inventor: Tomohiro Onishi
  • Publication number: 20110273293
    Abstract: A light-curtain alarm system is disclosed that provides to authorized persons uninhibited access to a protected item by automatically, temporarily deactivating the alarm whenever proximity of an authorized person is detected. Each authorized person carries a deactivating device that is detected at short range, preferably using radio waves or Bluetooth. Embodiments can track detection information, and/or distinguish between a plurality of deactivating devices, so as to track and/or control access to the protected item. The deactivating device can be included in an identification badge, and/or can be carried in a pocket or worn around a wrist or neck. The light-curtain can be generated using any combination of lasers and/or other light sources, light reflectors, and photo-detectors. In preferred embodiments, the alarm system can be configured to control access to a magnet of a magnetic resonance device, such as an MRI or NMR.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: Arnold Itkin, Douglas P. Burum