With Specific Illumination Detail Patents (Class 348/131)
  • Patent number: 12081867
    Abstract: A system includes a transmission unit configured to generate an electromagnetic wave, a first reception unit configured to detect the electromagnetic wave, and a processing unit configured to determine whether an output of the electromagnetic wave from the transmission unit is more than or equal to a threshold based on first image information obtained by capturing an image of the transmission unit in a state where the transmission unit is irradiating the electromagnetic wave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Zempei Wada, Takahiro Sato, Takeaki Itsuji
  • Patent number: 11948292
    Abstract: Disclosed is a non-transitory computer readable medium storing a computer program, in which when the computer program is executed by one or more processors of a computing device, the computer program performs operations to provide methods for detecting flaws, and the operations may include: extracting a flaw patch from a flaw image including a flaw; preprocessing at least one of the flaw image or non-flaw image not including a flaw; extracting a non-flaw patch from at least one of the preprocessed flaw image or non-flaw image; and training a neural network model for classifying patches to flaw or non-flaw with a training data set including the flaw patch and the non-flaw patch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: MakinaRocks Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Andre S. Yoon, Sangwoo Shim, Yongsub Lim, Ki Hyun Kim, Byungchan Kim, JeongWoo Choi, Jongsun Shinn
  • Patent number: 11936845
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to contaminant detection systems and related optical systems and methods. An example contaminant detection system includes an optical coupler configured to couple light into and/or out of an optical element. The contaminant detection system also includes a plurality of light-emitter devices configured to emit emission light toward the optical coupler. The contaminant detection system additionally includes a plurality of detector devices configured to detect at least a portion of the emission light by way of the optical element and the optical coupler. The plurality of detector devices is also configured to provide detector signals indicative of a presence of a contaminant on the optical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin Frevert, Shashank Sharma
  • Patent number: 11851030
    Abstract: Various embodiments relate to sensing defects associated with a window. Furthermore, various embodiments relate to performing image processing to produce a corrected image of a scene based at least partly on data corresponding to the detected defects. In some examples, one or more lighting modules may be used to illuminate the window to facilitate detection of the defects by one or more sensor devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Clarisse Mazuir, Malcolm J. Northcott, Jack E. Graves, James R. Wilson, Christopher D. Jones, Martin Melcher
  • Patent number: 11835515
    Abstract: A method of evaluating suitability of lighting conditions for detecting an analyte in a sample using a mobile device camera. A test strip is provided for detecting the analyte. A first image of the test strip is captured while an illumination source of the mobile device is turned off and a second image of the test strip is captured while the illumination source is turned on. A sample is applied to the test strip and the first and second images are compared to thereby determine the difference in lighting conditions between the first image and the second image. The comparison is used to derive information on suitability of the lighting conditions for analyte detection. The lighting conditions are indicated as suitable when a predetermined threshold amount of light intensity used for illumination of the test strip originates from the illumination source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Roche Diabetes Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Max Berg, Fredrik Hailer, Timo Klein, Bernd Limburg, Christian Melchinger, Volker Tuerck
  • Patent number: 11790509
    Abstract: A method of building a model of defect inspection for a light-emitting diode (LED) display is adapted to be implemented by a model-building system. The model-building system stores captured images respectively of LED displays that were displaying images. Each of the captured images corresponds to a status tag that indicates a status of the image being displayed by the respective one of the LED displays. The method includes: performing data preprocessing on the captured images to result in pieces of pre-processed data that respectively correspond to the captured images; and building a model of defect inspection by using an algorithm of machine learning based on the pieces of pre-processed data and the status tags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: MACROBLOCK, INC.
    Inventor: Yi-Sheng Lin
  • Patent number: 11758091
    Abstract: Provided is a food monitoring apparatus including at least one light source configured to selectively radiate light of a first wavelength band and light of a second wavelength band that is different from the first wavelength band to food, at least one image sensor configured to obtain a visible image of the food and a hyperspectral image of the food based on light scattered, emitted, or reflected from the food, and at least one processor configured to obtain first information of the food based on the visible image, and to obtain second information of the food based on the first information and the hyperspectral image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignees: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD., CHUNG ANG University Industry Academic Cooperation Foundation
    Inventors: Suyeon Lee, Jeongsu Han, Unjeong Kim, Hyungbin Son, Junhoe Choi
  • Patent number: 11481568
    Abstract: This invention provides an illumination assembly that is typically attached to the front end of a vision system camera assembly, adapted to generate an illumination pattern onto an object, which allows the vision system process(or) to perform basic shape inspection of the object in addition to feature detection and decoding. A dome illuminator with a diffuse inner surface is provided to the camera assembly with a sufficient opening side to surround the object. The dome illuminator has two systems to create the pattern on an object, including a diffuse illuminator for specular/shiny object surfaces and a secondary, projecting illuminator for matte/diffusive object surfaces. The diffuse illuminator includes a set of light-filtering structures on its inner surface—for example concentric strips or rings that allow projection of a ringed fringe pattern on an (e.g. shiny/specular) object. The fringes can additionally be generated in a given a certain wavelength and/or visible color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Cognex Corporation
    Inventors: Esther Oteo Lozano, Jose Fernandez Dorado, Nicole Dippel, Pablo Garcia Campos, Laurens Nunnink
  • Patent number: 11457799
    Abstract: An endoscopic capsule comprising first and second imaging systems, wherein the first imaging system is arranged for obtaining images at a broader spectral range than the second imaging system, the capsule comprising a processor, the capsule arranged for operating in any one of a first mode wherein a frame rate of the first imaging system exceeds a frame rate of the second imaging system, and a second mode wherein the frame rate of the second imaging system exceeds the frame rate of the second imaging system in the first mode, wherein the processor in the first mode is arranged for accessing one or more images from the first imaging system, detecting if there is a polyp in said one or more images, and switching from the first mode to the second mode if a polyp is detected in the one or more images from the first imaging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Inventors: Esmaeil Shahrak Nadimi, Gunnar Baatrup, Claus Duedal Pedersen
  • Patent number: 11442020
    Abstract: An inspection system is described. The inspection system includes a camera and a housing. The housing contains a reflective dome. The reflective dome includes an apex and a viewport. The viewport is offset from the apex. The camera is mounted to capture light exiting the reflective dome through the viewport. And, a plurality of light sources are arranged about the reflective dome such that light output from the plurality of light sources enters the dome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Hutchinson Technology Incorporated
    Inventors: Matthew S. Lang, Timothy J. Maday, Dennis R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 11361398
    Abstract: Data processing systems (e.g. image processing systems) and methods are provided for processing a stream of data values (e.g. pixel values). The image processing system comprises a processing module configured to: receive a plurality of pixel values; and implement processing of a particular pixel value by operating on a particular subset of the received pixel values, by: defining a set of one or more groups into which pixel values within the particular subset can be grouped; classifying each of the pixel values within the particular subset into one of the groups of the set of one or more groups based on the value of that pixel value; processing the particular pixel value using one or more of the pixel values of the particular subset in dependence on the classification of the pixel values of the particular subset into the one or more groups; and outputting the processed particular pixel value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Imagination Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Timothy Lee
  • Patent number: 11320639
    Abstract: Describes herein are a microscope optical module, a microscope, a control device for the microscope optical module, and multiphoton excitation microscope, which can switch the observation field of view at high speed and observe a large field of view. The microscope optical module includes an optical-axis-shifting optical system having an optical element, an optical-axis-shifting optical system support for positioning the optical-axis-shifting optical system with respect to the objective light flux of the microscope, and a rotator arranged on the optical-axis-shifting optical system support, the rotator rotatably supporting the optical-axis-shifting optical system with respect to the optical axis of the objective light flux, wherein the microscope optical module is added to an objective light flux side of a microscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: JAPAN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AGENCY
    Inventors: Masanori Matsuzaki, Shin-Ichiro Terada
  • Patent number: 11199501
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include methods, apparatuses, and computer readable media for transmitting a light such that it is incident on a multi-layer stack, wherein the multi-layer stack includes the feature and a region without the feature, detecting a narrow-band light from the feature and the region without the feature, wherein the feature has a first optical response in response to a wavelength of the narrow-band light and the region without the feature has a second optical response in response to the wavelength of the narrow-band light, and generating, based on the narrow-band light, an image indicative of where the first optical response and the second optical response occur on the multi-layer stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: UTICA LEASECO, LLC
    Inventors: Vineet Kumar, Katayoun Zand, Howard Woo, Markelle L. Gibbs, Enrique Bravo Mora, Christopher E. France, Brendan M. Kayes
  • Patent number: 11163031
    Abstract: Lights sources may be installed in a facility without regard to their unique identifiers, which are necessary for a lighting control system to exercise control over the light sources. After installation, a mobile device can identify the identifier of a particular light source through use of a mobile device with a photodetector that detects visible light signals emitted by a light source. The user of the mobile device may locate themselves within range of a light source. The light source transmits a visible light signal to convey information includes an identifier of the light source, such as a MAC address. The mobile device can then determine a correspondence between the light source's identifier and its location in the facility. Accordingly, a mapping of a plurality of light sources can be created while minimizing the possibility for human error during commissioning of a lighting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Synapse Wireless, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeremy Jacob Zoller
  • Patent number: 11100375
    Abstract: Data processing systems (e.g. image processing systems) and methods are provided for processing a stream of data values (e.g. pixel values). A processing module implements processing of a particular pixel value of the stream by operating on a particular subset of pixel values of the stream, by: classifying each of the pixel values within the particular subset into a group of a set of groups; processing the particular pixel value using one or more of the pixel values of the particular subset in dependence on the classification of the pixel values of the particular subset into the groups, wherein said processing the particular pixel value comprises performing, in a consolidated operation, multiple processing functions which depend upon the classification of pixel values of the particular subset into the groups; and outputting the processed particular pixel value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Imagination Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Timothy Lee
  • Patent number: 11017543
    Abstract: An imaging part 120 successively generates a plurality of pieces of pattern image data. The binning processing is executed to the plurality of pieces of the pattern image data generated by the imaging part 120, and a computing processing part 132 generates, on the basis of the plurality of pieces of the pattern image data after the binning processing, height data indicating a height image of the measurement target S. The imaging part 120 generates texture image data indicating an image of the measurement target S when the illuminating part 110 irradiates the measurement target S with uniform light. On the basis of the height data generated by the computing processing part 132 and the texture image data generated by the imaging part 120, an inspecting part 230 executes an inspection of the measurement target S.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: KEYENCE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shuhei Ono
  • Patent number: 10880508
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: a comparing circuit configured to compare, based on image data generated by an imaging element including a light receiver in which a plurality of photoelectric converting elements forms a set of a unit pixel and in which a plurality of unit pixels are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix, and a micro lens that is provided per unit pixel and is layered on a light receiving surface of the unit pixel, output values of the respective photoelectric converting elements per unit pixel to detect an abnormal output; and an estimating circuit configured to estimate an abnormality by using output values of the respective photoelectric converting elements in the unit pixel. The comparing circuit is configured to detect the abnormal output by comparing ratios of output values that are output by the photoelectric converting elements at identical positions in adjacent unit pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiki Hosono, Kazuya Hosono
  • Patent number: 10863069
    Abstract: An image processing system and a setting method capable of performing lighting setting of illumination in a simpler manner are provided. The control device (100) evaluates evaluation lighting patterns (xi) one by one to calculate evaluation values (Pi), and uses coefficients (1i) determined based on the evaluation values (Pi) to linearly combine each evaluation lighting pattern (xi) to determine a lighting pattern for measurement (L).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Jaewook Hwang, Shingo Inazumi, Yutaka Kato
  • Patent number: 10859468
    Abstract: A system for measuring the depth of tread of a tyre (5) on a wheel (2) of a vehicle (1) whilst the wheel is rotating and moving along the ground. A camera (3) captures images whilst the tyre rotates for at least the major part of its circumference. Light sources (L1 to L4) are spaced longitudinally and are directed at an acute angle to the path of the tyre, to illuminate the tyre whilst images are captured. The images are analysed by data processing apparatus (8) and the tread depth is determined from the length of shadows (12, 13) in the gaps (11) between tread blocks (10). The light sources are activated and de-activated sequentially in accordance with signals from longitudinally spaced sensors (S1 to S4) which detect the presence of the tyre, so that when an image is captured of a portion of the tyre tread, only one light source is activated to illuminate that portion of the tyre tread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Wheelright Limited
    Inventors: Paul Michael Taylor, William James Bradley, Willem Paul Beeker, Alexander Paul Codd
  • Patent number: 10775767
    Abstract: A machining system includes a machine tool having a camera, and a three-dimensional shape generating apparatus. The three-dimensional shape generating apparatus includes an image capture unit that captures a first image from the camera at a first relative position and captures a second image from the camera at a second relative position, and a shape generator that generates a three-dimensional shape of at least one subject, based on the first image, the second image and a distance between the first relative position and the second relative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hideaki Adachi, Yasuhiko Kurosumi, Yoshihiko Tarui
  • Patent number: 10666871
    Abstract: An information communication method is provided for obtaining information from a subject using a terminal device that includes an image sensor having a plurality of exposure lines. The method includes setting an exposure time of the image sensor so that, in an image obtained by capturing the subject by the image sensor, a bright line corresponding to each of the plurality of exposure lines included in the image sensor appears according to a change in luminance of the subject. The method also includes obtaining a bright line image including a plurality of bright lines, obtaining identification information of the subject, and sending the identification information to a server. The method further includes obtaining menu information related to the identification information from the server, the menu information related to a restaurant where the subject is installed, and displaying the menu information on a display of the terminal device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICA
    Inventors: Mitsuaki Oshima, Koji Nakanishi, Hideki Aoyama, Ikuo Fuchigami, Hidehiko Shin, Tsutomu Mukai, Yosuke Matsushita, Shigehiro Iida, Kazunori Yamada
  • Patent number: 10578562
    Abstract: A system for providing active real-time characterization of an article under test is disclosed. First, second and third RF radiation sources each outputs and directs a beam of RF radiation at a particular area on the article under test. An RF receiver and a second harmonic generation RF receiver, a sum frequency receiver, and a third order receiver are each configured to receive a respective predetermined return beam of RF radiation from the particular area on the article under test. A processor receives signals from the receivers and calculates in real time respective spectroscopic signals and compares each calculated signal with each other calculated signal and with a predetermined baseline signal to ensure that the article under test conforms to an expected value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: Jeffrey H. Hunt
  • Patent number: 10551176
    Abstract: A sensor device for the inspection of the surface of a cylindrical hollow enclosure having at least one sensor unit set up for an optical confocal distance measurement. The at least one sensor unit has an elongated shape and exhibits an external optical system, through which a measurement device in which light can be emitted and received, is disposed transversely to a longitudinal axis of this sensor unit. The sensor device additionally comprises a movement mechanism, which is adapted to move the at least one sensor unit in one direction of motion into and out of a cylindrical hollow enclosure to be inspected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Sturm Maschinen- & Anlagenbau GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Ullrich, Wolfgang Janetzki, Philip Klinger, Florian Bader
  • Patent number: 10295986
    Abstract: A numerical controller which controls a machine tool acquires tool information including a shape of a tool, a machining condition in machining, and information related to a machining result of a workpiece after machining. A machine learning device performs machine learning on tendency of the information related to a machining result with respect to the tool information and the machining condition based on the tool information and the machining condition used as input data and based on the information related to a machining result used as teacher data, so as to construct a learning model. The machine learning device determines whether or not a machining result is good by using the learning model based on the tool information and the machining condition before the machine tool machines a workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Fanuc Corporation
    Inventors: Takuya Saitou, Toshinori Matsukawa
  • Patent number: 10178321
    Abstract: A method for providing an extended depth of field (EDOF) image includes: Periodically modulating an imaging system focus position at a high frequency; using an image exposure comprising discrete image exposure increments acquired at discrete focus positions during an image integration time comprising a plurality of modulation periods of the focus position; and using strobe operations having controlled timings configured to define a set of evenly spaced focus positions for the image exposure increments. The timings are configured so that adjacent focus positions in the set are acquired at times that are separated by at least one reversal of the direction of change of the focus position during its periodic modulation. This solves practical timing problems that may otherwise prevent obtaining closely spaced discrete image exposure increments during high frequency focus modulation. Deconvolution operations may be used to improve clarity in the resulting EDOF image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Casey Edward Emtman, Robert Kamil Bryll
  • Patent number: 10136133
    Abstract: A high dynamic range input video signal characterized by either a gamma-based or a perceptually-quantized (PQ) source electro-optical transfer function (EOTF) is to be compressed. Given a luminance range for an image-region in the input, for a gamma-coded input signal, a rate-control adaptation method in the encoder adjusts a region-based quantization parameter (QP) so that it increases in highlight regions and decreases in dark regions, otherwise, for a PQ-coded input, the region-based QP increases in the dark areas and decreases in the highlight areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Taoran Lu, Peng Yin, Tao Chen, Guan-Ming Su
  • Patent number: 10091623
    Abstract: A communication system comprises a mobile reporting device and a server. The mobile reporting device comprises a signal receiver configured to receive data usable to determine the location of the reporting device; a communication module configured to transmit data to and receive data from a server, the data including location data from the location determiner; a display including a user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: WALMART APOLLO, LLC
    Inventors: Donald R. High, Brian Gerard McHale, Michael Dean Atchley
  • Patent number: 10054428
    Abstract: An inner surface shape measurement device for measuring a shape of an inner surface of a test target, and includes a light source, an optical system which converts light emitted by the light source into a disc-shaped light beam to cause the light beam to be emitted toward an inner surface of the test target, a photography unit which captures an image of a state in which the light beam is projected on the inner surface of the test target, and a wiring which supplies power for driving the light source. The optical system, the light source and the photography unit are disposed in this order along a same axis line, and the wiring extends from the light source toward the photography unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masayoshi Yokota
  • Patent number: 10047943
    Abstract: A lighting system for indoor farming for delivering high intensity light while reducing or eliminating heat loads in a growing environment is provided. The lighting system comprises a lighting housing having a first end, a second end, a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a third side between the first side and the second side, and a fourth side opposite the third side. A first LED board is mounted to the first side and a second LED board is mounted to the second side. A first shroud covers the first LED board and a second shroud covers the second LED board. A coolant passage is formed completely through the lighting housing. A coolant liquid is receivable through the coolant passage. The coolant liquid provides active cooling of the lighting housing from heat created by the first and second LED boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: MINN, LLC
    Inventors: Nathaniel R. Storey, Damon Henry Smith, Kenneth Stutzman, Lim Jing Yi
  • Patent number: 9945661
    Abstract: There are provided a method for measuring a height by a height measuring apparatus including: obtaining, in advance, a height correction value depending on an inclination angle of a surface of the object as an angle correction data; obtaining, from the height value of each pixel of the imaging device, the inclination angle of the surface of the object which corresponds to each pixel position of the imaging device; obtaining the height correction value, which corresponds to the inclination angle obtained, from the angle correction data; and correcting the height value of the surface of the object, which corresponds to each pixel of the imaging device, by using the height correction value obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasuo Suzuki, Masaya Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 9933371
    Abstract: A visual inspection apparatus and a visual inspection method enabling the quality of a state of solder to be properly judged. Specifically, in the visual inspection apparatus and visual inspection method, a slope (concave slope region) present on a surface of solder is searched and the quality of a state of the solder is judged based on that result. The quality of the state of the solder can be properly judged based on not a height of the solder, but the slope of the surface of the solder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yoshikuni Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9913103
    Abstract: A communication system comprises a mobile reporting device and a server. The mobile reporting device comprises a signal receiver configured to receive data usable to determine the location of the reporting device; a communication module configured to transmit data to and receive data from a server, the data including location data from the location determiner; a display including a user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: WAL-MART STORES, INC.
    Inventors: Donald R. High, Brian Gerard McHale, Michael Dean Atchley
  • Patent number: 9902024
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for repairing an aircraft or gas turbine component, wherein the method comprises the following automated steps: a) checking the component for cracks by means of an optical measurement method, wherein determined geometry and/or damage data are stored with reference to the component, b) generating an adaptive processing strategy on the basis of the determined geometry and/or damage data in a data processing unit, c) machining the component, d) determining the changed geometry data of the component, e) performing repair welding, f) checking the component for cracks by means of an optical measurement method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: LUFTHANSA TECHNIK AG
    Inventors: Michael Ernst, Thiemo Ullrich
  • Patent number: 9897437
    Abstract: There is provided a profile measuring apparatus, including: an irradiation section configured to irradiate a measurement light to a measurement area of the object; an imaging section configured to obtain an image of the measurement area; a table configured to place the object thereon; a coordinate calculation section configured to calculate a position of the measurement area based on an image detected by a detection section; and a positioning mechanism configured to drive and control a relative position of the imaging section and the table. The positioning mechanism calculates a relative position of the imaging section to the table, based on an information with respect to an edge line direction of a convex portion or an extending direction of a concave portion in the measurement area of the object having a repetitive concave-convex shape, to move at least one of the table and the imaging section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masaya Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 9875551
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an electronic device for performing user authentication, the method including detecting a subject, determining a light-emitting parameter of a light source when the subject is to be photographed, and acquiring an image of the subject based on the determined light-emitting parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Woon-Tahk Sung, Young-Kwon Yoon, Ki-Huk Lee, Taek-Seong Jeong, Moon-Soo Kim, Tae-Ho Kim
  • Patent number: 9857877
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method of recognizing a movement of a subject. The apparatus includes a light source configured to emit light to the subject and an image sensor configured to receive light reflected from the subject. The apparatus includes a processor configured to detect a pixel that is receiving the reflected light, the pixel being included in a pixel array of the image sensor. The processor is configured to track the movement of the subject based on a change in a position of the detected pixel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Heesun Yoon, Jangwoo You, Myungjae Jeon, Yonghwa Park
  • Patent number: 9846129
    Abstract: A method for measuring optical distortion in a contoured glass sheet includes the steps of conveying the glass sheet in a first direction, employing at least one display to project a preselected multi-phase non-repeating contrasting pattern, and employing at least one camera, and uniquely pairing each one of the cameras one of the displays. The method may also include controlling each of the cameras to acquire the desired images, analyzing and combining the data acquired by the cameras to construct a definition of the surface of the glass sheet, and performing one or more optical processing operations on the surface data to analyze the optical characteristics of the glass sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Glasstech, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason C. Addington, Michael J. Vild, Benjamin L. Moran
  • Patent number: 9835444
    Abstract: A shape measuring device includes a light source unit, a light splitting unit, a reference mirror, a light receiving unit and a processing unit. The light source unit generates light and can change the wavelength of the light. The light splitting unit splits the light generated from the light source unit into at least a reference light and a measurement light. The light receiving unit receives the reference light which is reflected by the reference mirror so as to form a reference light path, and the measurement light which is reflected by a light-transmitting target object formed on a substrate so as to form a measurement light path. The processing unit calculates the shape of the measurement argent object based on an interference change resulting from a wavelength change of the light between the reference light and the measurement light received by the light receiving unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: KOH YOUNG TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventors: Jang-Il Ser, Hong-Ki Kim
  • Patent number: 9806811
    Abstract: A network, a Visible Light Communications controller (120), and a method relate to a network architecture splitting frame processing functionality between Light Fidelity Access Points (130) and the Visible Light Communications controller or a virtualized controller. In such configurations, the Light Fidelity Access Points are so-called thin devices that may be widely deployed through an infrastructure to concurrently provide illumination and network access via Visible Light Communications protocols such as IEEE 802.15.7 or variants thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Extreme Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeelan Poola, Somesh Agrawal, Prasad K, Sundaresan Sundaram
  • Patent number: 9787916
    Abstract: A system for providing active real-time characterization of an article under test is disclosed. An infrared light source, a first visible light source and a second visible light source each outputs and directs a beam of coherent light at a particular area on the article under test. A visible light camera and a visible light second harmonic generation camera, an infrared camera and an infrared second harmonic generation camera, a sum frequency camera and a third order camera are each configured to receive a respective predetermined return beam of light from the particular area on the article under test. A processor receives signals from the cameras and calculates in real time respective spectroscopic signals and compares each calculated signal with each other calculated signal and with a predetermined baseline signal to ensure that the article under test conforms to an expected value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Hunt, John H. Belk
  • Patent number: 9740190
    Abstract: A method for programming a three-dimensional (3D) workpiece scan path for a metrology system comprising a 3D motion control system, a first type of Z-height sensing system, and a second type of Z-height sensing system that provides less precise surface Z-height measurements over a broader Z-height measuring range. The method comprises: placing a representative workpiece on a stage of the metrology system, defining at least a first workpiece scan path segment for the representative workpiece, determining preliminary actual surface Z-height measurements along the first workpiece scan path segment, and determining a precise 3D scan path for moving the first type of Z-height sensing system to perform precise surface Z-height measurements. The precise 3D scan path is based on the determined preliminary actual surface Z-height measurements. The precise 3D scan path may be used for performing precise surface Z-height measurements or stored to be used in an inspection program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Kamil Bryll
  • Patent number: 9719724
    Abstract: A method for detecting straightness deviations and/deformations in a rotary kiln (1), the rotary drum (4) of which includes bearing rings (6) spaced apart from one another in the axial direction and respectively supported on rollers (7), involves scanning the outer surface area (5) of the rotary drum (4), the bearing rings (6), the rollers (7) and/or the shafts (17) of the rollers (7) in a contactless fashion with the aid of at least one scanning device (12) such that three-dimensional position data regarding the scanned objects is obtained, and evaluating the three-dimensional position data with respect to the occurrence of a deviation of the rotary kiln axis (3) from a straight line, a deviation of the rotary drum (4) from a cylindrical shape and/or a deviation of the rotational axes (8) of the rollers from a line extending parallel to the rotary kiln axis (3). A device for detecting straightness deviations and/or deformations in a rotary kiln (1) is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: HOLCIM TECHNOLOGY LTD
    Inventor: Thomas Stutz
  • Patent number: 9642523
    Abstract: An asymmetric aperture device for a camera is provided that improves light gathering properties by increasing both the light gathering opening of the aperture and the number of light producing light sources placed on the aperture. An asymmetric aperture design is provided that utilizes a significantly larger portion of the camera lens. The tradeoff between the competing objectives of maximizing camera depth of field and maximizing the production of useful focus-condition information within the camera image is optimized. More illumination is provided without significantly increasing the lateral size of the illuminator pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: LC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Dixon Cleveland
  • Patent number: 9563104
    Abstract: An asymmetric aperture device for a camera is provided that improves light gathering properties by increasing both the light gathering opening of the aperture and the number of light producing light sources placed on the aperture. An asymmetric aperture design is provided that utilizes a significantly larger portion of the camera lens. The tradeoff between the competing objectives of maximizing camera depth of field and maximizing the production of useful focus-condition information within the camera image is optimized. More illumination is provided without significantly increasing the lateral size of the illuminator pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: LC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Dixon Cleveland
  • Patent number: 9557007
    Abstract: An imaging system, safety system or combined imaging and safety system includes a light transmitter and a corresponding receiver. Image data relating to a machine tool and/or workpiece is derived and processed to determine information regarding the tool and/or tool position and/or extent of work carried out on the workpiece. A screen, such as a shadow screen, can be used to form an image of a profile of the tool tip and end of the workpiece. Tool tip position and extent of work on the workpiece can be derived from the image. Certain aspects are directed to a safety system application for halting a machine or tool when a light beam is interrupted, and can provide progressive muting of beam interruption detection, such as by systematically disregarding or muting signals from rows of receiver array elements as the beam passes through a mute point ahead of a tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Lazer Safe Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Robert Meredith Appleyard, Dimitre Stantchev Stanev, Paul Gould
  • Patent number: 9554123
    Abstract: Imagery from two or more users' different smartphones is streamed to a cloud processor, enabling creation of 3D model information about a scene being imaged. From this model, arbitrary views and streams can be synthesized. In one arrangement, a user of such a system is at a sports arena, and her view of the sporting event is blocked when another spectator rises to his feet in front of her. Nonetheless, the imagery presented on her headworn display continues uninterrupted—the blocked imagery from that viewpoint being seamlessly re-created based on imagery contributed by other system users in the arena. A great variety of other features and arrangements are also detailed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Digimarc Corporation
    Inventor: Geoffrey B. Rhoads
  • Patent number: 9510753
    Abstract: An asymmetric aperture device for a camera is provided that improves light gathering properties by increasing both the light gathering opening of the aperture and the number of light producing light sources placed on the aperture. An asymmetric aperture design is provided that utilizes a significantly larger portion of the camera lens. The tradeoff between the competing objectives of maximizing camera depth of field and maximizing the production of useful focus-condition information within the camera image is optimized. More illumination is provided without significantly increasing the lateral size of the illuminator pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: LC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Dixon Cleveland
  • Patent number: 9485474
    Abstract: A system for learning driving information in a vehicle, includes a first camera mounted on an inner ceiling of the vehicle and configured to detect a projected position of a nose of a driver; and a second camera mounted on an inner front of the vehicle and configured to detect a front position of the nose of the driver. Further, the system includes a driver's status information processing unit configured to detect the line of sight of the driver by calibrating an image corresponding to the projected position and an image corresponding to the front position in real time, to analyze information about the line of sight that is detected, and to store the analyzed information in a learning data database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Jinwoo Kim, Woo Yong Han
  • Patent number: 9420221
    Abstract: The electronic camera has an imaging device that images a subject with subject reflectance R (%) with a dynamic range wider than that at displaying or printing to acquire image data and a recording device that converts the image data acquired by the imaging device with a predetermined function and records the converted image data and the information on the function as digital values (digit). Therefore, a printed image with an automatically or manually corrected density can be obtained at the displaying or the printing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Manabu Hyodo, Yoshiya Ohara
  • Patent number: 9418431
    Abstract: Methods and systems for determining information about an object are described. In one aspect, a method includes illuminating an object with a plurality of lines of light, the lines being spaced-apart along an axis, and acquiring a sequence of images of the lines of light while rotating the object about the axis. The method further includes, for each image, determining a location of an extremum for each of the lines of light. Furthermore, the method includes establishing a reference line based on the location of the extrema for a first plurality of the lines, calculating a deviation between the extrema of a second plurality of the lines and the reference line, and determining information about the shape of the object based on the calculated deviations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Tenaris Connections Limited
    Inventors: Andrés Brumovsky, Nicolás Bonadeo, Ricardo Tejerina