Triangulation Patents (Class 356/602)
  • Patent number: 11938344
    Abstract: Provided is a method of positioning a patient for radiation treatment and/or of monitoring a position of the patient during radiation treatment. The method includes providing surface data from a 3D surface scanner indicative of a surface of a body part of the patient to be irradiated in the radiation treatment. Surface data are calibrated with respect to a relative position of the 3D surface scanner and an isocenter position of a radiation treatment apparatus. A beam path of a radiation beam is determined based on planning data for the radiation treatment and intersected with a part of the surface of the patient represented by the surface data. Further, at least a first portion of the patient's surface located inside the beam path and/or at least a second portion of the patient's surface located outside the beam path is calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Brainlab AG
    Inventors: Hagen Kaiser, Michael Stead
  • Patent number: 11896461
    Abstract: An apparatus for intraoral scanning includes an elongate handheld wand that has a probe. One or more light projectors and two or more cameras are disposed within the probe. The light projectors each has a pattern generating optical element, which may use diffraction or refraction to form a light pattern. Each camera may be configured to focus between 1 mm and 30 mm from a lens that is farthest from the camera sensor. Other applications are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ofer Saphier, Yossef Atiya, Arkady Rudnitsky, Nir Makmel, Sergei Ozerov, Tal Verker, Tal Levy
  • Patent number: 11826636
    Abstract: The invention provides a mobile device configured, for example, with a depth sensing element for real-time environment mapping and tracking abilities, including object-aware mapping, using on-device AI. 3D environment mapping on the device (e.g. scene reconstruction), at least enables access control events, effects experiences (e.g. tracking facial expressions and movements) and AR interaction and rendering (e.g. highly immersive applications and deploying environments of the same) so as to change how a user experiences and interacts with these devices. Both using basic and advanced elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Inventor: Chris Argiro
  • Patent number: 11761755
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes inspecting a fiber weave for use in a printed circuit board with an automated optical inspection tool and identifying a distance between fiber bundles in the fiber weave. The fiber weave comprises a plurality of the fiber bundles woven to form the fiber weave and a portion of the fiber bundles comprise markers and identifying a distance between the fiber bundles in the fiber weave comprises measuring a distance between the markers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Amendra Koul, Yaochao Yang, Mike Sapozhnikov, Joel Richard Goergen, Kartheek Nalla
  • Patent number: 11715260
    Abstract: Provided are an offline teaching device and a measurement control device. The offline teaching device detects a shape of a measured object by a three-dimensional sensor unit, generates measurement procedure information in which measurement items are respectively associated with measurement points sequentially specified to the detected shape, and causes a measurement procedure information storage unit to store the measurement procedure information associated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: MITUTOYO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinsaku Abe, Hideyuki Kusanagi
  • Patent number: 11648095
    Abstract: An intra-oral scanning device includes a light source and an optical system, and communicates with a display system. The device has a reduced form factor as compared to prior devices, and it provides for more efficient transmission and capture of images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: D4D Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ye Li, Gregory R. Basile, Rod A. Duncan, Justin G. Graham, Grant E. Kenworthy, Henley S. Quadling, Mark S. Quadling, Andrei Tchouprakov, Lasse H. Toimela
  • Patent number: 11589801
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to a method for intraoperative assessment of parathyroid gland viability in a surgery. The method includes diffusing a beam of light onto a tissue surface of a parathyroid gland of a patient to illuminate the tissue surface; acquiring images of the illuminated tissue surface, where each of the acquired images includes a speckle pattern; and processing the acquired images to obtain speckle contrast images for the intraoperative assessment of parathyroid gland viability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Emmanuel A. Mannoh, Anita Mahadevan-Jansen
  • Patent number: 11534273
    Abstract: An apparatus for intraoral scanning includes an elongate handheld wand that has a probe. One or more light projectors and two or more cameras are disposed within the probe. The light projectors each has a pattern generating optical element, which may use diffraction or refraction to form a light pattern. Each camera may be configured to focus between 1 mm and 30 mm from a lens that is farthest from the camera sensor. Other applications are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ofer Saphier, Yossef Atiya, Arkady Rudnitsky, Nir Makmel, Sergei Ozerov, Tal Verker, Tal Levy
  • Patent number: 11480742
    Abstract: A micro device transfer tool and methods of operation are described. In an embodiment, the micro device transfer tool includes an articulating transfer head assembly capable of six degrees of motion. A miniatured camera assembly may be secured near the point of contact for the articulating transfer head assembly to aid in system alignment. In an embodiment, an encoder system is described for alignment of a micro pick up array and target substrate using complementary concentric grating patterns. In an embodiment a miniaturized position sensor design is described for sensing position of various system components during alignment or pick and place processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Czarnota, Paul A. Parks, Edmund L. Ma, Wei Wang
  • Patent number: 11370187
    Abstract: A station for checking the formation of beads of tyres, including: a forming drum for arranging a carcass sleeve with formed beads with the carcass sleeve in rotation, an image acquisition system for acquiring at least an image of a circumferential portion of external surface including the respective edges of the end flaps turned up; a processing unit for processing the image in order to determine a circumferential trend of the axial distance of each edge from an axial reference plane and for detecting possible defects of the beads as a function of such trend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: PIRELLI TYRE S.P.A.
    Inventors: Erika Vaniglia, Fabio Regoli, Stefano Boracco, Davide Conti
  • Patent number: 11203449
    Abstract: A system for automating packaging of varying shipment sets comprises a control unit for receiving from a database stored information on the size and number of items forming a shipment set according to a dispatch order, an information acquiring device for acquiring current information on the items being actually arranged for said shipment set, said information acquiring device being communicatively coupled with said control unit and said control unit being configured to calculate, either based on the information from said database or from the information acquiring device, the dimensions of a custom sized cardboard box for packaging the shipment set, a box forming station for forming said custom sized cardboard box having a bottom wall, four side walls and an open top, a packaging station for packaging the items forming the shipment set into said custom sized cardboard box, and a lid placing station for closing said custom sized cardboard box with an appropriate lid, wherein said control unit is configured for
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: QUADIENT TECHNOLOGIES FRANCE
    Inventors: Anne Koet, Reint Smit, Joost Zeilstra
  • Patent number: 11105617
    Abstract: A hybrid light measurement method for measuring a three-dimensional profile comprises: Step 1 using a MEMS laser projector to realize projection of a laser stripe and a fringe pattern: and Step 2 performing matching to obtain a parallax, and incorporating a binocular stereo vision to perform reconstruction. The present disclosure employs MEMS projection technology to realize a hybrid measurement system capable of performing laser stripe measurement and fringe pattern measurement, thereby realizing quick measurement of three-dimensional profiles of objects having different surface properties. The present disclosure enables laser stripe measurement and fringe pattern measurement to be performed by the same measurement system without needing any additional hardware equipment. The projection device used in the present disclosure enables projection of multiple laser stripes, thereby increasing measurement precision and speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: XI 'AN CHISHINE OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventors: Xiang Zhou, Yuqin Li, Huanhuan Li, Quan Li, Tao Yang, Li Ma, Di Guo, Dong Yao
  • Patent number: 11105616
    Abstract: An apparatus is described for measuring surface topography of a patient's teeth. The apparatus may include an optical probe, a light source configured to generate incident light, and focusing optics configured to focus the incident light to a focal plane external to the optical probe, wherein the focal plane is a diagonal focal plane that is non-orthogonal to a direction of propagation of the incident light. The apparatus may further include a light sensor configured to measure a characteristic of returned light generated by illuminating the patient's teeth with the incident light, and a processing unit operable to determine the surface topography of the patient's teeth based on the measured characteristic of the returned light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Erez Lampert, Adi Levin, Tal Verker
  • Patent number: 11080843
    Abstract: An image inspecting apparatus includes at least one image capturing part, a lighting part, a control part including a moving part, a searching part analyzing an image captured by the image capturing part under a first image capturing condition and searching for a defect candidate from an object under inspection, and a determining part. When the searching part finds the defect candidate from the object under inspection, the control part controls an image capturing condition such that a part where the defect candidate is found by the searching part is photographed under a second image capturing condition that is clearer than the first image capturing condition. The determining part analyzes an image captured by the image capturing part under the second image capturing condition and determines whether the defect of the object under inspection is present or absent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Shingo Inazumi, Yutaka Kato
  • Patent number: 10996338
    Abstract: According to aspects of the disclosed subject matter, an active non-visible reflective system can include one or more retroreflective sections coupled to one or more predetermined locations on an object designated for active non-visible reflection. The one or more retroreflective sections can be configured to actively reflect at least a portion of a predetermined frequency of incoming radiation back to a source of the incoming radiation, the incoming radiation being non-visible, wherein the one or more predetermined locations are illuminated. Additionally, the one or more retroreflective sections can be further configured to enable a perception system to determine that one or more retroreflectors are detected in response to the illumination, and enable processing circuitry communicably coupled to the perception system to detect the illuminated object defined by the one or more detected retroreflective sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventor: James Kuffner
  • Patent number: 10989532
    Abstract: A system and method for measuring three-dimensional (3D) coordinate values of an environment is provided. The system includes a movable base unit and a 2D scanner. A 3D scanner is coupled to the base unit, the 3D scanner measuring 3D coordinates and grey values of surfaces in the environment, the 3D scanner operating in either a compound or helical mode. Processors perform a method comprising: causing the 3D scanner to measure a first 3D coordinate values while operating in one of the compound or helical mode as the base unit is moved from the first to the second position; causing the 3D scanner to measure a second 3D coordinate values while operating in compound mode when the base unit is stationary between the first and second position; and registering the first 3D coordinate values and second 3D coordinate values into a single frame of reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Johannes Buback, Igor Sapina, Julian Becker, Martin Ossig, Aleksej Frank, Ahmad Ramadneh, Oliver Zweigle, João Santos
  • Patent number: 10926798
    Abstract: Upon determining a position of a pothole relative to a predicted vehicle path, one or more lights in a linear arrangement of lights are actuated based on the position of the pothole relative to the vehicle path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Seth Loveall
  • Patent number: 10760898
    Abstract: A method for tire inspection which includes taking at least one image of at least one first area of a tread of a tire that is to be inspected; determining the profile depth of a second area of the tread of the tire, the second area being included in the first area; and displaying the profile depth of the at least one image of the at least one first area and the position of the second area in the first area. The method may additionally include automatically analyzing the images taken of the tread, so as to arrive at statements on the condition of the tread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: BEISSBARTH GMBH
    Inventors: Guenter Nobis, Steffen Abraham, Axel Wendt, Michael Klar
  • Patent number: 10706570
    Abstract: A system and method for acquiring the three-dimensional shape of an object. At least one camera captures a scene in which a projected pattern is moved across an object and reference surface. The movement of said pattern need not be perfectly uniform, because differences in the movement at each step are detected and compensated. This compensation reduces the required hardware complexity and cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Phasica, LLC
    Inventors: Will Lohry, Samuel Robinson
  • Patent number: 10635373
    Abstract: A display apparatus, including a display configured to display an image, at least one sensor configured to generate sensing data relating to at least one from among a direction and an intensity of external light projected onto the display from an external light source disposed around the display, a memory configured to store background image data relating to a background image of a background area behind the display, and a processor configured to generate a content screen based on the background image data and the sensing data and control the display to display the content screen, wherein the content screen may include at least one graphic object and a shadow corresponding to the at least one graphic object disposed on the background image, and at least one of a position and a shade of the shadow is changed in response to a change in the sensing data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Soo-hong Kim, Young-mo Kang, Ha-na Kim, Hyun-suk Kim, Jun-yong Park, Jee-hoon Park, Sung-do Son, Su-won Shin, Hyun-yong Choi, You-na Choo, Soo-hyun Whang
  • Patent number: 10552551
    Abstract: A tool path for treating a shoe upper may be generated to treat substantially only the surface of the shoe bounded by a bite line. The bite line may be defined to correspond to the junction of the shoe upper and a shoe bottom unit. Bite line data and three-dimensional profile data representing at least a portion of a surface of a shoe upper bounded by a bite line may be utilized in combination to generate a tool path for processing the surface of the upper, such as automated application of adhesive to the surface of a lasted upper bounded by a bite line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Conall Regan, Dragan Jurkovic, Chih-Chi Chang, Ming-Feng Jean
  • Patent number: 10488501
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for calibrating and/or evaluating a light propagation time camera by means of a reference surface, wherein the light propagation time camera has a light propagation time sensor consisting of an array of light propagation time pixels, in which method various spacings between the light propagation time camera and the reference surface are set in order to calibrate and/or evaluate the light propagation time camera by means of translational spacing changes. The method has the following steps: determining first distance data for a first spacing, determining second distance data for a second spacing, calculating distance differences from the first and second distance data, determining an orientation of the light propagation time camera with respect to the reference surface on the basis of the calculated distance differences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: PMDTECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventor: Stefan Becker
  • Patent number: 10473952
    Abstract: Method for optimizing an optical surface comprising: an initial optical surface providing step, a working optical surface defining step, during which a working optical surface is defined to be equal to the initial optical surface, a first surface cost function providing step, during which a first surface cost function of the nth derivative of the surface is provided, a set of surface cost functions providing step, during which a set of surface cost functions function of at least one criterion over evaluation zones is provided, a global surface cost function evaluation step during which a global surface cost function equal to a weighted sum of the previous cost functions is evaluated, a modifying step, during which the working surface is modified, wherein the evaluation and modifying steps are repeated so as to minimize the global surface cost function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Essilor International
    Inventor: Fabien Muradore
  • Patent number: 10436905
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a measurement system 1 comprising an angle measuring unit 2 having at least one sensor 3, a reflective element 4 opposite to the angle measuring unit 2, at least one first light source 5 arranged on the side of the angle measuring unit 2 and at least one second light source 6, 6? arranged on the side of the reflective element 4. The at least one first light source 5 is designed to emit light via the reflective element 4 to the at least one sensor 3. The at least one second light source is designed to emit light to the at least one sensor 3. The angle measuring unit 2 is designed to determine at least one angle of incidence ?1 of the light of each first light source 5 on the at least one sensor 3 and at least one angle of incidence ?1, ?1? of the light of each second light source 6, 6? on the at least one sensor 3 and to calculate positioning information of the reflective element 4 from the determined angles of incidence ?1, ?1, ?1?.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: eumetron GmbH
    Inventor: Theo Hageney
  • Patent number: 10401150
    Abstract: A method for gauging a bevel gear product that includes rotating the bevel gear product about a mount axis while collecting data from several measuring lasers to obtain one or more data sets. The data set(s) include dimensional information on the bevel gear product as a function of a rotational position of the bevel gear product about the mount axis. Various dimensions of the bevel gear product are gauged based on information in the data set(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: Sean M. Skinner, James C. Martz
  • Patent number: 10399199
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for determining a depth of a feature (4) formed in an object (2), the feature (4) having been formed in the object (2) by a cutting tool (38). The apparatus comprises: a camera (42) configured to capture an image of the feature (4) and a portion of the object (2) proximate to the feature (4); and one or more processors operatively coupled to the camera (42) and configured to: detect, in the image, an edge (72) of the feature (4) between the feature (4) and a surface of the object (2); using the detected edge (72), calculate a diameter for a circle (74, 76, 78); acquire a point angle of the cutting tool (38); and, using the calculated diameter and the acquired point angle, calculate a depth value for the feature (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: BAE Systems plc
    Inventors: Jonathan Michael Carberry, Austin James Cook
  • Patent number: 10281574
    Abstract: A method for assessing a ground area for suitability as a landing zone or taxi area for aircraft is provided. Three-dimensional data for the ground area in a plurality of measurement cycles in a 3D sensor is produced. The measured-value density of the three-dimensional data and also of at least one further statistical property of the three-dimensional data is determined. A measure of the local roughness of the ground area is produced based on the measured-value density and the at least one further statistical property. The individual area elements of the ground area are classified on the basis of the roughness values produced according to the degree of suitability of said area elements as a landing area or taxi area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Hensoldt Sensors GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Muensterer, Matthias Wegner
  • Patent number: 10228684
    Abstract: An automated fastener insert installation system for composite panels is provided. A first module receives and secures a composite panel with respect to an origin of a first coordinate system, wherein the composite panel has opposed major surfaces and defines an insert-receiving orifice extending through one of the major surfaces, and is secured such that one of the major surfaces is externally accessible. A second module engages each of a plurality of fastener inserts with an installation aide. Third module determines a configuration of the orifice defined by the composite panel, selects a corresponding one of the fastener inserts engaged with the installation aide, inserts the selected fastener insert into the orifice, and dispenses an adhesive material through the installation aide and into the orifice about selected fastener insert such that the adhesive material secures the selected fastener insert within the orifice. Associated systems are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Aaron Coon, Chris G. McInelly, Bret Hoeksema, Ryan Lillibridge, Tom Allen, Steve Solack, Kevin Bowe, Gary K. Allen
  • Patent number: 10198007
    Abstract: A system for operating an automated vehicle includes a perception-sensor and a controller. The perception-sensor is configured to detect a ridge in a travel-surface traveled by a host-vehicle. The controller is in communication with the perception-sensor. The controller is configured to operate the host-vehicle to avoid a trajectory-deflection of the host-vehicle when a tire of the host-vehicle encounters the ridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: APTIV TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED
    Inventors: Brian R. Hilnbrand, Michael H. Laur, Divya Agarwal
  • Patent number: 10088568
    Abstract: An optical distance measurement method includes: acquiring a plurality of sensed values based on detecting light; performing a filtering operation to select a plurality of selected sensed values from the plurality of sensed values; determining a location of a center of gravity according to the plurality of selected sensed values; and calculating a plurality of depth values with respect to a plurality of detection points according to the location of the center of gravity and a plurality of depth information transformation functions respectively corresponding to the detection points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: PixArt Imaging Inc.
    Inventor: Guo-Zhen Wang
  • Patent number: 10059478
    Abstract: A method for dividing a blister strip having a plurality of blister-packaged drugs apportioned into separate sections of the blister strip is provided. A blister strip with a substrate having a plurality of depressions for drug portions is provided and an image of the substrate is generated by a 3D-sensor device, the image including depth information. A control device evaluates the image with image analysis. Based on the analysis results, an arrangement of the depressions is determined and control signals for a separating device are generated. The blister strip is then divided into a plurality of blister strip parts based on the control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson Rowa Germany GmbH
    Inventor: Christoph Hellenbrand
  • Patent number: 10021496
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for computer-controlled creation of non-occluding earpieces with tube bore. The non-occluding earpieces are created based on a three-dimensional computer model of at least part of the outer ear and at least part of the auditory canal. The said model is created by a laser scanner, in the ear scanner or by other means. The said three-dimensional computer model is virtually modified to create the non-occluding earpieces and the tube bore. Finally the physical non-occluding earpieces are manufactured using rapid prototyping equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: 3SHAPE A/S
    Inventors: Tais Clausen, Rune Fisker, Nikolaj Deichmann, David Fischer
  • Patent number: 10011960
    Abstract: In estimating the degraded position of a road surface with high accuracy, a server apparatus 210 comprising a part configured to change, when detecting a road surface degradation with respect to a certain road position based on accumulation of measurement information evaluation values at a plurality of times of a travel of a vehicle on the certain road position, detection sensitivity for the road surface degradation according to an MCI value with respect to the certain road surface position, the measurement information evaluation values being measured with an acceleration sensor installed in the vehicle and being according to road surface positions on which the vehicle has traveled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Tani
  • Patent number: 9990004
    Abstract: A detection device of a flexible display, the detection device including image sensors configured to capture images, a processor configured to process the images captured by the image sensors, and a memory having instructions stored therein that, when executed by the processor, result in calculation of a bend angle of the flexible display by comparing the images captured at differing times over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Dispaly Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wei Xiong
  • Patent number: 9905026
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for identifying a location to perform work (e.g., drilling.). One exemplary method includes acquiring images of a hole in a first object from multiple lighting angles, processing the images to identify shadows cast by a wall of the hole at each of the lighting angles, and analyzing the shadows to determine an orientation of a central axis of the hole in a coordinate system of the first object. The method also includes, at a second object, selecting a location to drill that will be aligned with the central axis of the hole of the first object, and drilling the second object at the location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jay R. Huffington, Paul W. Reed, Kevin L. Salt, Bryan K. Jobes
  • Patent number: 9891176
    Abstract: In the inspection lighting device, between a surface light source for emitting an inspection light and the inspection object, at least one shielding mask is disposed, and a lens is disposed on a side closer to the inspection object than the shielding mask such that the shielding mask is positioned across the focus position of this lens as a center. In an irradiation solid angle of the inspection light for the inspection object formed when the light emitted from the surface light source is irradiated on to the inspection object by the lens the shielding mask forms a dark area. So that, in accordance with a change in reflection, transmission, scattering occurring at a feature point on the inspection object, a shape, a size, a tilt of the irradiation solid angle of the inspection light can be changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Machine Vision Lighting Inc.
    Inventor: Shigeki Masumura
  • Patent number: 9877634
    Abstract: An image processing system includes: a light source portion configured to emit illuminating light to be radiated to an object; a light receiving optical member for guiding return light from the object: a light detecting portion configured to receive the return light caused to be incident through the light receiving optical member to generate an electric signal, amplify the generated electric signal, convert the amplified electric signal to a digital signal and output the digital signal; an image processing portion configured to generate an image based on the digital signal outputted from the light detecting portion and perform gain adjustment for the generated image; and a parameter adjusting portion configured to adjust a predetermined parameter based on a variable range of an output value of the light source portion and a variable range of a gain value in the gain adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shunji Takei
  • Patent number: 9823059
    Abstract: A dimensioning system including a computing device running an alignment software program is disclosed. The alignment software uses range information from a range sensor in order to generate alignment messages. The alignment messages may help a user define a frame of reference and align the dimensioning system's range sensor for improved dimensioning performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jingquan Li, Brian L. Jovanovski, Scott McCloskey, Ryan Andrew Lloyd
  • Patent number: 9753125
    Abstract: The distance measuring apparatus 1 using laser light includes: a laser light source 2; a first optical element 3 that converts laser light R1 emitted from the laser light source 2 into collimated light; a light deflecting device 6 that includes an oscillating mirror 9 and scans the laser light on a surface of an object to be measured 4; a varifocal lens 7 that is arranged between the first optical element 3 and the light deflecting device 6 and converges scanning laser light R2 scanned by the light deflecting device 6 on the surface of a measurement part 5; and a light quantity detector 8 that detects a maximum value of a light quantity of reflected light reflected off the surface of the measurement part 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Inventor: Makoto Masuda
  • Patent number: 9703171
    Abstract: A microscopic image detecting instrument includes a microscope, a photographing device, a driver, a mark having a predetermined distance from an object, and a controller coupled to the photographing device and the driver. The microscope includes an object stage for holding the object and an objective lens for focusing on and magnifying the object. The photographing device is set above the objective lens to photograph an image presented by the objective lens. The controller controls the driver to move at least one of the object stage and the objective lens to an actual focusing position, according to an actual focal length to the object. The actual focal length to the object is calculated by the controller according to a comparison between an optical definition of a mark image taken as a preliminary target of focus against a predetermined definition calibration curve and the distance between the mark and the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Suzhou Hyssen Electronics Co., LTD
    Inventors: Xiao-Mou Zhou, Yan-Feng He, Jun Xu, Guo-Jun Fang
  • Patent number: 9689664
    Abstract: A dimensioning system including a computing device running an alignment software program is disclosed. The alignment software uses range information from a range sensor in order to generate alignment messages. The alignment messages may help a user define a frame of reference and align the dimensioning system's range sensor for improved dimensioning performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jingquan Li, Brian L. Jovanovski, Scott McCloskey, Ryan Andrew Lloyd
  • Patent number: 9675428
    Abstract: In an exemplary method for obtaining a contour image of a tooth, which can be executed at least in part by a computer, movement of an intra-oral camera can be detected by acquiring a first video image frame that includes the tooth and processing the first video image frame to detect one or more edges of the tooth in the first video image frame and acquiring a second video image frame that includes the tooth and processing the second video image frame to detect the one or more edges of the tooth in the second video image frame. The method can compare corresponding edge locations between the first and second processed video image frames and projects a fringe pattern illumination onto the tooth from the camera, capturing and storing one or more still images of the fringe pattern according to the detected camera movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Yingqian Wu, Yufeng Mo, Qinran Chen, Victor C. Wong
  • Patent number: 9672444
    Abstract: A method and apparatus related to forming prosthetic dental items or tooth restorations. A defective tooth, prosthetic dental item, or a dentition is scanned. A first electronic data set from a three-dimensional scan of a defective tooth, defective prosthetic dental item, or the dentition is generated, and one or more correspondence points or structure in the first electronic data set are assigned to one or more corresponding points or structures in a second electronic data set. The second electronic data set represents a tooth model. To generate a patient specific tooth model, the tooth model is adjusted such that a function which describes one or more distances between the one or more correspondence points or structures in the first electronic data set and the one or more corresponding points or structures in the second electronic data set is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Dentsply International Inc.
    Inventor: Albert Mehl
  • Patent number: 9662188
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a dental restoration part, in which method, geometrical data, in particular data with respect to spatial dimensions, position and/or volume of the restoration part, are determined and stored in order to form a virtual restoration part. In a further process step, the virtual restoration part is provided for the tooth (10) to be replaced by using data of the tooth (10) to be replaced, a neighboring tooth (60) and/or a tooth stump, and said data is stored as color data and is used for the computer-assisted production of the virtual restoration part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Ivoclar Vivadent AG
    Inventors: Jürgen Laubersheimer, Wolfram Murr, Gottfried Rohner, Nadja Schlechtriemen
  • Patent number: 9651362
    Abstract: A dimensioning system including a computing device running an alignment software program is disclosed. The alignment software uses range information from a range sensor in order to generate alignment messages. The alignment messages may help a user define a frame of reference and align the dimensioning system's range sensor for improved dimensioning performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jingquan Li, Brian L. Jovanovski, Scott McCloskey, Ryan Andrew Lloyd
  • Patent number: 9638517
    Abstract: An apparatus configured to measure at least one physical characteristic of a threaded surface (e.g., an internally threaded surface) of an object is provided. The apparatus uses optical triangulation to perform non-contact characterization of the threaded surface. The apparatus can be used to characterize various aspects of the threaded surface, including generating the measurements required to produce a longitudinal cross-sectional profile of the threaded surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Quest Metrology, LLC
    Inventors: Phillip Dewayne Bondurant, David William Rook, David H. Bothell, Christian Robert Lentz, David Jack Savage
  • Patent number: 9612332
    Abstract: A method of calibrating a trigonometric-based ranging system in first and second transmissive media including, in each of the first and second media, determining a sensor matrix for a sensor of the system therein. Rotation and translation of a sensor axis of the sensor is measured relative to an ideal sensor axis, by determining the rotation and translation of a sensor co-ordinate system of the sensor in each of the first and second media concurrently, to provide a rotation/translation matrix for a field of view of the sensor in each of the first and second media. Rotation of a device axis of a structured signal-emitting device relative to an ideal device axis is measured by determining a relative change in the structured signal in the first medium and in the second medium, to generate a device rotation matrix to be applied to the structured signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: 2G Robotics Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Wicks, Jason Gillham, Shawn Satchell
  • Patent number: 9599715
    Abstract: Measuring a volume of space including providing a laser scanner having a transmitter, a receiver, a beam steering mechanism, and a display unit integral to the laser scanner. A plurality of distances to measuring points are determined based at least in part on propagation times of measuring beams sent from the beam steering mechanism and reflected beams. Gray-scale values representative of the measuring points are determined and assigned to elements of a measuring point array, and the measuring point array is transformed into a display point array that corresponds to a first number of display points. The measuring point array corresponds to a second number of measuring points greater than the first number. The transforming includes assigning display gray-scale values to elements of the display point array. For each display point, a pixel of the display unit is illuminated, with the level of illumination depending on the display gray-scale value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Reinhard Becker, Bernd-Dietmar Becker, Martin Ossig
  • Patent number: 9593810
    Abstract: A LED package (10) for use in a lamp as well as a method for manufacturing such kind of a LED package (10) are provided, wherein the LED package (10) comprises at least one LED (16), an optical element (18) for guiding light emitted by the LED (16), a cover (26) for covering at least partially electrical components (20, 22, 24) connectable to the LED (16) and at least one optical detectable reference mark (32; 36), wherein the optical element (18) comprises at least one first optical detectable mark (30) and the cover (26) comprises at least one second optical detectable mark (34), whereby the optical element (18) and the cover (26) are arranged and aligned both with respect to the same reference mark (32; 36) by means of the first mark (30) and the second mark (34). Due to the same reference (32; 36) for both the optical element (18) and the cover (26) manufacturing tolerances are not added to each other so that the accuracy of a correct arrangement is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Harald Willwohl, Norbertus Antonius Maria Sweegers, Jan Kloosterman
  • Patent number: 9549794
    Abstract: A 3D virtual model of an intra oral cavity in which at least a part of a finish line of a preparation is obscured is manipulated in virtual space by means of a computer or the like to create, recreate or reconstruct finish line data and other geometrical corresponding to the obscured part. Trimmed virtual models, and trimmed physical models, can then be created utilizing data thus created. The virtual models and/or the physical models may be used in the design and manufacture of copings or of prostheses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Avi Kopelman, Eldad Taub