Dimensional Determination Patents (Class 702/155)
  • Patent number: 8596137
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems relating to a sensing device are disclosed. A device may comprise a structure including a first surface and a second, opposite surface, wherein the structure comprises one or more segments. Further, the device may include a plurality of sensors disposed on the structure, wherein each segment of the one or more segments comprises a first sensor of the plurality of sensors coupled to the first surface and an associated second sensor of the plurality of sensors coupled to the second surface. Moreover, each sensor of the plurality of sensors may be configured to measure a strain exhibited on an adjacent surface of the structure at an associated segment of the one or more segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Edward C. Mathias, John L. Shipley
  • Patent number: 8594822
    Abstract: Electronic supervision may be provided. First, a stock number may be sent to a database server. The stock number may correspond to an electrical cable. In response to sending the database server the stock number, specification information corresponding to the product may be received from a database stored on the database server. The specification information may be, for an electrical cable, a number of wires, a weight per thousand feet, and a diameter. Next, product production may be monitored to determine faults occurring during production. Monitoring the production may include displaying a data monitoring screen to production personnel. The data monitoring screen may provide data regarding the product and product comparison against a standard maintained within the database for the product. Fault data corresponding to the determined faults occurring during the production may be saved to the database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Southwire Company
    Inventors: Jackie McGuinn, Tom Stephens, Steve Wilson, Stephen Logan, Mike Crumpler, Alon Stewart, Hugh Butler
  • Patent number: 8588953
    Abstract: The present invention supplies practical procedures, functions or techniques for folding tessellations. Several tessellation crease pattern techniques, and the three-dimensional folded configuration are given. Additionally several new forming processes, including mathematical methods for describing the material flow are disclosed doubly-periodic folding of materials that name the doubly-periodic folded (DPF) surface, including vertices, edges, and facets, at any stage of the folding. This information is necessary for designing tooling and forming equipment, for analyzing strength and deflections of the DPFs under a variety of conditions, for modeling the physical properties of DPF laminations and composite structures, for understanding the acoustic or other wave absorption/diffusion/reflection characteristics, and for analyzing and optimizing the structure of DPFs in any other physical situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel H. Kling
  • Patent number: 8583400
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to indoor localization, for example, where GPS or other localization signals are unavailable. More specifically, aspects relate to using a particle filter in conjunction with a gyroscope and/or accelerometer to identify a current location of a client device with respect to a map. In one example, the map may be based upon a map including a series of walls representing locations where a user may not walk within a building. In another example, the map may be based upon a series of rails representing locations where a user may walk within a building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Sebastian Thrun, Andrew Lookingbill, Mohammed Waleed Kadous
  • Publication number: 20130289937
    Abstract: In a method for measuring surface dimension of an object, an enclosing box of a triangular mesh surface of the object is constructed, and divided into sub-boxes. Relationships between the triangles and the sub-boxes are generated according to intersections. A measuring point is selected, and coordinates and a searching vector of the measuring point are obtained. A ray, which starts from the selected measuring point along the direction where the searching vector is directed to, is constructed, and sub-boxes intersecting with the ray are obtained sequentially. One of the obtained sub-boxes is selected and triangles which intersect with the selected sub-box are obtained. An intersection point of the ray and one of the obtained triangles, and a vector of the obtained triangle are recorded into a measuring file. Measurements on the surface of the object are implemented according to the measuring file.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD
    Inventors: CHIH-KUANG CHANG, XIN-YUAN WU, LU YANG
  • Patent number: 8565490
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed for providing replicas of a sporting trophy and for scoring the sporting trophy. The first method includes providing a sporting trophy to be scanned; scanning the sporting trophy to provide three-dimensional image data of the sporting trophy; and providing the three-dimensional image data of the sporting trophy to a replica generating system to provide a replica of the sporting trophy. The second method includes providing three-dimensional digital data of a sporting trophy having a volume and a surface area; providing at least one sporting-relevant measurement based on the three-dimensional data of the sporting trophy; and providing a score of the sporting trophy based on the at least one sporting-relevant measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: David A. Krien
  • Publication number: 20130275082
    Abstract: In exemplary implementations of this invention, a jammable structure functions as an HCI interface. A user provides input by changing the shape of a flexible layer of the jammable structure (e.g., by pressing against it or stretching, twisting or bending it) and receives haptic feedback (e.g., varying stiffness). Sensors are used to determine the shape of the flexible layer. The sensors output data that is indicative of electromagnetic waves that have traveled through the jammable media or of electrical or magnetic phenomena that are produced by the waves. For example, visible or infrared light may be shone through a transparent jammable media to the flexible layer and reflect back to a camera. The media may comprise granular particles (e.g., glass beads) and a liquid (e.g., oil) with matching indices of refraction. Or capacitive sensing may be used to detect the shape of the flexible layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Sean Follmer, Daniel Leithinger, Hiroshi Ishii, Alex Olwal
  • Patent number: 8560217
    Abstract: A method of predicting vehicle rollover is provided to assist in preventing vehicle rollover. The method contains the steps of: determining a center of gravity of a vehicle; determining an actual lateral acceleration of the vehicle; determining a maximum lateral acceleration of the vehicle; and determining if the actual lateral acceleration is more than a predefined percentage of the maximum lateral acceleration. When the actual lateral acceleration is more than the predefined percentage of the maximum lateral acceleration, a warning is issued to the driver such that preventative measures can be taken to avoid a rollover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Cadec Global, Inc.
    Inventor: Heimir Sverrisson
  • Publication number: 20130262027
    Abstract: A model based measurement method is capable of estimating a cross-sectional shape by matching various pre-created cross-sectional shapes with a library of SEM signal waveforms. The present invention provides a function for determining whether or not it is appropriate to create a model of a cross-sectional shape or a function for verifying the accuracy of estimation results to a conventional model based measurement method, wherein a solution space (expected solution space) is obtained by matching library waveforms and is displayed before measuring the real pattern by means of model based measurement. Moreover, after the real pattern is measured by means of model based measurement, the solution space (real solution space) is obtained by matching the real waveforms with the library waveforms and is displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: Chie Shishido, Maki Tanaka, Atsushi Miyamoto, Akira Hamamatsu, Manabu Yano
  • Patent number: 8543352
    Abstract: A system for measuring a shape, includes an external storage unit storing tolerances of first and second shape factors defining a design shape of a measuring object; a first measuring tool measuring the first shape factor of the measuring object to obtain measurement data; and a measurement processing unit determining a shape of the measuring object. The measurement processing unit includes; a comparison module comparing the measurement data of the first shape factor with the tolerance of the first shape factor; a verification module composing a predicted shape using the measurement data and verifying whether the predicted shape is formed as a figure; a calculation module calculating predicted data of the second shape factor from the predicted shape; and a determination module determining a measurement shape by comparing the predicted data with the tolerance of the second shape factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuki Aritsuka, Morihisa Hoga
  • Publication number: 20130245995
    Abstract: A cutting distance calculating device for a multi-axis working machine acquires axis positions at calculation times for at least three linear axes and two rotation axes of a multi-axis working machine and calculates the position of a tool tip point on the basis of the acquired axis positions. This device accumulates moving distances (cutting distances) of the tool tip points from the calculated position of the tool tip point to thereby calculate a cutting distance and predicts tool wear and tool life on the basis of the calculated cutting distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshiaki OTSUKI, Hiroyuki FUJIMOTO
  • Patent number: 8515675
    Abstract: A method for estimating a shape, the method including: selecting a structure comprising a plurality of strain sensors inoperable communication with the structure, each strain sensor configured to provide a strain measurement; placing the structure in a borehole; receiving the strain measurements from the plurality of strain sensors; creating a mesh grid having nodes, each node related to a location of one strain sensor and assigned a strain value measured by the one strain sensor; creating an additional node for the mesh grid wherein a strain value assigned to the additional node is derived from the strain value corresponding to at least one adjacent node; and performing an inverse finite method using the mesh grid with the assigned strain values to estimate the shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Bakes Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Carl W. Stoesz
  • Patent number: 8510070
    Abstract: A high-resolution, non-contact sensor that measures the temperature of an elongated roll comprises an array of low-mass air temperature elements positioned adjacent the cylindrical surface. As the roll rotates a boundary layer of air is formed along the contour of the roll. Each air temperature element can be housed in a chamber into which a portion of the boundary layer air directed. The temperature of the air temperature element eventually stabilizes and is a function of the roll surface temperature. Associated air compensator elements detect ambient air temperatures and the actual surface temperature profile is extracted from calibration curves based on measurements from both the air temperature and compensator elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Tuomo Tapio Mäkinen
  • Patent number: 8510048
    Abstract: A method for detecting tunnels within an area comprising in one embodiment the steps of providing horizontal tensor gravity gradients for the area, calculating a plurality of gravity gradient vector field pairs from the horizontal tensor gravity gradients, each gravity gradient vector field pair including one gravity gradient vector field and a respective orthogonal gravity gradient vector field, detecting dipolar points and polar source points in each of the one and respective orthogonal gravity gradient vector fields for each gravity gradient vector field pair, identifying the polar source points that are present in one but not in both of the one gravity gradient vector field and the respective orthogonal gravity gradient vector field for each gravity gradient vector field pair to identify endpoints, and distinguishing the endpoints resulting from surface features from the endpoints resulting from tunnels. The polar source points form the endpoints of the tunnels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Benjamin P. Dolgin, Clayton P. Davis
  • Patent number: 8498840
    Abstract: A method of measuring the maximum thickness of a mailpiece while it is moving through a mail-handling machine. The method includes: acquiring a thickness measurement; recording the measured value in a register; determining a maximum value and a minimum value of the register; determining a difference between said maximum value and minimum value, and comparing the difference with a predetermined threshold value; and if the difference is less than the threshold value, and if the maximum value is greater than a current maximum thickness value, taking the maximum value as the new current maximum thickness value for the mailpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Neopost Technologies
    Inventor: Dominique Mazeiller
  • Publication number: 20130179118
    Abstract: A system for inspecting a blade component is provided, and includes a blade component having an outer surface, a rail, a cart, at least one optical metrology device, and a computing device. The cart is moveable in at least one direction along the rail. The cart includes a composite material that is laid on a mold to build the blade component. The optical metrology device is connected to the cart. The optical metrology device monitors application of the composite material to the outer surface of the blade component. The optical metrology device creates a set of measurements based on the outer surface of the blade component where the composite material is applied. The computing device is in communication with the optical metrology device and receives the set of measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Rachel Marie Suffield, Waseem Ibrahim Faidi, Christopher Allen Nafis
  • Publication number: 20130173213
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining axial clearance data between a rotor and a stator are disclosed. At least one radial clearance sensor is positioned on the stator and is configured to gather radial clearance data, i.e., measurements of a radial distance between the rotor and the stator taken at discrete time intervals. A computing device is operably connected with the at least one radial clearance sensor and is configured to use the radial clearance data to determine axial clearance data, i.e., an axial distance between the stator and the rotor. In one embodiment, the computing device uses, among other data points, an indication of a loss of signal from at least one radial clearance sensor to extrapolate the axial clearance data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Fred Thomas Willett, JR., Emad Andarawis Andarawis
  • Publication number: 20130158948
    Abstract: Provided are optimized scatterometry techniques for evaluating a diffracting structure. In one embodiment, a method includes computing a finite-difference derivative of a field matrix with respect to first parameters (including a geometric parameter of the diffracting structure), computing an analytic derivative of the Jones matrix with respect to the field matrix, computing a derivative of the Jones matrix with respect to the first parameters, and computing a finite-difference derivative of the Jones matrix with respect to second parameters (including a non-geometric parameter). In one embodiment, a method includes generating a transfer matrix having Taylor Series approximations for elements, and decomposing the field matrix into two or more smaller matrices based on symmetry between the incident light and the diffracting structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: Jonathan Iloreta, Paul Aoyagi, Hanyou Chu, Jeffrey Chard, Peilin Jiang, Mikhail Sushchik, Leonid Poslavsky, Phillip D. Flanner, III
  • Publication number: 20130158947
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus comprises a first sensor unit configured to obtain, as first information, two-dimensional information or three-dimensional information about a target object; a first measurement unit configured to measure a position and orientation of the target object by analyzing the first information; a second sensor unit mounted on a robot for executing an operation for the target object, and configured to obtain, as second information, two-dimensional information or three-dimensional information about the target object in a position and orientation determined based on a measurement result by the first measurement unit; and a second measurement unit configured to measure the position and orientation of the target object by analyzing the second information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
  • Patent number: 8463580
    Abstract: One or more embodiments of the invention set forth methods for performing quantity takeoff computations from computer aided design (CAD) drawings. The user initiates the quantity takeoff of an instance of a drawing object by manually selecting one or more geometries that visually represent the instance. The quantity takeoff engine identifies or creates a takeoff object that is associated with the drawing object. A takeoff object may include the dimension of geometry to quantify, the object parameter to be quantified, and the takeoff calculations to be performed. The takeoff measurement tool quantifies the instance and adds markup information to the CAD drawings to represent the determined quantity. Subsequently, the quantity takeoff engine performs takeoff calculations and adds the quantity and cost information to a takeoff report representing all previous selected instances. Advantageously, these techniques allow the user to incrementally create takeoff reports without making any manual measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Autodesk, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Wood
  • Publication number: 20130124141
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for use in measurement of at least one parameter of a patterned structure. The method comprises: providing input data comprising: measured data including multiple measured signals corresponding to measurements on different sites of the structure; and data indicative of theoretical signals, a relation between the theoretical and measured signals being indicative of at least one parameter of the structure; providing a penalty function based on at least one selected global parameter characterizing at least one property of the structure; and performing a fitting procedure between the theoretical and measured signals, said performing of the fitting procedure comprising using said penalty function for determining an optimized relation between the theoretical and measured signals, and using the optimized relation to determine said at least one parameter of the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: NOVA MEASURING INSTRUMENTS LTD.
    Inventors: Boaz Brill, Boris Sherman
  • Patent number: 8434232
    Abstract: A method for constructing a truss includes selecting three or more chord elements (two or more upper chord elements and one or more lower chord elements) and one or more web elements. The selecting of the components includes estimating a first change in length for each of the two or more upper chord elements and estimating a second change in length of each of the one or more lower chord elements, the first change in length and the second change in length in response to changes in conditions to which the truss is exposed. The one or more web elements are selected from the plurality of wood members to compensate for the deformation caused by the first change in length and the second change in length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser NR Company
    Inventors: John E. Jones, III, Benjamin C. Donner
  • Patent number: 8437978
    Abstract: Measurement apparatus is described that comprises a measurement portion for acquiring object measurements and an output portion for outputting measurement data relating to the acquired object measurements. A deactivation portion is provided for inhibiting normal operation of the measurement apparatus such that output of the measurement data is prevented. The deactivation portion, in use, reads apparatus usage information from an apparatus usage module and inhibits normal operation of the measurement apparatus if said apparatus usage information fails to meet one or more predetermined criteria. The apparatus usage module may be provided as an integral part of the measurement apparatus or as a separate activation button. The measurement apparatus may comprise a measurement probe such as a touch trigger measurement probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Renishaw PLC
    Inventors: Tim Prestidge, Jonathan P Fuge, Stuart K Campbell
  • Publication number: 20130110460
    Abstract: Determining dipper geometry. A method of determining dipper geometry includes obtaining a first set of data associated with an industrial machine for a first orientation of the industrial machine, and obtaining a second set of data associated with the industrial machine for a second orientation of the industrial machine. The first set of data includes at least one of a first length associated with a hoist rope and a first angle associated with the hoist rope, and the second set of data includes at least one of a second length associated with the hoist rope and a second angle associated with the hoist rope. The value of the physical characteristic of the dipper is then determined based on the first set of data and the second set of data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventor: Wesley P. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20130110461
    Abstract: In a method for generating a measurement program of a product, a CAD file of the product is read and attribute data of the product is obtained from the CAD file. By creating a mesh over the attribute data of the product using a plurality of triangles, the method obtains coordinate information of measuring points of the product from the CAD file, arranges the measuring points of the product into one or more geometrical elements using a curve fitting method, and obtains measuring information of each geometrical element. By integrating the measuring information of each of the one or more geometrical elements into a predefined program model, a measurement program can be generated and displayed on a display device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: CHIH-KUANG CHANG, XIN-YUAN WU, JIN-GANG RAO
  • Publication number: 20130103345
    Abstract: A method of generating and storing three-dimensional digital data indicative of a sporting trophy is provided. The method may be implemented in relation to a wide variety of sporting trophy applications. A sportsman can provide a sporting trophy to a scanning system to obtain three-dimensional image data relative to the sporting trophy. Sporting-relevant measurements can be computed based on the stored three-dimensional image data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventor: David Krien
  • Publication number: 20130096873
    Abstract: Systems and methods for acquiring information for a construction site are provided. One system includes a base unit positioned within a construction site by a user. A computer subsystem of the base unit determines a position of the base unit with respect to the construction site. The system also includes a measurement unit moved within the construction site by a user. The measurement unit includes one or more elements configured to interact with light in a known manner. An optical subsystem of the base unit directs light to the element(s) and detects the light after interacting with the element(s). The computer subsystem is configured to determine a position and pose of the measurement unit with respect to the base unit based on the detected light. The measurement unit includes a measurement device used by the measurement unit or the base unit to determine information for the construction site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: KLA-TENCOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: KLA-Tencor Corporation
  • Patent number: 8423320
    Abstract: By using powerful data analysis techniques, such as PCR, PLS, CLS and the like, in combination with measurement techniques providing structural information, gradually varying material characteristics may be determined during semiconductor fabrication, thereby also enabling the monitoring of complex manufacturing sequences. For instance, the material characteristics of sensitive dielectric materials, such as ULK material, may be detected, for instance with respect to an extension of a damage zone, in order to monitor the quality of metallization systems of sophisticated semiconductor devices. The inline measurement data may be obtained on the basis of infrared spectroscopy, for instance using FTIR and the like, which may even allow directly obtaining the measurement data at process chambers, substantially without affecting the overall process throughput.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthias Schaller, Thomas Oszinda, Christin Bartsch, Daniel Fischer
  • Publication number: 20130085642
    Abstract: The invention proposes a system that uses a novel method to analyze the surface being about to be traversed by a vehicle. The system can be used to enhance vehicle safety and control. The system makes use of AER cameras such as the Silicon Retina. The Silicon Retina is used monitor the surface to be traversed, and a processing unit analyzes the surface based on the signal provided by the Silicon Retina. The proposed surface analysis method carried out by the system surpasses state-of-art analysis methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: HONDA RESEARCH INSTITUTE EUROPE GMBH
    Inventor: Andrew Alexander DANKERS
  • Patent number: 8411999
    Abstract: A calibrating apparatus includes a first reproducer which reproduces a reference image representing a state in which a plane is overlooked, along an X axis and a Y axis orthogonal to each other. A second reproducer reproduces a scene image outputted from a camera that captures the plane, along a U axis and a V axis orthogonal to each other. An acceptor accepts a designating manipulation of designating a first area of an X-Y coordinate system, in association with a reproducing process of the first reproducer. A first calculator calculates a second area of a U-V coordinate system corresponding to the first area designated by the designating manipulation, by referring to a calibration parameter indicating a corresponding relationship between the X-Y coordinate system and the U-V coordinate system. A definer defines the second area calculated by the first calculator, in association with a reproducing process of the second reproducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yohei Ishii, Keisuke Asari
  • Publication number: 20130080101
    Abstract: In accordance with certain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, exemplary visualization system, method, procedure and computer-accessible medium can be provided, which individually and/or collectively can be called, e.g., ImmunoRuler (IR). Certain exemplary embodiments of the exemplary IR in accordance with the present disclosure can be used for, e.g., comparing two groups of objects with specific and distinguished properties, such as a group of case subjects with a particular disease and a group of control subjects without that particular disease, and/or a group of subjects with a particular disease who are given a treatment and a group of subjects with the same disease but under another treatment or no treatment at all.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: NEW YORK UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Marko I. Vuskovic, Margaret E. Huflejt, Harvey I. Pass
  • Publication number: 20130060521
    Abstract: A displacement sensor outputs displacement without delay caused by the detection period of the displacement sensor, when output of displacement is requested from outside. Displacement is detected using a phase difference between an input signal waveform and an output signal waveform. A detection time is derived by a timer when the sensor detects a displacement, and at least two previous detected displacements are stored together with detection times thereof. When output is requested from outside, the two previous displacements are extrapolated to a current displacement, based on the two previous displacements and detection times and a time at which output was requested, and the current displacement is output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Tetsuya Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20130054189
    Abstract: In a method for extracting dimensions of a product using a computing device, an engineering drawing of the product is read from a storage system of the computing device. A first layer of the engineering drawing that includes identifiers and a second layer of the engineering drawing that includes the dimensions are acquired. The identifiers in the first layer are extracted and added into a dimension list. The dimensions corresponding to each identifier in the second layer are extracted and added into the dimension list. Content of the dimension list is inserted into a report file. The report file is displayed on the display device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: CHIH-KUANG CHANG, XIN-YUAN WU, JIN-GANG RAO
  • Publication number: 20130054188
    Abstract: In a computing device having a computerized method and a non-transitory storage medium, one or more highlighting modes are constructed, each of which defines which sections in a measuring program need to be highlighted. One of the highlighting modes is selected to highlight a measuring program in a particular way. Then, the highlighted measuring program is displayed on a display unit of the computing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: CHIH-KUANG CHANG, XIN-YUAN WU, GEN YANG
  • Publication number: 20130054190
    Abstract: An occlusal wear evaluation apparatus capable of evaluating quantitatively an occlusal wear of a used denture reads three dimensional data of a denture before use and three dimensional data of the denture after use, calculates a difference in a set value of an articulator allowing the maxillary dental arch and the mandibular dental arch of the denture to occlude between the denture before use and the denture after use, by way of simulating movements of a jaw in the articulator with the three dimensional data of the denture before use and the three dimensional data of the denture after use, and indicates the calculated difference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventors: Yusei KADOBAYASHI, Masako Shigezawa, Keiji Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20130046506
    Abstract: A three-dimensional measurement apparatus includes a detection unit configured to detect, in an image captured by a capture unit, position information of a pattern on a capture pixel surface, which is projected to a plurality of pattern detection areas preset on the same plane in a measurement space, and a corresponding relationship calculation unit configured to calculate, using the position information, a corresponding relationship between the pattern on a projection pixel surface of a projection unit detected in advance before measurement and the pattern on the projection pixel surface of the projection unit at the time of measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shiki Takabayashi
  • Patent number: 8374803
    Abstract: A damage detection apparatus and method which detect a damage occurring in a specimen include energizing an inspection area on a specimen into a predetermined energized condition, measuring a potential difference at predetermined intervals in the inspection area, and analyzing an existence or otherwise of a damage, and a shape thereof, based on a plurality of items of potential difference data. Parameters specifying a hypothetical damage are hypothesized in advance and, based on the potential difference data, calculation is executed using a maximum likelihood estimation method on a double body in which hypothetical specimens are doubled by bringing together their front surfaces, and furthermore on a quadruple body quadrupled by bringing rear surfaces of hypothetical specimens together, a maximum likelihood estimation value of the parameters is calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: National University Corporation Okayama University
    Inventor: Naoya Tada
  • Patent number: 8370067
    Abstract: A method and system and the use of a 3-D positioning system for monitoring a landfill and landfill material added thereto and undergoing compaction and measures in real time the relative density of the compressed landfill material. The method and system calculates thickness, volume, density during the landfill operation to ensure that the landfill is comprised of compacted layers of substantially optimized density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Geologic Computer Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Williams, Alan R. Williams
  • Patent number: 8364437
    Abstract: A method of inspecting a mark arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: generating mask data in which mark seed data that includes an inspection mark that includes vector information and is not drawn on a mask and mark data is arranged on a scribe line of the mask, calculating coordinates of the inspection mark from a reference position of the mark seed data, detecting an arrangement state of the inspection mark with respect to the reference position by using the coordinates and vector information, and judging whether the mark seed data is correctly arranged by comparing the arrangement state of the inspection mark with an arrangement check rule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Morinaga, Kazutaka Ishigo, Takaki Kumanomido
  • Patent number: 8355886
    Abstract: A method to determine the misalignment and/or clearance of a door relative to its frame includes a phase to determine a law of variation of the clearance and/or misalignment values for the different inspection points, in relation to various opening positions of the door taken with respect to a reference position in which the door occupies its closed position, a measurement phase in which the door occupies any position relative to the frame, and during which the clearance and/or misalignment values are measured, and a phase to take into account the measured clearance and/or misalignment values and the law of variation so as to determine the true values of clearance and/or misalignment at the different inspection points corresponding to the door in its reference closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Edixia
    Inventors: Michel Ollivier, Arnaud Legeard
  • Patent number: 8355885
    Abstract: A method of generating and storing three-dimensional digital data indicative of a sporting trophy is provided. The method may be implemented in relation to a wide variety of sporting trophy applications. A sportsman can provide a sporting trophy to a scanning system to obtain three-dimensional image data relative to the sporting trophy. Sporting-relevant measurements can be computed based on the stored three-dimensional image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: David Krien LLC
    Inventor: David J. Krien
  • Patent number: 8352332
    Abstract: A method and a system for ordering paint to cover a surface includes, retrieving a color value from a machine-readable memory to a processor. The processor retrieves a paint quantity from a machine-readable memory. The processor compiles an order for paint including the paint quantity and color value and then transmits the order from the processor to a vendor for formulating the paint quantity having the color value when painted upon the surface and allowed to dry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: John Pesicek
  • Patent number: 8340355
    Abstract: An image pickup apparatus is provided with cameras and string-shaped members. The user is allowed to know working distances based upon the lengths of the string-shaped members. The optical axis direction of the camera is adjusted so that the leading edge of the string-shaped member is included in the viewing field of the camera, and the optical axis direction of the camera is adjusted so that the leading edge of the string-shaped member is included in the viewing field of the camera. Even in the case when no image-pickup object is present, by presuming the position of the image-pickup portion of the object, the working distance from the presumed position can be found by the string-shaped member. Moreover, since the string-shaped members are coupled to each other at the image-pickup position, the directions of the optical axes of the cameras can be determined based upon the extending directions of the string members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Omron Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yano, Shiro Fujieda, Yasuyuki Ikeda
  • Patent number: 8339410
    Abstract: A method for obtaining and analyzing information objects including generating, collecting or discovering information objects. The information objects are signified at least in part using deliberately ambiguated signifier prompts, for example, linear scale opposing negatives or positives, and/or multi-dimensional signifier prompts. The information objects may comprise text or non-text fragments, and may be generated or selected. The responses to the signifier prompts are stored with the fragments to provide a dataset of signified fragments. The signified fragments may be analyzed based on the signifiers and can be utilized as part of an explorable knowledge repository, or objective measures can be created to aid in mass opinion capture or human attitude auditing. The fragments may be represented on a graphical template.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Cognitive Edge Pte Ltd
    Inventors: Steven A. Bealing, Michael A. Cheveldave, Peter R. Stanbridge, Kenneth J. -P. McHugh, David J. Snowden
  • Patent number: 8340368
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a face detection system for a vehicle. At least one first lighting unit is configured to radiate infrared light onto a left side of a driver's face. At least one second lighting unit is configured to radiate infrared light onto a right side of the driver's face. An image capturing unit separately captures the driver's face onto which the infrared light is radiated from the first and second lighting units. A control unit acquires left and right images of the face from the image capturing unit, and obtains a difference image between the acquired left and right images, thus determining whether the driver is inattentive in looking ahead. The system stably performs the face detection function with no or less effect by external optical environments as well as reduced computational load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Byoung Joon Lee, Eui Yoon Chung
  • Patent number: 8332173
    Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine includes: a probe provided with a measurement piece; a moving mechanism that effects a scanning movement of the probe; and a host computer for controlling the moving mechanism. The host computer includes a displacement acquiring unit for acquiring a displacement of the moving mechanism and a measurement value calculating unit for calculating a measurement value. The measurement value calculating unit includes a correction-amount calculating unit for calculating a correction amount for correcting a position error of the measurement piece and a correcting unit for correcting the position error of the measurement piece based on the displacement of the moving mechanism and the correction amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuhiro Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 8326571
    Abstract: A person location detecting apparatus according to the present invention includes a light emitting section for radiating a projection light and a TOF method distance image sensor for receiving a reflected light from a room space of the projection light to output distance information in accordance with a distance to an object in the room space from each of a plurality of light receiving sections, and further includes a distance change detecting section for detecting a distance change to the object in the room space based on the distance information from the TOF method distance image sensor and a person distinguishing section for distinguishing a person by specifying a shape of a detected distance change area to detect a direction and distance to the distance change area that is specified as a shape of a person as a location of a person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Keiji Nagase
  • Patent number: 8326572
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a pipe length in an air conditioning system includes a detector to detect a signal traveled through a pipe and a first impedance coupler that couples to one end of the pipe, where the detector detects the signal traveled through the pipe at the first impedance coupler. A processor determines a pipe length based on the detected signal and a signal generator generates the signal to be sent through the pipe. A second impedance coupler couples to another end of the pipe, where the signal generator sends the signal to the pipe through the second impedance coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jun-Tae Kim, Chi-Sun Ahn, Seung-Hwan Jung, Sang-Chul Youn, Duck-Gu Jeon
  • Patent number: 8314620
    Abstract: A system for online relative phase calibration is provided. The system includes at least one excitation source configured to generate multiple excitation signals. The system also includes at least two sensors coupled to respective ones of the at least one excitation source via a transmission line, wherein the two sensors are configured to receive respective ones of the excitation signals. The system further includes at least two phase detectors configured to receive at least two reflected signals from the two sensors via the transmission line, wherein each of the two phase detectors are configured to output a respective voltage representing a phase difference between respective ones of the reflected signals and respective ones of the excitation signals. The system also includes a switch coupled to the sensors and the phase detectors, the switch configured to switch the phase detectors between the sensors at a pre-determined switching interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Emad Andarawis Andarawis
  • Publication number: 20120290259
    Abstract: An integrated automated 3D Optical Scanning and Computer Aided Inspection System for dimensional inspection of precision manufactured parts. The system is based within a portable cabinet having lockable caster wheels for portability and retractably support feet for enhanced stability. The cabinet further includes a part placement area having an optical metrology scanner positioned over a multi-axis robotic arm positioned in the part placement area. The robotic arm is constructed and arranged to grip and manipulate parts within a field of view of the optical metrology scanner. The robotic arm provides multi-axis to rotate and tilt a base to allow substantially every surface of the part to be scanned. Dimensional comparison and analysis software application provide geometric conformance/deviation plus extraction of the dimensions indicated in the part computer aided design (CAD) model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventors: Scott T. McAfee, William J. Greene