Dimensional Determination Patents (Class 702/155)
  • Patent number: 7995054
    Abstract: An improved interface and algorithm(s) can be used to simplify and improve the process for locating an edge from a series of points in a point cloud. An interface can allow the user to select a hint point thought to be near an edge of interest, which can be used to generate an initial edge profile. An interface can allow the user to adjust the fit of the initial profile in cross-section, then can use that profile to generate a profile of the entire edge. A moving fit window can use a moving average to extend the edge and determine proper end locations. An interface then can display the results of the fit to the user and allow the user to adjust the fit, such as by adjusting the end points of the calculated edge. Such a process can be used to fit linear or curvilinear edges, and can fit a number of irregular shapes as well as regular shaped such as “v-shaped” edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Leica Geosystems AG
    Inventors: Mark Damon Wheeler, Richard William Bukowski, Jonathan Apollo Kung
  • Patent number: 7991708
    Abstract: A method and system for creating a personalized delivery payment coding includes selecting from a set of designs for delivery payment coding, calculating an appropriate fee, paying an appropriate fee, and printing a selected design on delivery payment coding product paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventor: Joseph Y. Peng
  • Patent number: 7991576
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a portable device that generates position and orientation data to facilitate movement within a building. The device can be, for example, handheld or affixed to a cane. Data for navigation is derived from reflections from interior surfaces and dead reckoning sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventor: Stergios I. Roumeliotis
  • Publication number: 20110184692
    Abstract: A system and a method for spatially ordered estimation and visualization of multi-lead electrocardiographic ST deviations induced by myocardial ischemia, in which system a plurality of ECG signals are recorded from a ECG source, which signals are stored by a processor in a memory, which processor processes the signals to obtain ST deviation, which processor performs measurement of ST deviation from each lead where the processor performs a multi-dimensional estimation of an vector representing of the spatial direction and magnitude of the underlying cardiac injury-current giving rise to the measured ST deviations, which processor hereby estimates the spatial location and severity of myocardial ischemia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: AALBORG UNIVERSITET
    Inventor: Mads Peter Andersen
  • Publication number: 20110181300
    Abstract: Provided are methods of using electromagnetic waves for detecting metal and/or dielectric objects. Methods include directing microwave and/or mm wave radiation in a predetermined direction using a transmission apparatus, including a transmission element; receiving radiation from an entity resulting from the transmitted radiation using a detection apparatus; and generating one or more detection signals in the frequency domain using the detection apparatus. Methods may include operating a controller, wherein operating the controller includes causing the transmitted radiation to be swept over a predetermined range of frequencies, performing a transform operation on the detection signal(s) to generate one or more transformed signals in the time domain, and determining, from one or more features of the transformed signal, one or more dimensions of a metallic or dielectric object upon which the transmitted radiation is incident.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventors: Nicholas Bowring, David Andrews, Nacer Ddine Rexgui, Stuart Harmer
  • Patent number: 7986244
    Abstract: A device for displaying measuring values is provided, comprising a device for displaying measuring values having a control unit (22) and having a digital display unit (21), which is controlled by the control unit (22), wherein the control unit (22) is embodied in such a manner that a measuring value detected by the measuring value detection unit are displayed on the display unit (21) as actual value (I) and as a preset set value (S) in such a manner that the position of the actual value (I) relative to the set value (S) is a function of the difference between the set value and the actual value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Multivac Sepp Haggenmueller GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Bernd Jokele, Konrad Mossnang
  • Patent number: 7982662
    Abstract: This scanning array scans an area around the array for nearby objects, collision obstructions, and terrain topography. The scanning array can scan for sounds emitted by objects in the vicinity of the scanning array, passive energy receipt sources, or it can also send out an energy beam and scan for reflections from objects within the energy beam. The energy beam can be optical, laser, radar or other energy emitting sources. The scanning array of the invention can be used for helicopter detection and avoidance of collision risk and can be used for other scanning purposes. Scanning of an entire hemisphere or greater is accomplished by manipulating the scanner platform through the coordination of either linear actuators or gimbals so as to produce nutation without rotation. This motion allows transceivers to be directly coupled to transmitting and sensing modules without the losses associated with slip rings and other coupling devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Intellex, LLC
    Inventor: James Shaffer
  • Patent number: 7983868
    Abstract: Measurement data collected within a measurement frame of reference is fitted to geometric tolerance zones having regard for the uncertainties of the measurement. Geometric freedoms for fitting the measurement data are exploited to fit uncertainty zones associated with the measurement data within the tolerance zones. Typically, the measurement data is multidimensional and the uncertainty zones have different sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Quality Vision International, Inc.
    Inventor: Kostadin Doytchinov
  • Publication number: 20110170655
    Abstract: A tablet T is divided without moving a cutter and divided tablets T1, T2 are fed one by one. A rotor 24 is installed in a container 21 receiving the tablets T. A rotor receiving part of the container has a barrel shape with a bottom section formed with a discharge port 27, and a fixing blade 33 is installed outside the rotor receiving part. Recesses 25 are formed on an entire lateral side of the rotor at a regular interval to receive a tablet. A peripheral groove is formed on the entire lateral side of the rotor and a fixing blade and a support plate are inserted into the peripheral groove. The fixing blade divides the tablet, which is accommodated in the recess and move while being guided along an inner wall of the rotor receiving part as the rotor rotates. A lower divided tablet T1 is discharged to the discharge port 27 and an upper divided tablet T2 is kept on the fixing blade. The upper divided tablet is discharged as the rotor further rotates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: YUYAMA MFG. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shoji Yuyama, Naoki Koike, Mitsuhiro Mitani, Masao Fukada
  • Publication number: 20110172110
    Abstract: An improved process to create an arbitrarily large number of distinguishable particles allows more flexibility in experimental design and related efficiencies of scale. Novel enhanced tracers, for example, Shape Encoded Particles (SEP's) function as indicator means, such as probe-carriers in massively multiplexed assays. Shape encoded identity provides an elegantly simple tracking mechanism, whereby binding/reaction probes coupled to SEP's surfaces can be monitored, viewed, imaged or otherwise utilized leveraging off of the generation of millions of distinct, for example, approximately 100×100×10 micron squared silicon flakes fabricated using conventional MEMS techniques. Plethoric related applications, and contemplated strategies for benefiting from the novel enhanced SEP's and their respective enabling technologies are disclosed, ranging from pearl cultering seed elements to uniquely identify resulting jewelry pieces to an improved parallel stem cell differentiation screening assays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventor: Barry Merriman
  • Publication number: 20110172955
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for identifying objects (1), particularly machines, consumer items, such as bottles (1), and to parts thereof. To this end, a surface of the affected object (1) is scanned entirely, or at least in the area of a partial surface (8), wherefrom at least one result is derived. According to the invention, the natural surface of the object under inspection (1) is converted to digital characteristic values, wherein the said digital values are compiled into at least one key (9, 10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Jürgen Herrmann, Alois Monzel
  • Patent number: 7979236
    Abstract: A method for analyzing tolerances for features for an object. A framework may be created from the plurality of features for the object. The framework may be fitted to a plurality of manufactured features for the object based on the plurality of features to form a fit framework. A remaining clearance may be identified between each of a plurality of manufactured sizes associated with the plurality of features and each of plurality of virtual conditions for the plurality of features to form a plurality of remaining clearances. A plurality of remaining clearance geometric shapes may be formed from the plurality of remaining clearances. The plurality of remaining clearance features may be positioned around a single true position. A common region may be identified from between the plurality of remaining clearances. A minimum remaining float may be identified from the common region. A resulting pattern transformation may be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Bruce A. Wilson, Paul C. Hollingshead
  • Patent number: 7970578
    Abstract: A compensation table for compensating interference signal obtained by OCT measurement is generated easily. When a reflection body interference signal is obtained by OCT measurement, the reflection body interference signal is compensated by a compensation table (Formula (1)) to obtain an evaluation output signal. Then, a spectrum of the evaluation output signal is calculated to obtain an evaluation value of the spectrum. Thereafter, a model coefficient is updated such that the evaluation value becomes small.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventor: Kensuke Terakawa
  • Publication number: 20110149694
    Abstract: The swim device includes a wrist unit system wearable on a wrist and a hand, at least one hand sensor unit that is wearable on a hand, and at least one foot sensor unit wearable on a foot. The wrist unit system includes a wrist unit and at least one pressure sensor. The wrist unit includes an integrated circuit chip (ICC) computer; a battery; an alarm, a display and housing with input buttons, and a wrist band with an embedded antenna. The hand/foot sensor unit includes an integrated circuit chip (ICC) computer with a battery. The pressure sensor is attached to a cap that is worn on the first segment of a finger or big toe in such a manner that the pressure sensor faces the water-bound side of the finger or big toe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: Masami Sakita
  • Patent number: 7966147
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, generating images according to intersection points includes obtaining samples of signals from transmitter-receiver pairs. A transmitter-receiver pair is configured to transmit a signal and receive the signal reflected by an object. Intersection points are determined, where an intersection point indicates an intersection for integer multiples of a sample-time distance. A subset of samples corresponding to the intersection points is selected. Image data is generated from the selected subset of samples, where the image data is used to generate an image of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: William T. Jennings, Dache′ P. Barnhart
  • Publication number: 20110137625
    Abstract: Numerical calculation of electromagnetic scattering properties and structural parameters of periodic structures is disclosed. A reflection coefficient has a representation as a bilinear or sesquilinear form. Computations of reflection coefficients and their derivatives for a single outgoing direction can benefit from an adjoint-state variable. Because the linear operator is identical for all angles of incidence that contribute to the same outgoing wave direction, there exists a single adjoint-state variable that generates all reflection coefficients from all incident waves that contribute to the outgoing wave. This adjoint-state variable can be obtained by numerically solving a single linear system, whereas one otherwise would need to solve a number of linear systems equal to the number of angles of incidence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Remco Dirks, Irwan Dani Setija, Markus Gerardus Martinus Maria Van Kraaij, Martijn Constant Van Beurden
  • Publication number: 20110131006
    Abstract: A system for checking dimensions of mechanical component parts includes a checking probe (4) which can be programmed from a base unit (11) by means of a wireless radio-frequency link. An interface unit (34) connected to or integrated in the base unit includes control devices with at least an infrared receiver (26, 27) causing the generation of a control signal once coded signals are received. The coded signals can be transmitted by a remote controller (37)—which can be of a universal or dedicated type—or by an emitter (24, 25) adjacent to the receiver. In this second case the transmitted coded signal is adapted to be reflected, for example by an operator's finger, and the pair of emitter and receiver forms an optical switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventors: Andrea Ferrari, Giancarlo Perroni
  • Patent number: 7941767
    Abstract: A photomask is washed and at least one physical amount of transmittance and phase difference of the photomask, dimension of a pattern, height of the pattern and a sidewall shape of the pattern is measured. After this, the two-dimensional shape of a borderline pattern previously determined for the photomask is measured. Lithography tolerance is derived by performing a lithography simulation for the measured two-dimensional shape by use of the measured physical amount. Then, whether the photomask can be used or not is determined based on the derived lithography tolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hidefumi Mukai, Shinji Yamaguchi, Yukiyasu Arisawa, Toshiya Kotani
  • Publication number: 20110106491
    Abstract: A method for determining a dimension of a regular pattern of elements, wherein the elements in the regular pattern are arranged along an arrangement direction with a first spatial frequency includes providing a sensor for sampling the regular pattern; providing a plurality of data sample sets, wherein each data sample set comprises data samples provided by the sensor while sampling over a portion of the regular pattern, and each data sample set consists of a different number of data samples; analyzing each data sample set to determine a corresponding spatial frequency; determining a plurality of quantified values, each quantified value being associated with a different one of the determined spatial frequencies; selecting a first quantified value from the plurality of quantified values; and determining the dimension based at least on the selected first quantified value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Valentine A. Karassiouk
  • Patent number: 7930133
    Abstract: A magnetic-sensor controller includes an input section, a perpendicular-bisector calculation section, a storage section, and a setting section. The input section successively inputs a plurality of magnetic data sets successively output from a three-dimensional magnetic sensor. Each magnetic data includes three components. The perpendicular-bisector calculation section calculates, for each pair of two of the magnetic data sets, a perpendicular bisector of two points corresponding to the two magnetic data sets. The storage section stores a plurality of perpendicular bisectors. The setting section statistically approximates, by a single point, a region where the plurality of perpendicular bisectors stored in the storage section meet, and sets an offset of the magnetic data set on the basis of the single point. The magnetic-sensor controller enables accurate setting of an offset even when the magnetic field strength changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Hideki Sato
  • Publication number: 20110077905
    Abstract: A location of an object is determined by arranging a sequence of bits on a substrate. The sequence of bits includes subsequence of bits, and each subsequence of bits is unique for each location along the substrate. When the object is at a particular location along the substrate a sensor detects the subsequence of bits at the particular location, and a decoder associates the location of the subsequence at the particular location with the object. The substrate can be a leaky coaxial cable with slits or not, corresponding to the bits, or lane markings on a road.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Chunjie Duan, Raymond Yim, Frederick J Igo, JR., Amine Maaref
  • Publication number: 20110067254
    Abstract: An electronic device for impressioning a lock comprises a housing having a key decoder secured to the housing and a connector for connection to electronic circuitry. A key decoder portion extends from the housing for insertion into a keyway. A groove extends along a surface of the key decoder. An insulated conductor is positioned in the groove. An exposed portion serves as a reader of wafers positions in the keyway as the key decoder slides through the keyway. An electrical measuring device is secured to the housing and includes a slidable member including the reader, both of which are connected through a sensor interface included in the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventor: Stephen Randall
  • Patent number: 7912671
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the coordinates of an arbitrarily shaped pattern in a deflector system. The method basically comprises the steps of: moving the pattern in a first direction (X), calculating the position of the edge of the pattern by counting the number of micro sweeps, performed in a perpendicular direction (Y), until the edge is detected, and determining the coordinates by relating the number of counted micro sweeps to the speed of the movement of the pattern. The invention also relates to software implementing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Micronic Laser Systems AB
    Inventors: Lars Stiblert, Peter Ekberg
  • Patent number: 7904272
    Abstract: A method for calculating coordinate values of a measuring machine is provided. The method includes receiving signals in three dimensions from a raster ruler signal generator, identifying a direction of each signal and multiply a frequency of each signal. The method further includes counting each of multiplied signals in each dimension, sending the counted data to the MCU. The method further includes adding the counted data of each of the multiplied signals in each dimension to obtain an accumulated number in each dimension and calculating coordinate values of the measuring machine according to the accumulated number in each dimension and a proportionality factor of the raster ruler signal generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Kuang Chang, Wei-Qi Sun
  • Patent number: 7904273
    Abstract: A system, method and device for measuring a depth of a Through-Silicon-Via (TSV) in a semiconductor device region on a wafer during in-line semiconductor fabrication, includes a resistance measurement trench structure having length and width dimensions in a substrate, ohmic contacts on a surface of the substrate disposed on opposite sides of the resistance measurement trench structure, and an unfilled TSV structure in semiconductor device region having an unknown depth. A testing circuit makes contact with the ohmic contacts and measures a resistance therebetween, and a processor connected to the testing circuit calculates a depth of the trench structure and the unfilled TSV structure based on the resistance measurement. The resistance measurement trench structure and the unfilled TSV are created simultaneously during fabrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Qizhi Liu, Ping-Chuan Wang, Kimball M. Watson, Zhijian J. Yang
  • Publication number: 20110054837
    Abstract: Provided is an information processing apparatus including a position detection unit that detects a position of an operating tool pressing a screen, a pressure intensity detection unit that detects pressure intensity of the operating tool, a movement detection unit that detects a movement of the operating tool based on information on the position detected by the position detection unit, and a function providing unit that provides a specific function corresponding to an increase in the pressure intensity in a case a rest state or a subtly-moving state of the operating tool is detected by the movement detection unit and the pressure intensity detected by the pressure intensity detection unit increases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventor: Tetsuo IKEDA
  • Patent number: 7899573
    Abstract: A system and method for inspecting a machined surface. The method includes acquiring optical information of the machined surface from a predefined orientation. Further, the method includes comparing one or more parameters of the optical information with a corresponding one or more reference parameters. Furthermore, the method includes assessing a quality of the machined surface based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: John S. Agapiou, Phillip K Steinacker
  • Patent number: 7895015
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed wherein the structural health of a civil structure, such as, but not limited to, a bridge or the like is measured by electronic distance measurement from a plurality of stable locations to a plurality of cardinal points on the structure in a methodical manner. By measuring the coordinates of the cardinal points, the dynamic and long-term static behavior of the structure provide an indication of the health of the structure. Analysis includes; comparison to a Finite Element Model (FEM), comparison to historical data, linearity, hysteresis, symmetry, creep, damping coefficient, and harmonic terms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventors: David H. Parker, John M. Payne
  • Patent number: 7895014
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to locate a target in regard of a sensor, comprising the steps of collecting the outputs of a capacitive sensor comprising a plurality of electrodes and combining said outputs so as to obtain a signal representative of the distance separating said target from the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi Computer Products (Europe) S.A.S.
    Inventors: Claude Launay, Joaquim Da Silva, Florent Voisin, Tomoaki Hirai, Takanori Ninomiya, Shunji Maeda
  • Patent number: 7888931
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved magnetic winding and method of calculating desired winding parameters (winding layer thickness, number of winding layers and number of turns per winding layer) for a winding in a magnetic component. The invention may be applied to general boundary conditions in a magnetic winding or component and considers relative phase displacement for sinusoidal and nonsinusoidal winding currents. Ratios of magnetic surface field intensities at corresponding inner and outer boundaries of one or more winding layer(s) are calculated, and considered with relative phase displacement to select magnetic winding configurations having desired or optimal power dissipation. In certain aspects, a normalized loss function f(H,R,B,?) is utilized to determine a preferred construction among a plurality of iteratively generated selections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: RAF Tabtronics, LLC
    Inventor: Victor W. Quinn
  • Patent number: 7888638
    Abstract: In the dimension measurement of a circuit pattern using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), in order to make it possible to automatically image desired evaluation points (EPs) on a sample, and automatically measure the circuit pattern formed at the evaluation points, according to the present invention, in the dimension measurement of a circuit pattern using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), it is arranged that coordinate data of the EP and design data of the circuit pattern including the EP are used as an input, creation of a dimension measurement cursor for measuring the pattern existing in the EP and selection or setting of the dimension measurement method are automatically performed based on the EP coordinate data and the design data to automatically create a recipe, and automatic imaging/measurement is performed using the recipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Atsushi Miyamoto, Tomofumi Nishiura
  • Publication number: 20110035041
    Abstract: System and method for controlling the feed of a raw material disposed on a roll into a continuous or semi-continuous production process are provided. According to the disclosure, a user-defined amount of remnant material that is desirably left on the core of a roll of material when the roll is to be considered is depleted is provided as a process input, and a system according to the disclosure repeatedly evaluates and relates the stop length of material that passes through a process when a production line is stopped, the remnant material amount, and the amount of material currently present on a roll at various times during unwinding of the roll during process operation. Use of a system and/or method as provided enables operators of processes using rolled stock as a raw material to achieve heretofore un-attainably small amounts of scrap generation due to remnant material left on the roll's core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventor: Stephen J. Habakus
  • Patent number: 7885787
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved magnetic winding and method of calculating desired winding parameters (winding layer thickness, number of winding layers and number of turns per winding layer) for a winding in a magnetic component. The invention may be applied to general boundary conditions in a magnetic winding or component and considers relative phase displacement for sinusoidal and nonsinusoidal winding currents. Ratios of magnetic surface field intensities at corresponding inner and outer boundaries of one or more winding layer(s) are calculated, and considered with relative phase displacement to select magnetic winding configurations having desired or optimal power dissipation. In certain aspects, a normalized loss function f(H,R,B,?) is utilized to determine a preferred construction among a plurality of iteratively generated selections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: RAF Tabtronics, LLC
    Inventor: Victor W. Quinn
  • Patent number: 7885786
    Abstract: A metrology system for measuring a cone angle, a cone straightness, and a cone quality of a sample and method of using the metrology system are disclosed. The system includes a rotary stage, one or more workpiece fixtures that hold the samples in the rotary stage, and a number of different sized measurement devices. The measuring devices are positioned next to the rotary stage and measure the samples using contact. The rotary stage is free to rotate when the measuring devices are in a non-measuring state. The invention also includes a processor that collects data from the measurement devices and calculates the cone angle, the cone straightness, and the cone quality of each sample based on the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Ananda V. Mysore, Steve G. Gonzalez, Reid E. Berry, II, Hans Leuthold
  • Patent number: 7881896
    Abstract: A portable coordinate measurement machine for measuring the position of an object in a selected volume comprises includes an a positionable articulated arm having a plurality of jointed arm segments. The arm includes a measurement probe having an integrated line laser scanner mounted thereon. The laser may be a fiber coupled laser. Wireless data transfer and communication capability for the CMM is also possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Faro Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Christopher Atwell, Jacint R. Barba, Frederick York
  • Patent number: 7877241
    Abstract: Psychopharmacological properties of new therapeutic drugs and highly heritable behavior patterns of test subjects are identified based on analysis of monitored exploratory movement to identify behavioral signatures. A test subject in a pen is allowed to explore for a period of time, after injecting it with a candidate drug or control vehicle. The test subject's movement is monitored and its locations stored. The locations are analyzed to separate them into behavioral patterns that are defined based on combinations of behavioral feature. Relative frequencies of performing each behavioral pattern are determined. In each pattern, differences between the relative frequencies in the candidate drug and control groups are tested, and only patterns in which this difference is highly significant are retained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: University of Maryland, Baltimore
    Inventors: Gregory Elmer, Neri Kafkafi
  • Patent number: 7876438
    Abstract: Disclosed are techniques and apparatus are provided for determining overlay error or pattern placement error (PPE) across the field of a scanner which is used to pattern a sample, such as a semiconductor wafer or device. This determination is performed in-line on the product wafer or device. That is, the targets on which overlay or PPE measurements are performed are provided on the product wafer or device itself. The targets are either distributed across the field by placing the targets within the active area or by distributing the targets along the streets (the strips or scribe areas) which are between the dies of a field. The resulting overlay or PPE that is obtained from targets distributed across the field may then be used in a number of ways to improve the fabrication process for producing the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: KLA-Tencor Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Ghinovker, Michael E. Adel, Jorge Poplawski, Joel L. Seligson
  • Publication number: 20110015772
    Abstract: A measurement and workpiece cutting system is disclosed. The measurement and workpiece cutting system has a physical dimension measuring apparatus and a cutting apparatus. The physical dimension measuring apparatus has a physical dimension measuring unit and a transmitter. The physical dimension measuring apparatus measures a physical dimension for a workpiece to be cut. The transmitter transmits either information representative of the measured physical dimension or cutting dimensions. A processing unit is configured to calculate cutting dimensions from the information representative of the physical dimension. The cutting apparatus has a cutting mechanism for cutting the workpiece, a receiver for receiving either information representative of the measured physical dimension or cutting dimensions, a data storage unit, a display, and a physical dimension control for setting the cutting mechanism to cut the workpiece to the cutting dimensions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Mario A. Salazar
  • Publication number: 20110010124
    Abstract: Method for measuring the shape of a workpiece includes a measuring sensor used to find measured values that represent the shape of a workpiece. The shape of the workpiece is determined by an iterative method using the measured values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventor: Heinz Wegmann
  • Publication number: 20100324865
    Abstract: A method and system are presented for determining a line profile in a patterned structure, aimed at controlling a process of manufacture of the structure. The patterned structure comprises a plurality of different layers, the pattern in the structure being formed by patterned regions and un-patterned regions. At least first and second measurements are carried out, each utilizing illumination of the structure with a broad wavelengths band of incident light directed on the structure at a certain angle of incidence, detection of spectral characteristics of light returned from the structure, and generation of measured data representative thereof. The measured data obtained with the first measurement is analyzed, and at least one parameter of the structure is thereby determined. Then, this determined parameter is utilized, while analyzing the measured data obtained with the second measurements enabling the determination of the profile of the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: NOVA MEASURING INSTRUMENTS LTD. of Weizmann Scientific Park
    Inventors: Moshe Finarov, Boaz Brill
  • Publication number: 20100324856
    Abstract: An industrial roll includes: a substantially cylindrical core having an outer surface; a polymeric cover circumferentially overlying the core outer surface; and a sensing system. The sensing system comprises: a plurality of sensors embedded in the cover, the sensors configured to detect an operating parameter of the roll and provide signals representative of the operating parameter, wherein one of the plurality of sensors is a tracking sensor and the remaining sensors are non-tracking sensors; and a processor operatively associated with the sensors that processes signals provided by the sensors. The sensors are arranged at a substantially equal radial distance from the core outer surface, such that they define a circle when viewed from an end of the roll. Each of the non-tracking sensors is further arranged at a substantially equal first angular distance from its immediate non-tracking sensor neighbors, two endmost non-tracking sensors defining an angular gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventor: Kisang Pak
  • Patent number: 7856334
    Abstract: A method is disclosed whereby a laser-based spherical coordinate measurement system is dynamically calibrated. A mechanical oscillator, such as, but not limited to, a Foucault pendulum is used to generate periodic motions which can be fitted to Fourier series models. The residuals between the experimental measurements and the model can provide information which can be used to calibrate the instrument. The calibration information is used to augment the ASME B89.4.19-2006 standard to improve sensitivity to cyclic errors and include the servo systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Inventor: David H. Parker
  • Patent number: 7853426
    Abstract: A device for determining the category of mail of a mailpiece, which device comprises: an stand designed to receive said mailpiece; at least one gauge fastened to said stand and provided with a slot of predetermined length and of predetermined height, which length and which height are suitable for defining a determined maximum width and a determined maximum thickness for the mailpiece; means for automatically estimating a length of the mailpiece depending on its position on the stand, and relative to the gauge; and means for acting, on the basis of that single estimate of the length of the mailpiece, to deliver, to a franking machine, information about the category of mail to which said mailpiece belongs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: NEOPOST Technologies
    Inventor: Michel Fajour
  • Publication number: 20100312520
    Abstract: An exemplar dimension measuring apparatus includes a objective, a stage for fixing a workpiece, a projecting member located between the objective and the stage, a light source under the stage, configured for illuminating the workpiece such that a projection of the workpiece is formed on the projection member, an eyepiece coupled with the objective, and a processing unit. The eyepiece has a reticle, configured for viewing opposite extremities of the projection and facilitating alignment of the reticle with each of the extremities of the projection. The processing unit is configured for storing X-coordinates of the extremities of the projection on a Cartesian coordinate system, and calculating a difference between X-coordinates of the opposite extremities of the projection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chien-Feng HUANG
  • Publication number: 20100305900
    Abstract: Methods are provided for solving a process function for modification of a non-test die for use in extrusion of a honeycomb body. The process function is solved by comparing measured widths of a plurality of slots between pins of a test die in the post-removal state and measured widths of a plurality of slots between pins of the test die in the pre-removal state. Methods are also provided for modifying a non-test die for use in extrusion of a honeycomb body. Such methods remove non-test-die material from a plurality of pins of the non-test die based on application of the process function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: David William Folmar, Mark Lee Humphrey, Shane David Seyler
  • Patent number: 7844416
    Abstract: Invention describes apparatus as closed-loop intelligent Object Transport System with Object Behavioral Pattern analysis and recognition for applications, including automatic self-check-out lanes at grocery, retail stores. Invention calculates Objects Behavioral Patterns, Object Expected Behavioral Pattern ranges for each Object or Group of Objects and stores information at central data base. Invention, based on Object barcode, obtains from central data base Expected Object Behavioral Pattern and compares to calculated real-time Objects Behavioral Pattern, and based on preset acceptance criteria, the System automatically without intervention by operator, executes real-time process controls to regulate traffic of Objects. Example of acceptance criteria: protection of fragile Objects from colliding with heavy Objects and rejection of Object outside the range of Object Expected Behavioral Patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Inventor: Zachary Leonid Braunstein
  • Patent number: 7843448
    Abstract: An improved interface and algorithm(s) can be used to simplify and improve the process for locating an occluded edge from a series of points in a point cloud. An interface can allow the user to select a hint point thought to be near an edge of interest, which can be used to generate an initial edge profile. An interface can allow the user to adjust the fit of the initial profile in cross-section, then can use that profile to generate a profile of the entire edge. A moving fit window can use an imaginary plane to provide an additional constraint, and can utilize a moving average to extend the edge and determine proper end locations. An interface then can display the results of the fit to the user and allow the user to adjust the fit, such as by adjusting the end points of the calculated edge. Such a process can be used to fit linear or curvilinear occluded edges, and can fit a number of irregular shapes as well as regular shaped edges such as “v-shaped” edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Leica Geosystems AG
    Inventors: Mark Damon Wheeler, Richard William Bukowski, Jonathan Apollo Kung
  • Patent number: 7840373
    Abstract: A system and associated method for selecting or creating an area which meets meet a set of marking criteria, for example, corresponding to a minimum surface area; a maximum slope angle; and a minimum deviation from a specified height. A marking station is directed to mark the selected area that meets the marking criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Culp, Craig E. Farren, Artem Borovinskih, Eric Kuo
  • Publication number: 20100293069
    Abstract: A method for modifying spectacle frame shape data, comprising the steps of: generating spectacle frame data by measuring the shape of a rim of a spectacle frame with a spectacle frame shape measuring apparatus, determining the principal axes of inertia of the measured shape of the rim of the spectacle frame using the rim spectacle frame data, and calculating new spectacle rim frame data expressed in the principal axes of inertia of the measured shape of the rim of the spectacle frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventors: David Freson, Frédéric Dubois
  • Patent number: RE42439
    Abstract: A method and system for determining canopy coverage to a golf green to assist in increasing sunlight exposure of the green. The system allows users to enter data regarding the golf green, surrounding foliage, and other topographical and man-made features surrounding the green. The system can then plot the sun's path for a specific date and simulate shadows cast on the green by the surrounding foliage and features. Furthermore, the system allows the user to generate what-if data, allowing projected effects on canopy coverage to be viewed before any modifications to the canopy are carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: ArborCom Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Dan Fulton