Faro Technologies has been granted a patent for systems and methods of generating two-dimensional (2D) images of an environment. The system includes a measurement device and a processor that generate a 2D image based on 2D scans, translation values, rotation values, and a grid map indicating the probability of occupied areas. The measurement device is designed to be carried by a single operator and includes a haptic feedback device for orientation feedback. GlobalData’s report on Faro Technologies gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Faro Technologies, Lidar-based object detection was a key innovation area identified from patents. Faro Technologies's grant share as of September 2023 was 51%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Generating 2d images of an environment using a measurement device
A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11775701B2) describes a system for generating a two-dimensional (2D) image of an environment. The system includes a measurement device that can be moved to different positions in the environment. The measurement device has a 2D scanner that sweeps a beam of light in a horizontal plane. The device obtains multiple sets of 2D coordinates of points in the environment while moving between registration positions. These sets of coordinates are collected at different positions relative to the first registration position. The measurement device also determines translation and rotation values based on changes in movement or orientation.
A processor is used to generate a 2D image of the environment based on the collected 2D scans, translation values, and rotation values. The generation of the 2D image includes creating a grid map with cells that indicate the probability of an area being occupied. The measurement device includes a housing with a body and a handle, and a haptic feedback device is present in the handle. This haptic feedback device generates feedback when the orientation of the measurement device crosses a variance threshold.
The system also includes a 2D scanner with a light source, image sensor, and controller. The light source steers a beam of light within the horizontal plane to illuminate object points in the environment, while the image sensor receives light reflected from these points. The controller determines the distance value to at least one of the object points.
Additionally, the system may include a portable computing device with a second image sensor. The processor can merge an image from the portable computing device into the 2D image of the environment based on the position where the image was acquired.
The patent also describes a method for generating a 2D image of an environment using the measurement device. The method involves moving the device to different registration positions, obtaining sets of 2D coordinates, determining translation and rotation values, generating the 2D image, and providing haptic feedback based on rotation values crossing a threshold. The method may also include scanning an area with a three-dimensional camera, generating a three-dimensional point cloud, and annotating the 2D image with a linkage to the point cloud.
Overall, this patent presents a system and method for generating detailed 2D images of environments using a portable measurement device with a 2D scanner. The system incorporates translation and rotation values, as well as haptic feedback, to enhance the accuracy and usability of the device.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
