David D Lang

US Patent:

7599516, Oct 6, 2009

Filed:

Jan 13, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/331343

Inventors:

Daniel J. Limer - Royal Oak MI, US
David A. Lang - Commerce Township MI, US
Christopher S. Burt - Plymouth MI, US
Philip R. Gouin - Cumberland RI, US
Nelson D. Tarr - Ashland MA, US
Randall D. Dischinger - Madison Heights MI, US

Assignee:

Illinois Tool Works Inc. - Glenview IL

International Classification:

G06K 9/00

US Classification:

382100, 211 8801, 453 4, 453 7

Abstract:

A machine-vision-based counter includes an image acquisition component (imager), wherein light provides discrimination between a background field and imageable units located away from the imager. The imager outputs data representing the field and units; an image processor receiving imager data finds countable units therein. An operator interface accepts command inputs and presents count output. A controller manages image acquisition, processor, and operator interface functions. A counting method includes configuring an imager to detect light, directing light from a source to units positioned to be detected by the imager, and directing the light to the imager. The method includes discriminating between a background field and imageable units; providing, as an imager output, data representing the field and units; configuring an image-processor to receive imager data; configuring the processor to interpret the data as counted units on a background field; and configuring an operator interface to present a count result.

US Patent:

20070189597, Aug 16, 2007

Filed:

Aug 25, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/509805

Inventors:

Daniel Limer - Royal Oak MI, US
David Lang - Commerce Township MI, US
Christopher Burt - Plymouth MI, US
Philip Gouin - Cumberland RI, US
Nelson Tarr - Ashland MA, US
Ryan Bullock - Livonia MI, US
David Yanez - Livonia MI, US
Vijai Thoppae - Farmington Hills MI, US

International Classification:

G06K 9/00

US Classification:

382153000, 382128000

Abstract:

A machine-vision-based counter includes an image acquisition component (imager), wherein light provides discrimination between a background field and imageable units located away from the imager. The imager outputs data representing the field and units; an image processor receiving imager data finds countable units therein. An operator interface accepts command inputs and presents count output. A controller manages image acquisition, processor, and operator interface functions. A counting method includes configuring an imager to detect light, directing light from a source to units positioned to be detected by the imager, and directing the light to the imager. The method includes discriminating between a background field and imageable units; providing, as an imager output, data representing the field and units; configuring an image processor to receive imager data; configuring the processor to interpret the data as counted units on a background field; and configuring an operator interface to present a count result.

US Patent:

20130141566, Jun 6, 2013

Filed:

Dec 5, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/310952

Inventors:

David A. Lang - Commerce Township MI, US
David A. Yanez - Livonia MI, US

Assignee:

ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC. - Glenview IL

International Classification:

H04N 7/18
G06K 9/00

US Classification:

348135, 382128, 348E07085

Abstract:

A method of processing graphical image data representing optically scanned medication-related units may include receiving image data generated responsive to an application of light to a tray disposed a distance from an image acquisition component. The application of light may distinguish a background field from a plurality of the units disposed on the tray. The method may further include processing the image data to identify objects that correspond to respective ones of the units from the background field, counting the objects identified as corresponding to respective ones of the units, and generating an annotated image including at least a sequential number associated each one of the objects identified as corresponding to respective ones of the units.

US Patent:

20130142406, Jun 6, 2013

Filed:

Dec 5, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/310971

Inventors:

David A. Lang - Commerce Township MI, US
David A. Yanez - Livonia MI, US
Nelson D. Tarr - Natick MA, US
Chris S. Burt - Plymouth MI, US

Assignee:

ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC. - Glenview IL

International Classification:

G06K 9/46

US Classification:

382128, 382190, 382165

Abstract:

A method of processing graphical image data representing optically scanned medication-related units may include receiving image data generated responsive to disposal of the units on a tray disposed a distance from an image acquisition component, the image data including data indicative of visually observable features of the units disposed on the tray. The method further includes comparing at least two features among the visually observable features from the image data to reference data indicative of corresponding features of reference units. The reference data is selected for comparison based on an identification of the reference data as corresponding to a prescription being processed. The reference data includes data indicative of features of the reference units extracted from images captured using hardware corresponding to hardware used to generate the image data. The method further includes generating a likelihood rating for each of the at least two features based on the comparing.

US Patent:

41392310, Feb 13, 1979

Filed:

May 8, 1978

Appl. No.:

5/903929

Inventors:

David Lang - Rochester MI
Mark Lobanoff - Troy MI

Assignee:

Irvin Industries Inc. - Stamford CT

International Classification:

B60R 504

US Classification:

296 3716

Abstract:

An automobile rear compartment cover, for use in covering the windowed rear compartment of automotive vehicles such as a hatch back or a station wagon, has an elongated hollow cylinder roller about which is rolled a flexible sheet member and which has a spring loaded pivot device in one end.

US Patent:

48420859, Jun 27, 1989

Filed:

Mar 28, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/174199

Inventors:

David A. Lang - Novi MI

Assignee:

GSE, Incorporated - Farmington Hills MI

International Classification:

G01G 2314
G01G 314

US Classification:

177164

Abstract:

The present invention is a multiple range electronic weigh scale which employs a single load cell and selectable amplifier gain. A more sensitive range would employ a higher gain amplification than a less sensitive range. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the amplified load cell signal is applied to an analog to digital converter and the digital output is applied to a microprocessor. The microprocessor enables selection between the weight ranges based upon the relationship of the digital output to upper and lower limit values. The microprocessor also generates the output weight signal for display based upon the product of the digital output and the selected gain. In a further embodiment the microprocessor generates a digital offset signal which is applied to the inverting input of a differential amplified via a digital to analog converter. This permits the starting point of the most sensitive range of the electronic weigh scale to be adjusted to any desired point in the higher range.