公开(公告)号：US09043146B2

公开(公告)日：2015-05-26

申请号：US13921246

申请日：2013-06-19

Applicant: The Boeing Company

Inventor： James J. Troy ,  Scott W. Lea ,  Daniel James Wright ,  Gary E. Georgeson ,  Karl Edward Nelson

IPC: G01S17/46 ,  G06K9/32 ,  G01S17/88

CPC classification number: H04N5/23222 ,  G01S17/46 ,  G01S17/88 ,  G06F17/16 ,  G06K9/3216 ,  G06K9/3241 ,  G06K2009/3225 ,  H04N5/23296 ,  H04N7/183 ,  Y10S901/46

Abstract: An automated process uses a local positioning system to acquire location (i.e., position and orientation) data for one or more movable target objects. In cases where the target objects have the capability to move under computer control, this automated process can use the measured location data to control the position and orientation of such target objects. The system leverages the measurement and image capture capability of the local positioning system, and integrates controllable marker lights, image processing, and coordinate transformation computation to provide tracking information for vehicle location control. The resulting system enables position and orientation tracking of objects in a reference coordinate system.

公开(公告)号：US20140365063A1

公开(公告)日：2014-12-11

申请号：US14467049

申请日：2014-08-25

Applicant: The Boeing Company

Inventor： James J. Troy ,  Scott Wesley Lea ,  Gary Ernest Georgeson ,  Karl Edward Nelson

IPC: G05D1/02

CPC classification number: G05D1/0231 ,  G05D1/0212 ,  G05D1/0234 ,  G05D1/0246 ,  G05D1/0276 ,  G05D2201/0207 ,  Y10S901/01 ,  Y10S901/47

Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising an energy source, a position system, and a movement system. The energy source is configured to generate a beam of energy directed at an area on a target for a vehicle. The position system is configured to identify a first position of the area on the target at which the beam of energy is directed. The movement system is configured to move the vehicle in a manner that reduces a difference between the first position of the area on the target at which the beam of energy is directed and a reference position on the target.

Abstract translation: 一种包括能量源，位置系统和运动系统的方法和装置。 能量源被配置为产生针对车辆的目标上的区域的能量束。 位置系统被配置为识别能量束被定向在目标上的区域的第一位置。 移动系统被配置为以减少能量束指向的目标上的区域的第一位置与目标上的参考位置之间的差异的方式移动车辆。

公开(公告)号：US20140278221A1

公开(公告)日：2014-09-18

申请号：US13796584

申请日：2013-03-12

Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY

Inventor： James J. Troy ,  Scott W. Lea ,  Gary E. Georgeson ,  Karl E. Nelson ,  Daniel James Wright

IPC: G01C1/00

CPC classification number: G01N29/04 ,  G01C22/02 ,  G01N27/9013 ,  G01N29/225 ,  G01N29/265 ,  G01N2291/106 ,  G05D1/0272

Abstract: A self-contained, holonomic motion tracking solution for supplementing the acquisition of inspection information on the surface of a structure, thereby enabling the real-time production of two-dimensional images from hand-held and automated scanning by holonomic-motion of non-destructive inspection (NDI) sensor units (e.g., NDI probes). The systems and methods disclosed enable precise tracking of the position and orientation of a holonomic-motion NDI sensor unit (hand-held or automated) and conversion of the acquired tracking data into encoder pulse signals for processing by a NDI scanning system.

Abstract translation: 一个独立的，完整的运动跟踪解决方案，用于补充在结构表面上获取检查信息，从而通过非破坏性的全身运动实现手持和自动扫描的二维图像的实时生成 检测（NDI）传感器单元（例如，NDI探针）。 所公开的系统和方法能够精确地跟踪整体运动的NDI传感器单元（手持式或自动化）的位置和方向，并将获取的跟踪数据转换成编码器脉冲信号，以供NDI扫描系统处理。

公开(公告)号：US12196689B2

公开(公告)日：2025-01-14

申请号：US17571619

申请日：2022-01-10

Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY

Inventor： James J. Troy ,  Gary E. Georgeson ,  Armando Xavier Membrila ,  Phillip Riste ,  Gregory James Sweers ,  Walter Joseph Jarecki

IPC: G01N21/958 ,  B64C39/02 ,  B64U101/30

Abstract: A system and method for detecting an anomaly of an optically transparent or translucent object are disclosed. The system and method include a light source configured to emit light, a light transmission element having a textured surface, and an optical couplant configured to be disposed between the light transmission element and the object. At least a portion of the light emitted by the light source is configured to pass into the light transmission element through the textured surface and pass into the object through the optical couplant. At least a portion of the light that passes into the object internally reflects within the object and impinges on the anomaly to provide an illumination that indicates the location of the anomaly.

公开(公告)号：US12183033B2

公开(公告)日：2024-12-31

申请号：US17991089

申请日：2022-11-21

Applicant: The Boeing Company

Inventor： Christopher Esposito ,  James J. Troy

IPC: G01S5/16 ,  G06T7/73 ,  G06T17/05 ,  H04N25/00

Abstract: Methods and devices that determine a position on the ground of a laser that emits a laser beam that strikes an aircraft. The process includes determining a strike position from a camera that is located on the aircraft. A relative direction vector of the laser beam is computed with respect to the camera. The relative direction vector is converted into a global coordinate direction vector. The position on the ground of the laser is determined based on a point where the global coordinate direction vector intersects with the ground representation.

公开(公告)号：US12136964B2

公开(公告)日：2024-11-05

申请号：US17953146

申请日：2022-09-26

Applicant: The Boeing Company

Inventor： Gary E. Georgeson ,  Joseph L. Hafenrichter ,  James J. Troy ,  Gregory J. Sweers ,  Jeong-Beom Ihn

IPC: H02J50/80 ,  G01C9/00 ,  G01S17/08 ,  G05D1/00 ,  H02J7/02 ,  H04B5/26 ,  H04B5/72 ,  H04B5/73 ,  H04N7/18

Abstract: A method for wirelessly coupling respective transducers of an automated motion platform and a sub-surface sensor node through a skin of a limited-access structure for the purpose of wireless power and data transfer. Coordinates of an as-designed position of the transducer of the sensor node in a local coordinate system of the limited-access structure are retrieved from a non-transitory tangible computer-readable storage medium. Then coordinates of a target position on an external surface of the skin of the limited-access structure are estimated. The target position is calculated to be aligned with the as-designed position of the transducer of the sensor node. The motion platform is moved under computer control so that the transducer onboard the motion platform moves toward the target position. Movement ceases when the transducer onboard the motion platform is at the target position. Then wave energy is transferred between the aligned transducers.

公开(公告)号：US20240221385A1

公开(公告)日：2024-07-04

申请号：US18601595

申请日：2024-03-11

Applicant: The Boeing Company

Inventor： Walter J. Jarecki ,  Gregory J. Sweers ,  Gary E. Georgeson ,  James J. Troy ,  Phillip R. Riste ,  Armando X. Membrila

IPC: G06V20/56 ,  B64C39/02 ,  G06F18/2113 ,  G06V20/17 ,  G06V20/64 ,  B64U101/30

CPC classification number: G06V20/56 ,  B64C39/024 ,  G06F18/2113 ,  G06V20/17 ,  G06V20/64 ,  B64U2101/30

Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking the location of a non-destructive inspection (NDI) scanner using scan data converted into images of a target object. Scan images are formed by aggregating successive scan strips acquired using one or two one-dimensional sensor arrays. An image processor computes a change in location of the NDI scanner relative to a previous location based on the respective positions of common features in partially overlapping scan images. The performance of the NDI scanner tracking system is enhanced by: (1) using depth and intensity filtering of the scan image data to differentiate features for improved landmark identification during real-time motion control; and (2) applying a loop-closure technique using scan image data to correct for drift in computed location. The enhancements are used to improve localization, which enables better motion control and coordinate accuracy for NDI scan data.

公开(公告)号：US20240083577A1

公开(公告)日：2024-03-14

申请号：US18389374

申请日：2023-11-14

Applicant: The Boeing Company

Inventor： James J. Troy ,  Gary E. Georgeson ,  Joseph L. Hafenrichter ,  Gregory J. Sweers

IPC: B64C39/02 ,  B05B1/28 ,  B05B14/30 ,  B05D5/00 ,  B64D1/18 ,  B64F5/40

CPC classification number: B64C39/024 ,  B05B1/28 ,  B05B14/30 ,  B05D5/005 ,  B64D1/18 ,  B64F5/40 ,  B05D1/02

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for performing repair operations using an unmanned aerial vehicle. The methods are enabled by equipping the UAV with tools for rapidly repairing a large structure or object (e.g., an aircraft or a wind turbine blade) that is not easily accessible to maintenance personnel. In accordance with various embodiments disclosed below, the unmanned aerial vehicle may be equipped with an easily attachable/removable module that includes an additive repair tool. The additive repair tool is configured to add material to a body of material. For example, the additive repair tool may be configured to apply a sealant or other coating material in liquid form to a damage site on a surface of a structure or object (e.g., by spraying liquid or launching liquid-filled capsules onto the surface). In alternative embodiments, the additive repair tool is configured to adhere a tape to the damage site.

公开(公告)号：US20230356840A1

公开(公告)日：2023-11-09

申请号：US18223383

申请日：2023-07-18

Applicant: The Boeing Company

Inventor： James J. Troy ,  Gary E. Georgeson ,  Gregory J. Sweers

IPC: B64C39/02 ,  B64F5/30 ,  B64F5/40

CPC classification number: B64C39/024 ,  B64F5/30 ,  B64F5/40 ,  B64D1/18

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for UAV-enabled marking of surfaces during manufacture, inspection, or repair of limited-access structures and objects. A UAV is equipped with a marking module that is configured to apply marking patterns (e.g., alignment features) of known dimensions to surfaces. The marking module may include a 2-D plotter that enables free-form drawing capability. The marking process may involve depositing material on the surface. The marking material may be either permanent or removable. A “clean-up” module may be attached to the UAV platform instead of the marking module, and may include solvents and oscillating or vibrating pads to remove the marks via scrubbing. The clean-up module can also be used for initial surface preparation.

公开(公告)号：US20230348109A1

公开(公告)日：2023-11-02

申请号：US17661623

申请日：2022-05-02

Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY

Inventor： Gregory James Sweers ,  James J. Troy ,  Gary E. Georgeson

IPC: B64F5/60 ,  B64D47/02 ,  G08G5/00 ,  G06T7/00 ,  G06V10/60 ,  G01M11/02 ,  B64C39/02

CPC classification number: B64F5/60 ,  B64D47/02 ,  G08G5/003 ,  G08G5/0069 ,  G06T7/0004 ,  G06V10/60 ,  G01M11/0228 ,  B64C39/024 ,  G06T2207/30252 ,  B64C2201/127

Abstract: A method includes obtaining, at an unmanned aerial vehicle, a flight plan for the unmanned aerial vehicle. The flight plan is based on an aircraft type of an aircraft to be inspected. The method also includes coordinating, with a lighting control device onboard the aircraft, activation of a particular exterior light of the aircraft based on the flight plan such that the particular exterior light activates or deactivates when a particular sensor of the one or more sensors is located (i.e., positioned and oriented) to perform a sensing operation on the particular exterior light. The method further includes performing the sensing operation on the particular exterior light using the particular sensor. The method also includes determining a functionality metric associated with the particular exterior light based on the sensing operation.