RFID for location of the load on a tower crane
Granted: April 7, 2015
Patent Number:
9002508
A radio frequency identification (RFID) tower crane load locator is disclosed. One example includes at least four RFID components to provide RFID range measurements between the at least four RFID components. In addition, a load position determiner utilizes the RFID range measurements to determine a location of the load. A load information generator provides the location of the load information suitable for subsequent access by a user.
Video alignment system
Granted: April 7, 2015
Patent Number:
9002112
A video alignment system is described in which the location of a modulated spot in a video scene is estimated with correlation techniques including tracking multiple camera phase shift candidates and normalizing correlation sums with a voting system.
System and methods for controlling a surveying device
Granted: April 7, 2015
Patent Number:
9001205
A system and methods are provided for controlling a surveying device. In one embodiment, a method includes displaying a control screen including image data captured by a surveying device, detecting an input associated with the control screen, and determining a control command for the surveying device based on the input associated with the control screen. The method may further include controlling operation of the surveying device based on the control command, wherein the surveying device…
Image-based georeferencing
Granted: March 24, 2015
Patent Number:
8989502
A computer-implemented method of providing georeferenced information regarding a location of capture of an image is provided. The method includes receiving a first image at an image-based georeferencing system, the first image comprising digital image information and identifying a cataloged second image that correlates to the first image. The method further includes automatically determining reference features common to both the second image and the first image, accessing geographic…
System and method for identifying characteristics of a vehicle
Granted: March 17, 2015
Patent Number:
8983752
A system for calculating a first mass value indicative of a first mass of a vehicle is provided, wherein the vehicle has a vehicle interface capable of providing fuel data indicative of a rate at which fuel is being consumed by an engine of the vehicle at each point in time. The system includes: an interface coupled with the vehicle interface, the interface configured for: receiving the fuel data; and receiving movement data indicative of a movement of the vehicle at the each point in…
Lane change monitoring
Granted: March 3, 2015
Patent Number:
8972077
A method for detecting a lane change by a moving vehicle is disclosed. In one embodiment, it is detected that a first heading of a moving vehicle has met a parameter defining a stable heading. It is then detected that a second heading of the moving vehicle has subsequently met a parameter defining an unstable heading. It is then detected that a third heading of the moving vehicle has subsequently met a parameter defining a stable heading within a pre-determined time parameter and that…
Method for automatic asset classification
Granted: February 24, 2015
Patent Number:
8965841
A system and method for automatic asset classification is disclosed. According to one embodiment, at least one asset characteristic is received from a reporting source and a method automatically associates the asset characteristic with a graphical representation of the asset based on the asset characteristic. The method further provides the graphical representation of the asset on a graphical user interface (GUI).
Method of milling asphalt
Granted: February 24, 2015
Patent Number:
8961065
A method of milling asphalt is disclosed. The result of a survey of the unmilled asphalt pavement surface adjacent to the area to be milled is received. The result of the survey is stored in a computer memory. A map of the design surface specifying the design elevation of the milled surface over the area to be milled is stored in the computer memory. The relative elevation of the unmilled asphalt pavement surface adjacent to the area to be milled with respect to the machine body and…
Sugar cane yield mapping
Granted: February 17, 2015
Patent Number:
8955402
Sugar cane yield mapping improves the efficiency of sugar cane farming with benefits to both sugar producers and consumers.
Determining an outer shell of a composite three-dimensional model
Granted: February 10, 2015
Patent Number:
8954295
In a computer-implemented method of determining an outer shell of a composite three-dimensional model, an indication of a plurality of initial faces of the composite three-dimensional model is received. A plurality of intersections between the plurality of initial faces is determined. A plurality of split faces is generated by splitting each of the plurality of initial faces that intersects another one or more of the plurality of initial faces into two or more split faces along one or…
Providing information about mobile communication devices with respect to an area of interest
Granted: February 3, 2015
Patent Number:
8947225
A method and system for providing information about mobile communication devices with respect to an area of interest is disclosed. Initially, information about an event having an area of interest is received. A request is provided to one or more communications providers that cover the area of interest for a listing of any mobile communication devices located within the area of interest. The listing of any mobile communication devices located within the area of interest is utilized to…
Automated layout and point transfer system
Granted: February 3, 2015
Patent Number:
8943701
A two-dimension layout system identifies points and their coordinates, and transfers identified points on a solid surface to other surfaces in a vertical direction. Two leveling laser light transmitters are used with a remote unit to control certain functions. The laser transmitters rotate about the azimuth, and emit vertical (plumb) laser planes. After being set up using benchmark points, the projected lines of the laser planes will intersect on the floor of a jobsite at any point of…
Predictive boom shape adjustment
Granted: January 27, 2015
Patent Number:
8942893
A boom is attached to an application vehicle for applying a product during an agricultural application. The boom includes one or more sections that can be dynamically adjusted to satisfy one or more adjustment criteria. A boom controller communicates actuation commands to a boom adjustment system to dynamically adjust the shape of the boom.
Image-based georeferencing
Granted: January 27, 2015
Patent Number:
8942483
An image-based georeferencing system comprises an image receiver, an image identification processor, a reference feature determiner, and a feature locator. The image receiver is configured for receiving a first image for use in georeferencing. The image comprises digital image information. The system includes a communicative coupling to a georeferenced images database of images. The image identification processor is configured for identifying a second image from the georeferenced images…
Stud mapping and layout method
Granted: December 30, 2014
Patent Number:
8922758
A method of establishing the location of a pair construction points for a stud in a building interior at a construction site and for determining the length of the stud needed to extend between the pair of construction points uses a robotic total station. The points are defined by x and y coordinates and anticipated z coordinates on upper and lower surfaces. The robotic total station establishes the points by directing a beam of laser light toward anticipated points and, through an…
Smart storage system
Granted: December 23, 2014
Patent Number:
8915430
A system for identifying different types of products on a display hanger and determining a quantity of each of the different types of products includes a plurality of electrically conductive segments coupled to the display hanger, an electrically conductive rail coupled to the display hanger, and a sensor device electrically coupled to each of the plurality of electrically conductive segments and to the electrically conductive rail. The sensor device is configured to identify the…
Remote positioning
Granted: December 9, 2014
Patent Number:
8908155
A method for determining a distance to a target point located approximately at ground level includes aiming a measurement device at the target point, determining a tilt of the measurement device using tilt sensors, and determining a height of the measurement device above the ground. A position of the target point may be determined using the tilt and height of the measurement device, a position of the measurement device, and a bearing to the target point.
Maintaining connection to embedded content using graphical elements
Granted: December 2, 2014
Patent Number:
8902219
A system and method for dynamically linking or connecting annotations to embedded content, such as a 3D model, using graphical elements within a two-dimensional space is provided. Such connection is maintained as the annotation is rendered with the 3D model, thereby enabling the annotations to intelligently update themselves using 3D information from the embedded content. Further, the capability, as provided herein, to manipulate viewing positions and perspective effects of an embedded…
Using gravity measurements within a photogrammetric adjustment
Granted: December 2, 2014
Patent Number:
8903163
A method for determining a location of a target includes, at a first location, determining first location coordinates of a measuring device using one or more GNSS signals, determining a first gravitational direction, and capturing a first image using the camera. The method also includes, at a second location, determining second location coordinates of the measuring device, and capturing a second image. The method further includes determining a plurality of correspondence points between…
Cell phone NDVI sensor
Granted: December 2, 2014
Patent Number:
8902413
Apparatus and techniques for measuring and managing plant growth with cell phones or similar devices are described.
