Method and apparatus for detecting interference in design environment
Granted: November 8, 2016
Patent Number:
9489472
The disclosure provides a solution for clash detection in three-dimensional design by allowing multiple members to work on a centrally-located version of the model. The disclosure also provides massively-parallel processing of the design file which enables rapid processing and version control. The model can be maintained at one or more remote servers with significantly higher processing capability. Implementing clash detection on the remote server allows the system to take advantage of…
System and method for tracking objects
Granted: November 8, 2016
Patent Number:
9488466
A system, device and methods are provided for tracking objects, such as shipping containers and other movable items. In one embodiment, a method includes detecting an object based on detection of an object identification tag and detecting a marker during transport of the object, wherein detection of the marker includes determining location data of the marker. The method may further include storing position data for the object based on the location data of the marker, and outputting the…
Image-based georeferencing
Granted: October 18, 2016
Patent Number:
9471986
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…
GNSS rover having subscribed precision
Granted: October 18, 2016
Patent Number:
9470798
This application discloses a GNSS rover having a data receiver, a position processor and a vector error reverser. The data receiver receives GNSS position-determination reference data based on a reference erroneous position having one or more keyed intentional errors made confidential with confidential error keys. The position processor uses the GNSS position-determination reference data to determine a rover erroneous position corresponding to the reference erroneous position. The vector…
Point-to-point measurements using a handheld device
Granted: October 18, 2016
Patent Number:
9470511
A method for performing point-to-point measurements includes (i) determining a distance to a first point and obtaining an image at a first pose, and (ii) determining a distance to a second point and obtaining an image at a second pose. The images have an overlapping portion. A change in pose between the first pose and the second pose is determined using observed changes between common features in the overlapping portion of the images and a scale associated with the images. A distance…
Collecting external accessory data at a mobile data collection platform that obtains raw observables from an external GNSS raw observable provider
Granted: October 11, 2016
Patent Number:
9467814
External accessory data is collected at a mobile data collection platform provided by an external accessory of the mobile data collection platform. An image that includes a point of interest is captured by an image capturing device that is an integral part of the mobile data collection platform performs. Raw observables are obtained from an external GNSS raw observable provider that is separate from and outside of the mobile data collection platform. A position fix of the mobile data…
Responder-ready reporting network
Granted: October 11, 2016
Patent Number:
9466199
A responder-ready reporting network is disclosed. In one embodiment, the responder-ready reporting network comprises a control system configured for real-time managing of a real-time digital map of a selected environment. The responder-ready reporting network further comprises a data storage repository coupled with the control system and configured to store the real-time digital map of said selected environment. The responder-ready reporting network further comprises an emergency…
3D mapping of a surveyed environment
Granted: October 11, 2016
Patent Number:
9466144
A real time 3D survey site modeler is disclosed. One embodiment includes a survey data collector to collect survey data for a location and obtain information for each object that is surveyed. In addition, a 3D model creator receives the collected survey data and creates a 3D model of the world being surveyed in real time.
Browser-based collaborative development of a 3D model
Granted: October 4, 2016
Patent Number:
9460542
A system for collaborative three-dimensional (3D) modeling in a browser application is stored as instructions on a computer-readable medium. The instructions include a browser interface module that executes on the one or more processors to receive user commands from the browser application for modifying a 3D model and cause a rendering of the 3D model to be displayed in a window controlled by the browser application. The instructions further include a modeling engine module that executes…
Collecting external accessory data at a mobile data collection platform that obtains raw observables from an internal chipset
Granted: October 4, 2016
Patent Number:
9462446
External accessory data is collected at a mobile data collection platform (MDCP) provided by an external accessory of the MDCP. An image that includes a point of interest is captured using an image capturing device integral to the MDCP. Raw observables are obtained from a GNSS chipset internal to the MDCP. An position fix of the MDCP defines the location of an antenna and is determined based on the raw observables. An entrance pupil location is calculated as an offset off the antenna…
Dispensable smart target/ re-usable smart target
Granted: October 4, 2016
Patent Number:
9460479
A method for aiding construction of a building is proposed. The building includes a plurality of building components. The method comprises: (A) providing at least one building component marking attached to at least one building component, (B) providing at least one RFID tag, and C) of using at least one building component marking to identify at least one building component on the building site. An RFID tag is attached to at least one building component. The RFID tag is configured to…
External electronic distance measurement accessory for a mobile data collection platform
Granted: September 27, 2016
Patent Number:
9456067
A known fixed relationship is maintained between an external electronic distance measurement accessory and a mobile data collection platform that are physically coupled together. A light beam axis of the external electronic distance measurement accessory is parallel with an optical axis of an entrance pupil of the mobile data collection platform. The external electronic distance measurement accessory integrates with the mobile data collection platform. The external electronic distance…
Implement guidance
Granted: September 27, 2016
Patent Number:
9454155
Efficient towed implement guidance to a desired path is achieved by guiding a towing vehicle toward a path on the opposite side of a desired path, then guiding the vehicle back to the desired path. Efficient forward implement guidance to a desired path is achieved by guiding a pushing vehicle along a tractrix. A vehicle leaves a straight line along a tractrix to keep a rear implement on the line as long as possible.
Farm vehicle autopilot with automatic calibration, tuning and diagnostics
Granted: September 27, 2016
Patent Number:
9454153
Automatic calibration, tuning and diagnostics improve precision farming by helping farmers obtain best performance from their autopilot-guided vehicles. Automatic calibration procedures that cannot be accurately performed by human drivers, automatic autopilot tuning, and simplified diagnostics are all parts of an advanced farm vehicle autopilot system.
Filtering out a jammer signal
Granted: September 27, 2016
Patent Number:
9453916
A low noise amplifier (LNA) assembly comprising a filter circuit for receiving signals from a Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) band and a Radio Navigation Satellite Service (RNSS) band; and an alternative filter circuit configured to filter out a jammer signal.
Layout equipment and layout method
Granted: September 27, 2016
Patent Number:
9453729
Layout equipment for locating a plurality of positions at a construction site is provided. The layout equipment includes a laser target rod, a self-leveling laser transmitter, and a remote control device. The rod has an elongated rod body including retroreflective material extending substantially the entire length of the body. The laser transmitter projects a beam of laser light, and receives laser light reflected from the rod. The laser transmitter includes a first wireless…
Configuring graphical displays
Granted: September 20, 2016
Patent Number:
9448705
A view filter manager (VFM) is provided. The VFM comprises a view filter configured to format a display of a computer-implemented graphical representation comprising a plurality of layers of related data. The VFM further comprises a scrollable listing of the plurality of layers, and a layer isolate function configured to flag a selected layer in the scrollable listing in response to a layer selection, and store the layer selection while the scrollable listing is subsequently scrolled.
Data collector with expanded functionality
Granted: September 20, 2016
Patent Number:
9448375
Embodiments of the present invention recite a data collector with expanded functionality and a method of enhancing revenue generation using a data collector with expanded functionality. In one embodiment, a central unit of a data collector is configured to receive a replaceable unit such that any one of a variety of replaceable units can be configure to be attached to said central unit.
RFID tag distance measurer
Granted: September 13, 2016
Patent Number:
9442180
A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag distance measuring system and method is disclosed. One example includes a first replica path that receives a signal that is simultaneously transmitted to an RFID tag. The first replica path includes a plurality of taps at known distances along the first replica path. Each of the plurality of taps has a first tap input coupled with the first replica path. In addition, an RFID signal receiver receives a return signal from the RFID tag and…
Vehicle association with driver using mobile technologies
Granted: September 13, 2016
Patent Number:
9443432
An improved method for asset management is described. The method includes receiving information from a remote reporting device in close proximity to an asset, the information including a first unique identifier associated with the asset and a second unique identifier associated with a user of the asset. The method further includes associating the asset with the user based on the information. Additionally, the method includes monitoring use of the asset and maintaining a record of the use…
