Abstract: A center pivot irrigation system is described that includes a controller that makes use of a particular flow rate of input water to deliver a consistent depth of irrigation to user-defined areas under a pivot irrigator. The controller operates to pulse control valves for the nozzles/sprinkler heads on and off as the sprinkler arm rotates. The valve pattern along the span of the sprinkler arm is chosen during each operating cycle such that the total water flow through all the open valves matches the flow rate of the input or supply water to the pivot irrigator. To ensure a consistent depth, the speed is changed during valve duty cycles to match the density of open valves in the sprinkler arm. To ensure a consistent distribution under the sprinkler arm, each valve is monitored to ensure that the valves are given the same proportional share of the input water.

Abstract: The invention relates to generating correction information to be used to correct observations coming from a navigation satellite system (NSS) receiver in a region of interest. For each of a plurality of reference stations in said region, raw observations obtained by the reference station observing NSS multiple-frequency signals from a plurality of satellites over multiple epochs are received. Then, precise satellite information on the orbit position, clock offset, and biases of each satellite is obtained. For each reference station, ambiguities in the carrier phase of the received raw observations are estimated, using the precise satellite information and the position coordinates of the reference station. Geometric-free phase linear combination values are then computed based on the received raw observations together with the estimated ambiguities. The correction information is generated based on the computed geometric-free phase linear combination values.

Abstract: An imaging tool creates a first image of a scene and a second image of the scene taken after the first image. An RF tag reader receives data from an RF tag associated with the scene. A 3D representation of a change in the scene is created based on the first image, the second image, and the data from the RF tag.

Abstract: A transportation management system that includes tools for generating an optimized trip plan that can be updated, such as based on driver input, during implementation of a planned trip. The system includes a comprehensive trip optimization tool that generates a trip plan with fuel stop and rest stop optimization. The system includes tools calculating estimated time of arrival (ETA) and projected time of availability (PTA) for the driver, and these tools are adapted to provide the ETA and PTA for the entire trip (rather than only providing an ETA for the next stop). The system further includes tools accepting driver input and/or allowing driver manipulation of a dispatched trip plan such as using pre-filtered alternatives for fuel stops or rest stops or routes, e.g., based on stored driver preferences, that may be less optimal than those in the original trip plan but still viable.

Abstract: A device and methods are provided for determining data points with an integrated radar sensor. In one embodiment, a method includes determining position of a device, scanning one or more objects, wherein scanning includes detecting data points by an integrated radar sensor of the device and capturing image data of the one or more objects, and determining data points for one or more objects based on the scanning. The method may also include correlating data points to one or more portions of the image data, assigning correlated data points to one or more portions of the image data, and storing, by the device, image data with data points. The device and methods may advantageously be employed for one or more of mapping, modeling, navigation and object tracking.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques might provide for designing and/or implementing a drainage system for an agricultural area, based at least in part on three-dimensional soil modeling. In some embodiments, a computer system may designate one or more locations for installing one or more main drainage pipes within the agricultural area, based at least in part based at least in part on optimization of location and/or costs. The optimization may be based at least in part on the location of at least one main drainage area, and the respective slope, depth to bedrock, and saturated hydraulic conductivity of soil at each of the one or more locations.

Abstract: A method of implementing convergence of a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver is disclosed. A GNSS receiver which is coupled with a mobile machine is shut down. The GNSS receiver is in a converged state at shut down. The GNSS receiver is automatically powered up at a preset time. A convergence algorithm is automatically initiated prior to start of work that utilizes the GNSS receiver.

Abstract: An integrated auto-level and electronic rod reader is disclosed. In one embodiment, the integrated auto-level and electronic rod reader comprises a telescope and an image delivery device integrated with the auto-level which is configured for capturing an image of a standard grade rod visible through the telescope and a crosshair. Logic implemented by a processor automatically recognizes the crosshair, automatically compares the crosshair against a scale of the standard grade rod, and automatically determines an elevation of the standard grade rod based upon the comparing.

Abstract: A method of implementing fast GNSS convergence by relative positioning is disclosed. A GNSS receiver which is coupled with a mobile machine is shut down. The GNSS receiver is in a converged state at shut down. A movement sensor is monitored to determine if net movement of a GNSS antenna coupled with the mobile machine exceeds a threshold net movement parameter while the GNSS receiver is shut down. Upon power up of the GNSS receiver, a shorter convergence algorithm is initiated in response to determining that the threshold net movement parameter has not been exceeded. The shorter convergence algorithm is also initiated upon power up of the GNSS receiver in response to determining that the threshold net movement parameter has been exceeded but information from the movement sensor has been used to update the location of the GNSS receiver since said shut down.

Abstract: A method and system for delivery of location-dependent time-specific corrections. In one embodiment, a first extended-lifetime correction for a first region is generated. A distribution timetable is used to determine a first time interval for transmitting the first extended-lifetime correction to the first region. The first extended-lifetime correction is then transmitted via a wireless communication network to said first region in accordance with said distribution timetable.

Abstract: A method of implementing convergence selection of a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver is disclosed. In accordance with one embodiment, a GNSS receiver which is coupled with a mobile machine is shut down. The GNSS receiver is in a converged state at shut down. A movement sensor is monitored to determine if net movement of a GNSS antenna coupled with the mobile machine exceeds a threshold net movement parameter while the GNSS receiver is shut down. Upon power up of the GNSS receiver, a shorter convergence algorithm is initiated in response to determining that the threshold net movement parameter has not been exceeded and a longer convergence algorithm is initiated in response to determining that the threshold net movement parameter has been exceeded.

Abstract: A method of construction project management is disclosed. In one embodiment, parameters of a construction project design are provided to an asset at a construction site. Geospatial information is then collected by the asset while the asset is implementing parameters of the construction project design at the construction site. The geospatial information is provided to a construction management computing system in real-time. The construction management computing system is remote from the asset. Progress on the construction site design is then dynamically updated in real-time by the construction management computing system based on the geospatial information to create a real-time, as constructed model of the construction project.

Abstract: A method for conveying application information for power tools is disclosed. In one embodiment, information describing a task which is to be performed by a handheld tool is accessed. In one embodiment, the handheld tool is a power tool. Based upon the information describing the task, at least one operating parameter for performing the task is conveyed to the handheld tool. The handheld tool is then configured with the at least one operating parameter prior to initiating the task.

Abstract: A dual-frequency patch antenna includes a first conductive element configured to receive global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signals at a first frequency band, a second conductive element configured to receive GNSS signals at a second frequency band, and a ground plane. A first dielectric material is disposed between the first conductive element and the second conductive element, and a second dielectric material disposed between the second conductive element and the ground plane. The second dielectric material has a topside with an area at least as large as the topside of the ground plane.

Abstract: An antenna configured to receive radiation at global navigation satellite system (GNSS) frequencies includes a dielectric substrate, a circular patch overlaying the dielectric substrate, one or more impedance transformers, and a metamaterial ground plane. The metamaterial ground plane includes a plurality of conductive patches and a cavity. The conductive patches are arranged along a first plane on a backside of the dielectric substrate and are separated from the circular patch by the dielectric substrate. The cavity includes a ground plane and a conductive fence. The ground plane is arranged along a second plane below the first plane. The ground plane is electrically coupled to at least a first portion of the plurality of conductive patches by conductive vias. The conductive fence is spaced from the backside of the dielectric substrate and from the plurality of conductive patches by a gap.

Abstract: A mixed reality (MR) system that implements navigation methods for 3D models in MR environments. The navigation methods allow a user to navigate themselves about a 3D model (such as an MR environment including one or more buildings/structures) while in an MR environment. The navigation methods include an elevator feature or navigation mode that allows the user to move accurately between “floors” of the 3D model used to provide the MR environment (move to a next upper or lower floor from their present position). The navigation techniques include a jump feature or navigation mode. The jump feature allows the user to move to any point in an MR environment created using a 3D model that they can presently see in the display of the MR environment or a location that may be partially obscured from the user's view.

Abstract: Novel solutions for position measurement, including without limitation tools and techniques that can be used for land surveying and in similar applications. One such tool is a greatly enhanced position measurement system that takes the form of a surveying rod with substantial independent functionality, which can be used with or without a total station or similar device.

Abstract: An indoor navigation system is based on a multi-beam laser projector, a set of calibrated cameras, and a processor that uses knowledge of the projector design and data on laser spot locations observed by the cameras to solve the space resection problem to find the location and orientation of the projector.

Abstract: An assembly including a host device and an add-on module, in which the host device and the add-on module include features to provide a rugged electro-mechanical interface or connection between the host device and the add-on module. The host device includes a body that has an open or non-enclosed docking bay on a side, and the module is placed into the docking bay such that a top side of its body mates with the inner surfaces and features of the docking bay. The interface is rugged so that the assembly is useful in the field, and the interface provides a secure attachment that can withstand dropping. A hook is provided on the top side of the body of the module, and the hook feature's shape, when combined with the location of fasteners on the module body that mate with threaded holes in the docking bay, is designed to withstand dropping.

Abstract: In a computer implemented method for management of materials on a construction site, a status of a project which uses at least one material is determined by a computer system. A report is generated by the computer system. The report identifies a vehicle, from a vehicle pool, to be utilized to move the material and defines a load of the material which is to be moved by the vehicle, according to a mass haul plan, from a first location to a second location. The vehicle is identified based on results of a simulation. The status of the project is automatically updated by the computer system based on an actual size and an actual drop-off location of the load of the material moved by the vehicle. The computer system updates the report based on the updating of the status of the project.