Patents Assigned to Trimble Inc.
  • Patent number: 11002541
    Abstract: A Position and Orientation Measurement Engine (POME) is a mobile camera system that can be used for accurate indoor measurement (e.g., at a construction site). The POME uses a plurality of cameras to acquire images of a plurality of targets. If locations of the plurality of targets are precisely known, images of the targets can be used to determine a position of the POME in relation to the plurality of targets. However, to precisely determine locations of the plurality of targets can be time consuming and/or use expensive equipment. This disclosure discusses how to use a camera system with an electronic distance measuring unit to determine locations of the plurality of targets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Trimble Inc.
    Inventors: Young Jin Lee, Kent Kahle, Malte Seidler, Paul Montgomery, Andreas Winter
  • Patent number: 10997747
    Abstract: A Position and Orientation Measurement Engine (POME) is a mobile camera system that can be used for accurate indoor measurement (e.g., at a construction site). The POME uses a plurality of cameras to acquire images of a plurality of targets. If locations of the plurality of targets are precisely known, images of the targets can be used to determine a position of the POME in relation to the plurality of targets. However, to precisely determine locations of the plurality of targets can be time consuming and/or use expensive equipment. This disclosure discusses how to use the POME itself to determine locations of the plurality of targets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Trimble Inc.
    Inventors: Young Jin Lee, Kent Kahle, Malte Seidler
  • Patent number: 10996055
    Abstract: Novel tools and techniques for generating survey data about a survey site. Aerial photography of at least part of the survey site can be analyzed using photogrammetric techniques. In some cases, an unmanned aerial system can be used to collect site imagery. The use of a UAS can reduce the fiscal and chronological cost of a survey, compared to the use of other types aerial imagery and/or conventional terrestrial surveying techniques used alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Trimble Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Joyce, Troy L. Brown
  • Patent number: 10969494
    Abstract: The invention relates to a survey system comprising an antenna, a sensor, and a control unit. The antenna is configured for receiving one or more positioning signal, such as for example global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signals. The sensor is configured for determining whether the antenna is in a static state, and/or producing information based on which a determination as to whether the antenna is in a static state can be made. The control unit is configured for, if the antenna is determined to be in a static state, obtaining a positioning measurement based on the positioning signal(s). The invention also relates to a method for operating such a system, and to computer programs and computer program products for carrying out such a method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Trimble Inc.
    Inventor: Adrian Kipka
  • Patent number: 10969495
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing of GNSS signals are presented. These include GNSS processing with predicted precise clocks, GNSS processing with mixed-quality data, GNSS processing with time-sequence maintenance, GNSS processing with reduction of position jumps in low-latency solutions, GNSS processing with position blending to bridge reference station changes, and GNSS processing with delta-phase correction for incorrect starting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Trimble Inc.
    Inventors: Ulrich Vollath, Nicholas Charles Talbot, Markus Glocker, Xiaoming Chen, Rodrigo Leandro
  • Patent number: 10943360
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide novel tools and techniques for photogrammetric machine measure-up, including without limitation solutions that can be used for excavation and similar applications. A system includes a machine, a user device may further comprise an image sensor, an accelerometer, a processor, and a computer readable medium in communication with the processor, the computer readable medium having encoded thereon a set of instructions executable by the processor to photogrammetrically measure-up the machine. Photogrammetric measure-up includes capturing, via the image sensor, two or more target images of each of the two or more targets, the two or more target images including a first target image and a second target image, and determining a measurement between two of the two or more reference features of the machine based on a first target image and second target image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Trimble Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Crozier, John Boss, Jon McKendry, Adam Clare
  • Patent number: 10921189
    Abstract: A system for detecting the presence of a plant on the ground includes a light module configured to emit a light beam having a shape with a length longer than a width. The system may include one or more lenses each having one or more photodetectors. The photodetectors may be arranged in a side-by-side configuration and are configured to receive reflected portions of the light beam. The lenses may be configured to direct the reflected portions of the light beam onto the photodetectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Trimble Inc.
    Inventor: James G. Quaderer
  • Patent number: 10908297
    Abstract: Methods for determining corrected positions of a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) rover using a GNSS base station and one or more GNSS reference stations include determining a statistical representation of position measurements from the GNSS reference stations and an instantaneous position measurement from the GNSS reference stations. A position correction is determined based on the statistical representation and the instantaneous position measurement. A corrected position of the GNSS rover is determined based on a position of the GNSS rover and the position correction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Trimble Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Cash, Stuart Riley, Vivek Nadkarni
  • Patent number: 10895646
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method carried out by a navigation satellite system (NSS) receiver or a processing entity receiving data therefrom, for estimating parameters useful to determine a position. The NSS receiver observes NSS signals from NSS satellites. Two filters, called “robustifier” and “main estimator” respectively, both use state variables and compute the values thereof based on: NSS signals observed by the NSS receiver, and/or information derived therefrom. The robustifier identifies, within the input data, measurements that do not match a stochastic model assigned thereto. For each identified measurement, the robustifier rejects the measurement, adjusts the stochastic model assigned to the measurement, and/or corrects the measurement. The robustifier uses fewer state variables than the main estimator. A corresponding system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: Trimble Inc.
    Inventors: Stefan Junker, Markus Glocker, Nicholas Charles Talbot
  • Patent number: 10885412
    Abstract: Embodiments describe systems and methods for tracking produce with an electronic device. A method includes, during each of a plurality of instances of time, receiving one or more clam codes, receiving a tray code, associating the one or more claim codes with the tray code, receiving a palette code, associating the palette code with the tray code, and storing the one or more clam codes, tray codes, and the palette code in a database. After associating the one or more clam codes with the tray code and the palette code with the tray code, the method includes receiving a request to identify the tray code or the palette code associated with a specific clam code, wherein the specific clam code is included in the one or more clam codes; and identifying the tray code or the palette code associated with the specific clam code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Trimble Inc.
    Inventors: Jaseem Masood, Jialin Dan Sun, Khurram Massey
  • Patent number: 10883872
    Abstract: A plant detection system includes a radiation module and a photodetector system. The photodetector system includes a photodetector housing, one or more photodetectors, a detector lens, and an aperture plate. The aperture plate is disposed within the photodetector housing between the detector lens and the one or more photodetectors and has an aperture extending therethrough. The detector lens and the aperture plate are configured so that stray radiation received by the detector lens is directed through the aperture in the aperture plate or onto a surface of the aperture plate without being directed onto sidewalls of the photodetector housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Trimble Inc.
    Inventors: James G. Quaderer, Chao Y. Lee, Kenneth S. Bradley, Kenneth R. Agur
  • Patent number: 10872466
    Abstract: Techniques for displaying underground assets using a portable electronic device. A camera image of a ground having a ground surface may be captured. A placement of a virtual pit in the camera image may be determined. A pit view comprising the virtual pit and a virtual representation of an underground asset, and a superimposed image comprising the camera image and the pit view may be generated. A top opening of the virtual pit may align with the ground surface in the camera image. A portion of the virtual representation of the underground asset may be shown inside the virtual pit and below the top opening of the virtual pit such that a distance between the top opening and the portion of the virtual representation of the underground asset inside the virtual pit may provide a visual indication of a depth of the underground asset relative to the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: Trimble Inc.
    Inventor: Darrin Hurd
  • Patent number: 10845198
    Abstract: A navigation system useful for providing speed and heading and other navigational data to a drive system of a moving body, e.g., a vehicle body or a mobile robot, to navigate through a space. The navigation system integrates an inertial navigation system, e.g., a unit or system based on an inertial measurement unit (IMU). with a vision-based navigation system unit or system such that the inertial navigation system can provide real time navigation data and the vision-based navigation can provide periodic, but more accurate, navigation data that is used to correct the inertial navigation system's output. The navigation system was designed with the goal in mind of providing low effort integration of inertial and video data. The methods and devices used in the new navigation system address problems associated with high accuracy dead reckoning systems (such as a typical vision-based navigation system) and enhance performance with low cost IMUs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Trimble Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory C. Best, Peter Van Wyck Loomis
  • Patent number: 10830905
    Abstract: A system for vertical accuracy improvement includes a reference station, a rover, and a base station in communication with the reference station and the rover. The base station includes a GNSS antenna, an actuator coupled to the GNSS antenna, a wireless transceiver, a processor, and non-transitory computer readable media comprising instructions executable by the processor. The instructions may be executed to cause the base station to receive a first vertical error from the reference station. The base station may further be configured to determine a second vertical position at which the first vertical error is reduced, and adjust the GNSS antenna to be in the second vertical position. The base station may further be configured to generate correction data based at least in part on the phase of the carrier wave signal at the second vertical position, and transmit the correction data to the rover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Trimble Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Cash
  • Patent number: 10826183
    Abstract: An antenna includes a dielectric substrate, a circular patch overlying the dielectric substrate, and a metamaterial ground plane. One or more antenna feeds are coupled to the circular patch. The antenna feeds may include impedance transformers. The metamaterial ground plane includes a plurality of conductive patches and a ground plane. The conductive patches are arranged along a first plane below the circular patch and are separated from the circular patch by at least the dielectric substrate. The conductive patches are arranged in a pattern that provides circular symmetry with respect to a center of the circularly polarized antenna. The ground plane is arranged along a second plane and is electrically coupled to at least a first portion of the conductive patches. One or more of the conductive patches and the ground plane are coupled to ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Trimble Inc.
    Inventor: Nuri Celik
  • Patent number: 10816670
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods, notably carried out by global or regional navigation satellite system (NSS) receivers, which involve receiving satellite-specific, nadir-angle dependent correction information associated with each of at least two NSS satellites among a plurality of NSS satellites. The correction information is useful to correct observed NSS signals, so as to mitigate the effects of satellite-specific, nadir-angle dependent biases in the NSS signals, and thus improve the performance of position determination systems. The invention also relates to methods for generating such correction information, to methods for designing a satellite, to NSS receivers, to apparatuses for generating correction information to be sent to the receivers, and to computer programs and storage mediums.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Trimble Inc.
    Inventors: Dagoberto Salazar, Ulrich Weinbach, Timo Allison
  • Patent number: 10819779
    Abstract: At least one of a set of topics published by one or more vehicle-located mobile gateways is subscribed to. A set of publication topics is created based on the first set of topics, the publication topics made available to a client. A subscription request is received from the client corresponding to a selected topic of the set of publication topics. First sequential data is received from the one or more mobile gateways in response to the subscription to the at least one of the set of topics of the one or more mobile gateways. Second sequential data is sent to the client responsive to the subscription request, the second sequential data being based on the first sequential data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Trimble Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Philip Botticelli
  • Patent number: 10819938
    Abstract: A method for displaying images using an AR device. GNSS position data is received based on wireless signals received from a GNSS satellite. Based on the GNSS position data, a first GNSS point within a geospatial frame is determined within a first time range and a second GNSS point within the geospatial frame is determined within a second time range. Based on camera POS data, a first AR point within an AR frame is determined within the first time range and a second AR point within the AR frame is determined within the second time range. One of the frames is shifted such that the second GNSS point is aligned with the second AR point. An angle formed by the GNSS points and the AR points is calculated. One of the frames is rotated by the angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Trimble Inc.
    Inventors: Darrin Hurd, Farshad Nourozi
  • Patent number: D909383
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Trimble Inc.
    Inventors: Michael George Sanders, Jonathan Musch, Gerald Steiger, Katherine Allen, Mathias Roehring, Karl Forsberg, Markus Stridsberg, Niklas Briheim, Jungha Lee, Chen-Cheng Su, Chia Hung Wu, Yu Juei Chang
  • Patent number: D910636
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Trimble Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald Steiger, I-Shun Chang, Markus Stridsberg, Karl Forsberg