Patents Assigned to Trimble Navigation Limited
  • Inclinometer Using Acceleration
    Patent number: 8532899
    Abstract: An inclinometer using speed, acceleration and yaw angle rate to measure inclination angle. The accuracy of the inclination angle measurement may be improved by compensating for a position offset of an accelerometer; Kalman filtering with an external altitude measurement; and/or compensating for an accelerometer bias. The accelerometer bias may be calculated based on a last incline angle before a dormant time period and/or by Kalman filtering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: Peter Van Wyck Loomis
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR RFID-ASSISTED IMAGING
    Publication number: 20130228620
    Abstract: A method includes acquiring imaging data of a scene using an imaging tool. The method also includes extracting radio frequency identification (RFID) data stored in an RFID tag associated with the scene. The method further includes associating the RFID data with the imaging data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Brian Ahern, Bernd Schoner
  • Positioning device and method for detecting a laser beam
    Patent number: 8526014
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a positioning system including a positioning device and method for detecting light of fan shaped laser beam. The positioning device includes a detector for detecting light of the fan shaped laser beam rotating around a propagation axis with a direction of rotation and having two detector elements arranged in a known spatial relation for outputting a detection signal when irradiated. A position determining unit is used to obtain a first set of detection signals from the detector elements, to determine a first time relation between the detection signals of the first set, and to determine a positional relation between the detector and the propagation axis based on the first time relation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Lars Schumacher, Robert G. Conner
  • Cell phone NDVI sensor
    Publication number: 20130217439
    Abstract: Apparatus and techniques for measuring and managing plant growth with cell phones or similar devices are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Morrison Ulman, James M. Janky
  • Accelerometer based extended display
    Patent number: 8514066
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention recite a method and system for displaying data on a portable electronic device. In one embodiment, a first portion of accessed data is displayed on a portable electronic device. A motion detector responsive to motion in at least a single direction then detects a movement of the portable electronic device from a first position to a second position. In response to the motion detector detecting the movement, a second portion of the accessed data is automatically displayed by the portable electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: John Paul Harmon
  • Construction equipment component location tracking
    Patent number: 8514058
    Abstract: In a method for construction equipment component location tracking, a wireless mesh network communication is initiated between a component monitor and a component information unit which is mechanically coupled with the component. A location of the component is accessed in response to a movement of the component. The location of the component is stored within the component information unit to facilitate location tracking of the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: John F. Cameron
  • System and method for machine guidance control
    Patent number: 8515626
    Abstract: System and method for providing guidance control for machines. In one embodiment, a method includes detecting an implement, by a guidance controller, coupled to a machine. The method may further include determining a characteristic of the implement which affects a control setting of the machine, configuring the control setting of the machine by the guidance controller based, at least in part, on the characteristic of the implement and controlling operation of the machine based on the control setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: Gregory Daniel Chiocco
  • System and method for refining a position estimate of a low earth orbiting satellite
    Patent number: 8515670
    Abstract: In a method for refining a position estimate of a low earth orbiting (LEO) satellite a first position estimate of a LEO satellite is obtained with a GNSS receiver on-board the LEO satellite. The first position estimate is communicated to a Virtual Reference Station (VRS) processor. VRS corrections are received at the LEO satellite, the VRS corrections having been calculated for the first position estimate by the VRS processor. The VRS corrections are processed on-board the LEO satellite such that a VRS corrected LEO satellite position estimate of the LEO satellite is generated for the first position estimate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: James M. Janky, Nicholas C. Talbot, Ulrich Vollath, Bruce D. Riter
  • Laser transmitter and method
    Patent number: 8508825
    Abstract: A laser transmitter projects a beam of laser light outward while raising and lowering the beam. The beam may define a conical surface of varying inclination. The transmitter includes a laser source that directs a beam generally vertically, and a beam diverting element. The beam diverting element is positioned in the path of the beam, intercepting the beam and redirecting it. The beam emerges from the transmitter as a non-vertical beam that is raised and lowered. The diverting element may include a pair of mirrors configured as a pentaprism, with one of the mirrors pivotable. Alternatively, the diverting element may include a plurality of micro mirrors. Also, the diverting element may include a conical reflector and an annular lens which is cyclically raised and lowered. The beam may be raised and lowered cyclically according to a predetermined schedule, or it may be raised and lowered non-cyclically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Nicholas Talbot, James Janky, James F. Gottman
  • Method and system for surveying using RFID devices
    Patent number: 8500005
    Abstract: A method of surveying includes detecting an RFID tag associated with a position of interest and decoding information stored in the RFID tag to extract data associated with the position of interest. The method also includes presenting the data associated with the position of interest to an operator of a surveying tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Miguel Amor, Martin Holmgren, Nigel Peter Hanson, James M. Janky
  • Tracking carbon output in agricultural applications
    Patent number: 8504252
    Abstract: Novel tools and techniques to enhance and/or facilitate the collection, tracking, and/or verification of greenhouse gas emissions and/or savings, particularly (but not exclusively) in agricultural applications. Some tools, for example, can assist in the verification of carbon credits that may result from conservation tilling activities. Other embodiments can track greenhouse gas emissions that result from agricultural activities, including without limitation the application of pesticides, fertilizers, and/or other agricultural chemicals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Hamilton, Gregory D. Chiocco
  • Method and a system for communicating information to a land surveying rover located in an area without cellular coverage
    Patent number: 8497800
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention pertain to methods and systems for communicating information to a roving positioning device. In one embodiment, a wireless communication device, a non-cellular wireless communication device, and a computer networking device for forwarding data packets are coupled with a bus. A request originating from a roving positioning device for a location-specific position data is received via the non-cellular wireless communication device. A controller coupled with the bus causes the request to be forwarded via the wireless communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Jeffery Allen Hamilton, Brent O'Meagher
  • Accelerometer using acceleration
    Patent number: 8498793
    Abstract: An altimeter using speed, forward acceleration and yaw angle rate to measure altitude. The accuracy of the measurement may be improved by compensating for a position offset of an accelerometer; Kalman filtering with an external altitude measurement; and/or compensating for an accelerometer bias. The accelerometer bias may be calculated based on a last incline angle before a dormant time period and/or by Kalman filtering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: Peter Van Wyck Loomis
  • DATA COLLECTOR WITH EXPANDED FUNCTIONALITY
    Publication number: 20130188386
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: Trimble Navigation Limited
  • System and method for identifying a spatial relationship for use in calibrating accelerometer data
    Patent number: 8494710
    Abstract: Methods and systems for identifying a spatial relationship between a frame of reference associated with an accelerometer mounted in a vehicle and a frame of reference associated with the vehicle Accelerometer data is received from an accelerometer and vehicle data is received from a vehicle network of the vehicle, a long term average of the accelerometer data is used to determine the direction of gravity in the frame of reference of the vehicle. In addition the vehicle date is used to determine changes in speed of the vehicle, and thus to determine the direction of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle in the frame of reference of the vehicle. From these determined directions, the spatial relationship between the frames of reference may be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: Richard Harvie
  • Farm sidehill compensation
    Patent number: 8489290
    Abstract: An apparatus and method using GNSS for dynamically adjusting side-to-side positioning of a farm implement along a geographical path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: Arthur F. Lange
  • Multiple-wavelength capable laser receiver
    Patent number: 8482721
    Abstract: A laser light receiver used to detect pulsed laser light that is produced by a rotating laser light source on a construction jobsite is disclosed. In this manner, the laser receiver acts as an elevation detector and provides an equipment operator, or a construction worker, with the current elevation status with respect to the plane of laser light. The laser receiver is a unitary device that can detect multiple light frequencies/wavelengths, including laser beams that are in the green, red, and infrared spectra. The laser receiver also is capable of discriminating between such laser beams and other interference light sources, particularly fluorescent light sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: Chris W. Snyder
  • Method and system for efficient extended data communications using GPRS
    Patent number: 8484370
    Abstract: A method and system for efficient extended data communications using a GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) carrier network. In a communications system having a server and client device coupled by a GPRS network, a communication session is initiated by the client. A combination of data packet transmission frequency adjustment and the transmission of “keep alive” packets are used to prevent carrier network time-out of the communication session. In multiple server environments such as those using load sharing, a queuing mechanism is provided for outbound messages to client devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: John Coffee, Kevin Marvin, Terry Gin, David Anderson
  • Smart-phone bracket for car and truck navigation
    Patent number: 8467967
    Abstract: Inertial navigation systems for wheeled vehicles with constrained motion degrees of freedom are described. Various parts of the navigation systems may be implemented in a smart-phone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: Peter Van Wyck Loomis
  • ROBOTIC LEVELING
    Publication number: 20130139395
    Abstract: A method of determining an elevation of a point relative to a leveling instrument includes sending a first signal from a controller to the leveling instrument using a wireless link. The first signal indicates to the leveling instrument to automatically align an alignment unit of the leveling instrument with a reference target of a leveling staff. The method also includes receiving a second signal at the controller using the wireless link. The second signal is sent from the leveling instrument and indicates that the alignment unit is aligned with the reference target. The method also includes sending a third signal from the controller to the leveling instrument using the wireless link. The third signal indicates to the leveling instrument to automatically determine the elevation of the point relative to the leveling instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: Miguel Amor