Patents Assigned to Trimble Navigation Limited
  • Asset Management Systems and Methods
    Publication number: 20130021175
    Abstract: Novel tools and techniques for tracking assets, such as high-value tools, customer equipment, testing equipment, technicians, and/or the like. Some of these tools and techniques can be used to track assets in a mobile environment (such as in a delivery truck, installation van, and/or the like).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: TRIMBLE NAVIGATION LIMITED
    Inventors: J. Scott Harmon, Gary J. Dennis
  • TWO DIMENSION LAYOUT AND POINT TRANSFER SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20130019486
    Abstract: 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 interest in a virtual floor plan, under control of a user with the remote unit. The laser light planes also project lines that will intersect along the ceiling at a point that is truly plumb above the crossing point on the floor. The laser planes also provide an “implied” plumb line that is projected in space, which is visible along a solid vertical surface between the intersecting floor and ceiling points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: TRIMBLE NAVIGATION LIMITED
    Inventors: James N. Hayes, Chris W. Snyder
  • MANAGEMENT OF MATERIALS ON A CONSTRUCTION SITE
    Publication number: 20130024245
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Mark E. Nichols, Bryn Fosburgh, Christopher David Richardson, Peter Graham Gipps, George Derrick Darby, JR.
  • Calibrated farming system
    Patent number: 8359141
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and tangible medium using row sensing for calibrating geographical positions for guiding a farm implement and calibrated geographical positions for steering a vehicle along a row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: Arthur F. Lange
  • Method for intelligent scanning using a total station
    Patent number: 8358341
    Abstract: System and method for scanning an object using a surveying instrument is provided. The method includes designating an area associated with an object to be scanned. Defining one or more sections within the area associated with the object. Scanning a portion of the area associated with the object corresponding to a first section of the area associated with the object and designating one or more sections adjacent to the first section if scan results indicate presence of an object. Designating one or more sections adjacent to the first section for not scanning if the scan results of the portion of the area associated with the object corresponding to the first section do not indicate presence of an object. A remote control device is provided that can control the surveying instrument, receive the scan results, and analyze the scan results for subsequent use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Shane Trenary, Jinglin Kuang
  • GNSS post positioning with elongated dither sequence
    Patent number: 8358242
    Abstract: A computer apparatus for post positioning with a selected precision. The apparatus includes a GNSS post processor to post process reference GNSS carrier phases from a reference system and rover GNSS carrier phases from a rover receiver to compute a secure position for the rover receiver not available to a user. The apparatus includes a random process generator to generate a sequence of offset vectors to dither the secure position according to a computed dither level to provide the selected precision for a user-available position for the rover receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Nicholas Charles Talbot, Shawn Weisenburger, David G. Bird
  • Lightweight three-dimensional display
    Patent number: 8355024
    Abstract: A computer-implemented imaging process method includes generating a progression of images of a three-dimensional model and saving the images at a determined location, generating mark-up code for displaying image manipulation controls and for permitting display of the progression of images in response to user interaction with the image manipulation controls, and providing the images and mark-up code for use by a third-party application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Richard C. Gossweiler, III, Mark A. Limber, Brian E. Brewington, Matthew W. Lowrie
  • System and method for surveying with a barcode target
    Patent number: 8348166
    Abstract: System and method for surveying. In one embodiment, a process is provided including detecting a barcode associated with a position of interest. The barcode may be decoded to extract data associated with the position of interest. Additionally, decoded data associated with the position of interest can be presented to an operator of a surveying tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: Nigel Peter Hanson
  • Methods and systems for determining angles and locations of points
    Patent number: 8351686
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining an azimuth of a target point is provided. The apparatus includes a support structure and an imaging device coupled to the support structure and configured to provide image data. The apparatus also includes a position measuring device coupled to the support structure and configured to determine position information and a processor in electrical communication with the imaging device and the position measuring device. The processor is configured to receive the image data from the imaging device, receive the position information from the position measuring device, determine a baseline between a first position and a second position, determine an orientation between overlapping images, and compute the azimuth of the target point relative to the baseline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: Christian Graesser
  • Lightweight three-dimensional display
    Patent number: 8350848
    Abstract: A computer-implemented imaging process method includes generating a progression of images of a three-dimensional model and saving the images at a determined location, generating mark-up code for displaying image manipulation controls and for permitting display of the progression of images in response to user interaction with the image manipulation controls, and providing the images and mark-up code for use by a third-party application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Richard C. Gossweiler, III, Mark A. Limber, Brian E. Brewington, Matthew W. Lowrie
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MEASURING ANGLES BASED ON 360 DEGREE IMAGES
    Publication number: 20130002807
    Abstract: A method of measuring an angle includes orienting a measurement device at a reference position characterized by a reference angle. A first panoramic image defined by a predetermined range of elevation angles is acquired where the first panoramic image includes an object. A first bearing of the object in relation to the reference angle is determined and the measurement device is rotated to a measurement position characterized by a measurement angle. A second panoramic image defined by the predetermined range of elevation angles is acquired where the second panoramic image includes the object. A second bearing of the object in relation to the reference angle is determined. The measurement angle is computed as a function of the first bearing and the second bearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Michael Vogel, Omar Soubra, Darin Muncy
  • Asset management systems and methods
    Patent number: 8344879
    Abstract: Novel tools and techniques for tracking assets, such as high-value tools, customer equipment, testing equipment, technicians, and/or the like. Some of these tools and techniques can be used to track assets in a mobile environment (such as in a delivery truck, installation van, and/or the like).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: J. Scott Harmon, Gary J. Dennis
  • DETERMINING TILT ANGLE AND TILT DIRECTION USING IMAGE PROCESSING
    Publication number: 20120330601
    Abstract: A survey instrument includes a surveying device configured to perform survey measurements and an imaging device coupled to the surveying device and having a known spatial relationship with the surveying device. The imaging device may be configured to obtain image information. The survey instrument also includes a processor in electrical communication with the imaging device. The processor may be configured to receive the image information from the imaging device, process the image information to determine a pose of the imaging device, and determine a tilt angle of the survey instrument and a tilt direction of the survey instrument in a reference frame. Tilt angle and the tilt direction of the survey instrument may be determined using the pose of the imaging device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Omar Pierre Soubra, Martin Holgren, James M. Janky
  • Methods and apparatus for operating a radio device
    Patent number: 8330580
    Abstract: A radio device such as a wireless tag reader communicates with multiple types of wireless identification tags in a monitored region. The radio device includes a network interface to receive messages transmitted over a network. In response to receiving a message indicating to reconfigure the radio device to support an additional wireless tag protocol, the radio is reconfigured to support communications with a corresponding new type of wireless identification tag in a monitored region. Based on this technique of reconfiguring the radio device via network messages, the radio device optionally supports additional, new or latest versions of wireless tag protocols without having to physically reprogram or replace the radio device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Matthew S. Reynolds, Joseph L. Richards, Sumukh N. Pathare, E. Rehmatulla Post, Yael G. Maguire, Harry F. Tsai, Ravikanth S. Pappu, Bernd Schoner
  • GNSS Signal Processing with Regional Augmentation Message
    Publication number: 20120306694
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing of GNSS data derived from multi-frequency code and carrier observations are presented which make available correction data for use by a rover located within the region, the correction data comprising: the ionospheric delay over the region, the tropospheric delay over the region, the phase-leveled geometric correction per satellite, and the at least one code bias per satellite. In some embodiments the correction data includes an ionospheric phase bias per satellite. Methods and apparatus for determining a precise position of a rover located within a region are presented in which a GNSS receiver is operated to obtain multi-frequency code and carrier observations and correction data, to create rover corrections from the correction data, and to determine a precise rover position using the rover observations and the rover corrections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: TRIMBLE NAVIGATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Xiaoming Chen, Ulrich Vollath, Kendall Ferguson
  • Layout method
    Patent number: 8325351
    Abstract: A method of directing a beam of laser light at a target point defined by the intersection of a reference line with a generally vertical surface may comprise: a.) defining the reference line, b.) calculating a three dimensional location of a point on the line, c.) directing a beam of laser light from an automated total station toward the point on the line, d.) measuring the three dimensional location of the reference point on the vertical surface illuminated by the beam of laser light, e.) determining the point on the line closest to the reference point on the surface, f.) redirecting the beam of laser light from the automated total station toward the point on the line closest to the reference point, and g.) repeating steps d.) through f.) until the closest point on the reference line is less than a predetermined distance from the reference point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Robert Miller, John Hooper Inman
  • Multiple-wavelength capable laser receiver
    Patent number: 8319950
    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 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: Chris W. Snyder
  • System for determining position in a work space
    Patent number: 8319687
    Abstract: A system for determining the dimensional coordinates of a point of interest in a work space, includes a plurality of fixed-position ranging radios, located at known positions in the work space, and a wand having a first end configured for indicating a point of interest. A pair of ranging radios are mounted on the wand. A measurement circuit, responsive to the pair of ranging radios, determines the position of each of the pair of ranging radios with respect to the plurality of fixed-position ranging radios, and determines the position of the first end of the wand with respect to the plurality of fixed position ranging radios. A robotic total station may be used in lieu of the fixed-position ranging radios to monitor the positions of retroreflective elements on the wand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: Kent Kahle
  • GNSS Signal Processing with Regional Augmentation Network
    Publication number: 20120293367
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing of GNSS data derived from multi-frequency code and carrier observations are presented which make available correction data for use by a rover located within the region, the correction data comprising: the ionospheric delay over the region, the tropospheric delay over the region, the phase-leveled geometric correction per satellite, and the at least one code bias per satellite. In some embodiments the correction data includes an ionospheric phase bias per satellite. Methods and apparatus for determining a precise position of a rover located within a region are presented in which a GNSS receiver is operated to obtain multi-frequency code and carrier observations and correction data, to create rover corrections from the correction data, and to determine a precise rover position using the rover observations and the rover corrections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: TRIMBLE NAVIGATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Xiaoming Chen, Ulrich Vollath, Kendall Ferguson
  • Handheld infra-red scanner
    Patent number: D671121
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Robert Joseph Schickling, James H. Logg