Abstract: A system for extending the functionality of a web-based, three-dimensional modeling in a browser application is stored as instructions on a computer-readable medium. The instructions include an interface module that may receive user commands from the browser application that define a script including functions to modify or create a 3D model. The script instructions may cause a rendering of the 3D model to be displayed in a window controlled by the browser application. A modeling engine as a compiled browser plug-in may extends the functionality of the browser application. Further, the modeling engine may include functions to interpret model data corresponding to a 3D model and render the 3D model in accordance with the script. Further instructions include a script interface layer that may expose the modeling engine functions to the interface module for use by the script functions. The script functions extend the modeling engine functions.

Abstract: A method of lifting device load hazard avoidance is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises determining a three dimensional position of a load hazard avoidance sensor unit coupled with a load line of a lifting device, the determining performed by a first global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver coupled with a housing of the load hazard avoidance sensor unit, monitoring for a load related hazard in a vicinity of a load coupled with the load line, the monitoring performed by a load monitor coupled with the housing and initiating at least one load related hazard avoidance action in response to a monitored occurrence of the load related hazard.

Abstract: A method of determining a gauge and a tilt of a rail track at a location includes providing a rail trolley including a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, an RFID reader, a gauge sensor, and a tilt sensor and positioning the rail trolley on the rail track at the location. The method also includes interrogating one or more RFID tags positioned along the rail track and determining, using the processor, a fixed location associated with each of the one or more RFID tags. The method further includes determining, using the processor, the location of the rail trolley in relation to the fixed locations associated with each of the one or more RFID tags and determining the gauge and tilt of the rail track at the location of the rail trolley.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques for defining a search range for conjugate points in a set of images. In one technique, an intra-overlap area in two images can be used to define a search range in which a conjugate point can be found; in an aspect, this search range might be expressed as a distance range from a station at which one or both of the two images were captured. That distance range can be used to narrow the search range in an image captured from another station, substantially reducing both the computation time to identify a conjugate match and the likelihood of identifying an incorrect match.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques for performing steering operations for a tracked vehicle with a dragged implement using a control system that uses a combination of differential steering and rudder steering based on one or more operating conditions of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for tracking movable crane components to assist maneuvering the crane within a jobsite includes a computing device having a processor which calculates a 3D geospatial location and orientation of a 3D coordinate system for an upperworks that has an origin chosen along an axis of rotation between the upperworks and a lowerworks. The processor calculates a 3D position of the origin of the upperworks based on local coordinates and transforms the 3D position of the origin of the upperworks from the local coordinates to global 3D coordinates using absolute position sensing data from first and second positioning sensors attached to the crane (for instance on the upperworks and the hook, respectively) and using global 3D coordinates specific to the jobsite where the crane is located. The upperworks 3D coordinate system is useable to determine line segments in the upperworks 3D coordinate system for various movable components.

Abstract: A surveying system comprising a station and rover is used to make field measurements of a job site. The station at a first location has one or more cameras and one or more targets. The rover has one or more cameras and one or more targets. The rover is moved to a plurality of locations and images are acquired of the one or more targets of the station and/or the rover. The images are used to determine a spatial relationship between the first location and the plurality of locations.

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.

Abstract: A mobile construction device sensor unit comprises a point-to-point radio ranging system and a position determining component. The point-to-point radio ranging system is configured to couple with a mobile construction device. The position determining component is coupled with the point-to-point radio ranging system and is configured for determining a position of the sensor unit in at least two dimensions based on communications between the point-to-point radio ranging system and a plurality of tags respectively located at a plurality of knowable locations within an operating environment of the mobile construction device.

Abstract: A method for method for simulating a lift plan including: accessing a set of crane capability parameters for a crane at a worksite; accessing data relating to a set of factors, if any, occurring external to the crane, wherein the set of factors affects an operation of the crane at the worksite; based on the set of crane capability parameters, the data relating to the set of factors, if any, occurring external to the crane and affecting the operation of the crane and a movement plan for moving a set of objects at the worksite, generating a lift plan for the set of objects at the worksite; and generating a 3-D simulation of the lift plan.

Abstract: Active imaging systems for plant growth monitoring acquire images in which each pixel represents an absolute NDVI value obtained with active illumination.

Abstract: A method of image-tracking by using an image capturing device (12). The method comprises: performing an image-capture of a scene (54) by using an image capturing device; and tracking movement (62) of the image capturing device (12) by analyzing a set of images by using an image processing algorithm (64).

Abstract: This application discloses a GNSS reference apparatus having a vector error generator and a reference data server. The vector error generator generates one or more sequences of keyed intentional errors made confidential with confidential error keys, and then combines the sequences to generate a sequence of reference erroneous positions. The reference data server issues GNSS position-determination reference data based on the reference erroneous positions where the keyed intentional errors for at least one of the confidential sequences are reversible with confidential access to the corresponding confidential error key for determining a GNSS-based position.

Abstract: Functional extensions are provided for use with a modeling software. The functional extensions provide functionality not otherwise provided by the modeling software. The functional extensions are received from a client device by a server and stored in a database. Thereafter, the server transmits the functional extensions to a second client device, sometimes in response to receiving a request for the functional extension from the second client device. The server may update a user profile to indicate that a functional extension was received from a user operating the client device and, additionally, may transmit the functional extension to the second client device when the server receives an indication that the user is operating the second client device.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for managing a cargo transaction are disclosed. By transmitting and integrating consignment data and real-time cargo status data including data collected from a GPS-enabled monitoring device to a visual cargo server, a visual cargo data is produced. The visual cargo data is contextualized by integrating with contextual data obtained from one or more contextual servers.

Abstract: A first user having a certain set of privileges with respect to an initial three-dimensional (3D) model associates a watermark with the initial 3D model, so that the watermark is displayed whenever the initial 3D model is viewed or edited. A second user having a smaller set of privileges with respect to the initial 3D model is permitted to view, copy and/or modify the initial 3D model, but is not permitted to remove or alter the content of the watermark. The watermark is continuously displayed as the second user works with the initial 3D model. When the second user applies a change to the initial 3D model, an indication of the modifications applied by the second user is generated and stored with the model data corresponding to the updated 3D model.

Abstract: A method of automatic obstacle location mapping comprises receiving an indication of a feature to be identified in a defined area. An instance of the feature is found within an image. A report is then generated conveying the location of said feature.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are described for identifying objects and/or persons. In one aspect, a method might comprise obtaining a digital image of an object(s) with a digital image recording device. The digital image may be transmitted to a remote computer system, and compared to multiple preexisting digital images using an image comparison software application running thereon. A set of preexisting digital images matching the digital image of the object(s) may be identified, and a (best match) keyphrase associated with the preexisting digital images may be determined. The keyphrase may be returned to a user computer for user confirmation or rejection. In some embodiments, a point cloud may be generated for each object in the image, and fitted with available 3D models, so as to confirm the keyphrase. In some embodiments, the confirmed keyphrase may be sent to a user computer for implementation in a cadastral survey application.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.