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: 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: 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: 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.

Abstract: The invention provides the ability to count symbols within drawings in an automated fashion using a computer processor. This may be accomplished by identifying a particular symbol (representing a drawing part) and then permitting the computer to search for the identified symbol in the drawing. Following the initial search, a secondary search may be performed to increase the accuracy of an initial automated count, and obtaining refined searches results representing similar parts (represented by the same symbol) but being a part type as indicated by an identifier associated with the initial symbol.

Abstract: A method for performing a dynamic load test on a bridge includes providing a vehicle with an imaging device coupled to the vehicle and moving the vehicle across the bridge. While moving the vehicle across the bridge, a series of images is obtained using the imaging device. A position of the vehicle on the bridge is determined as a function of time using the series of images, and a response of the bridge is determined as a function of time as the vehicle crosses the bridge. The position of the vehicle on the bridge is associated with the response of the bridge.

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: A method and system for long-life asset tracking is disclosed. One example utilizes an activation module to provide an activation signal to at least a portion of the long-life asset tracker. A position determiner receives the activation signal and determines a location of the long-life asset tracker with a first level of accuracy or a second level of accuracy, wherein the second level of accuracy is more accurate than the first level of accuracy and wherein a default mode of operation is to utilize a radio locator for position determination instead of a navigation satellite system module to extend the life of a power source of the long-life asset tracker. An information provider module to broadcast the location of the long-life asset tracker is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for estimating position and orientation of an image-capturing device is proposed. The method comprises the step of obtaining a preceding set of frames by using the image-capturing device. Each frame includes a set of image data. The method of the present technology further comprises the step of estimating a previous position and orientation of the image-capturing device by using the set of image data included in at least one preceding frame, and the step of estimating a current position and orientation of the image-capturing device by replacing a set of image data included in at least one preceding frame by a set of image data included in at least one subsequent frame. At least one subsequent frame is obtained by using the image-capturing device.

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.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention derive an ionospheric phase bias and an ionospheric differential code bias (DCB) using an absolute ionosphere model, which can be estimated from data obtained from a network of reference stations or obtained from an external source such as WAAS, GAIM, IONEX or other. Fully synthetic reference station data is generated using the ionospheric phase bias and/or the differential code bias together with the phase leveled clock and ionospheric-free code bias and/or MW bias.

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: 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 tropospher?c 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.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a lifting device is disclosed. The method receives location information from a position determiner module coupled with a point of interest associated with the lifting device and determines an autonomous position of the point of interest based on the location information. The method further includes monitoring the lifting device based on the autonomous position of the point of interest.

Abstract: An image depicting an object has a center that is not on an optical axis of a camera used to capture the image. The image is on an image plane, and the object is in an object space. A method implemented for automatically determining the position of the camera relative to the object includes displaying the image via a user interface, receiving vanishing point information from the user interface, such that the vanishing point data indicates a respective location on the image plane of each of a first vanishing point, a second vanishing point, and a third vanishing point, and automatically determining the position of the camera based on the first vanishing point, the second vanishing point, and the third vanishing point.

Abstract: In a method of detecting an underground object which is at least partially under a surface of ground, a first view of the object determined by transmitting a first radar signal from a first known geolocation. A second view of the object is determined by transmitting a second radar signal from a second known geolocation. The respective first and second trajectories of the first and second radar signals are oblique with respect to the surface of the ground and the respective first and second trajectories are at a first angle with respect to each other. A position of the object is estimated by maximizing a correlation between the first view and the second view by adjusting an estimated dielectric constant associated with medium between the object and the surface of the ground.

Abstract: An altitude dead reckoning system using measurements of forward speed, a yaw angle rate and external altitude information in order to estimate an error in the acceleration due to an accelerometer bias; and an output converter configured to use the forward speed, yaw angel rate, acceleration and estimated accelerometer bias to calculate a change in altitude.