Patents Assigned to Trimble Navigation Limited
  • GNSS signal processing with regional augmentation network
    Patent number: 9201147
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Xiaoming Chen, Ulrich Vollath, Kendall Ferguson
  • CONSTRUCTION DRAWING EVALUATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS
    Publication number: 20150339322
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Applicant: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Douglas M. Elliott, Mark Mandarelli, John Ritzenthaler
  • MONITORING A RESPONSE OF A BRIDGE BASED ON A POSITION OF A VEHICLE CROSSING THE BRIDGE
    Publication number: 20150338305
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Applicant: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Darin Muncy, Curt Conquest
  • MULTIPLE CONTENT MESSAGE BASE-ROVER ARCHITECTURE
    Publication number: 20150338520
    Abstract: A multiple content message (MCM) base apparatus configured to generate a composite base data stream is proposed. A multiple content message (MCM) rover apparatus configured to generate a set of fast frequency baseline data is proposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2014
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Applicant: TRIMBLE NAVIGATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Alexey D. Boriskin, Dmitry V. Ivanov, Dmitry G. Kozlov, Gleb A. Zyryanov
  • Handheld GIS data collection device target augmentation
    Publication number: 20150332500
    Abstract: Target augmentation makes GIS data collection devices more intuitive and useful for GIS workers, and reduces GIS data collection errors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Applicant: TRIMBLE NAVIGATION LIMITED
    Inventor: Peter G. France
  • Long-life asset tracking
    Patent number: 9185517
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Mark Kuhl, John F. Cameron
  • Enhanced position measurement systems and methods
    Patent number: 9182229
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Christian Grässer, Peter Cornelius Kistler, James Greenberg, Rod Johnson, Magnus Westermark
  • Method and system for measuring angles based on 360 degree images
    Patent number: 9175955
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Michael Vogel, Omar Soubra, Darin Muncy
  • Sequential rolling bundle adjustment
    Patent number: 9177384
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: Shawn D. Weisenburger
  • INTEGRATED IMAGING AND RFID SYSTEM FOR VIRTUAL 3D SCENE CONSTRUCTION
    Publication number: 20150312426
    Abstract: Information is collected by acquiring imaging data of a plurality of objects using an imaging tool; creating a three-dimensional representation of the plurality of objects based on the imaging data; and extracting RFID data stored in an RFID tag using an RFID reader. The RFID tag has a reference to a three-dimensional model. The three-dimensional model is created before acquiring the imaging data of the plurality of objects. And the three-dimensional model is a representation of at least one object of the plurality of objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicant: TRIMBLE NAVIGATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Bernd Schoner, Brian Ahern
  • GNSS signal processing with ionosphere model for synthetic reference data
    Patent number: 9170335
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Xiaoming Chen, Ralf Drescher, Rodrigo Leandro
  • Rudder-Assisted Steering For Self-Propelled Drainage Equipment
    Publication number: 20150298731
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Applicant: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: Joshua W. Shuler
  • GNSS Signal Processing Methods and Apparatus
    Publication number: 20150301190
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented for determining a position of a GNSS rover antenna from observations collected at the antenna over multiple epochs from satellite signals of multiple GNSS, wherein the observation data of each GNSS has a distinct data format. The observation data of each GNSS are presented in a generic GNSS data format, which differs from the distinct data format of the GNSS, to obtain a set of generic data. A set of difference data is prepared representing differences between the converted observation data and the generic data. When at least four satellites are tracked, the generic data of the tracked satellites of multiple GNSS are used to compute a standalone antenna position. When at least five satellites are tracked, the generic data of the tracked satellites of multiple GNSS are used to compute a real-time kinematic antenna position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Applicant: TRIMBLE NAVIGATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Alexander Osipov, Ilya Khazanov, Dmitry Kozlov, Gleb Zyryanov
  • GNSS signal processing with regional augmentation positioning
    Patent number: 9164174
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Xiaoming Chen, Ulrich Vollath, Kendall Ferguson
  • Altimeter with calibration
    Patent number: 9157737
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: Peter Van Wyck Loomis
  • Determining an autonomous position of a point of interest on a lifting device
    Patent number: 9156167
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: John F. Cameron
  • Determining camera position for a photograph having a displaced center of projection
    Patent number: 9160979
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: John E. Ulmer
  • Detecting an underground object
    Patent number: 9157993
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: Bruce Peetz
  • GNSS signal processing to estimate phase-leveled clocks
    Patent number: 9157999
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for processing a set of GNSS signal data derived from code observations and carrier-phase observations at multiple receivers of GNSS signals of multiple satellites over multiple epochs, the GNSS signals having at least two carrier frequencies and a navigation message containing orbit information, comprising: obtaining precise orbit information for each satellite, determining at least one set of ambiguities per receiver, each ambiguity corresponding to one of a receiver-satellite link and a satellite-receiver-satellite link, and using at least the precise orbit information, the ambiguities and the GNSS signal data to estimate a phase-leveled clock per satellite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Rodrigo Leandro, Markus Glocker, Stephan Seeger
  • INTELLIGENT CONTAINER
    Publication number: 20150287305
    Abstract: An intelligent container apparatus is provided. The intelligent container apparatus comprises a container further comprising a plurality of 3-D cells and an external electronic lock. Each 3-D cell is assigned to store at least one asset including an Asset/ID tag, and at least one asset position sensor. The external electronic lock further comprises: a reader gate; a timing device; a tech/ID authentication system; and a processor. The reader gate is configured to read an Asset/ID tag, configured to read a technician tech/ID tag, configured to assign a checked_in/checked_out status to at least one asset having an Asset/ID tag, and configured to associate the tech/ID of the latest technician who checked_in/checked_out the asset having the Asset/ID tag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Publication date: October 8, 2015
    Applicant: TRIMBLE NAVIGATION LIMITED
    Inventor: Prakash Iyer