Patents Assigned to Trimble Navigation Limited
  • Laser receiver using a smart device
    Patent number: 9146106
    Abstract: A smart device is disclosed which contains a digital camera with an active electronic viewscreen that displays the detected image, in which the camera can sense laser light beams. The smart device has the capability receiving and executing an application program that allows the camera to be used as a grade elevation detector, in which the camera can sense a laser light beam that effectively forms a plane of laser light which defines an “on-grade” elevation for a jobsite. The user can determine this on-grade elevation by running the APP and viewing the display screen to find the (rotating or static) laser beam. An automated APP system can capture the on-grade elevation using a sequence of images that include a grade rod measurement paired with laser beam intensity detection images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: Michael David Bank
  • Method for providing data to a user
    Patent number: 9141958
    Abstract: An example method for providing a user with service technical data is provided. A server stores original service technical data and annotated data in a server where the annotated data is associated with the original service technical data. The server determines an access level of the user such where the access level of the user determines what service technical data may be sent. A portion of the service technical data is sent from the server to a device associated with the user, based at least in part on the access level of the user. The server also receives additional annotated data generated by the user where the additional annotated data is associated with the original service technical data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: Prakash Iyer
  • Determining tilt angle and tilt direction using image processing
    Patent number: 9134127
    Abstract: A method of determining a tilt angle and a tilt direction of a survey instrument. The survey instrument has an imaging device that captures first images at a first location. The first images include features from an environment around the survey instrument. The imaging device also captures second images at a second location. The second images include a portion of the features. A pose of the imaging device is determined at the second location using observed changes in location of a common portion of the features between the first images and the second images. The tilt angle and the tilt direction of the survey instrument at the second location are determined using the pose of the imaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Omar Pierre Soubra, James M. Janky, Christian Graesser, Shawn D. Weisenburger
  • Systems and methods for managing a cargo transaction
    Patent number: 9127945
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Sanjeev Telang, Rupendra Kota, Huzefa Poonawala, Tushar Joshi, Nikita Tahilramani
  • GNSS signal processing to estimate MW biases
    Patent number: 9128176
    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, comprising: forming an MW (Melbourne-Wübbena) combination per receiver-satellite pairing at each epoch to obtain a MW data set per epoch, and estimating from the MW data set per epoch an MW bias per satellite which may vary from epoch to epoch, and a set of WL (widelane) ambiguities, each WL ambiguity corresponding to one of a receiver-satellite link and a satellite-receiver-satellite link, wherein the MW bias per satellite is modeled as one of (i) a single estimation parameter and (ii) an estimated offset plus harmonic variations with estimated amplitudes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: Stephan Seeger
  • Kinematic asset management
    Patent number: 9129248
    Abstract: A system for managing kinematic assets is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises an electronic identification device associated with an asset. The system further comprises a container comprising a reader disposed within the container for receiving a unique identification of the identification device. The container further comprises a reader node for maintaining an inventory record comprising the asset and for generating a report when the asset is not detected by said reader. The report further comprises a location of the container when said report is generated. The system further comprises a kinematic asset management platform comprising an asset registry for storing data conveyed by the report and a reports engine for generating a second report conveying the location of said container when the report is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: James C. Reynolds, Gary Dennis, Prakash Iyer
  • Providing information about mobile communication devices
    Patent number: 9125008
    Abstract: A method and system for providing information about mobile communication devices with respect to an area of interest is disclosed. A first person associated with the mobile communication device located in the area of interest is identified, wherein the identifying occurs at a location and messaging center. A contact person associated with the first person is identified. Information is provided to the contact person that the mobile communication device associated with the first person is located in the area of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Mark Nichols, Gregory C. Best
  • Self calibration for crane geometry
    Patent number: 9121939
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for calibrating a crane for crane geometry. A Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver antenna is disposed on a point along a boom assembly of the crane, the crane configured to pivot about a pivot point. A working arm of the crane is rotated about the pivot point to at least three different positions. Three locations are determined in a geo-referenced coordinate system of the at least three different positions. A location of the pivot point is determined based on the three locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: John F. Cameron, Jean-Charles Delplace, Nicholas C. Talbot, Kevin Legendre
  • Method and apparatus for projection of BIM information
    Patent number: 9121692
    Abstract: A system for projecting an image, including layout information, on a surface in a building under construction has a projector mounted on a moveable support for supporting a worker at a work position in the building. The projector projects an image on a surface above the moveable support in response to an image signal defining the image to be projected. The image indicates the location of connectors, anchors, and holes to be affixed to, or cut through, the surface. A system determines the two dimensional position of the projector in the building, and a distance measuring system for determines the distance from the projector to said surface. A processor, responsive to a memory having stored building plan images, provides an image signal to the projector adjusted for the two dimensional location of the projector and for the distance from the projector to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Kent Wayne Kahle, Jinwei Jiang, Christian Graesser, Andreas Winter, Ulrich Vollath
  • Refining a position estimate of a low earth orbiting satellite
    Patent number: 9121932
    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 generated with a GNSS receiver on-board the LEO satellite. Corrections are received at the LEO satellite. The corrections are processed on-board the LEO satellite such that a corrected LEO satellite position estimate of the LEO satellite is generated for the first position estimate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: James M. Janky, Nicholas C. Talbot, Ulrich Vollath, Bruce D. Riter
  • Construction drawing evaluation systems and methods
    Patent number: 9116923
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Douglas M. Elliot, Mark Mandarelli, John Ritzenthaler
  • Indicating quality of GNSS position fixes
    Patent number: 9116231
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for reporting quality of GNSS position fixes. A desired quality mode selection is obtained. Position fixes with respective precision estimates and satellite tracking information are obtained. For each of a plurality of position fixes a current positioning quality is determined, based on the precision estimates and satellite tracking information and quality mode selection. Current positioning quality is reported. The quality selection can be a preference of availability over accuracy, or accuracy over availability, or a balance of availability and accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Ulrich Vollath, Sidharth Nair, Jesus Michael Martinez, Greg Price, Glenn Waterland, Mark Gibson
  • Determining tilt angle and tilt direction using image processing
    Patent number: 9109889
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Omar Pierre Soubra, Martin Holgren, James M Janky
  • Enabling notifications pertaining to an asset
    Patent number: 9111234
    Abstract: A method for enabling notifications pertaining to an asset is disclosed. The method receives information from a first reporting source about an asset. In addition, information from a second reporting source about the asset is also received. A database is then populated with the information from the first reporting source and the information from the second reporting source such that information from the first reporting source and information from the second reporting source can be accessed from the database. A state machine for the asset is maintained based on the received information which enables providing notifications pertaining to the asset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Daniel John Wallace, Jeanie Walter, Paul Walton
  • GNSS atmospheric estimation with federated ionospheric filter
    Patent number: 9091757
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented for estimating environmental parameters from GNSS signals in real time. Some embodiments estimate a float solution using a federated ionospheric filter. Some embodiments fix ambiguities for improved estimates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: Xiaoming Chen
  • Displaying arrays of image data
    Patent number: 9093047
    Abstract: A method for displaying arrays of digital image data on a display monitor as a continuous image includes determining nonlinear corrections for each of the arrays of digital image data. Each nonlinear correction may be based in part on a location of the imaging device used to capture the array of digital image data relative to a location of the perspective center from which the array of digital image data will be displayed on the display monitor. The method also includes transforming each array of digital image data using the corresponding nonlinear correction. The method also includes displaying the arrays of corrected image data on the display monitor to produce a continuous display of the scene captured by the imaging device, where relative sizes and positions of objects in the scene are substantially reproduced in the display of the scene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Troy Brown, David Knopp
  • Identifying pixels of image data
    Patent number: 9093048
    Abstract: A method for identifying one or more pixels of image data associated with a point in an image includes receiving an indication of a portion of the image as displayed on the display monitor that surrounds the point. The pixels of image data as displayed on the display monitor are identified that are located approximately at edges of the portion of the image. One or more inverse transformations are performed to transform the pixels of image data as displayed on the display monitor to pixels of image data as captured by an image sensor. A portion of image data as captured by the image sensor is identified that corresponds to a portion of the image that surrounds the point. The portion of the image data as captured by the image sensor is displayed on the display monitor without data transformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: Troy Brown
  • Path planning autopilot
    Publication number: 20150198953
    Abstract: A path planning autopilot guides vehicles efficiently even when they are far from a desired path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Applicant: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: John W. Peake, Stephan Pleines
  • Methods and apparatus for providing navigational information associated with locations of objects
    Patent number: 9080881
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing navigational information associated with locations of objects includes an imaging device configured to acquire image data, a visual display coupled to the imaging device and configured to display the image data, a position measuring device configured to determine position information associated with the imaging device, and an orientation device configured to determine orientation information associated with the imaging device. The apparatus may also include a rendering system coupled to the visual display, the position measuring device, and the orientation device. The rendering system may be configured to determine image coordinates associated with a location of an object and provide a navigational graphic on the visual display oriented relative to the image coordinates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Peter France, Kevin Sharp, Stuart Ralston
  • Managing web page data in a composite document
    Patent number: 9076244
    Abstract: A composite document system is implemented as instructions stored on a computer-readable medium. When executed on a processor, the instructions cause the processor to receive model data that describes a three-dimensional model of an object, where the three-dimensional model is generated using a modeling software, and where the model data conforms to a non-image format of the modeling software. The instructions further cause the processor to receive web page data that includes content and description of the content in a mark-up language, generate a composite document that includes the model data and the web page data, interpret the model data in the composite document to generate a visual representation of the three-dimensional model, and interpret the web page data in the composite document to generate a visual representation of the web page data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: John M. Bacus, Paul McLean, Jeff Hauswirth, Preston Jackson, Brian G. Brown