Patents Assigned to Trimble Navigation
  • Patent number: 8731582
    Abstract: In one embodiment of a method for generating targeted content, an indication of a geographic position is received from a mobile electronic device. An instance of targeted content is generated based upon the geographic position of the mobile electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Robert Wold, Richard W. Rudow
  • Publication number: 20140136012
    Abstract: An improved method for asset management is described. The method includes receiving information from a remote reporting device in close proximity to an asset, the information including a first unique identifier associated with the asset and a second unique identifier associated with a user of the asset. The method further includes associating the asset with the user based on the information. Additionally, the method includes monitoring use of the asset and maintaining a record of the use by the user based on the information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: Joyce Tam
  • Patent number: 8725777
    Abstract: A method of creating and managing a database of meta_data sets for a plurality of objects is provided. The meta-data set is configured to characterize an object. The meta_data set for a “j”-object is selected from the group consisting of: a first item; a second item; an “i”-th item; and ID-j tag; wherein “i” and “j” being integers. The method comprises: (A) identifying a meta_data set for at least one object; (B) collecting a meta_data set for at least one object; (C) creating the database of meta_data sets for the plurality of objects; (D) storing the database of meta_data sets for the plurality of objects; and (E) accessing the database of meta_data sets for the plurality of objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Alois Ludwig Deking, Prakash Iyer, Ravikanth Srinivasa Pappu
  • Patent number: 8720074
    Abstract: A method of determining an elevation of a point relative to a leveling instrument includes sending a first signal from a controller to the leveling instrument using a wireless link. The first signal indicates to the leveling instrument to automatically align an alignment unit of the leveling instrument with a reference target of a leveling staff. The method also includes receiving a second signal at the controller using the wireless link. The second signal is sent from the leveling instrument and indicates that the alignment unit is aligned with the reference target. The method also includes sending a third signal from the controller to the leveling instrument using the wireless link. The third signal indicates to the leveling instrument to automatically determine the elevation of the point relative to the leveling instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: Miguel Amor
  • Patent number: 8717237
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for processing a set of GNSS signal data derived from observations of GNSS signals of multiple transmitters over multiple epochs, the GNSS signals having a first signal and a second signal in a first band which can be tracked as a single wide-band signal and each of which can be tracked separately, comprising: obtaining carrier-phase observations of the first signal, obtaining carrier-phase observations of the second signal, obtaining code observations of the wide-band signal, and estimating from a set of observables comprising the carrier-phase observations of the first signal, the carrier-phase observations of the second signal and the code observations of the wide-band signal values for a set of parameters comprising: position of a receiver of the GNSS signals, clock error of a receiver of the GNSS signals, and an array of ambiguities comprising an ambiguity for each transmitter from which carrier-phase observations of the first signal are obtained and an ambiguity for ea
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: Ulrich Vollath
  • Patent number: 8713519
    Abstract: A computer-aided, design system and method generates procedural code from a plurality of spreadsheet formulas which define the behavior of a parametric object. These spreadsheet formulas drive function calls to an API of the design system when initially drawing the parametric object within a user interface, and these function calls may be cached as procedural code. In subsequent re-drawings of same object, the procedural code may be executed with updated or changed attributes received from an input dialog box. Rather than converting, translating, and parsing the spreadsheet formulas each time an entry is changed, the procedural code may be optimized for execution and also be concealed from the user so that any proprietary information in the formulas and functions is kept secret.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Ltd.
    Inventor: Scott Lininger
  • Patent number: 8704709
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for estimating parameters, i.e. ambiguities, derived from GNSS signals. Observations of each of received frequencies of a GNSS signal from a plurality of GNSS satellites are obtained for a plurality of instances in time (3120). The time sequence of observations is fed to a filter to estimate a state vector comprising float ambiguities, wherein each float ambiguity constitutes a non integer estimate of an integer number of wavelengths for a received frequency of a GNSS signal between a receiver of the GNSS signal and the GNSS satellite from which it is received and wherein the float ambiguities of the state vector are updated over time on the basis of the observations (3140). The occurrence of an interruption in tracking of at least one signal of a satellite is determined (3121). The float ambiguity of the state vector for the at least one signal for which an interruption in tracking occurred is maintained at the value before the interruption in tracking occurred (3122).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Ulrich Vollath, Nicholas Charles Talbot
  • Patent number: 8705022
    Abstract: A machine control system uses a laser system and global navigation satellite system to determine the position of the machine. The laser system has a laser detector positioned in a known and fixed relationship with the nominal phase center of a global navigation satellite antenna. The laser detector receives laser light transmitted from a laser transmitter. The outputs of the laser system and the global navigation satellite system are used together to determine the position of the transmitter prior to being used to determine the position of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Arthur Taylor, Nicholas C. Talbot
  • Patent number: 8704708
    Abstract: A filter estimates a float value for each float ambiguity of a state vector determined from GNSS signals. Integer values are assigned to at least a subgroup of the estimated float values to define integer ambiguity candidate sets. A quality measure is determined for each of the candidate sets. An expectation value of the candidate set having the best quality measure is determined. An error measure as a ratio of the best quality measure to the expectation value is determined. The quality measures of the candidate sets is adapted as a function of the error measure. A weighted average of a subgroup of the candidate sets on the basis of the adapted quality measures is formed. Ambiguities of the weighted average can be used in subsequent operations to aid in determining a position of the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: Ulrich Vollath
  • Publication number: 20140104602
    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: October 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Michael Vogel, Omar Soubra, Darin Muncy
  • Publication number: 20140107957
    Abstract: Ground-based measurements of agricultural metrics such as NDVI are used to calibrate wide-area aerial measurements of the same metrics. Calibrated wide-area data may then be used as an input to a field prescription processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Robert J. Lindores, Ted E. Mayfield, Morrison Ulman
  • Patent number: 8700255
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and techniques for remotely tracking vehicle and driver behavior. Embodiments may include an on-board vehicle monitoring device, comprising an interface device and a gateway device. The interface device may include receiving information from a diagnostic system of a vehicle. The gateway device may collect a set of vehicle operating data corresponding to a driver or vehicle behavior. The set of vehicle operating data may comprise at least some of the information from the diagnostic system of the vehicle. A host computer may have instructions for compiling driver behavior data, based at least in part on analysis of received vehicle operating data. The instructions may also include instructions for providing a user interface; and instructions for causing the user interface to display, for a user, information corresponding to the compiled driver behavior data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: Thomas C. Joseph
  • Patent number: 8700202
    Abstract: A system for assisting in the use by an operator of the operating element of a tool at desired locations at a worksite, includes a stationary control and a position sensor secured to the tool. The stationary control is located at the worksite, and has data stored therein specifying one or more desired locations for operation of the operating element of the tool at the worksite. A position sensor is mounted on the tool. The position sensor determines the position of the operating element of the tool. The position sensor includes a communication device for communicating with said stationary control, a sensor for determining its relative position with respect to said stationary control, and a display for providing indications to the user of the tool of the desired location for the operating element of the tool and of the actual location of the operating element of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: Kent Kahle
  • Patent number: 8694250
    Abstract: Computer-implemented methods and apparatus are presented for processing data collected by at least two receivers from multiple satellites of multiple Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), where at least one GNSS is Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA). Data sets are obtained which comprise a first data set from a first receiver and a second data set from a second receiver. The first data set comprises a first FDMA data set and the second data set comprises a second FDMA data set. At least one of a code bias and a phase bias may exist between the first FDMA data set and the second FDMA data set. At least one receiver-type bias is determined, to be applied when the data sets are obtained from receivers of different types. The data sets are processed, based on the at least one receiver-type bias, to estimate carrier floating-point ambiguities. Carrier integer ambiguities are determined from the floating-point ambiguities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Nicholas Talbot, Ulrich Vollath, Gang Lu
  • Publication number: 20140085139
    Abstract: Method to estimate parameters derived at least from GNSS signals useful to determine a position, including obtaining at least one GNSS signal observed at a GNSS receiver from each of a plurality of GNSS satellites; receiving global correction information useful to correct at least the obtained GNSS signals from a first set of GNSS satellites, wherein the global correction information includes correction information which is independent from the position to be determined; receiving local correction information useful to correct at least the obtained GNSS signals from a second set of GNSS satellites, wherein the local correction information includes correction information which is dependent on the position to be determined; processing the obtained GNSS signals from the first set of GNSS satellites by using the global correction information; and processing the obtained GNSS signals from the second set of GNSS satellites by using the local correction information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Rodrigo Leandro, Nicholas Charles Talbot
  • Patent number: 8682541
    Abstract: A mobile construction device sensor unit system is disclosed. In one embodiment, a point-to-point radio ranging system coupled with a mobile construction device. A position determining component coupled with the point-to-point radio ranging system 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. A communications link controller communicatively coupled with the position determining component is configured for wirelessly providing information, including the sensor unit position, to a receiving unit located apart from the sensor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Gregory C. Best, Kurtis L. Maynard, John F. Cameron
  • Publication number: 20140081538
    Abstract: A lifting device sensor unit comprising a housing, a load monitor, and a wireless transceiver. The housing is configured to removably couple about a load line of a lifting device. The load monitor is coupled with the housing and configured for monitoring a load coupled with the load line, including monitoring a load position and a load orientation of the load. The wireless is transceiver coupled with the housing and configured for wirelessly providing information including the load position and the load orientation to a display unit located apart from the sensor unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Kurtis L. Maynard, John F. Cameron
  • Publication number: 20140081571
    Abstract: A navigational apparatus includes a visual display, first and second imaging devices, and one or more processors. The first imaging device has an optical axis extending in a first direction and is configured to obtain first image data. The second imaging device has an optical axis extending in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction and is configured to obtain second image data. When the visual display is displaying first image data, the one or more processors are configured to superimpose a first navigational graphic on the visual display overlaid on a portion of the first image data associated with the point of interest. When the visual display is displaying second image data, the one or more processors are configured to superimpose a second navigational graphic on the visual display overlaid on a portion of the second image data associated with the point of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Graham Briggs, Christian Graesser, James M. Janky
  • Patent number: 8671741
    Abstract: A moisture content sensing system is described comprising a collar mechanically coupled with a clean grain transport system. An extendable support extends through the collar and has an extendable capacitive sensor element disposed at one end. The extendable support is configured to be located at a first position in which the extendable capacitive sensor element is disposed adjacent to clean grain conveyed by the clean grain transport system and moved to a second position wherein the extendable capacitive sensor element is disposed at least partially within the clean grain of the clean grain transport system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Michael Cash, D'Anne Beukelaur Hanks, Arthur F. Lange, Brian Jackman, Brian A. Jackson
  • Patent number: D701111
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Mark Lawrence Bianco, Martin Clarence Bringuel