Abstract: In an automatic vehicle position control system, such as a satellite-based agricultural implement steering system, the satellite-based steering information is adjusted with information obtained from one or more path sensors to facilitate the automatic nudging of the vehicle to take account of inaccurate tracking of the agricultural implement relative to its tractor, terrain variations, and inaccuracies in the satellite-based steering system.

Abstract: Predictive tractor path adjustments improve implement tracking performance by enabling agricultural autopilots to anticipate the effect of curves, slopes, changing soil conditions and other influences.

Abstract: Methods and systems for identifying a spatial relationship between a frame of reference associated with an accelerometer mounted in a vehicle and a frame of reference associated with the vehicle Accelerometer data is received from an accelerometer and vehicle data is received from a vehicle network of the vehicle, a long term average of the accelerometer data is used to determine the direction of gravity in the frame of reference of the vehicle. In addition the vehicle date is used to determine changes in speed of the vehicle, and thus to determine the direction of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle in the frame of reference of the vehicle. From these determined directions, the spatial relationship between the frames of reference may be determined.

Abstract: An apparatus and method using GNSS for dynamically adjusting side-to-side positioning of a farm implement along a geographical path.

Abstract: A method for mobile navigation by using a smart phone is provided. The smart phone comprises: a GNSS navigation processor, a motion detector, a correlation processor, a triangulation processor, and a verified location display. The method of the present technology comprises: (A) obtaining a set of GNSS processor position fixes by using the GNSS navigation processor; (B) obtaining a set of motion-related data of the smart phone by using the motion detector; and (C) correlating the set of GNSS processor position fixes associated with the smart phone and the set of motion-related data associated with the smart phone and obtaining a set of GNSS correlation data. If the set of GNSS processor position fixes based on the set of GNSS correlation data is verified, the GNSS navigation processor is used for navigation; whereas if the set of GNSS processor position fixes based on the set of GNSS correlation data is not verified, the motion detector aided by triangulation processor is used for navigation.

Abstract: A laser light receiver used to detect pulsed laser light that is produced by a rotating laser light source on a construction jobsite is disclosed. In this manner, the laser receiver acts as an elevation detector and provides an equipment operator, or a construction worker, with the current elevation status with respect to the plane of laser light. The laser receiver is a unitary device that can detect multiple light frequencies/wavelengths, including laser beams that are in the green, red, and infrared spectra. The laser receiver also is capable of discriminating between such laser beams and other interference light sources, particularly fluorescent light sources.

Abstract: A method and system for efficient extended data communications using a GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) carrier network. In a communications system having a server and client device coupled by a GPRS network, a communication session is initiated by the client. A combination of data packet transmission frequency adjustment and the transmission of “keep alive” packets are used to prevent carrier network time-out of the communication session. In multiple server environments such as those using load sharing, a queuing mechanism is provided for outbound messages to client devices.

Abstract: A method of resection-based positioning of a rotating fan beam transmitter is provided. The fan beam is rotating about a single axis of rotation. The rotating fan beam is being detected in a detector space including a detector cluster further including a plurality of detectors. The single axis of rotation intersects a reference plane in the detector space at an arbitrary angle. The method comprises: (A) detecting the rotating fan beam by using a plurality of detectors; (B) processing a set of detection signals to obtain a set of time-strike tags; and (C) determining the axis of rotation of the rotating fan beam in the detector space by using the set of time-strike tags. At least minimum number of detectors is stricken by the rotating fan beam. Each stricken detector generates a detection signal having a time-strike tag corresponding to a timing coordinate of the strike by the rotating fan beam.

Abstract: Inertial navigation systems for wheeled vehicles with constrained motion degrees of freedom are described. Various parts of the navigation systems may be implemented in a smart-phone.

Abstract: A system for determining the dimensional coordinates of a point of interest in a work space, includes a plurality of fixed-position ranging radios, located at known positions in the work space, and a wand having a first end configured for indicating a point of interest. A pair of ranging radios are mounted on the wand. A measurement circuit, responsive to the pair of ranging radios, determines the position of each of the pair of ranging radios with respect to the plurality of fixed-position ranging radios, and determines the position of the first end of the wand with respect to the plurality of fixed position ranging radios. A robotic total station may be used in lieu of the fixed-position ranging radios to monitor the positions of retroreflective elements on the wand.

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.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented for determining position a GNSS rover antenna from single-frequency observations of GNSS signals collected at the antenna over multiple epochs and from correction data for at least one of the epochs. Coded raw data prepared from the single-frequency observations in a binary format are obtained and decoded to obtain decoded raw data. The decoded raw data are used to construct multiple epochs of measurement data of time, range and phase. Correction data are obtained for at least one of the epochs. The measurement data are processed with the correction data in a realtime kinematic positioning engine to obtain a position estimate for each of a plurality of epochs.

Abstract: A method of communicating satellite tracking information among a network of global navigation satellite system receivers is described. The method includes determining at a first GNSS receiver which satellites in a constellation of satellites have been continuously tracked over a preceding selected time period, and for each such satellite determining its elevation with respect to the zenith. Only the elevation value for the lowest satellite in the set of satellites for which all satellites of higher elevation values have been continuously tracked over the selected time period is then transmitted to the second GNSS receiver. That receiver can then reconstruct the set of satellites which have been continuously tracked.

Abstract: A method for managing information at a construction site is disclosed. In one embodiment, task data is received from a handheld tool at a construction site. A database is populated with the task data such that the task data can be retrieved from the database. The task data is then used to generate at least one report.

Abstract: A method for reporting as-built data of a project is disclosed. In one embodiment, at least one attribute of a task perform by a handheld tool is recorded at the handheld tool. The attribute of the at least one task is reported via a wireless communication link to an information management system. The at least one attribute of the task is used to update a record of a project stored at the information management system.

Abstract: A method for positioning a handheld tool is disclosed. In one embodiment, information is received at a handheld tool for positioning a working end of the handheld tool at a desired position. Information is also received at the handheld tool for aligning the handheld tools at the desired position.

Abstract: A method for conveying application information for power tools is disclosed. In one embodiment, information describing a task which is to be performed by a handheld tool is accessed. In one embodiment, the handheld tool is a power tool. Based upon the information describing the task, at least one operating parameter for performing the task is conveyed to the handheld tool. The handheld tool is then configured with the at least one operating parameter prior to initiating the task.

Abstract: A method of automated handheld tool task verification is disclosed. In one embodiment, at least one operating parameter for performing a task is received at a handheld tool. It is then verified at the handheld tool that it is configured with the at least one operating parameter. The handheld tool then generates data verifying that the task was performed in accordance with the at least one operating parameter.

Abstract: A method for integrating position information is disclosed. In one embodiment, the position data of an object embedded in a material at a worksite is recorded. The position data is used to update a record showing the position of the object as an embedded object. The position of the embedded object is displayed at a handheld tool.

Abstract: A system is disclosed which provides real-time detection of hazardous driving behavior. The system collects information about the motion of a vehicle along a path, for example, using a global positioning satellite system receiver. Roadside signs along the path are detected and their content determined. That information is compared with information about the motion of the vehicle to provide information with regard to potentially hazardous driving behavior.