Abstract: Disclosed are novel interconnections of a coupling circuit and an energy storage device which enables the storage device to provide back-up power for a switching power supply without requiring the device to store or output high voltage, and which enables full utilization of the energy stored in the device. In exemplary embodiments, the combination of the coupling circuit and the energy storage device may be coupled between the input and output of the switching power supply (e.g., between the non-ground terminals of the input and output ports of the switching power supply). The coupling circuit is configured to couple power from the energy storage device to the input of the switching power supply when the input power source is not provided to the switching power supply, and optionally to couple power from the input power source to the energy storage device when the input power source is provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for estimating parameters, i.e. ambiguities, derived from GNSS signals. Observations of GNSS signals are obtained from each of a plurality of GNSS satellites (120). The observations are fed to a filter having a state vector at least comprising a float ambiguity for each received frequency of the GNSS signals (140). The filter estimates float value for each float ambiguity of the state vector. Integer values are assigned to at least a subgroup of the estimated float values to define a plurality of integer ambiguity candidate sets (160). A first number of candidate sets is selected having a quality measure better than a first threshold, wherein the first threshold is determined based on a reference quality measure of a reference candidate set (180). A weighted average of the selected candidate sets is formed, each candidate set weighted in the weighted average based on its quality measure (200).

Abstract: A method of communicating corrections for information related to satellite signals among global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receivers is described. An ionosphere correction for ionosphere signal path delay is determined for a first satellite. This ionosphere correction is then compared to an ionosphere correction for ionosphere signal path delay for a satellite assumed to be directly over the receiver. The receiver then sends a message which includes only the difference between the ionosphere correction for the actual observation and the ionosphere correction for a satellite assumed to be at the zenith.

Abstract: Embodiments provided herein recite methods and systems for position determination based on hybrid pseudorange solution data. In one embodiment, navigation satellite system (NSS) pseudorange data is received for high yield pseudoranges. In addition, NSS pseudorange data is received for high accuracy pseudoranges. The high accuracy pseudoranges and selected ones of the high yield pseudoranges utilized by a hybrid PVT processor to determine a hybrid NSS-based location solution.

Abstract: A system and method for site calibration of a controller is provided. In one embodiment, a method may include determining coordinates of a point in a first coordinate system based on at least one measurement by a surveying device, determining coordinates of the point in a second coordinate system based on data provided by a global positioning device, and calculating a transformation of the first coordinate system relative to the second coordinate system based on the coordinates determined for the point. The method may further include calibrating the controller based, at least in part, on the transformation.

Abstract: A format for providing messages among GNSS apparatus includes providing a message identification block and a message body. The message identification block includes information specifying a message length and a message type block specifying a message type. Rather than sending all data from one apparatus to another, ambiguous observation data is sent to conserve bandwidth. At the sender a deconstruction of GNSS code and carrier observations using knowledge of the signal structure and constellation geometry, together with simplifications of atmospheric models, allows removal from the observation data of that information which can be implicitly understood or recreated by the recipient. This enables only the necessary information to be packed for transmission to the recipient.

Abstract: The location of one of a series of construction points at an indoor construction site is established using a robotic total station and a handheld device. Construction data is inputted into the handheld device with the construction data defining a plurality of construction points at the construction site. One of the plurality of construction points is selected with the handheld device. Data regarding the selected construction point is then transmitted wirelessly from the handheld device to a robotic total station. The robotic total station generates a beam of laser light, and directs the beam of laser light from the robotic total station to the construction point. The construction point is defined by x and y coordinates, and by an assumed z coordinate. The actual z coordinate is that of a point on a horizontal surface, such as a ceiling or floor, having the same x and y coordinates. Through an iterative process, the location of the construction point is established.

Abstract: In a position determining system that includes a position determining component such as a GPS receiver, and a controller, the system is made geographically dependent by providing a memory with geographic information to which position information from the position determining component is compared to determine whether the system is being used outside the permissible geographic region.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention recite a method and system for creating a flexible Geographic Information Systems (GIS) network. In one embodiment, a data dictionary is assigned to a mobile electronic device. In one embodiment, the data dictionary comprises a definition of at least one desired GIS feature type which was not originally intended to be recordable by the mobile electronic device. The method further comprises uploading the data dictionary onto the mobile electronic device.

Abstract: A method of eliminating user position biases caused by satellite constellation changes or differential signal gain/loss is provided. The method comprises: (A) substantially continuously determining an unbiased user's position by using a radio receiver”; (B) detecting a “detectable event” by using the radio receiver; (C) measuring a bias caused by the detectable event; (D) performing an update process by accumulating each bias caused by at least one detectable event to generate an accumulated bias; and (E) eliminating the accumulated bias at each Epoch by using a correction process.

Abstract: Systems and methods for inventory round slot classification are described. The method includes transmitting, to zero or more RFID tags, a message during a slot of an inventory round and receiving a response from at least some of the zero or more RFID tags. The method also includes analyzing a received response for the presence of the pilot tone and classifying a respective slot in response to the analysis.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention recite a method and system for limiting the functionality of a mobile electronic device. In one embodiment, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver configured to determine a GNSS Doppler frequency shift measurement corresponding to a GNSS signal. A control component is configured to control an operation of the mobile electronic device in response to a control signal which is generated when the GNSS Doppler frequency shift measurement is used to determine that the speed of the mobile electronic device exceeds a speed threshold.

Abstract: A mountable reporting source comprising a controller coupled with an interrogating component configured for automatically receiving an identifier which is unique to an asset. A position determining component coupled with the controller is configured for determining a geographic location of the mountable reporting source. A merge asset information enabling communications component is coupled with the controller and is configured for transmitting a message conveying the identifier, the geographic location and a first portion of information about the asset. The mountable reporting source is associated with the asset based on the characteristics of the asset and the objectives of the construction project. An asset management system is enabled to merge the first portion of information about the asset reported by the mountable reporting source with a second portion of information about the asset reported by another reporting source.

Abstract: A radio device such as a wireless tag reader communicates with multiple types of wireless identification tags in a monitored region. The radio device includes a network interface to receive messages transmitted over a network. In response to receiving a message indicating to reconfigure the radio device to support an additional wireless tag protocol, the radio is reconfigured to support communications with a corresponding new type of wireless identification tag in a monitored region. Based on this technique of reconfiguring the radio device via network messages, the radio device optionally supports additional, new or latest versions of wireless tag protocols without having to physically reprogram or replace the radio device.

Abstract: A reference beam generator has first, second, and third projection turrets for projecting first, second, and third fan beams of laser light, respectively. The first, second, and third fan beams of laser light are oriented normal to each other. The turrets may be rotated such that each of said fan beams can each be rotated about an axis that is normal to the plane in which the fan beam is projected. The generator may be used to project a number of reference points and lines on multiple surfaces.

Abstract: An in-vehicle system comprises a location unit, a frequency selection unit, and a receiving unit. Frequency tuning data is loaded into the selection unit. The frequency tuning data includes a radio signal reception area for each unique frequency in the tuning data. The location unit determines the system location and passes the location information to the frequency selection unit. The selection unit selects tuning data for a particular frequency having a signal reception area that encompasses the present vehicle location, and passes the selected data to the receiving unit. The receiving unit uses the selected tuning data to tune the radio signal.

Abstract: A system for measuring angles includes a housing and an imaging device disposed in the housing. The system also includes a first optical element disposed in the housing and configured to receive light propagating from a first target along a first optical path and direct the light toward the imaging device and receive light propagating from a second target along a second optical path and direct the light toward the imaging device. The system further includes a processor in electrical communication with the imaging device and configured to receive data from the imaging device, compute a 360° angular map based on the received data, and determine an angular separation between the first target and the second target.

Abstract: Novel solutions to the challenges of obtaining accurate information about a user's or an organization's carbon footprint. In some cases, these solutions can obtain and/provide feedback about a user's carbon output based on the user's habits and choices. Some solutions are designed to supply services to individuals as well as commercial ventures and for a variety of vehicle fleets, including without limitation construction equipment. In different aspects, systems in accordance with various embodiments enable a variety of types of users to create their own carbon emission generation profile based on vehicle type; track, estimate, and store their emissions in a database; analyze their results and performance, using established methods and metrics and/or automatically update all operating parameters of interest.

Abstract: Tools for synchronizing survey data between one or more survey devices and a surveying office application. The disclosed tools can help to ensure that each of the devices, and the office application, have consistent data. An exemplary tool might detect a change to data in an office application, identify any affected files on one or more survey devices, and ensure that the affected files are updated with the appropriate information. Conversely, in other aspects, a data inconsistency (which might be caused by a data change in the office application and/or on one or more of the survey devices) might be detected, and tools might be provided to enable a user to ensure that the correct version of the data is maintained by the system.