Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for providing encryption of location data transmitted from a wireless device to a wireline network server. In one embodiment, the wireless device encrypts a payload, adds a header to the payload to form a data packet, encrypts the payload and the header of the data packet, and transmits the encrypted data packet.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing of data from GNSS receivers are presented. (1) A real-time GNSS rover-engine, a long distance multi baseline averaging (MBA) method, and a stochastic post-processed accuracy predictor are described. (2) The real-time GNSS rover-engine provides high accuracy position determination (decimeter-level) with short occupation time (2 Minutes) for GIS applications. The long distance multi baseline averaging (MBA) method improves differential-correction accuracy by averaging the position results from several different baselines. This technique provides a higher accuracy than any single baseline solution. It was found, that for long baselines (more than about 250 km), the usage of non-iono-free observables (e.g. L1-only or wide-lane) leads to a higher accuracy with MBA compared to the commonly used iono-free (LC) combination, because of the less noisy observables and the cancellation of the residual ionospheric errors.

Abstract: A method and system obtains precise survey-grade position data of target points in zones where precise GPS data cannot be obtained, due to natural or man-made objects such as foliage and buildings. The system comprises position measurement components such as a GPS receiver, together with an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and an electronic distance meter (EDM) or an image capture device all mounted on a survey pole. The system and method obtains GPS data when outside the zone and uses the other position measurement systems, such as the IMU, inside the zone to traverse to a target point. The EDM or the image capture device may be used within or without the zone to obtain data to reduce accumulated position errors.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detecting inclination employ a point source of light from which light is emitted through a lens toward a reflective surface of a liquid contained in a vessel. Light reflected from the surface passes through the lens to form a defocused image of the point source on a two-dimensional array of detector elements. Data acquired from the array represents intensity of the light incident on each of the detector elements. A center of gravity representing inclination of the vessel is determined from the data.

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).

Abstract: An apparatus for acquiring image and location information includes an antenna comprising an element configured to receive signals for determining the location information, and an imaging device coupled to the antenna and configured to acquire the image information. A virtual perspective center of the imaging device is coincident with the element of the antenna.

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 (1120). 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 (1140). The filter estimates a 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 (1160). A quality measure is determined for each of the candidate sets. The best quality measure of the candidate sets is determined. An expectation value of the candidate set having the best quality measure is determined (1 170). 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 (1180).

Abstract: A system for use with an excavator of the type having a chassis, bucket support elements including a boom extending from the chassis and a dipper stick pivotally mounted on the end of the boom, and an excavator bucket pivotally mounted on the end of the dipper stick, determines the position of the excavator bucket during operation of the excavator at a worksite. The system includes a plurality of fixed ranging radios that are positioned at known locations at the worksite. A pair of ranging radios is mounted on the chassis of the excavator. A third ranging radio is mounted on one of the bucket support elements. A measurement circuit is responsive to the pair of ranging radios and to the third ranging radio, and determines the position and orientation of the excavator chassis, the bucket support elements, and the bucket with respect to the plurality of fixed ranging radios.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for estimating parameters, i.e. ambiguities, derived from GNSS signals. Observations of a GNSS signal from each of a plurality of GNSS satellites are obtained (4120). 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, each float ambiguity constituting a real number estimate associated with an integer number of wavelengths of the GNSS signal between a receiver of the GNSS signal and the GNSS satellite from which it is received, and the filter being for estimating a float value for each float ambiguity of the state vector (4140). A subset of float ambiguities of the state vector is selected (4150). Integer values are assigned to the estimated float values of the float ambiguities of the subset to define a plurality of integer ambiguity candidate sets (4160). A quality measure is determined for each of the candidate sets. A weighted average of the candidate sets is formed (4200).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a positioning device and method for detecting light of fan shaped laser beam, as well as to a positioning system comprising the device and to a light emitting device emitting the fan shaped laser beam, which enable to find a spot of a laser beam easier and quicker. The positioning device comprises a detector for detecting light of a fan shaped laser beam rotating around a propagation axis with a direction of rotation and having two detector elements arranged in a known spatial relation for outputting a detection signal when irradiated; and a position determining unit to obtain a first set of detection signals from the detector elements, determine a first time relation between the detection signals of the first set, and determine a positional relation between the detector and the propagation axis based on the first time relation.

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: The transmitter has a generally flat, circuit board stator, a rotor including a plurality of magnets mounted in a ring around a central opening, and a bearing, supporting the rotor for rotation about an axis that extends through the central opening, A pentaprism assembly including an optics holder is mounted on the rotor for rotation therewith. The pentaprism assembly receives a beam of laser light through the central opening and redirects at least a portion of the laser light outward in a direction normal to the rotation axis. A laser source, mounted on the stator, provides a beam of laser light through the central opening to the pentaprism assembly. The beam of laser light is aligned with the rotation axis. The laser source includes a collimating lens positioned within the rotor. A shield plate of magnetic material beneath the stator exerts a force on the rotor in conjunction with the magnets, taking play out of the bearing.

Abstract: An actuating system for a planting device. The actuating system has an electric motor that provides an actuating force for a seed shaft. A pneumatic acting member is connected to a source of compressed air through a valve and positioned to engage the electric motor to actuate the electric motor. The source of compressed air and electric motor can thus be connected to a controller that operates the source of compressed air and the electric motor in order to provide selective actuation to control planting of the planting device.

Abstract: A combination of a laser transmitter and a laser receiver and a method determine the elevation of the receiver with respect to the transmitter. The laser transmitter includes a a laser light source for providing a beam of laser light and an element for directing the beam. The beam diverges vertically and varies in intensity vertically. A laser receiver includes an array of laser beam detectors for detecting the beam and the variations in the beam intensity in a vertical direction. The vertical position of the laser receiver with respect to the laser transmitter can be determined in this manner. The beam varies in intensity vertically in a predetermined vertical pattern, and the laser receiver detects at least a portion of the pattern defined by the beam such that the portion of the beam detected by the laser receiver may be determined.

Abstract: A method of improving workflow while performing a network adjustment associated with surveying data is disclosed. A first window containing a plan view which graphically displays at least one input is provided. The input is associated with surveying data. A second window contains a report which displays the input in text form is provided. In sync with each other, the plan view and the report are arranged within a GUI to present at least one network adjustment result utilizing the input. A status of at least one network adjustment result is indicated within the plan view and the report, wherein the status may include an error associated with the input. Additionally, interactive analysis capabilities and interactive modification capabilities are provided, wherein a change in the plan view is reflected in the report and a change in the report is reflected in the plan view.

Abstract: A GNSS receiver and method using alternating “A” and “B” time segments for a reception time length of two or more data bits. The GNSS signal in an “A” time period comprising the “A” time segments is integrated for determining “A” magnitudes corresponding to code phase increments and the GNSS signal in a “B” time period comprising the “B” time segments is integrated for determining “B” magnitudes corresponding to code phase increments. A trial-and-error data bit search is performed for depolarizing data bit senses. The code phase increment showing the largest correlation level is used for acquisition of the GNSS signal and/or determination of the location where the GNSS is being received.

Abstract: A method and system obtains precise survey-grade position data of target points in zones where precise GPS data cannot be obtained, due to natural or man-made objects such as foliage and buildings. The system comprises position measurement components such as a GPS receiver, together with an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and an electronic distance meter (EDM) or an image capture device all mounted on a survey pole. The system and method obtains GPS data when outside the zone and uses the other position measurement systems, such as the IMU, inside the zone to traverse to a target point. The EDM or the image capture device may be used within or without the zone to obtain data to reduce accumulated position errors.