Abstract: A method of lifting device collision avoidance is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises determining a three dimensional position of a collision avoidance sensor unit coupled with a load line of a first lifting device, the determining performed by a first global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver coupled with a housing of the collision avoidance sensor unit, generating a geofence for the first lifting device based at least in part on the collision avoidance sensor unit position, monitoring for a collision related hazard indicated by encroachment between the first geofence and a second geofence associated with a second lifting device and initiating at least one collision hazard avoidance action in response to a monitored occurrence of the collision related hazard.

Abstract: This application discloses a GNSS reference apparatus having a vector error generator and a reference data server. The vector error generator generates one or more sequences of keyed intentional errors made confidential with confidential error keys, and then combines the sequences to generate a sequence of reference erroneous positions. The reference data server issues GNSS position-determination reference data based on the reference erroneous positions where the keyed intentional errors for at least one of the confidential sequences are reversible with confidential access to the corresponding confidential error key for determining a GNSS-based position.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tower crane load locator and sway indicator includes: a plurality of RFID tags at different locations on or around the crane; at least two RFID readers at different locations on the crane; a navigation satellite system (NSS) position receiver; and a load information interface. The RFID readers comprise a range determiner to provide range measurements between each of the RFID readers and each of the RFID tags. The sway determiner is coupled with a hook block of the crane. The NSS position receiver is coupled with the crane and comprises an antenna fixedly coupled with approximately the front of a jib of the crane. The load information interface combines information from range measurements, the sway determiner and the NSS position receiver to generate location and sway information of the load with respect to the crane and provide this information in a user accessible format.

Abstract: An electronic rod reader and field notebook is disclosed. In one embodiment, the electronic rod reader and field notebook comprises an image capture device for capturing an image through the eyepiece of an auto-level. The electronic rod reader and field notebook further comprises logic implemented by a processor of the electronic rod reader for automatically recognizing a crosshair viewed through the eyepiece of the auto-level, for automatically comparing the crosshair against a scale of a standard grade rod viewed through the eyepiece of the auto-level, and for automatically determining an elevation of the standard grade rod based upon the comparing. The electronic rod reader and field notebook further comprises a non-transitory computer readable data storage medium coupled with the processor for storing the elevation as a first reading.

Abstract: A method of communicating corrections for information related to satellite signals among global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receivers is described. The method includes at a first GNSS device determining a component of position of a satellite. The component is then divided by a first value to thereby obtain an integer value and a remainder value, and the only the remainder value is transmitted from the first GNSS device to the second GNSS device. Knowing the first value, the second GNSS device calculates the component of position.

Abstract: A method of image-based positioning is provided. The method comprises: (A) providing an image-capturing device integrated with an object; (B) providing a pattern-generating device configured to generate a set of patterns; (C) locating the pattern-generating device in a field of view (FOV) of the image-capturing device and capturing an image of the pattern-generating device; (D) generating at least one set of pattern data by using the captured image of the pattern-generating device; and (E) processing each set of generated pattern data by using in order to generate an altitude and/or angular coordinates of the object.

Abstract: A method for monitoring movement of a surface using ground based radar interferometry measurements includes identifying micro climates on the surface and determining boundaries of the micro climates on the surface. One or more first sensors are arranged at a measurement site for measuring first atmospheric conditions at the measurement site. One or more additional sensors are arranged in each of the micro climates for measuring atmospheric conditions in the micro climates. An atmospheric correction is determined for each of the micro climates. The atmospheric correction for each micro climate is based on the first atmospheric conditions at the measurement site and the atmospheric conditions at the micro climate. The ground based radar interferometry measurements are performed across the surface, and the ground based radar interferometry measurements within the boundary of each micro climate are corrected using the atmospheric correction for the micro climate.

Abstract: A method includes providing a processor, obtaining an image of a scene including one or more objects, and presenting, using the processor, the image of the scene to a user. The method also includes receiving a geometry type associated with one of the one or more objects, receiving a set of inputs from the user related to the one of the one or more objects, and determining, using the processor, a centerline of the one of the one or more objects. The method further includes measuring, using the processor and inputs from the user, two or more coordinate positions along the centerline, receiving a dimension associated with the one of the one or more objects, and creating, using the processor, a 3D solid model using the geometry type, the dimension, the set of inputs, and the two or more coordinate positions.

Abstract: Agricultural rate adjustments performed by autopilots or farm information displays help eliminate guesswork and improve farm efficiency.

Abstract: In a method of establishing the location of a pair construction points for a stud in a building, the points are defined by x and y coordinates. A beam of laser light is used to determine a z coordinate of each of the pair of construction points on surfaces of the building. The construction points are established by directing a beam of laser light toward defined x and y coordinate locations and establishing the z coordinate location of the construction points on building surfaces that have the defined x and y coordinates.

Abstract: Active imaging systems for plant growth monitoring acquire images in which each pixel represents an absolute NDVI value obtained with active illumination.

Abstract: An application programming interface (API) is provided for use with a modeling software. The API allows users at several devices operating on a network to collaboratively develop a model of an object or a group of objects. The API receives an indication that a selected component has been modified by the modeling software in accordance user commands, generates component data indicative of the modifications of the selected component, and causes an update indication to be transmitted to a collaboration server via a communication network to synchronize the selected component between the first computing device and a second computing device. The update indication may include a component identifier, such that the component identifier uniquely identifies the selected component in the model.

Abstract: A method for matching a region on an object of interest with a geolocation in a coordinate system is disclosed. In one embodiment, an image of a region on an object of interest is captured on an image capture device. The image is processed to detect a located feature using a feature detection algorithm. Further processing of the located feature is performed to derive a first feature descriptor using a feature descriptor extraction algorithm. The feature descriptor is stored in a memory. A database of feature descriptors having geolocation information associated with the feature descriptors is searched for a match to the first feature descriptor. The geolocation information is then made available for access.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented for improved productivity in determining static position of an antenna of a GNSS rover, such as in stop-and-go surveying. Computer-implemented methods and apparatus provide for determining a static position of an antenna of a GNSS rover from observations of GNSS signals collected at the antenna over multiple epochs and from correction data for at least one of the epochs.

Abstract: A method for tracking an entity is disclosed. In one embodiment, a plurality of messages conveying an identification of an entity are received using a wireless identification component. A geographic location of the wireless identification component is determined by a position determining component wherein the geographic location describes a respective geographic location of the wireless identification component when each of the plurality of messages is received. A geographic position of the entity is determined based upon a known spatial relationship between the position determining component and the wireless identification component.

Abstract: A method for establishing an approximate number of persons in an area of interest comprises providing a request to one or more communications providers that cover an area of interest. The request is for a listing of any mobile communication devices located within the area of interest. The listing of any mobile communication devices located within the area of interest is utilized to establish an approximate number of persons in the area of interest.

Abstract: A method for improving a data collection process is provided. The method comprises: (A) providing at least one Data Generation device, whereas each Data Generation device is configured to obtain a set of data; (B) attaching an ID tag to at least one Data Generation device; whereas each ID tag includes an externally readable code; and (C) employing a Data Collection device having an ID tag reader configured to identify at least one Data Generation device by reading the externally readable code corresponding to its ID tag; whereas the Data Collection device is located within the pre-determined range from the Data Generation device; and whereas the Data Generation device is configured to transmit a set of data to the Data Collection device.

Abstract: A method of projecting an image onto a viewing surface uses scanning projector, such as a laser-beam-steering pico projector, which scans a laser beam across the viewing surface. Each pixel area on the viewing surface which is included within images defined by a high intensity display digital video data, and each pixel area on the viewing surface which is included within images defined by a low intensity display digital video data are scanned. The projector beam illuminates each pixel area on the viewing surface which is included within images defined by the high intensity display digital video data for a greater period of time than is spent illuminating each pixel area on the viewing surface which is included within images defined by other digital video data.

Abstract: In a method for asset management, a transmission of information is received from a first reporting source about an asset and a transmission of information from is received from a second reporting source about the asset. The second reporting source uses a different means of transmission than the first reporting source. A database is 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 collected from the database. A computer system, accessing the database, generates an asset information report comprising at least a portion of information from the first reporting source and at least a portion of information from the second reporting source.