Abstract: A watermark image may be generated that includes a first set of encoded pixels each of which is assigned a first transparency value and a second set of encoded pixels each of which is assigned a second transparency value, the second transparency level being different from the first transparency level. The encoded pixels may be distributed among a set of blank pixels such that each encoded pixel neighbors one or more blank pixels in the watermark image, and in particular at least two blank pixels in the watermark image. Herein, each blank pixel may be assigned the second transparency value. The watermark image may be overlaid and blended over a background source image to create an encoded source image. A decoder system may recover encoded information from the encoded source image.

Abstract: A watermark image may be generated that includes a first set of encoded pixels each of which is assigned a first transparency value and a second set of encoded pixels each of which is assigned a second transparency value, the second transparency level being different from the first transparency level. The encoded pixels may be distributed among a set of blank pixels such that each encoded pixel neighbors one or more blank pixels in the watermark image, and in particular at least two blank pixels in the watermark image. Herein, each blank pixel may be assigned the second transparency value. The watermark image may be overlaid and blended over a background source image to create an encoded source image. A decoder system may recover encoded information from the encoded source image.

Abstract: A watermark image may be generated that includes a first set of encoded pixels each of which is assigned a first transparency value and a second set of encoded pixels each of which is assigned a second transparency value, the second transparency level being different from the first transparency level. The encoded pixels may be distributed among a set of blank pixels such that each encoded pixel neighbors one or more blank pixels in the watermark image, and in particular at least two blank pixels in the watermark image. Herein, each blank pixel may be assigned the second transparency value. The watermark image may be overlaid and blended over a background source image to create an encoded source image. A decoder system may recover encoded information from the encoded source image.

Abstract: A watermark image may be generated that includes a first set of encoded pixels each of which is assigned a first transparency value and a second set of encoded pixels each of which is assigned a second transparency value, the second transparency level being different from the first transparency level. The encoded pixels may be distributed among a set of blank pixels such that each encoded pixel neighbors one or more blank pixels in the watermark image, and in particular at least two blank pixels in the watermark image. Herein, each blank pixel may be assigned the second transparency value. The watermark image may be overlaid and blended over a background source image to create an encoded source image. A decoder system may recover encoded information from the encoded source image.

Abstract: A watermark image may be generated that includes a first set of encoded pixels each of which is assigned a first transparency value and a second set of encoded pixels each of which is assigned a second transparency value, the second transparency level being different from the first transparency level. The encoded pixels may be distributed among a set of blank pixels such that each encoded pixel neighbors one or more blank pixels in the watermark image, and in particular at least two blank pixels in the watermark image. Herein, each blank pixel may be assigned the second transparency value. The watermark image may be overlaid and blended over a background source image to create an encoded source image. A decoder system may recover encoded information from the encoded source image.

Abstract: A watermark image may be generated that includes a first set of encoded pixels each of which is assigned a first transparency value and a second set of encoded pixels each of which is assigned a second transparency value, the second transparency level being different from the first transparency level. The encoded pixels may be distributed among a set of blank pixels such that each encoded pixel neighbors one or more blank pixels in the watermark image, and in particular at least two blank pixels in the watermark image. Herein, each blank pixel may be assigned the second transparency value. The watermark image may be overlaid and blended over a background source image to create an encoded source image. A decoder system may recover encoded information from the encoded source image.

Abstract: A method for managing haul routes in work environments comprises collecting performance data associated with a machine operating in a work environment. The method also includes determining a drive axle torque of the machine and estimating a total effective grade associated with the machine based on the drive axle torque. The estimated total effective grade is compared with a threshold level and, if the estimated total effective grade exceeds the threshold level, a design performance of the machine may be simulated based on the calculated total effective grade. Design performance data is compared with the collected performance data, and a payload limit of the machine is adjusted if the design performance is inconsistent with collected performance data.

Abstract: A method for managing haul routes in work environments comprises receiving performance criteria associated with a haul route and establishing a target total effective grade for at least one machine associated with the haul route based on the performance criteria. The method also includes collecting performance data associated with the at least one machine. A drive axle torque of the at least one machine is determined and an actual total effective grade associated with the at least one machine is estimated. The at least one machine is identified as an underperforming machine if the actual total effective grade for the at least one machine exceeds the target total effective grade. An average total effective grade for the at least one machine is determined as a function of the actual total effective grade. A haul route deficiency is identified if the average total effective grade exceeds a threshold level.

Abstract: An asset management system is provided. The system may include one or more data collection devices configured to monitor one or more operating conditions of a leased machine. At least one of the one or more data collection devices may be configured to directly monitor operation of at least one component of the machine to determine the harshness with which the machine is operated. The system may also include a processor configured to receive data from the one or more data collection devices. The processor may also be configured to determine a value of the machine based on the data from the one or more data collection devices. The processor may be further configured to determine fees associated with the lease in real time based on the data from the one or more data collection devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for project-oriented job-site management. According to one embodiment, a system is disclosed for managing a project environment including a work machine performing operations associated with a project included in the project environment. The system may include a project management system configured to store a first set of project specifications for the project in a storage device, receive operation data from the work machine reflecting the operations of the work machine, analyze the operation data to determine the status of the work machine, and generate a second set of project specifications based on the status of the work machine. The system may also include a project subscriber configured to receive the second set of project specifications from the project management system and determine an action to be taken with the work machine based on the status of the work machine.

Abstract: A computer system for estimating the cost of a future project is disclosed. The computer system has a console, at least one input device, and a central processing unit in communication with the console and the at least one input device. The central processing unit is configured to receive one or more parameters of a future project via the at least one input device and determine an equipment solution that satisfies the parameters of the future project. The central processing unit is also configured to analyze historic data automatically collected by equipment encompassed by the equipment solution and estimate a cost of implementing the equipment solution to complete the future project, based on the analysis. The central processing unit is further configured to calculate the cost of the future project based on the estimated cost of implementing the equipment solution.

Abstract: An asset management system is provided. The system may include one or more data collection devices configured to monitor one or more operating conditions of a work machine. The system may also include a processor configured to receive data from the one or more data collection devices and predict a cost to maintain the work machine in the future based on the data from the one or more data collection devices. The processor may also be configured to compare the predicted cost to maintain the work machine to a depreciated value of the work machine to determine a time for replacement of the work machine.

Abstract: A method for determining an outcome of a business decision. The method may include creating a hierarchical map of a business and generating a computer simulation of the business based on the hierarchical map. The method may also include identifying an action and using the computer simulation to determine an effect that the action has on the business. The method may further include conveying the effect to a customer.

Abstract: A method for managing a plurality of machines may include producing a service recommendation based on status information related to the machines, and automatically generating an electronic service order for the service recommendation. The method may also include sending the electronic service order to an entity to fulfill the electronic service order.