Patents by Inventor Gregory C. Best
Gregory C. Best has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20240014498Abstract: A receiver assembly or top unit for use in a survey system. A quick release assembly or interface, which is designed for simple construction and no moving parts, is provided in the receiver housing and battery pack that includes a pair of magnets such that the receiver housing is attached to the battery pack via magnetic attraction or forces rather than with threaded connections or a more complex disconnect with multiple moving parts. Each magnet is a permanent magnet that is programmed or encoded with multi-poles or patterns. The magnets are affixed to or within the receiver housing and battery pack such that an attractive magnetic force is generated between the two magnets only when the two housings are properly aligned. A small amount of rotation from this aligned configuration causes the two magnets to generate repelling or repulsion forces that facilitate ready disassembly or removal of the battery pack.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2022Publication date: January 11, 2024Inventor: Gregory C. Best
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Patent number: 11867510Abstract: A navigation system useful for providing speed and heading and other navigational data to a drive system of a moving body, e.g., a vehicle body or a mobile robot, to navigate through a space. The navigation system integrates an inertial navigation system, e.g., a unit or system based on an inertial measurement unit (IMU). with a vision-based navigation system unit or system such that the inertial navigation system can provide real time navigation data and the vision-based navigation can provide periodic, but more accurate, navigation data that is used to correct the inertial navigation system's output. The navigation system was designed with the goal in mind of providing low effort integration of inertial and video data. The methods and devices used in the new navigation system address problems associated with high accuracy dead reckoning systems (such as a typical vision-based navigation system) and enhance performance with low cost IMUs.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2020Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: Trimble Inc.Inventors: Gregory C. Best, Peter Van Wyck Loomis
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Patent number: 11536857Abstract: A surveying pole is part of a primary surveying system (e.g., a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) or a total station). Cameras are mounted to the surveying pole and used for ground tracking as the survey pole is moved from a place where the primary surveying system is unimpeded to an environment where the primary surveying system is impaired (e.g., to a GNSS-impaired environment or to a position that is blocked from view of the total station). Using ground tracking and/or other sensors, surveying can be continued even though the primary surveying system is impaired.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2019Date of Patent: December 27, 2022Assignee: Trimble Inc.Inventors: Gregory C. Best, Shawn Weisenburger
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Patent number: 11175134Abstract: A surveying pole is part of a primary surveying system (e.g., a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) or a total station). Cameras are mounted to the surveying pole and used for ground tracking as the survey pole is moved from a place where the primary surveying system is unimpeded to an environment where the primary surveying system is impaired (e.g., to a GNSS-impaired environment or to a position that is blocked from view of the total station). Using ground tracking and/or other sensors, surveying can be continued even though the primary surveying system is impaired.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2019Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: Trimble Inc.Inventors: Shawn Weisenburger, Gregory C. Best
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Patent number: 11175170Abstract: Methods and systems for estimating volumes of agricultural crops are provided. A geographic position sensor provides positions of a harvesting machine as it gathers an agricultural crop and places the crop on the ground in a windrow. A speed of the harvesting machine is determined using the geographic position sensor. Signals are received from a sensor system disposed at a bottom of the harvesting machine. The signals are indicative of profiles of segments of the windrow on the ground. Cross-sectional areas of the windrow are estimated using the signals. Volumes of the agricultural crop are estimated using the speed of the harvesting machine and the estimated cross-sectional areas of the windrow.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2018Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: Trimble Inc.Inventors: Arthur Francis Lange, Daniel Ramos, Uriel Aparecido Rosa, Gregory C. Best
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Publication number: 20210190969Abstract: A surveying pole is part of a primary surveying system (e.g., a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) or a total station). Cameras are mounted to the surveying pole and used for ground tracking as the survey pole is moved from a place where the primary surveying system is unimpeded to an environment where the primary surveying system is impaired (e.g., to a GNSS-impaired environment or to a position that is blocked from view of the total station). Using ground tracking and/or other sensors, surveying can be continued even though the primary surveying system is impaired.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2019Publication date: June 24, 2021Inventors: Gregory C. Best, Shawn Weisenburger
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Publication number: 20210190488Abstract: A surveying pole is part of a primary surveying system (e.g., a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) or a total station). Cameras are mounted to the surveying pole and used for ground tracking as the survey pole is moved from a place where the primary surveying system is unimpeded to an environment where the primary surveying system is impaired (e.g., to a GNSS-impaired environment or to a position that is blocked from view of the total station). Using ground tracking and/or other sensors, surveying can be continued even though the primary surveying system is impaired.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2019Publication date: June 24, 2021Inventors: Shawn Weisenburger, Gregory C. Best
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Publication number: 20210033401Abstract: A navigation system useful for providing speed and heading and other navigational data to a drive system of a moving body, e.g., a vehicle body or a mobile robot, to navigate through a space. The navigation system integrates an inertial navigation system, e.g., a unit or system based on an inertial measurement unit (IMU). with a vision-based navigation system unit or system such that the inertial navigation system can provide real time navigation data and the vision-based navigation can provide periodic, but more accurate, navigation data that is used to correct the inertial navigation system's output. The navigation system was designed with the goal in mind of providing low effort integration of inertial and video data. The methods and devices used in the new navigation system address problems associated with high accuracy dead reckoning systems (such as a typical vision-based navigation system) and enhance performance with low cost IMUs.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2020Publication date: February 4, 2021Inventors: Gregory C. Best, Peter Van Wyck Loomis
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Patent number: 10845198Abstract: A navigation system useful for providing speed and heading and other navigational data to a drive system of a moving body, e.g., a vehicle body or a mobile robot, to navigate through a space. The navigation system integrates an inertial navigation system, e.g., a unit or system based on an inertial measurement unit (IMU). with a vision-based navigation system unit or system such that the inertial navigation system can provide real time navigation data and the vision-based navigation can provide periodic, but more accurate, navigation data that is used to correct the inertial navigation system's output. The navigation system was designed with the goal in mind of providing low effort integration of inertial and video data. The methods and devices used in the new navigation system address problems associated with high accuracy dead reckoning systems (such as a typical vision-based navigation system) and enhance performance with low cost IMUs.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2018Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: Trimble Inc.Inventors: Gregory C. Best, Peter Van Wyck Loomis
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Publication number: 20200141784Abstract: Methods and systems for estimating volumes of agricultural crops are provided. A geographic position sensor provides positions of a harvesting machine as it gathers an agricultural crop and places the crop on the ground in a windrow. A speed of the harvesting machine is determined using the geographic position sensor. Signals are received from a sensor system disposed at a bottom of the harvesting machine. The signals are indicative of profiles of segments of the windrow on the ground. Cross-sectional areas of the windrow are estimated using the signals. Volumes of the agricultural crop are estimated using the speed of the harvesting machine and the estimated cross-sectional areas of the windrow.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2018Publication date: May 7, 2020Inventors: Arthur Francis Lange, Daniel Ramos, Uriel Aparecido Rosa, Gregory C. Best
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Publication number: 20180266828Abstract: A navigation system useful for providing speed and heading and other navigational data to a drive system of a moving body, e.g., a vehicle body or a mobile robot, to navigate through a space. The navigation system integrates an inertial navigation system, e.g., a unit or system based on an inertial measurement unit (IMU). with a vision-based navigation system unit or system such that the inertial navigation system can provide real time navigation data and the vision-based navigation can provide periodic, but more accurate, navigation data that is used to correct the inertial navigation system's output. The navigation system was designed with the goal in mind of providing low effort integration of inertial and video data. The methods and devices used in the new navigation system address problems associated with high accuracy dead reckoning systems (such as a typical vision-based navigation system) and enhance performance with low cost IMUs.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2018Publication date: September 20, 2018Inventors: GREGORY C. BEST, PETER VAN WYCK LOOMIS
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Patent number: 10030358Abstract: A method and system for non-contact location and orientation determination for an implement coupled with a mobile machine. One example detects an orientation of a recognized feature of an implement with a sensor mounted at a fixed location on the mobile machine. A range from the sensor to the recognized feature of the implement is also determined. In addition, a known operating envelope of the implement coupled with the mobile machine is accessed. The known operating envelope of the implement is then combined with the orientation and the range from the sensor to determine a position of the implement with respect to the mobile machine.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2014Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: Trimble Inc.Inventors: Gregory Craig Wallace, Gregory C. Best, Mark Nichols, Scott Crozier
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Patent number: 9710919Abstract: A method of image-tracking by using an image capturing device (12). The method comprises: performing an image-capture of a scene (54) by using an image capturing device; and tracking movement (62) of the image capturing device (12) by analyzing a set of images by using an image processing algorithm (64).Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2015Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: Trimble Inc.Inventors: Hongbo Teng, Gregory C. Best, Sy Bor Wang
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Patent number: 9683832Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for image based positioning comprising capturing a first image with an image capturing device. Wherein said first image includes at least one object. Moving the platform and capturing a second image with the image capturing device. The second image including the at least one object. Capturing in the first image an image of a surface; capturing in the second image a second image of the surface. Processing the plurality of images of the object and the surface using a combined feature based process and surface tracking process to track the location of the surface. Finally, determining the location of the platform by processing the combined feature based process and surface based process.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2014Date of Patent: June 20, 2017Assignee: Trimble Inc.Inventors: Sy Bor Wang, Hongbo Teng, Gregory C. Best, Omar Pierre Soubra, Bruno M. Scherzinger, Peter Glen France, James M. Janky
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Patent number: 9521517Abstract: 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. In response to receipt of information that indicates a mobile communication device on the listing has departed the area of interest, the listing is updated to show the mobile communication device is clear of the area of interest.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2016Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Assignee: Trimble Navigation LimitedInventor: Gregory C. Best
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Patent number: 9470511Abstract: A method for performing point-to-point measurements includes (i) determining a distance to a first point and obtaining an image at a first pose, and (ii) determining a distance to a second point and obtaining an image at a second pose. The images have an overlapping portion. A change in pose between the first pose and the second pose is determined using observed changes between common features in the overlapping portion of the images and a scale associated with the images. A distance between the first point and the second point is determined based on the first distance, the second distance, and the change in pose between the first pose and the second pose.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2013Date of Patent: October 18, 2016Assignee: Trimble Navigation LimitedInventors: Kurtis Maynard, Gregory C. Best, Robert Hanks, Hongbo Teng
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Publication number: 20160165394Abstract: 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. In response to receipt of information that indicates a mobile communication device on the listing has departed the area of interest, the listing is updated to show the mobile communication device is clear of the area of interest.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2016Publication date: June 9, 2016Inventor: Gregory C. Best
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Publication number: 20160159620Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2016Publication date: June 9, 2016Inventors: John F. Cameron, Kurtis L. Maynard, Curt A. Conquest, Gregory C. Best
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Patent number: 9354045Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2011Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: Trimble Navigation LimitedInventor: Gregory C. Best
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Patent number: 9352940Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2016Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: Trimble Navigation LimitedInventors: John F. Cameron, Kurtis L. Maynard, Curt A. Conquest, Gregory C. Best