Abstract: A method of augmenting a mobile radio positioning system (Mobile_RADPS) by using a stationary fan laser transmitter. A rover comprises the mobile radio positioning system (Mobile_RADPS) integrated with a mobile laser detector. The stationary fan laser transmitter is integrated with a stationary radio positioning system (Stationary_RADPS). The method comprises the following steps: (A)generating a single sloping fan beam by the stationary fan laser transmitter; (B) detecting the single sloping fan beam generated by the stationary fan laser transmitter by using the mobile laser detector; and (C) timing the fan laser beam strike at the rover's location and using the timing of the fan laser beam strike at the rover's location to improve an accuracy in determination of position coordinates of the rover.

Abstract: A self-surveying laser transmitter comprising a laser transmitter configured to generate at least one rotating laser beam and a radio positioning system integrated with the laser transmitter. The radio positioning system is configured to obtain the precise coordinate measurements of the laser transmitter. by utilizing the differential corrections transmitted from the Base Station by using the wireless communication link.

Abstract: A radio and light based 3-D positioning system comprising: a stationary integrated self-positioning radio transceiver/laser transmitter (RTR_LT) configured to receive a first plurality of external radio signals, configured to determine its position coordinates based on the first plurality of received external radio signals, configured to broadcast at least one internal radio signal; and configured to broadcast at least one laser beam; and at least one mobile integrated radio receiver/laser detector (RR_LD) configured to receive a second plurality of external radio signals, configured to receive at least one internal radio signal broadcasted by the stationary integrated self-positioning RTR_LT, configured to detect at least one laser beam generated by the self-positioning integrated RTR_LT; and configured to determine its 3-D position coordinates based on a set of data selected from the group consisting of: {the second plurality of received external radio signals; at least one received internal radio signal; a

Abstract: A speech recognition equipped geographic information recording apparatus and method. In one embodiment, a mobile data terminal has a communication node therein. A geographic mapping system is integral with the mobile data terminal, and is coupled to the communication node. A speech recognition system adapted to receive verbal information is also coupled to the mobile data terminal. The speech recognition system is adapted to receive attribute data verbalized by an operator of the mobile data terminal. Additionally, the speech recognition system is adapted to receive operating commands verbalized by an operator of the mobile data terminal. The communication node of the mobile data terminal includes a transmitter for sending information from the mobile data terminal to a desired location, and a receiver for receiving information from a desired location. In the present embodiment, a real-time communication link exists between the mobile data terminal and the desired location.

Abstract: Real time kinematic (RTK) global positioning system (GPS) technology is integrated with precision farming methodologies to provide highly accurate seeding, cultivating, planting and/or harvesting operations. RTK GPS systems are used to control fully or semi-autonomous vehicles in these operations and may allow for precision planting of seeds (e.g., from a seeder equipped with an RTK GPS receiver and related equipment) and/or precision weed removal (e.g., using a vehicle fitted with weed eradication mechanisms such as augers and/or herbicide sprayers). Crop specific fertilizer/pesticide application is also enabled through the use of centimeter-level accurate positioning techniques.

Abstract: Real time kinematic (RTK) global positioning system (GPS) technology is integrated with precision farming methodologies to provide highly accurate seeding, cultivating, planting and/or harvesting operations. RTK GPS systems are used to control fully or semi-autonomous vehicles in these operations and may allow for precision planting of seeds (e.g., from a seeder equipped with an RTK GPS receiver and related equipment) and/or precision weed removal (e.g., using a vehicle fitted with weed eradication mechanisms such as augers and/or herbicide sprayers). Crop specific fertilizer/pesticide application is also enabled through the use of centimeter-level accurate positioning techniques.

Abstract: Real time kinematic (RTK) global positioning system (GPS) technology is integrated with precision farming methodologies to provide highly accurate seeding, cultivating, planting and/or harvesting operations. RTK GPS systems are used to control fully or semi-autonomous vehicles in these operations and may allow for precision planting of seeds (e.g., from a seeder equipped with an RTK GPS receiver and related equipment) and/or precision weed removal (e.g., using a vehicle fitted with weed eradication mechanisms such as augers and/or herbicide sprayers). Crop specific fertilizer/pesticide application is also enabled through the use of centimeter-level accurate positioning techniques.

Abstract: A handheld survey device includes a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver for receiving position information, a pointer to point to the location to be measured, a measuring device to measure the distance between the handheld device and the location to be measured and a level and heading device to determine the level and heading of the handheld device. The GPS receiver may be a real time kinematic (RTK) GPS receiver and may be augmented by the use of a dead reckoning (DR) positioning unit. A processor located within the handheld device computes the position of the location using the position information provided by the GPS receiver and/or the DR system, the distance measured between the handheld device and the location, and the level and heading information. The position computed meets the stringent accuracy requirements dictated by survey applications without the use of a range pole.

Abstract: A surveying system for accurate determination of the position of a target based on ranging information provided by a positioning system is disclosed. A target is configured with a receiver to receive positioning signals from a positioning system, such as the Global Positioning System (GPS). The target transmits to a total station system position information estimating the target's location. The total station system, based on the location and orientation of the total station and the estimated location of the target, determines the angular displacement which is used to control a servo mechanism to align the total station unit with the target. Finer adjustments can thereafter be performed to more accurately align the total station to the target.

Abstract: A method for obtaining integer ambiguity solutions based on externally provided constraints, e.g., altitude. Such constraints are useful in reducing the computational burden created by the search problem, and using constraints is particularly more effective when a more limited number of satellite vehicles are visible than is ordinarily the case. The constraints are exercised in a search algorithm. As the branches of the integer ambiguity search tree are traversed, an additional test is used to determine if the current search candidate is compatible with such external constraint. Because a three-dimensional position is associated with each search candidate, the branch clipping is straightforward. The ambiguity candidates are each only acceptable if their locations in space are within a confidence region bound set determined from the external constraint.

Abstract: Measurement corrections transmitted from reference stations at known positions are transmitted to differential Global Position System receivers for use in computation of position information relative to the receiver. In one embodiment, circuitry included in the receiver detects errors in transmissions of measurement correction data streams from the closest reference station and replaces erroneous portions of the data streams with corresponding portions received from a second reference station. Alternately, a plurality of measurement correction data streams received from a plurality of reference stations are combined to produce a combined measurement correction used to correct the position information received from satellites.

Abstract: A guidance system for movable machinery comprising a GPS processor unit in a "gorilla box" connected to a shock mounted and protected GPS antenna and an operator display with a lightbar that indicates to an operator of the machinery to steer up/down or left/right.

Abstract: A GPS/radio antenna for receiving a GPS satellite signal and a DGPS radio signal. The GPS/radio antenna includes a GPS antenna using a microstrip antenna element for receiving the GPS signal having GPS location determination information, a radio antenna for receiving a DGPS radio signal in the FM broadcast frequency range having DGPS corrections, an enclosure, and a cable. The GPS/radio antenna may be included in a GPS/DGPS receiver system also including a receiver unit with an FM DGPS receiver for demodulating the DGPS radio signal and providing DGPS corrections, and a differential-ready GPS receiver for providing a differentially-corrected GPS location.

Abstract: An electronic distance measurement EDM apparatus (41) for attachment to a range pole (42), having a GPS antenna (12) having a circular exterior (46) with a reflective outer surface (54) for reflecting an EDM light beam (56) over an angular azimuth range of 360.degree.. The reflective outer surface (54) is a thin material such as tape or paint. A GPS receiver (16) connects to the GPS antenna (12) for providing a GPS-derived location of a phase center (18) of the GPS antenna (12). An optional radio transmitter (20) transmits information for the GPS-derived location in a GPS location data signal (22). An optional radio receiver (24) receives a differential GPS (DGPS) correction signal (26) and/or a GPS real time kinematic signal (28) for use in improving the accuracy of calculation of the GPS-derived location. An integrated global positioning system / electronic distance measurement (GPS/EDM) surveying system (40) includes the EDM apparatus (41), the range pole (42), and a total station (58).

Abstract: An integrated geographic information and automatic position locating system. In one embodiment, a communication link is provided between a vehicle and at least one base station. A vehicle position tracking system, coupled to a vehicle to be monitored, is connected to the communication link. Likewise, a geographic mapping system also disposed within the vehicle is connected to the communication link. In the present embodiment, the vehicle position tracking system and the geographic mapping system are housed in a portable data terminal. The portable data terminal is removably placed into a docking station located within the vehicle. The integrated vehicle position tracking system and geographic mapping system function both when placed in the docking station, and when removed from the docking station. Thus, the present invention provides a mobile integrated vehicle position tracking system and the geographic mapping system integrated into a portable data terminal.

Abstract: A tape measurement apparatus is provided for measuring the slope height of a GPS surveying system receiver, with an integral antenna, which is vertically suspended over a ground mark. A tape mounting hook is provided for securing the distal end of a tape measure in a location which is known precisely with respect to the phase center of the GPS receiver. The tape measure housing has a pointer arm of precisely known length which extends out from the tape measure housing in a direction opposite and parallel to the normalized line of extension of the tape from the housing. A distance scale imprinted on the tape compensates for the combined lengths of the housing and pointer arm so that a user can read the uncorrected slope height of the GPS receiver directly from the scale while applying the tip of the pointer arm to the ground mark.

Abstract: A GPS/radio antenna for receiving a GPS satellite signal and a DGPS radio signal. The GPS/radio antenna includes a GPS antenna using a microstrip antenna element for receiving the GPS signal having GPS location determination information, a radio antenna for receiving a DGPS radio signal in the FM broadcast frequency range having DGPS corrections, an enclosure, and a cable. The GPS/radio antenna may be included in a GPS/DGPS receiver system also including a receiver unit with an FM DGPS receiver for demodulating the DGPS radio signal and providing DGPS corrections, and a differential-ready GPS receiver for providing a differentially-corrected GPS location.

Abstract: A GPS/radio antenna for receiving a GPS satellite signal and a DGPS radio signal. The GPS/radio antenna includes a GPS antenna using a microstrip antenna element for receiving the GPS signal having GPS location determination information, a radio antenna for receiving a DGPS radio signal in the FM broadcast frequency range having DGPS corrections, an enclosure, and a cable. The GPS/radio antenna may be included in a GPS/DGPS receiver system also including a receiver unit with an FM DGPS receiver for demodulating the DGPS radio signal and providing DGPS corrections, and a differential-ready GPS receiver for providing a differentially-corrected GPS location.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an ER elastomer composition comprising natural rubber and polarizable particles dispersed therein, which elastomer can undergo changes in Youngs modulus when subjected to an electric field and having a Youngs modulus of at least about 2 Mpa when not subject to an electric field, wherein the ratio of the electrical conductivity of the particles to the electrical conductivity of the natural rubber is between about 10.sup.4 and 10.sup.10. The invention also include variable stiffness mounts, such as engine mounts, made from the composition.

Abstract: A system embodiment of the present invention comprises a fixed and a roving pair of four-observable GPS receivers and a communication link between them for double differencing code and carrier measurements. Carrier phase integer ambiguities are resolved efficiently by searching the simultaneous narrow-lane intersections of both the L1 and L2 wave fronts propagated by the GPS satellites being tracked. External constraint information, such as elevation, is additionally used to speed up integer ambiguity resolution. Data between the reference station and the rover is communicated in compressed form at a regular interval, e.g., once a second at each epoch, and demi-measurements of carrier phase are obtained more frequently, e.g., ten times a second, and used to propagate solutions between epochs.