Patents by Inventor Martin Thomson

Martin Thomson 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).

  • Publication number: 20240012427
    Abstract: Disclosed are techniques for navigating a mobile machine, such as an autonomous robot, in an environment that includes objects that may block, reflect, or distort satellite signals to be used for positioning. Satellite data may be captured from one or more satellites. An image may be captured using an imaging device that is at least partially oriented toward the one or more satellites. A set of sky scores may be calculated for a set of ground positions surrounding the mobile machine based on the satellite data and the image. Each of the set of sky scores may be indicative of an accuracy of a satellite-based position at one of the set of ground positions. The mobile machine's navigation may be modified using the set of sky scores.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2023
    Publication date: January 11, 2024
    Applicant: Trimble Inc.
    Inventors: Darren Martin Thomson, Aviad Almagor
  • Patent number: 11809198
    Abstract: Disclosed are techniques for navigating a mobile machine, such as an autonomous robot, in an environment that includes objects that may block, reflect, or distort satellite signals to be used for positioning. Satellite data may be captured from one or more satellites. An image may be captured using an imaging device that is at least partially oriented toward the one or more satellites. A set of sky scores may be calculated for a set of ground positions surrounding the mobile machine based on the satellite data and the image. Each of the set of sky scores may be indicative of an accuracy of a satellite-based position at one of the set of ground positions. The mobile machine's navigation may be modified using the set of sky scores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Trimble Inc.
    Inventors: Darren Martin Thomson, Aviad Almagor
  • Publication number: 20220357751
    Abstract: Disclosed are techniques for navigating a mobile machine, such as an autonomous robot, in an environment that includes objects that may block, reflect, or distort satellite signals to be used for positioning. Satellite data may be captured from one or more satellites. An image may be captured using an imaging device that is at least partially oriented toward the one or more satellites. A set of sky scores may be calculated for a set of ground positions surrounding the mobile machine based on the satellite data and the image. Each of the set of sky scores may be indicative of an accuracy of a satellite-based position at one of the set of ground positions. The mobile machine's navigation may be modified using the set of sky scores.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2021
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Inventors: Darren Martin Thomson, Aviad Almagor
  • Patent number: 9743831
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for scanning, imaging and treating the retina of an eye. The apparatus (10) comprises a source of collimated light (14), a two-dimensional scanning device (16) having two axes of rotation (16a, 16b), wherein the axes of rotation (16a, 16b) are orthogonal and substantially planar, and wherein the source of collimated light (14) and the two-dimensional scanning device (16) combine to provide a two-dimensional collimated light scan from a point source (22). The apparatus (10) further comprises a scan transfer device (18), wherein the scan transfer device (18) has two foci (18a, 18b) and the point source (22) is provided at a first focus point (18a) of the scan transfer device (18) and an eye (12) is accommodated at a second focus point (18b) of the scan transfer device (18), and wherein the scan transfer device (18) transfers the two-dimensional collimated light scan from the point source (22) into the eye (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: OPTOS PLC
    Inventors: Dan Gray, Stephen Pemberton, Derek Swan, Martin Thomson
  • Patent number: 9078603
    Abstract: The present invention provides a scanning ophthalmoscope for scanning the retina of an eye and a method of scanning the retina of an eye. The ophthalmoscope (10) comprises a source of collimated light (12), a first scanning element (14), a second scanning element (16) and a scan relay device (18) having two foci (18a, 18b). The source of collimated light (12), the first and second scanning elements (14, 16) and the scan relay device (18) combine to provide a two-dimensional collimated light scan (21) from an apparent point source (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: OPTOS PLC
    Inventors: Martin Thomson, Derek Swan, Daniel Gray, Stephen Pemberton
  • Patent number: 8762519
    Abstract: A system and method for determining the location of a target device attached to an access network connected to a location server, the location server having a plurality of access networks connected thereto. A location request may be received for a target device whereby the target device is identified as a function of one or more parameters. An access network may be identified from the plurality of access networks to which the target device is attached as a function of the one or more parameters. Each access network in the plurality of access networks connected to the location server may be assigned one or more logical identifiers by which an individual location request may be allocated to the respective access network. An estimated location of the target device may then be determined as a function of the one or more logical identifiers using a location algorithm appropriate for the identified access network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Andrew LLC
    Inventors: Martin Thomson, James Winterbottom, Gary Neil Justusson, Eddy Corbett
  • Patent number: 8638259
    Abstract: A system and method for determining the location of a wireless device. A boundary for an approximate area in which the wireless device is located is determined and a plurality of satellites may be determined as a function of the boundary. Assistance data is transmitted to the device which includes information from the plurality of satellites, and the location of the wireless device may be determined from the information. In one embodiment, if the number of the plurality of satellites is greater than a predetermined threshold then the number of satellites may be reduced as a function of one or more of the elevation of each satellite above the horizon, a distance between each satellite to one or more other satellites, and an altitude of each satellite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Maple Acquisition LLC
    Inventors: Neil Harper, Martin Dawson, Martin Thomson
  • Publication number: 20130135583
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for scanning, imaging and treating the retina of an eye. The apparatus (10) comprises a source of collimated light (14), a two-dimensional scanning device (16) having two axes of rotation (16a, 16b), wherein the axes of rotation (16a, 16b) are orthogonal and substantially planar, and wherein the source of collimated light (14) and the two-dimensional scanning device (16) combine to provide a two-dimensional collimated light scan from a point source (22). The apparatus (10) further comprises a scan transfer device (18), wherein the scan transfer device (18) has two foci (18a, 18b) and the point source (22) is provided at a first focus point (18a) of the scan transfer device (18) and an eye (12) is accommodated at a second focus point (18b) of the scan transfer device (18), and wherein the scan transfer device (18) transfers the two-dimensional collimated light scan from the point source (22) into the eye (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: Optos PLC
    Inventors: Dan Gray, Stephen Pemberton, Derek Swan, Martin Thomson
  • Publication number: 20130093996
    Abstract: The present invention provides a scanning ophthalmoscope for scanning the retina of an eye and a method of scanning the retina of an eye. The ophthalmoscope (10) comprises a source of collimated light (12), a first scanning element (14), a second scanning element (16) and a scan relay device (18) having two foci (18a, 18b), The source of collimated light (12), the first and second scanning elements (14, 16) and the scan relay device (18) combine to provide a two-dimensional collimated light scan (21) from an apparent point source (19).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventors: Martin Thomson, Derek Swan, Daniel Gray, Stephen Pemberton
  • Patent number: 8325087
    Abstract: A system and method for determining whether a wireless device has transmitted one or more forged satellite measurements. An estimated location of the wireless device may be determined as a function of information from a cellular network. Acquisition assistance data may be determined for a first set of satellites as a function of the estimated location, the assistance data including an uncertainty window. If measured code phase information in the satellite measurements substantially correlates to the uncertainty window, then the wireless device may be transmitting forged satellite measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Andrew LLC
    Inventors: Martin Thomson, Neil Harper
  • Patent number: 8301160
    Abstract: A system and method for assisting the H-SLP is selecting a V-SLP using the HELD client of a SET. The SET receives identity information from an access network regarding associated LIS. The SET relays this information as well as measurements taken of the wireless network to the H-SLP. If the H-SLP does not contain enough information to determine a location estimate, the H-SLP uses the identity information from the access network to find an associated SLP that may serve as a V-SLP. A request using roaming location protocol may then be transmitted from the H-SLP to the V-SLP for location assistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Andrew LLC
    Inventors: Martin Thomson, Anthony James Winterbottom, Nguyen Khiem Tran
  • Patent number: 8290510
    Abstract: A system and method for enhancing a SUPL session where a SET with a HELD client discovers an LIS of an access network and provides information received from the LIS or plurality of LISs to the SLP. The SLP determines the trustworthiness of the location information and estimates a location. The degree to which the SLP uses the location information is a function of the trustworthiness of the LIS and restraints on the location request. The location information may include a URI or domain name or other indication of location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Andrew LLC
    Inventors: Martin Thomson, Anthony James Winterbottom, Nguyen Khiem Tran
  • Patent number: 8289210
    Abstract: A disclosed method uses the results of location queries to tune the value of measurements of a property to obtain a statistically representative measurement for geo location. As location requests arrive, a current measurement value associated with the serving area or location is used to determine the number of measurements to obtained; the resulting uncertainty is mapped against the number of measurements required to determine that value. If additional measurements are required to achieve the target uncertainty in the result, this is recorded. The process relies on empirical observations and has the additional advantage of being blind to the actual network topology. This approach by its own nature automatically takes into account network changes whether known or unknown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Andrew LLC
    Inventors: Martin Thomson, James Winterbottom
  • Publication number: 20120169533
    Abstract: A method is provided for determining a location of a mobile device in a wireless network. The method includes receiving global navigation satellite system (GNSS) measurements from the mobile device, and receiving terrestrial measurements from corresponding transceivers in the wireless network, each terrestrial measurement indicating a distance between the corresponding transceivers and the mobile device. The method further includes selecting at least one terrestrial measurement having an uncertainty value within a predetermined accuracy threshold. The location of the mobile device is determined as a function of the GNSS measurements and the selected terrestrial measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: Andrew LLC
    Inventors: Neil HARPER, Martin THOMSON
  • Patent number: 8188920
    Abstract: The present subject matter discloses a method for estimating dilution of precision (DOP) across a service area. A Monte Carlo simulation is used to determine the DOP across a service area. Random points are selected across a service area and as well as the radio transmitters who signals are capable of being received at the random points are determined. Using the network topology of radio transmitters, a DOP is calculated for each of the random points. DOP is modeled for the service area as a function of the calculated DOP for each of the random points. The modeled DOP is used to determined the measurement accuracy required for subsequent location requests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Andrew, LLC
    Inventors: Martin Thomson, James Winterbottom
  • Patent number: 8160610
    Abstract: A method is provided for determining a location of a mobile device in a wireless network. The method includes receiving global navigation satellite system (GNSS) measurements from the mobile device, and receiving terrestrial measurements from corresponding transceivers in the wireless network, each terrestrial measurement indicating a distance between the corresponding transceivers and the mobile device. The method further includes selecting at least one terrestrial measurement having an uncertainty value within a predetermined accuracy threshold. The location of the mobile device is determined as a function of the GNSS measurements and the selected terrestrial measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Andrew LLC
    Inventors: Neil Harper, Martin Thomson
  • Publication number: 20120026037
    Abstract: A system and method for determining whether a wireless device has transmitted one or more forged satellite measurements. An estimated location of the wireless device may be determined as a function of information from a cellular network. Acquisition assistance data may be determined for a first set of satellites as a function of the estimated location, the assistance data including an uncertainty window. If measured code phase information in the satellite measurements substantially correlates to the uncertainty window, then the wireless device may be transmitting forged satellite measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: Andrew LLC
    Inventors: Martin Thomson, Neil Harper
  • Patent number: 8085193
    Abstract: A system and method for estimating the location of a wireless device. A set of satellites may be determined as a function of an approximate area in which the wireless device is located. Assistance data is transmitted to the device including information from the set of satellites, and a location of the device may be estimated from the information where the assistance data prevents the wireless device from searching for signals from one or more satellites in the set of satellites. The one or more satellites may be an operable satellite but signals therefrom cannot be measured or acquired by the wireless device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Andrew LLC
    Inventors: Martin Thomson, Neil Harper
  • Patent number: 8035557
    Abstract: A system and method for determining whether a wireless device has transmitted one or more forged satellite measurements. An estimated location of the wireless device may be determined as a function of information from a cellular network. Acquisition assistance data may be determined for a first set of satellites as a function of the estimated location, the assistance data including an uncertainty window. If measured code phase information in the satellite measurements substantially correlates to the uncertainty window, then the wireless device may be transmitting forged satellite measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Andrew, LLC
    Inventors: Martin Thomson, Neil Harper
  • Patent number: 7999730
    Abstract: A system and method of providing satellite assistance data to a mobile device without using a reference network. A request may be transmitted to a plurality of mobile device requesting that ones of the devices transmit a portion of a navigation data message received from one or more satellites to a location determining system. Navigation data message portions may be recorded and transmitted from the ones of the plural mobile devices to the location determining system. These navigation data message portions may then be compiled by the location determining system, and assistance data provided to a mobile device as a function of the compiled navigation data message portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Andrew, LLC
    Inventor: Martin Thomson