Abstract: Methods and systems for updating digital maps by refining map feature positions and improving map position accuracy are disclosed. Geographic map updating may include a base map element and an update element where the base map element may include a representation of the map area displaying features thereof and the update element may include a geographic feature identification element and one or more positioning elements. One embodiment includes identifying a point of interest's position data and updating the map data within a map region surrounding the point of interest.

Abstract: Among other things, techniques, systems, methods and computer readable storage medium with executable instructions relating to the viewing of data from and the controlling of the operation of an inspection camera at a remote computing device that is connected to the inspection camera via a network are described. Various features may be realized by using an installable software application or a web browser at the remote computing device. Features of the invention also pertain to a smart cable storage drum comprising a push cable, an inspection camera, and a network transceiver configured to communicate with a remote computer.

Abstract: A novel connection port is described for connecting a signal transmitter to an apparatus configured to wirelessly communicate video and images from a pipe inspection system. Such a connection port may establish an electrically conductive pathway to a push-cable and camera head further disposed in cable storage drum that the wireless communication apparatus may couple thereto. A signal transmitter, having an established electrically conductive pathway to the push-cable and camera head, may transmit electromagnetic signals that may be emitted by the push-cable and camera head and further be located at the ground surface via a utility locator device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for uniquely identifying buried utilities in a multi-utility region by sensing magnetic fields emitted from the buried utilities.

Abstract: Omnidirectional electromagnetic signal inducer (omni-inducer) devices are disclosed. The omni-inducer device may include a housing, which may include a conductive base for coupling signals to ground, and an omnidirectional antenna node including a plurality of antenna coil assemblies, where the node may be disposed on or within the housing. The omni-inducer device may further include one or more transmitter modules for generating ones of a plurality of output signals, which may be generated at ones of a plurality of different frequencies, and one or more control circuits configured to control the transmitters and/or other circuits to selectively switch the ones of the plurality of output signals between ones of the plurality of antenna coil assemblies.

Abstract: A user interface device including a floating actuator sub-assembly and a base assembly flexibly coupled to the floating actuator assembly is disclosed. The floating actuator assembly may include a magnet array assembly with a plurality of magnets fixed relative to each other.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for providing displays of maps or mapping objects in a mapping application or system, wherein transitions between the maps or mapping objects is provided seamlessly and/or with orientation(s) preserved based a user interface device control actuation.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for using augmented reality to create a printing template. The method includes capturing, using a camera of a mobile electronic device, a real world image of a surface. The method further includes, by a processor, receiving the real world image, processing the real world image to isolate and measure a portion of the surface on which print job content is to be applied, creating a printing template conforming to a shape and area of the isolated and measured portion of the surface, causing the real world image to be output on a display, and causing the display to output the printing template over the real world image, overlaid over the isolated and measured portion of the surface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for tracking movement over the ground or other surfaces of a buried utility locator during a utility locate operation are disclosed.

Abstract: Camera head apparatus, systems, and methods for providing wide angle/panoramic images and/or video of the interior of pipes or other cavities using multiple imaging and illumination modules are disclosed.

Abstract: Video inspection systems are disclosed. In one embodiment a video camera for use in a pipe inspection system includes a camera head including an outer housing, a camera module assembly including video and non-video sensors, a processing circuit, and a data link receiver.

Abstract: Tracked distance measuring device, systems, and methods for determining and mapping point of interest for use in utility locating operations and other mapping applications are disclosed. A tracked distance measuring device embodiment includes simultaneously triggered rangefinder and positioning elements to measure a distance and determine location and pose, optionally in conjunction with a utility locator.

Abstract: A printer for producing a print media moving in a process direction including a print engine, a fuser, a full width array and a duplexing path. The print engine is operatively arranged to receive the print media and to apply a first dry marking material to a first surface of the print media. The fuser is arranged subsequently to the print engine in the process direction and is operatively arranged to receive the print media with the first dry marking material applied to the first surface of the print media and to fix the first dry marking material on the first surface using at least one of heat and pressure. The full width array is arranged subsequently to the fuser and is operatively arranged to obtain a first image of the first surface of the print media, the first image being used to quantify a flatness of the print media and/or image quality of the first image. The duplexing path is arranged subsequently to the full width array.

Abstract: A pipe inspection system including a camera head, a push-cable, and a controller platform for use in inspecting pipes or other cavities is disclosed.

Abstract: Camera heads and associated systems, methods, and devices for inspecting and/or mapping pipes or cavities are disclosed. A camera head may be coupled to a push-cable and may include one or more image sensors to capture images and/or videos from interior of the pipe or cavity. One or more multi-axis sensors may be disposed in the camera head to sense data corresponding to movement of the camera head within the pipe or cavity. The images and/or videos captured by the image sensors may be used in conjunction with the data sensed by the multi-axis sensors to generate information pertaining to the pipe or cavity may be generated.

Abstract: Utility locators for providing information about hidden or buried pipes or other cavities are disclosed. A locator may be configured to provide positional information associated with the buried utility based on signals received from a line trace signal and a sonde signal and present the positional information on a visual display or other output device.

Abstract: Systems for locating buried or hidden utilities including a portable locator and associated portable transmitter are disclosed. The portable locator may include a magnetic field measurement module for determining a current signal in the buried utility based on a received magnetic field, and a receiver module for receiving data from the portable transmitter. The portable transmitter may include a data transmitter module for sending information associated with a current signal provided to the buried utility to the portable receiver module.

Abstract: Camera heads for use in pipe inspection systems are disclosed. In one embodiment a camera head includes a body, an image sensor disposed in the body for generating images of an interior of a pipe or cavity in which the camera head is inserted, and processing circuitry operatively coupled to the image sensor to automatically capture images or video frames by the camera head within the object.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for using augmented reality to create a printing template. The method includes capturing, using a camera of a mobile electronic device, a real world image of a surface. The method further includes, by a processor, receiving the real world image, processing the real world image to isolate and measure a portion of the surface on which print job content is to be applied, creating a printing template conforming to a shape and area of the isolated and measured portion of the surface, causing the real world image to be output on a display, and causing the display to output the printing template over the real world image, overlaid over the isolated and measured portion of the surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of video inspection systems with moveably dockable camera control units (CCUs) which may include a display are disclosed. In one embodiment, a video inspection system includes two frame elements which each have a handle. The frame elements may be moved into multiple positions and orientations relative to each other and provide a secure stand for a CCU. The CCU may be attached and detached from the frame elements. The handles may be used to carry the frame elements with or without the CCU attached. The handles may be slip resistant to provide a stable support for a CCU when the frame elements are positioned on a surface. Docking apparatus are provided to allow a CCU, tablet, pad, laptop, or smartphone to be attached to the frame elements and put in a variety of positions or orientations to make viewing convenient for a user.