Patents by Inventor Michael V. McCusker

Michael V. McCusker 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).

  • Patent number: 10165255
    Abstract: An indoor navigation system is based on a multi-beam laser projector, a set of calibrated cameras, and a processor that uses knowledge of the projector design and data on laser spot locations observed by the cameras to solve the space resection problem to find the location and orientation of the projector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Trimble Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Janky, Kevin A. I. Sharp, Michael V. McCusker, Morrison Ulman
  • Patent number: 9671503
    Abstract: A survey instrument conveyance is disclosed. One embodiment includes a mobile platform having a set of wheels attached thereto. In addition, a mechanical coupling assembly is used to couple a survey instrument to the mobile platform. An adjustable position mechanism is coupled to the mechanical coupling assembly to raise and lower the survey instrument relative to the mobile platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Trimble Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Fortune, James M. Janky, Michael V. McCusker
  • Patent number: 9639941
    Abstract: A plurality of images are captured by an image capturing device that is an integral part of the mobile data collection platform from at least two different perspectives that depict a point of interest in a scene. Coincident with capture of each of the plurality of images, orientation information is obtained via orientation sensors of the mobile data collection platform, a position fix of an antenna associated with the mobile data collection platform is determined, and a position of an entrance pupil of the image capturing device is calculated. Scale information associated with at least one of the images is captured. Scene data comprises the images, the orientation information and the entrance pupil positions. A three dimensional position of the point of interest at the scene is determined based on photogrammetric image processing of the scene data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Trimble Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Rudow, Chad McFadden, Robert Wold, Venkateswaran Kasirajan, Nicholas C. Talbot, Peter Van Wyck Loomis, Shawn D. Weisenburger, James M. Janky, Michael V. McCusker
  • Patent number: 9544737
    Abstract: An image that includes a point of interest is captured using an image capturing device that is an integral part of the mobile data collection platform. Raw observables are obtained from a GNSS raw observables provider that is external to and coupled with the mobile data collection platform. A position fix of the mobile data collection platform is determined based on the raw observables where the position fix is a location of an antenna. A location of an entrance pupil is calculated as an offset from the location of the antenna. Orientation information comprising a tilt angle and an azimuth angle is determined. The position fix and the orientation information are associated with a three dimensional location of the mobile data collection platform when the image was captured. Scale information is captured. The image, the position fix, the scale information, and the orientation information are stored in hardware memory of the mobile data collection platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Trimble Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Rudow, Venkateswaran Kasirajan, Robert Wold, Nicholas C. Talbot, Peter Van Wyck Loomis, Shawn D. Weisenburger, James M. Janky, Michael V. McCusker
  • Patent number: 9538336
    Abstract: An image that includes a point of interest is captured using an image capturing device that is part of the mobile data collection platform. Raw observables are obtained from a GNSS chipset that is internal to the mobile data collection platform. A position fix of the mobile data collection platform is determined based on the raw observables where the position fix defines a location of an antenna. A location of an entrance pupil is calculated as an offset of the location of the antenna. Orientation information comprising a tilt angle and an azimuth angle is determined. The position fix and the orientation information are associated with a three dimensional location that the mobile data collection platform is at when the image was captured. Scale information is captured. The image, the position fix, the scale information, and the orientation information are stored in hardware memory of the mobile data collection platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Trimble Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Rudow, Venkateswaran Kasirajan, Robert Wold, Nicholas C. Talbot, Peter Van Wyck Loomis, Shawn D. Weisenburger, James M. Janky, Michael V. McCusker
  • Patent number: 9471986
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method of providing georeferenced information regarding a location of capture of an image is provided. The method includes receiving a first image at an image-based georeferencing system, the first image comprising digital image information and identifying a cataloged second image that correlates to the first image. The method further includes automatically determining reference features common to both the second image and the first image, accessing geographic location information related to the common reference features, utilizing the geographic location information related to the common features to determine a georeferenced location of capture of the first image and providing the georeferenced location of capture for access by a user of the image-based georeferencing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: James M. Janky, Michael V. McCusker, Harold L. Longaker, Peter G. France
  • Patent number: 9467814
    Abstract: External accessory data is collected at a mobile data collection platform provided by an external accessory of the mobile data collection platform. An image that includes a point of interest is captured by an image capturing device that is an integral part of the mobile data collection platform performs. Raw observables are obtained from an external GNSS raw observable provider that is separate from and outside of the mobile data collection platform. A position fix of the mobile data collection platform is determined based on the raw observable. Orientation information comprising a tilt angle and an azimuth angle is determined. External accessory data is received from an accessory that is external to the mobile data collection platform. The image, the position fix, the orientation information and the external accessory data are stored in hardware memory of the mobile data collection platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Richard Rudow, Venkateswaran Kasirajan, Robert Wold, Nicholas C. Talbot, Peter Van Wyck Loomis, Shawn D. Weisenburger, James M. Janky, Michael V. McCusker
  • Patent number: 9462446
    Abstract: External accessory data is collected at a mobile data collection platform (MDCP) provided by an external accessory of the MDCP. An image that includes a point of interest is captured using an image capturing device integral to the MDCP. Raw observables are obtained from a GNSS chipset internal to the MDCP. An position fix of the MDCP defines the location of an antenna and is determined based on the raw observables. An entrance pupil location is calculated as an offset off the antenna location. Orientation information comprising a tilt angle and an azimuth angle is determined. The position fix and orientation information are associated with a three dimensional location that the MDCP is at when the image was captured. External accessory data is received from an accessory external to the MDCP. The image, position fix, orientation information and external accessory data are stored in hardware memory of the MDCP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Richard Rudow, Venkateswaran Kasirajan, Robert Wold, Nicholas C. Talbot, Peter Van Wyck Loomis, Shawn D. Weisenburger, James M. Janky, Michael V. McCusker
  • Patent number: 9456067
    Abstract: A known fixed relationship is maintained between an external electronic distance measurement accessory and a mobile data collection platform that are physically coupled together. A light beam axis of the external electronic distance measurement accessory is parallel with an optical axis of an entrance pupil of the mobile data collection platform. The external electronic distance measurement accessory integrates with the mobile data collection platform. The external electronic distance measurement accessory receives control instructions from the mobile data collection platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Richard Rudow, Venkateswaran Kasirajan, Robert Wold, Nicholas C. Talbot, Peter Van Wyck Loomis, Shawn D. Weisenburger, James M. Janky, Michael V. McCusker
  • Publication number: 20160035096
    Abstract: A plurality of images are captured by an image capturing device that is an integral part of the mobile data collection platform from at least two different perspectives that depict a point of interest in a scene. Coincident with capture of each of the plurality of images, orientation information is obtained via orientation sensors of the mobile data collection platform, a position fix of an antenna associated with the mobile data collection platform is determined, and a position of an entrance pupil of the image capturing device is calculated. Scale information associated with at least one of the images is captured. Scene data comprises the images, the orientation information and the entrance pupil positions. A three dimensional position of the point of interest at the scene is determined based on photogrammetric image processing of the scene data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Richard RUDOW, Chad McFADDEN, Robert WOLD, Venkateswaran KASIRAJAN, Nicholas C. TALBOT, Peter Van Wyck LOOMIS, Shawn D. WEISENBURGER, James M. JANKY, Michael V. McCUSKER
  • Publication number: 20150170368
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method of providing georeferenced information regarding a location of capture of an image is provided. The method includes receiving a first image at an image-based georeferencing system, the first image comprising digital image information and identifying a cataloged second image that correlates to the first image;. The method further includes automatically determining reference features common to both the second image and the first image, accessing geographic location information related to the common reference features, utilizing the geographic location information related to the common features to determine a georeferenced location of capture of the first image and providing the georeferenced location of capture for access by a user of the image-based georeferencing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Inventors: James M. Janky, Michael V. McCusker, Harold L. Longaker, Peter G. France
  • Patent number: 9042657
    Abstract: An image-based georeferencing system comprises an image receiver, an image identification processor, a reference feature determiner, and a feature locator. The image receiver is configured for receiving a first image for use in georeferencing. The image comprises digital image information. The system includes a communicative coupling to a georeferenced images database of images. The image identification processor is configured for identifying a second image from the georeferenced images database that correlates to the first image. The system includes a communicative coupling to a geographic location information system. The reference feature determiner is configured for determining a reference feature common to both the second image and the first image. The feature locator is configured for accessing the geographic information system to identify and obtain geographic location information related to the common reference feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: James M. Janky, Michael V. McCusker, Harold L. Longaker, Peter G. France
  • Patent number: 8989502
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method of providing georeferenced information regarding a location of capture of an image is provided. The method includes receiving a first image at an image-based georeferencing system, the first image comprising digital image information and identifying a cataloged second image that correlates to the first image. The method further includes automatically determining reference features common to both the second image and the first image, accessing geographic location information related to the common reference features, utilizing the geographic location information related to the common features to determine a georeferenced location of capture of the first image and providing the georeferenced location of capture for access by a user of the image-based georeferencing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: James M. Janky, Michael V. McCusker, Harold L. Longaker, Peter G. France
  • Publication number: 20150057028
    Abstract: External accessory data is collected at a mobile data collection platform provided by an external accessory of the mobile data collection platform. An image that includes a point of interest is captured by an image capturing device that is an integral part of the mobile data collection platform performs. Raw observables are obtained from an external GNSS raw observable provider that is separate from and outside of the mobile data collection platform. A position fix of the mobile data collection platform is determined based on the raw observable. Orientation information comprising a tilt angle and an azimuth angle is determined. External accessory data is received from an accessory that is external to the mobile data collection platform. The image, the position fix, the orientation information and the external accessory data are stored in hardware memory of the mobile data collection platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Richard Rudow, Venkateswaran Kasirajan, Robert Wold, Nicholas C. Talbot, Peter Van Wyck Loomis, Shawn D. Weisenburger, James M. Janky, Michael V. McCusker
  • Publication number: 20150050907
    Abstract: External accessory data is collected at a mobile data collection platform (MDCP) provided by an external accessory of the MDCP. An image that includes a point of interest is captured using an image capturing device integral to the MDCP. Raw observables are obtained from a GNSS chipset internal to the MDCP. An position fix of the MDCP defines the location of an antenna and is determined based on the raw observables. An entrance pupil location is calculated as an offset off the antenna location. Orientation information comprising a tilt angle and an azimuth angle is determined. The position fix and orientation information are associated with a three dimensional location that the MDCP is at when the image was captured. External accessory data is received from an accessory external to the MDCP. The image, position fix, orientation information and external accessory data are stored in hardware memory of the MDCP.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Richard Rudow, Venkateswaran Kasirajan, Robert Wold, Nicholas C. Talbot, Peter Van Wyck Loomis, Shawn D. Weisenburger, James M. Janky, Michael V. McCusker
  • Publication number: 20150045059
    Abstract: An image that includes a point of interest is captured using an image capturing device that is an integral part of the mobile data collection platform. Raw observables are obtained from a GNSS raw observables provider that is external to and coupled with the mobile data collection platform. A position fix of the mobile data collection platform is determined based on the raw observables where the position fix is a location of an antenna. A location of an entrance pupil is calculated as an offset from the location of the antenna. Orientation information comprising a tilt angle and an azimuth angle is determined. The position fix and the orientation information are associated with a three dimensional location of the mobile data collection platform when the image was captured. Scale information is captured. The image, the position fix, the scale information, and the orientation information are stored in hardware memory of the mobile data collection platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Richard Rudow, Venkateswaran Kasirajan, Robert Wold, Nicholas C. Talbot, Peter Van Wyck Loomis, Shawn D. Weisenburger, James M. Janky, Michael V. McCusker
  • Publication number: 20150043012
    Abstract: A known fixed relationship is maintained between an external electronic distance measurement accessory and a mobile data collection platform that are physically coupled together. A light beam axis of the external electronic distance measurement accessory is parallel with an optical axis of an entrance pupil of the mobile data collection platform. The external electronic distance measurement accessory integrates with the mobile data collection platform. The external electronic distance measurement accessory receives control instructions from the mobile data collection platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Richard Rudow, Venkateswaran Kasirajan, Robert Wold, Nicholas C. Talbot, Peter Van Wyck Loomis, Shawn D. Weisenburger, James M. Janky, Michael V. McCusker
  • Publication number: 20150045058
    Abstract: An image that includes a point of interest is captured using an image capturing device that is part of the mobile data collection platform. Raw observables are obtained from a GNSS chipset that is internal to the mobile data collection platform. A position fix of the mobile data collection platform is determined based on the raw observables where the position fix defines a location of an antenna. A location of an entrance pupil is calculated as an offset of the location of the antenna. Orientation information comprising a tilt angle and an azimuth angle is determined. The position fix and the orientation information are associated with a three dimensional location that the mobile data collection platform is at when the image was captured. Scale information is captured. The image, the position fix, the scale information, and the orientation information are stored in hardware memory of the mobile data collection platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Richard Rudow, Venkateswaran Kasirajan, Robert Wold, Nicholas C. Talbot, Peter Van Wyck Loomis, Shawn D. Weisenburger, James M. Janky, Michael V. McCusker
  • Patent number: 8942483
    Abstract: An image-based georeferencing system comprises an image receiver, an image identification processor, a reference feature determiner, and a feature locator. The image receiver is configured for receiving a first image for use in georeferencing. The image comprises digital image information. The system includes a communicative coupling to a georeferenced images database of images. The image identification processor is configured for identifying a second image from the georeferenced images database that correlates to the first image. The system includes a communicative coupling to a geographic location information system. The reference feature determiner is configured for determining a reference feature common to both the second image and the first image. The feature locator is configured for accessing the geographic information system to identify and obtain geographic location information related to the common reference feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: James M. Janky, Michael V. McCusker, Harold L. Longaker, Peter G. France
  • Publication number: 20140285631
    Abstract: An indoor navigation system is based on a multi-beam laser projector, a set of calibrated cameras, and a processor that uses knowledge of the projector design and data on laser spot locations observed by the cameras to solve the space resection problem to find the location and orientation of the projector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: TRIMBLE NAVIGATION LIMITED
    Inventors: James M. Janky, Kevin A. I. Sharp, Michael V. McCusker, Morrison Ulman