Patents by Inventor Rob Martin

Rob Martin 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: 20260015816
    Abstract: A machine guidance system and method utilize optical sensors, position sensors, and movement sensors to generate point cloud data for a construction asset. Data encompassing terrain features, obstacles, and the real-world position and orientation of the asset and its attachment are calculated. The fused data is used to autonomously control the movement of the asset and the position of the attachment to maintain a cutting edge at a target grade. As a result, terrain mapping and obstacle detection are performed in real-time, enabling safe and efficient operation without predefined paths. In this manner, applications include automated earthmoving, grading, and material handling in dynamic construction environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2025
    Publication date: January 15, 2026
    Inventors: James Dianics, Shane Trimble, Seth Kasmann, David Pasley, Rob Martin, Sheila Bagley
  • Publication number: 20260015834
    Abstract: A system and method for calibrating and setting up a machine guidance system for construction assets, such as loaders or excavators, employ point cloud data from onboard optical sensors to acquire spatial measurements. Point cloud data is transformed to an asset coordinate frame, candidate pitch and roll offset values are applied, grid representations are generated, and calibration values are selected with reduced error by comparing these grids to a reference surface. The system and method support autonomous operations including obstacle avoidance and grading by modifying the point cloud data according to the determined calibration values. In addition, dual-sensor calibration, terrain mapping, and filtering techniques are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2025
    Publication date: January 15, 2026
    Inventors: James Dianics, Shane Trimble, Seth Kasmann, David Pasley, Rob Martin, Sheila Bagley
  • Publication number: 20260015833
    Abstract: A system and a method for defining and maintaining slope and cross-slope parameters during construction vehicle operations are provided. Data associated with an attachment positioned at reference points on the terrain and the corresponding location and elevation information from a location sensor are obtained. Based on this data, the processing unit calculates slope and cross-slope parameters by analyzing the differences in elevation and the horizontal distances between the reference points. As a result, guidance information is generated for real-time operator feedback or for the automatic adjustment of the attachment. The system includes a location sensor (e.g., GNSS) and optical sensors (e.g., LiDAR) for calculating the slope and cross-slope values, and for controlling operation of the attachment to ensure that the grading or earthmoving matches defined specifications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2025
    Publication date: January 15, 2026
    Inventors: James Dianics, Shane Trimble, Seth Kasmann, David Pasley, Rob Martin, Sheila Bagley
  • Publication number: 20260015830
    Abstract: A machine guidance system and method uses a sensor suite and a processing unit to provide real-time tracking and terrain mapping for construction vehicles. Data comprising point cloud information generated by an optical sensor, geographic data provided by a location sensor, and motion data detecting acceleration, angular velocity, and/or orientation from a movement sensor are received. These data are fused by the processing unit to calculate the position and orientation of moveable parts, identify obstacles, and/or generate terrain maps. The system and method improve operational efficiency and safety in dynamic construction environments by enabling precise control of vehicle attachments, avoiding obstacles, and monitoring terrain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2025
    Publication date: January 15, 2026
    Inventors: James Dianics, Shane Trimble, Seth Kasmann, David Pasley, Rob Martin, Sheila Bagley
  • Patent number: 12474702
    Abstract: A system for autonomous or semi-autonomous operation of a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a machine automation portal (MAP) application configured to enable a computing device to (a) display a map of a work site and (b) provide a graphical user interface that enables a user to (i) define a boundary of an autonomous operating zone on the map and (ii) define a boundary of one or more exclusion zones. The system also includes a robotics processing unit configured to (a) receive the boundary of the autonomous operating zone and the boundary of each exclusion zone from the computing device, (b) generate a planned command path that the vehicle will travel to perform a task within the autonomous operating zone while avoiding each exclusion zone, and (c) control operation of the vehicle so that the vehicle travels the planned command path to perform the task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2024
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2025
    Assignee: EQUIPMENTSHARE.COM INC
    Inventors: William J. Schlacks, IV, Brian Adams, James Dianics, Ian Graves, Rob Martin, Scott Pfursich
  • Patent number: 12140947
    Abstract: A system for autonomous or semi-autonomous operation of a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a machine automation portal (MAP) application configured to enable a computing device to (a) display a map of a work site and (b) provide a graphical user interface that enables a user to (i) define a boundary of an autonomous operating zone on the map and (ii) define a boundary of one or more exclusion zones. The system also includes a robotics processing unit configured to (a) receive the boundary of the autonomous operating zone and the boundary of each exclusion zone from the computing device, (b) generate a planned command path that the vehicle will travel to perform a task within the autonomous operating zone while avoiding each exclusion zone, and (c) control operation of the vehicle so that the vehicle travels the planned command path to perform the task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Assignee: EQUIPMENTSHARE.COM INC
    Inventors: William J. Schlacks, IV, Brian Adams, James Dianics, Ian Graves, Rob Martin, Scott Pfursich
  • Patent number: 12072702
    Abstract: A system for autonomous or semi-autonomous operation of a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a machine automation portal (MAP) application configured to enable a computing device to (a) display a map of a work site and (b) provide a graphical user interface that enables a user to (i) define a boundary of an autonomous operating zone on the map and (ii) define a boundary of one or more exclusion zones. The system also includes a robotics processing unit configured to (a) receive the boundary of the autonomous operating zone and the boundary of each exclusion zone from the computing device, (b) generate a planned command path that the vehicle will travel to perform a task within the autonomous operating zone while avoiding each exclusion zone, and (c) control operation of the vehicle so that the vehicle travels the planned command path to perform the task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2024
    Assignee: EQUIPMENTSHARE.COM INC
    Inventors: William J. Schlacks, IV, Brian Adams, James Dianics, Ian Graves, Rob Martin, Scott Pfursich
  • Patent number: 12066824
    Abstract: A system for autonomous or semi-autonomous operation of a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a machine automation portal (MAP) application configured to enable a computing device to (a) display a map of a work site and (b) provide a graphical user interface that enables a user to (i) define a boundary of an autonomous operating zone on the map and (ii) define a boundary of one or more exclusion zones. The system also includes a robotics processing unit configured to (a) receive the boundary of the autonomous operating zone and the boundary of each exclusion zone from the computing device, (b) generate a planned command path that the vehicle will travel to perform a task within the autonomous operating zone while avoiding each exclusion zone, and (c) control operation of the vehicle so that the vehicle travels the planned command path to perform the task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2024
    Assignee: EQUIPMENTSHARE.COM INC
    Inventors: William J. Schlacks, IV, Brian Adams, James Dianics, Ian Graves, Rob Martin, Scott Pfursich
  • Publication number: 20240168476
    Abstract: A system for autonomous or semi-autonomous operation of a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a machine automation portal (MAP) application configured to enable a computing device to (a) display a map of a work site and (b) provide a graphical user interface that enables a user to (i) define a boundary of an autonomous operating zone on the map and (ii) define a boundary of one or more exclusion zones. The system also includes a robotics processing unit configured to (a) receive the boundary of the autonomous operating zone and the boundary of each exclusion zone from the computing device, (b) generate a planned command path that the vehicle will travel to perform a task within the autonomous operating zone while avoiding each exclusion zone, and (c) control operation of the vehicle so that the vehicle travels the planned command path to perform the task.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2024
    Publication date: May 23, 2024
    Inventors: WILLIAM J. SCHLACKS, IV, BRIAN ADAMS, JAMES DIANICS, IAN GRAVES, ROB MARTIN, SCOTT PFURSICH
  • Patent number: 11940789
    Abstract: A system for autonomous or semi-autonomous operation of a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a machine automation portal (MAP) application configured to enable a computing device to (a) display a map of a work site and (b) provide a graphical user interface that enables a user to (i) define a boundary of an autonomous operating zone on the map and (ii) define a boundary of one or more exclusion zones. The system also includes a robotics processing unit configured to (a) receive the boundary of the autonomous operating zone and the boundary of each exclusion zone from the computing device, (b) generate a planned command path that the vehicle will travel to perform a task within the autonomous operating zone while avoiding each exclusion zone, and (c) control operation of the vehicle so that the vehicle travels the planned command path to perform the task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: EQUIPMENTSHARE.COM INC.
    Inventors: William J. Schlacks, IV, Brian Adams, James Dianics, Ian Graves, Rob Martin, Scott Pfursich
  • Patent number: 11914365
    Abstract: A system for autonomous or semi-autonomous operation of a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a machine automation portal (MAP) application configured to enable a computing device to (a) display a map of a work site and (b) provide a graphical user interface that enables a user to (i) define a boundary of an autonomous operating zone on the map and (ii) define a boundary of one or more exclusion zones. The system also includes a robotics processing unit configured to (a) receive the boundary of the autonomous operating zone and the boundary of each exclusion zone from the computing device, (b) generate a planned command path that the vehicle will travel to perform a task within the autonomous operating zone while avoiding each exclusion zone, and (c) control operation of the vehicle so that the vehicle travels the planned command path to perform the task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: EQUIPMENTSHARE.COM INC.
    Inventors: William J. Schlacks, IV, Brian Adams, James Dianics, Ian Graves, Rob Martin, Scott Pfursich
  • Patent number: 11841703
    Abstract: A system for autonomous or semi-autonomous operation of a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a machine automation portal (MAP) application configured to enable a computing device to (a) display a map of a work site and (b) provide a graphical user interface that enables a user to (i) define a boundary of an autonomous operating zone on the map and (ii) define a boundary of one or more exclusion zones. The system also includes a robotics processing unit configured to (a) receive the boundary of the autonomous operating zone and the boundary of each exclusion zone from the computing device, (b) generate a planned command path that the vehicle will travel to perform a task within the autonomous operating zone while avoiding each exclusion zone, and (c) control operation of the vehicle so that the vehicle travels the planned command path to perform the task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: EQUIPMENTSHARE.COM INC.
    Inventors: William J. Schlacks, IV, Brian Adams, James Dianics, Ian Graves, Rob Martin, Scott Pfursich
  • Patent number: 11662723
    Abstract: A system for autonomous or semi-autonomous operation of a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a machine automation portal (MAP) application configured to enable a computing device to (a) display a map of a work site and (b) provide a graphical user interface that enables a user to (i) define a boundary of an autonomous operating zone on the map and (ii) define a boundary of one or more exclusion zones. The system also includes a robotics processing unit configured to (a) receive the boundary of the autonomous operating zone and the boundary of each exclusion zone from the computing device, (b) generate a planned command path that the vehicle will travel to perform a task within the autonomous operating zone while avoiding each exclusion zone, and (c) control operation of the vehicle so that the vehicle travels the planned command path to perform the task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: EQUIPMENTSHARE.COM INC
    Inventors: William J. Schlacks, IV, Brian Adams, James Dianics, Ian Graves, Rob Martin, Scott Pfursich
  • Publication number: 20210325878
    Abstract: A system for autonomous or semi-autonomous operation of a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a machine automation portal (MAP) application configured to enable a computing device to (a) display a map of a work site and (b) provide a graphical user interface that enables a user to (i) define a boundary of an autonomous operating zone on the map and (ii) define a boundary of one or more exclusion zones. The system also includes a robotics processing unit configured to (a) receive the boundary of the autonomous operating zone and the boundary of each exclusion zone from the computing device, (b) generate a planned command path that the vehicle will travel to perform a task within the autonomous operating zone while avoiding each exclusion zone, and (c) control operation of the vehicle so that the vehicle travels the planned command path to perform the task.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Inventors: WILLIAM J. SCHLACKS, IV, BRIAN ADAMS, JAMES DIANICS, IAN GRAVES, ROB MARTIN, SCOTT PFURSICH
  • Publication number: 20210325872
    Abstract: A system for autonomous or semi-autonomous operation of a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a machine automation portal (MAP) application configured to enable a computing device to (a) display a map of a work site and (b) provide a graphical user interface that enables a user to (i) define a boundary of an autonomous operating zone on the map and (ii) define a boundary of one or more exclusion zones. The system also includes a robotics processing unit configured to (a) receive the boundary of the autonomous operating zone and the boundary of each exclusion zone from the computing device, (b) generate a planned command path that the vehicle will travel to perform a task within the autonomous operating zone while avoiding each exclusion zone, and (c) control operation of the vehicle so that the vehicle travels the planned command path to perform the task.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Inventors: WILLIAM J. SCHLACKS, IV, BRIAN ADAMS, JAMES DIANICS, IAN GRAVES, ROB MARTIN, SCOTT PFURSICH
  • Publication number: 20210325877
    Abstract: A system for autonomous or semi-autonomous operation of a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a machine automation portal (MAP) application configured to enable a computing device to (a) display a map of a work site and (b) provide a graphical user interface that enables a user to (i) define a boundary of an autonomous operating zone on the map and (ii) define a boundary of one or more exclusion zones. The system also includes a robotics processing unit configured to (a) receive the boundary of the autonomous operating zone and the boundary of each exclusion zone from the computing device, (b) generate a planned command path that the vehicle will travel to perform a task within the autonomous operating zone while avoiding each exclusion zone, and (c) control operation of the vehicle so that the vehicle travels the planned command path to perform the task.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Inventors: WILLIAM J. SCHLACKS, IV, BRIAN ADAMS, JAMES DIANICS, IAN GRAVES, ROB MARTIN, SCOTT PFURSICH
  • Publication number: 20210325874
    Abstract: A system for autonomous or semi-autonomous operation of a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a machine automation portal (MAP) application configured to enable a computing device to (a) display a map of a work site and (b) provide a graphical user interface that enables a user to (i) define a boundary of an autonomous operating zone on the map and (ii) define a boundary of one or more exclusion zones. The system also includes a robotics processing unit configured to (a) receive the boundary of the autonomous operating zone and the boundary of each exclusion zone from the computing device, (b) generate a planned command path that the vehicle will travel to perform a task within the autonomous operating zone while avoiding each exclusion zone, and (c) control operation of the vehicle so that the vehicle travels the planned command path to perform the task.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Inventors: WILLIAM J. SCHLACKS, IV, BRIAN ADAMS, JAMES DIANICS, IAN GRAVES, ROB MARTIN, SCOTT PFURSICH
  • Publication number: 20210325875
    Abstract: A system for autonomous or semi-autonomous operation of a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a machine automation portal (MAP) application configured to enable a computing device to (a) display a map of a work site and (b) provide a graphical user interface that enables a user to (i) define a boundary of an autonomous operating zone on the map and (ii) define a boundary of one or more exclusion zones. The system also includes a robotics processing unit configured to (a) receive the boundary of the autonomous operating zone and the boundary of each exclusion zone from the computing device, (b) generate a planned command path that the vehicle will travel to perform a task within the autonomous operating zone while avoiding each exclusion zone, and (c) control operation of the vehicle so that the vehicle travels the planned command path to perform the task.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Inventors: WILLIAM J. SCHLACKS, IV, BRIAN ADAMS, JAMES DIANICS, IAN GRAVES, ROB MARTIN, SCOTT PFURSICH
  • Publication number: 20210325876
    Abstract: A system for autonomous or semi-autonomous operation of a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a machine automation portal (MAP) application configured to enable a computing device to (a) display a map of a work site and (b) provide a graphical user interface that enables a user to (i) define a boundary of an autonomous operating zone on the map and (ii) define a boundary of one or more exclusion zones. The system also includes a robotics processing unit configured to (a) receive the boundary of the autonomous operating zone and the boundary of each exclusion zone from the computing device, (b) generate a planned command path that the vehicle will travel to perform a task within the autonomous operating zone while avoiding each exclusion zone, and (c) control operation of the vehicle so that the vehicle travels the planned command path to perform the task.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Inventors: WILLIAM J. SCHLACKS, IV, BRIAN ADAMS, JAMES DIANICS, IAN GRAVES, ROB MARTIN, SCOTT PFURSICH
  • Publication number: 20210325873
    Abstract: A system for autonomous or semi-autonomous operation of a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a machine automation portal (MAP) application configured to enable a computing device to (a) display a map of a work site and (b) provide a graphical user interface that enables a user to (i) define a boundary of an autonomous operating zone on the map and (ii) define a boundary of one or more exclusion zones. The system also includes a robotics processing unit configured to (a) receive the boundary of the autonomous operating zone and the boundary of each exclusion zone from the computing device, (b) generate a planned command path that the vehicle will travel to perform a task within the autonomous operating zone while avoiding each exclusion zone, and (c) control operation of the vehicle so that the vehicle travels the planned command path to perform the task.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Inventors: WILLIAM J. SCHLACKS, IV, BRIAN ADAMS, JAMES DIANICS, IAN GRAVES, ROB MARTIN, SCOTT PFURSICH