Abstract: A method, performed by at least one apparatus, is provided that includes obtaining first radio map data. The first radio map data indicates geographic positions with respect to a first coordinate system. The method also obtains second radio map data. The second radio map data indicates geographic positions with respect to a second coordinate system. The method further includes identifying a transformation between the first coordinate system and the second coordinate system and applying the identified transformation at least to a part of the first radio map data and/or the second radio map data. A corresponding apparatus and computer readable storage medium are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of enhancing a navigation solution about a device and a platform, wherein the mobility of the device may be constrained or unconstrained within the platform, and wherein the navigation solution is provided even in the absence of normal navigational information updates (such as, for example, GNSS). More specifically, the present method comprises utilizing measurements from sensors (e.g. accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers etc.) within the device to calculate and resolve the attitude of the device and the platform, and the attitude misalignment between the device and the platform.

Abstract: A method for mapping a geographical location of a feature in a satellite image is provided. An image of a geographical surface is obtained, the image comprising a plurality of pixels, data indicating the latitude and longitude of each vertex of the image and data relating to a grid corresponding to the image is obtained. A grid location of a feature in the image is received, the grid location identifying a cell in the grid. The grid location is translated into a geographical location, which comprises calculating a pixel space location of at least one vertex of the identified grid cell; converting the pixel space into a latitude/longitude space based on the obtained data indicating the latitude and longitude of each vertex; and determining the latitude and longitude of the at least one vertex of the identified cell, based on the calculated pixel space location and the latitude/longitude space.

Abstract: A celestial object is automatically tracked and photographed. Azimuth information of the celestial object is obtained relative to a photographic apparatus. First-tracking drive control data for performing a first-tracking photographing operation is calculated based on the azimuth information. The photographing operation is performed during a predetermined exposure time based on the first-tracking drive control data. After the photographing operation finishes, a first image taken in the photographing operation is obtained upon lapse of a predetermined time, and a second image corresponding to an ending of images taken by the photographing operation is obtained. An amount of deviation between a celestial object image in the first image and a corresponding celestial object image in the second image is calculated. A judgement is made as to whether a second-tracking photographing operation is to be performed based on a comparison between the deviation amount and a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A live dynamic map that provides for increased convenience for a user at a venue is disclosed. The live dynamic map may be branded for a venue, shows points of interest and paths between locations, includes a messaging capability, and allows users to be social with one another as well as venue management. Live branded mapping may allow for similar engagement on a region-by-region, neighborhood-by-neighborhood, or even brand-by-brand basis. By engaging on a hyper-local level, the present mapping platform can better target user and payload delivering and improve upon business to consumer brand engagement.

Abstract: A method of ink application on a substrate having a plurality of reference marks includes a step of setting a plurality of divided areas on the substrate and measuring positions of the reference marks in each of the divided areas, a step of acquiring a deviation amount of a gravity center of a measured figure defined by the positions of the reference marks, a step of acquiring a corrected applied position by correcting a designed applied position on the basis of the deviation amount of the gravity center, and a step of applying ink onto the substrate according to the corrected applied position.

Abstract: A system is invented to combine different signals from various sensors together so that an object (such as a car, an airplane etc.)'s position and/or orientation can be measured.

Abstract: A six-direction indicator is provided in an XYZ rectangular coordinate system and includes a shaft on an X axis, a rotation member rotatable around an axis inclined with respect to a rotation axis, guide pins provided upright on the rotation member, and a guide member provided around the X-axis to surround the rotation member. The guide member has a zigzag slit track bent alternately in a mountain-like shape and a valley-like shape in the X direction at intervals of 60° around the X-axis. The guide pins are inserted in the slit track and move around on the slit track by rotation of the shaft. The device indicates one of the positive and negative directions on the U, V, and W axes crossing one another at intervals of 60° around the X-axis.

Abstract: A technique for efficient processing of annotations in images such as panoramic images is herein disclosed. In an embodiment, a first user annotation is received for a feature in a first panorama, and a second user annotation for the same feature is received in a second panorama. The coordinates for the feature can then be generated by computing the intersection between data generated for the first user annotation and for the second user annotations.

Abstract: A deployable stationary device includes a device support, rate gyros supported by the device support, the rate gyros being oriented along different axes, and a controller supported by the device support. The controller is arranged to receive rate gyro signals from the rate gyros. Each rate gyro signal indicates a rate of rotation about a respective axis associated with a particular rate gyro. The controller is further arranged to perform a vector sum operation based on the rate gyro signals, and generate a direction signal which identifies a direction resulting from performance of the vector summing operation. Such a deployable stationary device is capable of operating as one of a network of such devices in a surveillance system to enable detection and precise location of suspicious activity.

Abstract: A motion estimation method and system for a mobile body are provided. The method includes: obtaining magnetic field information from compass information of the mobile body; comparing the magnetic field of the mobile body with a predetermined value and determining whether a position of the mobile body belongs to a specific region according to the comparison result; and estimating a direction of the mobile body by determining whether a compass azimuth angle is used for direction estimation of the mobile body according to the determination result.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for using camera attitude sensors with a camera. A camera assembly includes a tripod base, a tripod head interface mounted on the tripod base, a tripod head mounted on the tripod head interface and a camera mounted on the tripod head. The tripod head enables the camera to pan and tilt. The system also includes a first optical encoder for detecting the amount that the camera has been panned and a second optical encoder for detecting the amount that the camera has been tilted. Two inclinometers are mounted on the tripod head interface to measure attitude of the tripod head. Two gyroscopes (“gyros”) are mounted on the camera assembly. Data from the encoders, gyros and inclinometers are packaged and sent to graphics production equipment to be used for enhancing video captured by the camera.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is an improvement on the traditional Measuring Wheel. When the odometry information is combined with two direction sensors and an on-board computer, the instrument is able to perform useful measurements to allow the calculation of an area or the description of a non-linear contour, as well as the traditional distance measurements.

Abstract: Using an inertial master box mounted on a carrier for measuring its movements with respect to a geographic frame of reference of fixed directions along three axes Xg, Yg, Zg, a measuring method provides for continuously measuring an orientation of a frame of reference Xm, Ym, Zm tied to the inertial master box. Positioning is provided by applying a sequence of cycles of eight inversions of the inertial master box while keeping the axis Ym in a direction parallel to the axis Yg. A first motor causes a gimbal to pivot on a first axle secured to the carrier, while a second motor causes the inertial master box to pivot about a second perpendicular axle secured to the gimbal. A processor calculates three attitude angles by running a first inertial navigation program of the strapdown type and controls the first and second motors by running a second program.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for determining postures, in particular the attitude (&thgr;) and the inclination (&phgr;) of an aerodyne, comprising: a strap-down gyrometer device providing the components of the vector ({right arrow over (&OHgr;)}) of instantaneous rotation of the aerodyne, means for calculating, from gyrometric measurements, a matrix of postures ({right arrow over (b)}1, {right arrow over (b)}2, {right arrow over (b)}3), accelerometers integral with the said gyrometric device, and means for comparing data calculated from the accelerometers with data calculated from the gyrometers so as to provide corrections for compensating for the errors or drifts of the gyrometric device. This apparatus is characterized in that the comparison is performed between a vertically directed vector {right arrow over (U)}g provided by the gyrometric device and a vertically directed vector {right arrow over (U)}a provided by the accelerometers.

Abstract: Wood is bent using a unit and a method in which a continuous and uninterrupted curved path is defined over a workpiece-supporting surface and form and clamp blocks are electromagnetically attached to the workpiece-supporting surface adjacent to the path. The form and clamp blocks engage a wood workpiece to force that workpiece into a shape that matches the path defined over the workpiece-supporting surface.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is an improvement on the traditional measuring wheel. When the odometry information is combined with two robust attitude sensors and an on-board computer, the instrument is able to perform useful measurements such as the calculation of an area or the description of a non-linear contour, as well as the traditional distance measurements and other uses.

Abstract: An apparatus for finely adjusting an orientation of an optical device. The apparatus includes a base plate which supports an optical device, a bracket coupled to the base plate such that the base plate is rotatable with respect to the bracket, a spring disposed between the base plate and the bracket to apply an elastic force to the base plate, and an adjusting element which pushes the base plate against the bracket through the base plate to adjust a relative position of the optical device with respect to the bracket. The apparatus can finely and precisely adjust the orientation of the optical device.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is an improvement on the traditional measuring wheel. When the odometry information is combined with two robust attitude sensors and an on-board computer, the instrument is able to perform useful measurements such as the calculation of an area or the description of a non-linear contour, as well as the traditional distance measurements and other uses.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is an improvement on the traditional Measuring Wheel. When the odometry information is combined with two direction sensors and an on-board computer, the instrument is able to perform useful measurements to allow the calculation of an area or the description of a non-linear contour, as well as the traditional distance measurements.

Abstract: A system for improving the accuracy of location coordinate determined in a survey of a chosen region. A grid of spaced apart points is imposed on the region, and a set of survey control points is provided. A “near set” of nearest survey control points is associated with each grid point, and the number of elements in this new set may vary with the grid point. Definition of a near set can vary from one grid point to the next. For each grid point, a transformation T from a first coordinate system to a second coordinate system is determined that minimizes a collective difference between coordinates of each survey control point in the near set and the corresponding coordinates of that survey control point under the transformation T. For one, two or three coordinates of each grid point, the difference(s) between the coordinate(s) of the grid point in the near set and the corresponding coordinate(s) of that grid point under the transformation T are computed.

Abstract: An avionics display (10) for use in an aircraft navigation system including a navigation receiver. The avionics display (10) includes a needle (12) for indicating the position, heading, glide slope or other navigational parameter of the aircraft and a stepper motor (14) coupled with the needle and responsive to the navigation receiver for driving the needle in response to the navigation signals received by the receiver. The stepper motor drives the needle at a much higher torque than prior art displays and is therefore less sensitive to contaminates and magnetic interference and is less fragile.

Abstract: A system for improving the accuracy of location coordinate determined in a survey of a chosen region, using a computer. A grid of spaced apart points is imposed on the region, and a set of survey control points is provided. A "near set" of nearest survey control points is associated with each grid point. For each grid point, a transformation T from a first (global) datum and coordinate system to a second (local) datum and coordinate system is determined that minimizes a collective difference between coordinates of each survey control point in the near set and the corresponding coordinates of that survey control point under the transformation T. For one, two or three coordinates of each grid point, a difference .DELTA. between the coordinate(s) of the grid point in the near set and the corresponding coordinate(s) of that grid point under the transformation T is computed. An interpolation function is determined that approximately matches the coordinate(s) difference .DELTA. at each grid point.

Abstract: The arrangement (42) according to the invention is formed by a watch comprising a dial (8) on which is shown a map (14) centered on a given geographic location, Mecca in particular. The arrangement (42) comprises a device (48) for indicating the direction of the terrestrial magnetic north and a device (16) enabling the angular positioning of the map in the general plane of the arrangement (42) corresponding to the plane of the dial (8). The different geographic regions shown on the map (14) are graphically arranged so that any point whatsoever of the contours of such regions substantially shows an angular spread (.OMEGA.), relative to a center of reference (22) corresponding to the above-mentioned given geographic location and to a reference direction (24) equal to the magnetic azimuth of the great circle passing through said point and the reference point (22) augmented by 180.degree..

Abstract: The invention provides various methods for detecting the bearing of a moving vehicle and of processing data in a vehicular navigation system. Provided there is carried out a process of recognizing the present position of the vehicle while the vehicle is moving at a predetermined speed, bearing data obtained from a prestored map is utilized to determine the present position of the vehicle. At that time, the data output from a terrestrial magnetism sensor, which would otherwise be used, is discarded.

Abstract: A device is provided for enabling inertial land navigation of a vehicle, for measuring and updating vehicle heading by North-seeking and navigating. A single dual-axis gyroscope is sequenced through North-seeking, parameter calibration, and navigating by a high resolution flip table rotated by a stepper motor, without a gimballed support therefor. Inclinometers aid the gyroscope in North-seeking and parameter calibration without accelerometers therefor.

Abstract: A gyrocompass navigation system for land vehicles is disclosed which includes self-contained heading and navigation means. The system determines the orientation of the vehicle with respect to grid north; provides land navigation information in universal transverse mercator (UTM) coordinates (northings and eastings); and provides range and bearing information for destination location. The system features a single degree of freedom gyroscope for both north seeking and navigational modes and further includes simplified means for tilt measurement and temperature compensation.

Abstract: Pixels within a satellite camera (1, 2) image are precisely located in terms of latitude and longitude on a celestial body, such as the earth, being imaged. A computer (60) on the earth generates models (40, 50) of the satellite's orbit and attitude, respectively. The orbit model (40) is generated from measurements of stars and landmarks taken by the camera (1, 2), and by range data. The orbit model (40) is an expression of the satellite's latitude and longitude at the subsatellite point, and of the altitude of the satellite, as a function of time, using as coefficients (K) the six Keplerian elements at epoch. The attitude model (50) is based upon star measurements taken by each camera (1, 2). The attitude model (50) is a set of expressions for the deviations in a set of mutually orthogonal reference optical axes (x, y, z) as a function of time, for each camera (1, 2). Measured data is fit into the models (40, 50) using a walking least squares fit algorithm.

Abstract: A universal measuring gauge for geological structures is disclosed, having an application part including an arm and a gib, which is normally attached to it on one side, the arm being, on the other side, shaped into a universal bearing journal (pin), which passes through the bearing bush; two opposite axes equipped, on their ends, with normally fixed inclination indicators, radiate from the bush center; a suspension part including two vertical discs with a protractor scale, pivoted on the mentioned axes and firmly connected with the suspension, the lower suspension part being equipped with a transparent horizontal protractor scale and in the center of the lower suspension part, the upper half-bush of the bearing is formed, the bearing being passed by a hollow pin, carrying the transparent horizontal disc with indices, the hollow pin being axially and radially guided (glided) in the upper and lower half-bushes of the bearing; and an orientation part containing the mentioned lower half-bush, where the lower need

Abstract: To correct latitude-related errors in the delivery of data from a gyrocompass to an indicator through a synchro transmitter with three-phase Y-connected primary and secondary windings, the synchro transmitter is energized from a single-phase a-c source having one terminal connected to one primary winding and the other terminal connected to the two other primary windings with interposition of a variable resistance in series with one of the two latter windings. These two windings may be interchanged to correct errors of opposite sign.

Abstract: The position of a vehicle is derived from vehicle speed and heading. A two-axis electrically restrained gyro, the spin axis of which is parallel to the vehicle vertical axis, serves at first to determine the north direction with stationary vehicle. The attitude of the vehicle about the longitudinal and transverse axes is measured by means of a pair of vehicle-fixed accelerometers. True north direction is derived from the signals of the accelerometers and of the gyro. Subsequently the gyro is rotated through 90.degree. about one input axis and serves as heading-attitude reference during the mission. The rotary speed about a third axis perpendicular to the input axes of the gyro is measured by means of a rotary acceleration meter the output of which is applied to an integrator. During the mission, the attitude parameters of the vehicle are computed continuously from the initial attitude parameters and the rotary speeds.

Abstract: The gyroscope operated in a strapdown mode and mounted on a float assembly with its spin axis extending in a vertical direction. The float assembly is free to rotate about any horizontal axis but is constrained from rotating about the vertical to assure an accurate azimuthal reference between the gyroscope and the case in which it is floating. The angle between an azimuthal reference line of the gyroscope and true north is obtained by measuring the amount of torque required to counteract precession of the gyroscope about a horizontal sensitive axis which would occur because of the horizontal component of the rate of rotation of the earth.