Topography (e.g., Land Mapping) Patents (Class 702/5)
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Patent number: 7308139Abstract: The present invention is a method, system, and apparatus for visually displaying digitized information in a way that allows a human operator to detect easily patterns and characteristics within the data. A personal computer is used to extract raw data and to perform Boolean operations at the behest of a user. The manipulated information is then converted into a false-color image and displayed on an output screen. The images can be compared to known data, called a template, in order to detect one or more desired patterns that indicate desirable features. The desired pattern can then be highlighted (or illuminated) and be displayed to the operator so that the location of the desired feature may be identified.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2002Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: Chroma Energy, Inc.Inventors: Robert Wentland, Jawad Mokhtar
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Patent number: 7308326Abstract: A precision farming method including a stochastic parameter , which is continuously optimized to adjust the model to the latest prevailing working conditions. Such parameter may be considered to constitute a variable which characterizes the instantaneously prevailing readiness of the harvesting process. Such variable can be used for establishing field maps showing the evolution of the harvesting operation itself. It can also be used in automatic routines which adjust the harvester speed in order to limit the grain losses.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2003Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: CNH America LLCInventors: Koen Maertens, Josse G. De Baerdemaeker
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Publication number: 20070282534Abstract: Integrated computing systems and methods for applying sub-surface material location and composition information to engineering plans for designing, e.g., highways and other roadways, are provided. Utilizing the described systems and methods, surfaces, such as highways, may be more efficiently designed in a timely fashion, requiring less format conversion for inputs and outputs to be compatible throughout the design process. Additionally, adjustments for changes in alignments for the desired surfaces are more easily taken into account than in conventional design systems, permitting quicker design corrections and more accurate results.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2006Publication date: December 6, 2007Applicant: HNTB Holdings LtdInventors: Glen A. Herman, Cecil G. Law, Kevin R. Hale
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Patent number: 7302345Abstract: Provided is a method of generating a magnetic field map including obtaining magnetic field information, the magnetic field information being information on a magnetic field affecting a mobile body, for each position of the mobile body, and building a magnetic field map based on the magnetic field information for each position of the mobile body. The pose of a mobile body can be statistically checked by the probability obtained using the difference between the magnetic field information observed from the magnetic field map and the actually measured magnetic field information. Although the pose of the mobile body is estimated using a camera that is sensitive to an illumination state where the mobile body is placed, the pose of the mobile body can be relatively accurately checked using the magnetic field map obtained in a situation regardless of illumination, with being less affected by the illumination state where the mobile body is placed. Thus, the pose of the mobile body can be checked with reliability.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2005Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Woong Kwon, Kyung-shik Roh, Woo-sup Han, Young-bo Shim
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Patent number: 7298891Abstract: A method (300) for extracting a digital elevation model from a plurality of raw topographical points representing a plurality of frames representing a plurality of perspectives of a multi-dimensional object comprising a surface and above-surface obstructions, comprises steps or acts of: finding the surface (304) by filtering out data points produced by the above-surface obstructions to provide a plurality of surface data points representing the surface; and filtering the surface data points (306) with a competitive filter to provide a multi-dimensional surface shell of digital elevation model data points. The above-described method can also be carried out by a specialized or programmable information processing system (200) or as a set of instructions in a computer-readable medium such as a CD ROM or DVD or the like.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2004Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Harris CorporationInventors: Tom McDowall, Jake Auxier, Mark Rahmes, Ray Fermo
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Patent number: 7292941Abstract: A geospatial modeling system may include a geospatial model database and a processor. The processor may cooperate with the geospatial model database for extracting ground data from foliage and building data, and performing a plurality of noise filtering operations on the foliage and building data including a first loose tolerance filtering to determine an inclusive estimate of building locations and a second strict tolerance filtering to reduce false building locations. The processor may also cooperate with the geospatial model database for performing at least one edge recovery operation to compensate for noisy building perimeters, and separating foliage data from the building data based upon the noise filtering operations and the at least one edge recovery operation.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2006Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Harris CorporationInventors: Mark Rahmes, Stephen Connetti, Harlan Yates, Anthony O'Neil Smith
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Patent number: 7289907Abstract: This invention is the NOAA Deep ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunami (DART) system, which utilizes a seafloor tsunameter linked to an ocean surface buoy via bi-directional communication system for near real-time measurement and reporting of tsunamis. The buoy is equipped with a bi-directional satellite and acoustic modem communication system for transmitting data between remote locations, such as tsunami warning centers and the tsunameter on the seafloor.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2005Date of Patent: October 30, 2007Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of CommerceInventors: Christian Meinig, Scott E. Stalin, Alex I. Nakamura, Hugh B. Milburn
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Patent number: 7286936Abstract: A method for prospecting for oil and gas deposits is provided, said method comprising: outlining of highly permeable collecting basins development zones, performing an aerospace survey of a landscape, determining a spectral reflectivity over the landscape, and incorporating the height profile, block fields, aerospace survey and spectral relativity in order to produce a predictiveis provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2006Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Inventors: Mark Gelfand, Anatoly Vostokov
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Overlaying orthorectified aerial images with map information tied to a state plane coordinate system
Patent number: 7283909Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a method and system for overlaying orthorectified aerial images with map information tied to a state plane coordinate system. Computer media storing a computer program implementing an embodiment of the method of the present invention is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2005Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Inventors: Michael A. Olsen, Gary H. Gurr -
Patent number: 7283908Abstract: A system and method for estimating ocean surface height and currents at points within a geographic grid. The method includes receiving a user selected location, receiving bathymetric data from a global database, determining whether the user selected location corresponds to a land location or a water covered location by referring to the bathymetric data. If the user selected location is a water-covered location, current and ocean height deviation are estimated for the user selected location. If the user selected location is a land location, current and ocean height deviation for the closest grid point that is water covered are estimated. In exemplary embodiments, the system is rapidly relocatable, has worldwide coverage, and can run on a PC.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2005Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Pamela Posey, Ruth H Preller, Gretchen Dawson
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Patent number: 7266558Abstract: A system and method includes providing a database having a plurality of damage characterization data and a geographical location associated with each. A first and a second portable communication unit are associated, respectively, with a first subscribing party and a second subscribing party. A sharing privilege list identifies, for the first subscribing party, parties authorized to receive damage assessment data. A damage assessment report is transmitted from the first of the portable communication units to the database. The database is updated based on the damage assessment report. Then, depending on whether or not the second subscribing party is on the sharing privilege list, a data is communicated to the second of the portable communication units reflecting, or based on, the damage assessment report.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2004Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Inventor: Michael D. Gray
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Patent number: 7254485Abstract: Methods of characterizing subsurface conditions in a selected geographic region previously associated as a whole with a specific subsurface material characteristic reference profile such as from a USDA-NRCS soil survey. The method includes deploying a sensing tool at selected positions within the geographic region to determine a depth-referenced subsurface material characteristic such as soil type or strata, comparing the determined subsurface material characteristic to the subsurface material characteristic reference profile associated with the geographic region to determine a correlation between the subsurface material characteristic reference profile and the depth-referenced subsurface material characteristic, and then deciding whether to deploy the tool at another position, and at what optimum position to deploy the tool, by considering the correlation.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2005Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Daniel James Rooney, Marek Dudka, Mark Andrew Cheyne
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Patent number: 7254483Abstract: A data acquisition and retrieval system (11) for fishing. Input means (37) are provided for inputting: (i) geographical positioning data indicating the geographical position of a point for fishing in substantially real-time relative to a region: (ii) weather data indicating the prevailing weather conditions applying to the geographical position of the point in the region; (iii) fish data characterising the fish located at or obtained at the point; (iv) time data specifying the date, time or season corresponding to the real-time at the point; and (v) water condition data of the prevailing environment at the point. A database (60) is provided for storing the data input by the input means (35) relative to the geographical position of the point and linking the data to any previous data stored for the particular geographical position of the point.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2000Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Advanced Marine Technologies Pty Ltd.Inventors: Vance Randolph Squires, Laurie Petrie, Graham G. Grosvenor
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Patent number: 7251564Abstract: A system and method for estimating ocean surface height and currents at points within a geographic grid. The method includes receiving bathymetric data from a global database, generating atmospheric forcing information based on a hurricane model, and estimating current and ocean height deviation for at least one grid point. In exemplary embodiments, the system is rapidly relocatable, has worldwide coverage, and can run on a PC at user selected frequencies and worldwide locations.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2005Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Pamela Posey, Ruth H Preller, Gretchen Dawson
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Patent number: 7222021Abstract: A base station is installed in a predetermined area where a large number of target points are studded around the station. When the operator moves a mobile station around the base station, display means is provided for both or either of the base station that guides the operator and the mobile station, and a display screen of the display means displays 2 kinds of a Forward (foreground) mode and a Back (background) mode. In the Forward (foreground) mode, the display screen of the display means displays a landscape in a forward direction (opposite direction to the mobile station by 180° when seen from the base station) of the operator (mobile station) when the operator sees the base station from the current position of the mobile station, or from the next target point if the operator reaches the next target point.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2002Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha TopconInventors: Fumio Ootomo, Akio Kimura, Kaoru Kumagai, Kazuki Osaragi, Kunihiro Hayashi
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Patent number: 7216003Abstract: A cutting apparatus includes a hi-accuracy three-dimensional cutting apparatus for topographic modeling that is electronically coupled with a computer. The computer has a central processor that executes instructions, a memory for storing instructions to be executed, and non-volatile storage for storing the messages. The executable computer instructions of the system include one or more algorithms for converting the complex and randomly-occurring contours found in natural terrain into an efficient series of modeling material removal swaths defined in simplified 2-axis cross-sections that are cut adjacent and parallel to one another. The swaths are defined in a simplified 2-axis surface contour-following rotation cutting device moved by the system's CPU, driver software, driver circuitry and/or logic circuitry.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2001Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Assignee: Solid Terrain ModelingInventors: Lawrence Q. Faulkner, Mark E. Fisher, Justin Luton
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Patent number: 7209036Abstract: A device for guiding a person along a traveled path enables the wearer of the device to be guided back along the traveled path in an electronically supported manner even under conditions under which orientation is difficult. The device has a portable ejection means (2), in which a container (14) for accommodating a plurality of transponders (7) and an ejection mechanism (10), which is actuated by a control device (6) to eject a transponder (7) from the container (14), are present. A control unit (6) is prepared such as to actuate the ejection mechanism (10) at predetermined time intervals or at predetermined distances in space. A portable transmitter/receiver device (8) is designed to detect at least one of the transponders (7) dropped off and to generate a signal representative of the direction in which that transponder (7) is located. A portable display device (4) receives the direction signal of the transmitter/receiver means (8) and offers the wearer a visual and/or acoustic display of the direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2005Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaAInventors: Jörg-Uwe Meyer, Frank Sattler, Henning Gerder, Udo Beckmann, Hartmut Stark, Hans Matthiessen
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Patent number: 7203599Abstract: A method for controlled source electromagnetic Earth surveying includes deploying a plurality of electromagnetic sensors in a selected pattern at the top of an area of the Earth's subsurface to be surveyed. At least one of a transient electric field and a transient magnetic field is applied to the Earth in the vicinity of the sensors at a plurality of different positions. At least one of electric field amplitude and magnetic field amplitude at each of the sensors is recorded each time the transient electric field and/or magnetic field is applied. Each recording is adjusted for acquisition geometry. An image is generated corresponding to at least one sensor position using at least two stacked, adjusted recordings.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2006Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Assignee: KJT Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Kurt M. Strack, Leon A. Thomsen, Horst Rueter
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Patent number: 7197500Abstract: An improved method and system for storage of data that represent geographic features in a region. The data are organized into parcels each of which contains data that represent those geographic features that are located within a separate one of a plurality of rectangular areas into the region is divided. The method identifies linearly extending features that extend across multiple rectangular areas so that data representing the linearly extending feature can be included in each parcel that contains data that represents a rectangular area in which the linearly extending feature extends at least in part.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2001Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Navteq North America, LLCInventors: Vijaya S. Israni, Richard A. Ashby, Paul M. Bouzide, John C. Jasper, Robert P. Fernekes, Gregory M. Nyczak, Nicholas E. Smith, David S. Lampert, James A. Meek, Aaron I. Crane
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Patent number: 7194111Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a target or targets in a surrounding background locale based on target signatures obtained by a hyperspectral imaging sensor used the hyperspectral imaging sensor to collect raw target signature data and background locale data during a first data collection mission. The data is processed to generate a database including a plurality of target signatures and background data relating to the background locale. The hyperspectral imaging sensor is later used to collect further background data during a further, current data collecting mission so as to provide continuously updated background data, in real time. A covariance equalization algorithm is implemented with respect to the background data contained in the database and the updated background data collected during the current mission to effect transformation of each target signature of the database into a transformed target signature.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2003Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Alan P. Schaum, Rulon Mayer
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Patent number: 7188450Abstract: A method for in-season macro and micronutrient application based on predicted yield potential, coefficient of variation, and a nutrient response index. The inventive method includes the steps of: determining a nutrient response index for a field; determining the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) of an area to fertilize; determining the coefficient of variation of NDVI over a plot; determining a predicted crop yield for the area without additional nutrient; determining an attainable crop yield for the area with additional nutrient; determining the nutrient requirement for the area as the difference between the nutrient removal at the attainable yield minus the nutrient removal at the predicted yield, adjusted by the efficiency of nutrient utilization in the particular crop as indicated by the coefficient of variation.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2004Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: The Board of Regents for Oklahoma State UniversityInventors: William R. Raun, Gordon V. Johnson, John B. Solie, Marvin L. Stone, Kyle Freeman
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Patent number: 7191066Abstract: A computer implemented method is for processing a digital elevation model (DEM) including data for a plurality of objects. The method includes determining a perimeter versus area parameter for each object in the DEM, and comparing the perimeter versus area parameter for each object to a threshold to identify whether each object in the DEM is a building or foliage.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2005Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Inventors: Mark Rahmes, John Karp, Anthony Smith, Stephen Connetti, Jr.
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Patent number: 7188029Abstract: A system and method of combining plant productivity testing data with environmental data and geographic data of testing sites in a computer program comprising at least one database for receiving, storing, analyzing and outputting the data.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2003Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Dido, LLCInventor: Bradley D. Biddick
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Patent number: 7184892Abstract: A method and system for evaluating crop performance obtains weather data and soil data for a defined geographic area. Further, management data is obtained, where the management data is associated with a particular agricultural crop affiliated with the defined geographic area. At least one of the obtained weather data, the obtained soil data, and the obtained management data is evaluated in comparison to reference weather data, reference soil data, and reference management data. The estimated performance level of a performance characteristic is determined for the particular crop associated with at least a portion of the defined geographic area based upon the evaluation.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2003Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: James Scott Dyer, Jerry Ray Halterman, Gerhard Josef Hunner, George Bailey Muehlbach
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Patent number: 7184859Abstract: Remotely sensed spectral image data are used to develop a Vegetation Index file which represents spatial variations of actual crop vigor throughout a field that is under cultivation. The latter information is processed to place it in a format that can be used by farm personnel to correlate and calibrate it with actually observed crop conditions existing at control points within the field. Based on the results, farm personnel formulate a prescription request, which is forwarded via email or FTP to a central processing site, where the prescription is prepared. The latter is returned via email or FTP to on-side farm personnel, who can load it into a controller on a spray rig that directly applies inputs to the field at a spatially variable rate.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2004Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: InTime, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth Brown Hood, Michael R. Seal, Mark David Lewis, James William Johnson
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Patent number: 7181346Abstract: A system and method for determining information about the potential impact of a significant weather event on a category of interest, such as a population base, property, traffic flow and infrastructure. Information about the forecasted path of a weather event is used in conjunction with census or other data to determine the human safety and property risks, etc. that are present in the situation. The path of the weather event is used to determine an area which is likely to be effected by the storm during the time period. The population, property value, traffic flow, infrastructure etc. within the area is determined to ascertain the impact of the weather event.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: WSI CorporationInventors: Michael R. Kleist, Douglas G. Dempster
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Patent number: 7167800Abstract: Presented herein is a method for predicting suitability for performing a remote sensing operation over a particular field. The method includes the step of accessing predicted operation variables at points within the field. These operation variables may include values for weather, crop, and soil conditions. Based on operation suitability parameters selected for each variable, the method predicts remote sensing operation suitability for different points in time.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2005Date of Patent: January 23, 2007Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Stephen Michael Faivre, Mark William Stelford
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Patent number: 7151466Abstract: This invention is an ultra-low frequency electromagnetic telemetry receiver which fuses multiple input receive sources to synthesize a decodable message packet from a noise corrupted telemetry message string. Each block of telemetry data to be sent to the surface receiver from a borehole tool is digitally encoded into a data packet prior to transmission. The data packet is modulated onto the ULF EM carrier wave and transmitted from the borehole to the surface and then are simultaneously detected by multiple receive sensors disbursed within the rig environment. The receive sensors include, but are not limited to, electric field and magnetic field sensors. The spacing of the surface receive elements is such that noise generators are unequally coupled to each receive element due to proximity and/or noise generator type (i.e. electric or magnetic field generators).Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2004Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Inventors: Jeffrey M. Gabelmann, J. Stephen Kattner, Robert A. Houston
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Patent number: 7149629Abstract: A Land Surveyor System with Reprocessing is carried by a surveyor moving from a first known position at the start of a survey interval to a second known position at the end of the survey interval has an AINS (aided inertial navigation system) that provides a continuing sequence of time-indexed present position values. A Position Computing System uses a program that stores the sequence of time-indexed present position values in a memory. A reprocessing computer and program is activated at the second known position to access and process the continuing sequence of time-indexed present position values with a smoothing program to provide indexed and adjusted present position values for at least some of the time-indexed present position values. The system is packaged for transport and use by a surveyor. A switch permits the surveyor to signal that the unit is stationary as a reset for the AINS.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2004Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: Applanix Corporation, Inc.Inventors: Bruno Scherzinger, Blake Reid, Erik Lithopoulos
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Patent number: 7142984Abstract: A computer implemented method is for processing an original digital elevation model (DEM) including data for terrain and a plurality of objects thereon. The method includes generating a lower-resolution DEM from the original DEM, and generating an objects-only DEM based upon a comparison of the lower-resolution DEM and the original DEM. The method further includes reducing noise in the objects-only DEM.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2005Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Assignee: Harris CorporationInventors: Mark Rahmes, John Karp, Anthony Smith, Stephen Connetti, Jr.
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Patent number: 7136756Abstract: A real-time hydrologic modeling system to determine the hydrologic properties a selected geographic region. In a preferred embodiment, a drainage network of individual cells is created for the geographic region. The outflow of a selected cell within the drainage network is determined by solving the runoff from cells upstream of the selected cells until the flow of all upstream cells is known. The flow value of a cell is based upon factors such as runon, infiltration, and precipitation. In another embodiment the outflow of a selected cell is determined by setting simulated flow rates to equal measured flow rates at observation points upstream of the selected cell and within the drainage network. The flow rates of cells upstream of the observation points are adjusted proportionally based on hydrologic quantities of runoff, precipitation and drainage area to determine the outflow of the selected cell.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2004Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Assignee: Vieux and Associates, Inc.Inventors: Baxter E. Vieux, Matthew C. Lawrence, Ryan M. Hoes
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Patent number: 7133539Abstract: A three-dimensional terrain-information generating system extracts a road region from altitude information arranged on a two-dimensional plane and adjusts the position and scale by matching the road region with a building/road map. Altitude information of a road region with a width that is greater than or equal to a preset width is obtained from the building/road map, and the obtained altitude information is arranged in a three-dimensional space. Ribbon forms that may intersect one another at a plurality of points are generated. Altitude information of a region such as a park that is almost free from the effects of a building on the three-dimensional terrain is obtained from the building/road map. Subsequently, a surface including such altitude information is created, thereby generating three-dimensional terrain data.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2003Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Yasunori Ohto
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Patent number: 7127352Abstract: A system and method that provides economical and accurate data for a selected area (jurisdiction) from a centralized location by generating a base-line map from commercially available information and distributing portions of this map to local jurisdictions. Inaccuracies and other information only available locally are stored in a local database. Periodically these databases are uploaded to a central location and reconciled with the base line map. Advantageously, such reconciliation may include a rules based reconciliation wherein the geo-coordinates from the commercial vendors are used and applied to the local data. A new base line map is then generated and distributed back to the local user. In this manner, the local user has an accurate yet economical map.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2002Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.Inventors: Michael Barinek, Daniel H. Hoskins, Jr., Gary Douglas Pulford, Douglas W. Stevens, David Weksel
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Patent number: 7127348Abstract: A vehicle based data collection and processing system which may be used to collect various types of data from an aircraft in flight or from other moving vehicles, such as an automobile, a satellite, a train, etc. In various embodiments the system may include: computer console units for controlling vehicle and system operations, global positioning systems communicatively connected to the one or more computer consoles, camera array assemblies for producing an image of a target viewed through an aperture communicatively connected to the one or more computer consoles, attitude measurement units communicatively connected to the one or more computer consoles and the one or more camera array assemblies, and a mosaicing module housed within the one or more computer consoles for gathering raw data from the global positioning system, the attitude measurement unit, and the retinal camera array assembly, and processing the raw data into orthorectified images.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2003Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: M7 Visual Intelligence, LPInventors: Chester L. Smitherman, Tuy Vu Mai, Leo J. Peters, III
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Patent number: 7127107Abstract: A method and apparatus generates data concerning a partition of land such as farmland based on an observation image of the surface of the earth photographed by a high-altitude flying vehicle such as a satellite or airplane at high speed while reducing the burden on the user. The method comprises the steps of extracting edges in the observation image; extracting a rectangle region on the image by determining and connecting points of intersection of a plurality of straight lines extending radially from a point on the image and the edges; and adjusting the extracted rectangle region by refining and correcting it.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2003Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: Hitachi Software Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sen Kubota, Takashi Onoyama
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Patent number: 7117091Abstract: The invention is a method relating to the formation by simulation of a reference map of the spatial distribution of the sediment supply, according to the composition thereof, in a sedimentary basin during a sedimentary deposition sequence (during a given geologic time interval) and also allows obtaining the topography of the land surface of the basin at the beginning and at the end of this period. The available input data are a map of the thickness of the sedimentary layer studied, known by interpretation of seismic survey results, data relative to the location and to the composition of the sediment supply at the boundaries of the sedimentary basin being studied, obtained by interpretation of seismic surveys, measurements and observations, and physical parameters characterizing transportation of the sediments (diffusion coefficients in the marine environment and in the continental environment) during the period considered. An application is locating hydrocarbon reservoirs.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2004Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: Institut Francais du PetroleInventors: Roland Masson, Marie-Christine Cacas, Gabriela Dobranszky
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Patent number: 7113868Abstract: A method and system for processing geophysical survey data is provided. Gravity gradiometry data is processed by approximating density values of terrain signals to remove contributions of the terrain from the gravity gradiometry data. Initially, a predicted gravity gradient data set for a geographical area is calculated using terrain data with unit density. Next, a mathematical transformation is applied to recorded gravity gradiometer data of the geographical area and the predicted gravity gradiometry data. The transformation divides the data into component sub-functions so that each component function can be processed separately. The component sub-functions are processed to estimate densities of the geographical area. Then, using all the estimated densities, gravity gradients due to all of the terrain can be calculated, and subtracted from the recorded gravity gradient signals to reveal gravity gradients due to subsurface masses, for example.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2004Date of Patent: September 26, 2006Assignee: Bell Geospace, Inc.Inventor: James Brewster
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Patent number: 7103479Abstract: An evaluation system models water usage within a region. The evaluation system provides a graphical representation of various water system components. Each water system component has a model describing its water balance and parameters for customizing the model for an instance of the water system component. The evaluation system receives indications of water system components within the region along with connections between the water system components. The evaluation system receives values for parameters of the water system components. The evaluation system then calculates the water demand of the region by calculating the water balance of each water system component within the region based on the models for each water system component and the connections between the water system components. The evaluation system provides a cost-effective solution to manage water usage within the region.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2005Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: CH2M Hill, Inc.Inventors: Avinash S. Patwardhan, Jared N. Thorpe, Muzaffar Eusuff, Greg Norby
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Patent number: 7103451Abstract: Remotely sensed spectral image data are used to develop a Vegetation Index file which represents spatial variations of actual crop vigor throughout an area that is under cultivation. The latter information is processed to place it in a format that can be used by personnel to correlate and calibrate it with actually observed crop conditions existing at control points within the area. Based on the results, personnel formulate a prescription request, which is forwarded to a central processing site, where the prescription is prepared. The latter is returned to a mobile application means that directly applies inputs to the field at a spatially variable rate.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2004Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: InTime, Inc.Inventors: Michael R. Seal, Kenneth Brown Hood, Mark David Lewis, James William Johnson, Patrick Jackson, Matthew Peterson, Kelly Dupont, Hendrick Van Riessen
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Patent number: 7089117Abstract: A method of estimating the instantaneous crop yield ?2(t) at time t in a field, during harvesting with a harvesting machine that operates by cutting and/or controlling the crop and has a crop mass flow sensor that measures the mass flow rate of crop processed by the machine at a location remote from that at which the harvesting machine cuts the crop and generates a signal {dot over ({circumflex over (m)}out(t) indicative thereof, including the steps of: generating a mass flow rate signal {dot over ({circumflex over (m)}out(t) using the sensor;generating an area rate signal ?(t) indicative of time domain variations in the area of the field harvested per time unit;filtering the area rate signal ?(t) using a function P(s) representative of the dynamics of the harvesting machine to generate a filtered area rate signal ?2(t); andusing the filtered area rate signal ?2(t) for deriving from the mass flow rate signal {dot over ({circumflex over (m)}out(t) a yield per area unit ?2(t).Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2001Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: CNH America LLCInventor: Koen Maertens
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Patent number: 7085650Abstract: A geographical information system and a method are disclosed for geospatially mapping a least one parcel polygon within a geographical region and for displaying at least one specific attribute of each parcel polygon, i.e. a topological area within the given geographical region, as an attached attribute of latitude and longitude coordinates. The centroid or center point of each of the parcel polygons is determined and stored into conventional computer storage means. The latitude and longitude point feature at the centroid of each parcel polygon is established and similarly stored. A unique tax identification number, e.g. the Assessor Parcel Number (APN) or Parcel Identifier Number (PIN), is assigned to each of the point features. A correlation is then made between the unique tax identification number of the point feature to a text list of at least one attribute, e.g., the physical address of the parcel polygon, of each of the point features. This attribute becomes attached to each point feature.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2004Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: GIS Data Resources, Inc.Inventor: James J. Anderson
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Patent number: 7069124Abstract: Robotic systems for modeling, mapping and exploring subterranean void spaces such as mines, caves, tunnels, bunkers, and conduits. Robotic modeling of subterranean voids is generally enabled by a procedural system consisting of preprocessing, ingress, void modeling, mapping and navigation, exploration, conveying payloads other than void modeling sensors, egress, and post processing. The robots can either be imposed mobility or can be self mobile with either autonomous, remote, teleoperated, or manual modes of operation. The robot may optionally transform from a compact size into a more conventional operating size if the operating size exceeds the void entry opening size. Void geometries with flat floors are amenable to robot locomotion such as rolling, crawling, walking or swimming. Alternatively, irregular floor geometries that preclude self mobilization may be accessible by imposed mobilization such as dropping or pushing a movable robotic sensor into such voids.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2003Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: Workhorse Technologies, LLCInventors: William Lawrence Whittaker, Warren Charles Whittaker, Scott Mason Thayer, Zachary Meyer Omohundro, Carlos Felipe Reverte, David Ian Ferguson, Aaron Christopher Morris, Christopher Baker
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Patent number: 7068816Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for producing agricultural information on an area of interest, with the information based on raw, remote imaging data that is typically produced by a sensor associated with a satellite or aircraft. In one embodiment, the method includes processing raw, remote imaging data to produce reflectance factor data on the land of interest. The reflectance factor data is then used to produce agriculturally significant information. In one embodiment, a soil zone index map is produced for the land of interest. In another embodiment, the reflectance factor data is used to produce a green vegetation index map. In yet a further embodiment, the reflectance factor data at two points in time is used to produce a map for the land of interest that indicates the change in the green vegetation index over time.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2002Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: DigitalGlobe, Inc.Inventors: Gregory E. Knoblauch, Andrew P. Dinville, Jack F. Paris
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Patent number: 7065449Abstract: A method and system for evaluating geophysical survey data is provided. Two neighboring flight paths of a geophysical survey are likely to have geophysical characteristics in common because neighboring flight paths cover geographic areas in a close proximity to one another. As such, neighboring flight paths will likely have similar geophysical characteristics and similar recorded data. Therefore, errors in data can be estimated by comparing data recorded from neighboring flight paths. If data from a flight path differs significantly from data recorded from a neighboring flight path, then the data from one or both flight paths may be corrupted and at least one of the survey lines may need to be repeated. This auto evaluate method allows field personnel to judge data close to real time to determine whether to repeat a flight path while still out in the field.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2004Date of Patent: June 20, 2006Assignee: Bell Geospace, Inc.Inventors: James Brewster, David Humphrey
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Patent number: 7054747Abstract: A system for integrating environmental sensors and asynchronous ubication repeaters forming an n-point spatially random virtual lattice network (100) includes a ubication repeater (101) for communicating both positional and environmental information to a two-way radio transceiver (102) used by police or firefighters. The ubication repeater (101) initially determines its position upon actuation from the two-way radio transceiver (102) where environmental information can be transmitted to the firefighter's two-way radio transceiver (102) or to a central location (104). The central location (102) can provide a composite overview of an environmental situation during an emergency.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2004Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Motorola, Inc.Inventors: Charles R. Ruelke, Charles B. Swope
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Patent number: 7047135Abstract: A method and system of evaluating crop performance facilitates characterization of the environmental impact of a geographic region or areas within the region for growing plant-life. Environmental measurements are obtained. The environmental measurements are associated with a geographic region. Each environmental measurement includes at least one of soil data and weather data. Respective location data is obtained. The location data is associated with corresponding environmental measurements. An estimated performance characteristic is determined for a particular crop planted in the geographic region based on the obtained environmental measurements and respective location data. Contours are established for one or more uniform performance areas with generally uniform performance characteristic within the geographic region by applying a decision-tree analysis to the obtained environmental measurements.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2005Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: James Scott Dyer, Jerry Ray Halterman, Gerhard Josef Hunner, George Bailey Muehlbach
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Patent number: 7047133Abstract: A method and system of evaluating crop performance facilitates characterization of the environmental impact of a geographic region or areas within the region for growing plant-life. Environmental measurements are obtained. The environmental measurements are associated with a geographic region. Each environmental measurement includes at least one of soil data and weather data. Respective location data is obtained. The location data is associated with corresponding environmental measurements. An estimated performance characteristic is determined for a particular crop planted in the geographic region based on the obtained environmental measurements and respective location data. Contours are established for one or more uniform performance areas with generally uniform performance characteristic within the geographic region by applying a decision-tree analysis to the obtained environmental measurements.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2003Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: James Scott Dyer, Jerry Ray Halterman, Gerhard Josef Hunner, George Bailey Muehlbach
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Patent number: 7046827Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for adapting point geometry for storing address density information. Preferred embodiments store this density information in a 4-dimensional point data type provided by a spatially-enabled object relational database system, and leverage built-in functions and data types of the database system for operating on the data type. The address density may be computed while processing address data which is presented in textual format, or alternatively, from street geometry data which has been derived from such address data. The address density may be used in many different applications, such as e-business, targeted advertising, urban planning, facilities enhancements, and so forth. The point geometry representation of the street density information supports retrievals which do not rely on proprietary file formats or binary files, thereby enabling faster retrievals and reduced resource consumption requirements.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2002Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Feng-wei Chen, Robert R. Cutlip
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Patent number: 7047134Abstract: There is disclosed a method of selecting, in real time, a soil stabilizing protocol for clay-bearing soils occurring in construction sites. The method includes the steps of: obtaining soil conductivity data values at locations within a defined site without disturbing the surface of the soil; correlating the soil conductivity data values with corresponding estimates of soluble sulfate levels; recommending a calcium-based soil stabilizing protocol if the estimated level of soluble sulfates is less than a predetermined threshold; and performing a laboratory analysis of soil samples from selected portions of the defined site when the estimated soluble sulfate concentration equals or exceeds the predetermined threshold.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2004Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Chemical Lime CompanyInventors: Eric Berger, Diethelm Walter
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Patent number: RE39844Abstract: A method for surface estimation of reservoir properties, wherein location of and average earth resistivities above, below, and horizontally adjacent to the subsurface geologic formation are first determined using geological and geophysical data in the vicinity of the subsurface geologic formation. Then dimensions and probing frequency for an electromagnetic source are determined to substantially maximize transmitted vertical and horizontal electric currents at the subsurface geologic formation, using the location and the average earth resistivities. Next, the electromagnetic source is activated at or near surface, approximately centered above the subsurface geologic formation and a plurality of components of electromagnetic response is measured with a receiver array. Geometrical and electrical parameter constraints are determined, using the geological and geophysical data.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2004Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Exxonmobil Upstream Research CompanyInventor: Leonard J. Srnka