Topography (e.g., Land Mapping) Patents (Class 702/5)
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Patent number: 8296100Abstract: A method and system is provided for managing well assets. The method includes the steps of determining “first tier” statuses corresponding to pre-defined well attributes, mapping the first tier statuses to one or more well performance classifications, determining “second tier” statuses corresponding to the well classifications, and combining the second tier statuses to determine an overall well surveillance status. The method and corresponding system can be used to manage wells by exception, to readily identify “under-performing” wells, and to prioritize actions to be taken by well operators.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2008Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventors: Peter Adriaan Schipperijn, Ana Olga Simonato
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Patent number: 8290711Abstract: The invention is a method of constructing a three-dimensional fracture density log of a porous formation traversed by fractures and a borehole. A number N of intersections between the fractures and the borehole is measured over a section of the borehole of length L located at a depth d, from observations of the wall of this section. A conditional probability law of the three-dimensional fracture density is then estimated, knowing the number N of intersections. The value of the three-dimensional fracture density at depth d is determined by calculating the mean of this conditional probability law. Finally, the three-dimensional fracture density log is constructed by repeating the previous stages for different depths. A three-dimensional fracture density uncertainty log can also be associated by calculating quantiles of the conditional probability law.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2009Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: IFPInventors: Jean-François Barthelemy, Martin Guiton, Jean-Marc Daniel
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Publication number: 20120259550Abstract: In various embodiments, points from flood maps (e.g., geospatial flood risk zoning maps) may be used in generating a flood frequency versus flood elevation curve for reducing the uncertainty in the flood risk assessment. In some embodiments, geospatial flood elevation lines for flood elevation lines at different flood frequency levels may be defined based on elevation datasets where there are inconsistencies between the elevation datasets and flood maps that were generated. The flood frequency versus flood loss curve may be derived based on the computed flood frequency versus flood elevation curve, digital elevation datasets, and collected damage curve. In some embodiments, the flood risk rating may also be derived and a flood risk assessment report may be generated.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2012Publication date: October 11, 2012Applicant: CORELOGIC SOLUTIONS, LLCInventor: Wei DU
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Patent number: 8280969Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for providing information regarding a locate and/or marking operation to identify a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility within a dig area. At least one notification indicating a status of the locate and/or marking operation is electronically transmitted and/or stored so as to inform at least one party associated with requesting the operation (a “requesting party,” e.g., an excavator, a property owner, a facility owner, a regulatory authority, a damage investigator, etc.) of the status of the operation. In one aspect, a requesting party may designate a preferred format, content, and/or method of receiving notifications regarding the locate and/or marking operation. In another aspect, a computer-generated GUI is provided to facilitate submission of requests, generation of “virtual white line” images to indicate one or more dig areas on a digital image of a work site, and/or selection of notifications and preferences for same.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2010Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Certusview Technologies, LLCInventors: Steven Nielsen, Curtis Chambers, Jeffrey Farr
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Patent number: 8280634Abstract: A system and method of mapping underground utilities and other subsurface objects involves one or more of acquiring utility location data using a number of different detectors and sensors, processing the multiple detector/sensor output data to produce mapping data, storing the mapping data in a database, and providing access to and use of the stored mapping data by subscribing users on a usage fee basis.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2011Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Underground Imaging TechnologiesInventors: Gary Neal Young, Kevin L. Alft
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Patent number: 8274859Abstract: Systems and methods for modeling a three-dimensional (3D) geological structure to improve maximum continuity interpolation. An integration method describes local anisotropic effects and introduces interpolation techniques to perform the interpolation between two points of interest along a direction of maximum continuity and across fault surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2010Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Landmark Graphics CorporationInventors: Marko Maucec, Jeffrey M. Yarus, Lu Ming Liang
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Patent number: 8264227Abstract: A method for estimating the effects of an airwave in marine electromagnetic data measured using a source and at least one receiver. The method involves measuring the electromagnetic response at two different under water source-receiver separations and using measurements at the larger separation to estimate the airwave response at that separation. The airwave effect in the response measured at the shorter separation can then be determined using the estimated airwave response at the larger separation.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2007Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: MTEM LtdInventor: Anton Ziolkowski
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Patent number: 8265835Abstract: A method controlling an agricultural sprayer includes identifying an herbicide to be sprayed using the agricultural sprayer, determining a geoposition associated with the agricultural sprayer within a field, determining if crop planted at the geoposition is tolerant to the herbicide using as-planted data, and if the crop is not tolerant of the herbicide, preventing herbicide spraying operations while the agricultural sprayer is at the geoposition. An agricultural sprayer adapted for performing the method is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2008Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.Inventors: Todd A. Peterson, Douglas L. Gardner, Douglas J. Houser
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Patent number: 8260507Abstract: A method, information processing system, and computer program storage product apply agrochemicals to plants. A set of user defineable agrochemical application parameters are wirelessly received from a user. A set of data is received from a multiplicity of plant sensors. The set of data includes at least positional data associated with a multiplicity of plants with respect to a set of agrochemical applicators. At least speed data associated with a vehicle coupled to the set of agrochemical applicators is received. The set of agrochemical applicators is instructed to apply one or more agrochemicals to at least one plant in the multiplicity of plants based at least on the set of user defineable agrochemical application parameters that has been wirelessly received, the set of data from a multiplicity of plant sensors, and the speed data. The set of agrochemical applicators apply the one or more agrochemicals to at least one plant.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2009Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.Inventors: Arnold Walter Schumann, Howard Kevin Hostler
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Patent number: 8260007Abstract: Systems and methods for generating a depth tile are provided. In some aspects, a system includes an alignment module configured to map each pixel of a depthmap to a corresponding pixel of a map tile. Each pixel of the depthmap includes a depth value, and each pixel of the map tile is associated with a terrain elevation value. The system also includes a transform module configured to adjust the depth value of each pixel of the depthmap based on a corresponding terrain elevation value. The system also includes a depth tile module configured to generate the depth tile. Each pixel of the depth tile includes a corresponding adjusted depth value.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2011Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Yasutaka Furukawa, Carlos Hernandez Esteban
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Publication number: 20120209526Abstract: Method for segmenting a geophysical data volume such as a seismic data volume (10) for ranking, prioritization, visualization or other analysis of subsurface structure. The method takes any initial segmentation (11) of the data volume, and progressively reduces the number of segments by pair combination (13) so that an optimal stage of combination may be determined and used for analysis (15).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2010Publication date: August 16, 2012Inventor: Matthias Imhof
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Publication number: 20120203462Abstract: A system and method of monitoring the installation of a pile in a ground surface. The system and method including the use of a portable monitoring device configured to allow real time data entry and display relating to the pile(s) being installed and having at least one data entry button for at least a portion of the data entry. The device further including a display for the display of desired data to help monitor and control the installation process.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2012Publication date: August 9, 2012Applicant: PILE DYNAMICS, INC.Inventors: Wayne Dalton, George R. Piscsalko, Paul Brinkerhoff
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Patent number: 8224577Abstract: The invention relates to a method for setting up a mobile machine (1), particularly an automatic concrete pump, a mobile crane or a movable elevating work platform. With such a method, the subsurface (28) of a site is analyzed for the properties and/or load-bearing capacity thereof before the machine (10) is positioned there and/or oriented and supported by means of flarable supporting legs (20, 24) in set-up positions (VR, VL, HR, HL) suitable according to the determined subsurface properties and load-bearing capacity. In order to determine an optimized set-up position for the supporting legs (20, 24), geodata (38) of a geographic environment that includes the site is read via a computer in a data memory (44) using a layer of subsurface data (40) that defines the subsurface properties and load-bearing capacity.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2008Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignees: Putzmeister Engineering GmbH, Universitaet StuttgartInventors: Stephan Gelies, Juergen Frick, Kurt Rau, Ute Else Margarethe Rau, legal representative, Andreas Rau, legal representative, Michael Rau, legal representative, Christine Rau, legal representative
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Patent number: 8212807Abstract: A geospatial data system may include at least one geospatial database containing three-dimensional (3D) geospatial structure data and geospatial texture data associated with the geospatial 3D structure data. At least one geospatial data access device may also be included and comprise a display and a processor cooperating therewith for communicating remotely with the at least one geospatial database to retrieve and display a scene on the display based upon the 3D structure data and the geospatial texture data associated therewith. The geospatial data access device(s) may further comprise at least one user input device cooperating with the processor for permitting user selection of a point-of-view (POV) within the scene on the display with the POV determining revealed portions and obscured portions of 3D geospatial structures within the scene on the display. The processor may selectively retrieve geospatial texture data based upon the revealed portions and not the obscured portions.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2007Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Harris CorporationInventors: Mark Allen Ingersoll, Frank Howard Evans, III
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Patent number: 8209124Abstract: A method of predicting weather-exacerbated threats, said method comprising inputting localized weather measurement data into a weather threat prediction system; predicting future localized weather conditions based on said localized weather measurement data combined with modeling from National Weather Service Data; inputting natural environment and infrastructure data into said weather threat prediction system; correlating said infrastructure data with said predicted future localized weather conditions; and determining a threat level index over a region, a threat level indicating an area having a certain probabilistic likelihood of being harmed by said future weather conditions.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2009Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Saint Louis UniversityInventors: William Dannevik, Robert W. Pasken
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Patent number: 8204689Abstract: A mobile soil mapping system includes an implement for traversing a field to be mapped, and a reflectance module carried by the implement for collecting spectroscopic measurements of soil in the field. The reflectance module has a light source, an optical receiver for transmitting light to a spectrometer, and a shutter system that alters the optical path between the light source and the optical receiver. The shutter system allows the system to automatically collect a dark reference measurement and a known reference material measurement at timed intervals to compensate for drift of the spectrometer and the light source. A self-cleaning window on the reflectance module has a lower surface maintained in firm contact with the soil during operation. External reference blocks are used to calibrate the system to ensure standardized, repeatable data. Additional sensors are carried by the implement to collect other soil data, such as electrical conductivity and temperature.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2008Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Veris Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Colin Christy, Paul Drummond
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Patent number: 8203552Abstract: A geospatial data system may include at least one geospatial data storage device containing three-dimensional (3D) geospatial structure data, and also containing geospatial texture data associated with the geospatial 3D structure data and being retrievable in successive additive layers of resolution. The system may further include at least one geospatial data access device comprising a display and a processor cooperating therewith for communicating remotely with the at least one geospatial data storage device to retrieve and display a scene on the display based upon the 3D structure data and the geospatial texture data associated therewith. The geospatial texture data may advantageously be retrieved and displayed in successive additive layers of resolution.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2007Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Harris CorporationInventors: Mark Allen Ingersoll, Frank Howard Evans, III
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Patent number: 8204692Abstract: A system to monitor drilling rig activity and to provide and manage drilling rig information, program product, and associated methods are provided. The system can include a communication network, a drilling rig information management server, a database accessible to the processor of the server, and drilling rig information management program product stored in the memory of the drilling rig information management server and including instructions that when executed by the processor of the drilling rig information management server cause the server to perform the operations of retrieving drilling rig location data from the database responsive to user selection of a geospatial location attribute, accessing digital mapping data to display a digital map associated with the user selected geospatial location attribute, and providing data to display indicia of a drilling rig location for at least one drilling rig overlaid upon and spatially oriented to at least portions of the digital map.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2007Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Guillermo Arango, Wesley C. Vestal, Daniel D. Blue, III, Andreas Sadlier
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Patent number: 8200737Abstract: Systems, program code, and methods to facilitate pipeline management, are provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2010Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Thamer K. Tarabzouni, Abdulaziz K. Al-Mejna, Howard Wood
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Publication number: 20120136576Abstract: Systems, methods, and instructions encoded in a computer-readable medium can perform operations related to evaluating surface data. Geodetic data for a plurality of surface locations are received. The geodetic data may include surface gradient information and/or surface elevation information for multiple surface locations. A set of constraining relationships is generated based on the geodetic data. The set of constraining relationships relates undetermined values of surface elevation movement and/or undetermined values of surface gradient movement to measured surface elevation changes and/or measured surface gradient changes. Some or all of the constraining relationships include multiple undetermined values. Particular values for surface elevation movements and/or particular values for surface gradient movements are calculated for multiple surface locations based on determining a solution to the set of constraining relationships.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2010Publication date: May 31, 2012Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Eric J. Davis
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Patent number: 8186288Abstract: A method of applying an input to a field is provided when using an implement having row or section control and when using an automated location and guidance system, enabled by GPS or other position technology, to avoid double application of inputs in areas covered more than once by the implement or machine. The present invention provides an application pattern and control in which double application is avoided by turning off row units or sections of row units during the first pass over the area, leaving the actual application of inputs to the second pass over that area. The minimizes or eliminates areas where a previously applied input is disturbed during a second time over that area and minimizes or eliminates areas where the soil is compacted around previously planted seed by driving over the area a second time after seeding.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2010Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Patrick Chinkiwsky
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Patent number: 8189877Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods to automatically analyze Landsat satellite data of forests. The present invention can easily be used to monitor any type of forest disturbance such as from selective logging, agriculture, cattle ranching, natural hazards (fire, wind events, storms), etc. The present invention provides a large-scale, high-resolution, automated remote sensing analysis of such disturbances.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2006Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Carnegie Institution of WashingtonInventor: Gregory P. Asner
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Publication number: 20120125244Abstract: An apparatus for mapping resistance of soil to a ground engaging tool passing through the soil includes a sensor mechanism operative to measure a resistance force exerted on the ground engaging tool by the soil, and an external guidance system operative to determine a location of the ground engaging tool. A microprocessor receives information from the sensor and external guidance system and plots the force against the location of the ground engaging tool as the ground engaging tool moves along the ground to form a map showing hardness of the soil as indicated by a varying value of the force.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2011Publication date: May 24, 2012Applicant: STRAW TRACK MANUFACTURING INC.Inventor: Norbert BEAUJOT
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Publication number: 20120116678Abstract: In a method for creating a digital representation of a transportation network, acquired probe traces are refined based on characteristics of the transportation network. Geographic objects associated with the transportation network are identified based on the refined probe traces. A digital geographic network is built based on the refined probe traces and identified geographic objects, and the digital representation of the transportation network is created by linking the identified geographic objects in the digital geographic network.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2010Publication date: May 10, 2012Inventor: James Alan Witmer
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Patent number: 8165812Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for estimating power data for a photovoltaic power generation fleet is provided. Solar irradiance data is assembled for locations representative of a geographic region. The data includes a time series of solar irradiance observations electronically recorded at successive time periods spaced at input time intervals. Each observation includes measured irradiance. The data in the time series is converted over each time period into clearness indexes relative to clear sky global horizontal irradiance and the clearness indexes are interpreted as irradiance statistics. Each location's irradiance statistics are combined into fleet irradiance statistics applicable over the geographic region. Fleet power statistics are built as a function of the fleet irradiance statistics and the fleet's power rating.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2011Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Clean Power Research, L.L.C.Inventor: Thomas E. Hoff
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Patent number: 8165811Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for determining point-to-point correlation of sky clearness for photovoltaic power generation fleet output estimation is provided. A physical distance between two points is obtained, each point being suitable for operation of a photovoltaic station. A temporal distance that includes the physical distance between the two points in proportion to cloud speed is determined. A correlation between sky clearness over the two points is evaluated as an empirically-derived exponential function of the temporal distance. A set of input clearness indexes for one of the points is correlated into a set of output clearness indexes indicating the sky clearness for the other of the points using a coefficient of the clearness index correlation.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2011Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Clean Power Research, L.L.C.Inventor: Thomas E. Hoff
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Patent number: 8165814Abstract: An apparatus and method for mapping a water pathway. A group of sensors can be employed for detecting one or more features associated with the water pathway in a direction of flow through the water pathway. A buoyant vessel maintains the sensors, and the sensors assist in compiling data indicative of the detected features. The velocity in the direction of flow through the water pathway can be then determined based on data indicative of the detected feature(s). A mapping of the water pathway can be thereafter generated utilizing the velocity with respect to the features detected by the sensors.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2009Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Southwest Research InstituteInventors: Joshua Douglas Kenney, Ronald Nelson McGinnis, Jr., Gregory Charles Willden, Ben Allen Abbott, Ronald Thomas Green
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Patent number: 8165813Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for efficiently performing area-to-point conversion of satellite imagery for photovoltaic power generation fleet output estimation is provided. Satellite imagery data of overhead sky clearness for a geographic region is accessed. Pixels within the satellite imagery data corresponding to a bounded area are identified. Each pixel represents collective irradiance within the bounded area. An area clearness index for the bounded area is set as an average of point clearness indexes derived from the collective irradiance for each point. A variance of the area clearness index is expressed as an average of the variance of the point clearness indexes. The variance of the area clearness index is proportioned to an area metric corresponding to each pixel's physical coverage area. A variance of the point clearness index is determined for one point as a ratio of the variance of the area clearness index and each pixel's physical coverage.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2011Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Clean Power Research, L.L.C.Inventor: Thomas E. Hoff
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Patent number: 8160841Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-storage media are provided that allow data from different sources and aspects of bridge design and construction to be merged into a common bridge information model. The bridge information model may include geometric, structural, survey, and construction information associated with a bridge-development project. The bridge information model may be stored as data objects in a relational data structure. Each data object may represent a bridge structure element and include metadata and attributes describing the bridge structure element.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2008Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: HNTB Holdings LtdInventors: Glen A. Herman, Brian W. Trotta, James C. Peterson
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Publication number: 20120089333Abstract: A computer receives a set of Cartesian data and a set of geodetic data relating to a geographic area. A set of control points is generated, each control point being associated with a coordinate expressed in terms of latitude and longitude, and with a corresponding point in the Cartesian data. A plurality of sets of Cartesian coordinates is determined for each of the control points, each of the sets of Cartesian coordinates for one of the control points corresponding to a Cartesian system. A deviation is determined for a combination that includes a control point and a Cartesian system, the deviation being a difference between coordinates for the point in the Cartesian data and the set of Cartesian coordinates for the control point. For each set of Cartesian coordinates associated with the Cartesian system that is included in the combination, but further associated with a control point not in the combination, the set of Cartesian coordinates is modified according to the deviation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2010Publication date: April 12, 2012Inventors: Ching-Yun Yeh, Kumar Annamraju, Anurag X. Singh, Nageswara R. Tanuku
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Patent number: 8156157Abstract: A geospatial modeling system may include a geospatial model data storage device, and a processor. The processor may cooperate with the geospatial model data storage device for windowing geospatial model spatial domain data to define a plurality of windowed geospatial model spatial domain data sets, and transforming the plurality of windowed geospatial model spatial domain data sets to define a plurality of corresponding geospatial model frequency domain data sets, each having at least one void therein. The processor may further cooperate with the geospatial model data storage device for inpainting data into the at least one void of each geospatial model frequency domain data set to define a plurality of inpainted geospatial model frequency domain data sets, and reconstructing the plurality of inpainted geospatial model frequency domain data sets into an overall geospatial model frequency domain data set.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2007Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Harris CorporationInventors: Josef De Vaughn Allen, Mark Rahmes, Gnana Bhaskar Tenali, Emile Ganthier
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Publication number: 20120078519Abstract: A device (10), specifically tailored to measure the development of soil and, preferably, of seabed surface (14) profile is characterized by a waterproof/airtight casing housing: an hydraulic pressurized circuit (15), extending along a longitudinal direction, filled with a specific liquid; a pneumatic circuit (16), extending along the same longitudinal direction, and connected to the above hydraulic circuit (15) at one or more points; this pneumatic circuit (16) is filled with air kept at a constant pressure, or with inert gas allowing pressurization of the above said hydraulic circuit (15); a number of differential pressure transducers (18, 20, 22), placed at the above said one or more connections between the hydraulic circuit (15) and the pneumatic circuit (16); an electronic control circuit including: means for data acquisition, (said data come from the above said pressure transducers (18, 20, 22) and are related to pressure measurements at each of said one or more points); means for calculation of pressType: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2010Publication date: March 29, 2012Applicant: AGISCO S.r.l.Inventors: Franco Robotti, Umberto Mainardi
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Patent number: 8140261Abstract: A method is provided for estimating distances between sensor nodes. The method includes receiving a temporal sequence of measurements of a selected local environmental condition from each of the sensor nodes. The method includes determining an amount of correlation between the measurements of the selected local environmental condition that were received from two or more of the sensor nodes. The method also includes estimating distances between the two or more of the sensor nodes based on the determined amount of correlation.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2005Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Alcatel LucentInventor: Yuliy Baryshnikov
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Patent number: 8135178Abstract: A method of processing vegetation data including the steps of identifying data relating to an agricultural field, segregating areas of predetermined development patterns and prescribing application rates of an agricultural compound. The identifying step includes identifying data relating to an agricultural field representative of areas of predetermined development patterns of vegetation in the field. The segregating step includes segregating the areas of the predetermined development patterns thereby defining segregated areas, other areas in the field being non-segregated areas. The prescribing step including prescribing application rates of an agricultural compound to the non-segregated areas dependent on at least one attribute determined from the data.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2007Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Larry Lee Hendrickson, Rendell Bruce Clark
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Patent number: 8111924Abstract: A remote sensing and probabilistic sampling based method for determining carbon dioxide volume of a forest can correlate aerial data, such as LiDAR, CIR, and/or Hyperspectral data with actual sampled and measured ground data to facilitate obtainment, e.g., prediction, of an accurate forest inventory, and corresponding carbon dioxide volume thereof.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2008Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: 2245060 Ontario Ltd.Inventors: Olavi Kelle, Eric P Macom, Robert Pliszka, Neeraj Mathawan
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Publication number: 20120022790Abstract: Techniques for topography recording are provided. In at least some implementations, a topography recording device includes a position determination unit configured to obtain coordinate data of a location; a sensor unit configured to determine the inclination of terrain at the location; a processing unit coupled to the position determination unit and the sensor unit, and configured to calculate the gradient of the terrain at the location based on the inclination of the terrain at the location, and to generate a map indicating three-dimensional terrain in the vicinity of the location based on the coordinate data of the location and the gradient of the terrain at the location.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2010Publication date: January 26, 2012Applicant: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLCInventors: Quan YUAN, Haipeng GUO, Dong HOU
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Patent number: 8099239Abstract: A method of analyzing electromagnetic survey data from an area of seafloor (6) that is thought or known to contain a conductive or resistive body, such as a subterranean hydrocarbon reservoir (12), is described. The method includes providing electric field data and magnetic field data, for example magnetic flux density, obtained by at least one receiver (25) from a horizontal electric dipole (HED) transmitter (22) and determining a vertical gradient in the electric field data. The vertical gradient in the electric field data and the magnetic field data are then combined to generate combined response data. The combined response data is compared with background data specific to the area being surveyed to obtain difference data sensitive to the presence of a subterranean hydrocarbon reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2005Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Rock Solid Images PLCInventors: Lucy M. MacGregor, David Andreis, Michael Tompkins
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Patent number: 8095335Abstract: A process of mapping piping systems associated with a refinery and petrochemical facilities is disclosed, which maps piping systems, which interconnect facility operating units with other operating units, utilities, distribution facilities and storage units. A system for aiding in the isolation of piping systems, operating units and other facility components is also disclosed. The system includes a search database having representations of the piping systems and its related components. A method of isolating an event within a facility is also disclosed. The method includes identifying the location of an event in the facility, performing a search to identify the impacted piping systems and related components, and identifying measures to isolate the event.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2007Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: ExxonMobil Research & Engineering CompanyInventors: Susan C Hill, Elvis L Calhoun, William M Castro
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Publication number: 20110320125Abstract: SUBSTANCE: Invention relates to marine geoelectrical exploration using controlled artificial sources of electromagnetic field. Using a dipole source, an electromagnetic field is generated inside the analysed medium by sending rectangular electric pulses with intervals in between into the medium. Geometrical probing is done along the profile during the current pulse, and probing on transient processes is done during the interval. Measurements are taken using measuring apparatus mounted on the seafloor, consisting of five electrodes: a central electrode with four others around it on corners of a square, two opposite sides of which are parallel to the axis of the profile. During the current flow period and intervals between current pulses, the second electric potential difference between external electrodes and the central electrode, as well as the first electric potential difference between three pairs of external electrodes is measured.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2009Publication date: December 29, 2011Inventors: Ekaterina Rykhlinkskaya, Sofia Davydycheva
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Patent number: 8086408Abstract: A method for positioning a wire having nodes and streamers is provided herein. The wire can be secured to tow lines secured to a floating vessel for detecting near surface geology formations. The method can use in-water sensors deployed proximate to the wire near the tow lines, and a processor with data storage in communication with the in-water sensors. The method can use a data array, a library of data formats, a library of wires, a library of preset limits, and a network. The method can include receiving sensor information, filtering sensor information, verifying filtered signals, constructing and modifying a mathematical model, obtaining a list of coordinates, constructing a real-time display of the wire, identifying a location of at least one streamer, transmitting alarms, creating a trend analysis over time and event-by-event, and creating a log file using the industry standard data formats.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2011Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: NCS Subsea, Inc.Inventors: Edward Majzlik, Alfred L. Hise, Brian Hardy
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Patent number: 8082139Abstract: Methods and systems for simulating an electronic system in a high level modeling system (HLMS). A design block and certain signals of the electronic system are selected. The selected signals include internal signals of the design block that are not ports of the design block. The electronic system is simulated in the HLMS, which includes a hardware-based co-simulation platform and a software-based co-simulation platform. A hardware realization of the design block is automatically generated and the design block is emulated in the hardware based co-simulation platform using the hardware realization of the design block. A sequence of values is displayed for the selected signals of the electronic system. During the simulation of the electronic system in the HLMS, the sequence of values for the internal signals of the design block and another sequence of values for the ports of the design block are transferred between the co-simulation platforms.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2007Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: Xilinx, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan B. Ballagh, Michael D. Hirsch
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Publication number: 20110307178Abstract: One or more computer-readable media including computer-executable instructions to instruct a computing system to perform geometrical calculations using seismic horizon data; and define horizon segments based on the geometrical calculations where each defined horizon segment includes points and where each point has a corresponding probability of that point belonging to a defined horizon segment. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Edo Hoekstra
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Patent number: 8077927Abstract: In various embodiments, old flood maps may be compared to new flood maps to determine which areas of the flood map have changed. These changed areas may be correlated against geographic area descriptions that are within changed areas of the flood map. The changed areas may also be analyzed to determine whether each area has had a change in status (e.g., from a high risk flood zone to a non-high risk flood zone or vice versa) or a change in zone within a status (e.g., from one flood zone to another flood zone). The information on type of change (or no change) may be used to populate a database that includes geographic area description identifiers. In some embodiments, detection of certain types of changes may initiate a manual comparison of the old and new flood maps to verify the change.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2006Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: CoreLogic Real Estate Solutions, LLCInventor: David R. Maltby, II
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Patent number: 8078403Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for determining permeability of an earth formation of a reservoir are disclosed. A method may include: providing formation testing data of the earth formation; defining layering of the earth formation; determining a geological model for each layer; modeling pressure transient in the earth formation by representing pressure transient within a layer using an analytical solution and representing pressure transient between two layers using a numerical solution, the analytical solution selected based on at least one of the respective geological model and data regarding a drilled well of the reservoir, and a parameter of the analytical solution and a parameter of the numerical solution being determined based on the formation testing data; and determining the permeability of the earth formation based on the pressure transient model.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2007Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Lei Zhang, XuanLi Hao
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Publication number: 20110288777Abstract: System, device and method for automatic detection and reporting of location and extent of service failure in utility and/or telecommunication networks are disclosed. In one embodiment, operational condition information of each utility pole/tower or telecommunication pole/tower is obtained by using a pole/tower sensing device disposed to monitor operational conditions at each utility pole/tower or telecommunication pole/tower in the respective utility or telecommunication networks. Further, the obtained operational condition information of each utility pole/tower or telecommunication pole/tower is sent to a remote monitoring server via a communication network by the associated pole/tower sensing device. Furthermore, the operational condition information received from each utility pole/tower or telecommunication pole/tower is processed by the remote monitoring server.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2011Publication date: November 24, 2011Inventor: VARUN GUPTA
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Patent number: 8065124Abstract: A method for irrigating terrain comprising the following steps: generating field surface relative elevation data set using Monte-Carlo simulation; adjusting the simulation data set to ensure it falls in a reasonable numerical range; adjusting the data set to establish certain spatial dependence using Kriging interpolation method; and making further statistical characteristics parameter modification to the data set, so that the final corrected field surface relative elevation data shares the same or similar statistics characteristics parameters as the initial simulation. The method factors in both the randomness and spatial dependence of the field relative elevation distribution, which brings the simulation result closer to the actual micro-topography.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2008Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower ResearchInventors: Di Xu, Meijian Bai, Yinong Li, Shaohui Zhang, Fuxiang Li
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Patent number: 8036866Abstract: A method has been designed for storing drilling knowledge and experience in a highly structured fashion that permits the user to identify drilling cases that meet user-specified criteria and to retrieve the knowledge and experience relating to those cases. In this way the user is able to retrieve the knowledge and experience learned in cases that are analogous to one or more current cases they are studying.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2000Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Alan Nicholas Flett, Derek H. Sleeman, Alun D. Preece
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Patent number: 8005658Abstract: A hybrid evolutionary algorithm (“HEA”) technique is described for automatically calculating well and drainage locations in a field. The technique includes planning a set of wells on a static reservoir model using an automated well planner tool that designs realistic wells that satisfy drilling and construction constraints. A subset of these locations is then selected based on dynamic flow simulation using a cost function that maximizes recovery or economic benefit. In particular, a large population of candidate targets, drain holes and trajectories is initially created using fast calculation analysis tools of cost and value, and as the workflow proceeds, the population size is reduced in each successive operation, thereby facilitating use of increasingly sophisticated calculation analysis tools for economic valuation of the reservoir while reducing overall time required to obtain the result. In the final operation, only a small number of full reservoir simulations are required for the most promising FDPs.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2007Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Peter Gerhard Tilke, William J. Bailey, Benoit Couet, Michael Prange, Martin Crick
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Publication number: 20110196611Abstract: A system and method identifies road features that may not appear on a map database, such as paths not described as roads on the map database, and whether all the roads at a crossing cross at the same grade level. The system and method may thus be used to identify points of departure from, or points of merging onto, a road described by the map database or a path identified as described herein, but not described by the map database.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2011Publication date: August 11, 2011Applicant: DASH NAVIGATION INC.Inventors: Brian Smartt, Craig Weisenfluh
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Publication number: 20110178712Abstract: A best fitting trace in seismic data is determined for a desired trace to be reconstructed. An azimuth correction is calculated for the azimuth difference between the best fitting trace and the desired trace. The azimuth correction is applied to the best fitting trace to reconstruct the desired trace for 3D surface-related multiple prediction.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2010Publication date: July 21, 2011Inventors: Peter A. Aaron, Roald G. van Borselen, Robertus F. Hegge, Simon R. Barnes