Topography (e.g., Land Mapping) Patents (Class 702/5)
  • Publication number: 20100324824
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicants: PUTZMEISTER CONCRETE PUMPS GMBH, UNIVERSITÄT STUTTGART
    Inventors: Stephan Gelies, Juergen Frick, Kurt Rau, Ute Else Margarethe Rau, Andreas Rau, Michael Rau, Christine Rau
  • Publication number: 20100315618
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a geodetic scanner for determining the appearance of a target. In the method and geodetic scanner of the present invention, an initial can is performed to calculate or determine a set of optimal gain values for each one of a number of predetermined positions (151-166) at the surface of the target (150). Once gain values (g151-g166) have been determined for all predetermined positions, distances to each one of the predetermined positions are calculated using the gain values. The present invention is advantageous in that the measurement rate and the overall efficiency are increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: Mikael Hertzman
  • Publication number: 20100302363
    Abstract: A shade analysis device includes an accelerometer providing samples that represent an elevation defined by a sighting reference, an electronic compass providing samples that represent an azimuth heading defined by the sighting reference, and a processor under the control of a program included in the shade analysis device, acquiring an array of the samples that represent an azimuth heading and an array of corresponding samples that represent the elevation, in response to tracing with the sighting reference, a skyline at an interface between an open sky and at least one solar obstruction over a range of azimuth headings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Simon Andrew Mackenzie
  • Publication number: 20100296368
    Abstract: A method of estimating the impulse response of a channel is disclosed. The method includes transmitting an impulse signal to the channel, detecting a received signal from the channel at a receiver, and calculating an estimate of the impulse response of the channel by applying a calculated inverse matrix of the impulse signal to the received signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: ELLIPTIC LABORATORIES AS
    Inventors: Tobias Dahl, Gudbrand Eggen
  • Publication number: 20100292926
    Abstract: A road topographic surveying system comprises at least a vehicle, a horizontal angle sensor, an encoder, a micro-processor, a data storage, and display. The vehicle has a wheel with a wheel radius rotatably engaged with road and coupled with the encoder. The encoder generates a rotate signal to the micro-processor at every predetermined graduations of the wheel rotation. Each time the micro-processor receives the rotate signals, acquires a instantaneous horizontal angle value from the horizontal angle sensor thereby to calculate a segment of moving length and a segment of height, and calculate an accumulated height and calculates an accumulated length, stores the accumulated length, instantaneous horizontal angle value and the accumulated height into the data storage, and display the all in the display correspondingly and sequentially.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: NATIONAL KAOHSIUNG UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
    Inventor: Chih-Hsiung Yang
  • Patent number: 7828655
    Abstract: A computer game depicts or represents actual or imaginary geographic locales as part of the play scenarios of the games. The computer game uses a map database that contains data that represent geographic features, such as roads, in a locale. A game engine program presents a game play scenario to a user via a user interface of the game. An application programming interface program accepts requests for data from the game engine program, accesses data from the map database, and provides the data in a suitable format to the game engine program for use in presenting the game scenario to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Navteq North America, LLC
    Inventors: Kurt Brooks Uhlir, Christopher Dougherty, Michael V. Shuman, Roy Casino
  • Publication number: 20100274488
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Joshua Douglas Kenney, Ronald Nelson McGinnis, JR., Gregory Charles Willden, Ben Allen Abbott, Ronald Thomas Green
  • Patent number: 7822562
    Abstract: Method for removing air wave noise from shallow water controlled source electromagnetic survey data, using only the measured data and conductivity values for sea water (140) and air. The method is a calculation performed numerically on CSEM data and resulting in an estimate of those data that would have been acquired had the water layer extended infinitely upward from the seafloor. No properties of the sub-sea sediments are used. Synthetic electromagnetic field data are generated for (a) an all water model (141) and (b) an air-water model (146-147) of the survey region. These simulated results are then used to calculate (148-150) electromagnetic field values corresponding to a water-sediment model with water replacing the air half space, which represent measured data adjusted to remove air wave noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Co.
    Inventor: Willen E. Dennis
  • Patent number: 7813529
    Abstract: A system and method of reconstructing a three-dimensional image of an object is provided. The system includes a single camera including a pinhole lens and having a surface defining an image plane. The single camera can be arranged to move along a linear path relative to the object and is configured to capture images at predetermined locations along the linear path such that at least a portion of the captured adjacent images overlap. The system includes a processor that can be programmed with an image processing logic that enables the processor to create a three-dimensional image of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Meir Gershenson
  • Patent number: 7805227
    Abstract: A method for tracking assets within a rail yard, the method comprising: creating a track layout database for the rail yard, the track layout database providing a map of rail tracks and switches within the rail yard, wherein the track layout database includes machine readable data identifying discrete locations of the rail tracks and switches of the rail yard, each discrete location corresponding to a geographical position of a portion of a rail track or switch; associating rail yard processing steps with portions of the track layout database; receiving a geographical position signal corresponding to an asset within the rail yard; comparing the geographical position signal to the machine readable data of the track layout database in order to identify the location of the asset within the map; and presenting a graphical representation of the location of the asset on the map along with the yard process steps associated with the track section occupied by the asset, wherein the geographical position signal is recei
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kenneth Brakeley Welles, Rahul Bhotika, David Michael Davenport, John Erik Hershey, Robert James Mitchell, Emad Andarawis Andarawis
  • Patent number: 7805246
    Abstract: In some aspects, locations of geospatial entities in a map image are identified. A record of entity model-to-tag mappings is accessed so that tag data corresponding to a geospatial entity in the map image can be identified. Both the tag data and an outline surrounding the location of the geospatial entity corresponding to the tag data is displayed on the map image. In other aspects, a user selection of a location on a map image is received. A record of entity models is accessed to identify an entity model corresponding to a geospatial entity at that location on the map image. An outline of the geospatial entity is displayed on the map image and tag data for the geospatial entity is identified. The tag data is also displayed on the map image, and a record mapping the tag data to the identified entity model is created.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Jai Chakrapani, Pragyana K Mishra
  • Patent number: 7805005
    Abstract: A wavelet-based band difference-sum ratio method reduces the computation cost of classification and feature extraction (identification) tasks. A Generalized Difference Feature Index (GDFI), computed using wavelets such as Daubechies wavelets, is employed in a method to automatically generate a large sequence of generalized band ratio images. In select embodiments of the present invention, judicious data mining of the large set of GDFI bands produces a small subset of GDFI bands suitable to identify specific Terrain Category/Classification (TERCAT) features. Other wavelets, such as Vaidyanathan, Coiflet, Beylkin, and Symmlet and the like may be employed in select embodiments. The classification and feature extraction (identification) performance of the band ratio method of the present invention is comparable to that obtained with the same or similar data sets using much more sophisticated methods such as discriminants, neural net classification, endmember Gibbs-based partitioning, and genetic algorithms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Edmundo Simental, Edward H. Bosch, Robert S. Rand
  • Publication number: 20100238165
    Abstract: A geospatial modeling system includes a geospatial model database having stored therein a colorized three-dimensional (3D) model of a geographical area, and a processor cooperating with the geospatial model database. The processor is configured to generate an estimated monochromatic image corresponding to a collected monochromatic image based upon the colorized 3D model, generate a monochromatic difference image between the estimated monochromatic image and the collected monochromatic image, and generate a colorized image corresponding to the collected monochromatic image based upon the monochromatic difference image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: William Watkins, Ronald A. Riley, Mark Rahmes, Emile Ganthier
  • Patent number: 7792643
    Abstract: Integrated computing systems and methods for applying sub-surface material location and composition information to engineering plans for designing, highways and other roadways, are provided. Utilizing the described systems and methods, surfaces, 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: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventors: Glen A. Herman, Cecil G. Law, Kevin R. Hale
  • Publication number: 20100223009
    Abstract: A system and method for estimating agricultural parameters for growing crops is well suited for promoting efficient utilization of agricultural inputs (e.g., water consumption). Sensors collect data via one or more vehicles equipped with location-determining receivers. A transmitter transmits the collected environmental data to a data processing system. The data processing system applies the collected environmental data to an agronomic model for determining an agricultural management parameter. A prescription is made available for application of an agricultural input (e.g., water) to a crop in a particular location consistent with the collected environmental data and the agronomic model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Noel Wayne Anderson, Arnold Albert Taube
  • Patent number: 7788049
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for detecting and transmitting geophysical data from a plurality of electrodes inserted into the soil utilizing a set of identical dynamically reconfigurable voltage control units located on each electrode and connected together by a communications and power cable. A test sequence is provided in each voltage control unit. Each voltage control unit records data measurements for transmission to a central data collector. Each voltage control unit incorporates and determines its positional relationship to other voltage control units by logging when the unit is attached to the electrode. Each voltage control unit I equipped with a magnetic switch for detecting when they are in contact with the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Bryant Consultants, Inc.
    Inventors: John Bryant, H. Michael Willey, Guenter H. Lehmann, Arash Tom Salamat, Michael Edgar, Jerry Leopold
  • Publication number: 20100217529
    Abstract: Systems, devices, features, and methods for determining geographic features corresponding to a travel path to develop a map database, such as a navigation database, are disclosed. For example, one method comprises emitting light from a light source, such as a LIDAR device, while on the travel path. Returning light is received based on the emitted light. The returning light is used to generate data points representing an area about the travel path. The data points are filtered as a function of a return intensity value to identify a feature associated with the travel path, in which the feature is treated with a retroreflective substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Matei Nicolai Stroila, Xin Chen, Mahsa Kamali Moghaddam, Victor Lu, Bradley Dean Kohlmeyer
  • Patent number: 7783394
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for constructing a low-altitude flight path to be followed by an aircraft. The device comprises a database including a terrain profile concerning the terrain to be flown over by the aircraft, a set of data sources, first unit for determining a lateral trajectory of the flight path, and second unit for determining a vertical trajectory of the flight path, the second unit being formed so as to determine the vertical trajectory during the aircraft flight, successively as the flight proceeds, segment by segment, and including an element for retrieving from the database a profile section, and an element for determining a vertical trajectory segment, using the retrieved profile section, based on the climb-out and let-down performances of the aircraft derived from the set of data sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Airbus
    Inventor: Franck Artini
  • Publication number: 20100206557
    Abstract: We describe a method of processing geophysical data including at least measured potential field data from a potential field survey of a surveyed region of the earth to provide a three-dimensional representation of the underlying geology of said surveyed region, the method comprising: inputting terrain-corrected potential field data for said surveyed region, said potential field data comprising data for a range of spatial wavelengths, geological features at different depths in said surveyed region being associated with different wavelengths in said range of wavelengths; filtering said potential field data by spatial wavelength to generate a first plurality of filtered sets of potential field data, each relating to a respective wavelength or range of wavelengths, each targeting geological features at a different respective said depth; processing each said filtered set of potential field data, to identify a set of spatial features comprising one or both of line spatial features and point spatial features in each
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Mark Davies
  • Patent number: 7778808
    Abstract: A geospatial modeling system may include a geospatial database for storing geospatial data points each having respective elevations associated therewith. The system may further include a processor for data thinning the geospatial data points by selecting discriminant points therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Stephan Walker Miller, J. Harlan Yates, Stephen Connetti, Mark Rahmes
  • Publication number: 20100204919
    Abstract: An imaging system includes a processor, a detection assembly configured to collect survey data characterizing a respective height and location of physical features of a geographic region, a receiver assembly configured to provide location data characterizing a geolocation of the geographic region, a tilt sensor configured to provide tilt data characterizing an inclination of the detection assembly with respect to gravity, and a magnetic-field sensor configured to provide field data characterizing a magnetic field associated with the geographic region. The processor is configured to perform processing of the survey data and tilt data to yield a first corrected data set, obtain magnetic-deviation data associated with the geographic region, determine an indication of true north, and process the first corrected data set and true-north indication to yield a second corrected data set comprising the first corrected data set oriented to true north.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Charles Becker, Alan Cornett, David Todd Spoor
  • Patent number: 7773095
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for wireless and network based mapping method and system for supporting field personnel to access, select and download facilities related maps and related information. Mapping files are manipulated in accordance with a grid block overlay over a first level map display. Each of the grid blocks is uniquely identifiable and indexed with one or more algorithms necessary for the local creation of an enhanced and/or enlarged second level of display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Maksym Badrak, Hossein Eslambolchi, Bala Surya Siva Sri Gaddamanugu, Charles C. Giddens, Jacquenetta M. Mason, Udaya Bhaskar Natha, Harold Jeffrey Stewart
  • Publication number: 20100198517
    Abstract: A method for generating a high-resolution surface topology map of a surface using surface profiling data combined with data collected from a surveying instrument. The system and method involve collecting a plurality of survey sample points and collecting a plurality of profile sample points of the surface. The profile sample points are then correlated with the survey sample points in the Z direction. Once the correlation is performed, the correlated profile sample points are merged or “filled-in” between the survey sample points. The high-resolution surface topology map is generated from the merging of the survey and profile sample points. In various embodiments, the survey data may be generated using an inertial profiler, an inclinometer based walking device, or a rolling-reference type profile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: Surface Systems & Instruments, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis P. Scott, Dwight D. Day
  • Publication number: 20100198663
    Abstract: A marking device for a marking operation to mark a presence or an absence of one or more underground facilities is configured to access and display facilities map information, and/or other image information, as a visual aid to facilitate the marking operation. In various aspects, methods and apparatus relate to: selection of an appropriate “base” facilities map, or information from a database of facilities map data, relating to a given work site/dig area; selection of an appropriate pan and/or zoom (resolution) for displaying facilities map information; appropriately updating displayed facilities map information while a marking device is used during a marking operation (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: CertusView Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Nielsen, Curtis Chambers, Jeffrey Farr
  • Publication number: 20100198516
    Abstract: A profiling apparatus configured to generate a high-resolution surface topology map of a surface using surface profiling data combined with surveying data. The apparatus is configured to collect both a plurality of survey sample points and a plurality of profile sample points of the surface. The profile sample points are then correlated with the survey sample points in the Z direction. Once the correlation is performed, the correlated profile sample points are merged or “filled-in” between the survey sample points. The high-resolution surface topology map is generated from the merging of the survey and profile sample points. In various embodiments, the survey data may be generated using an inertial profiler, an inclinometer based walking device, or a rolling-reference type profile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: Surface Systems & Instruments, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis P. Scott, Dwight D. Day
  • Patent number: 7765067
    Abstract: A multicomponent induction logging tool is used on a MWD bottomhole assembly. Multifrequency focusing that accounts for the finite, nonzero, conductivity of the mandrel is applied. Using separation of modes, the principal components and relative dip angles in an earth formation are determined. The results are used for reservoir navigation in an earth formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Leonty A. Tabarovsky, Michael B. Rabinovich
  • Patent number: 7761496
    Abstract: Methods for facilitating pipeline management, systems, and software, are provided. A method can include forming digitized map segments to provide for display of a geographical relationship between terrain featured in the map segments and a pipeline network, forming pipeline equipment records to provide for detailed engineering analysis on associated pipeline equipment, functionally linking each digitized map segment and each pipeline equipment record to at least one pipeline operational area geographically associated therewith, at least one pipeline geographically associated therewith, or both, and spatially displaying a pipeline equipment work location in relation to one of the map segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Thamer K Tarabzouni, Abdulaziz K. Al-Mejna, Howard Wood
  • Patent number: 7752483
    Abstract: A Heart Beat System (HBS) enables both inertial navigation system (INS) technology and other sensors, e.g., laser radar (LIDAR) systems, cameras and the like to be precisely time-coupled. The result of this coupling enables microsecond control by the HBS to each sensor slave component. This synchronization enables the precise time of each sensor measurement to be known which in turn allows highly accurate world coordinates to be computed from each set of received date, e.g., laser pulses range data. Such precision results in 3-dimensional point cloud data with relative accuracies in the 5-10 cm range and absolute positioning accuracies in the sub 40 cm range. This precision further enables multiple sensors to be used simultaneously with outstanding registration which leads to fused 3D point cloud databases representing a more comprehensive urban scene. Finally, 3D data collected from subsequent missions can be used for precision change detection analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Science Applications International Corporation
    Inventors: David Darian Muresan, Andrew Charles Weitz
  • Patent number: 7742875
    Abstract: The present invention is a method of hydrodynamics-based gridding (Hydro-Grids) for creating geologic models of subsurface volumes, such as reservoirs. Vertical grid surfaces may be chosen in an unstructured fashion to provide lateral resolution where needed. Lateral grid surfaces are created to represent surfaces of constant geologic time based on simulation of the depositional processes that created the subsurface volume. The values of geologic properties are then specified within each cell created by the intersections of the vertical and lateral surfaces. The geologic data may include, for example, seismic data, outcrop studies, well log data, core data, numerical modeling data, and interpreted stratigraphic surfaces based on seismic data. The modeled geologic properties of the subsurface volume may include, for example, grain size distribution, connectivity, net-to-gross, porosity, permeability and pore pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Dachang Li, Tao Sun, Chun Huh, Chris J. Donofrio, John C. Van Wagoner, Max Deffenbaugh
  • Patent number: 7739048
    Abstract: A system and method for obtaining weather related information for a portion of the Earth's atmosphere between a predetermined surface portion of the Earth and an airborne object located over the predetermined surface portion, and operating at a known altitude, using position locating signals from a space vehicle. In one exemplary implementation the space vehicle transmits a first position locating signal. The first position locating signal is received by the airborne object directly from the space vehicle. A second position locating signal from the space vehicle is received by the airborne object after being reflected from the predetermined surface portion at a known angle. Phase information from the first and second position locating signals is used to determine a refractivity of the atmosphere between the predetermined surface portion and the airborne object. The refractivity is used to determine weather related information for the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Brian J. Tillotson, Tamaira E. Ross
  • Patent number: 7723660
    Abstract: An algorithmic method is described for sensor-based real-time application of an agricultural material. Method includes means for characterizing and treating crop biomass variability without the use of a grower managed reference crop. Crop variability is determined statistically by driving one or more transects through the field in order to collect crop canopy information for sensor calibration purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventor: Kyle Holland
  • Patent number: 7702462
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of tracking individual plants growing and/or taken from a growing location, such as a field, growing bed, plot or greenhouse. Machine-readable data related to selected individual plants is maintained in close association with corresponding plants while growing or if the plant is taken from the growing location. Information about each plant, e.g. traits, characteristics, genetic make-up, can be added to a database that correlates the information to the machine-readable data. Thus, individual plants can be tracked and information about the plant is available by maintaining the machine-readable data with the plant. The machine-readable data can be read by a machine operatively communicated with a computer on which is stored the database. Identity and information about the plant is therefore available, without keeping specific track of a plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
    Inventors: Blair C. Fuessley, Chad M. Marsh
  • Publication number: 20100091017
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for generating an orthorectified tile. In at least one embodiment, the method includes retrieving source images obtained by way of a terrestrial based camera; retrieving position data associated with the source images; retrieving orientation data associated with the source images; and converting source image by means of corresponding position data and orientation data to obtain the orthorectified tile. Orthorectified tiles are used to generate an orthorectified mosaic. As such, images recorded by terrestrial based camera may be used to generate a map of a road surface with corresponding road signs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: Marcin Michal Kmiecik, Wojciech Tomasz Nowak
  • Publication number: 20100091611
    Abstract: A technique includes receiving first data belonging to a first type of remote sensing data for a region of interest and receiving second data belonging to a different second type of remote sensing data for the region of interest. The technique includes determining at least one geomorphological feature of the region of interest based at least in part on the first and second data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventor: Andreas Laake
  • Publication number: 20100094556
    Abstract: This invention relates to methods, apparatus and computer program code for processing data from potential field surveys, particularly airborne gravity field surveys, to correct for the effects of terrain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: Gary Barnes, Danian Huang
  • Publication number: 20100088031
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating electronic records of marking operations and/or environmental landmarks for underground facilities/utilities. Marking information and/or landmark information may be logged/stored in local memory of a marking device, formatted in various manners, processed and/or analyzed at the marking device itself, and/or transmitted to another device (e.g., a remote computer/server) for storage, processing and/or analysis. In one example, a marking device may be configured to operate in both a marking mode and a landmark mode, and information relating to one or more environmental landmarks in a vicinity of the marking operation may be collected and logged with actuation of a marking device in the landmark mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: CertusView Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven E. Nielsen, Curtis Chambers, Jeffrey Farr
  • Publication number: 20100088032
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for generating electronic records of locate operations and marking operations. Exemplary systems and apparatus include marking devices that generate, store and/or transmit electronic records of marking information, locate devices that generate, store and/or transmit electronic records of locate information, locate devices and marking devices that communicate with each other (and optionally with other devices or systems) to share/exchange locate information and marking information, and a combined locate and marking apparatus that constitutes an integrated device capable of various functionality germane to respective locate and marking devices, and configured for generating electronic records of both locate information and marking information. An exemplary method for analyzing and processing locate information and marking information includes a computer-implemented method for visually rendering (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: CertusView Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven E. Nielsen, Curtis Chambers, Jeffrey Farr
  • Publication number: 20100063737
    Abstract: Provided is a method which selects six points from nine sampling points surrounding a point (x,y)=(X,Y) as a center and estimates a Z-axis value of an arbitrary point in six triangles obtained by the (X,Y) point and the six points. The method selects two points substantially on a diagonal of a rectangle defined by the outermost circumference of the nine points and constitutes the six triangles by the six points excluding the two points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventors: Tadashi TAKANO, Takashi Maeda
  • Publication number: 20100057363
    Abstract: A method is provided for analyzing data from an electromagnetic survey of a region so as to indicate the presence of a hydrocarbon reservoir. The survey provides vertical magnetic dipole data and electric dipole data, or provides measurement data from which these dipole data may be determined. The amplitude of the vertical magnetic dipole data is determined, optionally after normalising the data with reference date relating to the same region. Similarly, the amplitude of the electric dipole data is determined, optionally after similarly being normalised. The amplitudes are then compared to provide an indication of the likelihood of the presence of hydrocarbons in the region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: STATOILHYDRO ASA
    Inventor: Lasse Amundsen
  • Publication number: 20100049441
    Abstract: A method is provided for tracking a magnetic object situated in an area in which a system of coordinates is defined, including an axis of abscissas, an axis ordinate and a height axis. The method includes: a phase of measuring at least one magnetic parameter in multiple measuring points in the area, in order to obtain multiple values take from this parameter in the measurement method including the following steps: construction of at least on projective magnitude; and establishment of the at least one projective magnitude on the values extracting in order to obtain an estimated value of a parameter proportional to a sensitivity within the multiple estimated points of the area, allowing the tracking of the object to take place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: Univerdite de Bretagne Occidentale
    Inventor: Bruno Wirtz
  • Patent number: 7650240
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are directed at estimating the value of an attribute at a specified geographic location. In one embodiment, a method is provided that estimates the elevation at a principal point using LiDAR data that was collected from spatially related secondary points. More specifically, the method includes identifying secondary points where sample attribute data was obtained that are within a predetermined distance to the principal point where the attribute is being estimated. A secondary point may be selected and allocated a masking zone and a determination made regarding whether one or more distant secondary points are within the area of the masking zone. In this regard, more distant secondary points that are inside a masking zone may be assigned less relevance when estimating the value of the attribute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser NR Company
    Inventor: Jeffrey J Welty
  • Patent number: 7647182
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for logging an earth formation and acquiring subsurface information wherein a logging tool is conveyed in borehole to obtain parameters of interest. The parameters of interest obtained may be density, acoustic, magnetic or electrical values as known in the art. The parameters of interest may be transmitted to the surface at a plurality of resolutions using a multi-resolution image compression method. Parameters of interest are formed into a plurality of Cost Functions from which Regions of Interest are determined to resolve characteristics of the Features of interest within the Regions. Feature characteristics may be determined to obtain time or depth positions of bed boundaries and borehole Dip Angle relative to subsurface structures, as well borehole and subsurface structure orientation. Characteristics of the Features include time, depth, and geometries of the subsurface such as structural dip, thickness, and lithologies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Gamal A. Hassan, Philip L. Kurkoski
  • Patent number: 7647181
    Abstract: A method and system for generating land cover classifications is provided. Embodiments of the invention are directed toward a method in a computing environment for determining land cover classification that includes identifying a geographic unit and determining a human presence datum corresponding to the geographic unit. The method can further include determining an environmental datum corresponding to the geographic unit and/or a cultural datum corresponding to the geographic unit. The method can still further include assigning a land cover classification to the geographic unit based on at least the human presence datum and (a) the environmental datum, (b) the cultural datum, or (c) both (a) and (b). In certain embodiments, the method can still further include determining a geographic region corresponding to the geographic unit and assigning a land cover classification to the geographic unit based on at least the geographic region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Eugene J. Vaatveit
  • Publication number: 20090326741
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for extracting terrain altitudes notably for a display of a sectional view of a terrain overflown by an aircraft. The device for extracting terrain altitudes along a trajectory (32) of an aircraft (31) in flight comprises a means (5) for selecting flight parameters (2, 3, 4) of the aircraft; a terrain altitudes extraction requests manager (11); a geographical zones manager (12); a terrain data manager (14); a terrain profile provider (21). The invention can notably be used within the framework of an anticollision device for preventing collision between an aircraft and the terrain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: THALES
    Inventors: Nicolas MARTY, Julia Percier, Aurelie Sallier
  • Patent number: 7634380
    Abstract: A method and system are described, which are used to identify a geo-referenced object. In one embodiment, a position determining component is used to determine the geographic position of a handheld electronic device. An azimuth determination component determines an azimuth from the handheld electronic device to an object. An incline measurement device measures the vertical angle between the handheld electronic device and the object. Finally, based upon the geographic position, azimuth, and vertical angle of the handheld electronic device a database is automatically accessed wherein a description of the object is stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: William Martin
  • Patent number: 7630797
    Abstract: An accuracy enhancing system may include an image processor cooperating with a database for generating a reference geospatial image corresponding to the collected geospatial image, a change detector cooperating with the image processor for detecting a change between the collected geospatial image and the reference geospatial image, and an accuracy enhancer. The accuracy enhancer may cooperate with the change detector for generating at least one enhanced accuracy value corresponding to the at least one geospatial collection value based upon the change detected between the collected geospatial image and the reference geospatial image. The airborne platform may traverse an actual flight path based upon a planned flight path, and the image processor may generate the reference geospatial image based upon a desired match with the collected geospatial image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Robert M. Garceau, Guillermo E. Gutierrez, Mark Rahmes, Todd Ham, Joseph Nemethy, Jay Hackett
  • Publication number: 20090299635
    Abstract: A terrain mapping apparatus (1) carried by an aircraft is arranged to receive height data from a terrain elevation data array memory (7), to determine the correlation between elements of the terrain elevation data array memory (7) and detected height data stored in elements of a laser obstacle detector co-ordinate frame memory (4). The height data of the laser obstacle detector co-ordinate frame memory being provided by a laser obstacle detector (3) monitoring terrain overflown by the aircraft. Updated height data, determined by a mapping processor 5 for each element of the terrain elevation data array memory (7) is provided from height data associated with a predetermined number, typically four, surrounding elements of the laser obstacle detector co-ordinate frame memory (4) and updated height data is then stored in a digital elevation array memory (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2006
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Tom Meredydd Brookes, Nicholas Robert Geoffrey Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 7626496
    Abstract: This is a method for use in automated screening of tickets for plant protection based on negative feedback from past performance. In particular this invention provides an automated screening process that takes a dig ticket address from a ticket request and correlates it to known cable locations to determine which ticket dig addresses are too close to the buried fiber. This is done using a method that balances the risk of extra labor charges due to a Type I error with the risk of costs associated with a cable cut due to a Type II error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: AT&T Corp.
    Inventor: Michael L. Asher
  • Patent number: 7627428
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods for rapidly calculating the surface displacement that results from an arbitrarily shaped load on the surface of a layered substrate. Some embodiments include sparse direct calculations of surface displacement in combination with interpolation methods for estimating surface displacement at other points. Some embodiments include methods for reducing computer time required for calculating surface displacement caused by an arbitrarily shaped load on a layered surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: The University of Akron
    Inventors: Ernian Pan, Michael Bevis, Feng Han, Hao Zhou, Ronghua Zhu
  • Publication number: 20090265109
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for acquiring and processing magnetometric data for representing on an at least two-dimensional map magnetometric characteristics of a geographical zone including a step of measuring the intensity of a magnetic field (1) on a geographical zone producing a set of magnetometric data of intensity B(s), a step of computing 2D interpolation (3), a step of computing reduction at the poles (5) and a step of computing an analytical signal (7). The invention is characterized in that it includes sectioning the map of magnetic disturbances into a matrix of pixels, a step of locally updating in real time the map of magnetic anomalies, a step of locally updating in real time the map of 2D interpolation by applying the 2D interpolation calculation in the neighbourhood of the updated pixel, a step of locally updating in real time the 2D map of reduction at the poles and a step of locally updating in real time the 2D map of the analytical signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: IXSEA
    Inventors: Catherine Truffert, Didier Charlot, Xavier Lalanne