Arcsecond, Inc.

Command Alkon, Inc.

Michael J Sobel

Timothy Pratt

Thomas M Hedges

Rick Slater

Edmund S Pendleton

Sean M Beliveau

Andrew W Dornbusch

Eric J Lundberg

Yvan J Beliveau

Scott C Casteel

Edward R Barrientos

Frey Wain

Dale L Sproul

Doug Gaff

Jeremy D Helms

Jeffrey L Wheeler

Hiro Takagi

Tom M Hedges

A system for automatically detecting an operational event for a bulk material hauler vehicle. The system includes a sensor mounted on the bulk material hauler vehicle, which is adapted for hauling a bulk material such as an aggregate. The system further includes a telematics system provided on the bulk material hauler vehicle. The telematics system includes a processor running software (or executing instructions or code) for detecting the operational event (e.g., providing functions of a load and unload detection module or discriminator as described herein). During vehicle operations, the sensor transmits sensor data to the telematics system, and the detecting of the operational event includes retrieving a signature definition for the operational event and then verifying the sensor data meets requirements of the signature definition. In some embodiments of the system, the operational event is loading the bulk material on or unloading the bulk material from the vehicle.

Automated load and unload detection system for bulk material hauler vehicles

Positions can be precisely and accurately fixed instantaneously within a three-dimensional workspace. A system of two or more transmitters each continuously sweep the workspace with two fanned laser beams which are preferably about 90 degrees apart on the rotational axis of the transmitter. A receiving instrument includes, preferably, two light detectors which detect the time at which each fanned laser beam is incident thereon. The light detectors also detect a synchronization pulse from each transmitter that is emitted once per revolution. Beams from different transmitters are differentiated by different rotational speeds and, therefore, different beam incidence cycles. Because three intersecting planes uniquely define a point in three-dimensional space, by detecting at least three of the fan beams from the transmitters, the receiving instrument can calculate its position in the workspace. A Quick Calc setup procedure allows the use to define a desired coordinate system within the workspace.

Method and optical receiver with easy setup means for use in position measurement systems

An improved low cost theodolite position measurement system and process which is particularly useful in enabling a single operator to conveniently set up the system and calculate elevation (el) and azimuth (az) angle data. Only a single optical transmitter is positioned within a predetermined workspace thus significantly decreasing equipment costs and setup time. The single transmitter is positioned and leveled at a predetermined point in the workspace. In operation the single rotatably mounted transmitter head illuminates the workspace volume with a pair of spaced apart precalibrated fan beams which sweep the space and a periodically emitted reference strobe pulse. At least one optical receiver is selectively positionable within said workspace so that during each revolution of said single transmitter head said receiver receives a first position strike and a second position strike of said fan beams. To determine elevation angle data, tracker logic means responsive to said receiver determines a first tie interval separation between receiving said first position strike and said second position strike and calculation means for converting said first time separation interval into an elevation angle data. To determine an azimuth angle data said receiver receives a strobe pulse and a fan beam position strike, both of which are repeatedly transmitted with a known periodicity, determining a measure of time separation related to the strobe pulse and the position strike, and converting the measure of time separation into the azimuth angle data utilizing the known periodicity.

Low cost 2D position measurement system and method

An improved three-dimensional position detector and measurement system includes one or more transmitters that each transmit planar light beams and a strobe pulse and a receiver that responds to illumination from the beams and the strobe. The receiver in the system includes calibration logic for executing a quadratic mathematical algorithm to uniquely characterize said planar beams of each of said optical transmitters active in said measurement field. In one embodiment, the quadratic mathematical algorithm uses cones to represent the scan path of the planar beams.

Position measurement system and method using cone math calibration

An improved receiver for use in a robotic theodolite spatial positioning apparatus that allows a single user to determine elevation and azimuth angle data. To determine elevation angle of the receiver, the receiver has a sensor that receives a first position signal and a second position signal emitted from an optical transmitter. The receiver outputs a first and a second receive signal. A calculator in the receiver determines the first interval time separation between the first and second receive signals, converts the first time interval separation into elevation angle data and outputs the elevation angle data. A display in the receiver receives and displays the elevation angle data. The receiver is selectively positionable within a workspace. Determination of azimuth angle of the receiver is made by receiving a strobe pulse, determining the periodicity of the pulse and comparing the periodicity with transmitter calibration information stored in the receiver, and converting the measure of time separation into azimuth angle data. The display in the receiver receives and displays the azimuth angle data. Additionally, the user can select desired azimuth and/or elevation angles, and the display can guide the user to the desired location.

Apparatus and method for determining position

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Annandale, VA, United States of America

Michael J Sobel