Mark A Rivers

US Patent:

6895356, May 17, 2005

Filed:

Aug 14, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/642057

Inventors:

George Brimhall - Berkeley CA, US
Mark Rivers - Flossmoor IL, US

Assignee:

Rubicon Digital Mapping Associates - Berkeley CA

International Classification:

G01C017/00
H04B007/185

US Classification:

702150, 34235708, 34235714, 701200

Abstract:

An integrated digital mapping device contains a personal pen tablet computer (PC), GPS receiver, tilt meter (liquid filled or accelerometer-based), compass and laser range finder integrated into a single housing. The laser range finder is combined with a visible laser to provide convenient aiming. The device also includes a trigger to initiate a measurement cycle. In response to activation of a measurement cycle, the GPS receiver determines the precise location of the measurement device while the other components provide a measurement of tilt angle (up or down inclination pitch), azimuth, and distance an object or area of interest. The roll (left or right sideways tilt) of the tilt meter also provides information when the tablet is aligned with planar objects. The data from a measurement cycle is converted into a predetermined data format for use with the conventional digital mapping software application program operating within the PC.

US Patent:

45035555, Mar 5, 1985

Filed:

Apr 21, 1982

Appl. No.:

6/370490

Inventors:

George H. Brimhall - Berkeley CA
Mark L. Rivers - Berkeley CA

Assignee:

University of California - Berkeley CA

International Classification:

G06K 900
G06K 920

US Classification:

382 6

Abstract:

Analysis of images or specimens which exhibit visually distinguishable component areas of a plurality of different types, to determine the relative abundances, average sizes or other characteristics of such areas, is facilitated by a semi-automatic scanning system which includes an on-line data processor. The apparatus combines the superior area recognition ability of the human operator with the speed and ease of operation of fully automatic systems. A keyboard control unit has a plurality of manually operable keys any one of which may be actuated to drive the stage motor of a microscope through which the operator views the specimen and each of which generates a distinctive signal identifying a different specific type of area in the specimen. The data processor receives stage translation signals and the area classification signals and computes the desired data which may be visually displayed following a period of scanning. The system may be used in the mineralogical analysis of ore samples on an individual mineral grain basis and also for other purposes.