Patent US6421610B1 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6421610B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method of preparing and disseminating digitized geospatial data
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 2000-09-15
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Granted: 2002-07-16
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Expires: 2020-09-15
Abstract
Abstract A method of making geospatial imagery data available to the public over the internet. Geospatial images are acquired, such as by aerial photography, and are digitized. Plural images are captured, each image covering a portion of the earth surface area of interest. Each image captures at least one characteristic of the portion of the area, such as by taking images in different frequency bands. Data from all images thus obtained is loaded into a common database, loaded into a computer, and integrated to create a single resultant geospatial image stored in the computer. The integration process is performed so that a nearly seamless mosaiced image covering the entire area of interest is generated. The mosaiced image is stored in mosaic sector form. The computer containing the resultant geospatial image and software controlling the same are connected to the internet so that internet users have access to the data. The users can select portions of the resultant image and select characteristics, and have corresponding data transmitted over the internet and downloaded to a personal computer, facsimile machine, or the like. Alternatively, the software has options enabling users to order the data on a hard storage device such as a compact disc, or to have the host computer operate a printer to generate a hard paper copy of the selected data.
Inventors
- 👤 Ernest A. Carroll
- 👤 Christopher M. Gardner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 20:28
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F16/00; G06F16/50; G06F16/58; G06F16/20; G06F16/29
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
448 words
A method of acquiring geospatial data and disseminating the geospatial data automatically and in a final useful form, comprising the steps of: acquiring first digital data corresponding to a geospatial image of a first portion of a selected earth surface area, which first portion is less than the entire selected earth surface area, and wherein the first digital data captures at least a first characteristic of the selected earth surface area; acquiring second digital data corresponding to a geospatial image of the first portion of the selected earth surface area, wherein the second digital data captures at least a second characteristic of the selected earth surface area, which second characteristic is different from the first characteristic; acquiring third digital data corresponding to a geospatial image of a second portion of the selected earth surface area, which second portion is different from the first portion of the selected earth surface area and which second portion is less than the entire selected earth surface area, and wherein the third digital data captures at least the first characteristic of the selected earth surface area; acquiring fourth digital data corresponding to a geospatial image of the selected earth surface area, wherein the fourth digital data geospatial image corresponds to the second portion of the selected earth surface area, and the fourth digital data captures at least the second characteristic of the selected earth surface area; providing a data processing device capable of processing digitized data, having a memory device capable of storing digitized data, and having control elements disposed to generate commands which operate the data processing device; integrating the first digital data, the second digital data, the third digital data, and the fourth digital data into a common database and storing the common database within the data processing device, wherein the common database contains data corresponding to a resultant final geospatial image covering the first-portion and the second portion of the selected earth surface area such that boundaries and features of the first portion align with boundaries and features of the second portion in aligned, continuous, nearly seamless manner, and the final geospatial image reflects both the first characteristic of the selected earth surface area and the second characteristic of the selected earth surface area; providing and installing within the data processing device software which enables a user to use manual cursor control methods to manipulate data stored in the data processing device to display the final geospatial image on a display device, designate a portion of the final geospatial image for reproduction, and reproduce the designated portion of the final geospatial image; and placing the data processing device and data and software stored therein in operable communication with the internet.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
448 words
A method of acquiring geospatial data and disseminating the geospatial data automatically and in a final useful form, comprising the steps of: acquiring first digital data corresponding to a geospatial image of a first portion of a selected earth surface area, which first portion is less than the entire selected earth surface area, and wherein the first digital data captures at least a first characteristic of the selected earth surface area; acquiring second digital data corresponding to a geospatial image of the first portion of the selected earth surface area, wherein the second digital data captures at least a second characteristic of the selected earth surface area, which second characteristic is different from the first characteristic; acquiring third digital data corresponding to a geospatial image of a second portion of the selected earth surface area, which second portion is different from the first portion of the selected earth surface area and which second portion is less than the entire selected earth surface area, and wherein the third digital data captures at least the first characteristic of the selected earth surface area; acquiring fourth digital data corresponding to a geospatial image of the selected earth surface area, wherein the fourth digital data geospatial image corresponds to the second portion of the selected earth surface area, and the fourth digital data captures at least the second characteristic of the selected earth surface area; providing a data processing device capable of processing digitized data, having a memory device capable of storing digitized data, and having control elements disposed to generate commands which operate the data processing device; integrating the first digital data, the second digital data, the third digital data, and the fourth digital data into a common database and storing the common database within the data processing device, wherein the common database contains data corresponding to a resultant final geospatial image covering the first-portion and the second portion of the selected earth surface area such that boundaries and features of the first portion align with boundaries and features of the second portion in aligned, continuous, nearly seamless manner, and the final geospatial image reflects both the first characteristic of the selected earth surface area and the second characteristic of the selected earth surface area; providing and installing within the data processing device software which enables a user to use manual cursor control methods to manipulate data stored in the data processing device to display the final geospatial image on a display device, designate a portion of the final geospatial image for reproduction, and reproduce the designated portion of the final geospatial image; and placing the data processing device and data and software stored therein in operable communication with the internet.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
65 words
The method according to claim 1 , wherein said step of integrating the first digital data, the second digital data, the third digital data, and the fourth digital data into a common database and storing the common database within the data processing device comprises the further steps of dividing the final geospatial image into non-overlapping, complementing sectors, and storing each sector as a separate file.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method according to claim 1 , comprising the further step of reproducing the designated portion of the final geospatial image responsive to computer commands generated remotely and transmitted by the internet.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method according to claim 3 , wherein said step of reproducing the designated portion of the final geospatial image comprises a further step of transmitting data by file transfer protocol over the internet.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
57 words
The method according to claim 3 , wherein said step of reproducing the designated portion of the final geospatial image comprises a further step of downloading data corresponding to the designated portion of the final geospatial image onto a data storage device dimensioned and configured to be readily and manually insertable into and removable from a computer.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
48 words
The method according to claim 3 , wherein said step of reproducing the designated portion of the final geospatial image comprises the further steps of providing a printer operably connected to the computer; and printing the designated portion of the final geospatial image onto paper, utilizing the printer.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
495 words
A method of acquiring geospatial data and disseminating the geospatial data automatically and in a final useful form, comprising the steps of: acquiring first digital data corresponding to a geospatial image of a first portion of a selected earth surface area, which first portion is less than the entire selected earth surface area, and wherein the first digital data captures at least a first characteristic of the selected earth surface area; acquiring second digital data corresponding to a geospatial image of the first portion of the selected earth surface area, wherein the second digital data captures at least a second characteristic of the selected earth surface area, which second characteristic is different from the first characteristic; acquiring third digital data corresponding to a geospatial image of a second portion of the selected earth surface area, which second portion is different from the first portion of the selected earth surface area and which second portion is less than the entire selected earth surface area, and wherein the third digital data captures at least the first characteristic of the selected earth surface area; acquiring fourth digital data corresponding to a geospatial image of the selected earth surface area, wherein the fourth digital data geospatial image corresponds to the second portion of the selected earth surface area, and the fourth digital data captures at least the second characteristic of the selected earth surface area; providing a data processing device capable of processing digitized data, having a memory device capable of storing digitized data, and having control elements disposed to generate commands which operate the data processing device; integrating the first digital data, the second digital data, the third digital data, and the fourth digital data into a common database and storing the common database within the data processing device, wherein the common database contains data corresponding to a resultant final geospatial image covering the first portion and the second portion of the selected earth surface area such that boundaries and features of the first portion align with boundaries and features of the second portion in aligned, continuous, nearly seamless manner, and the final geospatial image reflects both the first characteristic of the selected earth surface area and the second characteristic of the selected earth surface area; dividing the final geospatial image into non-overlapping, complementing sectors, and storing each sector as a separate file; providing and installing within the data processing device software which enables a user to use manual cursor control methods to manipulate data stored in the data processing device to display the final geospatial image on a display device, designate a portion of the final geospatial image for reproduction, and reproduce the designated portion of the final geospatial image; placing the data processing device and data and software stored therein in operable communication with the internet; transmitting data corresponding to the designated portion of the final geospatial image by file transfer protocol over the internet, responsive to computer commands generated remotely and transmitted by the internet.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
495 words
A method of acquiring geospatial data and disseminating the geospatial data automatically and in a final useful form, comprising the steps of: acquiring first digital data corresponding to a geospatial image of a first portion of a selected earth surface area, which first portion is less than the entire selected earth surface area, and wherein the first digital data captures at least a first characteristic of the selected earth surface area; acquiring second digital data corresponding to a geospatial image of the first portion of the selected earth surface area, wherein the second digital data captures at least a second characteristic of the selected earth surface area, which second characteristic is different from the first characteristic; acquiring third digital data corresponding to a geospatial image of a second portion of the selected earth surface area, which second portion is different from the first portion of the selected earth surface area and which second portion is less than the entire selected earth surface area, and wherein the third digital data captures at least the first characteristic of the selected earth surface area; acquiring fourth digital data corresponding to a geospatial image of the selected earth surface area, wherein the fourth digital data geospatial image corresponds to the second portion of the selected earth surface area, and the fourth digital data captures at least the second characteristic of the selected earth surface area; providing a data processing device capable of processing digitized data, having a memory device capable of storing digitized data, and having control elements disposed to generate commands which operate the data processing device; integrating the first digital data, the second digital data, the third digital data, and the fourth digital data into a common database and storing the common database within the data processing device, wherein the common database contains data corresponding to a resultant final geospatial image covering the first portion and the second portion of the selected earth surface area such that boundaries and features of the first portion align with boundaries and features of the second portion in aligned, continuous, nearly seamless manner, and the final geospatial image reflects both the first characteristic of the selected earth surface area and the second characteristic of the selected earth surface area; dividing the final geospatial image into non-overlapping, complementing sectors, and storing each sector as a separate file; providing and installing within the data processing device software which enables a user to use manual cursor control methods to manipulate data stored in the data processing device to display the final geospatial image on a display device, designate a portion of the final geospatial image for reproduction, and reproduce the designated portion of the final geospatial image; placing the data processing device and data and software stored therein in operable communication with the internet; transmitting data corresponding to the designated portion of the final geospatial image by file transfer protocol over the internet, responsive to computer commands generated remotely and transmitted by the internet.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2005-07-15 | 2006-01-14 | 2006-07-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2009-07-15 | 2010-01-14 | 2010-07-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-07-15 | 2014-01-14 | 2014-07-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |