ikeGPS Wins the Innovative Hi-Tech Hardware Product Award

ikeGPS won the Innovative Hi-Tech Hardware Product award at the 2013 New Zealand Hi-Tech Awards dinner on Friday May 17, 2013. The event was held at the Sky City Convention Centre in Auckland with over 700 people in attendance. The 12-person judging panel included Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, Craig Nevill-Manning, director of engineering for Google, and Cisco's senior vice president, Howard Charney.

Ron Elsis, VP Product Management, accepted the award on behalf of the great team at ikeGPS. 

"This is testament to great progress across every function of the company over the past 12 months.  At ikeGPS we strive to make beautiful revolutionary measurement solutions for our customers in the utilities and defense sectors. We are beginning to take a clear market leading position with these niche industry-focused solutions and applications.  I am enormously proud that our work together has had such a positive impact", said Glenn Milnes, CEO, ikeGPS

The hi-tech industry is an integral part of New Zealand's economy and a key driver of economic growth. It is the third largest export earner in the country, generating over $7 billion in annual revenue, comprises more than 8,800 companies across the electronics, software, telecommunications, creative technology and biotechnology sectors, and employs more than 40,000 people. The hi-tech sector is growing at twice the rate of the NZ economy as a whole.

We enjoy sharing our success with you! Cheers, from the team at ikeGPS!

 

 

ikeTools Explained, Pt 2: Data Collection with Three-Shot Height

By Brian L. Soliday, Sr. VP of Sales, ikeGPS

This is part two in a series where we will explore the software, both on the ikeGPS unit and on the desktop and explain the real-world applications with easy-to-understand diagrams. In part two, we will explained Three-Shot Height.

The Three-Shot Height tool allows us to measure the height of an object when we do not have clear visibility to the object’s base, using the ground in a nearby and similar base level location to perform this function.

Let’s walk through the process as if we were in the field with the ikeGPS.  With Three-Shot Height, the interface guides us through the remote measurement and data collection process. 

Step 1. Aim at the ground and select the green arrow, which measures that point.

Step 2. The interface then tells us to aim at the vertical.  

Step 3. We are then prompted to aim at the top of the object and again, select the green arrow.  

The height of the object is then displayed on the ikeGPS. 

Note: In the upper left of the ikeGPS display is a graphic of our next step, with a text description next to it.  It provides us with the distance to the object we are collecting. The compass bearing from the device (user) location is also displayed.

Back in the office, we have access to the image file with the collection height displayed, the measurement, and attribute data collected in the process.

In part three of this series, we will explore Span Height.

To see a recorded webinar that includes more in depth information about the hardware, the ikeTools, ikeSolutions, and demos of the desktop solutions, please visit the ikeGPS Webinar Series Archives.

HAVE A QUESTION OR NEED MORE INFORMATION? PLEASE CONTACT US 24/7.

ikeTools Explained, Pt 1: Field Data Collection with Target Position

Brian L. Soliday, Sr. VP of Sales, ikeGPS

This is part one in a series where we will explore the software, both on the ikeGPS unit and on the desktop and explain the real-world applications with easy-to-understand diagrams. In part one, we will explain Target Position, just one of the ikeTools software provided on the ikeGPS unit.  

It’s easy to be wowed with the hardware aspect of the ikeGPS. But when you think about how this one hand-held piece of equipment is doing the work of several others, including a digital camera, laser range finder, compass, and a GPS unit, you may begin to wonder, What does the ikeGPS do with all that data? It’s the brain behind the brawn that we’d like to focus on during this series in an attempt to answer that question.

Inside that rugged device is a mini-PC that comes loaded with ikeTools, the suite of measurement, location and asset management apps that give the ikeGPS its power to calculate measurements and collect the data while in complicated field situations. It’s the software that allows users to avoid dangerous roads and other physical hazards and to gain access to restricted areas during their data collection efforts.

Before we discuss ikeTools, it’s important to remember that the ikeTools can be incorporated into customized forms on your PC, within ikeDesktop, before going into the field. And when we return to the office, the data is then loaded back on to our PC via USB into the ikeDesktop and consumed by a variety of 3rd party applications.

In part one of this series, we are going to focus on Target Position. The Target Position tool allows users to collect the location of a remote asset, along with the location of the device at the time of collection with one click on the device interface. All data is then available for further analysis in the ikeDesktop application.

Additional standard data that is automatically collected with most ikeTools includes:

• Distance to the asset
• Image of Target
• Bearing
• Date/Time Of Collection
• Label
• Comments

Let’s say we need to measure the location of some gas storage facilities located in an agricultural area.  The problem is property access is restricted, so we can either call the property owner, schedule a time for access, waiting and burning man hours; or we can remotely measure the asset location, in this case over 1,000 feet away, with the ikeGPS. We use the form created in ikeDesktop to enter in additional attribute information.

We can then easily review the collection once back in the office.  In this case the collection is viewed in Google Earth via the standard .kml file that can be generated in ikeDesktop. We are provided with a view of the image that was captured using Target Position, as well as the standard measurement information and unique attributes collected in the process.

In part two of this series, we will explore Three-Shot Height.

To see a recorded webinar that includes more in depth information about the hardware, the ikeTools, ikeSolutions, and demos of the desktop solutions, please visit the ikeGPS Webinar Series Archives.

HAVE A QUESTION OR NEED MORE INFORMATION? PLEASE CONTACT US 24/7.

 

 

New Zealand Hi-Tech Awards: ikeGPS Finalist in Two Categories

March has been good here at ikeGPS! First the GE Low Carbon ecomagination Challenge recognition, now the New Zealand Hi-Tech Awards!

The NZ Hi-Tech Trust, a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting and advancing the high-tech sector in New Zealand, announced on Wednesday the finalists for the 2013 awards. And ikeGPS was a finalist in both Telecom Business Innovative Hi-Tech Mobile Product 2013 and Innovative Hi-Tech Hardware Product 2013. Among the panel of judges, Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple and Google Director of Engineering, Craig Nevill-Manning. Winners will be announced on 17 May 2013 in Auckland. 

We here at ikeGPS are both humbled by and proud of the honor and recognition. On the other hand, 2013 marks a record number of finalists for the awards, so we know the competition is going to be tough. 

Complete list of the finalists.

 

ikeGPS enjoying a beautiful day on the Wellington Waterfront. 

Your Pole Attachment Measurement Problems Solved: Rail Right-of-Ways

How do I measure the correct attachment height on a pole to accurately place Wi-Fi transceivers?

Often our customers are asked to measure a complex geometry in a restricted environment. In this case, a radio transceiver needs to be mounted on the pole next to a train track, so that it matches the height of its counterpart receiver on the train.

When the radio transceivers are mounted on the pole, the installer only wants to know which pole to stick it on, and how high.

As part of design drawings, we need to measure the height of the rail track to the base of the pole, and then given that we know where the radios are on the train (and the rail car height)- it’s easy to calculate the install height for the transceiver on the pole.

So, the crux of the matter is: how do I measure the vertical offset between the rail track and base of the pole? Often a trackside pole is at another level, down a bank, or on a platform.

To make matters more difficult, the user cannot cross over the tracks, so all of the measurements must be performed from a safe location, which is often on the other side of the rail corridor.

Here’s the problem:

• Can’t access the across the right-of-way/corridor

• Need the height above the rail tracks, but the pole structure is lower/higher than the tracks and ballast

The question: How do I measure the height of the track below the bottom of the pole?

The answer: Using the ikeGPS Span Height tool, users can accurately measure the vertical height between a target and the ground. In our scenario, this makes it really easy to measure the vertical separation between the utility pole base and the rail tracks.

All you need to do is aim at the rail track, collect your first point/measurement, then aim at the bottom of the pole, and the Span Height tool will provide you the vertical distance between them; fast, easy, and safe!

 

What other measurement problems do you deal with on a daily basis? We’d love to hear the everyday physical challenges you face in your day-to-day work environments in your part of the world.

ikeGPS Shortlisted for GE Low Carbon ecomagination Challenge

Press Release 

Augmented Reality Technology Is Helping Utility Companies Reduce Emissions  

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (Mar 12, 2013) – ikeGPS, a maker of remote measurement and 3D modelling hardware and software solutions, has announced it has been shortlisted for the GE Australia & New Zealand Low Carbon ecomagination Challenge. The challenge is an open call to businesses, entrepreneurs, innovators and students  in Australia and New Zealand with breakthrough ideas for reducing our carbon footprint. Out of 191 entries, ikeGPS was selected to the shortlist of 35 finalists which will vie for five Innovation Awards of $100,000 and potential investment opportunities of up to $10 million from GE and its venture capital partners.

 

ikeGPS’s entry,  ikeGPS Augmented Reality Network Management Solution, uses ikeGPS technology to make distribution network assets more efficient by enabling field crews to see network database information and models overlaid on the real-world assets, in real-time.  ikeGPS has developed an end-to-end solution for electric utilities that combines the ikeGPS device (integrating laser rangefinder and camera technologies) with software for measuring and modeling pole infrastructure.

“We are delighted to have been chosen by GE for the Ecomagination Challenge shortlist. As a company, ikeGPS is committed to making a difference to reduce carbon emissions locally and globally. We are excited to be part of GE’s very important initiative.” Said Glenn Milnes, CEO of ikeGPS, headquartered in Wellington.

About ikeGPS

ikeGPS has grown from an idea of a New Zealand engineer surveying radio sites in Kenya to a company delivering mobile geospatial solutions across the globe, quickly becoming a global player in the utility and defense segments with laser-camera-GPS technology and measurement and 3D modeling software solutions.

The ikeGPS team is committed to producing innovative solutions for customers in a wide range of industries.  Its technology is used by utilities, defense forces, intelligence groups, energy companies, state and local governments, police, and federal authorities.

ikeGPS has headquarters in Wellington, New Zealand and operates offices in the U.S. and the U.K. 

Download a PDF and/or Word document.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mad Inventing at ikeGPS

I'm Jeremy Gold - I’ve been managing the engineering department here at ikeGPS for nearly 10 years now, and I’ve been very careful whenever I’m recruiting to bring on board people who are not only technically outstanding, but who also have an inherent love of technology and cool gadgets in general.

A slightly unexpected, but very welcome side effect of this is that we have a room full of people who like making cool technology so much that several of us stay in after work for “Mad Inventing” a few nights a week, which generally involves a fair bit of gossip about the latest crazy Quadrocopter stunts, Android phone hacks, or 3D printing exploits that we’ve seen on the web, followed by a bunch of work on our latest inventions.

You may have already seen the blog post / video about our Digital foosball table – We’re still working on that, and planning to take it down to an event in Wellington on April the 27^th called “Makertorium”: http://makertorium.co.nz/.

Also in the pipeline for Makertorium is my Tesseract Zoetrope, which consists of a series of 4 dimensional Hypercubes that have been mathematically projected down into 3 dimensions, and then 3D printed (many thanks to the awesome guys up at Co-lab for their support with the printing!) The cubes have then been placed on an over sized record player with some electronics that fire a strobe whenever the next hypercube passes by to give a stop motion effect.

Here's a rendition of the idea that I've created using Python scripts within a 3D modeling tool called Blender:

Animated Tesseract Demo from Jeremy Gold on Vimeo.

And here’s a quick video showing progress so far:

Animated Tesseract - Prototype 1 from Jeremy Gold on Vimeo.

This project’s been heaps of fun – I’ve learned a whole lot about python scripting in blender, coding for constructive solid geometry in openSCAD, 3D printing work flow using slic3r, netfabb, and pronterface, and of course cutting big circles in MDF using a router (thanks Chris)!

Stay tuned for further updates...

Measuring Wire Angles on Joint Use Utility Poles

Measuring the angles of all the wires attached to a joint use utility pole is essential for calculating the stress loading on the pole and for determining if the guy wires and anchors are correctly placed. 

There are several ways to measure these angles, such as:

1. Use a compass and line it up against the wire line
2. GPS each of the poles that the wire attaches to and measure the angles on a map
3. Measure the wire direction with a laser

Each of the methods above  can be achieved using ikeGPS, ensuring that the  data is of the highest integrity:

1)      Using a compass to align with the wire is a very simple method. Just use the handheld compass and Target Position mode in the ikeGPS and stand in line with the wire. - You do not even have to see the next pole -  simplyhave the ikeGPS pointing in the right direction.  Taking a reading records the wire direction.  You will need to be careful to stand away from metal objects - including a pole that may havesteel inside it, as this can distort the compass reading.

 2)      Using the GPS to measure the pole locations of connecting wires is another simple method, and if you use the ikeGPS’ laser you can reach out to remote attachment points on distant houses and on inaccessible poles.  Plot the data on a map in the office,  draw up the lines and then measure the angles.

 3)      Perhaps the most powerful and flexible method is to directly measure the wires. This is very quick has the advantage of a user choosing a safe and convenient place to measure the wire angles  from.  The work flow is:

• Find a location where you can see the wire
• Use the missing line tool to laser the attachment point on the pole
• Go down the wire for about 10 ‘to 20’, or  even better if you can hit the connecting pole. 
• Repeat for a wire in each direction. This process will produce a wagon wheel type diagram in Google Earth, and report the angles in a CSV file.

The ikeGPS engineering team is working on even better ways of measuring wire angles, including outputs in industry standard forms.  We are always interested in new ideas on how to simplify difficult measurements, love and would to hear from you!

Inventory and Measure Joint Use Poles

For the most part utility poles are largely joint use; power, CATV, telecommunications companies and others rent space on utility poles from each other. When you own the pole, you are responsible for its maintenance. Well maintained poles last up to 75 years, whereas poorly maintained poles can fail a lot sooner. Pole inventory inspections allow for identification of conditions before a pole fails, making joint use inventories and inspections crucial to the pole owners bottom line. With this in mind it is a good idea to have a preventive maintenance program in place.

In conjunction with these preventative maintenance programs, people we're speaking with are always asking us how they can maximize the amount of information that is collected in the field while shortening the time it takes to gather quality information. Not only do they want to know what is on the pole and at what height, they need to know the span height of wires, is there vegetation encroachment, where are the guys and anchors, is the pole fatigued, etc.?

 

Are you measuring Catenary Sag as part of your joint use pole survey?

At ikeGPS we love to measure things. Our utility customers have been asking if we can measure the catenary sag of a distribution or CATV communications wire span.

So we're thinking of taking up the challenge. We are considering building a new ikeTool for our ikeSolutions Poles and ikeSolutions PLS products that allows you to measure a lot more about wire spans including:

• Wire sag
• Bay length
• Wire height of the lowest point
• Wire height of the mid span
• Catenary coefficients

We think the results could look something like this:

All information captured with an ikeGPS is easily displayed on maps and also can be exported to line design software such as PLS-CADD.

Before we go down this road we have a couple of questions for you. Feel free to use our comment section below to provide your answers. Or if you'd like to keep them private email me at ron.elsis@ikegps.com 

1. How do you accomplish obtaining catenary sag today?
2. On a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being "what's catenary sag" and 5 being "I can't live without this", how important would obtaining catenary sag be to you?

If you're interested in testing this ikeTool as we build it, please use the button below to add your information to our beta tester list.

Your input makes your ikeSolutions that much better. 

Cheers!