Techniques for generating an effective investigation route that identifies a location of a gas leak

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to techniques for generating an efficient investigation route that identifies a location of a gas leak, the techniques including a mobile computing device. The mobile computing device includes circuitry configured to obtain route data indicative of a route to be traveled along in order to identify a location of a gas leak. The circuitry is further configured to present the route data to a user to guide the user along the route.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to techniques for generating an efficient investigation route that identifies a location of a gas leak. BACKGROUND

[0002] Advanced leak detection systems (ALDS) utilize the latest available, very high sensitivity gas (e.g., methane, ethane, mercaptans, or other constituents) detectors mounted on vehicles to quickly measure and detect natural gas leaks in pipeline infrastructure. ALDS measurements typically produce an estimate of the emission location, which is then estimated using a handheld detector on foot with precision location measurements. While identification of the general area of a gas leak can occur quickly, the on-foot investigation process following the ALDS measurements is significantly more time consuming and costly. Investigators typically spend 45 to 60 minutes to investigate each indication provided by the vehicle-based detection system. The time and cost are largely due to the low sensitivity handheld precision location tool and the accompanying lack of guidance on where and how to investigate the emission indication. That is, the ALDS provides only a search area to the walking investigator, and the success of finding the location of the gas leak is highly dependent on the skill and method used by the investigator. Some investigators have a find rate as low as 10%, while other investigators can have a find rate as high as 90%. The find rate also varies greatly based on when the investigator was trained, as investigators typically experience a sharp increase in find rate after training, followed by a decrease over time. SUMMARY

[0003] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a mobile computing device can include circuitry configured to obtain route data indicating a route to travel along in order to identify a location of a gas leak and present the route data to a user to guide the user along the route.

[0004] In some embodiments, presenting the route data to the user can include displaying a map of a geographic area, the map of the geographic area having the route overlaid onto the map.

[0005] In some embodiments, presenting the route data to the user can include displaying a directional arrow to the user indicating a direction to travel along the route.

[0006] In some embodiments, presenting the route data can include emitting an audible or haptic signal indicating instructions for traveling along the route.

[0007] In some embodiments, obtaining the route data can include obtaining route data generated based on search area data indicating a geographic area in which a gas leak was detected.

[0008] In some embodiments, the circuitry can be configured to generate the route data.

[0009] In some embodiments, the circuitry can be configured to obtain the route data from a remote computing device.

[0010] In some embodiments, obtaining the route data can include obtaining route data generated based on a surge projection algorithm, a surge spiral algorithm, or a raster scan algorithm.

[0011] In some embodiments, obtaining the route data can include obtaining route data generated based on a gas plume model.

[0012] In some embodiments, obtaining the route data can include obtaining route data that has been adjusted according to environmental conditions.

[0013] In some embodiments, obtaining route data that has been adjusted according to environmental conditions can include obtaining route data in which the route has been rotated based on a wind direction.

[0014] In some embodiments, obtaining the route data can include obtaining route data that has been adjusted according to one or more objects present in the environment.

[0015] In some embodiments, obtaining route data that has been adjusted according to one or more objects present in the environment can include obtaining route data that has been adjusted to include at least a portion of a perimeter of a building.

[0016] In some embodiments, obtaining route data that has been adjusted according to one or more objects present in the environment can include obtaining route data in which the route has been adjusted to follow an edge of a street.

[0017] In some embodiments, obtaining route data that has been adjusted according to one or more objects present in the environment can include obtaining route data in which the route has been adjusted to follow at least a portion of a gas pipeline or other gas management infrastructure.

[0018] In some embodiments, obtaining the route data can include obtaining route data in which the route has been adjusted according to a surge projection algorithm.

[0019] In some embodiments, obtaining the route data can include obtaining route data in which the route has been adjusted to pause traversal of the route in response to determining that a speed of a detected wind satisfies a predefined threshold.

[0020] In some embodiments, obtaining the route data can include obtaining route data in which the route has been adjusted to pause traversal of the route in response to determining that the detected speed of the wind is less than a predefined speed.

[0021] In some embodiments, the circuitry can be further configured to determine whether the speed of the wind satisfies a predefined threshold for a predefined period of time; change the route from being generated based on one algorithm to being generated based on a second algorithm in response to determining that the speed of the wind satisfies the predefined threshold for the predefined period of time; and resume traversal of the route after changing the route.

[0022] In some embodiments, changing the route can include changing the route from being generated based on the surge projection algorithm or the surge spiral algorithm to being generated based on the raster scan algorithm.

[0023] In some embodiments, the circuitry can be further configured to determine one or more changes in the direction of the wind over a period of time, determine whether the one or more changes in the direction of the wind are random, and pause traversal of the route in response to determining that the one or more changes in the direction of the wind are random.

[0024] In some embodiments, the circuitry device can be further configured to determine whether the changes in the wind direction have remained random for at least thirty seconds, and change the route from being generated based on the surge projection algorithm or the surge spiral algorithm to being generated based on the raster scan algorithm in response to determining that the changes in the wind direction have remained random for at least thirty seconds.

[0025] In some embodiments, the circuitry device can be further configured to resume traversal of the route after the route has been changed to being generated based on the raster scan algorithm.

[0026] In some embodiments, the route can be within a search area, and the circuitry device can be further configured to determine whether a location of a gas leak has been identified along the route, and expand the route to cover a remaining portion of the search area based on the raster scan algorithm in response to determining that the location of the gas leak has been identified.

[0027] In some embodiments, presenting the route data can include presenting data indicative of a speed of travel along the route.

[0028] In some embodiments, obtaining the route data can include obtaining route data in which the route has been adjusted to reverse a direction of projection perpendicular to the wind in response to not detecting the gas after having traveled a threshold distance.

[0029] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method can include obtaining, by a mobile computing device, route data indicating a route to travel along to identify a location of a gas leak; and presenting, by the mobile computing device, the route data to a user to guide the user along the route.

[0030] In some embodiments, presenting the route data to the user can include displaying a map of a geographic area, the map of the geographic area having the route overlaid onto the map.

[0031] In some embodiments, presenting the route data to the user can include displaying a directional arrow to the user indicating a direction to travel along the route.

[0032] In some embodiments, presenting the route data can include emitting an audible or haptic signal indicating an instruction to travel along the route.

[0033] In some embodiments, obtaining the route data can include obtaining route data generated based on search area data indicating a geographic area in which a gas leak was detected.

[0034] In some embodiments, obtaining the route data can include generating the route data using the mobile computing device.

[0035] In some embodiments, obtaining the route data can include obtaining the route data from a remote computing device.

[0036] In some embodiments, obtaining the route data can include obtaining route data generated based on a surge projection algorithm, a surge spiral algorithm, or a raster scan algorithm.

[0037] In some embodiments, obtaining the route data can include obtaining route data generated based on a gas plume model.

[0038] In some embodiments, obtaining the route data can include obtaining route data that has been adjusted according to environmental conditions.

[0039] In some embodiments, obtaining route data that has been adjusted according to environmental conditions can include obtaining route data in which the route has been rotated based on a wind direction.

[0040] In some embodiments, obtaining the route data can include obtaining route data that has been adjusted according to one or more objects present in the environment.

[0041] In some embodiments, obtaining route data that has been adjusted according to one or more objects present in the environment can include obtaining route data that has been adjusted to include at least a portion of a perimeter of a building.

[0042] In some embodiments, obtaining route data that is adjusted according to one or more objects present in the environment can include obtaining route data in which the route has been adjusted to follow an edge of a street.

[0043] In some embodiments, obtaining route data that is adjusted according to one or more objects present in the environment can include obtaining route data in which the route has been adjusted to follow at least a portion of a gas line or other gas management infrastructure.

[0044] In some embodiments, obtaining route data can include obtaining route data in which the route has been adjusted according to a surge projection algorithm.

[0045] In some embodiments, obtaining route data can include obtaining route data in which the route has been adjusted to pause traversal of the route in response to determining that a speed of a detected wind satisfies a predefined threshold.

[0046] In some embodiments, obtaining route data can include obtaining route data in which the route has been adjusted to pause traversal of the route in response to determining that a speed of a detected wind is less than a predefined speed.

[0047] In some embodiments, the method can further include determining whether the speed of the wind satisfies a predefined threshold for a predefined period of time, changing the route from a route generated based on one algorithm to a route generated based on a second algorithm in response to determining that the speed of the wind satisfies the predefined threshold for the predefined period of time, and resuming traversal of the route after changing the route.

[0048] In some embodiments, changing the route can include changing the route from a route generated based on a surge projection algorithm or a surge spiral algorithm to a route generated based on a raster scan algorithm.

[0049] In some embodiments, the method can further include determining one or more changes in a direction of the wind over a period of time, determining whether the one or more changes in the direction of the wind are random, and pausing traversal of the route in response to determining that the one or more changes in the direction of the wind are random.

[0050] In some embodiments, the method can further include determining whether changes in the wind direction have remained random for at least thirty seconds, and changing the route from a route based on a surge projection algorithm or a surge spiral algorithm to a route based on a raster scan algorithm in response to determining that the changes in the wind direction have remained random for at least thirty seconds.

[0051] In some embodiments, the method can further include resuming traversal of the route after the route has been changed to a route based on a raster scan algorithm.

[0052] In some embodiments, the route can be within a search area, and the method can further include determining whether a location of a gas leak has been identified along the route, and in response to determining that a location of a gas leak has been identified, expanding the route to cover a remaining portion of the search area based on a raster scan algorithm.

[0053] In some embodiments, presenting the route data can include presenting data indicative of a speed at which to travel along the route.

[0054] In some embodiments, obtaining the route data can include obtaining route data in which the route has been adjusted to reverse a direction of a projection perpendicular to the wind in response to not detecting the gas after having traveled a threshold distance.

[0055] According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, one or more machine- readable storage media can include a plurality of instructions stored thereon that, in response to being executed, result in a mobile computing device: obtaining route data indicative of a route to travel along in order to identify a location of a gas leak, and presenting the route data to a user to guide the user along the route.

[0056] In some embodiments, presenting the route data to the user can include displaying a map of a geographic area, the map of the geographic area having the route overlaid onto the map.

[0057] In some embodiments, presenting the route data to the user can include displaying a directional arrow to the user indicative of a direction to travel along the route.

[0058] In some embodiments, presenting the route data can include emitting an audible or haptic signal indicative of an instruction to travel along the route.

[0059] In some embodiments, obtaining the route data can include obtaining route data generated based on search area data indicative of a geographic area in which a gas leak was detected.

[0060] In some embodiments, the mobile computing device can be configured to generate the route data.

[0061] In some embodiments, the mobile computing device can be configured to obtain the route data from a remote computing device.

[0062] In some embodiments, obtaining the route data can include obtaining route data generated based on a surge projection algorithm, a surge spiral algorithm, or a raster scan algorithm.

[0063] In some embodiments, obtaining the route data can include obtaining route data generated based on a gas plume model.

[0064] In some embodiments, obtaining route data can include obtaining route data that has been adjusted according to environmental conditions.

[0065] In some embodiments, obtaining route data that has been adjusted according to environmental conditions can include obtaining route data in which the route has been rotated based on a wind direction.

[0066] In some embodiments, obtaining route data can include obtaining route data that has been adjusted according to one or more objects present in the environment.

[0067] In some embodiments, obtaining route data that has been adjusted according to one or more objects present in the environment can include obtaining route data that has been adjusted to include at least a portion of a perimeter of a building.

[0068] In some embodiments, obtaining route data that has been adjusted according to one or more objects present in the environment can include obtaining route data in which the route has been adjusted to follow an edge of a street.

[0069] In some embodiments, obtaining route data that has been adjusted according to one or more objects present in the environment can include obtaining route data in which the route has been adjusted to follow at least a portion of a gas line or other gas management infrastructure.

[0070] In some embodiments, obtaining route data can include obtaining route data in which the route has been adjusted according to a surge projection algorithm.

[0071] In some embodiments, obtaining route data can include obtaining route data in which the route has been adjusted to pause traversal of the route in response to determining that a speed of a detected wind satisfies a predefined threshold.

[0072] In some embodiments, obtaining route data can include obtaining route data in which the route has been adjusted to pause traversal of the route in response to determining that a speed of a detected wind is less than a predefined speed.

[0073] In some embodiments, the plurality of instructions, when executed, can further cause the mobile computing device to determine whether the speed of the wind satisfies a predefined threshold for a predefined period of time; change the route from a route generated based on one algorithm to a route generated based on a second algorithm in response to determining that the speed of the wind satisfies the predefined threshold for the predefined period of time; and resume traversal of the route after changing the route.

[0074] In some embodiments, changing the route can include changing the route from a route generated based on a surge projection algorithm or a surge spiral algorithm to a route generated based on a raster scan algorithm.

[0075] In some embodiments, the plurality of instructions, when executed, can further cause the mobile computing device to determine one or more changes in direction of the wind over a period of time, determine whether the one or more changes in direction of the wind are random, and in response to determining that the one or more changes in direction of the wind are random, pause traversal of the route.

[0076] In some embodiments, the plurality of instructions, when executed, can further cause the mobile computing device to determine whether the changes in wind direction have remained random for at least thirty seconds, and in response to determining that the changes in wind direction have remained random for at least thirty seconds, change the route from a route generated based on the surge projection algorithm or the surge spiral algorithm to a route based on the raster scan algorithm.

[0077] In some embodiments, the plurality of instructions, when executed, can further cause the mobile computing device to resume traversal of the route after the route has been changed to a route based on the raster scan algorithm.

[0078] In some embodiments, the route can be within a search area, and the plurality of instructions, when executed, can further cause the mobile computing device to determine whether a location of a gas leak has been identified along the route, and in response to determining that a location of a gas leak has been identified, expand the route to cover a remaining portion of the search area based on the raster scan algorithm.

[0079] In some embodiments, presenting the route data can include presenting data indicative of a speed of travel along the route.

[0080] In some embodiments, obtaining the route data can include obtaining route data in which the route has been adjusted to reverse a direction of projection perpendicular to the wind in response to not detecting the gas after having traveled a threshold distance.

[0081] According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, a method can include traversing, by an investigator and within a search area in which a possible gas leak has been indicated, a route defined according to at least one of a surge projection algorithm or a surge spiral algorithm, and sampling an environment along the route with a gas detection device carried by the investigator to identify a location of a gas leak.

[0082] In some embodiments, traversing the route can include traveling on a path that includes movement perpendicular to a wind direction until a presence of a target gas is detected and traveling in response to the presence of the target gas being detected until (i) a location of a gas leak is identified, (ii) a predetermined distance has been traveled, or (iii) an amount of the detected target gas has decreased by a predefined amount or percentage.

[0083] In some embodiments, the method can further include, in response to determining that the predetermined distance has been traveled without identifying a location of a gas leak, traveling to a previous location along the route.

[0084] In some embodiments, the method can further include, in response to determining that the detected amount of gas has decreased by a predetermined amount or percentage, traveling along a path that includes movement perpendicular to the wind direction.

[0085] In some embodiments, traversing the route can include traveling in a spiral pattern until the target gas is detected and, in response to detecting the presence of the target gas, traveling until (i) a location of a gas leak is identified, (ii) a predetermined distance has been traveled, or (iii) the detected amount of the target gas has decreased by a predefined amount or percentage.

[0086] In some embodiments, the method can further include, in response to determining that the predetermined distance has been traveled without identifying a location of a gas leak, traveling to a previous location along the route.

[0087] In some embodiments, the method can further include, in response to determining that the detected amount of gas has decreased by a predetermined amount or percentage, traveling in a spiral pattern.

[0088] In some embodiments, the method can further include adjusting the route based on a gas plume model and traversing the adjusted route.

[0089] In some embodiments, traversing the route can include traveling in a first direction that includes movement perpendicular to the wind direction, determining whether a predetermined distance has been traveled in the first direction without detecting a predetermined amount of the target gas, and, in response to determining that the predefined distance has been traveled without detecting the predetermined amount of the target gas, traveling in a second direction that is opposite the first direction and that includes movement perpendicular to the wind direction.

[0090] In some embodiments, the method can further include adjusting the route according to environmental conditions.

[0091] In some embodiments, the method can further include rotating the route based on a wind direction.

[0092] In some embodiments, the method can further include adjusting the route according to one or more objects present in the environment.

[0093] In some embodiments, adjusting the route can include adjusting the route to include at least a portion of a perimeter of a building.

[0094] In some embodiments, adjusting the route can include adjusting the route to follow an edge of a street.

[0095] In some embodiments, adjusting the route can include adjusting the route to follow at least a portion of a gas line or other gas management infrastructure.

[0096] In some embodiments, the method can further include pausing traversal of the route in response to determining that the detected speed of the wind satisfies the predefined threshold.

[0097] In some embodiments, the method can further include determining whether the speed of the wind satisfies a predefined threshold for a predefined period of time, and in response to determining that the speed of the wind satisfies the predefined threshold for the predefined period of time, changing at least a portion of the route to follow a raster scan pattern.

[0098] In some embodiments, the method can further include determining one or more changes in the wind direction over a period of time, determining whether the one or more changes in the wind direction are random, and in response to determining that the one or more changes in the wind direction are random, pausing traversal of the route.

[0099] In some embodiments, the method can further include determining whether the changes in the wind direction have remained random for at least thirty seconds, and in response to determining that the changes in the wind direction have remained random for at least thirty seconds, changing at least a portion of the route to follow a raster scan pattern.

[0100] In some embodiments, the method can further include determining whether a location of a gas leak has been identified along the route; in response to determining that a location of a gas leak has been identified, expanding the route to cover a remaining portion of the search area based on the raster scan pattern; and traversing the expanded route while sampling the environment along the expanded route to locate additional gas leaks.

[0101] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a system can include a gas detection device carried by an investigator and a circuitry configured to direct the investigator along a route within a search area in which a possible gas leak has been indicated, the route being defined according to at least one of a surge cast algorithm or a surge spiral algorithm, and sampling the environment along the route with the gas detection device to identify a location of a gas leak.

[0102] In some embodiments, the circuitry can direct the investigator to travel a path including movement perpendicular to a wind direction until a presence of a target gas is detected and, in response to detecting the presence of the target gas, to travel until (i) a location of a gas leak is identified, (ii) a predetermined distance has been traveled, or (iii) an amount of the detected target gas has been reduced by a predefined amount or percentage.

[0103] In some embodiments, the circuitry can direct the investigator to travel to a previous location along the route in response to determining that the predetermined distance has been traveled without identifying a location of a gas leak.

[0104] In some embodiments, the circuitry can direct the investigator to travel in a path that includes movement perpendicular to the wind direction in response to determining that the amount of detected gas has decreased by a predetermined amount or percentage.

[0105] In some embodiments, the circuitry can direct the investigator to travel in a spiral pattern until the target gas is detected and travel in response to detecting the presence of the target gas until (i) a location of a gas leak is identified, (ii) a predetermined distance has been traveled, or (iii) the amount of detected target gas has decreased by a predefined amount or percentage.

[0106] In some embodiments, the circuitry can direct the investigator to travel to a previous location along the route in response to determining that a predetermined distance has been traveled without identifying a location of a gas leak.

[0107] In some embodiments, the circuitry can direct the investigator to travel in a spiral pattern in response to determining that the amount of detected gas has decreased by a predetermined amount or percentage.

[0108] In some embodiments, the circuitry can adjust the route based on a gas plume model, and the circuitry can direct the investigator to travel the adjusted route.

[0109] In some embodiments, the circuitry can direct the investigator to travel in a first direction that includes movement perpendicular to the wind direction. The circuitry can determine whether a predetermined distance has been traveled in the first direction without detecting a predetermined amount of the target gas. The circuitry can also direct the investigator to travel in a second direction that is opposite the first direction and that includes movement perpendicular to the wind direction in response to determining that the predefined distance has been traveled without detecting the predetermined amount of the target gas.

[0110] In some embodiments, the circuitry can adjust the route according to environmental conditions.

[0111] In some embodiments, the circuitry can rotate the route based on a wind direction.

[0112] In some embodiments, the circuitry can adjust the route according to one or more objects present in the environment.

[0113] In some embodiments, the circuitry can adjust the route to include at least a portion of a perimeter of a building.

[0114] In some embodiments, the circuitry can adjust the route to follow an edge of a street.

[0115] In some embodiments, the circuitry can adjust the route to follow at least a portion of a gas line or other gas management infrastructure.

[0116] In some embodiments, the circuitry can direct the investigator to pause traversal of the route in response to determining that the detected speed of the wind satisfies the predefined threshold.

[0117] In some embodiments, the circuitry device can also determine whether the speed of the wind satisfies the predefined threshold for a predefined period of time, and in response to determining that the speed of the wind satisfies the predefined threshold for the predefined period of time, change at least a portion of the route to follow a raster scan pattern.

[0118] In some embodiments, the circuitry device can also determine one or more changes in the wind direction over a period of time. The circuitry device can determine whether the one or more changes in the wind direction are random. The circuitry can direct the investigator to pause traversal of the route in response to determining that the one or more changes in the wind direction are random.

[0119] In some embodiments, the circuitry device can also determine whether the changes in the wind direction have remained random for at least thirty seconds, and in response to determining that the changes in the wind direction have remained random for at least thirty seconds, change at least a portion of the route to follow a raster scan pattern.

[0120] In some embodiments, the circuitry device can also determine whether a location of a gas leak has been identified along the route. The circuitry device can expand the route to cover a remaining portion of the search area based on the raster scan pattern in response to determining that a location of a gas leak has been identified. The circuitry device can direct the investigator to traverse the expanded route while sampling the environment along the expanded route to locate additional gas leaks.

[0121] According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, one or more machine- readable storage media can include a plurality of instructions stored thereon that, in response to being executed, cause an investigator to traverse a route defined according to at least one of a surge projection algorithm or a surge spiral algorithm within a search area in which a possible gas leak has been indicated, and sample the environment along the route with a gas detection device carried by the investigator to identify a location of a gas leak.

[0122] In some embodiments, the plurality of instructions, when executed, can cause the investigator to travel a path that includes movement perpendicular to a wind direction until a presence of a target gas is detected and, in response to detecting the presence of the target gas, travel until (i) a location of a gas leak is identified, (ii) a predetermined distance has been traveled, or (iii) an amount of the detected target gas has been reduced by a predefined amount or percentage.

[0123] In some embodiments, the plurality of instructions, when executed, can cause the investigator to travel to a previous location along the route in response to determining that the predetermined distance has been traveled without identifying a location of a gas leak.

[0124] In some embodiments, the plurality of instructions, when executed, can cause the investigator to travel in a path that includes movement perpendicular to the wind direction in response to determining that the detected amount of gas has decreased by a predetermined amount or percentage.

[0125] In some embodiments, the plurality of instructions, when executed, can cause the investigator to travel in a spiral pattern until the presence of the target gas is detected and travel in response to detecting the presence of the target gas until (i) a location of a gas leak is identified, (ii) a predetermined distance has been traveled, or (iii) the detected amount of the target gas has decreased by a predefined amount or percentage.

[0126] In some embodiments, the plurality of instructions, when executed, can cause the investigator to travel to a previous location along the route in response to determining that a predetermined distance has been traveled without identifying a location of a gas leak.

[0127] In some embodiments, the plurality of instructions, when executed, can cause the investigator to travel in a spiral pattern in response to determining that the detected amount of gas has decreased by a predetermined amount or percentage.

[0128] In some embodiments, the plurality of instructions, when executed, can adjust the route based on a gas plume model and can direct the investigator to travel the adjusted route.

[0129] In some embodiments, the plurality of instructions, when executed, can direct the investigator to travel in a first direction that includes movement perpendicular to the wind direction. The plurality of instructions, when executed, can determine whether a predetermined distance has been traveled in the first direction without detecting a predetermined amount of the target gas. The plurality of instructions, when executed, can also direct the investigator to travel in a second direction that is opposite the first direction and that includes movement perpendicular to the wind direction in response to determining that the predefined distance has been traveled without detecting the predetermined amount of the target gas.

[0130] In some embodiments, the plurality of instructions, when executed, can adjust the route according to environmental conditions.

[0131] In some embodiments, the plurality of instructions, when executed, can rotate the route based on a wind direction.

[0132] In some embodiments, the plurality of instructions, when executed, can adjust the route according to one or more objects present in the environment.

[0133] In some embodiments, the plurality of instructions, when executed, can adjust the route to include at least a portion of a perimeter of a building.

[0134] In some embodiments, the plurality of instructions, when executed, can adjust the route to follow an edge of a street.

[0135] In some embodiments, the plurality of instructions, when executed, can adjust the route to follow at least a portion of a gas line or other gas management infrastructure.

[0136] In some embodiments, the plurality of instructions, when executed, can direct the investigator to pause traversal of the route in response to determining that the speed of the detected wind satisfies a predefined threshold.

[0137] In some embodiments, the plurality of instructions, when executed, can also determine whether the speed of the wind satisfies a predefined threshold for a predefined period of time, and in response to determining that the speed of the wind satisfies the predefined threshold for the predefined period of time, change at least a portion of the route to follow a raster scan pattern.

[0138] In some embodiments, the plurality of instructions, when executed, can also determine one or more changes in the wind direction over a period of time. The plurality of instructions, when executed, can determine whether the one or more changes in the wind direction are random. The plurality of instructions, when executed, can direct the investigator to pause traversal of the route in response to determining that the one or more changes in the wind direction are random.

[0139] In some embodiments, the plurality of instructions, when executed, can also determine whether the changes in the wind direction have remained random for at least thirty seconds, and in response to determining that the changes in the wind direction have remained random for at least thirty seconds, change at least a portion of the route to follow a raster scan pattern.

[0140] In some embodiments, the plurality of instructions, when executed, can also determine whether a location of a gas leak has been identified along the route. The plurality of instructions, when executed, can expand the route to cover a remaining portion of the search area based on a raster scan pattern in response to determining that a location of a gas leak has been identified. The plurality of instructions, when executed, can direct the investigator to traverse the expanded route while sampling the environment along the expanded route to locate additional gas leaks. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0141] The concepts described herein are illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements, and in which:

[0142] Figure 1 is a simplified block diagram of at least one embodiment of a system for generating an efficient investigation route that identifies a location of a gas leak;

[0143] Figure 2 is a simplified block diagram of at least one embodiment of a mobile computing device of the system of Figure 1

[0144] ​Figures 3-7 is a simplified block diagram of at least one embodiment of a method for generating an effective investigation route identifying a gas leak location that can be performed by Figure 1 the system of

[0145] Figure 8 is a simplified diagram of an investigation route generated by Figure 1 the system of based on a raster scan algorithm;

[0146] Figures 9-11 is a simplified diagram of an investigation route generated by Figure 1 the system of based on a raster scan algorithm; and

[0147] Figure 12 is a simplified diagram of a gas plume model that can be used by Figure 1 the system of to simulate the shape of a natural gas plume. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0148] While the concepts of the present application are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the concepts of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims.

[0149] References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “illustrative embodiment,” etc. indicate that the embodiment described can include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment can not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicit

[0150] In some cases, the disclosed embodiments can be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or any combination thereof. The disclosed embodiments can also be implemented as instructions carried by or stored on a transitory or non-transitory machine-readable (e.g., computer-readable) storage medium, which can be read and executed by one or more processors. A machine-readable storage medium can be embodied as any storage device, mechanism or physical structure for storing or transmitting information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a volatile or non-volatile memory, a media disc or other media device).

[0151] In the drawings, some structural or methodological features can be shown in particular arrangements and / or orders. However, it should be appreciated that such specific arrangements and / or orders can not be required. Instead, in some embodiments, the features can be arranged in a different manner and / or order than shown in the illustrative drawings. Additionally, inclusion of a structural or methodological feature in a particular drawing does not imply that such feature is essential in all embodiments, and in some embodiments, such feature can not be included or can be combined with other features.

[0152] Reference will now be made to Figure 1 In illustrative embodiments, a system 100 for generating an effective investigation route that identifies a location of a gas leak includes an investigator system 110, a vehicle-based surveyor system 140, and a cloud data center 150 having one or more computing devices 152. In operation, the vehicle-based surveyor system 140, which can be embodied as an advanced leak detection system (ALDS), traverses a path through a geographic area 170 (e.g., a street 190) and determines whether a target gas (e.g., natural gas or other gas to be detected) is present in the atmosphere at a threshold level (e.g., a density such as a pre-defined parts per million or parts per billion) that is indicative of the presence of a gas leak (e.g., a natural gas leak). In response to determining that a gas leak is present, the system 100 (e.g., the vehicle-based surveyor system 140) defines a geographic area in which the investigator system 110 should be used to pinpoint a location of the gas leak.

[0153] In illustrative embodiments, the investigator system 110 is carried by, installed into, or integrated with an investigator (e.g., a human or another user, such as a robot, an autonomous vehicle, etc.) that is assigned to traverse a route based on a defined geographic area to identify locations of gas leaks and includes a mobile computing device 120 that communicates (e.g., wired or wireless communication) with one or more gas detection devices 130. The gas detection devices 130 can be embodied as any one or more devices capable of detecting the presence of a target gas (e.g., natural gas or another gas to be detected) in an environment. In illustrative embodiments, the gas detection devices 130 include a hand-held sampling device (e.g., a “wand”) configured to obtain an air sample in the vicinity of a user (e.g., an investigator) and provide the sample to a gas analysis device (e.g., a spectroscopy device carried on the back of the investigator and connected to the hand-held sampling device by a tube) to detect the presence and amount (e.g., parts per million, parts per billion, etc.) of one or more defined gases (e.g., methane, ethane, etc.) in the sample. The vehicle-based surveyor system 140 can have gas detection devices similar to the gas detection devices 130, but can differ in physical size, air sampling capability, sensitivity, and / or other aspects due to being designed for use with a vehicle (e.g., an automobile) rather than being carried by a human.

[0154] In operation, the mobile computing device 120 presents directions (e.g., visually, aurally, haptically, electronically, etc.) to a user (e.g., an investigator) for traversing (e.g., walking or otherwise traveling) a route to efficiently determine a location of a gas leak. In some embodiments, the mobile computing device 120 can determine the route locally (e.g., based on a defined geographic area resulting from gas leak detection by the vehicle-based surveyor system 140) or can obtain the route from the cloud data center 150. The route is determined according to one or more known algorithms to reduce an amount of time needed to identify a location of a gas leak, such as a surge-cast algorithm, a surge-spiral algorithm, a raster scan algorithm, and / or a gas plume modeling algorithm. Further, the route can be adjusted (e.g., by the cloud data center 150 and / or locally by the mobile computing device 120) based on conditions and / or objects present in the environment, such as a direction and speed of the wind, structures such as buildings and streets, which can affect propagation of gas particles and / or current obstacles in the route, known locations of gas pipelines or other gas management infrastructure (e.g., from a database having data indicating locations of gas pipelines, compression stations, storage tanks, or other gas management infrastructure), and detection of gas in the environment while traversing the route (e.g., from the gas detection device 130). The system 100 also includes a failsafe vault to reduce a likelihood that a user loses a gas plume upon initially detecting one. For example, if a wind force direction is determined to be random (e.g., having a random probability distribution or pattern that can be statistically analyzed but can not be precisely predicted) or if a speed of the wind is relatively low (e.g., less than a predefined speed), or if the speed of the wind remains random for a predefined amount of time (e.g., 30 seconds) and / or if the speed of the wind remains relatively low for a predefined amount of time, the system 100 can pause traversal of the route. Additionally, the system 100 can expand the route to cover remaining unexplored portions of the search route after a leak source has been located to identify potential additional leaks (e.g., using a raster scan or semi-raster scan pattern). Thus, the system 100 provides increased consistency, faster investigation speed, and higher success rate in finding gas leaks as compared to typical systems in which determining a location of a gas leak is time-consuming and highly dependent on individual investigators assigned to determine the location of the gas leak.

[0155] Reference is now made to Figure 2The illustrative mobile computing device 120 includes a computing engine 210, an input / output (I / O) subsystem 216, communication circuitry 218, a data storage subsystem 222, and one or more interface devices 224. Of course, in other embodiments, the mobile computing device 120 can include other or additional components, such as those commonly found in a computer (e.g., a mouse, a keyboard, etc.). Additionally, in some embodiments, one or more components of the illustrative mobile computing device 120 can be incorporated in another component or form a portion of another component.

[0156] The computing engine 210 can be embodied as any type of device or collection of devices capable of performing the various computing functions described below. In some embodiments, the computing engine 210 can be embodied as a single device, such as an integrated circuit, an embedded system, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a system on a chip (SoC), or other integrated system or device. Additionally, in some embodiments, the computing engine 210 includes or is embodied as a processor 212 and a memory 214. The processor 212 can be embodied as any type of processor capable of performing the functions described herein. For example, the processor 212 can be embodied as a single core or multi-core processor, a microcontroller, or other processor or processing / controlling circuit. In some embodiments, the processor 212 can be embodied as a processor that includes or is coupled to a FPGA, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), reconfigurable hardware or hardware circuitry, or other specialized hardware that facilitates the performance of the functions described herein.

[0157] The main memory 214 can be embodied as any type of volatile (e.g., dynamic random access memory (DRAM), etc.) or non-volatile memory or data storage capable of performing the functions described herein. Volatile memory can be a storage medium that requires power to maintain the state of data stored by the medium. In some embodiments, all or a portion of the main memory 214 can be integrated into the processor 212. In operation, the main memory 214 can store various software and data used during operation, such as route data indicative of a route to be traveled by an investigator using the mobile computing device 120, one or more route determination algorithms, wind data indicative of a direction and speed of a wind, data indicative of locations of objects in a geographic region, such as locations of streets, buildings, and / or gas pipelines, gas detection data indicative of whether a predetermined amount of a target gas (e.g., natural gas or another gas to be detected) has been detected by a gas detection device (e.g., the gas detection device 130) in communication with the mobile computing device 120, applications, programs, libraries, and drivers.

[0158] The computing engine 210 is communicatively coupled to other components of the mobile computing device 120 via an I / O subsystem 216, which can be embodied as circuitry and / or components to facilitate input / output operations with the computing engine 210 (e.g., with the processor 212 and the main memory 214) and other components of the mobile computing device 120. For example, the I / O subsystem 216 can be embodied as, or otherwise include, a memory controller hub, an input / output control hub, an integrated sensor hub, firmware devices, communication links (e.g., point-to-point links, bus links, wires, cables, light guides, printed circuit board traces, etc.) and / or other components and subsystems to facilitate input / output operations. In some embodiments, the I / O subsystem 216 can form a portion of a system on a chip (SoC) and be incorporated, along with one or more of the processor 212, the main memory 214, and other components of the mobile computing device 120, into the computing engine 210.

[0159] The communication circuitry 218 can be embodied as any communication circuit, device, or collection thereof, capable of carrying out communications over a network between the mobile computing device 120 and another device (e.g., the gas detection device 130, the computing devices 152 of the cloud data center 150, the vehicle-based surveyor system 140, etc.). The communication circuitry 218 can be configured to use any one or more communication technology (e.g., wired or wireless communications) and associated protocols (e.g., Ethernet, Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi, ZigBee®, NFC, LTE, 5G, etc.) to effect such communication. The communication circuitry 218 can be embodied as any communication circuit, device, or collection thereof, capable of carrying out communications over a network between the mobile computing device 120 and another device (e.g., the gas detection device 130, the computing devices 152 of the cloud data center 150, the vehicle-based surveyor system 140, etc.). The communication circuitry 218 can be configured to use any one or more communication technology (e.g., wired or wireless communications) and associated protocols (e.g., Ethernet, Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi, ZigBee®, NFC, LTE, 5G, etc.) to effect such communication.

[0160] The illustrative communication circuitry 218 includes a network interface controller (NIC) 220. The NIC 220 can be embodied as one or more add-in boards, daughterboards, network interface cards, controller chips, chipsets, or other devices that can be used by the mobile computing device 120 to connect with another computing device (e.g., the gas detection device 130, the computing devices 152 of the cloud data center 150, the vehicle-based surveyor system 140, etc.). In some embodiments, the NIC 220 can be implemented as part of a system on a chip (SoC) that includes one or more processors, or be included on a multi-chip package that also contains one or more processors. In some embodiments, the NIC 220 can include a local processor (not shown) and / or a local memory (not shown) that are both local to the NIC 220. In such embodiments, the local processor of the NIC 220 can be capable of performing one or more of the functions of the computing engine 210 described herein. Additionally or alternatively, in such embodiments, the local memory of the NIC 220 can be integrated at a board level, a socket level, a chip level, and / or other level into one or more components of the mobile computing device 120.

[0161] Each data storage device 222 can be embodied as any type of device configured for short-term or long-term storage of data such as, for example, memory devices and circuits, memory cards, hard disk drives, solid-state drives, or other data storage devices. Each data storage device 222 can include a system partition that stores data and firmware code for the data storage device 222 and one or more operating system partitions that store data files and executable files for an operating system. The interface device 224 can be embodied as any device configured to enable the mobile computing device 120 to provide information to or obtain information from a user and / or environment of the mobile computing device 120. In illustrative embodiments, the interface device 224 includes one or more devices for providing visual information such as a graphical display (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, etc.) or one or more lights positioned on the mobile computing device (e.g., LEDs arranged around the mobile computing device 120 that can illuminate to indicate a direction of travel). The interface device 224 can additionally include one or more devices configured to output sound information such as a speaker that can output speech (e.g., voice language instructions for guiding a user along a route) or other noises (e.g., sounds with frequencies indicative of corresponding instructions for guiding a user along a route). The interface device 224 can also incorporate input devices such as microphones, cameras, touchscreens, buttons, and / or other devices capable of obtaining information and providing it to the computing engine 210.

[0162] The vehicle-based surveyor system 140, the computing device 152, and the gas detection device 130 can have components similar to those described with respect to the mobile computing device 120 in Figure 2 The description of those components of the mobile computing device 120 is equally applicable to the description of the components of the vehicle-based surveyor system 140, the computing device 152, and the gas detection device 130. Moreover, it should be appreciated that any of the devices 120, 140, 152, 130 can incorporate other components, sub-components, and devices typically found in computing devices, which are not recited herein and in the foregoing with respect to the mobile computing device 120 for clarity of the description. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the mobile computing device 120 and the gas detection device 130 can be combined into a single unit.

[0163] In illustrative embodiments, the investigator system 110, the vehicle-based surveyor system 140, and the cloud data center 150 communicate via a network 160, which can be embodied as any type of wired or wireless communication network, including a global network (e.g., the Internet), a cellular network (e.g., Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Long-Term Evolution (LTE), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (Wi MAX, 3G, 4G, 5G, etc.), a wireless network (RAN), a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), a digital subscriber line (DSL) network, a cable network (e.g., coaxial network, fiber-optic network, etc.), or any combination thereof.

[0164] Reference is now made to Figure 3 In illustrative embodiments, the system 100 (e.g., the mobile computing device 120 of the investigator system 110) can perform a method 300 for generating an effective survey route that identifies a location of a gas leak. The method 300 begins at block 302, where the system 100 (e.g., the mobile computing device 120) determines whether to generate an effective route (i.e., a survey route) for identifying a location of a gas leak. In illustrative embodiments, the mobile computing device 120 can determine to generate an effective route in response to a request to do so (e.g., from a user of the mobile computing device 120 or from another computer, such as a computing device 152 of the cloud data center 150), in response to a determination (e.g., in a configuration file in the data storage device 222) that a configuration setting indicates that the production of effective routes is enabled, and / or based on other factors. Regardless, in response to a determination to generate an effective route, the method 300 proceeds to block 304, where the system 100 (e.g., the mobile computing device 120) obtains route data indicative of a route to be traveled along to identify a location of a gas leak. In doing so, and as indicated in block 306, the mobile computing device 120 can obtain search area data indicative of a geographic area in which a gas leak was detected (e.g., by the vehicle-based surveyor system 140). The mobile computing device 120 can obtain the search area data from the cloud data center 150 (which can have received the search area data from the vehicle-based surveyor system 140), or can obtain the search area data directly from the vehicle-based surveyor system.

[0165] As indicated by block 308, in illustrative embodiments, the mobile computing device 120 obtains route data based on the search area data. The route data can embody any data indicative of a route to be traveled (e.g., by an investigator using the investigator system 110) to identify a source of a leak (e.g., in a search area defined by the search area data). In some embodiments, the route can extend outside the search area and / or the search area can change over time. As indicated by block 310, the mobile computing device 120 can obtain the route data from a remote computing device (such as a computing device 152 of the cloud data center 150) (e.g., via the network 160). In other embodiments, as indicated by block 312, the mobile computing device 120 can determine the route data locally (e.g., by computing the route data by executing a route determination algorithm with the computing engine 210). In obtaining data indicative of a route, the mobile computing device 120 can obtain data indicative of a portion of the route and subsequently obtain (e.g., from a remote computing device or by local computation) one or more additional portions of the route. As indicated in block 314, the mobile computing device 120 can obtain the route data based on a plume projection algorithm, a plume spiral algorithm, a raster scan algorithm, and / or a gas plume model.

[0166] In the plume projection algorithm, the route travels perpendicular to the direction of the wind ("projects") until the presence of a target gas (e.g., natural gas or another gas) is detected (e.g., by the gas detection device 130), at which point the route turns and travels ("plumes") into the wind until a location of a gas leak is identified or until a threshold distance has been traveled or the amount of detected gas has decreased by a predetermined amount or percentage. If a location of a gas leak is not identified as a result of the plume, the route again turns and travels perpendicular to the wind ("projects") or returns to a previous location in the route (e.g., a location in the route prior to the plume occurring). If the projection travels a predetermined distance (e.g., according to the determined route) without detecting gas, the route can then project in an opposite direction (e.g., 180 degrees from the earlier direction). The plume projection algorithm is based on insect odor tracking behavior and has empirically shown to significantly reduce the time needed to identify a location of a gas leak as compared to other methods. In Figure 8 A graph of a route 800 based on the search projection algorithm is shown in FIG. 8. In the plume spiral algorithm, when gas is detected, the route projects into the wind, otherwise it travels in a spiral shape rather than projecting perpendicular to the wind. In the raster scan algorithm, the route travels along evenly spaced (e.g., the spacing is based on a radius of an area in which the gas detection device 130 is able to detect gas) line segments that cover a search area defined in the search area data (e.g., from block 308). In Figure 9 A route 900 based on the raster scan algorithm for a conical search area is shown in FIG. 9, and a route 1000 based on the raster scan algorithm for a rectangular search area is shown in FIG. 10. In the gas plume model, the route travels perpendicular to the direction of the wind until the presence of a target gas is detected (e.g., by the gas detection device 130), at which point the route turns and travels into the wind until a location of a gas leak is identified or until a threshold distance has been traveled or the amount of detected gas has decreased by a predetermined amount or percentage. If a location of a gas leak is not identified as a result of the plume, the route again turns and travels perpendicular to the wind or returns to a previous location in the route (e.g., a location in the route prior to the plume occurring). If the projection travels a predetermined distance without detecting gas, the route can then project in an opposite direction (e.g., 180 degrees from the earlier direction). The gas plume model is based on the behavior of a gas plume and has empirically shown to significantly reduce the time needed to identify a location of a gas leak as compared to other methods. Figure 10Route 1000 is shown in the diagram, which is based on a raster scanning algorithm for an elliptical search region. Figure 11 The other route 1100 shown is based on a raster scanning algorithm for the cone-shaped search area 1102, but is adjusted to take into account the positions of objects in the environment (e.g., buildings 1104, 1106). That is, route 1100 is adjusted to narrow the length of the section between the two buildings 1104, 1106, because those buildings 1104, 1106 would obstruct the investigator's view. Furthermore, in Figure 12 The figure represents a gas plume model 1200, which describes the shape of the gas plume. In the gas plume model 1200, the source expands in a cone with a Gaussian cross-section, and the gas concentration decreases with distance and wind speed.

[0167] As indicated in box 316, mobile computing device 120 may obtain (e.g., receive from remote computing device 152 or compute locally) route data that has been adjusted (e.g., based on one or more environmental conditions) according to one or more environmental conditions. For example, and as indicated in box 318, mobile computing device 120 may obtain route data that has been adjusted according to wind data (e.g., data indicating the direction of wind present in the environment). As indicated in box 320, mobile computing device 120 may obtain route data in which the determined route is rotated based on the wind direction indicated in the wind data (e.g., so that the surge continues to enter the wind and causes the projection to be oriented perpendicular to the wind).

[0168] Now for reference Figure 4and as indicated in block 322, the mobile computing device 120 can obtain route data that has been adjusted in accordance with a change in the speed or direction of the wind. For example, and as indicated in block 324, the mobile computing device 120 can determine whether the speed of the wind is less than a predefined speed (e.g., 1 mile per hour). Additionally or alternatively, as indicated in block 326, the mobile computing device 120 can determine whether a change in the direction of the wind (e.g., over a particular time period, such as thirty seconds) is random (e.g., has a random probability distribution or pattern that can be statistically analyzed but not precisely predicted). As indicated in block 328, the mobile computing device 120 can obtain route data in which the route has been adjusted to pause traversal of the route if the speed of the wind is less than the predefined speed or if the change in the direction of the wind is determined to be random. Further, and as indicated in block 330, the mobile computing device 120 can obtain adjusted route data in which the route has been changed to resume traversal of the route based on a raster scan algorithm (e.g., potentially switching from another algorithm, such as a surge cast or surge spiral algorithm) if the speed of the wind is less than the predefined speed for a predefined amount of time (e.g., at least thirty seconds) and / or if the direction of the wind remains random for a predefined amount of time (e.g., at least thirty seconds).

[0169] As indicated in block 332, the mobile computing device 120 can obtain route data (e.g., from another computing device, such as a computing device 152 of the cloud data center 150, or generated locally on the mobile computing device 120) that is adjusted (e.g., the original route is modified, extended, shortened, etc.) in accordance with objects present in the environment (e.g., in the geographic region associated with the search region data from block 306). In doing so, the mobile computing device 120 can obtain route data based on the type of the object, the geometry of the object (e.g., size, shape, etc.), and / or other factors. In doing so, as indicated in block 334, the mobile computing device 120 can obtain route data that is adjusted to include at least a portion of the perimeter of a building (e.g., design a route around the building). As indicated in block 336, the mobile computing device 120 can obtain route data that is adjusted to follow (e.g., contain) the edge of a street, as gas emissions from a leak in a gas line beneath the street typically migrate to the edge of the street before rising into the atmosphere. In some embodiments, as indicated in block 338, the mobile computing device 120 can obtain route data that is adjusted to follow at least a portion of a gas line or other gas management infrastructure indicated in gas infrastructure data (e.g., gas line data from a database indicating the location of gas lines and other gas management infrastructure in the geographic region).

[0170] Referring now to Figure 5and as indicated in block 340, the mobile computing device 120 can obtain route data that is adjusted (e.g., modified, extended, shortened, etc.) according to whether the target gas (e.g., natural gas or another gas to be detected) has been detected along the route (e.g., by the gas detection device 130) (e.g., by obtaining adjusted route data from another computing device, such as the computing device 152 of the cloud data center 150, or by generating adjusted route data locally on the mobile computing device 120). In so doing, and as indicated in block 342, the mobile computing device 120 can obtain route data that is adjusted to surge against the wind (i.e., relative to the wind) in response to detecting the gas (e.g., as part of a surge cast or surge spiral route). Conversely, as indicated in block 344, the mobile computing device 120 can obtain route data that indicates to discontinue (e.g., stop) the surge in response to having traveled (e.g., in the surge) a threshold distance (e.g., a predefined distance) without detection of the gas. In so doing, and as shown in block 346, the mobile computing device 120 can obtain route data in which the route has been adjusted to cast perpendicular to the direction of the wind. Alternatively, and as indicated in block 348, the mobile computing device 120 can obtain route data in which the route has been adjusted to spiral (e.g., follow a spiral pattern). In some embodiments, as indicated in block 350, the mobile computing device 120 can obtain route data in which the route has been adjusted to return to a previous position along the route (e.g., a position prior to the surge). As indicated in block 352, in some embodiments, the mobile computing device 120 can obtain route data in which the route has been adjusted to reverse the direction of the cast (e.g., travel 180 degrees from an earlier direction) in response to having traveled a predefined threshold distance (e.g., in a cast perpendicular to the wind) without detection of the gas. In some embodiments, the mobile computing device 120 can obtain route data in which the route has been adjusted according to a gas plume model (e.g., the gas plume model 1200 of Figure 12 , to direct the investigator to the location of the source of the gas leak according to the gas plume model, as indicated in block 354. Subsequently, the method 300 proceeds to Figure 6 , in which the mobile computing device 120 presents the route data to a user (e.g., a human investigator holding the mobile computing device 120, or a non-human investigator equipped with the mobile computing device 120, such as a robot or an autonomous vehicle, etc.) to guide the user along the route.

[0171] Reference is now made to Figure 6In presenting the route data, the mobile computing device 120 can display a map of the geographic area (e.g., the geographic area associated with the search area data from block 306) with the route overlaid onto the map, as indicated in block 358. Additionally or alternatively, the mobile computing device 120 can display one or more directional arrows indicating a direction to travel along the route. As such, the displayed arrows can change in direction as the user travels along the route (e.g., to indicate that the user should change direction to continue following the route), as indicated in block 360. In some embodiments, the directional arrows can be graphics presented on a display (e.g., on a graphical display). In other embodiments, the directional arrows can be lights selectively illuminated by the mobile computing device 120 to indicate a direction to travel (e.g., in a shape corresponding to an arrow). The mobile computing device 120 can additionally display data indicating a length to travel in a particular direction (e.g., text indicating a number of feet, yards, or meters to travel). Further, or as an alternative to a visual cue, the mobile computing device 120 can emit one or more sounds indicating instructions for traveling along the route (e.g., to cause the investigator to follow the determined route), as indicated in block 362. In doing so, and as indicated in block 364, the mobile computing device 120 can emit a sound having a frequency (e.g., a tone, a frequency of a beep, etc.) that indicates a corresponding direction to travel. In other embodiments, the mobile computing device 120 can issue verbal instructions for traveling along the route (e.g., "turn right," "turn left," "travel ten meters," etc.), as indicated in block 366. Additionally or alternatively, the mobile computing device 120 can present instructions for guiding the investigator along the route through tactile signals (e.g., vibrations on the mobile computing device 120 having different frequencies, amplitudes, and / or locations that indicate the instructions). In addition to presenting information indicating a direction to travel, the mobile computing device 120 can present (e.g., visually, audibly, haptically, etc.) data indicating a speed to travel along the route, as indicated in block 368. In doing so, the mobile computing device 120 can present instructions to pause traversal of the route (e.g., by indicating that the speed should be zero), as indicated in block 370, or can present instructions to resume traversal of the route (e.g., by indicating a non-zero speed), as indicated in block 372. In embodiments in which the user is a non-human (e.g., a robot, a vehicle, or other machine), the route data can be provided to the user in a machine-compatible format (e.g., an electrical signal, such as digital information, a voltage indicating corresponding data, etc.).

[0172] As indicated in box 374, in the illustrative embodiment, mobile computing device 120 collects gas detection data indicating whether a gas has been detected while traversing a route (e.g., traveling along it). In doing so, and as indicated in box 376, mobile computing device 120 collects gas detection data from gas detection devices communicating with mobile computing device (e.g., gas detection device 130, such as a spectrometer-based device communicating with mobile computing device 120 via wired (e.g., Universal Serial Bus (USB)) or wireless (e.g., Bluetooth) communication). As shown in box 378, in the illustrative embodiment, mobile computing device 120 collects gas detection data from gas detection devices traveling along the route with mobile computing device 120. Specifically, in the illustrative embodiment, mobile computing device 120 collects gas detection data from gas detection devices carried by a user (e.g., an investigator) traveling along the route (e.g., in a backpack, in a housing, mounted to, etc.), as shown in box 380. Subsequently, in box 382, ​​the mobile computing device 120 determines the next course of action based on (e.g., based on) whether gas is detected (e.g., at the investigator's current location). If not, then method 300 loops back to... Figure 3 In box 304, the mobile computing device 120 can obtain additional route data (e.g., routes adjusted based on wind changes, routes adjusted to interrupt surges, etc.).

[0173] Otherwise (for example, if gas is detected at the investigator's current location), method 300 proceeds to... Figure 7 In box 384, mobile computing device 120 determines subsequent actions based on whether a gas leak location has been identified (e.g., whether an investigator has identified a gas leak at their current location along the route). Mobile computing device 120 can receive instructions on whether the investigator has identified the leak location via interface device 224 (e.g., by a user pressing a physical button or a graphical user interface element indicating that a leak location has been found, by a user verbally stating that a leak location has been found (e.g., detected by a microphone), by a user taking a picture of the leak location (e.g., using a camera), etc.). In some embodiments, mobile computing device 120 may determine that a gas leak location has been found based on determining that the concentration of the detected target gas (e.g., natural gas or another gas to be detected) has reached a predefined level (e.g., as reported by gas detection device 130).

[0174] Now for reference Figure 7 If the leak location has not yet been identified, then method 300 loops back to... Figure 3of block 304, where mobile computing device 120 again obtains route data (e.g., indicative of an updated / adjusted route). Otherwise, if a gas leak location has been identified, then method 300 proceeds to block 386, where mobile computing device 120 records (e.g., writes to data storage 222) leak location data indicative of the location of the gas leak. In doing so, and as indicated by block 388, mobile computing device 120 can provide the leak location data to another computing device (e.g., one or more computing devices 152 of cloud data center 150). In providing the leak location data to another computing device, mobile computing device 120 can provide data indicative of the route traveled by the investigator to the location of the gas leak, as indicated in block 390. In some embodiments, the data indicative of the route can include timing data, such as data indicative of the total amount of time elapsed by the investigator in traveling along the route, locations along the route and corresponding timestamps of the investigator at each of those locations, etc.

[0175] As indicated in block 392, mobile computing device 120 can provide other computing devices (e.g., one or more computing devices 152 of cloud data center 150) with description data indicative of a description of the leak from the user (e.g., the investigator). The description data can include a written (e.g., typed using a physical keyboard or on-screen keyboard, handwritten on a touchscreen using a stylus, input through another electronic interface, etc.) or spoken (e.g., recorded voice) description of the leak, an image of the leak (e.g., obtained using a camera), or other data indicative of the description of the leak provided by the investigator. In some embodiments, mobile computing device 120 can provide other computing devices (e.g., computing devices 152 of cloud data center 150) with user data, which can be embodied as any data (e.g., a name, a numeric identifier, an alphanumeric identifier, etc.) indicative of the user (e.g., the investigator) that identified the location of the gas leak, as indicated in block 394. Thereafter, in block 396, mobile computing device 120 determines a subsequent course of action based on whether there are one or more unexplored sections of the search area (e.g., whether the investigator traversed the entire search area).

[0176] If there are no unexplored sections, then in illustrative embodiments, method 300 loops back to block 302, where mobile computing device 120 again obtains route data (e.g., indicative of an updated / adjusted route). Otherwise, if a gas leak location has been identified, then method 300 proceeds to block 386, where mobile computing device 120 records (e.g., writes to data storage 222) leak location data indicative of the location of the gas leak. In doing so, and as indicated by block 388, mobile computing device 120 can provide the leak location data to another computing device (e.g., one or more computing devices 152 of cloud data center 150). In providing the leak location data to another computing device, mobile computing device 120 can provide data indicative of the route traveled by the investigator to the location of the gas leak, as indicated in block 390. In some embodiments, the data indicative of the route can include timing data, such as data indicative of the total amount of time elapsed by the investigator in traveling along the route, locations along the route and corresponding timestamps of the investigator at each of those locations, etc. Figure 3of block 302 to determine whether to continue generating a valid route. Otherwise, if there is one or more unexplored segments of the search area, the method 300 proceeds to block 398, where the mobile computing device 120 expands the route to cover the remaining portion of the search area (e.g., the unexplored segments). In expanding the route, the mobile computing device 120 can determine the expansion of the route locally or can use data received from another computing device (e.g., the computing device 152) that defines the expanded route to add to the existing route. As indicated in block 400, the mobile computing device 120 can expand the route to cover the remaining portion of the search area based on a raster scan algorithm. In doing so, and as indicated in block 402, the mobile computing device 102 can expand the route to cover the remaining portion of the search area based on a semi-raster scan algorithm. That is, the mobile computing device 120 can expand the route to follow a raster scan pattern of the downwind portion of the search area in order to facilitate finding additional gas leaks that can exist in the downwind portion of the search area (e.g., where investigators sample for potential leak sources, such as manhole covers, gas meters, and pipelines). The method 300 then loops back to block 302, where the mobile computing device 120 determines whether to continue generating a valid route. Figure 6

[0177] While certain illustrative embodiments have been described in detail above, such description is presented for purpose of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure. It is understood that only the preferred embodiments and modifications thereof have been described above. It is understood that at least one exemplary embodiment (for example, a system that includes a mobile computing device and a server computing device) will include some or all of the features of the above-described embodiments, but not necessarily the full complement thereof. Accordingly, it is noted that various alterations and modifications to this Figure 6

[0177] While certain illustrative embodiments have been described in detail above, such description is presented for purpose of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure. It is understood that only the preferred embodiments and modifications thereof have been described above. It is understood that at least one exemplary embodiment (for example, a system that includes a mobile computing device and a server computing device) will include some or all of the features of the above-described embodiments, but not necessarily the full complement thereof. Accordingly, it is noted that various alterations and modifications to this

Claims

1. A mobile computing device for an investigator system, comprising: circuitry configured to: obtain search area data from a measurer system separate from the investigator system, the search area data indicating a geographic area in which the measurer system detected a gas leak; obtain route data, the route data indicating a route to be followed in order to identify a location of the gas leak, wherein the route data is determined based on the search area data; and present the route data to a user to guide the user along the route, wherein presenting the route data includes presenting an instruction to pause traversal of the route by indicating that a speed should be zero in response to a randomness of a change in direction of a wind and / or a determination that a speed of the wind is related to a predefined threshold; collect gas detection data from a gas detection device as the user traverses the route; and determine that the gas leak has been found when the gas detection data indicates that a threshold has been reached. display a map of a geographic area, the map of the geographic area having the route overlaid onto the map.

2. The mobile computing device of claim 1, wherein presenting the route data to the user comprises: display a directional arrow to the user indicating a direction to travel along the route.

3. The mobile computing device of claim 1, wherein presenting the route data to the user comprises: emit a sound or haptic signal indicating an instruction to travel along the route.

4. The mobile computing device of claim 1, wherein presenting the route data comprises: obtain route data generated based on search area data, the search area data indicating a geographic area in which a gas leak was detected.

5. The mobile computing device of claim 1, wherein obtaining the route data comprises:

6. The mobile computing device of claim 1, wherein the circuitry is configured to generate the route data.

7. The mobile computing device of claim 1, wherein the circuitry is configured to obtain the route data from a remote computing device. obtain route data generated based on a plume projection algorithm, a plume spiral algorithm, or a raster scan algorithm.

8. The mobile computing device of claim 1, wherein obtaining the route data comprises: obtain route data generated based on a gas plume model.

9. The mobile computing device of claim 1, wherein obtaining the route data comprises: obtain route data that has been adjusted according to environmental conditions.

10. The mobile computing device of claim 1, wherein obtaining the route data comprises: obtain route data in which the route has been rotated based on a wind direction.

11. The mobile computing device of claim 10, wherein obtaining route data that has been adjusted according to environmental conditions comprises: obtain route data that has been adjusted according to one or more objects present in an environment.

12. The mobile computing device of claim 1, wherein obtaining the route data comprises: obtain route data that has been adjusted to include at least a portion of a perimeter of a building.

13. The mobile computing device of claim 12, wherein obtaining route data adjusted according to one or more objects present in the environment comprises: obtain route data in which the route has been adjusted to follow an edge of a street.

14. The mobile computing device of claim 12, wherein obtaining route data adjusted according to one or more objects present in the environment comprises: obtain route data in which the route has been adjusted to follow at least a portion of a gas pipeline or other gas management infrastructure.

15. The mobile computing device of claim 12, wherein obtaining route data adjusted according to one or more objects present in the environment comprises: obtain route data in which the route has been adjusted according to a plume projection algorithm.

16. The mobile computing device of claim 12, wherein obtaining route data comprises: obtain route data in which the route has been adjusted to pause traversal of the route in response to a determination that a detected speed of a wind satisfies a predefined threshold.

17. The mobile computing device of claim 1, wherein obtaining route data comprises: obtain route data in which the route has been adjusted to pause traversal of the route in response to a determination that a detected speed of a wind is less than a predefined speed.

18. The mobile computing device of claim 17, wherein obtaining route data comprises:

19. The mobile computing device of claim 17, wherein the circuitry is further configured to: determine whether the speed of the wind satisfies a predefined threshold for a predefined period of time; ​ change the route from a route generated based on one algorithm to a route generated based on a second algorithm in response to determining that the speed of the wind satisfies a predefined threshold for a predefined period of time, and resume traversal of the route after changing the route.

20. The mobile computing device of claim 19, wherein changing the route comprises: change the route from a route generated based on a surge projection algorithm or a surge spiral algorithm to a route generated based on a raster scan algorithm.

21. The mobile computing device of claim 1, wherein the circuitry is further configured to: determine that one or more changes in a direction of the wind over a period of time; determine whether the one or more changes in the direction of the wind are random; and suspend traversal of the route in response to determining that the one or more changes in the direction of the wind are random.

22. The mobile computing device of claim 21, wherein the circuitry is further configured to: determine whether changes in the direction of the wind have remained random for at least thirty seconds; and change the route from a route based on a surge projection algorithm or a surge spiral algorithm to a route based on a raster scan algorithm in response to determining that the changes in the direction of the wind have remained random for at least thirty seconds.

23. The mobile computing device of claim 22, wherein the circuitry is further configured to resume traversal of the route after the route has been changed to a route based on a raster scan algorithm.

24. The mobile computing device of claim 1, wherein the route is within a search area, and the circuitry is further configured to: determine whether the location of the gas leak has been identified along the route; and enlarge the route to cover a remaining portion of the search area based on a raster scan algorithm in response to determining that the location of the gas leak has been identified.

25. The mobile computing device of claim 1, wherein presenting the route data comprises: present data indicative of a speed at which to travel along the route.

26. The mobile computing device of claim 1, wherein obtaining route data comprises: obtain route data in which the route has been adjusted to reverse a direction of a projection perpendicular to a wind in response to not detecting gas after having traveled a threshold distance.

27. A method comprising: obtaining, by a mobile computing device for an investigator system, search area data from a measurer system separate from the investigator system, the search area data indicative of a geographic area in which the measurer system detected a gas leak; obtaining, by the mobile computing device, route data indicative of a route to travel along in order to identify a location of the gas leak, wherein the route data is determined based on the search area data; and presenting, by the mobile computing device, the route data to a user to guide the user along the route, wherein presenting the route data includes presenting instructions to suspend traversal of the route by indicating that a speed should be zero in response to a determination related to randomness of changes in a direction of a wind and / or a speed of the wind relative to a predefined threshold; collecting, while the user traverses the route, gas detection data from a gas detection device; and determining that the gas leak has been found when the gas detection data indicates that a threshold has been reached.

28. One or more machine-readable storage media comprising a plurality of instructions stored thereon that, in response to being executed, result in a mobile computing device: obtaining search area data from a surveyor system separate from a measurer system, the search area data indicating a geographic area in which the measurer system detected a gas leak; obtaining route data indicating a route to travel along in order to identify a location of the gas leak, wherein the route data is determined based on the search area data; and presenting the route data to a user to guide the user along the route, wherein presenting the route data includes presenting instructions to pause traversal of the route by indicating that a speed should be zero in response to a determination that a randomness of a change in direction of a wind and / or a speed of the wind relative to a predefined threshold; collecting gas detection data from a gas detection device as the user traverses the route; and determining that the gas leak has been found when the gas detection data indicates that a threshold has been reached.

Images