Automated Utility Line Mapping with Ground Asset Documentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing utility locator devices fail to utilize data from ground assets effectively, relying solely on electromagnetic signals, which can be burdensome for users and inefficient in accurately mapping utility lines and associated ground assets.
Innovation Solution
An asset tagging utility locator device that integrates antennas, receivers, imaging elements, and sensors to collect electromagnetic, geolocation, orientation, and distance data, automatically documenting ground assets and utility lines, and using AI to refine mapped positions and predict utility line locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If utility locator devices rely solely on electromagnetic signals to locate buried utility lines, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability of utility line mapping deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electromagnetic signal detection with ground asset documentation by integrating multiple data sources (electromagnetic data, images, distance data, geolocation data, orientation data) into a unified utility locating system. This merging of detection methods allows the system to achieve higher measurement precision without significantly increasing device complexity, as the integration is performed through software processing of multiple data streams.
Solution Approach 2:
The utility locator device is enhanced with multi-functionality by adding capabilities to capture images, measure distances, record geolocation and orientation data, in addition to its primary electromagnetic detection function. This universal approach allows a single device to perform multiple functions, improving measurement precision through diverse data collection while avoiding the need for multiple separate devices.
2Device complexity
If utility locator devices manually document ground assets through user input, then the device complexity remains low, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to burdensome multi-tasking procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically identifying and documenting ground assets through image processing and pattern recognition algorithms. The device captures images of the ground surface, automatically detects asset features (contrasting lines, arcs, colors), and records their positions without requiring user intervention. This eliminates the burdensome multi-tasking procedure while maintaining low device complexity through software-based automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of user input and documentation with an automated optical and computational system. Instead of users manually recording ground asset information, the system uses imaging elements to capture visual data and processing elements to automatically identify and document assets, substituting human operation with automated image processing and pattern recognition.
3Ease of operation
If utility locator devices do not utilize ground asset data, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the measurement precision and reliability of utility line mapping deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by using detected ground asset positions to refine and adjust the mapping of buried utility lines. The processed ground asset data provides feedback information that helps correct and improve the accuracy of utility line locations, creating a closed-loop system where detection results inform subsequent detection accuracy without adding operational burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically documenting ground assets and their positions before finalizing the utility line mapping. This preliminary documentation of surface features provides a reference framework that improves the subsequent accuracy of subsurface utility line mapping, preparing the data structure in advance to enhance measurement precision.
4Device complexity
If utility locator devices manually tag and record ground assets, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming multi-tasking procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically capturing, processing, and documenting ground asset information without requiring user intervention. The imaging element continuously captures ground surface images, and the processing element automatically identifies and records asset features, eliminating the time-consuming manual tagging and recording process while maintaining simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves continuous productivity by performing ground asset documentation simultaneously with utility line detection rather than as a separate manual process. The imaging and processing occur continuously as the device moves through the locating environment, maintaining useful action without interruption while keeping device complexity low through integrated software processing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances the accuracy and efficiency of utility line mapping by integrating ground asset data, providing real-time or near-real-time mapping with adjusted positions and depths, reducing the risk of damage during excavation.
Implementation Method 1
one or more antennas and associated receiver circuitry to sense magnetic signals
Implementation Method 2
a rangefinder to determine Distance Data describing the distance between the utility locating device and one or more points on the ground in the images
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to apparatuses, systems, and methods for mapping utility lines that includes the identification and use of ground assets. Such ground assets may be identifiable aspects along the ground surface that may be of interest or use, including mapping of utility locating. Further, updating to ground asset locations and yaw/orientations may be applied in maps such that utility line positions relative to such ground assets may be more accurately known by future excavation operations.