BLE Utility Tracker for Underground Asset Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for locating underground utility assets, such as fiber optic cables, are inefficient due to the difficulty in detecting buried signals, particularly in underground settings where traditional detection methods are less effective.
Innovation Solution
A Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) tag with a three-axis accelerometer is used, which can be attached to assets like fiber optic cables, allowing mobile devices to detect the signal using GPS and radio signals, and a unique calibration method involving the user's body to determine signal direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional detection methods are used for locating underground utility assets, then the equipment and procedures are well-established, but the detection efficiency and precision are insufficient, particularly in underground settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical detection methods with Bluetooth Low Energy radio frequency signal transmission and mobile device-based detection. The BLE tag transmits radio signals that can penetrate underground environments, and mobile devices with GPS and radio signal capabilities detect these signals to locate utility assets, eliminating the need for complex mechanical detection equipment and improving detection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a Bluetooth Low Energy tag as an intermediary device between the underground utility asset and the mobile detection device. This intermediary transmits radio signals that can propagate through the ground, enabling indirect detection of underground assets without direct physical contact or complex excavation methods.
2Use of energy by moving object
If Bluetooth Low Energy technology is used for signal transmission, then energy consumption is reduced and portability is improved, but signal penetration and detection range in underground environments may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The BLE tag uses periodic advertising transmissions rather than continuous high-power signals. The mobile device performs multiple readings and signal strength measurements at different locations, using periodic data collection to build a reliable detection profile. This periodic action maintains low energy consumption while achieving reliable detection through statistical accumulation of measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses signal strength feedback from multiple BLE transmissions to determine the location of the utility asset. The mobile device measures signal strength at multiple positions and uses this feedback to calculate the most likely location, compensating for any single measurement's limitations and improving overall detection reliability despite the low power nature of BLE transmissions.
3Measurement precision
If GPS and radio signals are used to pinpoint location, then location precision is improved, but the complexity of the detection system and calibration procedures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a universal mobile device platform that combines GPS, radio signal reception, and processing capabilities in a single device. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate specialized equipment for each detection function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high location precision through the integration of multiple detection methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device performs self-calibration by having the user walk in a specific pattern (figure-eight motion) to automatically determine the device's orientation and signal reception characteristics. This self-service calibration procedure eliminates the need for complex external calibration equipment or procedures, reducing system complexity while ensuring accurate location measurement.
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
Enables precise location of buried assets by enhancing signal detection and direction-finding capabilities, improving the efficiency of utility tracking and reducing search time for utility workers.
Implementation Method 1
The mobile device utilizes both GPS and radio signals to pinpoint the location of the utility tracker
Implementation Method 2
An 'accelerometer' is a device that measures proper acceleration ('g-force')
Implementation Method 3
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a space-based navigation system that provides location and time information
Data Source
AI summary
The utility tracker taught by the present invention is a BLUETOOTH low energy tag, plus a three axis accelerometer which is approximately the size of a quarter. The utility tracker of the present invention can be secured, typically by “sticking” the dot to an asset by releasable glue or tape. The utility tracker may be stuck to any asset, which could be a fiber optic cable, or any other non-metallic asset that get placed by a utility company, and which can subsequently be detected by a mobile device.