Buried Asset Detection Using Mobile Buffer Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional locator devices struggle to accurately detect and locate multiple buried assets in close proximity due to interference signals, leading to increased costs and potential safety hazards, as they require skilled technicians and are time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A method using a mobile computing device connected to a communications network that calculates geographical location and generates buffer zones around target buried assets, enabling precise location through graphical and auditory feedback, thereby reducing misidentification and enabling/disabling locating functions based on zone proximity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional locator devices are used to detect multiple buried assets in close proximity, then the detection process becomes complex and time-consuming, but the accuracy and reliability of location deteriorate due to interference signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process into multiple phases: pre-detection phase where buffer zones are established around known buried assets, active detection phase where signals are processed within these zones, and verification phase where locations are confirmed. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple buried assets systematically without being overwhelmed by interference signals, thereby improving detection accuracy while reducing the time required compared to traditional continuous scanning methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by first establishing buffer zones around known buried asset locations before conducting the actual detection. These buffer zones serve as pre-defined search areas that guide the detection process, allowing technicians to focus on specific regions where buried assets are most likely to be found. This preliminary mapping and zone establishment eliminates the need for exhaustive searching and significantly reduces detection time while maintaining high accuracy even in complex environments with multiple buried assets.
2Reliability
If experienced technicians manually adjust locator devices to handle interference signals, then detection accuracy can be maintained, but operational costs increase and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the locator device to automatically process interference signals and identify buried asset locations without requiring constant manual intervention from experienced technicians. The system autonomously manages buffer zone navigation, signal filtering, and location verification, significantly improving detection efficiency and productivity while maintaining high accuracy. This automation reduces the burden on skilled technicians and allows for faster, more consistent detection results.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the locator device continuously monitors signal strength and position within buffer zones, automatically adjusting its detection parameters and providing real-time guidance. The system receives feedback from multiple sensors and processes this information to dynamically refine its location identification, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual adjustments by technicians. This automated feedback loop maintains detection accuracy while dramatically improving productivity and reducing operational costs.
3Device complexity
If conventional locator devices are used without buffer zone guidance, then the equipment remains simple, but false identifications and mislocations occur in complex signal environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by introducing the spatial dimension of buffer zones that surround known buried asset locations. Instead of relying solely on signal strength analysis in a single dimension, the system incorporates the geographic and spatial context provided by buffer zone boundaries. This additional dimensional framework allows the locator device to distinguish between true signals and false identifications more effectively, significantly improving location precision without requiring excessive complexity in the device architecture itself.
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
This approach enhances the precision and safety of buried asset detection by providing clear indicators of correct location, reducing false identifications and operational costs, and ensuring accurate detection even in complex signal environments.
Implementation Method 1
calculates an above-surface location of the mobile computing device
Implementation Method 2
utilizes an antenna array to read signals radiating from the buried asset
Data Source
AI summary
A method on a mobile computing device for locating electromagnetic signals radiating from a buried asset is disclosed. The method includes receiving buried asset data points corresponding to a buried asset, reading a predefined value, generating, based on the buried asset data points, a two dimensional area comprising a buffer zone at an above-surface location, wherein a width of the buffer zone corresponds to the predefined value, and wherein the buffer zone corresponds to the buried asset, and iteratively executing the following four steps: a) calculating an above-surface location, b) determining whether the above-surface location is located within the two dimensional area, c) if the above-surface location is not located within the two dimensional area, displaying a first graphic in a display, and d) if the above-surface location is located within the two dimensional area, displaying a second graphic.