Buried Asset Detection via Remote Signal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional buried asset detection devices are expensive, bulky, and quickly become outdated due to fixed processing speeds and algorithms, making them cost-prohibitive for organizations needing multiple units.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilizes a mobile computing device communicatively coupled with a communications network to read and process analog radio frequency signals from buried assets, converting them into digital signals for transmission to a server for processing, allowing for the display of buried asset data on a graphical user interface, thereby reducing the processing burden on the device and leveraging advances in hardware and software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional locators with processing units and multiple circuit cards are used, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the signal processing functionality from the portable locator device and relocates it to a remote server. The mobile device only performs simple analog-to-digital conversion and data transmission, while the server handles complex signal processing algorithms. This separation reduces the complexity and cost of the portable device while maintaining advanced detection capabilities through remote processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a communications network as an intermediary between the mobile device and the server. This intermediary enables the mobile device to offload processing tasks to the server while maintaining real-time detection capabilities. The network acts as a mediator that allows complex processing to occur remotely without compromising the portability or simplicity of the field device.
2Reliability
If conventional locators with fixed processing algorithms are used, then initial performance is adequate, but adaptability to new processing speeds and algorithms deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic architecture where the server can update processing algorithms and signal handling methods without requiring field personnel to replace physical devices. The mobile device maintains a simple interface that automatically adapts to new server capabilities through software updates, enabling continuous improvement of detection performance without hardware obsolescence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal system where the mobile device serves multiple functions: data collection, analog-to-digital conversion, data transmission, and display. The complex signal processing and advanced algorithms are performed universally by the server, which can be updated to handle new detection techniques. This multi-functional design allows the system to adapt to new processing speeds and algorithms through centralized software updates.
3Productivity
If multiple conventional locators are purchased for workforce deployment, then detection coverage is improved, but cost becomes prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables a single mobile device to perform detection functions that previously required multiple specialized locators. By offloading processing to the server, the mobile device can handle complex signal analysis, allowing organizations to deploy fewer devices while maintaining comprehensive detection coverage across multiple sites.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the processing capabilities through the server, which can be accessed by multiple mobile devices. Instead of purchasing multiple expensive locators with identical processing units, organizations can share the server's processing resources across multiple field operations, significantly reducing the total cost of deployment.
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 decreases the cost and complexity of buried asset detection systems, allows them to take advantage of current processing speeds, and reduces the likelihood of becoming outdated, while enabling the reuse of data for future detection activities.
Implementation Method 1
reading, from one or more sensors communicatively coupled with the mobile computing device, a plurality of analog radio frequency signals from a buried asset
Implementation Method 2
amplifying the plurality of analog signals so as to increase amplitude of the analog signals
Implementation Method 3
converting the plurality of analog signals to a plurality of digital signals
Data Source
AI summary
A method on a mobile computing device for detecting, locating and tracing buried assets, is provided. The method includes reading, from one or more sensors communicatively coupled with the mobile computing device, a plurality of analog radio frequency signals from a buried asset, and amplifying the plurality of analog signals. The method further includes converting the analog signals to a plurality of digital signals, encoding the digital signals for transmission, so as to produce a plurality of encoded digital signals, and transmitting the plurality of encoded digital signals to a server via a communications network. The method further includes receiving, from the server, buried asset data including depth measurement data and electrical current measurement data for one or more buried assets, wherein the buried asset data corresponds to the analog radio frequency signals, and displaying the buried asset data in a graphical user interface of the mobile computing device.