GPS Utility Asset Locator with Integrated Scrolling Map Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for locating and protecting underground utility assets, such as utility lines and components, are inadequate, leading to frequent incidents of damage during excavation, resulting in economic losses and environmental damage.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilizes GPS technology to determine the position of underground utility assets, integrates this data with landbase information, and displays it on a scrolling map, generating warning signals for nearby assets to prevent damage during excavation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS technology and data integration systems are implemented to locate underground utilities, then measurement precision and reliability of utility location data improve, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines GPS receiver technology with traditional utility locating equipment to create an integrated system. The GPS antenna and receiver are physically integrated with the utility locating device, allowing simultaneous acquisition of utility location data and precise geographic positioning data. This merging resolves the contradiction by achieving high measurement precision through technology integration while managing system complexity through unified device design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a database as an intermediary component that stores and manages utility location data, GPS coordinates, and asset information. This database serves as a mediator between the GPS receiver, the utility locating system, and the display interface. By using this intermediary data management layer, the system achieves high measurement precision and reliability while organizing complexity into manageable data structures rather than complex hardware interfaces.
2Loss of information
If comprehensive data collection and integration methods are used to map utility assets, then information completeness and reliability improve, but loss of time for data processing and system operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous data collection where the GPS receiver and utility locating system operate simultaneously throughout the utility mapping process. Rather than collecting utility location data and then separately acquiring GPS coordinates, the system performs both functions continuously during a single field operation. This eliminates the need for multiple separate data collection passes, achieving complete information while reducing total processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-establishes a database structure and coordinate reference systems before field operations begin. The system is pre-configured with project boundaries, asset categories, and data storage schemas. This preliminary setup allows field operators to immediately begin data collection without time-consuming configuration during operations, achieving complete information capture while minimizing processing time.
3Reliability
If real-time GPS integration and warning systems are implemented, then reliability of damage prevention improves, but device complexity and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously compares real-time GPS position data with stored utility location data in the database. When the equipment position approaches a recorded utility asset, the system provides feedback through visual or audible warnings to the operator. This feedback loop achieves reliable damage prevention by maintaining continuous awareness of equipment proximity to utilities while managing complexity through software-based monitoring rather than additional physical sensors.
4Ease of operation
If detailed utility location data and scrolling map displays are provided, then ease of operation for equipment operators improves, but device complexity and information processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified graphical copy or representation of the physical environment by displaying GPS-tracked equipment position and utility locations on a scrolling map interface. Rather than requiring operators to interpret raw coordinate data or complex technical measurements, the system generates an intuitive visual copy of the spatial relationships between equipment and utilities. This copying approach achieves ease of operation through familiar map-based visualization while managing information processing complexity through standardized graphical display protocols.
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
The system provides precise location data of underground assets, reducing the risk of damage during excavation by alerting operators of potential hazards, thereby minimizing economic and environmental losses.
Implementation Method 1
determining a position of an underground utility asset by a location determining device; by one or more processors, integrating location data from a GPS receiver with the determined position
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for collecting information related to utility assets include determining a position of an underground utility asset by a location determining device; integrating location data from a Global positioning system (GPS) receiver with the determined position of the underground utility asset to provide information about coordinates of the position of the underground utility asset; adding characteristics of the underground utility asset including a size of the underground utility asset, to the integrated data to generate one or more data records including the information about coordinates of the position of the underground utility asset; integrating landbase data with the data records for the underground utility asset; and displaying a scrolling map including the data records and a portion of the landbase data.