Integrated Locate Marking Apparatus Data Logging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current locate and marking operations for underground facilities are prone to inaccuracies, leading to potential damage and liability issues, as they primarily focus on detection rather than comprehensive documentation of both locate and marking processes, and there is a lack of integration between locate devices and marking devices for sharing information.
Innovation Solution
A combined locate and marking apparatus that logs and processes both locate and marking information, generating comprehensive electronic records and allowing for the exchange of data between locate and marking devices, enabling accurate documentation and analysis of operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate locate and marking devices are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but information integration and operational accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate locate and marking devices into a single integrated system that shares common components including GPS receiver, data storage, and processing unit. This merging enables automatic data exchange between locate and marking functions, eliminating manual documentation steps and reducing human error while maintaining operational simplicity through unified device operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated apparatus performs multiple functions through shared components: the GPS receiver serves both locate and marking operations, the data storage unit records both location and marking information, and the processing unit manages both datasets. This multi-functionality improves operational accuracy by ensuring consistent data capture across different operational phases without requiring separate specialized devices.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive electronic records are generated, then documentation accuracy is improved, but data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically captures and stores location data, marking data, and environmental landmark data in structured formats during field operations. By preliminary organizing data with appropriate metadata tags and relationships established at the time of collection, the system eliminates complex post-processing requirements while maintaining high documentation accuracy for liability assessment and operational review.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system creates electronic copies of all operational data including GPS coordinates, marking locations, and environmental landmarks. These digital replicas preserve exact field conditions and measurements without requiring complex physical documentation processes, thereby improving documentation accuracy while simplifying data management and analysis procedures.
3Measurement precision
If environmental landmarks are recorded, then locate accuracy is improved, but information management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically captures environmental landmark information and uses it to enhance locate accuracy through real-time data processing. By establishing feedback loops where landmark data validates and refines location measurements, the system improves precision while managing information complexity through automated correlation and cross-referencing of landmark positions with facility locations.
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 solution reduces uncertainties and inaccuracies in locate and marking operations by providing detailed electronic records, enhancing the accuracy and integrity of the marking process, and facilitating the assessment of liability in case of damage or injury.
Implementation Method 1
a receiver antenna to detect a magnetic field from a target object
Data Source
AI summary
Locate information, marking information, and/or landmark information relating to a locate operation and/or a marking operation to detect and/or mark a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility is categorized into a plurality of display layers for electronic rendering. At least some of the display layers may be independently enabled or disabled for display such that only enabled display layers are displayed in a display field of a display device. Alternate enabling and disabling of one or more display layers facilitates comparative viewing of the layers. A layer directory or layer legend pane may be displayed to allow for selective enabling/disabling of one or more layers. One or more layers further may be categorized into sub-layers, and respective sub-layers of a given layer similarly may be independently enabled or disabled for display.