Marking Device Electronic Record Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current locate and marking operations in field service operations are prone to inaccuracies, leading to potential damage and liability issues, as they rely heavily on physical marks that can be disturbed or destroyed during excavation, and existing technologies focus more on detection rather than documenting the marking process accurately.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for generating an electronic record of marking operations, including actuations of a marking device, to collect and log information about the marking process and environmental landmarks, creating a comprehensive digital record for improved accuracy and liability assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical marks are used to indicate underground facilities, then the marking operation can be completed, but the marks can be disturbed or destroyed during excavation leading to inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an electronic copy (digital record) of the physical marking operation, capturing GPS coordinates, timestamps, and actuation data. This electronic record serves as a permanent,不可破坏的副本 of the marking operation, preserving the information even when physical marks are disturbed or destroyed during excavation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary documentation by recording the marking operation data before excavation begins. The electronic record is created in advance, capturing the precise location and timing of marking device actuations, so that even if physical marks are later disturbed, the pre-recorded data remains intact and accurate.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If detection technologies are focused on, then underground facility detection capability is improved, but documentation of the marking process is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection function with the documentation function by integrating GPS tracking, timestamp recording, and actuation sensing into the marking device itself. This combination ensures that every marking action is automatically documented with precise location and timing information, eliminating the gap between detection and documentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The marking device performs self-documentation by automatically recording its own actuation events, GPS coordinates, and timestamps without requiring separate documentation equipment or manual recording. The device serves its own documentation needs, capturing marking process information inherently as part of its normal operation.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive electronic records are generated, then accuracy and reliability are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The marking device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a marking tool and as a documentation system. By integrating GPS receiver, timestamp generator, actuation sensor, and data storage capabilities into a single device, the system achieves comprehensive electronic record-keeping without requiring multiple separate complex systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual documentation processes with automated electronic systems. Instead of physically recording marking information through manual methods, the system uses electronic sensors, GPS tracking, and digital storage to automatically capture and preserve marking operation data, reducing the need for complex manual procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for generating electronic records of marking operations and/or environmental landmarks for underground facilities/utilities. Marking information and/or landmark information may be logged/stored in local memory of a marking device, formatted in various manners, processed and/or analyzed at the marking device itself, and/or transmitted to another device (e.g., a remote computer/server) for storage, processing and/or analysis. In one example, a marking device may be configured to operate in both a marking mode and a landmark mode, and information relating to one or more environmental landmarks in a vicinity of the marking operation may be collected and logged with actuation of a marking device in the landmark mode. A computer-generated image or other visual representation may be electronically rendered in a display field based on logged marking information and/or landmark information, essentially in real time as the information is collected, and/or recreated thereafter based on one or more stored electronic records.