Marking Device Overlaying Map Data for Locate Accuracy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In field service operations, such as locate and marking operations for underground facilities, technicians face challenges with inaccurate locating and marking due to outdated or incomplete facilities maps, leading to potential damage and legal liabilities, and there is a need for real-time access to relevant facilities map information during operations.
Innovation Solution
A marking device equipped with a display system that allows technicians to access, view, and update facilities map information in real-time, overlay marking information, and store or transmit this data for further processing, enabling efficient execution of locate and marking operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If technicians use traditional facilities maps for locate and marking operations, then they can perform basic marking functions, but the maps become outdated and inaccurate over time leading to potential damage and legal liabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically receives and processes updated facilities map information from external sources, creating a feedback loop that continuously refreshes the displayed maps without requiring manual intervention. This ensures the maps remain current and accurate while eliminating the time technicians would otherwise spend manually updating them.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-loads and stores multiple versions of facilities maps in the portable device's memory, so that updated information is immediately available when technicians need it. This preliminary preparation eliminates delays and ensures accurate information is always accessible during field operations.
2Loss of information
If technicians access facilities map information from external sources during operations, then they can obtain updated information, but they cannot view the information in real-time at the work site
Solution Approach 1:
The portable device serves multiple functions: it displays facilities maps, receives updated map information wirelessly, stores multiple map versions, and provides real-time access during field operations. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate systems into a single portable unit that technicians can use directly at work sites.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable device acts as an intermediary between external facilities map sources and the technician's field operations. It wirelessly receives updated map data, processes and stores it, and presents it in a viewable format, bridging the gap between remote information sources and on-site operational needs.
3Reliability
If technicians manually update facilities maps during operations, then they can maintain accuracy, but it increases the complexity and time required for marking operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-updating by automatically receiving, processing, and storing updated facilities map information without requiring manual intervention from technicians. The portable device manages the entire update process autonomously, including wireless communication with external sources and internal data management, thereby maintaining accuracy while minimizing added complexity.
4Device complexity
If technicians use outdated facilities maps, then the marking device remains simple, but they risk damaging underground facilities and incurring legal liabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static, outdated maps to dynamic, continuously updated map information. The portable device automatically receives and integrates updated facilities map data, allowing the marking system to adapt to current underground facility locations and configurations, thereby reducing the risk of damage while maintaining operational simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A marking device for a marking operation to mark a presence or an absence of one or more underground facilities is configured to access and display facilities map information, and/or other image information, as a visual aid to facilitate the marking operation. In various aspects, methods and apparatus relate to: selection of a “base” facilities map, or information from a database of facilities map data, relating to a given work site/dig area; selection of a pan and/or zoom (resolution) for displaying facilities map information; updating displayed facilities map information while a marking device is used during a marking operation (e.g. changing pan, zoom and/or orientation); overlaying on the displayed facilities map information marking information and/or landmark information relating to the marking operation; and storing locally on the marking device, and/or transmitting from the marking device, facilities map information and/or overlaid marking/landmark information (e.g., for further processing, analysis and/or subsequent display).