Survey Data Filtering for Buried Linear Conductors
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Solution Overview
Problem
The continuous data streams from instruments used in surveying buried linear conductors pose significant processing challenges, requiring efficient methods to manage and filter data while maintaining desired survey point density and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A software-based method that filters data streams, sets survey intervals, and establishes geographic activation buffers to process data only at pre-selected points, providing visual and audio feedback to guide surveyors and optimize data acquisition, allowing for real-time processing and reporting of survey data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If continuous data streams are collected from all survey instruments, then complete survey information is captured, but data processing complexity and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining survey intervals and geographic activation buffers before the survey begins. The software is configured with predetermined distance intervals (e.g., every 10 meters) and buffer zones that automatically determine when to capture data. This preprocessing of parameters allows the system to filter continuous instrument data streams in real-time, capturing only measurements taken at or near predefined survey points, thereby reducing processing complexity while maintaining information completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the continuous data stream from survey instruments into discrete survey points based on geographic activation buffers. Each survey point is treated as an independent unit with associated data captured only when the survey vehicle enters the buffer zone. This segmentation transforms the overwhelming continuous data flow into manageable discrete packets, reducing processing complexity while preserving all necessary survey information through systematic division of the data collection process.
2Measurement precision
If survey points are captured at every possible location, then survey point density is maximized, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by capturing survey data at regular intervals rather than continuously. The software is configured with survey intervals (e.g., every 10 meters along the pipeline) and only processes data when the survey vehicle reaches these predetermined locations. This periodic sampling maintains adequate survey point density for accurate pipeline mapping while dramatically reducing processing time by eliminating the need to process every possible measurement point along the entire survey route.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instruments are used simultaneously, then comprehensive survey data is collected, but data stream management and filtering become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a single integrated software platform that handles data from multiple different survey instruments (electromagnetic locators, GPS receivers, IMUs, ACVG/DCVG equipment, sonar, cathodic protection devices). The software universally processes all these diverse data streams through a common filtering mechanism based on geographic activation buffers and survey intervals, consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate processing systems into one unified solution that simplifies data management while maintaining comprehensive survey capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of data acquisition during survey of buried linear conductors. A first step involves passing a dynamic data stream of data from survey instruments through a filtering software adapted to reduce the volume of data being processed. A second step involves setting a survey interval within the software, the survey interval being a selected distance between survey points in order to provide a desired survey point density. A third step involves setting a geographic activation buffer within the software in relation to the survey interval. The filtering software is programmed to process data within the activation buffer separately from the dynamic data stream.