Communicating Survey Nail for Underground Mapping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for mapping underground networks are expensive, bulky, and limited in precision, relying on external satellite signals which can be unreliable in urban areas, and require skilled surveyors, leading to costly and time-consuming data collection with potential errors in plan superimposition.
Innovation Solution
The development of a communicating survey nail with an active RFID beacon and a georeferencing device that uses a topographical grid to determine precise location without satellite dependency, utilizing a stand-alone power source, storage for unique identifiers and position data, and a switch for energy efficiency, allowing for local projection of mapping data onto a dynamic grid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If DGPS or RTK methods are used to achieve centimeter-level accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses simple, inexpensive survey nails with basic RFID tags instead of complex RTK/DGPS equipment. The nails are disposable or reusable markers that provide sufficient identification and location data without requiring expensive satellite communication hardware, resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity by using a simpler alternative that meets the operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex electronic satellite-based positioning systems (RTK/DGPS) with a simpler RFID-based identification system. Instead of using sophisticated signal processing and satellite communication, the system uses passive RFID tags on physical nails that can be read by standard RFID readers, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining sufficient measurement capability for surveying operations.
2Measurement precision
If expert surveyors are used to map networks, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to cost and availability constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service surveying by allowing operators to install and identify survey nails themselves using standard RFID readers, eliminating the need for expert surveyors. The nails automatically provide their unique identifiers and location data when scanned, enabling non-experts to perform accurate mapping operations independently, thus improving productivity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses RFID tags that store copied identification and location data on simple nails, replacing the need for expert human judgment and manual recording. The digital copies of survey data stored in RFID memory can be automatically read and transferred to mapping systems, enabling rapid data collection by non-experts while maintaining the accuracy previously requiring expert surveyors.
3Measurement precision
If satellite signals are used for geolocation, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates in urban areas with signal blockage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces RFID tags as an intermediary between the physical survey markers and the digital mapping system. Instead of relying on satellite signals that can be blocked by buildings, the system uses local RFID communication between readers and nails, which works reliably in urban environments without line-of-sight requirements. This intermediary approach maintains positioning accuracy while eliminating satellite signal dependency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the positioning function into local, independent units (individual RFID-tagged nails) rather than relying on a centralized satellite system. Each nail independently provides its own identification and location data through local RFID communication, making the system reliable in urban areas where satellite signals are blocked, as each segment operates autonomously without requiring external satellite connectivity.
4Quantity of substance
If multiple plans from various operators are concatenated, then completeness of mapping is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to scale and reference point differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal reference system where all survey nails use the same RFID-based identification and coordinate system. This universal standard allows plans from different operators to be accurately concatenated without manual reprojection, as all data points reference the same coordinate framework. The RFID tags store standardized location information that can be directly integrated into a unified mapping system, eliminating alignment errors while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
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 provides precise, cost-effective, and efficient mapping of underground networks, enabling real-time position determination and reducing operational costs by eliminating the need for external satellite signals and skilled surveyors, while facilitating accurate plan superimposition and data integration.
Implementation Method 1
an active radiofrequency identification beacon comprising: a stand-alone electrical power source for powering a transmitter and a storage means; and the storage means for storing a unique identifier and position data of a nail; and the transmitter of a radiofrequency signal, according to a radiofrequency identification («RFID») protocol, comprising said unique identifier and said position data of the nail
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a network of communicating survey nails (10) that each comprise an active radiofrequency identification beacon, comprising:a stand-alone electrical power source for powering a transmitter and a storage means;the storage means for storing a unique identifier and nail position data;the transmitter of a radiofrequency signal compliant with an RFID protocol comprising said unique identifier and said nail position data, the transmitter comprising an antenna.The invention also relates to a device (30) for recording topography, which comprises at least three nails (10) and a georeferencing device (36) comprising:a first communication means (361) using an RFID protocol, for receiving the radiofrequency signal comprising the unique identifier and the position data of each nail; anda triangulation means (363) configured to calculate the position of the georeferencing device with respect to the position of the three nails.