Utility Inspection Breadcrumb Validation for Accurate Geolocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional utility surveys face challenges in data accuracy and accountability, with existing methods failing to accurately survey and record utility data, resulting in potential risks and inefficiencies in construction and environmental protection.
Innovation Solution
A computer program product and inspection protocol for automatic, real-time collection of utility conveyance readings using a utility detector and GPS unit, generating breadcrumbs with geolocation data, and validating these readings through a computer program product.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual surveying and recording methods are used, then surveyors can physically inspect utilities, but data accuracy deteriorates due to human error and potential falsification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical surveying methods with an automated electronic system consisting of a utility detector, GPS unit, and computer program product. This substitution eliminates human error in data collection and ensures accurate, reliable recording of utility locations and conveyance readings without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-validation through the computer program product, which automatically validates surveyed utilities based on spatial position of breadcrumbs relative to the surveyed utility. This self-service mechanism ensures data reliability without requiring manual verification, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and data reliability.
2Measurement precision
If automated real-time collection is implemented, then data accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device serves multiple functions: it connects to and controls the utility detector, integrates the GPS unit for location tracking, runs the computer program product for data collection and validation, and manages breadcrumb generation. This multi-functionality consolidates the automated system into a single device, improving data accuracy while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
3Productivity
If manual data collection is used, then device complexity remains low, but productivity decreases due to time-consuming manual processes
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system enables continuous data collection as the surveyor moves along the utility line. The utility detector continuously measures conveyance readings, the GPS unit continuously tracks location, and the computer program product continuously validates data and generates breadcrumbs in real-time. This continuous operation dramatically improves survey efficiency and eliminates time loss associated with manual data collection and recording.
4Reliability
If automated validation is implemented, then accountability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The computer program product implements feedback by automatically validating surveyed utilities based on the spatial position of generated breadcrumbs relative to the surveyed utility. This feedback mechanism provides immediate verification of survey accuracy and creates an accountable audit trail, improving reliability while keeping the validation system integrated and manageable within the mobile device.
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
Enables efficient, accurate data collection and validation of utility locations without manual intervention, enhancing safety and reducing errors in data collection.
Implementation Method 1
connecting a global positioning system (GPS) unit to the mobile device; recording each geolocation of the measured conveyance, by the GPS unit, in real-time
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discusses a computer program product or inspection protocol that enables automatic, real-time collection of conveyance readings for a specific utility being measured and a precise geolocation of each conveyance reading without any intervention by the technician. The present disclosure also discusses that the computer program product processes and generates a set of breadcrumbs based on collection of conveyance readings for a specific utility and the geolocations of the conveyance readings as well as validating each breadcrumb based on the spatial position of the breadcrumb relative to a surveyed utility line. The present disclosure also discusses that the computer program product indexes and searches for one or more breadcrumbs generated for a particular utility line based one or more parameters inputted into the computer program product by a user.