Utility Inspection Breadcrumb Search for Accurate Survey Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for surveying and addressing the technical problem of conventional utility surveys and inspections are inefficient and prone to inaccuracies and errors, particularly in the field of utility surveys and inspections, including inaccuracies in data collection and recording, and lack of accountability in data collection and recording.
Innovation Solution
A computer program product that automatically collects utility survey data in real-time using a utility detector and GPS unit, generating breadcrumbs with geolocation data, and processes these data to validate and segment utility lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual surveying and recording methods are used, then flexibility and adaptability in field conditions are maintained, but measurement precision and data accuracy deteriorate due to human error and falsification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical recording processes with automated electronic detection and data collection systems. Sensors, GPS devices, and computer programs automatically capture utility location data, eliminating human error and falsification while maintaining field adaptability through portable electronic equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service data collection where the automated detection equipment and computer program independently record, validate, and store survey data without requiring manual intervention. The computer program automatically processes sensor data, generates survey records, and manages data integrity, freeing operators from manual recording tasks.
2Reliability
If automated real-time data collection is implemented, then measurement precision and accountability are improved, but device complexity increases due to integration of multiple sensors and processing systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functional components into a unified automated survey system. A single computer program coordinates sensor data acquisition, GPS location tracking, data validation, and record generation, allowing one system to perform multiple functions that would otherwise require separate devices and processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines sensor arrays, GPS units, processors, and storage systems into an integrated automated survey platform. By merging these components into a coordinated system managed by a computer program, the patent achieves reliable automated data collection while reducing the operational complexity of managing multiple separate devices.
3Productivity
If conventional manual surveying is used, then device complexity is kept low, but productivity and survey efficiency deteriorate due to time-consuming manual processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous automated data collection where sensors and GPS devices continuously capture utility location information as the surveyor moves through the field. The computer program continuously processes incoming data in real-time, eliminating the intermittent nature of manual recording and maximizing data collection efficiency throughout the survey process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces slow manual recording operations with automated electronic data capture and processing systems. Sensors and computer programs instantly detect, record, and process survey data, dramatically increasing survey productivity while the portable nature of the electronic equipment keeps the system manageable in terms of complexity.
4Manufacturing precision
If automated validation and segmentation processes are implemented, then manufacturing precision of survey data is improved, but loss of time in data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs validation and segmentation operations in real-time during the survey process rather than as post-processing steps. The computer program validates sensor data and segments utility lines immediately as data is collected, ensuring high data precision without adding separate processing time phases to the survey workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous processing where validation and segmentation occur concurrently with data collection. The computer program continuously analyzes incoming sensor data, validates measurements, and segments utility lines in real-time, eliminating idle processing time and maintaining high data precision throughout the survey operation.
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 accurate, real-time data collection and validation of utility surveys, reducing errors and enhancing accountability, thereby improving safety and reducing environmental hazards.
Implementation Method 1
measuring for a conveyance that is conveyed by the utility line, by the utility detector, in real-time, wherein the conveyance is contained inside of the utility or escaped from the utility
Implementation Method 2
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.