Buried Utility Mapping via Magnetic Field Sensing and Discrete Point Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for locating buried utility lines, such as magnetic field sensing devices, are costly and prone to human error, leading to incomplete or inaccurate mapping of utility locations, which can result in infrastructure damage and safety risks during excavation.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for generating maps based on discrete point estimates of utility line positions and orientations using magnetic field sensing devices, which include antennas to sense magnetic fields, a receiver circuit to process signals, and a processing unit to generate line segments or spline control points for displaying estimated utility line locations, thereby improving accuracy and reducing operator time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnetic field sensing devices are used to locate buried utility lines, then utility line locations can be identified, but the operation is costly and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically processing magnetic field sensor data through algorithms that detect, track, and map utility lines without requiring manual interpretation. The automated processing eliminates operator error while maintaining measurement precision, as the system independently completes the entire mapping process from data collection to final map generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual process of utility line location with an automated electronic system. Instead of operators manually interpreting sensor data, the system uses electronic data processing, algorithms, and automated map generation to substitute human judgment with computational analysis, thereby eliminating human error while maintaining location accuracy.
2Productivity
If traditional utility locating methods are used, then utility lines can be traced, but it requires significant operator time and resources
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves continuous useful action by automatically processing utility line data as it is collected, without interruption or manual intervention. The automated algorithms continuously analyze magnetic field sensor data, track utility lines in real-time, and generate maps continuously, eliminating the stop-start nature of manual operations and maximizing productivity while minimizing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes manual mechanical tracing operations with automated electronic data processing. The system replaces operator hours with computational algorithms that process sensor data and generate maps automatically, dramatically improving productivity while reducing the time required for utility line mapping operations.
3Measurement precision
If discrete point estimates are used for utility locations, then data accuracy is improved, but traditional continuous line representations may not accurately reflect actual utility positions
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies segmentation by representing utility lines as a series of discrete line segments rather than continuous curves. Each line segment corresponds to a specific measurement point with associated uncertainty bounds, accurately reflecting that utility positions are known only at discrete locations. This segmentation approach maintains measurement precision while providing an honest representation of data limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by allowing different representations for different portions of the utility line based on local data quality and uncertainty characteristics. Each line segment can have its own precision indicators and uncertainty bounds, enabling the map to accurately represent high-confidence areas differently from low-confidence areas, thereby maintaining overall map accuracy while reflecting local measurement variations.
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
The system provides more accurate and efficient mapping of buried utility lines, reducing the risk of damage and improving safety by generating detailed, data-driven maps that correspond to discrete point estimates, enhancing the precision of utility line location identification.
Implementation Method 1
one or more antennas configured to sense magnetic fields emitted by the utility lines
Data Source
AI summary
System for generating maps from magnetic field utility line estimates include one or more vehicle-mounted magnetic field sensing locators, one or more antenna nodes to sense magnetic fields emitted from buried utilities, a receiver circuit to process the antenna signals, a position and orientation element to determine the position and orientation of the magnetic field sensing locating device in a world coordinate system, a processing unit to generate at one or more discrete points an estimation of one or more utility positions and orientations, and a map generation element to generate an associated map.