Utility Inspection Reading Capture With GPS Breadcrumb Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional utility surveys are inefficient and prone to inaccuracies due to manual data collection and recording, leading to potential risks and ecological hazards, as well as a lack of accountability among surveyors.
Innovation Solution
A computer program product that automatically collects utility conveyance readings and geolocations in real-time using a utility detector and GPS unit, generating breadcrumbs for precise mapping and validation, with optional manual updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual data collection and recording is used, then surveyors can perform utility inspections, but inaccuracies and human errors occur in data collection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical data collection methods with automated electronic detection devices. The utility detection device automatically collects conveyance readings and the GPS unit automatically records geolocations, eliminating human error in data collection and ensuring accurate, reliable data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service data collection where the detection device and GPS unit automatically record data without requiring manual intervention. The computer program product automatically processes the collected data and generates survey records, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating human error sources.
2Productivity
If manual recording is used, then surveyors can document utility readings, but time-consuming processes and inefficiencies arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual recording processes with automated electronic data collection and processing. The detection device continuously automatically records conveyance readings and GPS continuously tracks geolocations, eliminating time-consuming manual transcription and documentation processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous automatic data collection throughout the survey process. The detection device and GPS operate continuously without interruption, collecting data in real-time as the surveyor moves through the utility line, maximizing productivity and eliminating idle time between manual recording actions.
3Measurement precision
If automated real-time data collection is implemented, then accuracy and accountability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multi-functional devices that perform multiple operations. The detection device both measures conveyance readings and the mobile device both runs the computer program product and stores data, reducing the number of separate components needed while maintaining automated accuracy and accountability.
Solution Approach 2:
The computer program product serves as an intermediary that simplifies the interface between the complex automated collection system and the user. It automatically processes raw data from the detection device and GPS, generating formatted survey records that are easy to interpret and store, thereby managing system complexity.
4Reliability
If conventional manual surveys are performed, then basic utility mapping is achieved, but lack of accountability and potential for falsified data occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides automatic feedback by continuously recording and timestamping all conveyance readings with corresponding GPS geolocations. This creates an immutable audit trail that automatically verifies surveyor accountability and prevents data falsification, as each reading is independently recorded and geographically tagged.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual data entry with automated electronic recording that inherently provides accountability. The system automatically captures the surveyor's identity, the exact location via GPS, and the precise reading values, eliminating the opportunity for manual alteration and ensuring data authenticity without adding operational burden.
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.