View-in-the-Ground Indicator for Multi-Line Underground Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underground line locators lack intuitive and effective methods to accurately and simultaneously display the left-right position and orientation information of multiple underground lines, which can lead to difficulties in precise location and interpretation, especially when multiple lines are present.
Innovation Solution
An underground line locator system that includes a view-in-the-ground indicator displaying left-right position and orientation information using a plurality of distinguishable needles, along with a bar graph for signal strength, allowing concurrent display and interpretation of multiple underground lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional separate indicators are used for position and orientation, then device complexity is reduced, but information completeness and user intuitiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate position and orientation indicators into a single integrated view-in-the-ground indicator. This unified indicator simultaneously displays both left-right position information and orientation information, eliminating the need for multiple separate indicators while providing complete information in one display element.
Solution Approach 2:
The view-in-the-ground indicator uses a two-dimensional display surface to represent three-dimensional spatial relationships. By mapping position and orientation data onto a 2D graphical interface that simulates a top-down ground view, the system provides intuitive spatial understanding without requiring complex 3D displays or multiple indicators.
2Loss of information
If multiple underground lines are displayed simultaneously, then information completeness improves, but interpretation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments information for multiple underground lines by providing individual, distinguishable indicators for each line. Each line has its own dedicated position and orientation representation within the view-in-the-ground indicator, allowing users to track and interpret multiple lines separately rather than as a confused mass of data.
Solution Approach 2:
The view-in-the-ground indicator uses visual differentiation (such as color coding or distinct graphical markers) to distinguish between multiple underground lines. This allows users to quickly identify and track individual lines among multiple concurrent displays, significantly improving interpretation ease.
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 improved user intuitiveness and accuracy in locating multiple underground lines by combining position and orientation information into a single view-in-the-ground indicator, enhancing the user's ability to interpret and respond to changing signals effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a locator configured to measure the time-varying magnetic fields and determine signal strength, position, and orientation information associated with the plurality of underground lines based on time-varying magnetic fields
Implementation Method 2
one or more transmitters configured to couple a plurality of locate tones onto a corresponding plurality of underground lines... The plurality of locate tones cause the plurality of underground lines to radiate the time-varying magnetic fields
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of for underground line location using a view-in-the-ground indicator includes a display. The display includes a view-in-the-ground indicator configured to indicate left-right position information and orientation information associated with a plurality of underground lines using a corresponding plurality of needles. The plurality of needles are concurrently displayed and are distinguishable from one another. Each of the plurality of needles has a variable horizontal position that indicates the left-right position information and a variable orientation that indicates the orientation information. In some embodiments, the plurality of needles are distinguishable from one another based on a color coding scheme. In some embodiments, the color coding scheme of the plurality of needles matches a color coding scheme of a plurality of feeder cables coupled to the plurality of underground lines.