公开(公告)号：US20110046994A1

公开(公告)日：2011-02-24

申请号：US12840476

申请日：2010-07-21

Applicant: Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr ,  Greg Block

Inventor： Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr ,  Greg Block

IPC: G06Q10/00

CPC classification number: G06Q10/0635 ,  G06Q10/06 ,  G06Q10/063 ,  G06Q10/063118 ,  G06Q10/0633

Abstract: Locate and/or marking operations involve detecting and/or marking a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility within a dig area, wherein at least a portion of the dig area is planned to be excavated or disturbed during excavation activities. One or more attributes of a locate and/or marking operation requested in a locate request ticket are assessed to provide one or more ticket assessment outcomes. In a first stage of assessment, a first assessment outcome is produced by analyzing at least some ticket information obtained from the locate request ticket. In a second stage of assessment, a second assessment outcome is produced based at least in part on the first assessment outcome. The first and/or second ticket assessment outcome(s) is/are transmitted and/or stored so as to facilitate clearing the locate request ticket and/or dispatching a locate technician to perform the locate and/or marking operation.

Abstract translation: 位置和/或标记操作涉及检测和/或标记挖掘区域内至少一个地下设施的存在或不存在，其中挖掘区域的至少一部分被计划在挖掘活动期间被挖掘或干扰。 评估在定位请求单中请求的定位和/或标记操作的一个或多个属性以提供一个或多个票据评估结果。 在评估的第一阶段，通过分析从定位请求单获得的至少一些票据信息来产生第一评估结果。 在第二阶段的评估中，第二个评估结果至少部分地基于第一个评估结果产生。 发送和/或存储第一和/或第二票据评估结果，以便于清除定位请求票证和/或派遣定位技术人员执行定位和/或标记操作。

公开(公告)号：US20110040589A1

公开(公告)日：2011-02-17

申请号：US12840461

申请日：2010-07-21

Applicant: Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr ,  Greg Block

Inventor： Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr ,  Greg Block

IPC: G06Q10/00

CPC classification number: G06Q10/0635 ,  G06Q10/06 ,  G06Q10/063 ,  G06Q10/063118 ,  G06Q10/0633

Abstract: Locate and/or marking operations involve detecting and/or marking a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility within a dig area, wherein at least a portion of the dig area is planned to be excavated or disturbed during excavation activities. One or more attributes of a locate and/or marking operation requested in a locate request ticket are assessed to provide one or more ticket assessment outcomes. Ticket information is obtained from the locate request ticket and analyzed so as to assign at least one complexity designation to the ticket. The complexity designation(s) is/are transmitted and/or stored so as to facilitate clearing the locate request ticket and/or dispatching a locate technician to perform the locate and/or marking operation.

Abstract translation: 位置和/或标记操作涉及检测和/或标记挖掘区域内至少一个地下设施的存在或不存在，其中挖掘区域的至少一部分被计划在挖掘活动期间被挖掘或干扰。 评估在定位请求单中请求的定位和/或标记操作的一个或多个属性以提供一个或多个票据评估结果。 票据信息是从定位请求票据获得的，并进行分析，以便为票据分配至少一个复杂度指定。 传送和/或存储复杂性指定，以便于清除定位请求单和/或调度定位技术人员以执行定位和/或标记操作。

公开(公告)号：US20100330542A1

公开(公告)日：2010-12-30

申请号：US12818432

申请日：2010-06-18

Applicant: Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr ,  Thomas William Bachelder

Inventor： Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr ,  Thomas William Bachelder

IPC: G09B19/00

CPC classification number: G09B19/00

Abstract: Systems for and methods of simulating facilities for use in locate operations training exercises are disclosed. Embodiments of the simulated facilities systems include a floor system in which one or more concealed wires may be energized to simulate underground facilities for the purpose of performing, for example, locate operations training, updating, and/or certification exercises for locate technicians. Embodiments of the simulated facilities systems include configurable pedestals by which either non-electric power line type of facilities and/or electric power line types of facility may be simulated. In some embodiments, simulated facilities systems may be configured manually and/or by use of a system controller.

Abstract translation: 公开了用于定位操作训练练习的模拟设备的系统和方法。 模拟设施系统的实施例包括一个地板系统，其中一个或多个隐藏的导线可以通电以模拟地下设施，以便执行例如定位技术人员的操作训练，更新和/或认证练习。 模拟设施系统的实施例包括可以模拟非电力线类型的设施和/或设备的电力线类型的可配置基座。 在一些实施例中，可以手动地和/或通过使用系统控制器配置模拟设施系统。

公开(公告)号：US20100324967A1

公开(公告)日：2010-12-23

申请号：US12833103

申请日：2010-07-09

Applicant: Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Far

Inventor： Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Far

IPC: G06Q10/00

CPC classification number: G06Q10/06311 ,  G01C15/00 ,  G06Q10/06 ,  G06Q10/063 ,  G06Q10/06393 ,  G06Q10/06395 ,  G06Q10/06398 ,  G06Q10/1097 ,  G06Q50/10 ,  G06Q50/165 ,  H04L67/24

Abstract: An electronically generated locate request ticket identifying a dig area includes first image data associated with the dig area. The first image data includes one or both of: i) a marked-up image of a geographic area including the dig area, wherein the marked-up image includes at least one dig area indicator to provide an indication of the dig area; and ii) geographic information relating to the at least one dig area indicator. The locate request ticket is electronically transmitted to at least one entity associated with the locate operation. A completed locate request ticket is electronically received including second image data and/or non-image data relating to the locate operation as performed. The completed locate request ticket is electronically processed so as to provide a quality assessment of the locate operation. Information relating to the completed ticket and/or the quality assessment is electronically stored and/or transmitted so as to provide a searchable electronic record of the locate operation.

Abstract translation: 识别挖掘区域的电子产生的定位请求票据包括与挖掘区域相关联的第一图像数据。 第一图像数据包括以下中的一个或两个：i）包括挖掘区域的地理区域的标记图像，其中所标记的图像包括至少一个挖掘区域指示符以提供挖掘区域的指示; 以及ii）与所述至少一个挖掘区域指示符有关的地理信息。 定位请求单被电子地发送到与定位操作相关联的至少一个实体。 电子地接收完成的定位请求单，包括与执行的定位操作相关的第二图像数据和/或非图像数据。 完成的定位请求单被电子处理，以提供定位操作的质量评估。 与完成的票和/或质量评估有关的信息被电子存储和/或发送，以便提供定位操作的可搜索的电子记录。

公开(公告)号：US20100318465A1

公开(公告)日：2010-12-16

申请号：US12833127

申请日：2010-07-09

Applicant: Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

Inventor： Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

IPC: G06Q10/00 ,  H04L9/28

CPC classification number: G06Q10/06311 ,  G01C15/00 ,  G06Q10/06 ,  G06Q10/063 ,  G06Q10/06393 ,  G06Q10/06395 ,  G06Q10/06398 ,  G06Q10/1097 ,  G06Q50/10 ,  G06Q50/165 ,  H04L67/24

Abstract: A holistic approach to management and oversight of locate and marking operations is provided. Initial requests to perform such operations are improved, and such requests are intelligently assessed to appropriately allocate resources to perform operations. Technicians are effectively dispatched and may be provided with process guides to facilitate performance. A host of information regarding the performance of locate operations and their environs is acquired (e.g., via improved intelligent instrumentation employed by technicians). A quality of operations (e.g., completeness, accuracy, efficiency) is assessed, corrective actions may be taken in essentially real-time as necessary, and information regarding operations and their quality assessments is archived for auditing purposes. Relevant information is communicated to one or more parties associated with the operations; in particular, requesting parties are apprised of the status of ongoing operations, and given confirmation that operations have been performed and are completed. Requesting parties and/or other interested parties (e.g., excavators, facility owners, locate contractors, municipalities, regulators, auditors, damage investigators, insurance companies, etc.) also may be provided with detailed information regarding the performance of operations and quality assessment of same.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种管理和监督定位和标记操作的整体方法。 改进执行此类操作的初始请求，并且智能地评估这些请求以适当地分配资源以执行操作。 技术人员得到有效的派遣，并可能会提供流程指南以促进绩效。 获取关于定位操作及其环境的性能的大量信息（例如，通过技术人员采用的改进的智能仪器）。 评估操作质量（例如，完整性，准确性，效率），必要时可以基本上实时地采取纠正措施，并将有关操作及其质量评估的信息存档以进行审计。 相关信息传达给与运营有关的一方或多方; 特别是请求方了解正在进行的操作的状态，并确认操作已经执行并完成。 请求方和/或其他有关方面（例如，挖掘机，设施所有者，定位承包商，市政当局，监管机构，审计员，损害调查员，保险公司等）也可以提供有关运营绩效和质量评估的详细信息 相同。

公开(公告)号：US20100262470A1

公开(公告)日：2010-10-14

申请号：US12797243

申请日：2010-06-09

Applicant: Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

Inventor： Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

IPC: G06Q10/00

CPC classification number: G01C15/04 ,  B05B12/0026 ,  B05B12/004 ,  B05B12/08 ,  B05B12/12 ,  B05B12/124 ,  B05B12/126 ,  B05D1/02 ,  B65D83/203 ,  E01C23/20 ,  E01C23/22 ,  E01C23/227 ,  G01C15/06 ,  G06Q10/06 ,  G06Q50/06 ,  G06Q50/08

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for monitoring a technician's performance of a marking operation to indicate the presence or absence of an underground facility, wherein the technician uses a marking device. Operating information representative of motion of the marking device during performance of the marking operation by the technician is analyzed to determine a pattern of motion. In one example, the pattern of motion is compared to at least one previously-identified pattern of motion associated with at least one technician. In various aspects, the operating information may representative of an acceleration, a velocity, a distance traveled by, and/or an angle of inclination of the marking device. In another aspect, the previously-identified pattern of motion may be a technician signature representing a pattern of motion unique to a technician.

Abstract translation: 方法，装置和系统，用于监测技术人员执行标记操作的性能，以指示地下设施的存在或不存在，其中技术人员使用标记装置。 分析代表技术人员执行标记操作期间标记装置运动的操作信息，以确定运动模式。 在一个示例中，将运动模式与至少一个先前识别的与至少一个技术人员相关联的运动模式进行比较。 在各个方面，操作信息可以代表标记装置的加速度，速度，行进距离和/或倾斜角度。 在另一方面，先前识别的运动模式可以是代表技术人员唯一的运动模式的技术人员签名。

公开(公告)号：US20100259414A1

公开(公告)日：2010-10-14

申请号：US12824655

申请日：2010-06-28

Applicant: Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

Inventor： Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

IPC: G08B5/22

CPC classification number: G06Q50/08 ,  G01C15/00 ,  G06Q10/063 ,  H04L67/18

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for providing information regarding a locate and/or marking operation to identify a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility within a dig area. At least one notification indicating a status of the locate and/or marking operation is electronically transmitted and/or stored so as to inform at least one party associated with requesting the operation (a “requesting party,” e.g., an excavator, a property owner, a facility owner, a regulatory authority, a damage investigator, etc.) of the status of the operation. In one aspect, a requesting party may designate a preferred format, content, and/or method of receiving notifications regarding the locate and/or marking operation. In another aspect, a computer-generated GUI is provided to facilitate submission of requests, generation of “virtual white line” images to indicate one or more dig areas on a digital image of a work site, and/or selection of notifications and preferences for same. In yet another aspect, a requesting party may provide an acknowledgement of receipt (e.g., a “return receipt”) for one or more received notifications.

Abstract translation: 用于提供关于定位和/或标记操作的信息以识别挖掘区域内的至少一个地下设施的存在或不存在的方法，装置和系统。 电子传送和/或存储指示定位和/或标记操作状态的至少一个通知，以通知与请求操作有关的至少一方（“请求方”，例如挖掘机，业主 ，设施所有者，监管机构，损害调查员等）的操作状态。 在一个方面，请求方可以指定接收关于定位和/或标记操作的通知的优选格式，内容和/或方法。 在另一方面，提供计算机生成的GUI以便于提交请求，生成“虚拟白线”图像以指示工作站点的数字图像上的一个或多个挖掘区域，和/或选择通知和偏好的通知和偏好 相同。 在另一方面，请求方可以提供对于一个或多个接收到的通知的接收确认（例如，“返回收据”）。

公开(公告)号：US20100257477A1

公开(公告)日：2010-10-07

申请号：US12753664

申请日：2010-04-02

Applicant: Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

Inventor： Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

IPC: G06F3/048

CPC classification number: B60R1/00 ,  B60R2300/302 ,  B60R2300/304 ,  B60R2300/50 ,  G06K9/00791 ,  G06T11/60 ,  G07C5/008 ,  G07C5/085

Abstract: One or more electronic drawings may be generated to document and/or report an event, in which various elements of the drawing(s) include geographic reference information. A symbols library, a collection of images (e.g., geo-referenced images), geo-location data, and time and location data may be stored in memory for use in connection with such drawings, and a drawing tool graphical user interface (GUI) may be provided for electronically marking-up images on which one or more drawings are based. The marked-up images may be event-specific images, and may be integrated into various types of electronic reports for accurately depicting events of interest, such as personal injury events, vehicle accidents, and/or property damage events.

Abstract translation: 可以生成一个或多个电子图纸以记录和/或报告事件，其中附图的各个要素包括地理参考信息。 符号库，图像集合（例如，地理参考图像），地理位置数据和时间和位置数据可以存储在存储器中以用于与这些附图结合使用，以及绘图工具图形用户界面（GUI） 可以提供用于电子标记一个或多个附图所基于的图像。 标记图像可以是事件特定图像，并且可以被集成到各种类型的电子报告中，以准确地描绘感兴趣的事件，例如人身伤害事件，车辆事故和/或财产损失事件。

公开(公告)号：US20100253511A1

公开(公告)日：2010-10-07

申请号：US12818189

申请日：2010-06-18

Applicant: Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

Inventor： Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

IPC: G08B1/08

CPC classification number: G01V3/08 ,  G01V3/15

Abstract: In connection with a locate operation to detect a presence or absence of an underground facility, a magnetic field from an underground facility is detected, and one or more signals also are obtained that are indicative of one or more environmental conditions in an environment in which the underground facility is detected. The signal(s) indicative of the environmental condition(s) are compared to a target value or range of values to determine if an out-of-tolerance condition exists.

Abstract translation: 关于检测地下设施的存在或不存在的定位操作，检测到来自地下设施的磁场，并且还获得指示在环境中的一个或多个环境条件的一个或多个信号，其中 检测到地下设施。 将指示环境条件的信号与目标值或值的范围进行比较，以确定是否存在超出容限的条件。

公开(公告)号：US20100245086A1

公开(公告)日：2010-09-30

申请号：US12797211

申请日：2010-06-09

Applicant: Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

Inventor： Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

IPC: G08B21/00 ,  B05C11/00 ,  B05D1/00

CPC classification number: G01C15/04 ,  B05B12/0026 ,  B05B12/004 ,  B05B12/08 ,  B05B12/12 ,  B05B12/124 ,  B05B12/126 ,  B05D1/02 ,  B65D83/203 ,  E01C23/20 ,  E01C23/22 ,  E01C23/227 ,  G01C15/06 ,  G06Q10/06 ,  G06Q50/06 ,  G06Q50/08

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for facilitating a marking operation to indicate a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility. Marking information, including one or both of environmental information representative of at least one environmental condition of an environment in which the marking operation is located, and operating information representative of at least one operating condition of a marking device used to perform the marking operation, is received and compared to a target value or a range of values to determine if an out-of-tolerance condition exists.

Abstract translation: 用于促进标记操作以指示存在或不存在至少一个地下设施的方法，装置和系统。 标记信息，包括表示标记操作所处的环境的至少一个环境条件的环境信息中的一个或两个，以及表示用于执行标记操作的标记装置的至少一个操作条件的操作信息， 接收并与目标值或值范围进行比较，以确定是否存在超出公差的条件。