公开(公告)号：US08527308B2

公开(公告)日：2013-09-03

申请号：US12701505

申请日：2010-02-05

Applicant: Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

Inventor： Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

IPC: G06Q10/00

CPC classification number: G09G5/377 ,  G01C15/02 ,  G06Q10/06 ,  G06Q30/02 ,  G09B29/006 ,  G09B29/10

Abstract: A locate device for a locate operation to detect a presence or an absence of one or more underground facilities is configured to access and display facilities map information, and/or other image information, as a visual aid to facilitate the locate operation. In various aspects, methods and apparatus relate to: selection of an appropriate “base” facilities map, or information from a database of facilities map data, relating to a given work site/dig area; selection of an appropriate pan and/or zoom (resolution) for displaying facilities map information; appropriately updating displayed facilities map information while a locate device is used during a locate operation (e.g. changing pan, zoom and/or orientation); overlaying on the displayed facilities map information locate information and/or landmark information relating to the locate operation; and storing locally on the locate device, and/or transmitting from the locate device, facilities map information and/or overlaid locate/landmark information (e.g., for further processing, analysis and/or subsequent display).

Abstract translation: 用于检测一个或多个地下设施的存在或不存在的定位操作的定位设备被配置为访问和显示设施地图信息和/或其他图像信息作为视觉辅助以便于定位操作。 在各个方面，方法和装置涉及：选择适当的“基础”设施图，或者从与给定工作地点/挖掘区相关的设施地图数据的数据库的信息; 选择用于显示设施地图信息的适当的平移和/或缩放（分辨率）; 在定位操作期间使用定位装置（例如，改变平移，缩放和/或取向）适当地更新显示的设施地图信息; 覆盖所显示的设施地图信息定位信息和/或与定位操作相关的地标信息; 并且定位设备本地存储和/或从定位设备发送设施地图信息和/或重叠的定位/地标信息（例如，用于进一步处理，分析和/或后续显示）。

公开(公告)号：US20130187942A1

公开(公告)日：2013-07-25

申请号：US13796487

申请日：2013-03-12

Applicant: Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

Inventor： Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

IPC: G06T11/00

CPC classification number: G06T11/60 ,  G06F3/0481 ,  G06K9/00 ,  G06K9/0063 ,  G06K9/3208 ,  G06K2009/3225 ,  G06T11/001 ,  G06T2207/30204 ,  G09B29/007 ,  G09B29/106

Abstract: A technician performs a locate operation of an underground utility in a dig area of proposed excavation by applying one or more physical colored markers (e.g., paint, flags, other colored markers) to ground, pavement or other surface to indicate a presence or an absence of the underground utility in the dig area. A digital image of a geographic area comprising the dig area is displayed on a display device, and one or more electronic colored markers corresponding to the physical colored marker(s) are added to the displayed digital image so as to generate a marked-up image. Information relating to the marked-up image is electronically transmitted and/or electronically stored so as to document the locate operation.

Abstract translation: 技术人员通过将一种或多种物理彩色标记（例如，油漆，标志，其他有色标记）施加到地面，路面或其他表面来指示存在或不存在，在拟议的挖掘挖掘区域中执行地下工地的定位操作 在挖掘地区的地下工程。 将包括挖掘区域的地理区域的数字图像显示在显示装置上，并且将与物理彩色标记相对应的一个或多个电子彩色标记添加到所显示的数字图像中，以便生成标记图像 。 与标记的图像有关的信息被电子传输和/或电子存储，以记录定位操作。

公开(公告)号：US20130186333A1

公开(公告)日：2013-07-25

申请号：US13797229

申请日：2013-03-12

Applicant: Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

Inventor： Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

IPC: G06T11/60

CPC classification number: G06T11/60 ,  G01C15/02 ,  G06Q10/06 ,  G06Q10/063 ,  G06Q10/103 ,  G09B29/007

Abstract: A marking device for a marking operation to mark a presence or an absence of one or more underground facilities is configured to access and display facilities map information, and/or other image information, as a visual aid to facilitate the marking operation. In various aspects, methods and apparatus relate to: selection of a “base” facilities map, or information from a database of facilities map data, relating to a given work site/dig area; selection of a pan and/or zoom (resolution) for displaying facilities map information; updating displayed facilities map information while a marking device is used during a marking operation (e.g. changing pan, zoom and/or orientation); overlaying on the displayed facilities map information marking information and/or landmark information relating to the marking operation; and storing locally on the marking device, and/or transmitting from the marking device, facilities map information and/or overlaid marking/landmark information (e.g., for further processing, analysis and/or subsequent display).

Abstract translation: 用于标记一个或多个地下设施的存在或不存在的标记操作的标记装置被配置为访问和显示设施地图信息和/或其他图像信息作为视觉辅助以促进标记操作。 在各个方面，方法和装置涉及：与指定的工作地点/挖掘区域相关的“基础”设施图或来自设施地图数据的数据库的信息的选择; 选择用于显示设施地图信息的平移和/或缩放（分辨率）; 在标记操作期间（例如，改变平移，缩放和/或取向）中使用标记装置时更新显示的设施地图信息; 覆盖所显示的设施地图信息标记信息和/或与标记操作有关的地标信息; 和/或从标记装置传送设施图信息和/或重叠标记/地标信息（例如，用于进一步处理，分析和/或随后显示）。

公开(公告)号：US20130174072A9

公开(公告)日：2013-07-04

申请号：US13194163

申请日：2011-07-29

Applicant: Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

Inventor： Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

IPC: G06F3/048

CPC classification number: G06F17/30371 ,  G06F3/0482 ,  G06F17/30241 ,  G06Q50/06 ,  G09G5/00

Abstract: Generating a searchable electronic record of a locate operation performed by a locate technician. The locate operation comprises identifying, using at least one physical locate mark, a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility within a dig area, wherein at least a portion of the dig area may be excavated or disturbed during excavation activities. A bare grid is displayed on display device and, via a user input device associated with the display device, at least one digital representation of the at least one physical locate mark is added to the displayed bare grid so as to generate a marked-up grid including the at least one digital representation of the at least one physical locate mark. Information relating to the marked-up grid is electronically transmitted and/or stored so as to generate the searchable electronic record of the locate operation.

Abstract translation: 生成由定位技术人员执行的定位操作的可搜索的电子记录。 定位操作包括使用至少一个物理定位标记来识别挖掘区域内的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可能在挖掘活动期间被挖掘或干扰。 在显示设备上显示裸网格，并且通过与显示设备相关联的用户输入设备，将至少一个物理定位标记的至少一个数字表示添加到所显示的裸网格，以便生成标记网格 包括所述至少一个物理定位标记的至少一个数字表示。 与标记的网格相关的信息被电子传输和/或存储，以便产生定位操作的可搜索的电子记录。

公开(公告)号：US08468206B2

公开(公告)日：2013-06-18

申请号：US12824612

申请日：2010-06-28

Applicant: Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

Inventor： Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

IPC: G06F15/16

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：USD684067S1

公开(公告)日：2013-06-11

申请号：US29413451

申请日：2012-02-15

Applicant: Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr ,  James T. Sener ,  Christopher D. Hageman

Designer： Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr ,  James T. Sener ,  Christopher D. Hageman

公开(公告)号：US08442766B2

公开(公告)日：2013-05-14

申请号：US12703958

申请日：2010-02-11

Applicant: Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

Inventor： Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

IPC: G01C21/00

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: Marking information relating to use of a marking device to perform a marking operation may be acquired from one or more input devices, logged/stored in local memory of a marking device, formatted in various manners, processed and/or analyzed at the marking device itself, and/or transmitted to another device (e.g., a remote computer/server) for storage, processing and/or analysis. In one example, a marking device may include one or more environmental sensors and/or operational sensors, and the marking information may include environmental information and operational information derived from such sensors. Environmental and/or operational information may be used to control operation of the marking device, assess out-of-tolerance conditions in connection with use of the marking device, and/or provide alerts or other feedback. Additional enhancements are disclosed relating to improving the determination of a location (e.g., GPS coordinates) of a dispensing tip of the marking device during use, a group/solo mode, and tactile functionality of a user interface.

Abstract translation: 可以从记录/存储在标记设备的本地存储器中的一个或多个输入设备获取与使用标记设备执行标记操作的标记信息，其以各种方式被格式化，在标记设备本身处理和/或分析 ，和/或被发送到另一个设备（例如，远程计算机/服务器）用于存储，处理和/或分析。 在一个示例中，标记装置可以包括一个或多个环境传感器和/或操作传感器，并且标记信息可以包括从这样的传感器得到的环境信息和操作信息。 可以使用环境和/或操作信息来控制标记装置的操作，评估与使用标记装置有关的超出公差状况，和/或提供警报或其他反馈。 公开了关于改善在使用期间标记装置的分配尖端，用户界面的组/独奏模式和触觉功能的位置（例如，GPS坐标）的确定的附加增强。

公开(公告)号：US20120019380A1

公开(公告)日：2012-01-26

申请号：US13190138

申请日：2011-07-25

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

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

IPC: G08B1/08 ,  G09G5/00

CPC classification number: G06F17/30371 ,  G06F3/0482 ,  G06F17/30241 ,  G06Q50/06 ,  G09G5/00

Abstract: Generating an accuracy-referenced electronic record of a locate and/or marking operation performed by a locate technician. The locate and/or marking operation comprises locating and/or identifying, using at least one physical locate mark, a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility within a dig area, wherein at least a portion of the dig area may be excavated or disturbed during excavation activities. A location of the at least one underground facility and/or the at least one physical locate mark is electronically rendered on a display device so as to generate an electronic visual representation of the locate and/or marking operation. An accuracy of the represented location is digitally represented on the display device using at least one accuracy indicator overlaid on the electronic visual representation of the locate and/or marking operation so as to generate an accuracy-annotated representation of the locate and/or marking operation. Information relating to the accuracy-annotated representation of the locate and/or marking operation is electronically transmitted and/or stored so as to generate the accuracy-referenced electronic record of the locate and/or marking operation.

Abstract translation: 生成由定位技术人员执行的定位和/或标记操作的精确度参考的电子记录。 定位和/或标记操作包括使用至少一个物理定位标记来定位和/或识别挖掘区域内的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可以被挖掘 或在开挖活动期间受到干扰。 至少一个地下设施的位置和/或至少一个物理定位标记被电子地呈现在显示设备上，以便产生定位和/或标记操作的电子视觉表示。 代表位置的准确性在显示设备上使用覆盖在定位和/或标记操作的电子视觉表示上的至少一个精度指示器进行数字化表示，以便生成定位和/或标记操作的精确注释表示 。 与定位和/或标记操作的准确性标注表示相关的信息被电子传输和/或存储，以便产生定位和/或标记操作的精确度参考的电子记录。

公开(公告)号：US20110249394A1

公开(公告)日：2011-10-13

申请号：US13017880

申请日：2011-01-31

Applicant: Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr ,  Tony Davani

Inventor： Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr ,  Tony Davani

IPC: G06F1/16

CPC classification number: G06F1/1632 ,  G06F1/1635 ,  G06F3/048

Abstract: A docking station to dock locating equipment (e.g., marking devices, locate devices, combined locate and marking devices) may be communicatively coupled to and/or equipped with a mobile/portable device (e.g., a mobile phone, personal digital assistant or other portable computing device) that provides processing, electronic storage, electronic display, user interface, communication facilities and/or other functionality (e.g., GPS-enabled functionality) for the docking station. A mobile/portable device may be mechanically and/or electrically coupled to the docking station. The mobile/portable device may provide redundant, shared and/or backup functionality for the docking station to enhance robustness. In one example, the mobile/portable device itself serves as a docking station for the locating equipment.

Abstract translation: 用于对接定位设备（例如，标记设备，定位设备，组合定位和标记设备）的对接站可以通信地耦合到和/或配备有移动/便携式设备（例如，移动电话，个人数字助理或其他便携式设备 计算设备），其为对接站提供处理，电子存储，电子显示，用户界面，通信设施和/或其他功能（例如，启用GPS的功能）。 移动/便携式设备可以机械地和/或电耦合到对接站。 移动/便携式设备可以为对接站提供冗余，共享和/或备份功能以增强鲁棒性。 在一个示例中，移动/便携式设备本身用作定位设备的坞站。

公开(公告)号：USD634657S1

公开(公告)日：2011-03-22

申请号：US29356635

申请日：2010-03-01

Applicant: Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr ,  William Johnson ,  Arthur DiMartino ,  Ronald Altman ,  Arthur Mistler ,  David Mathieu ,  James Sener ,  Christopher Hageman ,  Scott Smith ,  Joseph Paul

Designer： Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr ,  William Johnson ,  Arthur DiMartino ,  Ronald Altman ,  Arthur Mistler ,  David Mathieu ,  James Sener ,  Christopher Hageman ,  Scott Smith ,  Joseph Paul