公开(公告)号：US20110137769A1

公开(公告)日：2011-06-09

申请号：US12940820

申请日：2010-11-05

Applicant: Steven NIELSEN ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

Inventor： Steven NIELSEN ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

IPC: G06Q10/00

CPC classification number: G06Q10/06 ,  G06Q10/1091 ,  G06Q40/125 ,  Y10T70/435

Abstract: Control of locating equipment used by a locate technician to perform a locate and/or marking operation to detect and/or mark a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility at a work site (e.g., locate receivers, locate transmitters, marking devices and/or combined locate and marking devices) is based on time-keeping information associated with the technician and/or wage and hour compliance information. In one example, one or more control signals are generated to at least partially enable or disable one or more piece of locating equipment based at least in part on a time clock status of the locate technician (e.g., clocked-in or clocked-out), and/or wage and hour compliance information associated with the locate technician and/or the work site (e.g., relating to required breaks and/or maximum number of work hours).

Abstract translation: 控制定位技术人员使用的定位设备执行定位和/或标记操作，以检测和/或标记工作现场至少一个地下设施的存在或不存在（例如，定位接收机，定位发射机，标记设备 和/或组合的定位和标记装置）基于与技术人员和/或工资和小时遵守信息相关联的计时信息。 在一个示例中，至少部分地基于定位技术人员的时钟状态（例如，定时输入或定时输出）来生成一个或多个控制信号以至少部分地启用或禁用一个或多个定位设备， ，和/或与定位技术人员和/或工作现场相关联的工资和小时合规信息（例如，与所需休息时间和/或最大工作时间数量有关）。

公开(公告)号：US20110135163A1

公开(公告)日：2011-06-09

申请号：US13028687

申请日：2011-02-16

Applicant: Steven NIELSEN ,  Curtis Chambers

Inventor： Steven NIELSEN ,  Curtis Chambers

IPC: G06K9/00

CPC classification number: G01V8/10 ,  G06T17/05

Abstract: Indicating a precise geographic extent and a precise geographic location of a dig area at a work site at which excavation is planned, to facilitate detection and/or marking of a presence or an absence of an underground facility in the dig area. A graphical user interface includes an aerial image of a geographic area proximate to and including the work site and the dig area, and a drawing tool to facilitate placement of one or more dig area indicators on the aerial image. A user uses the drawing tool to delimit the precise geographic extent and the precise geographic location of the dig area(s) on the displayed aerial image so as to form the dig area indicator(s), representing unbuffered dig areas, and thereby generate a marked-up aerial image. Geographic coordinates are determined corresponding to the unbuffered dig area(s) represented by the dig area indicator(s). A locate request ticket is generated that includes the marked-up aerial image itself, the geographic coordinates corresponding to the unbuffered dig area(s), and/or a link to a webpage at which the marked-up aerial image may be viewed and/or the geographic coordinates may be accessed.

Abstract translation: 指示在挖掘计划的工地上的挖掘区域的精确地理范围和精确的地理位置，以便于挖掘区域中存在或不存在地下设施的检测和/或标记。 图形用户界面包括靠近并包括工作现场和挖掘区域的地理区域的空中图像，以及用于有助于在空中图像上放置一个或多个挖掘区域指示符的绘图工具。 用户使用绘图工具来限定所显示的空间图像上的挖掘区域的精确地理范围和精确的地理位置，以形成挖掘区域指示符，代表无缓冲挖掘区域，从而生成 标记的航空图像。 对应于由挖掘区域指示符表示的无缓冲挖掘区域来确定地理坐标。 生成定位请求单，其中包括已标记的空中图像本身，对应于无缓冲挖掘区域的地理坐标，和/或到网页的链接，在该页面上可以查看已标记的航空图像和/ 或者可以访问地理坐标。

公开(公告)号：US20110095885A9

公开(公告)日：2011-04-28

申请号：US12571329

申请日：2009-09-30

Applicant: Steven E. Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

Inventor： Steven E. Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

IPC: G08B21/00

CPC classification number: G01V3/08 ,  G01V3/15

Abstract: Exemplary apparatus include locate devices that generate, store and/or transmit electronic records of locate information relating to detection of underground facilities. An exemplary method for analyzing and processing locate information includes a computer-implemented method for visually rendering (e.g., in a display field of a display device) various aspects of locate operations. In one implementation, an output stream of data packets may be provided, wherein each data packet includes one or more flag fields that are set or reset upon at least one actuation of an actuation system of a locate device, and wherein at least some of the data packets include locate information relating to a locate operation.

Abstract translation: 示例性设备包括生成，存储和/或发送与地下设备的检测有关的定位信息的电子记录的定位设备。 用于分析和处理定位信息的示例性方法包括用于视觉呈现（例如，在显示设备的显示领域中）定位操作的各个方面的计算机实现的方法。 在一个实现中，可以提供数据分组的输出流，其中每个数据分组包括在定位设备的致动系统的至少一个致动时设置或复位的一个或多个标志字段，并且其中至少一些 数据包包括与定位操作有关的定位信息。

公开(公告)号：USD634656S1

公开(公告)日：2011-03-22

申请号：US29356634

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

公开(公告)号：US20110035328A1

公开(公告)日：2011-02-10

申请号：US12837343

申请日：2010-07-15

Applicant: Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

Inventor： Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

IPC: G06Q10/00

CPC classification number: G06Q10/063 ,  B05B12/08 ,  B05B12/12 ,  B65D83/203 ,  G06Q10/06 ,  G06Q10/0631 ,  G06Q10/06311 ,  G06Q10/063112 ,  G06Q10/0633 ,  G06Q10/06398 ,  G06Q10/103

Abstract: A checklist is generated for a locate and/or marking operation to detect and/or 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 is planned to be excavated or disturbed during excavation activities. Ticket information that is derived from a ticket and/or a work order associated with the locate and/or marking operation is acquired and, based at least in part on the acquired ticket information, at least one task to be performed by a locate technician in connection with the locate and/or marking operation is determined. The checklist for the locate and/or marking operation is then generated, wherein the checklist comprises a plurality of checklist items to be processed pursuant to the locate and/or marking operation, and wherein at least one of the checklist items corresponds to the at least one task to be performed by the locate technician.

Abstract translation: 生成用于定位和/或标记操作的检查表以检测和/或标记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被计划被挖掘或干扰 在开挖活动期间。 获取从与所述定位和/或标记操作相关联的票据和/或工作订单得到的票证信息，并且至少部分地基于所获取的票据信息，由定位技术人员执行的至少一个任务 确定与定位和/或标记操作的连接。 然后产生用于定位和/或标记操作的检查表，其中检查表包括根据定位和/或标记操作要处理的多个检查表项，并且其中至少一个检查表项对应于至少 由定位技术人员执行的一个任务。

公开(公告)号：US20110035260A1

公开(公告)日：2011-02-10

申请号：US12837385

申请日：2010-07-15

Applicant: Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

Inventor： Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

IPC: G06Q10/00

CPC classification number: G06Q10/063 ,  B05B12/08 ,  B05B12/12 ,  B65D83/203 ,  G06Q10/06 ,  G06Q10/0631 ,  G06Q10/06311 ,  G06Q10/063112 ,  G06Q10/0633 ,  G06Q10/06398 ,  G06Q10/103

Abstract: Facilitating a quality assessment of a locate and/or marking operation to detect and/or 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 is planned to be excavated or disturbed during excavation activities. Electronic process guide information is acquired from a process guide associated with the locate and/or marking operation, wherein the process guide comprises at least one task to be performed by a locate technician in connection with the locate and/or marking operation. Performance information relating to at least one aspect of the locate and/or marking operation as performed by a locate technician is received, and prior to completion of the locate and/or marking operation, at least one indication of at least one aspect of a quality assessment of the locate and/or marking operation is generated based at least in part on the process guide information acquired from the process guide and the received performance information.

Abstract translation: 促进定位和/或标记操作的质量评估，以在挖掘区域内检测和/或标记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被挖掘或干扰 在开挖活动期间。 从与定位和/或标记操作相关联的处理指南获取电子处理指南信息，其中处理指南包括由定位技术人员与定位和/或标记操作有关的至少一个任务。 接收由定位技术人员执行的与定位和/或标记操作的至少一个方面有关的性能信息，并且在定位和/或标记操作完成之前，至少一个指示质量的至少一个方面 至少部分地基于从处理指南获取的处理指南信息和接收到的表现信息来生成定位和/或标记操作的评估。

公开(公告)号：US20110035251A1

公开(公告)日：2011-02-10

申请号：US12837330

申请日：2010-07-15

Applicant: Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

Inventor： Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

IPC: G06Q10/00 ,  G06F3/01

CPC classification number: G06Q10/063 ,  B05B12/08 ,  B05B12/12 ,  B65D83/203 ,  G06Q10/06 ,  G06Q10/0631 ,  G06Q10/06311 ,  G06Q10/063112 ,  G06Q10/0633 ,  G06Q10/06398 ,  G06Q10/103

Abstract: First ticket information is electronically received relating to at least one locate request ticket pertaining to a locate and/or marking operation, in which a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility within a dig area planned to be excavated or disturbed is detected and/or marked. A process guide for the locate and/or marking operation is executed and/or generated based at least in part on the first ticket information.

Abstract translation: 电子地接收与定位和/或标记操作相关的至少一个定位请求单的电子接收信息，其中检测到计划被挖掘或干扰的挖掘区域内的至少一个地下设施的存在或不存在，以及 /或标记。 至少部分地基于第一票信息执行和/或生成用于定位和/或标记操作的处理指南。

公开(公告)号：US20110022433A1

公开(公告)日：2011-01-27

申请号：US12823028

申请日：2010-06-24

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

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

IPC: G06Q10/00 ,  G06Q30/00

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 at least in part by parsing the locate request ticket. One or more business rules are applied to at least some of the ticket information to generate the ticket assessment outcome(s) for the attribute(s) of the locate and/or marking operation. The 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。 至少部分地通过解析定位请求票据从定位请求票据获得票据信息。 一个或多个业务规则被应用于至少一些票据信息以生成用于定位和/或标记操作的属性的票据评估结果。 票据评估结果被发送和/或存储，以便于清除定位请求票据和/或派遣定位技术人员执行定位和/或标记操作。

公开(公告)号：US20100285211A1

公开(公告)日：2010-11-11

申请号：US12764164

申请日：2010-04-21

Applicant: Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

Inventor： Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

IPC: B05D5/00

CPC classification number: G01C15/02

Abstract: Methods of using coded marking patterns in underground facilities locate operations are disclosed. Coded marking patterns may be dispensed, for example, on the surface of the ground to indicate types of facilities and any other useful information about the facilities. In one embodiment, coded marking patterns are provided that include a combination of marking material color to indicate types of facilities and unique marking patterns to indicate any other information about the facilities that may be beneficial to, for example, excavators and/or any other interested parties, such as facility owners. In another embodiment, color-agnostic coded marking patterns include unique marking patterns that may be dispensed using any color for indicating the types of facilities.

Abstract translation: 公开了在地下设施定位操作中使用编码标记图案的方法。 编码标记图案可以例如在地面上分配以指示设施的类型以及关于设施的任何其它有用的信息。 在一个实施例中，提供了编码标记图案，其包括标记材料颜色的组合以指示设施的类型和独特的标记图案，以指示关于可能有益于例如挖掘机和/或任何其他感兴趣的设施的任何其他信息 各方，如设施业主。 在另一个实施例中，颜色不可知编码标记图案包括可以使用任何颜色分配用于指示设施类型的独特标记图案。

公开(公告)号：US20100268786A1

公开(公告)日：2010-10-21

申请号：US12824671

申请日：2010-06-28

Applicant: Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

Inventor： Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

IPC: G06F15/16 ,  G06F15/177

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”）。