公开(公告)号：US20110060549A1

公开(公告)日：2011-03-10

申请号：US12855977

申请日：2010-08-13

Applicant: Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

Inventor： Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

IPC: G06F19/00

CPC classification number: G06Q10/06 ,  B65D83/203 ,  B65D83/36 ,  G01C15/06 ,  G06Q50/08

Abstract: Marking devices of the type used for marking a presence or an absence of underground facilities and including motion detectors such as accelerometers are described. Methods of collecting and analyzing motion information indicative of the motion of a marking device are also described. The motion information may be used for various purposes, including documenting performance of a marking operation and/or performance of a particular technician, pattern determination and comparison, as well as quality control assessment.

Abstract translation: 描述了用于标记地下设施的存在或不存在的类型的标记装置，并且包括诸如加速度计的运动检测器。 还描述了收集和分析指示标记装置的运动的运动信息的方法。 运动信息可以用于各种目的，包括记录标记操作的性能和/或特定技术人员的表现，模式确定和比较以及质量控制评估。

公开(公告)号：US20110040590A1

公开(公告)日：2011-02-17

申请号：US12840481

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. A record of a completed locate and/or marking operation is analyzed, and one or more information assets used for assessing locate and/or marking operations requested in locate request tickets is updated. The information asset(s) include one or more business rules to be applied to ticket information to obtain one or more ticket assessment outcomes.

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。 分析完成的定位和/或标记操作的记录，并且更新用于评估定位请求单中请求的定位和/或标记操作的一个或多个信息资产。 信息资产包括要应用于票据信息的一个或多个业务规则以获得一个或多个票据评估结果。

公开(公告)号：US20110035252A1

公开(公告)日：2011-02-10

申请号：US12837353

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: Processing a checklist for a locate and/or marking operation to detect 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, wherein the checklist comprises a plurality of checklist items to be processed pursuant to the locate and/or marking operation. The checklist is displayed to a locate technician performing the locate and/or marking operation, and a status of at least one of the checklist items is determined based at least in part on at least one input received in connection with the locate and/or marking operation. An updated checklist is generated based on the status of the at least one of the checklist items.

Abstract translation: 处理用于定位和/或标记操作的检查表以检测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在挖掘活动期间被挖掘或干扰，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目。 该清单被显示给执行定位​​和/或标记操作的定位技术人员，并且至少部分地基于至少一个与定位和/或标记相关联的输入来确定该清单项中的至少一个的状态 操作。 基于该清单项目中的至少一个的状态生成更新的清单。

公开(公告)号：US20110020776A1

公开(公告)日：2011-01-27

申请号：US12823498

申请日：2010-06-25

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: G09B23/40 ,  G09B25/06

Abstract: Training systems for and methods of simulating locate operations are provided for training and/or skills evaluation. Facility locating equipment, such as on-site computers and/or locate receivers, may include modules for electronically simulating locate operations. Locating equipment including simulation modules may be used, for example, in locate technician training processes and/or for updating and/or evaluating the skills of locate technicians. In particular, a simulation module is provided for electronically generating “virtual” facilities, the presence and/or absence of which may be indicated to a locate technician during, for example, a training exercise. The actions of the locate technicians with respect to dispensing marking material that corresponds to the presence and/or absence of the virtual facilities are electronically captured, stored, and evaluated.

Abstract translation: 为训练和/或技能评估提供训练系统和模拟定位操作的方法。 诸如现场计算机和/或定位接收器的设备定位设备可以包括用于电子地模拟定位操作的模块。 可以使用包括模拟模块在内的定位设备，例如在定位技术员培训过程中和/或用于更新和/或评估定位技术人员的技能。 特别地，提供了用于电子地生成“虚拟”设施的模拟模块，例如在训练练习期间可以向定位技术人员指示其存在和/或不存在。 电子捕获，存储和评估定位技术人员关于分配与虚拟设施的存在和/或不存在对应的标记材料的动作。

公开(公告)号：US20100262670A1

公开(公告)日：2010-10-14

申请号：US12824635

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：US20100256912A1

公开(公告)日：2010-10-07

申请号：US12818199

申请日：2010-06-18

Applicant: Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

Inventor： Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

IPC: G01V3/12 ,  G06F19/00

CPC classification number: G01V3/08 ,  G01V3/15

Abstract: In a locate operation to detect a presence or absence of at least one underground facility using a locate device, an applied signal is transmitted to the at least one underground facility, and/or a magnetic field emitted from the at least one underground facility is detected. Environmental information is obtained regarding at least one environmental condition of an environment in which the locate device is used, and information relating to the signal transmission, field detection and/or environmental information is logged into local memory of the locate device.

Abstract translation: 在使用定位装置检测至少一个地下设施的存在或不存在的定位操作中，将所施加的信号传送到所述至少一个地下设施，和/或从所述至少一个地下设施发射的磁场被检测到 。 获得关于使用定位装置的环境的至少一个环境条件的环境信息，并且与信号传输，场检测和/或环境信息有关的信息被登录到定位装置的本地存储器中。

公开(公告)号：US20100255182A1

公开(公告)日：2010-10-07

申请号：US12797202

申请日：2010-06-09

Applicant: Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

Inventor： Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

IPC: B05D1/00 ,  B05C11/00

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 performing a marking operation to mark a presence or absence of at least one underground facility using a marking device. Marking material is dispensed onto a target surface via actuation of an actuation system of the marking device. A location tracking system detects a location of the marking device. One or more input devices of the marking device detect(s) one or more operating conditions of the marking device, and marking information is logged into local memory of the marking device. In one aspect, at least some operating information relating to the one or more detected conditions of the marking device are included in the marking information logged into memory.

Abstract translation: 用于执行标记操作以使用标记装置标记至少一个地下设施的存在或不存在的方法，装置和系统。 标记材料通过致动标记装置的致动系统被分配到目标表面上。 位置跟踪系统检测标记装置的位置。 标记装置的一个或多个输入装置检测标记装置的一个或多个操作条件，并且标记信息被记录到标记装置的本地存储器中。 在一个方面，至少一些与标记装置的一个或多个检测到的条件相关的操作信息被包括在登录到存储器中的标记信息中。

公开(公告)号：US20100253514A1

公开(公告)日：2010-10-07

申请号：US12818198

申请日：2010-06-18

Applicant: Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

Inventor： Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

IPC: G08B21/18 ,  G06F19/00 ,  G01V3/12

CPC classification number: G01V3/08 ,  G01V3/15

Abstract: A locate transmitter and method for performing a locate operation to detect a presence or absence of an underground facility. An applied signal is generated to be applied along the underground facility. One or more environmental conditions of an environment in which the transmitted is located are detected and compared to a target value or range of values to determine if an out-of-tolerance condition exists.

Abstract translation: 一种用于执行定位操作以检测地下设施的存在或不存在的定位发射器和方法。 产生施加的信号以沿着地下设施施加。 检测发送位置的环境的一个或多个环境条件，并将其与目标值或值范围进行比较，以确定是否存在超出容差条件。

公开(公告)号：US20100205031A1

公开(公告)日：2010-08-12

申请号：US12703322

申请日：2010-02-10

Applicant: Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

Inventor： Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

IPC: G06Q10/00 ,  G08B21/00 ,  H04W4/12 ,  G06F3/048

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.

公开(公告)号：US20100189312A1

公开(公告)日：2010-07-29

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: G06K9/00

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）。