公开(公告)号：US20100263591A1

公开(公告)日：2010-10-21

申请号：US12797262

申请日：2010-06-09

Applicant: Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

Inventor： Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

IPC: 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: 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：US20100256825A1

公开(公告)日：2010-10-07

申请号：US12797169

申请日：2010-06-09

Applicant: Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

Inventor： Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

IPC: G05D7/00

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 marking a presence or absence of an underground facility. Marking material is dispensed, via actuation of an actuation system of a marking device, onto a target surface. Environmental information regarding at least one environmental condition of an environment in which the marking device is located is received via at least one communication interface of the marking device, and marking information is logged into local memory of the marking device. In one aspect, the stored marking information includes at least some of the environmental information.

Abstract translation: 用于标记地下设施存在或不存在的方法，装置和系统。 通过致动标记装置的致动系统将标记材料分配到目标表面上。 经由标记装置的至少一个通信接口接收关于标记装置所处的环境的至少一个环境状况的环境信息，并且将标记信息记录到标记装置的本地存储器中。 在一个方面，所存储的标记信息至少包括一些环境信息。

公开(公告)号：US20100205195A1

公开(公告)日：2010-08-12

申请号：US12475935

申请日：2009-06-01

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

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

IPC: G06F17/30

CPC classification number: G06T11/203 ,  G06Q10/06311 ,  G06Q10/06313 ,  G06T11/60 ,  G06T2210/61 ,  G07B15/00

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for facilitating detection of a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility within a dig area. Source data representing one or more input images of a geographic area including the dig area is electronically received at a first user location, which may be remote from the dig area. The source data is processed so as to display at least a portion of the input image(s) on a display device. One or more indicators are added to the displayed input image(s), via a user input device associated with the display device, to provide at least one indication of the dig area and thereby generate a marked-up digital image. The marked-up digital image may be electronically bundled with information from a corresponding ticket. A descriptor file may be used to identify one or more marked-up images corresponding to a ticket.

Abstract translation: 用于便于检测挖掘区域内至少一个地下设施的存在或不存在的方法和装置。 代表包括挖掘区域的地理区域的一个或多个输入图像的源数据在可能远离挖掘区域的第一用户位置被电子地接收。 处理源数据以在显示装置上显示输入图像的至少一部分。 通过与显示设备相关联的用户输入设备将一个或多个指示符添加到所显示的输入图像，以提供挖掘区域的至少一个指示，从而生成标记的数字图像。 标记的数字图像可以电子捆绑来自相应票据的信息。 描述符文件可用于识别对应于票证的一个或多个标记图像。

公开(公告)号：US20100205032A1

公开(公告)日：2010-08-12

申请号：US12703809

申请日：2010-02-11

Applicant: Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

Inventor： Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

IPC: G06Q10/00 ,  G06F3/048 ,  G05D7/06 ,  G01V3/08

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: Marking apparatus and methods, in which first ticket information relating to a locate request ticket is received, and second ticket information derived from the first ticket information is displayed on a display device of the marking apparatus. A field technician may provide some input to generate an electronic record or log of technician activity during a marking operation. In one example, a checklist may be generated (e.g., based at least in part on the first ticket information) and displayed locally to the technician as a guide to perform and verify various aspects of the operation. In another example, a set of instructions or “workflow” may be generated to guide the technician through a sequence of steps to perform the marking operation. Performance via a process guide (e.g., checklist or workflow) may be interactive in that the technician may provide input, or automated/semi-automated by analyzing various information collected by the marking apparatus with respect to the ticket information and/or other available information germane to the operation.

Abstract translation: 其中接收到与定位请求单相关的第一票信息和从第一票信息导出的第二票信息的标记装置和方法被显示在标记装置的显示装置上。 现场技术人员可以提供一些输入以在标记操作期间生成电子记录或技术人员活动记录。 在一个示例中，可以生成清单（例如，至少部分地基于第一票据信息），并且在本地显示给技术人员作为执行和验证操作的各个方面的指导。 在另一示例中，可以生成一组指令或“工作流程”，以引导技术人员执行一系列步骤来执行标记操作。 通过过程指南（例如，清单或工作流程）的性能可以是互动的，因为技术人员可以通过分析由标记设备收集的关于票据信息和/或其他可用信息的各种信息来提供输入或自动/半自动化 与操作密切相关。

公开(公告)号：US20100201706A1

公开(公告)日：2010-08-12

申请号：US12475905

申请日：2009-06-01

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

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

IPC: G09G5/00 ,  G06F17/30

CPC classification number: G06T11/203 ,  G06Q10/06311 ,  G06Q10/06313 ,  G06T11/60 ,  G06T2210/61 ,  G07B15/00

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for facilitating detection of a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility within a dig area. Source data representing one or more input images of a geographic area including the dig area is electronically received at a first user location, which may be remote from the dig area. The source data is processed so as to display at least a portion of the input image(s) on a display device. One or more indicators are added to the displayed input image(s), via a user input device associated with the display device, to provide at least one indication of the dig area and thereby generate a marked-up digital image. In the case of a staged excavation project, the input image, or a plurality of associated images, may include indicia of multiple dig areas corresponding to multiple stages of the staged excavation project.

公开(公告)号：US20100188245A1

公开(公告)日：2010-07-29

申请号：US12704087

申请日：2010-02-11

Applicant: Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

Inventor： Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

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

CPC classification number: G01V3/08 ,  G01V3/15

Abstract: Locate information relating to use of a locate device to perform a locate operation may be acquired from one or more input devices, logged/stored in local memory of a locate device, formatted in various manners, processed and/or analyzed at the locate device itself, and/or transmitted to another device (e.g., a remote computer/server) for storage, processing and/or analysis. In one example, a locate device may include one or more environmental sensors and/or operational sensors, and the locate 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 locate device, assess out-of-tolerance conditions in connection with use of the locate 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 detecting tip of the locate device during use, a group/solo mode, and tactile functionality of a user interface.

Abstract translation: 可以从定位设备本身存储器中记录/存储的定位设备的本地存储器中获取与使用定位设备执行定位操作相关的信息，以定位设备本身进行处理和/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，定位设备可以包括一个或多个环境传感器和/或操作传感器，并且定位信息可以包括从这样的传感器导出的环境信息和操作信息。 可以使用环境和/或操作信息来控制定位设备的操作，评估与定位设备的使用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定位装置的检测尖端，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：US20100188216A1

公开(公告)日：2010-07-29

申请号：US12701501

申请日：2010-02-05

Applicant: STEVEN NIELSEN ,  CURTIS CHAMBERS ,  JEFFREY FARR

Inventor： STEVEN NIELSEN ,  CURTIS CHAMBERS ,  JEFFREY FARR

IPC: G08B21/00 ,  G06T11/20

CPC classification number: G09B29/00 ,  G01V3/081 ,  G06Q10/06

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). In one aspect, a location at which an indication of detection of a facility is generated is compared to a location of a facility line as indicated by the facilities map information/image information, and an alert is generated based on the comparison.

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）。 在一个方面，将生成设施的检测指示的位置与设施地图信息/图像信息所示的设施线路的位置进行比较，并且基于比较生成警报。

公开(公告)号：US20100188088A1

公开(公告)日：2010-07-29

申请号：US12701500

申请日：2010-02-05

Applicant: STEVEN NIELSEN ,  CURTIS CHAMBERS ,  JEFFREY FARR

Inventor： STEVEN NIELSEN ,  CURTIS CHAMBERS ,  JEFFREY FARR

IPC: G01V3/10 ,  G01C21/00 ,  G09G5/00

CPC classification number: G01V3/10 ,  G01S19/13 ,  G06F16/29 ,  G06Q10/06 ,  G09B29/00

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：US20100088135A1

公开(公告)日：2010-04-08

申请号：US12572260

申请日：2009-10-01

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

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

IPC: G06Q10/00 ,  G06F17/00

CPC classification number: H04W84/08 ,  E21B7/046 ,  E21D11/00 ,  G06Q10/06 ,  G06Q10/0639 ,  G06Q10/06395 ,  G06Q10/06398 ,  G06Q50/08 ,  H04W4/10 ,  H04W80/04

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems including a computer comprising at least one hardware processor, at least one tangible storage medium (memory), and at least one input/output (I/O) interface for evaluating a quality of a locate and/or marking operation. First information relating to the locate and/or marking operation is compared to second information relating to one or more environmental landmarks. One or more indications of a quality assessment of the locate and/or marking operation is automatically generated based on such a comparison, and the one or more indications of the quality assessment are electronically stored on the at least one tangible storage medium, and/or electronically transmitted via the at least one I/O interface, so as to provide an electronic record of the quality assessment.

Abstract translation: 包括计算机的方法，装置和系统包括至少一个硬件处理器，至少一个有形存储介质（存储器）以及用于评估定位和/或标记操作的质量的至少一个输入/输出（I / O）接口 。 将与定位和/或标记操作相关的第一信息与与一个或多个环境地标相关的第二信息进行比较。 基于这样的比较，自动地产生对定位和/或标记操作的质量评估的一个或多个指示，并且质量评估的一个或多个指示被电子地存储在至少一个有形存储介质上，和/或 通过至少一个I / O接口电子传输，以便提供质量评估的电子记录。

公开(公告)号：US20100086677A1

公开(公告)日：2010-04-08

申请号：US12539497

申请日：2009-08-11

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

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

IPC: B05C5/00 ,  B05D1/02

CPC classification number: G09B29/003 ,  G01C15/06 ,  G06Q10/06 ,  G06Q50/06 ,  G06Q50/08 ,  H04L69/22

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating electronic records of marking operations for underground facilities/utilities. Electronic records of marking information may be 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, multiple pieces of geo-location data (e.g., from a GPS receiver) are collected and logged per actuation of a marking device (e.g., a trigger-pull to dispense marking material). A computer-generated image or other visual representation of the marking operation may be electronically rendered in a display field based on logged marking information, essentially in real time as the marking operation is conducted, and/or recreated thereafter based on one or more stored electronic records.

Abstract translation: 用于生成地下设施/公用设施标识作业电子记录的方法和装置。 标记信息的电子记录可以记录/存储在标记设备的本地存储器中，以各种方式格式化，在标记设备本身处理和/或分析，和/或传输到另一设备（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，每个致动标记装置（例如，用于分配标记材料的触发拉）来收集和记录多个地理位置数据（例如，来自GPS接收器）。 计算机生成的图像或标记操作的其他视觉表示可以基于记录的标记信息在显示领域中被电子地呈现，基本上在进行标记操作时实时地进行，和/或之后基于一个或多个存储的电子 记录。