公开(公告)号：US20110046999A1

公开(公告)日：2011-02-24

申请号：US12850187

申请日：2010-08-04

Applicant: Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

Inventor： Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

IPC: G06Q10/00

CPC classification number: G06Q30/02 ,  G06Q10/063 ,  G06Q10/06393

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 marking operation (e.g., marking information) is compared to second information relating to the locate operation (e.g., locate information). In some examples, one or both of the marking information and the locate information may be filtered to improve data integrity in some manner. 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 。 将与标记操作有关的第一信息（例如，标记信息）与与定位操作有关的第二信息（例如，定位信息）进行比较。 在一些示例中，可以对标记信息和定位信息中的一个或两个进行过滤以以某种方式提高数据完整性。 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：US20110035324A1

公开(公告)日：2011-02-10

申请号：US12837368

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: Generating a workflow 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 is acquired that is derived from a ticket and/or a work order associated with the locate and/or marking operation. Based at least in part on the acquired ticket information, the workflow is generated for the locate and/or marking operation, wherein the workflow comprises a series of tasks to be performed by a locate technician in connection with the locate and/or marking operation. The workflow is transmitted via a communication interface and/or stored in a memory.

Abstract translation: 产生用于定位和/或标记操作的工作流以检测和/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在 挖掘活动。 获取从票据和/或与定位和/或标记操作相关联的工作订单得出的票据信息。 至少部分地基于获取的票据信息，为定位和/或标记操作生成工作流程，其中工作流包括由定位技术人员与定位和/或标记操作相结合执行的一系列任务。 工作流通过通信接口传输和/或存储在存储器中。

公开(公告)号：US20110007076A1

公开(公告)日：2011-01-13

申请号：US12831330

申请日：2010-07-07

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

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

IPC: G06T11/20 ,  G06F17/30

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

Abstract: Manual, semi-automated or automated image-based electronic manifests of locate operations. Multiple image layers may be selectively enabled or disabled for display to facilitate comparative viewing of different base images and/or categories of information overlaid on the base image(s) relating to the locate operation. Accuracy indicators and/or calibration factors may be employed to ensure geographic integrity and appropriate registration of displayed information. In one example, revision layers are employed so that “raw” data, modified data, and/or annotated images may be maintained and locked to prevent unauthorized modifications. Limited access files also may be employed to prevent unauthorized edits to or use of manifests. If a digital base image is not available or of poor quality, base images may be sketched manually (e.g., on a displayed grid) with a drawing tool, and/or edge-detection and other image processing algorithms may be employed to improve feature recognition and/or remove undesirable features. Safeguards are employed to ensure that manifests are created at or near the work site, and information in the manifests may be analyzed to assess labor/material costs.

Abstract translation: 手动，半自动或自动化的基于图像的电子清单的定位操作。 可以选择性地启用或禁用多个图像层以进行显示，以便于比较观看覆盖在与定位操作有关的基础图像上的不同基础图像和/或信息类别。 可以采用精度指示器和/或校准因子来确保显示信息的地理完整性和适当的注册。 在一个示例中，采用修订层，使得可以维护和锁定“原始”数据，修改的数据和/或注释的图像以防止未经授权的修改。 有限的访问文件也可用于防止未经授权的编辑或使用清单。 如果数字基础图像不可用或质量差，可以使用绘图工具手动（例如，在显示的网格上）绘制基本图像，和/或边缘检测和其他图像处理算法可以改进特征识别 和/或去除不需要的特征。 采用保障措施来确保在工地或其附近创建清单，并且可以分析清单中的信息以评估劳动力/材料成本。

公开(公告)号：US20100318401A1

公开(公告)日：2010-12-16

申请号：US12833117

申请日：2010-07-09

Applicant: Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

Inventor： Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

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: First ticket information relating to one or more locate request tickets identifying a dig area is electronically received, including first image data associated with the dig area. The first image data includes one or both of: i) a marked-up digital image of a geographic area including the dig area, the marked-up digital image including 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 dig area is inspected based at least in part on the first ticket information, and using one or more pieces of locating equipment to determine a presence or an absence of one or more underground facilities and/or physically mark the dig area with one or more physical locate marks. One or more of marking information, locate information, and landmark information is electronically added to the marked-up digital image and/or a second digital image so as to provide an updated marked-up image relating to the locate operation as performed. An electronic manifest is generated relating to the locate operation and including the updated marked-up image.

Abstract translation: 电子地接收与识别挖掘区域的一个或多个定位请求票单相关的第一票据信息，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数字图像，所标记的数字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。 挖掘区域至少部分地基于第一票信息进行检查，并且使用一个或多个定位设备来确定一个或多个地下设施的存在或不存在，和/或用一个或多个物理标记挖掘区域 物理定位标记。 将标记信息，定位信息和地标信息中的一个或多个电子地添加到所标记的数字图像和/或第二数字图像，以便提供与执行的定位操作相关的更新的标记图像。 生成与定位操作相关的电子清单，并且包括更新的标记图像。

公开(公告)号：US20100259381A1

公开(公告)日：2010-10-14

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: G08B21/00

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：US20100247754A1

公开(公告)日：2010-09-30

申请号：US12797227

申请日：2010-06-09

Applicant: Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

Inventor： Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

IPC: B05D5/00 ,  B05C11/00 ,  B05C5/00

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 relating to the marking operations, including one or both of environmental information representative of at least one environmental condition of an environment in which the marking operation is performed, and operating information representative of at least one operating condition of a marking device used to perform the marking operation, is electronically acquired. A marking material is dispensed to mark the presence or the absence of the at least one underground facility is dispensed, and the dispensing is controlled based at least in part on the acquired marking information.

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。 标记与标记操作有关的信息，包括表示执行标记操作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装置的至少一个操作条件的操作信息 标记操作，以电子方式获得。 分配标记材料以标记所分配的至少一个地下设施的存在或不存在，并且至少部分地基于所获取的标记信息来控制分配。

公开(公告)号：US20100228588A1

公开(公告)日：2010-09-09

申请号：US12704485

申请日：2010-02-11

Applicant: Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

Inventor： Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

IPC: G06Q10/00 ,  G06F15/16 ,  H04L9/00 ,  G06Q50/00

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: 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：US20100198663A1

公开(公告)日：2010-08-05

申请号：US12701468

申请日：2010-02-05

Applicant: Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

Inventor： Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

IPC: G06Q10/00 ,  G06Q50/00 ,  G09G5/00 ,  G06F19/00

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 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 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：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）中使用标记装置的情况下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：US20100094553A1

公开(公告)日：2010-04-15

申请号：US12639041

申请日：2009-12-16

Applicant: Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr ,  Mark A. Conner

Inventor： Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr ,  Mark A. Conner

IPC: G01C21/00 ,  G05D7/06

CPC classification number: G06Q10/06398 ,  G01C15/02 ,  G01C15/06 ,  G01C21/00 ,  G01S5/0294

Abstract: Information is electronically displayed relating to use of a marking system or a marking tool configured to dispense one or more markers to mark, on ground, pavement, or other surface, a location of an underground utility. Location data and/or time data relating to the use of the marking system or the marking tool are used to control a display device so as to visually display a dispensing of the one or more markers on an electronic representation of an area that is marked and includes the location of the underground utility.

Abstract translation: 电子地显示关于使用标记系统或标记工具的信息，该标记系统或标记工具被配置为分配一个或多个标记以在地下工地的地面标记地面，路面或其它表面。 使用与使用标记系统或标记工具有关的位置数据和/或时间数据来控制显示装置，以便在标记的区域的电子表示上可视地显示一个或多个标记的分配，并且 包括地下工具的位置。

公开(公告)号：US20090241046A1

公开(公告)日：2009-09-24

申请号：US12355222

申请日：2009-01-16

Applicant: Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers

Inventor： Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers

IPC: G06F3/048

CPC classification number: G01V8/10 ,  G06T17/05

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for facilitating detection of a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility within a dig area. A digital image of a geographic area including the dig area is electronically received, and at least a portion of the received digital image is displayed on a display device. The dig area is delimited on the displayed digital image, via a user input device associated with the display device, so as to generate a marked-up digital image including a delimited dig area, without acquiring geographic coordinates to delimit the dig area. Information relating to the dig area is electronically transmitted and/or electronically stored so as to facilitate the detection of the presence or the absence of the at least one underground facility within the dig area.

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。 电子地接收包括挖掘区域的地理区域的数字图像，并且将所接收的数字图像的至少一部分显示在显示装置上。 挖掘区域通过与显示装置相关联的用户输入装置在所显示的数字图像上界定，以便生成包括划定的挖掘区域的标记数字图像，而不获取地理坐标以限定挖掘区域。 与挖掘区域相关的信息被电子传输和/或电子存储，以便于检测挖掘区域内的至少一个地下设施的存在或不存在。