公开(公告)号：US20090202110A1

公开(公告)日：2009-08-13

申请号：US12208846

申请日：2008-09-11

Applicant: Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers

Inventor： Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers

IPC: G06K9/00

CPC classification number: G06T11/60 ,  G06K9/00476 ,  G06Q10/06 ,  G06Q50/08 ,  G06T2210/62

Abstract: A manifest including an electronic file associated with a geographic location and a portion of the geographic location indicating a dig area is provided. The manifest includes indicia noting a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility within the dig area.

Abstract translation: 提供了包括与地理位置相关联的电子文件和指示挖掘区域的地理位置的一部分的清单。 该清单包括记录在挖掘区内存在或不存在至少一个地下设施的标记。

公开(公告)号：US20090013928A1

公开(公告)日：2009-01-15

申请号：US12236688

申请日：2008-09-24

Applicant: Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr ,  Rene A. Vazquez

Inventor： Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr ,  Rene A. Vazquez

IPC: B05C5/00 ,  E04B1/00

CPC classification number: G06K7/10376 ,  B65D83/203 ,  G01C15/02

Abstract: A marking tool and a method for marking a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility is presented. The method includes dispensing a marker when a trigger of a marking tool is actuated. The method further includes identifying at least one characteristic associated with the marker or the dispensing of the marker. The method further includes storing the at least one characteristic associated with dispensing the marker when the actuation of the trigger is signaled.

Abstract translation: 提出了一种标记工具和用于标记至少一个地下设施的存在或不存在的方法。 该方法包括当标记工具的触发器被致动时分配标记。 该方法还包括识别与标记相关联的至少一个特征或标记的分配。 该方法还包括当发出触发信号时，存储与分配标记相关的至少一个特性。

公开(公告)号：US20050208239A1

公开(公告)日：2005-09-22

申请号：US10804867

申请日：2004-03-18

Applicant: Steven Nielsen ,  David Schueler ,  John Frank

Inventor： Steven Nielsen ,  David Schueler ,  John Frank

IPC: B65D1/00 ,  E01F9/012

CPC classification number: E01F9/688 ,  Y10T428/13 ,  Y10T428/24777

Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible article such as a roll-up sign comprising a pocket, such pocket suitable for receipt of a support.

Abstract translation: 本发明涉及一种柔性制品，例如包括口袋的卷起标志，适合于接纳支架的口袋。

公开(公告)号：US09563863B2

公开(公告)日：2017-02-07

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: G06Q10/06 ,  G06Q10/10 ,  B05B12/08 ,  B05B12/12 ,  B65D83/20

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：US08934678B2

公开(公告)日：2015-01-13

申请号：US12239414

申请日：2008-09-26

Applicant: Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers

Inventor： Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers

IPC: G06K9/00 ,  G01V8/10 ,  G06T17/05

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 at a first user location remote from the dig area, and at least a portion of the received digital image is displayed on a display device at the first user location remote from the dig area. One or more indicators are added to the displayed digital image, 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. Information relating to the marked-up digital image 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。 在远离挖掘区域的第一用户位置电子地接收包括挖掘区域的地理区域的数字图像，并且接收的数字图像的至少一部分被显示在远离挖掘的第一用户位置的显示设备上 区。 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数字图像，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。 与被标记的数字图像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。

公开(公告)号：US08700445B2

公开(公告)日：2014-04-15

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 ,  G01V3/38 ,  G01V3/08

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.

公开(公告)号：US20140067263A1

公开(公告)日：2014-03-06

申请号：US13834382

申请日：2013-03-15

Applicant: Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

Inventor： Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

IPC: G01C15/02

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

Abstract: Marking apparatus and methods to mark ground, pavement or other surfaces to provide a visual indication of a presence or an absence of an underground utility in a dig area. An example marking tool has a hand-held housing, a marking dispenser coupled to the housing to dispense one or more markers in the dig area, and a triggering system to trigger the marking dispenser so as to dispense the marker(s). An example marking tool also may include a logging system to receive data associated with a marking event initiated by the triggering system, time tag the data, and store the time-tagged data in data storage in the marking tool.

公开(公告)号：US08589202B2

公开(公告)日：2013-11-19

申请号：US13795337

申请日：2013-03-12

Applicant: Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

Inventor： Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

IPC: G06Q10/00

CPC classification number: G06T3/00 ,  G06Q10/06 ,  G09B29/00

Abstract: A marking device for a marking operation to mark a presence of 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 “base” facilities map, or information from a database of facilities map data, relating to a given work side/dig area; selection of an 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: 用于标记存在一个或多个地下设施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便于标记操作。 在各个方面，方法和装置涉及：选择“基地”设施图，或者从与给定工作侧/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：US08589201B2

公开(公告)日：2013-11-19

申请号：US13773228

申请日：2013-02-21

Applicant: Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

Inventor： Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

IPC: G06Q10/00

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

Abstract: A locate receiver to detect an underground facility includes an RF antenna to receive a magnetic field and provide an output signal based on the received magnetic field, and a processing circuit for determining a magnetic field strength of the magnetic field based on the output signal. The locate receiver also includes a display device, a memory and a processor. A map image based on facilities map data is displayed on the display device. The processor compares a first location at which an indication of detection of the underground facility is generated to a second location of a facility line as indicated by the first map data, and generates an alert based on a disagreement between the first location and the second location.

Abstract translation: 用于检测地下设施的定位接收器包括接收磁场并基于接收到的磁场提供输出信号的RF天线，以及用于基于输出信号确定磁场的磁场强度的处理电路。 定位接收机还包括显示设备，存储器和处理器。 基于设施地图数据的地图图像被显示在显示装置上。 处理器将第一位置与第一地图数据所指示的地下设施的检测指示产生到设施线的第二位置进行比较，并且基于第一位置与第二位置之间的不一致来生成警报 。

公开(公告)号：US08572193B2

公开(公告)日：2013-10-29

申请号：US12915516

申请日：2010-10-29

Applicant: Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

Inventor： Steven Nielsen ,  Curtis Chambers ,  Jeffrey Farr

IPC: G06F15/16

CPC classification number: G06Q10/063114 ,  G01V3/15 ,  G06Q10/00 ,  G06Q10/0635 ,  G06Q10/06398 ,  G06Q30/018 ,  G06Q50/08

Abstract: A positive response notification to provide information regarding locate and/or marking operations for underground facilities may include time-stamp information to provide proof of a time at which the locate and/or marking operation was completed by a locate technician, and/or place-stamp information to provide proof of a presence of the locate technician at or near a work site. An electronic manifest image and/or a virtual white line image similarly may be included in a positive response notification. In one example, such images may be bundled together based on respective descriptor files (or descriptor metadata) that associates the corresponding images with a locate request ticket for the operation. In another example, a positive response notification may include environmental information regarding one or more environmental conditions present at or near the work site during the locate and/or marking operation.

Abstract translation: 提供关于地下设施的定位和/或标记操作的信息的积极的响应通知可以包括时间戳信息，以提供由定位技术人员完成定位和/或标记操作的时间的证明，和/ 印记信息，以提供在工地或其附近存在技术人员的证据。 电子清单图像和/或虚拟白线图像也可以包括在正响应通知中。 在一个示例中，这些图像可以基于相应的描述符文件（或描述符元数据）被捆绑在一起，所述描述符文件将对应的图像与用于该操作的定位请求单相关联。 在另一示例中，积极响应通知可以包括关于在定位和/或标记操作期间存在于工作现场或附近的一个或多个环境条件的环境信息。