Boring tool tracking/guiding system and method with unconstrained target location geometry
First Claim
1. In a system for tracking a boring tool within an underground region in which system the boring tool is configured for transmitting a dipole locating signal axially coincident with an elongation axis of the boring tool, a method comprising the steps of:
- determining a starting positional relationship including the boring tool and a receiving position at which the dipole locating signal is to be monitored;
moving the boring tool through the ground during a series of distance movements such that each distance movement of the boring tool is less than a maximum movement value; and
for each distance movement, determining a current positional relationship for a current one of the distance movements based on (i) a last-determined positional relationship established for an immediately preceding one of the distance movements, (ii) said certain orientation parameters, (iii) the maximum movement value and (iv) the determined signal strength of the locating signal in the current positional relationship.
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Abstract
Tracking a boring tool is performed within an underground region using a locating signal. The boring tool is moved through the ground during a series of distance movements such that potential movement of the boring tool during any one of the distance movements is less than a maximum movement value. A current positional relationship is determined for a current one of the distance movements based on: a last-determined positional relationship established for an immediately preceding one of the distance movements, certain orientation parameters, the maximum movement value and the determined signal strength of the locating signal in the current positional relationship. Target coordinates are accepted and a target position, based on the target coordinates, is included as part of the current positional relationship. The position of the target is unconstrained with respect to system geometry. Steering command features are provided along with steering warnings.
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Citations
10 Claims
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1. In a system for tracking a boring tool within an underground region in which system the boring tool is configured for transmitting a dipole locating signal axially coincident with an elongation axis of the boring tool, a method comprising the steps of:
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determining a starting positional relationship including the boring tool and a receiving position at which the dipole locating signal is to be monitored;
moving the boring tool through the ground during a series of distance movements such that each distance movement of the boring tool is less than a maximum movement value; and
for each distance movement, determining a current positional relationship for a current one of the distance movements based on (i) a last-determined positional relationship established for an immediately preceding one of the distance movements, (ii) said certain orientation parameters, (iii) the maximum movement value and (iv) the determined signal strength of the locating signal in the current positional relationship. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. In a system for tracking a boring tool within an underground region in which system the boring tool is configured for transmitting a dipole locating signal axially coincident with an elongation axis of the boring tool, an arrangement comprising:
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first means for determining a starting positional relationship including the boring tool and a receiving position at which the dipole locating signal is to be monitored;
second means for monitoring movement of the boring tool through the ground during a series of distance movements such that each distance movement of the boring tool is less than a maximum movement value; and
third means for determining a current positional relationship for a current one of the distance movements based on (i) a last-determined positional relationship established for an immediately preceding one of the distance movements, (ii) said certain orientation parameters, (iii) the maximum movement value and (iv) the determined signal strength of the locating signal in the current positional relationship. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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Specification