Remotely reconfigurable system for mapping subsurface geological anomalies
First Claim
1. A system for collecting resistivity data from the subsurface media under a roadbed comprising:
- a master controller;
an array of electrodes comprised of electrode points in contact with a geological surface beneath the roadbed through holes drilled in the roadbed, having at least a first electrode, a second electrode and a third electrode;
a set of interconnected voltage control units connected to the array of electrodes and in data communication with the master controller, having at least a first voltage control unit, a second voltage control unit and a third voltage control unit;
a current control unit, in data communication with the master controller, for providing an injection current and connected to the first voltage control unit;
the first voltage control unit connected to the first electrode;
the second voltage control unit connected to the first voltage control unit and connected to the second electrode;
the third voltage control unit connected to the second voltage control unit and connected to the third electrode;
the set of interconnected voltage control units cooperating to reconfigurably dispense the injection current to the first electrode, the second electrode and the third electrode; and
the set of interconnected voltage control units further cooperating to reconfigurably measure the voltage between the first electrode, the second electrode and the third electrode.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and apparatus are provided for receiving, detecting and transmitting geophysical data from a plurality of electrodes inserted through a structure'"'"'s pavement foundation in a non-destructive manner and into the soil utilizing a dynamically reconfigurable wireless control unit located on each electrode. Data from the control units is transmitted by a wireless signal to a centralized data processor for analysis. Control data is provided from a central control processor to the control unit by wireless transmission. The control unit, which is positioned, includes a multi-channel radio frequency transmitter/receiver and a processor to actuate relays and record data returns from the measured substrate soil for transmission to the central data processor. The control unit incorporates a changeable code or address to unambiguously identify itself, and its spatial relationship to other electrodes, to the central data processor and the central control processor. The control units are equipped with a GPS positioning device to allow for automatic transmission of electrode location and for electrode placement without a manual survey being required.
31 Citations
53 Claims
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1. A system for collecting resistivity data from the subsurface media under a roadbed comprising:
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a master controller;
an array of electrodes comprised of electrode points in contact with a geological surface beneath the roadbed through holes drilled in the roadbed, having at least a first electrode, a second electrode and a third electrode;
a set of interconnected voltage control units connected to the array of electrodes and in data communication with the master controller, having at least a first voltage control unit, a second voltage control unit and a third voltage control unit;
a current control unit, in data communication with the master controller, for providing an injection current and connected to the first voltage control unit;
the first voltage control unit connected to the first electrode;
the second voltage control unit connected to the first voltage control unit and connected to the second electrode;
the third voltage control unit connected to the second voltage control unit and connected to the third electrode;
the set of interconnected voltage control units cooperating to reconfigurably dispense the injection current to the first electrode, the second electrode and the third electrode; and
the set of interconnected voltage control units further cooperating to reconfigurably measure the voltage between the first electrode, the second electrode and the third electrode. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A system for collecting resistivity data from a subsurface media under a roadbed comprising:
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a master controller;
a current control unit in data communication with the master controller and producing an injection current;
an upstream voltage control unit, connected to the current control unit and in data communication with the master controller and removably connected to a first electrode;
a midstream voltage control unit, connected to the upstream voltage control unit and in data communication with the master controller and removably connected to a second electrode;
a downstream voltage control unit, connected to the midstream voltage control unit and in data communication with the master controller and removably connected to a third electrode;
the first electrode, second electrode and third electrode arranged in a variable array pattern having a predetermined interstitial distance;
the first electrode, second electrode and third electrode in contact with the subsurface media through a corresponding set of holes in the roadbed;
the upstream voltage control unit, midstream voltage control unit and downstream voltage control unit cooperating to reconfigurably distribute the injection current to the first electrode, the second electrode and the third electrode and to reconfigurably read the voltage between the first electrode, the second electrode and the third electrode. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35)
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36. A method of collecting subsurface resistivity data from a subsurface media under a roadbed comprising:
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determining a pattern of electrode placement in a roadbed;
creating a set of holes in the roadbed in the pattern;
determining an interference point with a steel substructure located in the roadbed;
providing an array of electrodes dispersed in the pattern in the subsurface media through the set of holes;
providing an array of sensors deployed among and connected to the array of electrodes;
providing a voltage measuring device in each sensor in the array of sensors;
providing a current source connected to the array of sensors;
providing a switch matrix in each sensor in the array of sensors; and
reconfigurably setting the switch matrix in at least one sensor in the array of sensors to distribute current to at least one electrode in the array of electrodes and take a voltage measurement from the voltage measuring devices from at least two electrodes in the array of electrodes. - View Dependent Claims (37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53)
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Specification