Subsurface imaging system and method

• US 6,701,647 B2
• Filed: 11/12/2002
• Issued: 03/09/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 06/19/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
• Original Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
• Inventors: Stump, Greg
• Primary Examiner(s): PEZZUTO, ROBERT ERIC
• Application Number:
  US10/292,242
• Publication Number:
  US 20030074812A1
• Time in Patent Office: 483 Days
• Field of Search: 373/47, 373/48, 172/2, 172/3, 172/4, 172/4.5, 172/7, 172/8, 342/22, 342/25, 342/370, 342/129
• US Class Current: 37/348
• CPC Class Codes: E02F 5/06 with digging elements mounted on an endless chain E02F5/109 takes precedence; with digging elements mounted on an endless chain per se E02F3/08
• CPC Class Codes: E02F 5/145 control and indicating devices
• CPC Class Codes: E02F 9/2029 Controlling the position of implements in function of its load, e.g. modifying the attitude of implements in accordance to vehicle speed control for hydraulic or pneumatic drives E02F9/2203, E02F9/2221 and E02F9/2253 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E02F 9/2045 Guiding machines along a predetermined path for graders E02F3/841; machines for construction of roads E01C19/004
• CPC Class Codes: E02F 9/26 Indicating devices E02F5/145 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E02F 9/262 with follow-up actions to control the work tool, e.g. controller
• CPC Class Codes: E21C 39/00 Devices for testing in situ the hardness or other properties of minerals, e.g. for giving information as to the selection of suitable mining tools
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 15/00 Surveying instruments or accessories not provided for in groups G01C1/00 - G01C13/00
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/876 Combination of several spaced transponders or reflectors of known location for determining the position of a receiver G01S13/874 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/885 for ground probing prospecting or detecting using electromagnetic waves G01V3/12
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 19/14 specially adapted for specific applications
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 19/41 Differential correction, e.g. DGPS [differential GPS]
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 19/48 by combining or switching between position solutions derived from the satellite radio beacon positioning system and position solutions derived from a further system
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 5/30 Determining absolute distances from a plurality of spaced points of known location
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 11/00 Prospecting or detecting by methods combining techniques covered by two or more of main groups G01V1/00 - G01V9/00
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 3/12 operating with electromagnetic waves operating with millimetre waves G01V8/005
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 3/17 operating with electromagnetic waves operating with millimetre waves G01V8/005

Abstract

A portable structure supports a subsurface imaging system and is moveable over a given imaging site. At least a first antenna of a plurality of antennae is oriented in a manner differing from an orientation of a second antenna of the plurality of antennae, such as the first antenna being orientated substantially orthogonal to the second antenna. The antennae may operate in a bi-static mode. Transmitter and receiver circuitry, coupled to the antennae, respectively generates electromagnetic probe signals and receives electromagnetic return signals resulting from the probe signals. A processor processes the received electromagnetic return signals. A display may be provided as part of the subsurface imaging system and/or as part of a processing system separate from the subsurface imaging system which processes the received electromagnetic return signals. The processor can generate two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional detection data using the received electromagnetic return signals.

Claims

1. A system, comprising:

a portable structure;

a positioning system that detects a position of the portable structure;

a subsurface imaging system supported by the portable structure, the subsurface imaging system comprising;

a plurality of antennae, at least a first antenna of the plurality of antennae oriented in a manner differing from an orientation of a second antenna of the plurality of antennae;

transmitter circuitry, coupled to the plurality of antennae, for generating electromagnetic probe signals; and

receiver circuitry, coupled to the plurality of antennae, for receiving electromagnetic return signals resulting from transmission of the electromagnetic probe signals; and

a processor for processing the received electromagnetic return signals, wherein the processor associates position data acquired by the positioning system with return signal data to generate location data representative of a location of an underground object subjected to the electromagnetic probe signals.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first antenna is orientated substantially orthogonal to the second antenna.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of antennae operate in a bi-static mode.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a display coupled to the processor.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a processing system comprising a display, wherein the processing system is separate from the subsurface imaging system and the processor is integral to the processing system.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor is integral to the subsurface imaging system.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a user interface coupled to the processor.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor generates two-dimensional detection data using the received electromagnetic return signals.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor generates three-dimensional detection data using the received electromagnetic return signals.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the received electromagnetic return signals comprise signal content indicative of a subsurface object or feature, and the processor generates data representative of a volume of the subsurface within which the subsurface object or feature is located.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the positioning system comprises a ground-based electromagnetic (EM) positioning system.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the positioning system comprises en ultra-sonic positioning system.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the positioning system comprises a global positioning system (GPS).

14. The system of claim 1, wherein one or more geophysical instruments are supported on the portable structure.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the subsurface imaging system comprises a ground penetrating radar system.

16. A system, comprising:

a portable structure;

a positioning system that detects a position of the portable structure;

a subsurface imaging system supported by the portable structure, the subsurface imaging system comprising;

a plurality of antennae, at least a first antenna of the plurality of antennae oriented in a manner differing from an orientation of a second antenna of the plurality of antennae;

transmitter circuitry, coupled to the plurality of antennae, for generating electromagnetic probe signals; and

receiver circuitry, coupled to the plurality of antennae, for receiving electromagnetic return signals resulting from transmisson of the electromagnetic probe signals; and

a processor for processing the received electromagnetic return signals, wherein the processor, using the received electromagnetic return signals and position data acquired by the positioning system, generates a map of a subsurface over which the portable structure has moved.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the first antenna is orientated substantially orthogonal to the second antenna.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein the plurality of antennae operate in a bi-static mode.

19. The system of claim 16, further comprising a display coupled to the processor.

20. The system of claim 16, further comprising a processing system comprising a display, wherein the processing system is separate from the subsurface imaging system and the processor is Integral to the processing system.

21. The system of claim 16, wherein the processor is integral to the subsurface imaging system.

22. The system of claim 16, further comprising a user interface coupled to the processor.

23. The system of claim 16, wherein the processor generates two-dimensional detection data using the received electromagnetic return signals.

24. The system of claim 16, wherein the processor generates three-dimensional detection data using the received electromagnetic return signals.

25. The system of claim 16, wherein the received electromagnetic return signals comprise signal content indicative of a subsurface object or feature, and the processor generates data representative of a volume of the subsurface within which the subsurface object or feature is located.

26. The system of claim 16, wherein the positioning system comprises a ground-based electromagnetic (EM) positioning system.

27. The system of claim 16, wherein the positioning system comprises an ultra-sonic positioning system.

28. The system of claim 16, the positioning system comprises aglobal positioning system (GPS).

29. The system of claim 16, wherein one or more geophysical instruments are supported on the portable structure.

30. The system of claim 16, wherein the subsurface imaging system comprises a ground penetrating radar system.

31. A system, comprising:

a portable structure;

a subsurface imaging system supported by the portable structure, the subsurface imaging system comprising;

a plurality of antennae, at least a first antenna of the plurality of antennae oriented in a manner differing from an orientation of a second antenna of the plurality of antennae;

transmitter circuitry, coupled to the plurality of antennae, for generating electromagnetic probe signals; and

receiver circuitry, coupled to the plurality of antennae, (or receiving electromagnetic return signals resulting from transmission of the electromagnetic probe signals;

a processor for processing the received electromagnetic return signals; and

a ground-based electromagnetic (EM) positioning system that detects a position of the portable structure.

32. The system of claim 31, further comprising a user interface coupled to the processor.

33. The system of claim 31, further comprising a display coupled to the processor.

34. A system, comprising:

a portable structure;

a subsurface imaging system supported by the portable structure, the subsurface imaging system comprising;

a plurality of antennae, at least a first antenna of the plurality of antennae oriented in a manner differing from an orientation of a second antenna of the plurality of antennae;

transmitter circuitry, coupled to the plurality of antennae, for generating electromagnetic probe signals; and

receiver circuitry, coupled to the plurality of antennae, for receiving electromagnetic return signals resulting from transmission of the electromagnetic probe signals;

a processor for processing the received electromagnetic return signals; and

an ultra-sonic positioning system that detects a position of the portable structure.

35. The system of claim 34, further comprising a user interface coupled to the processor.

36. The system of claim 34, further comprising a display coupled to the processor.

37. A system, comprising:

a portable structure;

a subsurface imaging system supported by the portable structure, the subsurface imaging system comprising;

a plurality of antennae, at least a first antenna of the plurality of antennae oriented in a manner differing from an orientation of a second antenna of the plurality of antennae;

transmitter circuitry, coupled to the plurality of antennae, for generating electromagnetic probe signals; and

receiver circuitry, coupled to the plurality of antennae, for receiving electromagnetic return signals resulting from transmission of the electromagnetic probe signals;

a processor for processing the received electromagnetic return signals; and

a global positioning system (GPS) that detects a position of the portable structure.

38. The system of claim 37, further comprising a user interface coupled to the processor.

39. The system of claim 37, further comprising a display coupled to the processor.

40. A system, comprising:

a portable structure;

a subsurface imaging system supported by the portable structure, the subsurface imaging system comprising;

transmitter circuitry for generating electromagnetic probe signals;

a plurality of transmit antennae coupled to the transmitter circuitry;

a plurality of receive antennae for receiving electromagnetic return signals; and

receiver circuitry coupled to the receive antennae;

a positioning system that detects a position of the portable structure; and

a processor for processing received electromagnetic return signals, wherein the processor associates position data acquired by the positioning system with return signal data to generate location data representative of a location of an underground object subjected to the electromagnetic probe signals.

41. The system of claim 40, wherein the plurality of antennae operate in a bi-static mode.

42. The system of claim 40, wherein at least two of the transmit antennae are oriented substantially orthogonal to one another, and at least two of the receive antennae are oriented substantially orthogonal to one another.

43. The system of claim 40, further comprising a display for displaying processed return signals.

44. The system of claim 40, further comprising a processing system comprising a display, wherein the processing system is separate from the subsurface imaging system and the processor is integral to the processing system.

45. The system of claim 40, wherein the processor is integral to the subsurface imaging system.

46. The system of claim 40, further comprising a user interface coupled to the processor.

47. The system of claim 40, wherein the processor generates two-dimensional detection data using the received electromagnetic return signals.

48. The system of claim 40, wherein the processor generates three-dimensional detection data using the received electromagnetic return signals.

49. The system of claim 40, wherein the received electromagnetic return signals comprise signal content indicative of a subsurface object or feature, and the processor generates data representative of a volume of the subsurface within which the subsurface object or feature is located.

50. The system of claim 40, wherein the positioning system comprises a ground-based electromagnetic (EM) positioning system.

51. The system of claim 40, wherein the positioning system comprises an ultra-sonic positioning system.

52. The system of claim 40, wherein the positioning system comprises a global positioning system (GPS).

53. The system of claim 40, wherein one or flare geophysical instruments are supported on the portable structure.

54. The system of claim 40, wherein the subsurface imaging system comprises a ground penetrating radar system.

55. A system, comprising:

a portable structure;

a subsurface imaging system supported by the portable structure, the subsurface imaging system comprising;

transmitter circuitry for generating electromagnetic probe signals;

a plurality of transmit antennae coupled to the transmitter circuitry;

a plurality of receive antennae for receiving electromagnetic return signals; and

receiver circuitry coupled to the receive antennae;

a positioning system that detects a position of the portable structure; and

a processor for processing received electromagnetic return signals, wherein the processor, using the received electromagnetic return signals and position data acquired by the positioning system, generates a map of a subsurface over which the portable structure has moved.

56. The system of claim 55, wherein the plurality of antennae operate in a hi-static mode.

57. The system of claim 55, wherein at least two of the transmit antennae are oriented substantially orthogonal to one another, and at least two of the receive antennae are oriented substantially to one another.

58. The system of claim 55, further comprising a display for displaying processed return signals.

59. The system of claim 55, further comprising a processing system comprising a display, wherein the processing system is separate from the subsurface imaging system and the processor is integral to the processing system.

60. The system of claim 55, wherein the processor is integral to the subsurface imaging system.

61. The system of claim 55, further comprising a user interface coupled to the processor.

62. The system of claim 55, wherein the processor generates two-dimensional detection data using the received electromagnetic return signals.

63. The system of claim 55, wherein the processor generates three-dimensional detection data using the received electromagnetic return signals.

64. The system of claim 55, wherein the received electromagnetic return signals comprise signal content indicative of a subsurface object or feature, and the processor generates data representative of a volume of the subsurface within which the subsurface object or feature is located.

65. The system of claim 55, wherein the positioning system comprises a ground-based electromagnetic (EM) positioning system.

66. The system of claim 55, wherein the positioning system comprises an ultra-sonic positioning system.

67. The system of claim 55, wherein the positioning system comprises a global positioning system (GPS).

68. The system of claim 55, wherein one or more geophysical instruments are supported on the portable structure.

69. The system of claim 55, wherein the subsurface imaging system comprises a ground penetrating radar system.

70. A system, comprising:

a portable structure;

a subsurface imaging system supported by the portable structure, the subsurface imaging system comprising;

transmitter circuitry for generating electromagnetic probe signals;

a plurality of transmit antennae coupled to the transmitter circuitry;

a plurality of receive antennae for receiving electromagnetic return signals; and

receiver circuitry coupled to the receive antennae;

a ground-based electromagnetic (EM) positioning system that detects a position of the portable structure; and

a processor for processing received electromagnetic return signals.

71. The system of claim 70, further comprising a display for displaying processed return signals.

72. The system of claim 70, comprising a user interface coupled to the processor.

73. A system, comprising:

a portable structure;

a subsurface imaging system supported by the portable structure, the subsurface imaging system comprising;

transmitter circuitry for generating electromagnetic probe signals;

a plurality of transmit antennae coupled to the transmitter circuitry;

a plurality of receive antennae for receiving electromagnetic return signals; and

receiver circuitry coupled to the receive antennae;

an ultra-sonic positioning system that detects a position of the portable structure; and

a processor for processing received electromagnetic return signals.

74. The system of claim 73, further comprising a display for displaying processed return signals.

75. The system of claim 73, further comprising a user interface coupled to the processor.

76. A system, comprising:

a portable structure;

a subsurface imaging system supported by the portable structure, the subsurface imaging system comprising;

transmitter circuitry for generating electromagnetic probe signals;

a plurality of transmit antennae coupled to the transmitter circuitry;

a plurality of receive antennae for receiving electromagnetic return signals; and

receiver circuitry coupled to the receive antennae;

a global positioning system (GPS) that detects a position of the portable structure; and

a processor for processing received electromagnetic return signals.

77. The system of claim 76, further comprising a display for displaying processed return signals.

78. The system of claim 76, further comprising a user interface coupled to the processor.

79. A method of imaging a subsurface, comprising:

transmitting, while moving a plurality of antennae, electromagnetic probe signals into the subsurface;

receiving, while moving the plurality of antennae, electromagnetic return signals from the subsurface;

generating ground-based electromagnetic (EM) positioning data associated with movement of the plurality of antennae; and

processing the return signals and positioning data to generate location data representative of a location of an underground object or feature within the subsurface.

80. The method of claim 79, wherein the plurality of antennae operate in a bi-static mode.

81. The method of claim 79, wherein at least two of the antennae are oriented substantially orthogonal to one another.

82. The method of claim 79, wherein the plurality of antennae comprise a plurality of transmit antennae and a plurality of receive antenna, further wherein at least two of the transmit antennae are oriented substantially orthogonal to one another and at least two of the receive antennae are oriented substantially orthogonal to one another.

83. The method of claim 79, further comprising displaying data developed from the return signals.

84. The method of claim 79, wherein processing the return signals comprises generating two-dimensional detection data using the return signals.

85. The method of claim 79, processing the return signals comprises generating three-dimensional detection data using the return signals.

86. The method of claim 79, wherein processing the return signals and positioning data comprises generating data representative of a volume of the subsurface within which the subsurface object or feature is detected.

87. The method of claim 79, wherein processing the return signals and positioning data comprises generating a map of a subsurface over which the portable structure is moved.

88. The method of claim 79, further comprising acquiring one or more geophysical parameters associated with the subsurface.

89. A method of imaging a subsurface, comprising:

transmitting, while moving a plurality of antennae, electromagnetic probe signals into the subsurface;

receiving, while moving the plurality of antennae, electromagnetic return signals from the subsurface;

generating ultra-sonic positioning data associated with movement of the plurality of antennae; and

processing the return signals and positioning data to generate location data representative of a location of an underground object or feature within the subsurface.

90. The method of claim 89, further comprising displaying data developed from the return signals.

91. A method of imaging a subsurface, comprising:

transmitting, while moving a plurality of antennae, electromagnetic probe signals into the subsurface;

receiving, while moving the plurality of antennae, electromagnetic return signals from the subsurface;

generating global positioning system (GPS) positioning data associated with movement of the plurality of antennae; and

processing the return signals and positioning data to generate location data representative of a location of an underground object or feature within the subsurface.

92. The method of claim 91, further comprising displaying data developed from the return signals.