Apparatus and method for simultaneously locating a fixed object and tracking a beacon
First Claim
1. A portable area monitoring system for use with a horizontal directional drilling machine to monitor the position of a plurality of signal emitting objects within an operating area in which the horizontal directional drilling machine operates, the system comprising:
- a sensor assembly adapted to detect signals emanating from a first signal emitting object, to detect signals emanating from a second signal emitting object, and to transmit the detected signals; and
a processor adapted to receive the detected signals, to process the signals, and to produce a composite of the relative positions of the monitoring system, the first signal emitting object, and the second signal emitting object within the operating area.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A portable area monitoring system for use with a horizontal directional drilling machine and adapted to produce a composite of the positions of a beacon and a fixed object. In a preferred embodiment the sensor assembly is supported by a hand-held frame and adapted to detect signals emanating from each of a beacon and a fixed object. The sensor assembly transmits the detected signals to a processor which simultaneously processes the signals to produce a composite of relative positions of the beacon and the fixed object to the frame. The composite of the relative positions of the beacon and the fixed object to the frame is communicated to the operator using a portable display.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A portable area monitoring system for use with a horizontal directional drilling machine to monitor the position of a plurality of signal emitting objects within an operating area in which the horizontal directional drilling machine operates, the system comprising:
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a sensor assembly adapted to detect signals emanating from a first signal emitting object, to detect signals emanating from a second signal emitting object, and to transmit the detected signals; and a processor adapted to receive the detected signals, to process the signals, and to produce a composite of the relative positions of the monitoring system, the first signal emitting object, and the second signal emitting object within the operating area. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method for monitoring the position of a first signal emitting object and a second signal emitting object within an area of operation of a horizontal directional drilling system using a portable area monitoring system, the method comprising:
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sensing signals emanating from the first signal emitting object and the second signal emitting object; and processing the signals substantially simultaneously to generate a composite of the relative positions of the monitoring system, the first signal emitting object, and the second signal emitting object within the operating area. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification