Method for simultaneously determining a plurality of different locations of the buried objects and simultaneously indicating the different locations to a user
First Claim
1. A method of locating a plurality of buried objects by sensing a plurality of different electromagnetic signals emitted by the objects, comprising the steps of:
- traversing a topside area beneath which a plurality of objects emitting a plurality of different electromagnetic signals are buried with at least one antenna array;
sensing the electromagnetic signals emitted from the buried objects with the one array;
simultaneously determining a plurality of different locations of the buried object based on the sensed electromagnetic signals and simultaneously indicating the different locations to a userwherein the locations of the buried objects are sensed without having to align the one antenna array relative to the buried objects and while eliminating nulls and false peaks.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
At least one antenna array including three mutually orthogonal antennas each sharing a common center point senses an electromagnetic signal emitted by a buried object such as a utility line, pipe or sonde. A circuit at least partially mounted in a housing is connected to the array and determines a location of the buried object by measuring signal strength and field angles in three dimensions without having to align the antenna array relative to the buried object while eliminating nulls and false peaks. A graphical user interface (GUI) has user-friendly icons, symbols, menus, numbers and graphical and auditory representation of signal strength. A plurality of different underground objects can be simultaneously detected and their different locations can be simultaneously indicated to a user via audible sounds and/or visual images on a display.
50 Citations
23 Claims
-
1. A method of locating a plurality of buried objects by sensing a plurality of different electromagnetic signals emitted by the objects, comprising the steps of:
-
traversing a topside area beneath which a plurality of objects emitting a plurality of different electromagnetic signals are buried with at least one antenna array; sensing the electromagnetic signals emitted from the buried objects with the one array; simultaneously determining a plurality of different locations of the buried object based on the sensed electromagnetic signals and simultaneously indicating the different locations to a user wherein the locations of the buried objects are sensed without having to align the one antenna array relative to the buried objects and while eliminating nulls and false peaks. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
-
-
17. A method of locating a plurality of buried objects by sensing a plurality of different electromagnetic signals emitted by the objects, comprising the steps of:
-
traversing a topside area beneath which a plurality of objects emitting a plurality of different electromagnetic signals are buried with at least one antenna array; sensing the electromagnetic signals emitted from the buried objects with the one array; simultaneously determining a plurality of different locations of the buried object based on the sensed electromagnetic signals and simultaneously indicating the different locations to a user; and simultaneously displaying a plurality of different buried objects in a plurality of different colors, each of the colors being associated with a particular type of object.
-
-
18. A method of locating a plurality of buried objects by sensing a plurality of different electromagnetic signals emitted by the objects, comprising the steps of:
-
traversing a topside area beneath which a plurality of objects emitting a plurality of different electromagnetic signals are buried with at least one antenna array; sensing the electromagnetic signals emitted from the buried objects with the one array; and simultaneously determining a plurality of different locations of the buried object based on the sensed electromagnetic signals and simultaneously indicating the different locations to a user wherein the plurality of different locations are determined by measuring signal strength and field angles, provided from the at least one antenna array, in three dimensions.
-
-
19. A method of locating a plurality of buried objects by sensing a plurality of different electromagnetic signals emitted by the objects, comprising:
-
receiving the plurality of different electromagnetic signals at a first antenna array including three substantially mutually orthogonal antennas; receiving the plurality of different electromagnetic signals at a second antenna array including a second three substantially mutually orthogonal antennas; simultaneously determining a plurality of different locations of the buried objects based at least in part on the plurality of different electromagnetic signals received at the first antenna array and the plurality of different electromagnetic signals received at the second antenna array; and simultaneously indicating the plurality of different locations to a user. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21)
-
-
22. A method of locating a plurality of buried objects by sensing a plurality of different electromagnetic signals emitted by the objects, comprising the steps of:
-
traversing a topside area beneath which a plurality of objects emitting a plurality of different electromagnetic signals are buried with at least one antenna array including three mutually orthogonal antennas comprising three substantially circular antenna coils having a common center point; sensing the electromagnetic signals emitted from the buried objects with the one array; simultaneously determining a plurality of different locations of the buried object based on the sensed electromagnetic signals and simultaneously indicating the different locations to a user; and receiving the plurality of different electromagnetic signals at a second antenna array including a second three substantially mutually orthogonal circular antenna coils having a second common center point, wherein the simultaneously determining a plurality of different locations is further based on the plurality of different electromagnetic signals received at the second antenna array. - View Dependent Claims (23)
-
Specification