Patents Assigned to Underground Imaging Technologies
  • Patent number: 9646415
    Abstract: A user interface includes a display for displaying of a plurality of sensor data sets representative of signals associated with a plurality of sensors configured for sensing of a subsurface. At least some of the sensors are configured for subsurface sensing in a manner differing from other sensors of the plurality of sensors. Each of the sensor data sets comprises sensor data samples each associated with geographic position data. The sensor data sets are shown overlaid within a volume depicted on the display. The graphical representations of the sensor data sets are individually viewable within the volume and displayed in geographical alignment relative to one another within the volume in accordance with the geographic position data of the sensor data samples of each of the sensor data sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Underground Imaging Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Hanson, Keith Jerome Sjostrom, Ross Peter Jones, Peter John Kelly
  • Patent number: 9552669
    Abstract: One or more geographic limits of a view of a digital display device are determined based on a location and orientation of the digital display device. A least a location of a subsurface object within the view is determined, and a multi-dimensional first representation of the subsurface object is rendered in the view based on the location and depth such that the first representation indicates an actual location of the subsurface object within the view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: UNDERGROUND IMAGING TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Wallbom, Gary Young
  • Patent number: 9470789
    Abstract: A movable platform has a front end, a back end, a longitudinal axis, and at least one axle oriented generally transverse to the longitudinal axis and located between the front and back ends for supporting wheels of the platform. A position sensor is affixed on the platform at a location other than at a location defined by a plane passing through the axle and normal to the longitudinal axis. The position sensor provides position data as the platform traverses a path. A sensor arrangement is supported by the platform and configured to provide subsurface sensor data as the platform traverses the path. A processor is configured to associate the position data with the sensor data relative to a reference frame and in a manner that accounts for dynamic motion of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: UNDERGROUND IMAGING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Ross Peter Jones, Peter John Kelly
  • Patent number: 8988969
    Abstract: Evaluating utilities involves generating an acoustic or seismic source signal, communicating the source signal to a first underground utility, moving a receiver through a second underground utility situated in proximity to the first utility, and monitoring for a cross bore involving the first and second utilities in response to receiving the source signal emanating from the first utility as the receiver progresses through the second utility. Utility evaluation may further involve detecting a cross bore involving the first and second utilities using monitoring data acquired by the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Underground Imaging Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Wallbom, Gary Young
  • Patent number: 8804463
    Abstract: Systems and methods are implemented for evaluating underground structures and objects, particularly relatively shallow underground structures and objects, using a seismic or acoustic source signal and a resulting seismic or acoustic wave. A discrete or unitary apparatus incorporates both a seismic source transducer and a receiver transducer within a common housing or frame. A unitary seismic probe includes a ground engaging member and a seismic source mechanically coupled to the ground engaging member. The probe further includes a sensor assembly mechanically coupled to the ground engaging member and configured to sense ground vibrations resulting from an impact to the ground engaging member by the seismic source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignees: Underground Imaging Technologies, Inc., BBN Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Krumhansl, David Whittemore
  • Patent number: 8779967
    Abstract: A movable platform has a front end, a back end, a longitudinal axis, and at least one axle oriented generally transverse to the longitudinal axis and located between the front and back ends for supporting wheels of the platform. A position sensor is affixed on the platform at a location other than at a location defined by a plane passing through the axle and normal to the longitudinal axis. The position sensor provides position data as the platform traverses a path. A sensor arrangement is supported by the platform and configured to provide subsurface sensor data as the platform traverses the path. A processor is configured to associate the position data with the sensor data relative to a reference frame and in a manner that accounts for dynamic motion of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Underground Imaging Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ross Peter Jones, Peter John Kelly
  • Patent number: 8280634
    Abstract: A system and method of mapping underground utilities and other subsurface objects involves one or more of acquiring utility location data using a number of different detectors and sensors, processing the multiple detector/sensor output data to produce mapping data, storing the mapping data in a database, and providing access to and use of the stored mapping data by subscribing users on a usage fee basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Underground Imaging Technologies
    Inventors: Gary Neal Young, Kevin L. Alft
  • Patent number: 8089390
    Abstract: A movable platform has a front end, a back end, a longitudinal axis, and at least one axle oriented generally transverse to the longitudinal axis and located between the front and back ends for supporting wheels of the platform. A position sensor is affixed on the platform at a location other than at a location defined by a plane passing through the axle and normal to the longitudinal axis. The position sensor provides position data as the platform traverses a path. A sensor arrangement is supported by the platform and configured to provide subsurface sensor data as the platform traverses the path. A processor is configured to associate the position data with the sensor data relative to a reference frame and in a manner that accounts for dynamic motion of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Underground Imaging Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ross Peter Jones, Peter John Kelly
  • Patent number: 7813224
    Abstract: Systems and methods are implemented for evaluating underground structures and objects, particularly relatively shallow underground structures and objects, using a seismic or acoustic source signal and a resulting seismic or acoustic wave. A discrete or unitary apparatus incorporates both a seismic source transducer and a receiver transducer within a common housing or frame. A unitary seismic probe includes a ground engaging member and a seismic source mechanically coupled to the ground engaging member. The probe further includes a sensor assembly mechanically coupled to the ground engaging member and configured to sense ground vibrations resulting from an impact to the ground engaging member by the seismic source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignees: Underground Imaging Technologies, Inc., BBN Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Krumhansl, David Whittemore
  • Patent number: 7612704
    Abstract: A mobile geophysical instrument produces geophysical data sets each associated with a position computed by use of a position sensor. A variable time delay results between a time when data for each geophysical data set is collected and a time when a position associated with each geophysical data set is recorded. A module receives distance transducer data and includes circuitry configured to generate a module signal based on trigger signals from the distance transducer and a calibration value. A data acquisition system (DAS) receives geophysical data sets from the geophysical instrument, positioning data from the positioning sensor, and the module signals. The DAS generates a DAS timestamp in response to each module signal and associates the DAS timestamp with each geophysical data set and a position associated with the geophysical data set, so as to substantially eliminate the variable time delay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Underground Imaging Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Ryerson, Keith Sjostrom, David Hanson