Abstract: A printed circuit card assembly (PCBA) configured for retrofitting a conventional electromagnetic locator device (ELD) for a simulator system includes a printed circuit board (PCB) having data connectors connected via a switch to the ELD, a low-power radio frequency (RF) receiver for receiving emulated electromagnetic (EM) field data, a processor for reading the emulated EM field data that includes constituent parts, wherein each constituent part corresponds to EM field data for a specific one of the digital signal processor on the conventional ELD, disassembling the emulated EM field data into its constituent parts, and transmitting to the digital signal processors, via the data connectors, the constituent part of the emulated EM field data that corresponds to said digital signal processor, thereby emulating an EM field on the conventional ELD.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining a mobile computing device during data collection and field mapping procedures is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a base element configured to be gripped by a user, a shaft comprising a sliding traction mechanism and a first end, wherein the sliding traction mechanism extends from the first end, a clamping mechanism configured to be affixed to the shaft comprising a second end, wherein the first end and second end cooperate to define an interior space sized for retention of the mobile computing device, and a domed housing configured to house an antenna and a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) processor configured to be communicatively coupled to the mobile computing device.

Abstract: A method and system for ensuring quality of buried asset detection data over a communications network includes a server for receiving buried asset detection data from an electromagnetic locator device (ELD), evaluating a quality of the buried asset detection data and responsive to determining that the quality of the buried asset detection data meets a predefined threshold, transmitting an approval signal to the ELD. Responsive to determining that the quality of the buried asset detection data does not meets the predefined threshold, transmitting a rejection signal to the ELD and closing access for receiving buried asset detection data from the ELD for other sites. The ELD for collecting buried asset detection data at a site, transmitting the buried asset detection data to the server, and receiving signals from the server.

Abstract: A printed circuit card assembly (PCBA) configured for retrofitting a conventional electromagnetic locator device (ELD) for a simulator system includes a printed circuit board (PCB) having data connectors connected via a switch to the ELD, a low-power radio frequency (RF) receiver for receiving emulated electromagnetic (EM) field data, a processor for reading the emulated EM field data that includes constituent parts, wherein each constituent part corresponds to EM field data for a specific one of the digital signal processor on the conventional ELD, disassembling the emulated EM field data into its constituent parts, and transmitting to the digital signal processors, via the data connectors, the constituent part of the emulated EM field data that corresponds to said digital signal processor, thereby emulating an EM field on the conventional ELD.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining a mobile computing device during data collection and field mapping procedures is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a base element configured to be gripped by a user, a shaft comprising a sliding traction mechanism and a first end, wherein the sliding traction mechanism extends from the first end, a clamping mechanism configured to be affixed to the shaft comprising a second end, wherein the first end and second end cooperate to define an interior space sized for retention of the mobile computing device, and a domed housing configured to house an antenna and a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) processor configured to be communicatively coupled to the mobile computing device.

Abstract: An electromagnetic locate device configured for removable attachment to a handheld paint marking device includes an elongated element extending substantially a length of the handheld paint marking device, a channel extending longitudinally along the elongated element, the channel configured for accepting at least a portion of the handheld paint marking device, fasteners located on the elongated element, the fasteners configured to fasten the handheld paint marking device to the elongated element, electromagnetic antennas located along a length of the elongated element, the electromagnetic antennas configured for producing electromagnetic data responsive to an electromagnetic field emanating from a buried asset, and a housing coupled to a top of the elongated element, the housing including a processor communicably coupled to the electromagnetic antennas and configured to process the electromagnetic data from the electromagnetic antennas, so as to produce buried asset data, and a display for displaying said bur

Abstract: A system for performing buried asset locate procedures with quality control and quality assurance processes is provided.

Abstract: An electromagnetic locate device configured for removable attachment to a handheld paint marking device includes an elongated element extending substantially a length of the handheld paint marking device, a channel extending longitudinally along the elongated element, the channel configured for accepting at least a portion of the handheld paint marking device, fasteners located on the elongated element, the fasteners configured to fasten the handheld paint marking device to the elongated element, electromagnetic antennas located along a length of the elongated element, the electromagnetic antennas configured for producing electromagnetic data responsive to an electromagnetic field emanating from a buried asset, and a housing coupled to a top of the elongated element, the housing including a processor communicably coupled to the electromagnetic antennas and configured to process the electromagnetic data from the electromagnetic antennas, so as to produce buried asset data, and a display for displaying said bur

Abstract: A system for calculating and visualizing a position of buried assets during a buried asset locate procedure in a target area includes an electromagnetic locate device (ELD) including electromagnetic antennas configured for sensing an electromagnetic (EM) field emanating from a buried asset at a target area, and an augmented reality system comprising a camera, a display, inertial sensors for measuring motion and distance moved, and processors configured for reading camera and sensor data, calculating motion and distance moved, generating a 3D model representing the target area, generating a 3D vector field representing the EM field emanating from the buried asset, calculating a position and type of the buried asset based on the 3D vector field and the 3D model, creating an object in the 3D model that represents the buried asset, and rendering video of the target area and the position and type of the buried asset.

Abstract: A system for calculating and visualizing a position of buried assets during a buried asset locate procedure in a target area includes an electromagnetic locate device (ELD) including electromagnetic antennas configured for sensing an electromagnetic (EM) field emanating from a buried asset at a target area, and an augmented reality system comprising a camera, a display, inertial sensors for measuring motion and distance moved, and processors configured for reading camera data and sensor data, calculating motion and distance moved, generating a 3D model representing the target area, generating a 3D vector field representing the EM field emanating from the buried asset, calculating a position of the buried asset based on the 3D vector field and the 3D model, creating an object in the 3D model that represents the buried asset, and rendering video of the target area including a graphic representation of the position of the buried asset.

Abstract: A printed circuit card assembly (PCBA) configured for retrofitting a conventional electromagnetic locator device (ELD) for a simulator system is provided. The PCBA includes a printed circuit board (PCB), data connectors, each data connector configured for communicatively coupling with a separate one of antenna amplifiers on the conventional ELD, a low-power radio frequency (RF) receiver for receiving emulated electromagnetic (EM) field data, a processor for reading the emulated EM field data that includes constituent parts, wherein each constituent part corresponds to EM field data for a specific one of the antenna amplifiers on the conventional ELD, disassembling the emulated EM field data into its constituent parts, and transmitting to the antenna amplifiers, via the data connectors, the constituent part of the emulated EM field data that corresponds to said antenna amplifier, thereby emulating an EM field on the conventional ELD.

Abstract: A system for performing buried asset locate procedures with quality control and quality assurance processes is provided.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for detecting buried assets includes a chassis, a global navigation receiver and processor, an electromagnetic locator device (ELD), and a processor for receiving a first data structure that represents a two dimensional area comprising a buffer zone at an above-surface location, wherein the buffer zone corresponds to a particular buried asset sought by the UAV, navigating towards the buffer zone and executing a detection process for storing a plurality of buried asset data points, and transmitting the buried asset data points.

Abstract: A locator device for generating buried asset data is disclosed. The device includes an elongated housing accommodating at least two sensors, wherein each sensor is for reading analog radio frequency (RF) signals from a buried asset, wherein the at least two sensors having a known distance between them, and wherein the housing may be oriented either horizontally or vertically, a sensing device for sensing an orientation of the elongated housing, and a processor for reading RF signals from the buried asset, applying an orientation filtering process to the signals based on the orientation, converting the signals into buried asset data having depth data, position data and electrical current data for a buried asset, and, a display unit for displaying the buried asset data in a graphical user interface, wherein the buried asset data corresponds to the RF signals that were read.

Abstract: A printed circuit card assembly (PCBA) configured for retrofitting a conventional electromagnetic locator device (ELD) for a simulator system is provided. The PCBA includes a printed circuit board (PCB), data connectors, each data connector configured for communicatively coupling with a separate one of antenna amplifiers on the conventional ELD, a low-power radio frequency (RF) receiver for receiving emulated electromagnetic (EM) field data, a processor for reading the emulated EM field data that includes constituent parts, wherein each constituent part corresponds to EM field data for a specific one of the antenna amplifiers on the conventional ELD, disassembling the emulated EM field data into its constituent parts, and transmitting to the antenna amplifiers, via the data connectors, the constituent part of the emulated EM field data that corresponds to said antenna amplifier, thereby emulating an EM field on the conventional ELD.

Abstract: A printed circuit card assembly (PCBA) and a system configured for retrofitting a conventional electromagnetic locator device (ELD) with quality control and quality assurance processes is provided. The PCBA includes a printed circuit board (PCB) including electrical components, an orifice configured for fastening to the ELD, a communications bus, a power network for distributing power, a data and power connector for coupling to the ELD, a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) processor, a low-power radio frequency (RF) transmitter/receiver, and a processor for reading from the conventional ELD raw data as a result of performance of a buried asset location procedure by a field technician, determining a performance measurement that corresponds with the raw data, and wirelessly transmitting the performance measurement that was calculated.

Abstract: A method on a computing device for measuring the quality of a buried asset location procedure for quality assurance is provided. The method includes storing a plurality of best practice instruction records, receiving process and sensor data from a field technician that has performed a buried asset location procedure, calculating the sub-metrics based on the field technician's process and device data, defining a sigmoid function for each sub-metric, converting each of the sub-metrics to a normalized value using the sigmoid function corresponding to said sub-metric, storing weight values corresponding to each sub-metric; calculating a main metric P representing the quality of the field technician's buried asset location procedure and technique based on the sub-metrics, searching for matching best practice instruction records that correspond to the main metric and sub-metrics, and displaying the description of a program for best practice instruction of the matching best practice instruction records.

Abstract: A method on a server for logging and recalling data gathered from a buried asset location procedure is disclosed. The method includes receiving a group of buried asset data points corresponding to a particular buried asset, receiving at a different time a portable transmitter hookup definition associated with the group of buried asset data points, searching for buried asset data points that match, within predefined parameters, the portable transmitter hookup definition, storing the portable transmitter hookup definition in association with the matching points, creating a buffer zone around the portable transmitter hookup, and transmitting to a mobile device the buffer zone for the portable transmitter hookup.

Abstract: A system for generating a buffer zone around a buried asset at an above surface location is provided. The system includes an electromagnetic locator device for generating a plurality of buried asset data points via a plurality of radio frequency antennas. The system also includes a server for generating a plurality of connected line segments that represent a geographical position of the buried asset, wherein the plurality of connected line segments are generated by executing an optimization algorithm based on the plurality of buried asset data points, wherein the optimization algorithm: i) minimizes a total number of line segments, ii) minimizes a distance between a line segment and a corresponding buried asset data point, iii) minimizes instances of line segments that are parallel and iv) minimizes line segments shorter than a predefined threshold, and generates a first data structure that represents a two dimensional area comprising a buffer zone.

Abstract: A locator device for generating buried asset data is disclosed. The device includes an elongated housing accommodating at least two sensors, wherein each sensor is for reading analog radio frequency (RF) signals from a buried asset, wherein the at least two sensors having a known distance between them, and wherein the housing may be oriented either horizontally or vertically, a sensing device for sensing an orientation of the elongated housing, and a processor for reading RF signals from the buried asset, applying an orientation filtering process to the signals based on the orientation, converting the signals into buried asset data having depth data, position data and electrical current data for a buried asset, and, a display unit for displaying the buried asset data in a graphical user interface, wherein the buried asset data corresponds to the RF signals that were read.