Variable resolution vector positional display for use with an underground object locating system
US6636043B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 7, 2001 |
| Grant date | Oct 21, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 7, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01V3/12
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A vector positional display for use in an underground metal locating system for indicating the relative position of the underground metal with respect to a sensor array. The underground object functions as a RF transmitter, and the antenna array detects the transmitted signal. Commutation of the antenna array causes frequency modulation of the received signal which after demodulation can be used for identifying the direction of the object from the sensor array. A display slot counter accumulates count from a system clock, and resolution decoders determine field of view from the antenna array in locating the object. A zero crossing data probe triggers a display decoder which converts accumulated count to a format for energizing lights in the display unit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.