Patent · US Active

Virtual white lines for delimiting planned excavation sites

US8290215B2 · kind B2 · utility

51Cited by
54References
18Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 26, 2008
Grant dateOct 16, 2012
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 30, 2031

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG06T17/05
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for facilitating detection of a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility within a dig area. Data representing an aerial image of a geographic area including the dig area is electronically received, the data including geo-coding or geographical identification metadata associated with the aerial image. At least a portion of the aerial image is displayed on a display device, including at least one map symbol, street name, region, and/or landmark description superimposed upon or displayed separately from the geographic area. The dig area is delimited on the displayed image, via a user input device associated with the display device, so as to generate a marked-up digital image including a delimited dig area. Information relating to the marked-up digital image is electronically transmitted and/or electronically stored so as to facilitate the detection of the presence or the absence of the at least one underground facility within the dig area.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.