U.S. patent application number 12/827616 was filed with the patent office on 2012-01-05 for assembly and method for identifying a ferrous material.
Invention is credited to David R. Hall, Davido L. Hyer, David C. Wahlquist.
Application Number | 20120001638 12/827616 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45399228 |
Filed Date | 2012-01-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120001638 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hall; David R. ; et
al. |
January 5, 2012 |
Assembly and Method for Identifying a Ferrous Material
Abstract
In one aspect of the present invention, a system assembly for
identifying a ferrous material comprises a plurality of
magnetometers spaced at varying distances from a ferrous material.
Each of the plurality of magnetometers may comprise a sensor
reading of a magnitude of an absolute magnetic field, which
comprises a magnetic field created by the ferrous material and an
ambient magnetic field. One of the plurality of magnetometers may
be designated as a primary magnetometer. A distance to the ferrous
material from the primary magnetometer may be determined by forming
a ratio of the differences in the sensor reading of the primary
magnetometer and the sensor readings of the other magnetometers set
equal to a ratio of the differences in the distance to the ferrous
material from the primary magnetometer inversely cubed and the
distances to the ferrous material from the other magnetometers
inversely cubed. The system assembly may also comprise a picture
taking device that may provide an image of a surface viewable from
above the ferrous material and a global positioning system device
that may provide a map of a geographical region.
Inventors: |
Hall; David R.; (Provo,
UT) ; Wahlquist; David C.; (Spanish Fork, UT)
; Hyer; Davido L.; (Springville, UT) |
Family ID: |
45399228 |
Appl. No.: |
12/827616 |
Filed: |
June 30, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12827525 |
Jun 30, 2010 |
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12827616 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
324/345 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01V 3/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
324/345 |
International
Class: |
G01V 3/08 20060101
G01V003/08 |
Claims
1. A system assembly for identifying a ferrous material comprising:
a plurality of magnetometers spaced at varying distances from a
ferrous material each comprising a sensor reading of a magnitude of
an absolute magnetic field; wherein one of the plurality of
magnetometers is designated as a primary magnetometer and a
distance to the ferrous material from the primary magnetometer is
given by a ratio of the differences in the sensor reading of the
primary magnetometer and the sensor readings of the other
magnetometers set equal to a ratio of the differences in the
distance to the ferrous material from the primary magnetometer
inversely cubed and the distances to the ferrous material from the
other magnetometers inversely cubed; a picture taking device
providing an image of a surface viewable from above the ferrous
material; and a global positioning system device providing a map of
a geographical region.
2. The system assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality
magnetometers comprises at least three vertically spaced
magnetometers.
3. The system assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
magnetometers comprises a horizontal array of magnetometers.
4. The system assembly of claim 3, wherein the differences in
sensor readings of the horizontal array of magnetometers determines
the size of the ferrous material.
5. The system assembly of claim 3, wherein the differences in
sensor readings of the horizontal array of magnetometers determines
the shape of the ferrous material.
6. The system assembly of claim 1, further comprising an
information processor in communication with the plurality of
magnetometers, picture taking device and global positioning system
device wherein the information processor receives a signal from the
plurality of magnetometers and sends a signal to the picture taking
device and the global positioning system device.
7. The system assembly of claim 1, further comprising an interface
wherein the interface displays a representation of magnetic fields,
the image of the surface, and the map of the surface.
8. The system assembly of claim 1, further comprising a marking
mechanism to apply a marker to the surface viewable from above the
ferrous material.
9. The system assembly of claim 8, wherein the marking mechanism is
a paintball gun or a paint sprayer.
10. The system assembly of claim 1, wherein the image comprises an
infrared image.
11. The system assembly of claim 1, further comprising a very low
frequency metal detector to confirm a signal from the plurality of
magnetometers.
12. The system assembly of claim 1, further comprising a pulse
induction metal detector to confirm a signal from the plurality of
magnetometers.
13. The system assembly of claim 1, further comprising a ground
penetrating radar system to confirm a signal from the plurality of
magnetometers.
14. The system assembly of claim 1, wherein the assembly is
disposed on a milling machine or utility vehicle by parallel
linkages allowing for vertical movement.
15. A method for identifying a ferrous material, comprising:
providing a plurality of magnetometers, a picture taking device,
and a global positioning system device wherein the global
positioning system device provides a map of a geographical region
comprising a ferrous material; passing the plurality of
magnetometers, picture taking device and global positioning system
device over the geographical region; detecting the ferrous material
from the plurality of magnetometers; capturing an image with the
picture taking device of a surface viewable from above the ferrous
material; and positioning a symbol on the map at a location of the
ferrous material.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising providing an
information processor and receiving a signal with the information
processor from the plurality of magnetometers and sending with the
information processor a signal to a picture taking device to
capture an image and global positioning system device to position a
symbol on the map in response to the received signal.
17. The method of claim 15, further comprising determining a
distance to the ferrous material from the plurality of
magnetometers.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising uploading the
distance, location, and image of the ferrous material to a
database.
19. The method of claim 15, wherein detecting the ferrous material
comprises obtaining sensor readings from the plurality of
magnetometers such that each magnetometer detects a magnetic field
of the ferrous material at a different time interval.
20. The method of claim 15, further comprising inputting an exact
location of the plurality of magnetometers and picture taking
device into the global positioning system device before passing the
plurality of magnetometers, picture taking device and global
positioning system device over the geographical region.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 12/827,525 which is herein incorporated
by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A road milling machine may comprise a drum populated with a
plurality of degradation assemblies, typically picks, which may
degrade natural or man-made formations such as pavement, concrete,
or asphalt when the drum is rotated while in contact with the
man-made formation. It is not uncommon, however, to damage
degradation assemblies when they hit hard materials buried
underneath or located on the surface of the man-made formations.
Such hard materials often comprise ferrous material. The prior art
discloses apparatuses and methods for identifying subsurface
ferrous materials.
[0003] One such apparatus and method is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
5,629,626 to Russell et al., which is herein incorporated by
reference for all that it contains. Russell et al. discloses an
apparatus and method for collecting magnetometer data at the
earth's surface in order to detect anomalies in the earth's
magnetic field caused by buried ferromagnetic objects. A plurality
of magnetometers are provided in a predetermined array on a mobile
platform. A fixed station is also provided on the earth's surface,
and navigational data from a global positioning system (GPS) is
collected on the location of the fixed station and mobile platform
in synchronization with a sync signal received from the GPS. While
the mobile platform traverses an area on the earth's surface,
magnetometer data is collected in synchronization with the sync
signal. The apparatus and method provide a significant improvement
in the amount of area which can be surveyed in a given time period
and in the precision of the location and magnetic field intensity
data collected.
[0004] Another such apparatus and method is disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 7,372,247 to Giusti et al., which is herein incorporated by
reference for all that it contains. Giusti et al. discloses an
apparatus and method to locate and mark the surface position of an
underground utility while maneuvering along the path of the
utility. The apparatus uses an underground utility detector that
responds to the location of an underground utility to continually
position a carriage proximate vertical of the utility. Marker
systems are aligned with the carriage and apply either a unique
paint symbol on pavement or a spike in the ground. The apparatus is
configured to use an underground utility detector or positioning
equipment that generate positional signals. The apparatus may be
configured to mark utility positions at predetermined intervals and
mark utility offset positions. The apparatus may be attached to a
vehicle, towed by a vehicle, motorized or propelled by a
person.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In one aspect of the present invention, a system assembly
for identifying a ferrous material comprises a plurality of
magnetometers spaced at varying distances from a ferrous material.
Each of the plurality of magnetometers may comprise a sensor
reading of a magnitude of an absolute magnetic field, which
comprises a magnetic field created by the ferrous material and an
ambient magnetic field. One of the plurality of magnetometers may
be designated as a primary magnetometer. A distance to the ferrous
material from the primary magnetometer may be determined by forming
a ratio of the differences in the sensor reading of the primary
magnetometer and the sensor readings of the other magnetometers set
equal to a ratio of the differences in the distance to the ferrous
material from the primary magnetometer inversely cubed and the
distances to the ferrous material from the other magnetometers
inversely cubed.
[0006] The system assembly may also comprise a picture taking
device that may provide an image of a surface viewable from above
the ferrous material and a global positioning system device that
may provide a map of a geographical region.
[0007] The plurality of magnetometers may comprise at least three
vertically spaced magnetometers and may be disposed in a horizontal
array. Each magnetometer may provide a sensor reading and the
differences in sensor readings of the plurality of magnetometers in
the horizontal array may determine the size and shape of the
ferrous material.
[0008] The system assembly may also comprise an information
processor, an interface, a marking mechanism, a very low frequency
metal detector, a pulse induction metal detector, or a ground
penetrating radar system. The information processor may be in
communication with the plurality of magnetometers, picture taking
device and global positioning system device. The information
processor may receive a signal from the plurality of magnetometers
and then may send a signal to the picture taking device and the
global positioning system in response to the received signal. The
interface may display a representation of magnetic fields, the
image of the surface, and the map of the surface. The marking
mechanism may be a paintball gun or a paint sprayer which may apply
a marker to the surface viewable from above the ferrous material.
The very low frequency metal detector, pulse induction metal
detector and ground penetrating radar system may all confirm the
signal from the plurality of magnetometers.
[0009] The image from the picture taking device may comprise an
infrared image.
[0010] The system assembly may be disposed on a milling machine or
a utility vehicle by parallel linkages allowing for vertical
movement.
[0011] In another aspect of the present invention a method of
identifying a ferrous material comprises providing a plurality of
magnetometers, a picture taking device, and a global positioning
system device. The global positioning system device may provide a
map of a geographical region comprising a ferrous material. The
plurality of magnetometers, picture taking device and global
positioning system device may pass over the geographical region and
a ferrous material may be detected by the plurality of
magnetometers. When a ferrous material is detected, an image of the
surface viewable from above the ferrous material may be captured
with the picture taking device, and a symbol may be positioned on
the map at the location of the ferrous material.
[0012] The method of identifying a ferrous material may further
comprise determining a distance to the ferrous material from the
plurality of magnetometers and inputting an exact location of the
plurality of magnetometers and picture taking device into the
global positioning system device before passing the plurality of
magnetometers, picture taking device, and global positioning system
device over the geographical region. The distance, location, and
image of the ferrous material may be uploaded to a database
accessible to others not at the location of the ferrous
material.
[0013] The step of detecting the ferrous material may comprise
obtaining sensor reading from the plurality of magnetometers such
that each magnetometer detects a magnetic field of the ferrous
material at a different time interval.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a system assembly
disposed on a utility vehicle to identify a ferrous material.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a close-up side view of an embodiment of a system
assembly disposed on a utility vehicle to identify a ferrous
material.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a back view of a system assembly disposed on a
utility vehicle to identify a ferrous material.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a cut-away view of an embodiment of a system
assembly to identify a ferrous material.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an
interface.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a back view of an embodiment of a marking
mechanism disposed on a utility vehicle.
[0020] FIG. 7 is an embodiment of an infrared image of a ferrous
material.
[0021] FIG. 8 is an orthogonal view of an embodiment of a road
milling machine.
[0022] FIG. 9 is an embodiment of a graph of time vs. magnitude of
the magnetic field signal for each magnetometer in a plurality of
magnetometers.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND THE PREFERRED
EMBODIMENT
[0023] Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 discloses an embodiment
of a utility vehicle 101 comprising a system assembly 102 for
identifying a ferrous material 103. The system assembly 102 may
comprise a plurality of magnetometers, a picture taking device 104,
and a global positioning system device. The plurality of
magnetometers may be disposed inside a plurality of containers 105.
The plurality of magnetometers may identify a ferrous material 103,
such as a manhole, which may be buried or disposed on the surface.
The picture taking device 104 may provide an image of a surface
viewable from above the ferrous material 103. The global
positioning system device may provide a map of a geographical
region. An information processor may be in communication with the
plurality of magnetometers, picture taking device 104, and global
positioning system device. The system assembly 102 may pass over
the geographical region and the plurality of magnetometers may
detect the ferrous material 103. The information processor may
receive a signal from the plurality of magnetometers detecting the
ferrous material 103. In response to the received signal, the
information processor may send a signal to the picture taking
device 104 to capture an image and send another signal to the
global positioning system device to position a symbol on the map at
the location of the ferrous material 103.
[0024] FIG. 2 discloses an embodiment of the system assembly 102
disposed on the utility vehicle 101 by parallel linkages 201. The
parallel linkages 201 may comprise a plurality of rigid connections
210 connecting the plurality of containers 105 to a system assembly
base 211. The rigid connections 210 may pivot on the system
assembly base 211 and allow for vertical movement of the system
assembly 102. It is believed that the plurality of containers 105
comprising the plurality of magnetometers needs to be disposed
relatively close to the surface of the earth so that the plurality
of magnetometer can accurately detect the ferrous material 103.
[0025] The system assembly 102 may also comprise a plurality of
wheels 202 to protect the system assembly 102. If the vehicle 101
traverses an uneven surface then the plurality of wheels 202 may
keep the plurality of containers 105 from contacting the surface,
thus, insulating the system assembly 102 from wear or impact. When
the uneven surface comes into contact with the plurality of wheels
202, the uneven surface may raise and lower the system assembly
102.
[0026] In other embodiments, the parallel linkages 201 may
physically adjust the vertical position of the plurality of
containers 105. The parallel linkages 201 may comprise an
electrical mechanism to raise and lower the system assembly 102 to
a desired height.
[0027] FIG. 3 discloses an embodiment of the utility vehicle 101
comprising the system assembly 102. This embodiment discloses the
system assembly 102 comprising a plurality of containers 105 and a
plurality of wheels 202. During normal operations of the system
assembly 102, the plurality of magnetometers may be disposed inside
the plurality of containers 105. The plurality of containers 105
may protect the plurality of magnetometers from harsh conditions
and may comprise electrical connections which may facilitate
supplying electricity to the plurality of magnetometers. The system
assembly's length may extend the width of the utility vehicle 101
and allow detection along the system assembly's entire length.
[0028] FIG. 4 discloses a cut-away view of an embodiment of the
system assembly 102 showing the plurality of magnetometers 401
disposed inside a container of the plurality of containers 105.
Also disclosed is a close-up view of a magnetometer 415 of the
plurality of magnetometers 401. The magnetometer 415 may be a
single coil fluxgate magnetometer comprising circuitry 416 and a
coil 417. The circuitry 416 may send a substantially constant
current through the coil 417. An absolute magnetic field may
provide resistance or assistance to the current. The variation of
the current due to the absolute magnetic field may be determined
and the magnitude of the absolute magnetic field may be deduced.
The absolute magnetic field may comprise the sum of the magnetic
field of the ferrous material 103 and an ambient magnetic field.
The ambient magnetic field may comprise the sum of the magnetic
fields due to the earth and any source except the ferrous material
103.
[0029] The plurality of magnetometers 401 may comprise at least
three vertically spaced magnetometers 411, 412, and 413 disposed in
a horizontal array 402. It is believed that at least three
magnetometers vertically spaced with respect to one another may
determine the distance 403 from the plurality of magnetometers 401
to a ferrous material 103. A plurality of horizontal arrays 402
(not shown) may be positioned side by side and/or overlapping each
other to allow for maximum detection of ferrous materials.
[0030] One of the at least three vertically spaced magnetometers
411, 412, and 413 may be designated as a primary magnetometer. By
way of example only, magnetometer 413 may be designated as the
primary magnetometer. Sensor readings for the primary magnetometer
413 and the other magnetometers 411 and 412 may be obtained. A
first ratio of the differences in sensor readings of the primary
magnetometer 413 to sensor readings of the other magnetometers 411
and 412 may be formed. The first ratio may be set equal to a second
ratio of the differences in distance to the ferrous material from
the primary magnetometer 413 inversely cubed to distances to the
ferrous material from the other magnetometers 411 and 412 inversely
cubed. By setting the first ratio equal to the second ratio, the
distance 403 to the ferrous material from the plurality of
magnetometers 401 may be determined. In the application of the
present invention, the distance to the ferrous material 103 is most
commonly the depth of the ferrous material 103.
[0031] During typical road milling operations, an operator may set
the depth of penetration of the degradation assemblies of a milling
machine. If the depth of the ferrous material is found to be deeper
than the depth of penetration of the degradation assemblies then no
action need be taken.
[0032] As the plurality of magnetometers 401 pass over the
geographical region and individually detect the ferrous material
103, differences in sensor readings of variously spaced
magnetometers of the plurality of magnetometers 401 may indicate
the size and shape of the ferrous material 103. Knowing the size
and shape of the ferrous material 103 may facilitate in choosing an
appropriate course of action for dealing with the ferrous material
103.
[0033] In some embodiments, vertical spacing of the plurality of
magnetometers 401 may not be required if determining the distance
to the ferrous material 103 is unnecessary.
[0034] FIG. 5 discloses an embodiment of a user interface 501
disposed inside the utility vehicle 101. In some embodiments, the
user interface is wireless and located remotely from the vehicle.
The interface 501 may display a representation of magnetic fields
502, the image of the surface 503, and the map of the surface 504.
The representation of magnetic fields 502 may be produced by the
plurality of magnetometers and may display anomalies in the
magnetic fields. The anomalies may indicate a magnetic field of a
ferrous material. The plurality of magnetometers may send a signal
to an information processor when a ferrous material is detected.
The information processor may then send a signal to the picture
taking device to capture an image of the surface 503 and send
another signal to the global positioning system device to position
a symbol 505 on the map of the surface 504.
[0035] The picture taking device may capture an image of the
surface viewable from above the ferrous material which may visually
confirm the signal from the plurality of magnetometers. If no
object is visible from the image, then a ferrous material may be
buried beneath the formation and the location may be physically
marked for later identification.
[0036] Before passing the system assembly over the geographical
region, the global positioning system may need to be calibrated by
inputting the exact location of the system assembly. For example,
the exact location of a building or landmark may be inputted into
the global positioning system device to adjust the reading of the
global positioning system device to correspond with the exact
location of the system assembly.
[0037] After determining a ferrous material's depth and location,
the information processor may upload the depth, location, and image
to a database that is remotely accessible. The database may be
accessible to any construction or operations worker contracted to
work the area with the ferrous material. Also, government employees
may also access the database for determining repairs and long term
planning Also, a centralized manager may communicate to crews
working locally about the magnetic material.
[0038] FIG. 6 discloses an embodiment of a utility vehicle 601
comprising a system assembly 602 comprising a marking mechanism 603
and a backup detecting mechanism 604. The marking mechanism 603 may
be a paintball gun or a paint sprayer that marks where ferrous
material 605 is buried. The backup detecting mechanism 604 may be a
very low frequency metal detector, a pulse induction metal
detector, or a ground penetrating radar system. The backup
detecting mechanism 604 may confirm a signal from the plurality of
magnetometers and may confirm the depth of the ferrous material.
The information processor may receive a signal from the plurality
of magnetometers when ferrous material is detected. Upon receiving
the signal, the information processor may send another signal to
mark the location and another signal to the backup detecting
mechanism 604 to confirm the ferrous material's presence and
depth.
[0039] FIG. 7 discloses an embodiment of an infrared image 701 that
may be provided by the picture taking device. The picture taking
device may provide an image of the surface viewable from above a
ferrous material 702. Because the ferrous material 702 may be
disposed on the surface or be buried, the picture taking device may
provide an image of the ferrous material or of the ground. It is
believed that the infrared image 701 may detect differences in
energy absorption on a surface. Because a ferrous material absorbs
energy at a different rate than the surrounding ground, the
infrared image may verify the ferrous material's presence
regardless whether the ferrous material is buried.
[0040] FIG. 8 discloses an embodiment of a milling machine 801
comprising a system assembly 802 for identifying a ferrous material
803. The milling machine 801 may be a planer used to degrade
man-made formations 804 such as pavement, concrete or asphalt prior
to placement of a new layer of pavement. The milling machine 801
may comprise a plurality of degradation assemblies 805 attached to
a driving mechanism 806. During normal milling operations, the
degradation assemblies 805 may come into contact with a ferrous
material 803 and damage the degradation assemblies 805. The system
assembly 802 may alert an operator of the milling machine 801 of
the ferrous material 803.
[0041] FIG. 9 discloses an embodiment of a graph 901 of time vs.
magnitude of the absolute magnetic field for various magnetometers
in a plurality of magnetometers. This embodiment comprises the time
vs. magnitude of the absolute magnetic field for three vertically
spaced magnetometers. This embodiment discloses that each
magnetometer of the plurality of magnetometers may detect the
greatest magnitude of the absolute magnetic field at a different
time interval. It is believed that detecting the greatest magnitude
of the absolute magnetic field at different time intervals may
facilitate calculating the distance to the ferrous material from
the plurality of magnetometers. The sensor readings comprising the
magnitude of the absolute magnetic field may be processed
individually due to the obtaining the sensor readings at different
time intervals instead or processing multiple sensor readings at a
time. It is believed that by processing the sensor readings
individually the sensor readings may be read more accurately.
[0042] Whereas the present invention has been described in
particular relation to the drawings attached hereto, it should be
understood that other and further modifications apart from those
shown or suggested herein, may be made within the scope and spirit
of the present invention.
* * * * *