U.S. patent application number 13/436520 was filed with the patent office on 2013-10-03 for mobile device configured to travel on a transmission line and provide assistance.
This patent application is currently assigned to Elwha LLC, a limited liabiility company of the State of Delaware. The applicant listed for this patent is RODERICK A. HYDE, Lowell L. Wood, JR.. Invention is credited to RODERICK A. HYDE, Lowell L. Wood, JR..
Application Number | 20130256613 13/436520 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49233648 |
Filed Date | 2013-10-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130256613 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HYDE; RODERICK A. ; et
al. |
October 3, 2013 |
MOBILE DEVICE CONFIGURED TO TRAVEL ON A TRANSMISSION LINE AND
PROVIDE ASSISTANCE
Abstract
Described embodiments include a system and an apparatus. A
described system includes a mobile device configured to travel on a
transmission line between two transmission towers of a power
transmission system, physically assist installation of a new
conductor cable or line between the two transmission towers, and
wirelessly communicate with an installation controller. The system
includes the installation controller configured to control travel
by the mobile device over the transmission line, to control
provision of physical assistance by the mobile device, and to
wirelessly communicate with the mobile device.
Inventors: |
HYDE; RODERICK A.; (Redmond,
WA) ; Wood, JR.; Lowell L.; (Bellevue, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HYDE; RODERICK A.
Wood, JR.; Lowell L. |
Redmond
Bellevue |
WA
WA |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Elwha LLC, a limited liabiility
company of the State of Delaware
|
Family ID: |
49233648 |
Appl. No.: |
13/436520 |
Filed: |
March 30, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13436299 |
Mar 30, 2012 |
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13436520 |
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13436404 |
Mar 30, 2012 |
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13436299 |
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13436462 |
Mar 30, 2012 |
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13436404 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
254/134.3R ;
242/590; 29/745 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 29/532 20150115;
H02G 1/02 20130101; G06K 9/00664 20130101; G01R 31/50 20200101 |
Class at
Publication: |
254/134.3R ;
242/590; 29/745 |
International
Class: |
H02G 1/02 20060101
H02G001/02; H02G 1/04 20060101 H02G001/04; B65H 49/00 20060101
B65H049/00 |
Claims
1. A mobile device, comprising: a chassis configured to travel on a
transmission line between two transmission towers of an overhead
power transmission system; and an assistance module physically
associated with the chassis and configured to physically assist
installation or de-installation of conductor cable or line between
the two transmission towers.
2. The mobile device of claim 1, wherein the power transmission
system includes a high-voltage power transmission system.
3. The mobile device of claim 1, wherein the power transmission
system includes a power distribution system.
4. The mobile device of claim 1, wherein the assistance module is
configured to deploy a pull-wire or pull-rope between the two
transmission towers.
5. The mobile device of claim 2, wherein the pull-wire or pull-rope
is configured to facilitate installation of a new conductor cable
or line between the two transmission towers.
6. The mobile device of claim 2, wherein the assistance module is
configured to install the pull-wire or pull-rope between the two
transmission towers.
7. The mobile device of claim 2, wherein the pull rope includes a
low-mass, high-strength pull rope.
8. The mobile device of claim 1, wherein the assistance module is
configured to physically facilitate installation of support or
spacing fixtures for a new conductor cable or line.
9. The mobile device of claim 8, wherein the assistance module is
configured to physically facilitate installation of support or
spacing fixtures at either of the two transmission towers or along
the overhead transmission line on which it traverses.
10. The mobile device of claim 8, wherein the assistance module is
configured to install support or spacing fixtures for a new
conductor cable or line.
11. The mobile device of claim 8, wherein the support or spacing
fixtures include one or more of guide fixtures for pull wire,
mechanical supports for pull wire or cable, and/or conductive or
insulative attachments for a new transmission cable or line.
12. The mobile device of claim 1, wherein the assistance module is
configured to apply a pulling force on a new conductor cable or
line being installed.
13. The mobile device of claim 1, wherein the assistance module is
further configured to physically assist a de-installation of a
conductor cable or line between the two transmission towers.
14. The mobile device of claim 1, wherein the assistance module
includes a spool or reel configured to carry a new conductor cable
or line.
15. The mobile device of claim 14, wherein the spool or reel is
configured to carry and deploy a new conductor cable or line.
16. The mobile device of claim 1, wherein the assistance module
includes a carrier configured to gather a removed conductor cable
or line.
17. The mobile device of claim 1, further comprising a
communication module physically associated with the chassis and
configured for wireless communication.
18. A system comprising: a mobile device configured to travel on a
transmission line between two transmission towers of a power
transmission system, physically assist installation of a new
conductor cable or line between the two transmission towers, and
wirelessly communicate with an installation controller; and the
installation controller configured to control travel by the mobile
device over the transmission line, to control provision of physical
assistance by the mobile device, and to wirelessly communicate with
the mobile device.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the power transmission system
includes a high-voltage power transmission system.
20. The system of claim 18, wherein the power transmission system
includes a power distribution system.
21. The system of claim 18, wherein the mobile device is configured
to apply a pulling force on the new conductor cable or line being
installed.
22. The system of claim 18, wherein the assistance controller is
configured to simultaneously control travel by at least two mobile
devices on the transmission line of the power transmission system.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is related to and claims the benefit
of the earliest available effective filing date(s) from the
following listed application(s) (the "Related Applications") (e.g.,
claims earliest available priority dates for other than provisional
patent applications or claims benefits under 35 USC .sctn.119(e)
for provisional patent applications, for any and all parent,
grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of the Related
Application(s)).
Related Applications
[0002] For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the
present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S.
patent application No. To be assigned, entitled APPARATUS AND
SYSTEM FOR SCHEDULING MOBILE DEVICE OPERATIONS ON A POWER
TRANSMISSION SYSTEM, naming Roderick A. Hyde, and Lowell L. Wood,
Jr., as inventors, filed Mar. 30, 2012, which is currently
co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending
application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.
[0003] For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the
present application constitutes a continuation-in-part U.S. patent
application Ser. No. To be assigned, entitled MOBILE DEVICE
CONFIGURED TO PERFORM TASKS RELATED TO A POWER TRANSMISSION SYSTEM,
naming Roderick A. Hyde, and Lowell L. Wood, Jr., as inventors,
filed Mar. 30, 2012, which is currently co-pending, or is an
application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled
to the benefit of the filing date.
[0004] For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the
present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. To be assigned, entitled DEVICES
CONFIGURED TO COOPERATIVELY MEASURE PROPERTIES OF A POWER
TRANSMISSION SYSTEM, naming Roderick A. Hyde, and Lowell L. Wood,
Jr., as inventors, filed Mar. 30, 2012, which is currently
co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending
application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.
[0005] The United States Patent Office (USPTO) has published a
notice to the effect that the USPTO's computer programs require
that patent applicants reference both a serial number and indicate
whether an application is a continuation or continuation-in-part.
Stephen G. Kunin, Benefit of Prior-Filed Application, USPTO
Official Gazette Mar. 18, 2003. The present Applicant Entity
(hereinafter "Applicant") has provided above a specific reference
to the application(s)from which priority is being claimed as
recited by statute. Applicant understands that the statute is
unambiguous in its specific reference language and does not require
either a serial number or any characterization, such as
"continuation" or "continuation-in-part," for claiming priority to
U.S. patent applications. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Applicant
understands that the USPTO's computer programs have certain data
entry requirements, and hence Applicant is designating the present
application as a continuation-in-part of its parent applications as
set forth above, but expressly points out that such designations
are not to be construed in any way as any type of commentary or
admission as to whether or not the present application contains any
new matter in addition to the matter of its parent
application(s).
[0006] All subject matter of the Related Applications and of any
and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications
of the Related Applications is incorporated herein by reference to
the extent such subject matter is not inconsistent herewith.
SUMMARY
[0007] For example, and without limitation, an embodiment of the
subject matter described herein includes a mobile device. In this
embodiment, the mobile device includes a chassis configured to
travel on a transmission line between two transmission towers of an
overhead power transmission system. The system includes an
assistance module physically associated with the chassis and
configured to physically assist installation or de-installation of
conductor cable or line between the two transmission towers.
[0008] For example, and without limitation, an embodiment of the
subject matter described herein includes a system. In this
embodiment, the system includes a mobile device configured to
travel on a transmission line between two transmission towers of a
power transmission system, physically assist installation of a new
conductor cable or line between the two transmission towers, and
wirelessly communicate with an installation controller. The system
includes the installation controller configured to control travel
by the mobile device over the transmission line, to control
provision of physical assistance by the mobile device, and to
wirelessly communicate with the mobile device.
[0009] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not
intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative
aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further
aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by
reference to the drawings and the following detailed
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a thin computing
device in which embodiments may be implemented;
[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates an example embodiment of a
general-purpose computing system in which embodiments may be
implemented;
[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates an example environment in which
embodiments may be implemented;
[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates an example environment 200 in which
embodiments may be implemented;
[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates an example environment 300 in which
embodiments may be implemented;
[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates an example environment 400 in which
embodiments may be implemented;
[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates an example operational flow 500 in which
embodiments may be implemented;
[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
reception operation 510 of FIG. 6;
[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates alternative embodiments of the
operational flow 500 of FIG. 6;
[0019] FIG. 9 illustrates a computer program product 600 in which
embodiments may be implemented;
[0020] FIG. 10 illustrates an example environment 700 in which
embodiments may be implemented;
[0021] FIG. 11 illustrates an example environment 800 in which
embodiments may be implemented;
[0022] FIG. 12 illustrates an example environment 900 in which
embodiments may be implemented;
[0023] FIG. 13 illustrates an environment 1000 in which embodiments
may be implemented;
[0024] FIG. 14 illustrates an example embodiment of the mobile
device 1005 of FIG. 13;
[0025] FIG. 15 illustrates an example environment 1200 in which
embodiments may be implemented;
[0026] FIG. 16 illustrates an example environment 1300 in which
embodiments may be implemented; and;
[0027] FIG. 17 illustrates an example environment 1400 in which
embodiments may be implemented;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] In the following detailed description, reference is made to
the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the
drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components,
unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrated embodiments
described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not
meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other
changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of
the subject matter presented here.
[0029] Those having skill in the art will recognize that the state
of the art has progressed to the point where there is little
distinction left between hardware, software, and/or firmware
implementations of aspects of systems; the use of hardware,
software, and/or firmware is generally (but not always, in that in
certain contexts the choice between hardware and software can
become significant) a design choice representing cost vs.
efficiency tradeoffs. Those having skill in the art will appreciate
that there are various vehicles by which processes and/or systems
and/or other technologies described herein can be effected (e.g.,
hardware, software, and/or firmware), and that the preferred
vehicle will vary with the context in which the processes and/or
systems and/or other technologies are deployed. For example, if an
implementer determines that speed and accuracy are paramount, the
implementer may opt for a mainly hardware and/or firmware vehicle;
alternatively, if flexibility is paramount, the implementer may opt
for a mainly software implementation; or, yet again alternatively,
the implementer may opt for some combination of hardware, software,
and/or firmware. Hence, there are several possible vehicles by
which the processes and/or devices and/or other technologies
described herein may be effected, none of which is inherently
superior to the other in that any vehicle to be utilized is a
choice dependent upon the context in which the vehicle will be
deployed and the specific concerns (e.g., speed, flexibility, or
predictability) of the implementer, any of which may vary. Those
skilled in the art will recognize that optical aspects of
implementations will typically employ optically-oriented hardware,
software, and or firmware.
[0030] In some implementations described herein, logic and similar
implementations may include software or other control structures
suitable to implement an operation. Electronic circuitry, for
example, may manifest one or more paths of electrical current
constructed and arranged to implement various logic functions as
described herein. In some implementations, one or more media are
configured to bear a device-detectable implementation if such media
hold or transmit a special-purpose device instruction set operable
to perform as described herein. In some variants, for example, this
may manifest as an update or other modification of existing
software or firmware, or of gate arrays or other programmable
hardware, such as by performing a reception of or a transmission of
one or more instructions in relation to one or more operations
described herein. Alternatively or additionally, in some variants,
an implementation may include special-purpose hardware, software,
firmware components, and/or general-purpose components executing or
otherwise invoking special-purpose components. Specifications or
other implementations may be transmitted by one or more instances
of tangible transmission media as described herein, optionally by
packet transmission or otherwise by passing through distributed
media at various times.
[0031] Alternatively or additionally, implementations may include
executing a special-purpose instruction sequence or otherwise
invoking circuitry for enabling, triggering, coordinating,
requesting, or otherwise causing one or more occurrences of any
functional operations described below. In some variants,
operational or other logical descriptions herein may be expressed
directly as source code and compiled or otherwise invoked as an
executable instruction sequence. In some contexts, for example, C++
or other code sequences can be compiled directly or otherwise
implemented in high-level descriptor languages (e.g., a
logic-synthesizable language, a hardware description language, a
hardware design simulation, and/or other such similar mode(s) of
expression). Alternatively or additionally, some or all of the
logical expression may be manifested as a Verilog-type hardware
description or other circuitry model before physical implementation
in hardware, especially for basic operations or timing-critical
applications. Those skilled in the art will recognize how to
obtain, configure, and optimize suitable transmission or
computational elements, material supplies, actuators, or other
common structures in light of these teachings.
[0032] In a general sense, those skilled in the art will recognize
that the various embodiments described herein can be implemented,
individually and/or collectively, by various types of
electro-mechanical systems having a wide range of electrical
components such as hardware, software, firmware, and/or virtually
any combination thereof and a wide range of components that may
impart mechanical force or motion such as rigid bodies, spring or
torsional bodies, hydraulics, electro-magnetically actuated
devices, and/or virtually any combination thereof. Consequently, as
used herein "electro-mechanical system" includes, but is not
limited to, electrical circuitry operably coupled with a transducer
(e.g., an actuator, a motor, a piezoelectric crystal, a Micro
Electro Mechanical System (MEMS), etc.), electrical circuitry
having at least one discrete electrical circuit, electrical
circuitry having at least one integrated circuit, electrical
circuitry having at least one application specific integrated
circuit, electrical circuitry forming a general purpose computing
device configured by a computer program (e.g., a general purpose
computer configured by a computer program which at least partially
carries out processes and/or devices described herein, or a
microprocessor configured by a computer program which at least
partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein),
electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., forms of memory
(e.g., random access, flash, read only, etc.)), electrical
circuitry forming a communications device (e.g., a modem, module,
communications switch, optical-electrical equipment, etc.), and/or
any non-electrical analog thereto, such as optical or other
analogs. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that
examples of electro-mechanical systems include but are not limited
to a variety of consumer electronics systems, medical devices, as
well as other systems such as motorized transport systems, factory
automation systems, security systems, and/or
communication/computing systems. Those skilled in the art will
recognize that electro-mechanical as used herein is not necessarily
limited to a system that has both electrical and mechanical
actuation except as context may dictate otherwise.
[0033] In a general sense, those skilled in the art will also
recognize that the various aspects described herein which can be
implemented, individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of
hardware, software, firmware, and/or any combination thereof can be
viewed as being composed of various types of "electrical
circuitry." Consequently, as used herein "electrical circuitry"
includes, but is not limited to, electrical circuitry having at
least one discrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitry having
at least one integrated circuit, electrical circuitry having at
least one application specific integrated circuit, electrical
circuitry forming a general purpose computing device configured by
a computer program (e.g., a general purpose computer configured by
a computer program which at least partially carries out processes
and/or devices described herein, or a microprocessor configured by
a computer program which at least partially carries out processes
and/or devices described herein), electrical circuitry forming a
memory device (e.g., forms of memory (e.g., random access, flash,
read only, etc.)), and/or electrical circuitry forming a
communications device (e.g., a modem, communications switch,
optical-electrical equipment, etc.). Those having skill in the art
will recognize that the subject matter described herein may be
implemented in an analog or digital fashion or some combination
thereof.
[0034] Those skilled in the art will further recognize that at
least a portion of the devices and/or processes described herein
can be integrated into an image processing system. A typical image
processing system may generally include one or more of a system
unit housing, a video display device, memory such as volatile or
non-volatile memory, processors such as microprocessors or digital
signal processors, computational entities such as operating
systems, drivers, applications programs, one or more interaction
devices (e.g., a touch pad, a touch screen, an antenna, etc.),
control systems including feedback loops and control motors (e.g.,
feedback for sensing lens position and/or velocity; control motors
for moving/distorting lenses to give desired focuses). An image
processing system may be implemented utilizing suitable
commercially available components, such as those typically found in
digital still systems and/or digital motion systems.
[0035] Those skilled in the art will likewise recognize that at
least some of the devices and/or processes described herein can be
integrated into a data processing system. Those having skill in the
art will recognize that a data processing system generally includes
one or more of a system unit housing, a video display device,
memory such as volatile or non-volatile memory, processors such as
microprocessors or digital signal processors, computational
entities such as operating systems, drivers, graphical user
interfaces, and applications programs, one or more interaction
devices (e.g., a touch pad, a touch screen, an antenna, etc.),
and/or control systems including feedback loops and control motors
(e.g., feedback for sensing position and/or velocity; control
motors for moving and/or adjusting components and/or quantities). A
data processing system may be implemented utilizing suitable
commercially available components, such as those typically found in
data computing/communication and/or network computing/communication
systems.
[0036] FIGS. 1 and 2 provide respective general descriptions of
several environments in which implementations may be implemented.
FIG. 1 is generally directed toward a thin computing environment 19
having a thin computing device 20, and FIG. 2 is generally directed
toward a general purpose computing environment 100 having general
purpose computing device 110. However, as prices of computer
components drop and as capacity and speeds increase, there is not
always a bright line between a thin computing device and a general
purpose computing device. Further, there is a continuous stream of
new ideas and applications for environments benefited by use of
computing power. As a result, nothing should be construed to limit
disclosed subject matter herein to a specific computing environment
unless limited by express language.
[0037] FIG. 1 and the following discussion are intended to provide
a brief, general description of a thin computing environment 19 in
which embodiments may be implemented. FIG. 1 illustrates an example
system that includes a thin computing device 20, which may be
included or embedded in an electronic device that also includes a
device functional element 50. For example, the electronic device
may include any item having electrical or electronic components
playing a role in a functionality of the item, such as for example,
a refrigerator, a car, a digital image acquisition device, a
camera, a cable modem, a printer an ultrasound device, an x-ray
machine, a non-invasive imaging device, or an airplane. For
example, the electronic device may include any item that interfaces
with or controls a functional element of the item. In another
example, the thin computing device may be included in an
implantable medical apparatus or device. In a further example, the
thin computing device may be operable to communicate with an
implantable or implanted medical apparatus. For example, a thin
computing device may include a computing device having limited
resources or limited processing capability, such as a limited
resource computing device, a wireless communication device, a
mobile wireless communication device, a smart phone, an electronic
pen, a handheld electronic writing device, a scanner, a cell phone,
a smart phone (such as an Android.RTM. or iPhone.RTM. based
device), a tablet device (such as an iPad.RTM.) or a
Blackberry.RTM. device. For example, a thin computing device may
include a thin client device or a mobile thin client device, such
as a smart phone, tablet, notebook, or desktop hardware configured
to function in a virtualized environment.
[0038] The thin computing device 20 includes a processing unit 21,
a system memory 22, and a system bus 23 that couples various system
components including the system memory 22 to the processing unit
21. The system bus 23 may be any of several types of bus structures
including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and
a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. The system
memory includes read-only memory (ROM) 24 and random access memory
(RAM) 25. A basic input/output system (BIOS) 26, containing the
basic routines that help to transfer information between
sub-components within the thin computing device 20, such as during
start-up, is stored in the ROM 24. A number of program modules may
be stored in the ROM 24 or RAM 25, including an operating system
28, one or more application programs 29, other program modules 30
and program data 31.
[0039] A user may enter commands and information into the computing
device 20 through one or more input interfaces. An input interface
may include a touch-sensitive display, or one or more switches or
buttons with suitable input detection circuitry. A touch-sensitive
display is illustrated as a display 32 and screen input detector
33. One or more switches or buttons are illustrated as hardware
buttons 44 connected to the system via a hardware button interface
45. The output circuitry of the touch-sensitive display 32 is
connected to the system bus 23 via a video driver 37. Other input
devices may include a microphone 34 connected through a suitable
audio interface 35, or a physical hardware keyboard (not shown).
Output devices may include the display 32, or a projector display
36.
[0040] In addition to the display 32, the computing device 20 may
include other peripheral output devices, such as at least one
speaker 38. Other external input or output devices 39, such as a
joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner or the like may be
connected to the processing unit 21 through a USB port 40 and USB
port interface 41, to the system bus 23. Alternatively, the other
external input and output devices 39 may be connected by other
interfaces, such as a parallel port, game port or other port. The
computing device 20 may further include or be capable of connecting
to a flash card memory (not shown) through an appropriate
connection port (not shown). The computing device 20 may further
include or be capable of connecting with a network through a
network port 42 and network interface 43, and through wireless port
46 and corresponding wireless interface 47 may be provided to
facilitate communication with other peripheral devices, including
other computers, printers, and so on (not shown). It will be
appreciated that the various components and connections shown are
examples and other components and means of establishing
communication links may be used.
[0041] The computing device 20 may be primarily designed to include
a user interface. The user interface may include a character, a
key-based, or another user data input via the touch sensitive
display 32. The user interface may include using a stylus (not
shown). Moreover, the user interface is not limited to an actual
touch-sensitive panel arranged for directly receiving input, but
may alternatively or in addition respond to another input device
such as the microphone 34. For example, spoken words may be
received at the microphone 34 and recognized. Alternatively, the
computing device 20 may be designed to include a user interface
having a physical keyboard (not shown).
[0042] The device functional elements 50 are typically application
specific and related to a function of the electronic device, and
are coupled with the system bus 23 through an interface (not
shown). The functional elements may typically perform a single
well-defined task with little or no user configuration or setup,
such as a refrigerator keeping food cold, a cell phone connecting
with an appropriate tower and transceiving voice or data
information, a camera capturing and saving an image, or
communicating with an implantable medical apparatus.
[0043] In certain instances, one or more elements of the thin
computing device 20 may be deemed not necessary and omitted. In
other instances, one or more other elements may be deemed necessary
and added to the thin computing device.
[0044] FIG. 2 and the following discussion are intended to provide
a brief, general description of an environment in which embodiments
may be implemented. FIG. 2 illustrates an example embodiment of a
general-purpose computing system in which embodiments may be
implemented, shown as a computing system environment 100.
Components of the computing system environment 100 may include, but
are not limited to, a general purpose computing device 110 having a
processor 120, a system memory 130, and a system bus 121 that
couples various system components including the system memory to
the processor 120. The system bus 121 may be any of several types
of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a
peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus
architectures. By way of example, and not limitation, such
architectures include Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus,
Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus,
Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and
Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, also known as
Mezzanine bus.
[0045] The computing system environment 100 typically includes a
variety of computer-readable media products. Computer-readable
media may include any media that can be accessed by the computing
device 110 and include both volatile and nonvolatile media,
removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and not of
limitation, computer-readable media may include computer storage
media. By way of further example, and not of limitation,
computer-readable media may include a communication media.
[0046] Computer storage media includes volatile and nonvolatile,
removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or
technology for storage of information such as computer-readable
instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data.
Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to,
random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically
erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, or
other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD), or
other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape,
magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices, or any
other medium which can be used to store the desired information and
which can be accessed by the computing device 110. In a further
embodiment, a computer storage media may include a group of
computer storage media devices. In another embodiment, a computer
storage media may include an information store. In another
embodiment, an information store may include a quantum memory, a
photonic quantum memory, or atomic quantum memory. Combinations of
any of the above may also be included within the scope of
computer-readable media.
[0047] Communication media may typically embody computer-readable
instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a
modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport
mechanism and include any information delivery media. The term
"modulated data signal" means a signal that has one or more of its
characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode
information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation,
communications media may include wired media, such as a wired
network and a direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as
acoustic, RF, optical, and infrared media.
[0048] The system memory 130 includes computer storage media in the
form of volatile and nonvolatile memory such as ROM 131 and RAM
132. A RAM may include at least one of a DRAM, an EDO DRAM, a
SDRAM, a RDRAM, a VRAM, or a DDR DRAM. A basic input/output system
(BIOS) 133, containing the basic routines that help to transfer
information between elements within the computing device 110, such
as during start-up, is typically stored in ROM 131. RAM 132
typically contains data and program modules that are immediately
accessible to or presently being operated on by the processor 120.
By way of example, and not limitation, FIG. 2 illustrates an
operating system 134, application programs 135, other program
modules 136, and program data 137. Often, the operating system 134
offers services to applications programs 135 by way of one or more
application programming interfaces (APIs) (not shown). Because the
operating system 134 incorporates these services, developers of
applications programs 135 need not redevelop code to use the
services. Examples of APIs provided by operating systems such as
Microsoft's "WINDOWS" .RTM. are well known in the art.
[0049] The computing device 110 may also include other
removable/non-removable, volatile/nonvolatile computer storage
media products. By way of example only, FIG. 2 illustrates a
non-removable non-volatile memory interface (hard disk interface)
140 that reads from and writes for example to non-removable,
non-volatile magnetic media. FIG. 2 also illustrates a removable
non-volatile memory interface 150 that, for example, is coupled to
a magnetic disk drive 151 that reads from and writes to a
removable, non-volatile magnetic disk 152, or is coupled to an
optical disk drive 155 that reads from and writes to a removable,
non-volatile optical disk 156, such as a CD ROM. Other
removable/non-removable, volatile/non-volatile computer storage
media that can be used in the example operating environment
include, but are not limited to, magnetic tape cassettes, memory
cards, flash memory cards, DVDs, digital video tape, solid state
RAM, and solid state ROM. The hard disk drive 141 is typically
connected to the system bus 121 through a non-removable memory
interface, such as the interface 140, and magnetic disk drive 151
and optical disk drive 155 are typically connected to the system
bus 121 by a removable non-volatile memory interface, such as
interface 150.
[0050] The drives and their associated computer storage media
discussed above and illustrated in FIG. 2 provide storage of
computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules,
and other data for the computing device 110. In FIG. 2, for
example, hard disk drive 141 is illustrated as storing an operating
system 144, application programs 145, other program modules 146,
and program data 147. Note that these components can either be the
same as or different from the operating system 134, application
programs 135, other program modules 136, and program data 137. The
operating system 144, application programs 145, other program
modules 146, and program data 147 are given different numbers here
to illustrate that, at a minimum, they are different copies.
[0051] A user may enter commands and information into the computing
device 110 through input devices such as a microphone 163, keyboard
162, and pointing device 161, commonly referred to as a mouse,
trackball, or touch pad. Other input devices (not shown) may
include at least one of a touch sensitive display, joystick, game
pad, satellite dish, and scanner. These and other input devices are
often connected to the processor 120 through a user input interface
160 that is coupled to the system bus, but may be connected by
other interface and bus structures, such as a parallel port, game
port, or a universal serial bus (USB).
[0052] A display 191, such as a monitor or other type of display
device or surface may be connected to the system bus 121 via an
interface, such as a video interface 190. A projector display
engine 192 that includes a projecting element may be coupled to the
system bus. In addition to the display, the computing device 110
may also include other peripheral output devices such as speakers
197 and printer 196, which may be connected through an output
peripheral interface 195.
[0053] The computing system environment 100 may operate in a
networked environment using logical connections to one or more
remote computers, such as a remote computer 180. The remote
computer 180 may be a personal computer, a server, a router, a
network PC, a peer device, or other common network node, and
typically includes many or all of the elements described above
relative to the computing device 110, although only a memory
storage device 181 has been illustrated in FIG. 2. The network
logical connections depicted in FIG. 2 include a local area network
(LAN) and a wide area network (WAN), and may also include other
networks such as a personal area network (PAN) (not shown). Such
networking environments are commonplace in offices, enterprise-wide
computer networks, intranets, and the Internet.
[0054] When used in a networking environment, the computing system
environment 100 is connected to the network 171 through a network
interface, such as the network interface 170, the modem 172, or the
wireless interface 193. The network may include a LAN network
environment, or a WAN network environment, such as the Internet. In
a networked environment, program modules depicted relative to the
computing device 110, or portions thereof, may be stored in a
remote memory storage device. By way of example, and not
limitation, FIG. 2 illustrates remote application programs 185 as
residing on memory storage device 181. It will be appreciated that
the network connections shown are examples and other means of
establishing communication link between the computers may be
used.
[0055] In certain instances, one or more elements of the computing
device 110 may be deemed not necessary and omitted. In other
instances, one or more other elements may be deemed necessary and
added to the computing device.
[0056] FIG. 3 illustrates an example environment 200 in which
embodiments may be implemented. The environment includes
high-voltagehigh-voltage power transmission system configured to
transport electric power from one place to another. FIG. 3
illustrates an example of the high-voltagehigh-voltage power
transmission system as an overhead high-voltagehigh-voltage power
transmission system 205. In another example, the
high-voltagehigh-voltage power transmission system may be an
underground high-voltagehigh-voltage power transmission system.
[0057] In an embodiment, a high-voltage power transmission system
may include a power transmission system designed and insulated to
transport electric power from one place to another at voltage over
approximately 35,000 volts. For example, voltages of high-voltage
power transmission may include 138 kV, 230 kV, 345 kV, 500 kV, or
765 kV. In an embodiment, a power distribution system may include a
system designed and insulated to transport and distribute
electrical power from a high-voltage power transmission system to a
subtransmission customer. For example, voltages of a power
distribution system may include 26 kV or 69kv, to a primary
customer at 13 kV or 4 kV, or to a secondary customer at 120V or
240V.
[0058] Structures associated with the example system 205 includes
transmission towers 210 supporting transmission lines 230 that are
suspended from insulators 220. FIG. 3 illustrates example
transmission towers as towers 210A and 210B. Example insulators 220
are illustrated as insulators 220A.1, 220A.2, and 220A.3 mounted on
the tower 210A and insulators 220B.1, 220B.2, and 220B.3 mounted on
the tower 210B. The insulators may be made, for example, from
wet-process porcelain, toughened glass, glass-reinforced polymer
composites or other non-ceramic materials. Example transmission
lines 230 are illustrated as transmission lines 230.1, 230.2, and
230.3. High-voltage power transmission systems are subject to
operational risks, such as for example, weather conditions, ambient
temperatures, lightning, or precipitation affect an overhead
high-voltage power transmission system. Other operational risks may
include for example age, damage, or deterioration. Other
operational risks may include for example vegetation, or human
originated encroachments. A potential operational risk is
illustrated in FIG. 3 as vegetation 240.
[0059] FIG. 4 illustrates an example environment 300. The
environment includes an apparatus, illustrated by transmission
system management tool 320 (hereafter `TSM tool"). The environment
includes the high-voltage power transmission system 205 described
in conjunction with FIG. 3, and is illustrated by the tower 210.
The environment includes a mobile device 380 configured to traverse
transmission lines and perform an action in response to assessed
potential operational risks of the high-voltage power transmission
system.
[0060] The TSM tool 320 includes a receiver circuit 322, an
analysis circuit 324, and a planning circuit 326. The receiver
circuit includes a receiver circuit configured to receive data
indicative of at least one physical parameter of a power
transmission system, illustrated as the high-voltage power
transmission system 205, configured to transport electric power
from one place to another. The analysis circuit includes an
analysis circuit configured to assess a potential operational risk
to a portion of the power transmission system at least partially
based on the received data. For example, the portion of the power
transmission system may include that portion of the high-voltage
power transmission system between towers 210A and 210B. For
example, the portion of the power transmission system may include
that portion of the transmission line 230.1 between towers 210A and
210B. For example, the portion of the power transmission system may
include that portion of the high-voltage power transmission system
between towers 210A and another tower. The planning circuit
includes a planning circuit configured to schedule a traverse by
the mobile device 380 of a transmission line of the power
transmission system at least partially based upon the assessed
potential operational risk. The transmission line provides access
to the portion of the power transmission system.
[0061] Those skilled in the art will recognize that in an
embodiment aspects of the TSM tool 320 can be implemented using a
hardware, software, and/or firmware implementation. Those skilled
in the art will recognize that in an embodiment aspects of the TSM
tool can be implemented, individually and/or collectively, by
various types of electro-mechanical systems having a wide range of
electrical components such as hardware, software, firmware, and/or
virtually any combination thereof. Those skilled in the art will
recognize that in an embodiment aspects of the TSM tool can be
implemented using a general purpose computer programmed to carry
out or perform one or more particular functions of the TSM tool.
For example, aspects of the TSM tool can be implemented using a
computing device 350. In an embodiment, the computing device may be
coupled with a computer storage device 338 coupled to a
computer-readable medium. In an embodiment, the computing device
may be implemented in part or whole using the general purpose thin
computing device 20 described in conjunction with FIG. 1. In an
embodiment, the computing device may be implemented in part or
whole using the purpose computing device 100 described in
conjunction with FIG. 2.
[0062] In an embodiment, the power transmission system includes a
high-voltage power transmission system. In an embodiment, the power
transmission system includes a power distribution system.
[0063] In an embodiment, the data indicative of at least one
physical parameter of the high-voltage power transmission system
205 includes at least one of an operating voltage, current, phase,
configuration, age, or capacity parameter of a component of the
high-voltage power transmission system. For example, a component
may include an insulator, and the parameter may be the type,
manufacturer, failure rate, age, years in service, or last cleaning
of the insulator. For example, a component may include circuit
breakers, switches, or transformers of the high-voltage power
transmission system. In an embodiment, wherein the data indicative
of at least one physical parameter of a high-voltage power
transmission system includes at least one of an current, phase,
configuration, age, cable size, cable material or metal
composition, or single or bundled conductor status parameter of a
transmission line of the high-voltage power transmission system. In
an embodiment, the data indicative of data indicative of at least
one physical parameter of a high-voltage power transmission system
includes at least one of a location or a map of the high-voltage
power transmission system. For example, the map may include a
geographic or schematic map. For example, the map may include tower
locations, tower configurations, or tower heights. For example, the
map may include clearances or acceptable line sag at particular
locations. In an embodiment, the data indicative of at least one
physical parameter of a high-voltage power transmission system
includes at least one of safety and/or fault tolerance margins, or
peak loads of the high-voltage power transmission system.
[0064] In an embodiment, the high-voltage power transmission system
205 includes an overhead high-voltage power transmission system
configured to transport electric power from one place to another.
In an embodiment, the high-voltage power transmission system
includes an underground high-voltage power transmission system
configured to transport electric power from one place to another.
In an embodiment, the high-voltage power transmission system
includes a particular high-voltage power transmission system
configured to transport electric power from one place to another.
In an embodiment, the high-voltage power transmission system is
parsable into at least two high-voltage power transmission system
portions for assessment of a potential operational risk.
[0065] In an embodiment, the receiver circuit 322 further
configured to receive data indicative of an existing condition
affecting the high-voltage power transmission system. For example,
an existing condition may include an existing weather condition,
i.e., wind, snow, or temperature. In an embodiment, the at least
one event includes at least one of weather conditions, ambient
temperatures, lightning, or precipitation affecting the
high-voltage power transmission system. In an embodiment, the at
least one event includes at least one of existing line
temperatures, current demand, or equipment failures of the
high-voltage power transmission system. In an embodiment, the at
least one event includes at least one of peak loads values, peak
load characteristics, or status of another high-voltage power
transmission system affecting the high-voltage power transmission
system. In an embodiment, the at least one event includes at least
one of seasonal, date, or holiday status affecting the high-voltage
power transmission system. In an embodiment, the potential
operational risk includes a potential inspection requirement. In an
embodiment, the potential operational risk includes a potential
maintenance requirement. In an embodiment, the potential
operational risk includes a potential repair requirement.
[0066] In an embodiment, the analysis circuit 324 includes an
analysis circuit configured to assess a potential operational risk
to a portion of the high-voltage power transmission system or a
structure associated with the portion of the high-voltage power
transmission system. The assessment is at least partially based on
the received data.
[0067] In an embodiment, the transmission line is a live
transmission line. In an embodiment, the transmission line is a
depowered transmission line.
[0068] In an embodiment, the planning circuit 326 includes a
planning circuit configured to prioritize a first assessed
potential operational risk to a first portion of the portion of the
high-voltage power transmission system with respect to a second
assessed potential operational risk to second portion of the
high-voltage power transmission system. The prioritization is at
least partially based upon the first assessed potential operational
risk and the second assessed potential operational risk. The
planning circuit is also configured to schedule a traverse of the
first portion of the portion of the high-voltage power transmission
system in response to the prioritization. For example, the
prioritizing may based upon a ranking of a plurality of operational
risks. For example, a possible catastrophic operational risk would
have a higher priority than a routine preventative operational
risk. In an embodiment, the planning circuit includes a planning
circuit configured to schedule in response to the assessed
potential operational risk a traverse over a transmission line
providing access to the portion of the high-voltage power
transmission system by at least two mobile devices. The at least
two mobile devices configured to act in cooperation with each
other.
[0069] In an embodiment, the transmission line is positioned
relative to the portion of the high-voltage power transmission
system in a manner that allows inspection access to the portion of
the high-voltage power transmission system. In an embodiment, the
transmission line is positioned relative to the portion of the
high-voltage power transmission system in a manner to allow repair
access to the portion of the high-voltage power transmission
system. In an embodiment, the transmission line is positioned
relative to the portion of the high-voltage power transmission
system in a manner that allows maintenance access to the portion of
the high-voltage power transmission system. In an embodiment, the
transmission line is positioned relative to the portion of the
high-voltage power transmission system in a manner that allows
replacement access to the portion of the high-voltage power
transmission system.
[0070] In an embodiment, the data receiver circuit 322 is further
configured to receive data indicative of an existing condition
affecting the high-voltage power transmission system provided by
another mobile device operating on the high-voltage power
transmission system. In an embodiment, the data receiver circuit is
further configured to receive data indicative of a first available
mobile device having a first capability to respond to the assessed
potential operational risk and a second available mobile device
having a second capability to respond to the assessed potential
operational risk. In an embodiment, the TSM tool includes a mobile
device selector circuit 332 configured to select an available
mobile device to perform the scheduled traverse of the transmission
line from among a first available mobile device and a second
available mobile device.
[0071] In an embodiment, the planning circuit 326 is further
configured to provide data indicative of the scheduled traverse of
the transmission line by the mobile device. For example, the data
may be provided in response to a request or a pull from another
circuit of the TSM tool 320 or from a third-party device. For
example, the data may be pushed to another circuit of the TSM tool
or to a third-party device, such as the computing device 392.
[0072] In an embodiment, the TSM tool 320 includes a travel
controller circuit 334 configured to control the scheduled traverse
by the mobile device. In an embodiment, the travel controller
circuit is configured to control the route and the speed of the
scheduled traverse by mobile device. In an embodiment, the travel
controller circuit is configured to control spacing between the
mobile device and another mobile device while they are both
traversing the high-voltage power transmission system. In an
embodiment, the travel controller circuit is configured to
determine a travel route to be taken by the mobile device. The
travel route is determined based upon one or more factors including
the mobile device's starting location, the number and type of
obstacles along the routes, and the desired space/time of sites to
be reached by the mobile device. In an embodiment, the travel
controller circuit is configured to dispatch the mobile device in
response to the data indicative of the scheduled traverse of the
transmission line. In an embodiment, the travel controller circuit
is configured to dispatch the mobile device in response to one or
more factors. These factors may include the type of measurements
needed, the time since previous measurements, values of previous
measurements, and/or the spatial/temporal profile of measurements
needed. In an embodiment, the travel controller circuit is further
configured to dispatch the mobile device for another traverse over
the transmission line to another portion of the high-voltage power
transmission system for another measurement or activity based upon
the mobile device's measurement or activity relative to the portion
of the high-voltage power transmission system. In an embodiment,
the travel controller circuit is further configured to dispatch
another mobile device for another traverse over the transmission
line to another portion of the high-voltage power transmission
system for another measurement or activity. The dispatch is at
least partially based upon the mobile device's measurement or
activity relative to the portion of the high-voltage power
transmission system. In an embodiment, the travel controller
circuit is configured to dispatch the mobile device to a location
on the transmission line for measurement or activity. The dispatch
is at least partially based upon consideration of one or more
factors including line conditions, phase, voltage or current
values, loads, sources, weather and/or environmental conditions. In
an embodiment, the travel controller circuit is configured to
dispatch the mobile device to different portions of the
high-voltage power transmission system. The dispatch is at least
partially based upon consideration of the relative needs for
inspection and activity at the different portions and availability
of the mobile device and another mobile device. In an embodiment,
the travel controller circuit is configured to dispatch the mobile
device to different portions of the high-voltage power transmission
system. The dispatch is at least partially based upon anticipated
or predicted needs for inspection and activity at the different
portions and availability of the mobile device.
[0073] In an embodiment, one or more decision-making elements of
the travel controller circuit 334 are disposed at diverse locations
in or about the high-voltage power transmission system 205. In an
embodiment, one or more decision-making elements of the travel
controller circuit are disposed in one or more mobile devices 380.
In an embodiment, one or more decision-making elements of the
travel controller circuit are configured to act independently of
each other to control a dispatch of one or more mobile devices.
[0074] In an embodiment, the TSM tool 320 further includes a
computer-readable medium 339 configured to store the scheduled
traverse of the portion of the high-voltage power transmission
system 205 by the mobile device 380.
[0075] In an embodiment, the mobile device 380 is configured to
traverse the portion of the high-voltage power transmission system
205 and to inspect for the assessed potential operational risk. In
an embodiment, the mobile device is configured to traverse the
portion of the high-voltage power transmission system and to
address the assessed potential operational risk. For example,
addressing the assessed potential operational risk may include
beginning a task. For example, addressing the assessed potential
operational risk may include inspection, evaluation, repair, or a
request additional information or instruction. In an embodiment,
the mobile device is configured to traverse the portion of the
high-voltage power transmission system and to automatically address
the assessed potential operational risk. In an embodiment, the
mobile device is configured to automatically traverse the portion
of the high-voltage power transmission system and to automatically
address the assessed potential operational risk. In an embodiment,
the mobile device is configured to traverse the portion of the
high-voltage power transmission system and to initiate an activity
with respect to the assessed potential operational risk. In an
embodiment, the mobile device is configured to traverse the portion
of the high-voltage power transmission system and to initiate a
repair or maintenance activity with respect to the assessed
potential operational risk. In an embodiment, the mobile device
includes a mobile robotic device configured to traverse the portion
of the high-voltage power transmission system and to autonomously
address the assessed potential operational risk. For example, in an
embodiment, a mobile robotic device includes a mobile device
designed to execute one or more tasks repeatedly, with speed and
precision.
http://searchcio-midmarket.techtarget.com/definition/robot (Last
accessed Jan. 25, 2012). In an embodiment, the mobile device is
configured to traverse the portion of the high-voltage power
transmission system and to perform maintenance and/or repair
operations responsive to the assessed potential operational risk.
In an embodiment, the mobile device is configured to traverse the
portion of the high-voltage power transmission system and to
automatically perform maintenance and/or repair operations
responsive to the assessed potential operational risk. Other
examples of the mobile device are provided in conjunction with
FIGS. 10-17.
[0076] The example environment 300 includes a remote computing
environment, illustrated as a computing environment 392 that
includes a display 394. In an embodiment, the computing environment
may include one or more elements of the computing environment 19
described in conjunction with FIG. 1, or the computing environment
100 described in conjunction with FIG. 2. The example environment
300 includes a person 396. In an environment, the computing
environment 392 may interact with the person, such as receiving
input from the person, or providing output to the person, including
via the display 394. In an embodiment, the computing environment
392 may be in wired or wireless communication with the TSM tool
320.
[0077] In an embodiment, the TSM tool 320 includes a communication
module 328 is configured to output data indicative of the scheduled
traverse of the transmission line by the mobile device. For
example, the communication module may be configured to output data
over a wired or a wireless communication path.
[0078] A prophetic example of the operation of the TSM tool in use
may be illustrated by reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. For example, the
receiver circuit 322 of the TSM tool 320 receives data indicative
of at least one physical parameter of a high-voltage power
transmission system 205 configured to transport electric power from
one particular substation to another substation. For example, the
high-voltage power transmission system may be a particular 500 kV
overhead power transmission system built to transmit power between
BPA's Big Eddy Substation near The Dalles, Oreg. to a substation
four miles northwest of Goldendale, Washington. A physical
parameter may include an age of the insulators along the system, a
failure or repair history of the insulators, or a date the
insulators were last cleaned.
[0079] Continuing with this prophetic example, the analysis circuit
324 assesses a potential operational risk to a portion of this
particular high-voltage power transmission system based on the
received data. A potential operational risk may include degradation
or failure of the insulators. The planning circuit 326 schedules an
inspection trip by a mobile device over a transmission line of the
system. The scheduling is based upon the assessed potential
operational risk to the system, and may weigh a possible
operational significance of the assessed potential operational risk
(i.e., complete failure vs. slight loss of power) in determining
when the inspection trip will be scheduled. For example, the
planning circuit may schedule the mobile device 380 to travel on
transmission line 230.2 and perform an inspection traverse of the
insulator sets 220A, 220B, etc. mounted on each tower 210. The
traverse may be scheduled at some convenient time in the future if
the operational risk is classified as slight. The transmission line
230.2 may be selected as providing inspection access to the
insulators of the high-voltage power transmission system when the
mobile device has a capacity to inspect insulators 220.A1 and
220A.3 from a position on the transmission line 230.2. If the
mobile device does not have a capacity to inspect insulators away
from the traveled transmission line, the planning circuit will
schedule the mobile device to travel on each of the three
transmission lines, 230.1, 230.2, and 230.3, and perform a
respective inspection traverse of the insulators supporting each
line. For example, a traverse of the transmission line 230.1 will
provide the mobile device inspection access to the insulators
220A.1 and 220B.1. The communication module 328 is configured to
output data indicative of the scheduled traverse of the
transmission line by the mobile device. In this prophetic example,
the communications module would output data indicative the
scheduling a travel of the mobile on transmission line 230.2 to
perform an inspection traverse the insulator sets 220A, 220B, etc.
mounted on each tower 210 at a selected day and time.
[0080] FIG. 5 illustrates an example environment 400. The
environment includes an apparatus, illustrated by transmission
system management tool 420 (hereafter "TSM tool"). The environment
includes a power transmission system, illustrated by the
high-voltage power transmission system 205 configured to transport
electric power from one place to another and described in
conjunction with FIG. 3, and is also illustrated by the tower 210.
The environment includes a mobile device 480.
[0081] In an embodiment, the power transmission system includes a
high-voltage power transmission system. In an embodiment, the power
transmission system includes a power distribution system.
[0082] The TSM tool 420 is configured to assess a potential
inspection and/or repair need of a structure associated with the
high-voltage power transmission system 205. The TSM tool is also
configured to accordingly schedule a traverse by a mobile device of
a transmission line of the high-voltage power transmission system
in response to the potential inspection and/or repair need. The
mobile device is configured to traverse the transmission line of
high-voltage power transmission system, and perform an action in
response to the potential inspection and/or repair need. The
high-voltage power transmission system is configured to transport
electric power from one place to another, and the transmission line
provides access to the structure.
[0083] In an embodiment, the transmission system management tool
420 is configured to accordingly schedule and dispatch a traverse
of a transmission line of the system by the mobile device 480.
[0084] In an embodiment, the mobile device 480 is configured to
traverse another transmission line while traveling on the
transmission line in-use. In an embodiment, the mobile device is
configured for passive or active electrical inspection of the
transmission line and/or structures associated with the
transmission line segment. In an embodiment, the mobile device is
configured to measure physical parameters of the transmission line
including one or more of temperature, cleanliness, stress/strain,
and/or sag. In an embodiment, the mobile device includes a camera
or radar configured to address vegetation clearances of the
transmission line. In an embodiment, the mobile device is
configured to automatically respond to the potential inspection
and/or repair need. In an embodiment, the mobile device is
configured to automatically traverse a transmission line segment
and to automatically respond to the potential inspection and/or
repair need. In an embodiment, mobile device is configured to
initiate an activity with respect to the potential inspection
and/or repair need. In an embodiment, the mobile device is
configured to traverse a transmission line and to autonomously
address the assessed potential inspection and/or repair need for
the transmission line. In an embodiment, the mobile device may be
at least substantially similar to the mobile device 380 described
in conjunction with FIG. 4.
[0085] In an embodiment, the TSM tool 420 may include a receiver
circuit 422, and assessment circuit 424, a planning circuit 426, a
communications module 428, a mobile device selector circuit 432, a
travel controller circuit 434, a computing device 450, or the
computer storage device 338 coupled with the computer-readable
medium 339.
[0086] FIG. 6 illustrates an example operational flow 500. After a
start operation, the operational flow includes a reception
operation 510. The reception operation includes receiving data
indicative of at least one physical parameter of a power
transmission system configured to transport electric power from one
place to another. In an embodiment, the reception operation may be
implemented using the receiver circuit 322 described in conjunction
with FIG. 4. An analysis operation 530 includes assessing a
potential operational risk to a portion of the power transmission
system at least partially based on the received data. In an
embodiment, the reception operation may be implemented using the
analysis circuit 324 described in conjunction with FIG. 4. A
planning operation 540 includes scheduling a traverse by a mobile
device over at least a portion of a transmission line in response
to the assessed potential operational risk. The transmission line
provides access to the portion of the power transmission system. In
an embodiment, the planning operation may be implemented using the
planning circuit 326 described in conjunction with FIG. 4. The
mobile device is configured to traverse transmission lines of a
power transmission system and perform an action in response to the
assessed potential operational risk of the power transmission
system. In an embodiment, the mobile device may be implemented
using the mobile device 380 described in conjunction with FIG. 4.
The operational flow includes an end operation.
[0087] In an embodiment, the power transmission system includes a
high-voltage power transmission system. In an embodiment, the power
transmission system includes a power distribution system.
[0088] In an embodiment, the planning operation 540 may include at
least one additional operation, such as the operation 542. The
operation 542 includes prioritizing a first assessed potential
operational risk to a first portion of the high-voltage power
transmission system with respect a second assessed potential
operational risk to second high-voltage power transmission system
and scheduling a traverse of the first transmission line segment in
response to the prioritization. The prioritizing is at least
partially based upon the first assessed potential operational risk
and the second assessed operational risk.
[0089] FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
reception operation 510 of FIG. 6. The reception operation may
include at least one additional operation. The at least one
additional operation may include an operation 512, an operation
514, or an operation 516. The operation 512 includes receiving data
indicative of at least one event having an effect on or predicted
to have an effect on the high-voltage power transmission system.
The operation 514 includes receiving data indicative of existing
condition affecting the high-voltage power transmission system
provided by another mobile device operating on the high-voltage
power transmission system. The operation 516 includes receiving
data indicative of capability of a first mobile device to meet the
assessed potential operational risk and a capability of a second
mobile device to meet the assessed potential operational risk.
[0090] FIG. 8 illustrates alternative embodiments of the
operational flow 500 of FIG. 6. The operational flow may include at
least one operation, illustrated as the operation 550. The
operation 550 may include an operation 552, an operation 554, an
operation 556, an operation 558, an operation 562, or an operation
564. The operation 552 includes selecting a particular mobile
device to perform the scheduled traverse from a first mobile device
having a first capability to respond to the assessed potential
operational risk and a second mobile device having a second
capability to respond to the assessed potential operational risk.
The operation 554 includes controlling the scheduled traverse by
the mobile device. The operation 556 includes storing data
indicative of the scheduled traverse by the mobile device in a
computer-readable medium. The operation 558 includes outputting
informational data indicative of the scheduled traverse by the
mobile device. The operation 562 includes transforming the
scheduled traverse by the mobile device into a particular visual
depiction, and outputting the particular visual depiction. The
operation 564 includes providing a notification at least partially
based on the scheduled traverse by the mobile device to at least
one of a human, computer, or system.
[0091] In an embodiment, the mobile device is configured to
automatically traverse live transmission lines and to automatically
respond to the assessed potential operational risk. In an
embodiment, the mobile device includes a mobile robotic device
configured to autonomously traverse live transmission lines and to
autonomously respond to the assessed potential operational risk. In
an embodiment, the high-voltage power transmission system includes
an overhead high-voltage power transmission system. In an
embodiment, the high-voltage power transmission system includes a
particular high-voltage power transmission system.
[0092] FIG. 9 illustrates a computer program product 600. The
computer program product includes computer-readable media 610
bearing program instructions 620. The program instructions which,
when executed by a processor of a computing device, cause the
computing device to perform a process. The process includes
receiving data indicative of at least one physical parameter of a
power transmission system configured to transport electric power
from one place to another. The process includes assessing a
potential operational risk to a portion of the power transmission
system at least partially based on the received data. The process
includes scheduling a traverse by a mobile device over a live
transmission line based upon the assessed potential operational
risk. The live transmission line provides access to the portion of
the power transmission system. The mobile device is configured to
traverse live transmission lines and perform an action on the power
transmission system in response to the assessed potential
operational risk.
[0093] In an embodiment, the process includes 622 providing a
notification at least partially based on the data indicative of the
scheduled traverse to at least one of a human, computer, or system.
In an embodiment, the process includes 624 transforming the data
indicative of the scheduled traverse into a particular visual
depiction, and outputting the particular visual depiction. In an
embodiment, the process includes 626 outputting data indicative of
the scheduled traverse of the live transmission line by the mobile
device.
[0094] In an embodiment, the computer-readable media 610 includes a
tangible computer-readable media 612. In an embodiment, the
computer-readable media includes a communication media 614. In an
embodiment, the power transmission system includes a high-voltage
power transmission system. In an embodiment, the power transmission
system includes a power distribution system.
[0095] FIG. 10 illustrates an example environment 700. The
environment includes a transmission line of a live power
transmission system, which is illustrated as the live transmission
line 230.1 of the overhead high-voltage power transmission system
205 described in conjunction with FIG. 3. The environment also
includes a mobile robotic device 705. The mobile device includes a
mobile chassis 707 configured to travel on a live transmission line
of a power transmission system propelled by a propulsion system
710. The mobile device includes an inspection module 722 physically
associated with the mobile chassis and configured to automatically
inspect a structure associated with the live power transmission
system. The mobile device includes a risk-assessment module 724
physically associated with the mobile chassis and configured to
assess a potential risk to the power transmission system in
response to inspection data provided by the inspection module. The
mobile device includes a communication module 726 physically
associated with the mobile chassis and configured to output data
indicative of the assessed potential risk.
[0096] In an embodiment, the power transmission system includes a
high-voltage power transmission system. In an embodiment, the power
transmission system includes a power distribution system.
[0097] Those skilled in the art will recognize that in an
embodiment, aspects of the mobile robotic device 705 can be
implemented using a hardware, software, and/or firmware
implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that in an
embodiment aspects of the mobile device can be implemented,
individually and/or collectively, by various types of
electro-mechanical systems having a wide range of electrical
components such as hardware, software, firmware, and/or virtually
any combination thereof. Those skilled in the art will recognize
that in an embodiment aspects of the mobile device can be
implemented using a general purpose computer programmed to carry
out or perform one or more particular functions of the mobile
device. For example, aspects of the mobile device can be
implemented using a computing device 732. In an embodiment, the
computing device may be implemented in part or whole using the
general purpose thin computing device 20 described in conjunction
with FIG. 1. In an embodiment, the computing device may be
implemented in part or whole using the purpose computing device 100
described in conjunction with FIG. 2.
[0098] In an embodiment, the live transmission line is an overhead
live transmission line. In an embodiment, the live transmission
line is an underground live transmission line.
[0099] An example of a propelled mobile chassis is described by
U.S. Pat. No. 4,904,996 to Fermandes. An example of a propelled
mobile chassis is described by U.S. Pat. No. 7,496,459 to
McAllister and United States Pat. App Pub. 2008/0249723 by
McAllister. An example of a propelled mobile chassis is described
by U.S. Pat. No. 7282944 to Gunn, United States Pat. App Pub.
2008/0246507 by Gunn, and United States Pat. App Pub. 2005/0017751
by Gunn. An example of a propelled mobile chassis is described by
U.S. Pat. No. 6,494,141 to Montambault.
[0100] An example of a propelled mobile chassis is described by B
Jiang & A V Mamishev, Mobile Monitoring and Maintenance of
Power Systems (University of Washington) (undated) (accessed at
http://www.ee.washington.edu/research/seal/pubfiles/Sci07.pdf on
Feb. 29, 2012). An example of a propelled mobile chassis is
described T Li, F Lijin, & W Hongguang, Development of an
Inspection Robot Control System for 500 kV Extra-High-voltage Power
Transmission Lines, SICE 2004 Annual Conference Sapporo Japan
(August 2004). An example of a propelled mobile chassis is
described by A. De Souza, et al, 1 Inspection Robot for
High-Voltage Transmission Lines 1-7, (ABCM Symposium Series in
Mechatronics 2004) (accessed at
http://www.abcm.org.br/symposiumseries/ssm_vol1/section_i_robotics/ssm_i.-
sub.--01.pdf on Feb. 29, 2012). An example of a propelled mobile
chassis is described by X Xiao, et al., An Inspection Robot for
High-voltage Power Transmission Line and its Dynamic Study (Wuhan
University, P. R. China) (undated) (accessed at
http://www.intechopen.com/source/pdfs/5322/InTech-An_inspection_robot_for-
_high_voltage_power_transmission_line_and_its_dynamics_study.pdf on
Feb. 29, 2012). An embodiment of a propelled mobile chassis is
described by Z Tingyu, et al., Development of a Dual-Arm mobile
Robot for High-voltage Power Lines 1924-1929 (IEEE International
Conference on Robotics and Biomimetics, 2007. ROBIO 2007). An
example of a propelled mobile chassis is described by N Pouliot, et
al., Geometric Design of the LineScout, a Teleoperated Robot for
Power Line Inspection and Maintenance (IEEE International
Conference on Robotics and Automation, 2008. ICRA 2008). An example
of a propelled mobile chassis is described by S Montambault, et
al., Design and Validation of a Mobile Robot for Power Line
Inspection and Maintenance (6.sup.th International Conference on
Field and Service Robotics-FSR 2007, Chamonix France 2007)
(accessed at
http://hal.inria.fr/docs/00/19/47/17/PDF/fsr.sub.--15.pdf on Feb.
29, 2012). An example of a propelled mobile chassis is described by
H san Segundo, et al., Automated Inspection of Electric
Transmission Lines: The power supply system (IEEE 2006) (accessed
at
http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=4152907&userType=-
&tag=1 on Mar. 5, 2012)
[0101] In an embodiment, the inspection module 722 is configured to
automatically inspect the structure for a potential damage or
deterioration. In an embodiment, the inspection module is
configured to automatically inspect the structure for a potential
damage or deterioration caused by normal wear and tear. In an
embodiment, the inspection module is configured to automatically
inspect the structure for a potential damage or deterioration
caused by aging of the structure. In an embodiment, the inspection
module is configured to automatically inspect the structure for a
potential damage or deterioration caused by a weather event. In an
embodiment, the inspection module is configured to automatically
inspect the structure for potential damage or deterioration caused
by standing water. In an embodiment, the inspection module is
configured to automatically inspect the structure for a potential
maintenance, repair, or modification need. In an embodiment, the
inspection module is configured to automatically inspect for
encroaching vegetation. In an embodiment, the structure includes at
least one of the transmission line, other transmission lines,
insulators, ground line, encasement, cooling system, or towers
associated with the power transmission system.
[0102] In an embodiment, the risk-assessment module 724 is
configured to assess a potential risk to the power transmission
system from normal wear and tear in response to data provided by
the inspection module. In an embodiment, the risk-assessment module
is configured to assess a potential risk to the power transmission
system from encroaching vegetation in response to data provided by
the inspection module. In an embodiment, the risk-assessment module
is configured to assess a potential risk to the power transmission
system from encroaching vegetation. The assessment is in response
to data provided by the inspection module and in response to data
indicative of the encroaching vegetation at a previous inspection.
For example, including in the assessment of a potential risk data
from a previous inspection is expected to provide a baseline for
assessing how fast the encroaching vegetation is growing. In an
embodiment, the risk-assessment module is configured to assess a
potential risk to the power transmission system from encroaching
vegetation. The assessment is in response to data provided by the
inspection module, and in response to imaging, triangulation and/or
time-of-flight measurement data to determine the height or extent
of encroaching vegetation. In an embodiment, the risk-assessment
module is configured to assess a potential risk to the power
transmission system from encroaching vegetation. The assessment is
in response to data provided by the inspection module, and in
response to one or more local geographic or topographic factors.
These factors may include whether the vegetation is above, below or
to the side of the power line, and/or whether the vegetation is
uphill or upwind from the power line.
[0103] In an embodiment, the mobile device 705 includes a
maintenance module 728 physically associated with the mobile
chassis and configured to perform a maintenance, repair, or
modification activity relative to the power transmission system in
response to the assessed potential risk. In an embodiment, the
maintenance module is configured to automatically perform a
maintenance, repair, or modification activity relative to the power
transmission system. In an embodiment, the maintenance module is
configured to perform a maintenance, repair, or modification
activity relative to the power transmission system in response to a
received authorization. In an embodiment, the maintenance module is
configured to repair damage or deterioration to the structure
associated with the power transmission system. In an embodiment,
the maintenance module is configured to repair or modify an
insulator associated with the power transmission system In an
embodiment, the maintenance module is configured to perform a
maintenance, repair, or modification activity to the structure
associated with the power transmission system. In an embodiment,
the maintenance module is configured to trim vegetation encroaching
the structure associated with the power transmission system. In an
embodiment, the maintenance module is configured to trim vegetation
encroaching the structure associated with the power transmission
system. The trimming may by delivery of electrical energy, photonic
energy, or chemical spray, and/or by physical cutting. In an
embodiment, the maintenance module is configured to repair or clean
a power line insulator. In an embodiment, the maintenance module is
configured to de-ice a transmission line. In an embodiment, the
maintenance module is configured to apply a deicing compound or
fluid to a transmission line. In an embodiment, the maintenance
module is configured to mechanically de-ice a transmission line. In
an embodiment, the maintenance module is configured to apply heat
to a transmission line. For example, heat may be applied by blowing
warm air or by resistive heating.
[0104] FIG. 10 also illustrates another embodiment of the example
environment 700. This embodiment includes the mobile robotic device
705 and a transmission system management tool, hereafter referred
to as TSM tool 760. The robotic device is configured to travel on a
transmission line of a power transmission system and to
automatically inspect a structure associated with the power
transmission system. The TSM tool is configured to assess a
potential risk to the power transmission system in response to
inspection data provided by the mobile device, and accordingly to
initiate a maintenance, repair, or modification activity relative
to the structure of the power transmission system by the mobile
robotic device or another mobile device. In an embodiment, the TSM
tool may include a communication module 762, a planning module 764,
a risk-assessment module 766, or a computing device 768.
[0105] In an embodiment, the power transmission system includes a
high-voltage power transmission system. In an embodiment, the power
transmission system includes a power distribution system.
[0106] Those skilled in the art will recognize that, in an
embodiment, aspects of the TSM tool 760 can be implemented using a
hardware, software, and/or firmware implementation. Those skilled
in the art will recognize that in an embodiment aspects of the TSM
tool can be implemented, individually and/or collectively, by
various types of electro-mechanical systems having a wide range of
electrical components such as hardware, software, firmware, and/or
virtually any combination thereof. Those skilled in the art will
recognize that in an embodiment aspects of the TSM tool can be
implemented using a general purpose computer programmed to carry
out or perform one or more particular functions of the TSM tool.
For example, aspects of the TSM tool can be implemented using a
computing device 768. In an embodiment, the computing device may be
implemented in part or whole using the general purpose thin
computing device 20 described in conjunction with FIG. 1. In an
embodiment, the computing device may be implemented in part or
whole using the purpose computing device 100 described in
conjunction with FIG. 2.
[0107] In an embodiment, the mobile robotic device 705 is further
configured to wirelessly communicate with the TSM tool 760. In an
embodiment, the transmission system management tool is further
configured to wirelessly communicate with the mobile robotic
device. In an embodiment, the transmission system management tool
is further configured to be stationed at a fixed location. In an
embodiment, the transmission system management tool is configured
to assess a potential risk to the power transmission system in
response to inspection data provided by the mobile device. The
transmission system management tool is configured to accordingly
schedule and authorize the mobile robotic device or another mobile
robotic device to perform a maintenance, repair, or modification
activity relative to the structure of the power transmission
system.
[0108] FIG. 11 illustrates an example environment 800. The
environment includes a transmission line of a power transmission
system, which is illustrated as the transmission line 230.1 of the
overhead high-voltage power transmission system 205 described in
conjunction with FIG. 3. The environment also includes a mobile
robotic device 805. The mobile device includes a mobile chassis 807
configured to travel on a transmission line of the power
transmission system propelled by the propulsion system 710. The
mobile device includes a vegetation inspection module 822
physically associated with the mobile chassis and configured to
measure a characteristic of vegetation growing proximate to a
portion of the overhead power transmission system. For example,
FIG. 11 illustrates vegetation 802 growing proximate 803 to the
transmission line 230.1. The mobile device includes a communication
module 826 physically associated with the mobile chassis and
configured to output data indicative of the measured characteristic
of the vegetation.
[0109] Those skilled in the art will recognize that in an
embodiment aspects of the mobile device 805 can be implemented
using a hardware, software, and/or firmware implementation. Those
skilled in the art will recognize that in an embodiment, aspects of
the mobile device can be implemented, individually and/or
collectively, by various types of electro-mechanical systems having
a wide range of electrical components such as hardware, software,
firmware, and/or virtually any combination thereof. Those skilled
in the art will recognize that in an embodiment aspects of the
mobile device can be implemented using a general purpose computer
programmed to carry out or perform one or more particular functions
of the mobile device. For example, aspects of the mobile device can
be implemented using a computing device 832. In an embodiment, the
computing device 832 may be implemented in part or whole using the
general purpose thin computing device 20 described in conjunction
with FIG. 1. In an embodiment, the computing device 832 may be
implemented in part or whole using the purpose computing device 100
described in conjunction with FIG. 2.
[0110] In an embodiment, the vegetation 802 growing proximate
includes previously known vegetation growing proximate to a portion
of the overhead power transmission system 205. In an embodiment,
the vegetation growing proximate includes previously unknown
vegetation growing proximate to a portion of the overhead power
transmission system.
[0111] In an embodiment, the vegetation inspection module 822
includes a sensor 823 configured to measure a height or extent of
vegetation relative to the transmission line. In an embodiment, the
sensor includes a camera, radar, lidar, or sonar device.
[0112] In an embodiment, the communication module 862 is configured
to wirelessly output data indicative of the measured characteristic
of the vegetation. For example, the data indicative of the measured
characteristic of the vegetation may be wireless communicated to a
vegetation management tool 860. In an embodiment, the vegetation
management tool may include a planning module 864, a or
risk-assessment module 866. In an embodiment, the vegetation
management tool includes a computing device 872. In an embodiment,
the communication module is configured to communicate with a
maintenance module 828 configured to trim vegetation.
[0113] In an embodiment, the mobile device 805 includes the
maintenance module 828 physically associated with the mobile
chassis and configured to trim vegetation growing proximate to a
portion of the overhead power transmission system. In an
embodiment, the maintenance module is configured to trim vegetation
growing proximate to a portion of the overhead power transmission
system in response to the outputted data indicative of the measured
characteristic of the vegetation. In an embodiment, the maintenance
module is configured to automatically trim vegetation growing
proximate to a portion of the overhead power transmission system.
In an embodiment, the maintenance module is configured to trim
vegetation growing proximate to a portion of the overhead power
transmission system in response to an instruction originated by a
vegetation management tool.
[0114] FIG. 12 illustrates an example environment 900. The
environment includes a transmission line of a power transmission
system, which is illustrated as the transmission line 230.1 of the
overhead high-voltage power transmission system 205 described in
conjunction with FIG. 3. The environment also includes a mobile
device 905 and a vegetation management tool 960. The mobile device
is configured to travel on or along a transmission line of a power
transmission system and measure one or more characteristics of
vegetation encroaching the power transmission system.
[0115] In an embodiment, the power transmission system includes a
high-voltage power transmission system. In an embodiment, the power
transmission system includes a power distribution system.
[0116] In an embodiment, the mobile device 905 may include a
vegetation measuring module 922, a vegetation control module 924,
or a communication module 926. In an embodiment, the mobile device
is further configured to trim the encroaching vegetation to address
the assessed risk. For example, trimming encroaching vegetation may
be implemented using the vegetation control module 924. In an
embodiment, the mobile device is configured to trim vegetation
using electrical or photonic energy, chemical spray, and/or
physical cutting.
[0117] Those skilled in the art will recognize that in an
embodiment aspects of the mobile device 905 can be implemented
using a hardware, software, and/or firmware implementation. Those
skilled in the art will recognize that in an embodiment, aspects of
the mobile device can be implemented, individually and/or
collectively, by various types of electro-mechanical systems having
a wide range of electrical components such as hardware, software,
firmware, and/or virtually any combination thereof. Those skilled
in the art will recognize that in an embodiment aspects of the
mobile device can be implemented using a general purpose computer
programmed to carry out or perform one or more particular functions
of the mobile device. For example, aspects of the mobile device can
be implemented using a computing device 932. In an embodiment, the
computing device may be implemented in part or whole using the
general purpose thin computing device 20 described in conjunction
with FIG. 1. In an embodiment, the computing device may be
implemented in part or whole using the purpose computing device 100
described in conjunction with FIG. 2.
[0118] The vegetation management tool 960 is configured to address
the measured one or more characteristics and assess risk to the
power transmission system posed by the encroaching vegetation. In
an embodiment, the vegetation management tool may include a
communication module 962, a vegetation evaluation module 964, a
planning module 966, or a vegetation risk-assessment module 974. In
an embodiment, the vegetation management tool is configured to
assess risk to the power transmission system posed by the
encroaching vegetation at least partially based on generally
available guidelines and/or protocols. In an embodiment, the
vegetation management tool is configured assess risk to the power
transmission system posed by the encroaching vegetation at least
partially based on generally available guidelines and/or protocols.
In an embodiment the vegetation management tool is configured
assess risk to the power transmission system posed by the
encroaching vegetation. The risk is assessed at least partially
based on particular guidelines and/or protocols for the power
transmission system. In an embodiment, the vegetation management
tool is configured to use imaging, triangulation, and/or
time-of-flight measurement data to determine a height or extent of
the encroaching vegetation. In an embodiment, the vegetation
management tool is configured to determine clearances between
encroaching vegetation and the transmission line in response to the
measured one or more characteristics of the encroaching vegetation.
In an embodiment, the vegetation management tool is configured to
assess risk to the power transmission system from the encroaching
vegetation. The risk is assessed based on one or more local
geographic or topographic factors including whether the encroaching
vegetation is above, below or to the side of the power transmission
system, and/or whether the encroaching vegetation is uphill or
upwind from the power transmission system. In an embodiment, the
vegetation management tool is configured to assess risk to the
transmission line from the encroaching vegetation based on a
time-lapse analysis of changes in the height or extent of the
encroaching vegetation. In an embodiment, the vegetation management
tool is configured to address a measured clearance between the
encroaching vegetation and the power transmission system. The
vegetation management tool is also configured to automatically
assess risk to the transmission line posed by the encroaching
vegetation based on the measured clearance. In an embodiment, the
vegetation management tool is configured to address a measured
clearance between the encroaching vegetation and the power
transmission system. The vegetation management tool is also
configured to automatically assess risk to the transmission line
posed by the encroaching vegetation based on the measured clearance
and on a specified sag value of a transmission line of the power
transmission system. In an embodiment, the vegetation management
tool is configured to address a measured clearance between the
encroaching vegetation and a transmission line of the power
transmission system. The vegetation management tool is also
configured to automatically assess risk to the transmission line
posed by the encroaching vegetation based on the measured clearance
and on a specified wind environment of the transmission line. For
example, the specified wind environment may include a predicted or
an existing wind environment.
[0119] FIG. 17 illustrates an environment 1400. The environment
includes a power transmission system, illustrated by the portion of
the tower 210A, the insulator 220A.1, and the transmission line
230.1 of the high-voltage power transmission system 205 described
in conjunction with FIG. 3. The environment also includes a system
1405. The system includes a stationary device 1420 and a mobile
device 1460. The stationary device is configured to be electrically
coupled to a transmission line of a power transmission system and
remain at a fixed location during a test measurement of the power
transmission system. The stationary device is illustrated coupled
to the transmission line using conductor 1412 and connector 1414.
The mobile device is configured to travel on the transmission line.
In an embodiment, the mobile device may be substantially similar to
the mobile device 1005 or the mobile device 1070 described in
conjunction with FIG. 13. In an embodiment, the mobile device
includes a mobile robotic device. The stationary device and the
mobile device are further configured to cooperatively measure
properties of the power transmission system.
[0120] In an embodiment, the power transmission system includes a
high-voltage power transmission system. In an embodiment, the power
transmission system includes a power distribution system.
[0121] In an embodiment, the stationary device 1420 and the mobile
device 1460 are configured to cooperatively measure properties of a
component of the power transmission system located between the
stationary device and the mobile device. In an embodiment, the
stationary device and the mobile device are configured to
automatically and cooperatively measure properties of the power
transmission system. In an embodiment, the stationary device and
the mobile device are configured to cooperatively measure
electrical and/or mechanical properties of the power transmission
system. In an embodiment, the stationary device and the mobile
device are configured to automatically and cooperatively determine
a voltage standoff-capability of an insulator supporting or holding
the transmission line. In an embodiment, one of the stationary
device or the mobile device is configured to apply a test
excitation to the transmission line, and the other of the
stationary device or the mobile device is configured measure a
response of the transmission line to the test excitation.
[0122] In an embodiment, the test excitation frequency is at about
a nominal transmission line excitation frequency. In an embodiment,
the test excitation frequency is different than a nominal
transmission line excitation frequency. In an embodiment, the test
excitation is applied to the live transmission line at about zero
crossings in the excitation carried by the live transmission line.
In an embodiment, the at about the zero crossings includes not more
than plus or minus ten degrees of the zero crossings in excitation
carried by the live transmission line. In an embodiment, the at
about the zero crossings includes not more than plus or minus five
degrees of the zero crossings in the excitation carried by the live
transmission line. In an embodiment, the at about the zero
crossings includes not more than plus or minus two degrees of the
zero crossings in excitation carried by the live transmission line.
In an embodiment, the at about the zero crossings includes not more
than plus or minus one degree of the zero crossings in excitation
carried by the live transmission line. In an embodiment, the test
excitation is applied to the live transmission line during a select
time portion of a frequency cycle of the excitation carried by the
live transmission line. In an embodiment, the mobile device is
configured to apply a test excitation to an insulator supporting or
holding the transmission line and the stationary device is
configured measure a response of the insulator to the test
excitation. In an embodiment, the stationary device and the mobile
device are configured to cooperatively conduct a passive or active
electrical inspection of the transmission line and/or structures
associated with the transmission line. In an embodiment, the
stationary device and the mobile device are configured to
cooperatively measure physical transmission line parameters
including one or more of temperature, cleanliness, stress/strain,
and/or sag.
[0123] In an embodiment, the mobile device 1005 includes a sensor
(not illustrated) configured to measure a height or extent of
encroaching vegetation along the transmission line. In an
embodiment, the sensor includes a camera, radar, lidar, or sonar
device.
[0124] In an embodiment, the system 1405 includes a test controller
1460 configured to manage the cooperative measurement of properties
of the power transmission system by the stationary device 1420 and
the mobile device 1005. In an embodiment, the test controller is
further configured to control an aspect of travel over the
transmission line by the mobile device. In an embodiment, the test
controller is further configured to initiate a cooperative
measurement of properties of the power transmission system. In an
embodiment, the test controller is further configured to receive
data indicative of the cooperatively measured properties from the
stationary device or the mobile device. In an embodiment, the test
controller is further configured to output informational data
responsive to the data indicative of the cooperatively measured
properties.
[0125] An embodiment includes method. After a start operation, an
operational flow of the method includes electrically coupling a
stationary device at a fixed location to a transmission line of a
power transmission system. For example, in an embodiment, this
operation may be implemented by using the conductor 1412 and the
connector 1414 to electrically couple the stationary device 1420 to
the transmission line 230.1 described in conjunction with FIG. 17.
The operational flow includes initiating travel of a mobile device
over the transmission line 230.1 to a selected location on the
transmission line. For example, in an embodiment, this operation
may be implemented by initiating travel of the mobile device 1005
over the transmission line described in conjunction with FIG. 17
using the travel control module 1052 described in conjunction with
FIG. 14. The operational flow includes measuring a property of a
structure of the power transmission system using the stationary
device and the mobile device. The stationary device and the mobile
device are configured to cooperatively measure the property of the
structure. The operational flow includes outputting data indicative
of the measured property of the structure. For example, in an
embodiment, this operation may be implemented using the
communication module 1028 or the communication module 1056
described in conjunction with FIG. 14. The operational flow
includes an end operation. In an embodiment, the operational flow
may include at least one additional operation. The at least one
additional operation may include managing the cooperative
measurement of the property of the power transmission system by the
stationary device and the mobile device. For example, in an
embodiment, this operation may be implemented using the cooperation
control module 1054 described in conjunction with FIG. 14.
[0126] FIG. 13 illustrates an environment 1000. The environment
includes a power transmission system, illustrated by the portion of
the tower 210A, the insulator 220A.1, and the transmission line
230.1 of the high-voltage power transmission system 205 described
in conjunction with FIG. 3. The environment also includes a system
1002. The system includes at least two mobile devices, illustrated
as a first mobile device 1005 and a second mobile device 1070. The
at least two mobile devices are configured to (i) travel on or
along a transmission line of the power transmission system, and the
at least two mobile devices are further configured to (ii)
cooperatively measure properties of the transmission line and/or
other structures associated with the power transmission system.
[0127] In an embodiment, the power transmission system includes a
high-voltage power transmission system. In an embodiment, the power
transmission system includes a power distribution system.
[0128] FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of the mobile device 1005
of FIG. 13. The mobile device includes a mobile chassis 1007
configured to travel on a transmission line of a power transmission
system propelled by the propulsion system 710. The mobile device
1005 may include a property-measurement module 1022, a cooperation
module 1024, a maintenance module 1026, or a communication module
1028. The property-measurement module is configured to measure in
cooperation with the mobile device 1070 of FIG. 13 properties of
the transmission line and/or other structures associated with the
power transmission system. The cooperation module is configured
facilitate cooperation with the mobile device 1070 in the
measurement of the properties of the transmission line and/or other
structures associated with the power transmission system. The
communication module is configured to communicate with another
mobile device of the at least two mobile devices, or a mobile
robotic device management tool.
[0129] Those skilled in the art will recognize that in an
embodiment aspects of the mobile device can be implemented using a
hardware, software, and/or firmware implementation. Those skilled
in the art will recognize that in an embodiment, aspects of the
mobile device can be implemented, individually and/or collectively,
by various types of electro-mechanical systems having a wide range
of electrical components such as hardware, software, firmware,
and/or virtually any combination thereof. Those skilled in the art
will recognize that in an embodiment aspects of the mobile device
can be implemented using a general purpose computer programmed to
carry out or perform one or more particular functions of the mobile
device. For example, aspects of the mobile device can be
implemented using a computing device 1032. In an embodiment, the
computing device may be implemented in part or whole using the
general purpose thin computing device 20 described in conjunction
with FIG. 1. In an embodiment, the computing device may be
implemented in part or whole using the purpose computing device 100
described in conjunction with FIG. 2.
[0130] With reference to FIGS. 13-14, in an embodiment, the mobile
device 1005 and the mobile device 1070 may be substantially
similar. In an embodiment, one mobile device of the at least two
mobile devices is a mobile robotic device. In an embodiment, two
mobile devices of the at least two mobile devices are mobile
robotic devices. In an embodiment, the power transmission system
includes an overhead power transmission system. In an embodiment,
the power transmission system includes an underground power
transmission system. In an embodiment, the at least two mobile
devices are further configured to automatically and cooperatively
measure properties of the transmission line and/or other structures
associated with the transmission line. In an embodiment, the at
least two mobile devices are further configured to cooperatively
measure electrical and/or mechanical properties of the transmission
line and/or other structures associated with the transmission line.
In an embodiment, the at least two mobile devices are further
configured to cooperatively measure properties of a component of
the power transmission system located between them. In an
embodiment, the at least two mobile devices are further configured
to automatically and cooperatively determine a voltage
standoff-capability of an insulator supporting or holding the
transmission line. For example, in an embodiment, the mobile device
1005 is configured to apply a test excitation to the transmission
line and the mobile device 1070 is configured measure a response of
the transmission line to the test excitation.
[0131] In an embodiment, the test excitation frequency is at about
a nominal transmission line excitation frequency. In an embodiment,
the test excitation frequency is different than a nominal
transmission line excitation frequency. In an embodiment, the test
excitation is applied to the live transmission line at about zero
crossings in the excitation carried by the live transmission line.
In an embodiment, the at about the zero crossings includes not more
than plus or minus ten degrees of the zero crossings in the
excitation carried by the live transmission line. In an embodiment,
the at about the zero crossings includes not more than plus or
minus five degrees of the zero crossings in the excitation carried
by the live transmission line. In an embodiment, the at about the
zero crossings includes not more than plus or minus two degrees of
the zero crossings in the excitation carried by the live
transmission line. In an embodiment, the at about the zero
crossings includes not more than plus or minus one degree of the
zero crossings in the excitation carried by the live transmission
line.
[0132] In an embodiment, a mobile device is configured to apply a
test excitation to the live transmission line during a select time
portion of a frequency cycle of the excitation carried by the live
transmission line. In an embodiment, a first mobile device is
configured to apply a test excitation to an insulator supporting or
holding the live transmission line and a second mobile device is
configured measure a response of the insulator to the test
excitation. In an embodiment, a first mobile device is configured
to apply a test excitation to an insulator supporting or holding
the power and a second mobile device is configured to counteract or
offset the applied test excitation. In an embodiment, the at least
two mobile devices are further configured to cooperatively measure
properties of an insulator associated with an power transmission
system, for example wherein the mobile device 1005 is positioned on
the transmission line and on a first side of the insulator and the
mobile device 1070 is positioned on the transmission line and at a
second and opposing side of the insulator. FIG. 13 illustrates this
embodiment. In an embodiment, a mobile device is configured to
apply a test excitation to an insulator supporting or holding the
transmission line at about zero crossings in the excitation carried
by the transmission line. In an embodiment, a mobile device is
configured to apply a test excitation to an insulator supporting or
holding the transmission line during a select time portion of a
frequency cycle of the excitation carried by the transmission line.
In an embodiment, a mobile device is configured for passive or
active electrical inspection of the transmission line and/or
structures associated with the transmission line. In an embodiment,
a mobile device is configured to measure physical transmission line
parameters including one or more of temperature, cleanliness,
stress/strain, and/or sag. In an embodiment, a mobile device
includes at least a sensor configured to measure a height or extent
of encroaching vegetation along the transmission line.
[0133] FIG. 14 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
environment 1000 that includes a system 1002. The system includes
the at least mobile devices, which are illustrated as the first
mobile device 1005 and the second mobile device 1070 of FIG. 13.
The at least two mobile devices are configured to (i) travel on or
along a transmission line of the power transmission system, and the
at least two mobile devices are further configured to (ii)
cooperatively measure properties of the transmission line and/or
other structures associated with the power transmission system. The
system includes a mobile device management tool 1050. The mobile
device management tool is configured to control the traverse of the
transmission line, for example, such as the transmission line 230.1
of the high-voltage power transmission system 205, by the at least
two mobile devices.
[0134] In an embodiment, the power transmission system includes a
high-voltage power transmission system. In an embodiment, the power
transmission system includes a power distribution system.
[0135] In an embodiment, the mobile device management tool 1050
includes a travel control module 1052, a cooperation control module
1054, or a communication module 1056. The travel control module is
configured to control the traverse of the transmission line by the
at least two mobile devices. The cooperation control module is
configured to control the cooperative measurement of the properties
of the transmission line and/or other structures associated with
the power transmission system by the at least two mobile devices.
The communication module is configured to communicate with the at
least two mobile devices, and/or a third-party device.
[0136] Those skilled in the art will recognize that in an
embodiment aspects of the mobile device management tool can be
implemented using a hardware, software, and/or firmware
implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that in an
embodiment, aspects of the mobile device management tool can be
implemented, individually and/or collectively, by various types of
electro-mechanical systems having a wide range of electrical
components such as hardware, software, firmware, and/or virtually
any combination thereof. Those skilled in the art will recognize
that in an embodiment aspects of the mobile device management tool
can be implemented using a general purpose computer programmed to
carry out or perform one or more particular functions of the mobile
device. For example, aspects of the mobile device management tool
can be implemented using a computing device 1058. In an embodiment,
the computing device may be implemented in part or whole using the
general purpose thin computing device 20 described in conjunction
with FIG. 1. In an embodiment, the computing device may be
implemented in part or whole using the purpose computing device 100
described in conjunction with FIG. 2.
[0137] In an embodiment, the mobile device management tool is
configured to control the traverse of the transmission line and
facilitate the cooperative measurement by the at least two mobile
devices. In an embodiment, the mobile device management tool is
configured to schedule and control the traverse of the transmission
line of the power transmission system by the at least two mobile
devices. In an embodiment, the mobile device management tool is
further configured to provide instructions to the at least two
mobile devices regarding their cooperative measurement of
properties. In an embodiment, the mobile device management tool is
further configured to control an aspect of the cooperative
measurement of properties by the at least two mobile devices. In an
embodiment, the mobile device management tool is further configured
to output informational data responsive to the cooperatively
measured properties.
[0138] An embodiment includes method. After a start operation, an
operational flow of the method includes initiating travel of a
first mobile device over a transmission line of a power
transmission system to a first location on the transmission line.
For example, in an embodiment, this operation may be implemented
using the travel control module 1052 described in conjunction with
FIG. 14. The operational flow includes initiating travel of a
second mobile device over the transmission line to a second
location on the transmission line. For example, in an embodiment,
this operation may also be implemented using the travel control
module 1052 described in conjunction with FIG. 14. The operational
flow includes measuring a property of a structure of the power
transmission system using the first mobile device and the second
mobile device. For example, in an embodiment, this operation may
also be implemented using the property-measurement module 1022, the
cooperation module 1024, and/or the cooperation control module 1054
described in conjunction with FIG. 14. The first mobile device and
the second mobile device are configured to cooperatively measure
the property of the structure. The operational flow includes
outputting data indicative of the measured property of the
structure. For example, in an embodiment, this operation may also
be implemented using the communication module 1028, and/or the
communication module 1056 described in conjunction with FIG. 14.
The operational flow includes an end operation.
[0139] In an embodiment, the operational flow includes managing the
cooperative measurement of the property of the power transmission
system by the first mobile device and the second mobile device. In
an embodiment, the transmission line includes a pre-selected first
location on the transmission line. In an embodiment, the first
location on the transmission line includes a first location on the
transmission line selected by the first mobile device. In an
embodiment, the second location on the transmission line includes a
pre-selected second location on the transmission line. In an
embodiment, the second location on the transmission line includes a
second location on the transmission line selected by the second
mobile device.
[0140] FIG. 15 illustrates an example environment 1200. The
environment includes a power transmission system, illustrated by
the transmission line 230.1 of the high-voltage power transmission
system 205 described in conjunction with FIG. 3. The environment
also includes a mobile device 1205. The mobile device includes a
chassis 1207 configured to travel on a live transmission line, such
as the transmission line 260A between two transmission towers, such
as the towers 210a and 210B of the overhead high-voltage power
transmission system described in conjunction with FIG. 3. The
mobile device includes an assistance module 1222 physically
associated with the chassis and configured to physically assist
installation or de-installation of a conductor cable or line
between the two transmission towers.
[0141] In an embodiment, the assistance module 1222 includes a
pull-wire or pull-rope assistance module 1224 configured to deploy
a pull-wire or pull-rope between the two transmission towers. In an
embodiment, pull-wire or pull-rope assistance module is configured
to deploy a pull-wire or pull-rope configured to facilitate
installation of a new conductor cable or line between the two
transmission towers. In an embodiment, the pull rope includes a
low-mass, high-strength pull rope, e.g., Kevlar or Spectra. In an
embodiment, pull-wire or pull-rope assistance module is configured
to install a pull-wire or pull-rope between the two transmission
towers. In an embodiment, pull-wire or pull-rope assistance module
is configured to
[0142] In an embodiment, the assistance module 1222 includes a
support or spacing fixtures assistance module 1226 configured to
physically facilitate installation of support or spacing fixtures
for a new conductor cable or line. In an embodiment, the support or
spacing fixtures assistance module is configured to install support
or spacing fixtures for a new conductor cable or line. In an
embodiment, the support or spacing fixtures assistance module is
configured to physically facilitate installation of support or
spacing fixtures at either of the two transmission towers or along
the overhead transmission line on which it traverses. In an
embodiment, the assistance module includes a pulling assistance
module 1228 configured to apply a pulling force on a new conductor
cable or line being installed. In an embodiment, the assistance
module includes a de-installation assistance module 1232 configured
to physically assist a de-installation of a conductor cable or line
between the two transmission towers. In an embodiment, the
assistance module includes a deployment assistance module 1234
configured to physically assist a de-installation of a conductor
cable or line between the two transmission towers. In an
embodiment, the assistance module includes a spool or reel 1236
configured to carry a new conductor cable or line. In an
embodiment, the spool or reel is configured to carry and deploy a
new conductor cable or line. In an embodiment, the assistance
module includes a conductor removal module 1238 configured to
gather removed conductor cable or line. In an embodiment, the
mobile device includes a communication module 1244 physically
associated with the chassis and configured for wireless
communication.
[0143] Those skilled in the art will recognize that in an
embodiment aspects of the mobile device 1205, including the
assistance module 1222, can be implemented using a hardware,
software, and/or firmware implementation. Those skilled in the art
will recognize that in an embodiment, aspects of the mobile device
can be implemented, individually and/or collectively, by various
types of electro-mechanical systems having a wide range of
electrical components such as hardware, software, firmware, and/or
virtually any combination thereof. Those skilled in the art will
recognize that in an embodiment aspects of the mobile device can be
implemented using a general purpose computer programmed to carry
out or perform one or more particular functions of the mobile
device. For example, aspects of the mobile device can be
implemented using a computing device 1246. In an embodiment, the
computing device may be implemented in part or whole using the
general purpose thin computing device 20 described in conjunction
with FIG. 1. In an embodiment, the computing device may be
implemented in part or whole using the purpose computing device 100
described in conjunction with FIG. 2.
[0144] FIG. 16 illustrates an example environment 1300. The
environment includes a power transmission system, illustrated by
the live transmission line 230.1 of the high-voltage power
transmission system 205 described in conjunction with FIG. 3. The
environment includes a system 1302. The system includes the mobile
device 1205 described in conjunction with FIG. 15, and an
installation-assistance controller 1350. The
installation-assistance controller includes a travel control module
1352 configured to control travel by the mobile device over the
live transmission line. The installation-assistance controller
includes a physical-assistance control module 1354 configured to
control provision of physical assistance by the mobile device. The
installation-assistance controller includes a communication module
1356 configured to wirelessly communicate with the mobile device.
In an embodiment, the travel control module 1352 is configured
simultaneously control travel by at least two mobile devices on the
live transmission line of the power transmission system.
[0145] In an embodiment, the power transmission system includes a
high-voltage power transmission system. In an embodiment, the power
transmission system includes a power distribution system.
[0146] Those skilled in the art will recognize that in an
embodiment aspects of the installation-assistance controller can be
implemented using a hardware, software, and/or firmware
implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that in an
embodiment, aspects of the installation-assistance controller can
be implemented, individually and/or collectively, by various types
of electro-mechanical systems having a wide range of electrical
components such as hardware, software, firmware, and/or virtually
any combination thereof. Those skilled in the art will recognize
that in an embodiment aspects of the installation-assistance
controller can be implemented using a general purpose computer
programmed to carry out or perform one or more particular functions
of the mobile device. For example, aspects of the
installation-assistance controller can be implemented using a
computing device 1358. In an embodiment, the computing device may
be implemented in part or whole using the general purpose thin
computing device 20 described in conjunction with FIG. 1. In an
embodiment, the computing device may be implemented in part or
whole using the purpose computing device 100 described in
conjunction with FIG. 2.
[0147] All references cited herein are hereby incorporated by
reference in their entirety or to the extent their subject matter
is not otherwise inconsistent herewith.
[0148] In some embodiments, "configured" includes at least one of
designed, set up, shaped, implemented, constructed, or adapted for
at least one of a particular purpose, application, or function.
[0149] It will be understood that, in general, terms used herein,
and especially in the appended claims, are generally intended as
"open" terms. For example, the term "including" should be
interpreted as "including but not limited to." For example, the
term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least." For
example, the term "has" should be interpreted as "having at least."
For example, the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes
but is not limited to," etc. It will be further understood that if
a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended,
such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the
absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example,
as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may
contain usage of introductory phrases such as "at least one" or
"one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of
such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction
of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits
any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to
inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same
claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least
one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a
receiver" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one
receiver"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles
used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a
specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly
recited, it will be recognized that such recitation should
typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g.,
the bare recitation of "at least two chambers," or "a plurality of
chambers," without other modifiers, typically means at least two
chambers).
[0150] In those instances where a phrase such as "at least one of
A, B, and C," "at least one of A, B, or C," or "an [item] selected
from the group consisting of A, B, and C," is used, in general such
a construction is intended to be disjunctive (e.g., any of these
phrases would include but not be limited to systems that have A
alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and
C together, or A, B, and C together, and may further include more
than one of A, B, or C, such as A.sub.1, A.sub.2, and C together,
A, B.sub.1, B.sub.2, C.sub.1, and C.sub.2 together, or B.sub.1 and
B.sub.2 together). It will be further understood that virtually any
disjunctive word or phrase presenting two or more alternative
terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be
understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the
terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase
"A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or
"B" or "A and B."
[0151] The herein described aspects depict different components
contained within, or connected with, different other components. It
is to be understood that such depicted architectures are merely
examples, and that in fact many other architectures can be
implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual
sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same
functionality is effectively "associated" such that the desired
functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein
combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as
"associated with" each other such that the desired functionality is
achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components.
Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as
being "operably connected," or "operably coupled," to each other to
achieve the desired functionality. Any two components capable of
being so associated can also be viewed as being "operably
couplable" to each other to achieve the desired functionality.
Specific examples of operably couplable include but are not limited
to physically mateable or physically interacting components or
wirelessly interactable or wirelessly interacting components.
[0152] With respect to the appended claims the recited operations
therein may generally be performed in any order. Also, although
various operational flows are presented in a sequence(s), it should
be understood that the various operations may be performed in other
orders than those which are illustrated, or may be performed
concurrently. Examples of such alternate orderings may include
overlapping, interleaved, interrupted, reordered, incremental,
preparatory, supplemental, simultaneous, reverse, or other variant
orderings, unless context dictates otherwise. Use of "Start,"
"End," "Stop," or the like blocks in the block diagrams is not
intended to indicate a limitation on the beginning or end of any
operations or functions in the diagram. Such flowcharts or diagrams
may be incorporated into other flowcharts or diagrams where
additional functions are performed before or after the functions
shown in the diagrams of this application. Furthermore, terms like
"responsive to," "related to," or other past-tense adjectives are
generally not intended to exclude such variants, unless context
dictates otherwise.
[0153] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed
herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those
skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed
herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be
limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the
following.
* * * * *
References