NL1024427C2 - Device is for contactless measurement of underground structure and uses ground radar, whereby an active ground radar unit is moved along a number of parallel running measurement lines - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (1) is for the contactless measurement of an underground structure and uses ground radar, whereby an active ground radar unit is moved along a number of parallel running measurement lines. From the data thus obtained, a three-dimensional picture of the underground structure is formulated. At least two adjacent active ground radar units (3,4,5) are used moved along adjacent parallel measurement lines, for virtually instantaneous creation of the three-dimensional picture of the underground structure. The device is positioned on a vehicle (2). The picture obtained is instantaneously transmitted by wireless via an antenna (7) to a picture reproduction unit.

Description

Method and device for contactless measurement of an underground structure

The invention relates to a method and device for contactless measurement of an underground structure using ground radar, wherein an active ground radar unit is moved along a number of parallel above-ground measuring lines, and wherein a three-dimensional measurement of the measurement data obtained with the ground radar unit image of the underground structure is calculated.

Such a method and device is known from US patent application No. 10 / 278,483 which is published under No. OS 2003/0112170 A1.

In order to obtain a three-dimensional image of the underground structure, it is known from this publication to make a number of closely related images with the ground radar unit from which a three-dimensional image of the underground structure can be reconstructed. The usual solution to achieve this involves manually marking a series of parallel measurement lines on a surface above the underground structure. The fundamental radar unit is then manually moved along these lines and the measurement results obtained in this manner are processed sequentially into the desired three-dimensional image.

The known method has the disadvantage that the positional accuracy of the obtained measurements is not particularly great. This is partly related to the need in the known method to carry out the various measurements along parallel running measuring lines, whereby high demands are made on the eye / hand coordination of the person taking the measurements. Another drawback is that the known method is time-intensive and that a relationship must subsequently be established between the measurements taken separately in order to be able to incorporate these into the correct mutual relationships in the formation of the three-dimensional image of the underground structure.

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2 I

The object of the invention is to mitigate these disadvantages

and as far as possible. I

The method proposed according to the invention

for this purpose, is characterized in that at least two ac I

5 ground radar units arranged side by side and I

applied at the same time along parallel lines I

be moved before being able to provide almost instantaneously

of the three-dimensional image of the underground structure

time. I

10 By placing the used ground radar units on an I

common frame, the mutual position I

guarantee and an accurate mutual relationship

between the measurement series of the ground radar unit used

can be easily realized and maintained. Moreover, I

The invention offers the advantage that the measurement is much faster

can then proceed according to the prior art possible I

is. This also means following documented guidance I

possible to determine whether the location is correct I

or that it deviates. I

The accuracy of the three-dimensional image of I

the underground structure can be further improved I

by carrying out the method in such a way that three side by side I

active ground radar units are applied. I

In another aspect of the invention, the method is

25 characterized by the fact that with the active ground radar unit

the measurement lines followed are adjusted almost instantaneously I

to the measured underground structure, so that one in the structure I

found anomaly can be followed. I

Such an anomaly relates, for example, to a study

30 underground pipeline whose progress must be mapped I

brought. In the prior art, it is customary the I

trace pipes in a soil by means of I

measurements substantially perpendicular to the pipes. With I

the method just referred to, it is possible to determine the precise I

35 chart the course of the pipes, so that every I

variation in the course of the pipes can be detected

Itered. I

The invention is also embodied in a device I

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3 for contactless measurement of an underground structure, comprising a movable ground radar unit and a data processing device that can be connected to the ground radar unit for storage and / or processing of measurement data obtained with the ground radar unit.

According to the invention, the device is characterized in that a vehicle is provided and that at least two ground radar units are placed on this vehicle which can be connected to the data processing device.

It is to be noted here that the data processing device can be placed both on the vehicle and on the shore. In the latter case, the data from the ground radar units can preferably be transmitted wirelessly to the data processing device.

For the accurate position determination of the device, it is preferably equipped with a global positioning system, so that the measurement data obtained together with the positional information derived from this system can be provided to the data processing device. Because the ground radar units occupy a fixed position on the vehicle, the mutual position information of the measurement series obtained with these ground radar units is reliable and known.

For improving the three-dimensional imaging of the underground structure, it is furthermore advantageous that three ground-radar units are arranged on the vehicle.

According to the above-mentioned aspect of the invention, the device is characterized in a preferred embodiment by the fact that the vehicle can be steered in direction, and that the data processing device comprises a tracking and control device which controls the vehicle for varying the direction of the vehicle in dependence on the underground structure measured with the data processing device.

The device is preferably designed in such a way that the tracking and control device controls the vehicle for following an anode found in the underground structure.

malie. I

The invention will be further described below

explained on the basis of a non-limiting implementation I

example of a device according to the invention and under I

5 reference to the drawing. I

In the drawing, a single figure shows very sketch I

moderately the device according to the invention. I

In the single figure 1 the device is according to I

The invention is designated by reference numeral 1. This device I

10 1 serves for the contactless measurement of an underground I

structure such as in particular the cables, pipes and network I

works that are below the soil and of which in connection with I

the correct location must be determined during excavation work I

stated. I

The device 1 according to the invention comprises an I

vehicle 2. There are at least two on this vehicle 2 and at I

three ground radar units 3, 4 and 5 are preferably placed. I

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the basis I

radar units 3, 4 and 5 connected to one also on the I

Data processing device 6 placed in vehicle 2, I

co-storage and processing of ground radar units 3, 4 I

and measurement data obtained can take place. In this way I

becomes an accurate three-dimensional view of the lower I

ground structure and this can be instantaneous and wireless via an antenna 7 to a fixed wall

video display device are relayed. The way in which I

this can be done, is well known to those skilled in the art and

requires no further explanation. I

It is furthermore shown in the figure that the vehicle I

2 has a second antenna 8. This second antenna 8 makes I

part of a 9, 10 based on a few satellites I

positioning system such as the global positioning system I

with which the ground location of the vehicle 2 can be accurately I

are determined. It is also possible to change the position of the vehicle

35 to derive rigging from a few beacons placed on the ground. I

Advantageous for the placement of the data processing I

The device 6 on the vehicle 2 is that it can be designed

lined with a follow and control member (symbolized with the I

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5 part of the device 6 indicated by reference numeral 11). This tracking and control device 11 serves to control the vehicle 2, for example of one or more wheels of the vehicle 2, for varying the direction of the vehicle 2 in dependence on the underground structure measured with the data processing device 6. The aim here is to be able to follow the cables, pipes or networks found in the underground structure, so that they can be mapped with great accuracy.

It is clear to a person skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiment described above is a selection of the many possible embodiments that can be given to the device. Accordingly, this exemplary embodiment is not to be understood as limiting the following claims. The scope of protection of these claims is determined by the essence of the invention embodied in these claims, the explanation given above being understood as explaining the terms used in the claims without, however, limiting them thereto.

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Claims (7)

Method for contactless measurement of an underground structure using ground radar, wherein an active ground radar unit is moved along a number of parallel running overhead ground lines, and wherein the measurement data obtained from the ground radar unit is used. a three-dimensional image of the underground structure is calculated, characterized in that at least two active ground radar units are arranged which are arranged next to each other and which are simultaneously moved along parallel lines of measurement for the substantially instantaneous be able to provide the three-dimensional image of the underground structure. I Method according to claim 1, characterized in that three active ground radar units I arranged next to each other are used. I Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the measurement lines followed with the active ground radar units are adapted almost instantaneously to the measured underground structure, so that an anomaly found in the structure can be followed . I 4. Device for contactless measurement of an underground structure, comprising a movable ground radar unit and a data processing device that can be connected to the ground radar unit for storage and / or processing of measurement data obtained with the ground radar unit, characterized in that: a vehicle is provided and that on this vehicle at least two ground radar units are placed which can be connected to the data processing device. 5. Device as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that three in-line ground radar units are placed on the vehicle. I 6. Device as claimed in claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the vehicle can be steered in direction, and that the data processing device comprises a tracking and control device which controls the vehicle for varying the direction of the vehicle. vehicle in dependence on the underground structure measured with the data processing device. 7. Device as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that the tracking and control device controls the vehicle for following an anatomy found in the underground structure. 1024427