TWI482897B - 標記系統、工具與方法 - Google Patents

標記系統、工具與方法 Download PDF

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TWI482897B
TWI482897B TW097108911A TW97108911A TWI482897B TW I482897 B TWI482897 B TW I482897B TW 097108911 A TW097108911 A TW 097108911A TW 97108911 A TW97108911 A TW 97108911A TW I482897 B TWI482897 B TW I482897B
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Steven Nielsen
Curtis Chambers
Jeffrey Farr
Rene A Vazquez
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Certusview Technologies Llc
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Description

標記系統、工具與方法
諸如公用事業管線及管道(下文中被稱為"公用事業管線")之地下人造物件極易受來自挖掘活動之損壞。地方法律及聯邦法律要求在進行任何挖掘之前對待挖掘之區域中之地下公用事業管線的所有者發出通知。公用事業管線之所有者通常必須定位並標記任何地下公用事業管線之位置。
可由公用事業管線所有者或由第三方承包人來執行定位並標記地下公用事業管線之任務。標記工具通常用以標記地面、路面或其他表面以便提供地下公用事業之位置之視覺指示。油漆常常用作標記物，且其通常係使用油漆標記工具來塗覆。通常基於所標記之公用事業管線之類型來選擇油漆的色彩(例如，紅色用於電力線)。然而，亦使用諸如其他類型之液體、標旗(flag)及標樁之其他類型的標記物，且標記物之不同視覺或其他特性用於表示不同類型之地下公用事業管線。舉例而言，標旗標記物之色彩、形狀或其他特性可表示特定類型之地下公用事業管線(例如，正方形標旗可用以標記電力線)。
在油漆用作標記物時，工人使用油漆標記工具將油漆噴於公用事業管線上方之地面上來標記地下公用事業管線之位置。通常使用之油漆標記工具具有油漆罐固持器，其經調適以將單一油漆噴霧罐關於噴霧罐之長軸而固持於軸向定向。油漆標記工具通常經設計以使使用者能夠在施配油漆時行走或直立。
在定位地下公用事業管線時，工人將用於正標記之公用事業管線之適合色彩的油漆罐裝載至油漆標記工具中。在將標記不同類型之公用事業管線時，工人必須將油漆罐改變至用於正標記之新的公用事業管線之適合色彩中之一者。
根據一態樣，一種標記系統可包括：標記物施配器，其用以固持並施配標記物；處理器，其用以確定關於標記物之至少一特性；及觸發系統，其與標記物施配器及處理器通信以觸發標記物施配器施配標記物並觸發處理器儲存關於標記物之至少一特性及與標記物之施配相關聯的時間資料。
根據另一態樣，一種標記工具可包括：標記物施配器，其用以固持並施配來自標記物容器之標記物。可將標籤附著至標記物容器，其中標籤可儲存關於標記物之至少一特性之資訊。標記工具可進一步包括：標籤讀取器，其用以自標籤之讀取資訊；處理器，其用以自標籤讀取器接收資訊；及觸發系統，其用以觸發標記物施配器自標記物容器施配標記物並觸發處理器儲存與由標記物施配器進行之標記物之施配相關聯的資訊及時間資料。
根據又一態樣，一種方法可包括：識別關於裝載至標記工具中之標記物之標記物特性；接收標記工具之觸發之觸發器之啟動；在接收到觸發器之啟動時施配標記物；及在接收到觸發器之啟動時儲存標記物特性及時間資料。
根據另一態樣，一種系統可包括：用於固持供施配標記物之容器的構件；用於識別關於容器中之標記物之標記物特性的構件；用於接收觸發器之啟動的構件；用於在觸發器被啟動時自容器施配標記物的構件；及用於在觸發器被啟動時儲存標記物特性及時戳的構件。
根據另一態樣，一種系統可包括：用於固持供施配標記物之容器的構件；用於識別關於容器中之標記物之標記物特性的構件；用於接收觸發器之啟動的構件；用於在觸發器被啟動時自容器施配標記物的構件；及用於在觸發器被啟動時增加計數值的構件。
根據又一態樣，一種標記系統可包括：用於提供用於供施配標記物之容器之固持器的構件；及用於僅在將容器初始置放於固持器中時識別關於容器中之標記物之標記物特性的構件。
併入本說明書中且構成本說明書之部分的隨附圖式說明本文中所描述之一或多個實施例且與描述一起解釋此等實施例。
以下[實施方式]參看隨附圖式。不同圖式中之相同參考數字可識別相同或相似元件。又，以下[實施方式]未限制本發明。
圖1為例示性標記系統100之方塊圖。系統100可包括通信系統110、介面120、區域記憶體130、處理器140、標記物施配器150、觸發系統160及標籤讀取器170。在其他實 施例中，系統100可包括額外或不同組件。
系統100可用以施配標記物。在系統100之一例示性應用中，標記物可用以標記地下公用事業管線，諸如電信(例如，電話及/或電纜)、電力、煤氣、水或下水道。用以標記地下公用事業管線之標記物可包括諸如油漆之液體，或諸如標旗、標樁等等之物件。
使用者可經由介面120來控制系統100之操作。在一實施例中，介面120可包括觸摸式螢幕介面，其可提供系統100之各種操作控制及狀態指示符，且可允許使用者藉由觸摸螢幕之特定區域來導覽控制。在另一實施例中，介面120可包括另一形式之輸入及/或輸出，諸如，用於顯示資訊之顯示器及用於輸入資訊的小鍵盤。在任一情形下，介面120可提供操作控制以充當觸發系統160。
觸發系統160可觸發標記物之施配及標記資訊之儲存。下文中將較詳細描述之標記資訊可包括關於正施配之標記物之特性的資訊、時間資料(例如，時戳及/或消逝時間資訊)及/或計數資料(標記物被施配之次數)。在操作中，使用者可嚙合觸發系統160(下文較詳細地解釋)中之觸發機構以便施配標記物。在嚙合觸發機構時，觸發系統160亦可起始標記資訊之儲存。此可藉由將信號發送至處理器140來完成，其亦可使處理器140將標記資訊儲存於區域記憶體130中。或者或另外，處理器140可藉由傳輸標記資訊以用於由系統100外部之裝置或系統儲存來儲存標記資訊。在一實施例中，可僅在標記物由標記物施配器150施配時 儲存標記資訊。
標記物施配器150可固持標記物且亦可含有致動機構(圖1中未圖示)，其使標記物在啟動觸發系統160時被施配。如上文所描述，由標記物施配器150施配之標記物可包括液體(例如，油漆)或物件(例如，標旗或標樁)。以下將較詳細地論述標記物施配器150之細節。
系統100亦可包括標籤讀取器170。在一實施例中，標籤讀取器170可包括可讀取標籤之裝置。在術語"標籤"在本文中使用時可指代能夠儲存機器可讀資訊之任一物品，諸如，條碼、射頻識別(RFID)裝置或近場通信(NFC)裝置。標籤可為被動的、主動的或其任一組合。被動標籤可回應於自標籤讀取器170接收之信號而傳輸資料。主動標籤可連續傳輸資料。標籤可附著至裝載至標記物施配器150中之標記物且可併有對應於標記物之一或多個特性(例如，若標記物為油漆則油漆色彩)的資料。標記物特性之其他實例包括(但不限於)標記物之類型及標記物之形狀。標籤讀取器170可併有天線(未圖示)以自標籤讀取資料(無論是被動的、主動的還是其任一組合)。可接著將由標籤讀取器170讀取之資料發送至處理器140以用於相應特性之確定。可接著將相應特性儲存於區域記憶體130中、由介面120顯示及/或在系統100外部傳輸。
通信系統110可包括用於將資料傳輸至位於系統100本端或遠端之一或多個外部裝置及/或系統及/或自位於系統100本端或遠端之一或多個外部裝置及/或系統接收資料的介 面。通信系統110可包括任一類型之介面，諸如，用於經由乙太網路、藍芽、Wifi、射頻(RF)、廣域網路(WAN)或另一類型之網路或協定來通信的介面。
在一實施例中，通信系統110可將區域記憶體130中所儲存之標記資訊發送至外部裝置/系統及/或自外部裝置/系統接收資訊。標記資訊可由外部裝置/系統使用以識別由系統100之使用者施配之標記物，識別施配標記物的時間，及/或確定在特定位置使用之標記物之量。
如本文中廣泛地描述，系統100可尤其適用於併入用於標記地下公用事業之標記工具中。如上文所論述，標記工具用以標記地面、路面或其他表面以便提供地下公用事業之位置之視覺指示。可使用之標記物之類型包括可供應於噴霧罐中之油漆，噴霧罐關於噴霧罐之長軸而軸向定向。標記工具使使用者能夠在施配標記物時行走或直立。
若系統100併入油漆標記工具中，則可將標籤附著至油漆罐以識別油漆之特性，諸如，油漆罐中之油漆之色彩。在將油漆罐插入標記物施配器150時，標籤讀取器170可自標籤讀取此油漆特性(例如，色彩資訊)，且處理器140可將由標籤讀取器170讀取之色彩資訊顯示於介面120上。或者或其他，可以其他方式將色彩資訊提供至使用者。舉例而言，可將色彩資訊聽覺地提供至使用者(例如，經由所產生之語音或一連串蜂鳴聲或雁叫聲)。或替代地，亦可將色彩資訊以除經由介面120之外的方式視覺地提供至使用者。舉例而言，可將色彩資訊提供於由使用者穿戴或承載 之物件上(例如，具有顯示能力及/或能夠改變色彩之一對眼鏡、箍套、指環等等)。
在一實施例中，處理器140可估計已施配之特定色彩之油漆之量。處理器140可藉由維持每一色彩之獨立計時器來完成此。每次啟動觸發機構，特定色彩之計時器將增加其計數且此色彩安裝於標記物施配器150中(其可藉由使用標籤讀取器170來讀取油漆罐上之標籤來確定)。此資訊可適用於管理油漆目錄或確定在特定位置使用之油漆量是否合理(給定待在此位置執行之工作)。
油漆標記工具僅為系統100之一可能應用。系統100可應用於使用可附著標籤之標記物之任一標記系統。使用者可認為有用之任一標記物特性可儲存於附著至標記物之標籤上。
圖2為例示性標記工具200之圖。對於以下描述，假設標記工具200使用油漆作為標記物。然而，應瞭解，在其他實施例中可使用諸如另一類型之液體、標旗、標樁等等之任一其他標記物。
標記工具200可包括外殼220，外殼220具有狹長中心外殼部分240、頂部外殼部分260及底部外殼部分280。外殼220可由任一至少半剛性材料形成，且可由諸如鋁或塑膠之輕質材料形成。
油漆罐固持器282可附著至底部外殼部分280。油漆罐固持器282可包括藉由諸如鉚釘、黏著劑、機械緊固件或類似物之任何合適之附著機構而附著至底部外殼部分280的 開端管狀結構。油漆罐固持器282可由可製造為開放管狀組態或將用以支撐具有大體上平行於外殼220之油漆罐軸線之油漆罐284的任一其他組態之諸如射出模製塑膠、成形薄片金屬或任一其他適合之材料的任一材料形成。
可包括可讀取標籤之裝置之標籤讀取器246可安裝於外殼220上或位於外殼220內。標籤讀取器246可併有能夠自標籤讀取資料之天線(未圖示)。在標籤286附著至併有對應於油漆之特性(例如，油漆色彩)之資料的油漆罐284時，標籤讀取器246可讀取此資料。標記物特性之其他實例包括(但不限於)標記物之類型及標記物之形狀。可接著將由標籤讀取器246讀取之資料發送至處理器268以用於相應特性之確定。可接著將相應特性提供給使用者，儲存於區域記憶體270中，及/或在標記工具200外部傳輸。
標籤讀取器246可安裝於外殼上或油漆罐固持器282上任何處。然而，標籤讀取器246無需安裝於標記工具200自身上任何處。舉例而言，標籤讀取器246可由使用者承載。大體而言，標籤讀取器246可安裝於或位於任何位置，只要其可接收自標籤286傳輸之資料即可。
致動機構288可在其可致動油漆罐284之噴嘴290之位置附著至底部外殼部分280。致動機構288可包括在致動時按下噴嘴290之剛性材料。然而，任一機構可用以致動油漆罐284之噴嘴290。
把手262可被提供於頂部外殼部分260處。把手262可由射出模製塑膠或任一其他適合之材料形成，且可由鉚釘、 黏著劑或任何其他合適方式附著至頂部外殼部分260。機械觸發器264可提供於頂部外殼部分260上。機械觸發器264可位於把手262上且使用任何合適方式附著。
顯示器266可被提供於頂部外殼部分260上。顯示器266可包括用於對使用者顯示資訊，並充當輸入裝置之觸摸式螢幕顯示器。處理器268及區域記憶體270位於外殼220中。在一實施例中，處理器268及區域記憶體270可位於頂部外殼部分260中以便緊密接近顯示器266及機械觸發器264。在另一實施例中，處理器268及區域記憶體270可位於外殼220內任何處。
計時器272可被提供於頂部外殼部分260上。計時器272可包括可輸出時間資料達某精確度(例如，分鐘、秒、毫秒等等之精確度)等級之任一裝置。在一實施例中，計時器272可能夠自身產生時間資料。在此情形下，計時器272可採取時鐘之形式。在另一實施例中，計時器272可自標記工具200外部之另一裝置接收時間資料。在此情形下，計時器272可採取接收器之形式。在某些情形下，計時器272與另一計時器同步係有利的。計時器272可將時間資料輸出至處理器268。
無線通信天線242可位於外殼220上，且用以將諸如儲存於區域記憶體270中之標記資訊之資料傳輸至外部裝置/系統及/或自外部裝置/系統接收資訊。
標記工具200亦可包括用於與其他設備及/或電腦建立介面之一或多個輸入/輸出埠244諸如，USB、SCSI、火線、 乙太網路及/或其他埠。
在操作中，使用者在站立或以直立方式行走的同時操作標記工具200。使用者可經由顯示器266、機械觸發器264及/或可經由無線通信天線242及/或輸入/輸出埠244而提供之無線或有線(在下文中"無線/有線")介面來控制工具200之操作。
工具200之各種操作控制及狀態指示符顯示於顯示器266上，且使用者亦可藉由觸摸顯示器266之特定區域來導覽控制。儘管觸摸式螢幕顯示器為顯示器266之一形式，但是可使用任一其他類型之顯示器或介面，諸如，用於顯示資訊的顯示器及用於輸入資訊之小鍵盤。使用者可使用顯示器266以觸發油漆之施配及標記資訊之儲存。
機械觸發器264可觸發油漆之施配及標記資訊之儲存。在一實施例中，工具200可僅在油漆被施配時儲存標記資訊。此可藉由使用機械觸發器264來完成，該機械觸發器264在由使用者啟動時觸發油漆罐284之致動機構288及標記資訊由處理器268之儲存。
機械觸發器264可經由觸發器264與致動機構288之間的機械連接來觸發致動機構288。舉例而言，致動機構288可為經由機械連桿(未圖示)而連接至機械觸發器264之剛性材料，在該狀況下，按下機械觸發器264可使致動機構對油漆罐284之噴嘴290施加壓力。然而，或替代地，機械觸發器264亦可經由電子連接而觸發致動機構288。電子連接可為硬線連接或無線連接。若機械觸發器264與致動機構288 之間的連接為電子連接，則致動機構288可包括用於產生按下油漆罐284之噴嘴290所必需之力之機構。
無線/有線介面可能夠捕獲反應使用者之意圖之信號。舉例而言，無線/有線介面可包括可藉由捕獲使用者之聽覺命令來捕獲使用者之意圖的麥克風。替代地，無線/有線介面可與監視使用者之條件(諸如，眼睛運動、腦部活動或心率)之裝置相互作用。在任一情形下，無線/有線介面均可產生可發送至處理器268以用於處理之信號。處理器268可使用信號以觸發油漆之施配及標記資訊之儲存。
圖3為可用於圖2之標記工具200中之觸發系統300的一實施例之圖。如圖3中所示，觸發系統300可包括機械觸發器264、無線/有線觸發器320、及/或觸摸式螢幕顯示器266、機械致動裝置288及信號產生器310。
在操作中，使用者可藉由啟動機械觸發器264來觸發標記資訊之儲存及油漆之施配。或替代地，標記資訊之儲存及油漆之施配亦可由來自無線/有線觸發器320的觸發信號或藉由選擇顯示於觸摸式螢幕顯示器266上之命令來觸發。應瞭解，觸發系統300可包括用於起始標記資訊的儲存及油漆之施配的機械觸發器264、來自無線/有線觸發器320之觸發信號、觸摸式螢幕顯示器266上之觸發命令、或機械觸發器264、來自無線/有線觸發器320之觸發信號及/或觸摸式螢幕顯示器266上之觸發命今之組合。
在使用者啟動機械觸發器264時，機械致動裝置288及信號產生器310皆被啟動。機械致動裝置288致動油漆罐284 之噴嘴290，因此將油漆施配出油漆罐284。信號產生器310在被啟動時將信號發送至處理器268以指示機械觸發器被啟動。如上文所論述，此信號可用以觸發標記資訊之儲存及/或觸發計時器以用於在識別油漆色彩之標籤286附著至安裝於油漆罐固持器282中的油漆罐284時瞭解已施配之特定色彩之油漆量。
機械觸發器264可經由機械觸發器264與機械致動裝置288之間的機械連接(諸如，機械連桿)而啟動機械致動裝置288。替代地，機械觸發器264可經由機械觸發器264與機械致動裝置288之間的有線或無線電子連接而啟動機械致動裝置288。
若來自無線/有線觸發器320之觸發信號由使用者使用以起始標記資訊儲存及油漆散布，則無線/有線觸發器320可將信號發送至機械致動裝置288及處理器268。由無線/有線觸發器320發送至機械致動裝置288之信號可導致油漆罐284之噴嘴290由機械致動裝置288之致動。由無線/有線觸發器320發送至處理器268之信號可觸發標記資訊之儲存。由無線/有線觸發器320發送至機械致動裝置288及處理器268之信號可經由有線或無線連接來發送。
若觸摸式螢幕顯示器266上之命令由使用者使用以起始標記資訊之儲存及油漆散布，則觸摸式螢幕顯示器266可將信號發送至機械致動裝置288及處理器268。由觸摸式螢幕顯示器266發送至機械致動裝置288之信號可導致油漆罐284之噴嘴290由機械致動裝置288之致動。由觸摸式螢幕 顯示器266發送至處理器268之信號可觸發標記資訊之儲存。由觸摸式螢幕顯示器266發送至機械致動裝置288及處理器268之信號可經由有線或無線連接來發送。
標記資訊可由外部裝置及/或系統使用以識別哪些標記物被施配、何時標記物被施配及/或所施配之標記物之量。標記資訊可適用於確定使用者在特定位置中是否施配正確之標記物(例如，正確色彩之油漆)。又，標記資訊可用以視覺上描繪(例如，隨施配即時地發生)或重建構(例如，在施配完成之後的稍後時間)當前標記或先前標記之區域之電子表示上的標記物之施配。又，標記資訊可用以確定工作是否正確完成(例如，給定待在該位置處之執行工作，確定該位置處所施配之油漆量是否合理)。
如圖4中所示，標記系統100可藉由將電子器件定位於可安裝至已有標記工具400上之板410上來併入已有標記工具中。處理器268、區域記憶體270、輸入/輸出埠244、標籤讀取器246及/或無線通信天線242可安裝於板410上。板410可使用任何方式(諸如，藉由緊固件、夾具、膠水等等)而附著至標記工具400。
圖5為用於標記區域之例示性過程之流程圖。圖5之過程可開始於諸如標記工具200(圖2)之標記工具之使用者被調度至待標記之位置。可給予使用者識別使用者在該位置需要標記何公用事業之證件(ticket)。舉例而言，該證件可指定待標記之位置、待標記該位置之日期及/或時間及/或使用者將標記該位置以用於電信(例如，電話及/或電纜)、電 力、煤氣、水及/或下水道。使用者可到達該位置且將其標記工具取出其車輛。在某些情形下，使用者可向其口袋裝載額外標記物(例如，具有相同色彩之油漆或不同色彩之油漆的額外油漆罐)。
可將標記物裝載至標記工具中(區塊510)。舉例而言，使用者可將適合之色彩之油漆罐284裝載至油漆罐固持器282中。舉例而言，若使用者將標記電力，則使用者可裝載含有紅色油漆之油漆罐284。油漆罐284可經裝載以使得噴嘴290延伸出標記工具200之底部，如圖2中所說明。
在一實施例中，如上文所描述，標籤286可附著至油漆罐284。標籤286可儲存關於標記物之一或多個特性之資訊。舉例而言，標籤286可識別標記物之類型(例如，油漆、標旗、標樁等等)、標記物之色彩(例如，橙色、紅色、黃色、藍色或綠色)及/或標記物之形狀(例如，正方形、矩形、圓形等等)。
可識別標記物特性(區塊520)。在一實施例中，可自動確定標記物特性。舉例而言，來自標籤286之資料可由標籤讀取器246讀取並發送至處理器268。處理器268可自此資料確定標記物特性，且使關於標記物特性之資訊呈現給使用者(例如，視覺上及/或聽覺地)。
舉例而言，使用者介面可識別標記物之特性。使用者介面可視情況請求使用者確認使用者意欲裝載具有所識別之特性之標記物。該確認可實現：使用者在執行任一標記操作之前實際查看使用者介面。在一實施例中，若使用者未 確認正確之標記物被裝載，則使用者可不能夠啟動觸發器以用於施配標記物。
在另一實施例中，可手動確定標記物特性。舉例而言，使用者可經由使用者介面來指定標記物特性。使用者介面可指定標記物之一定數目之可能特性(例如，油漆色彩)。在此狀況下，使用者介面可請求使用者選擇待施配之油漆色彩。使用者介面亦可識別對應於可能油漆色彩中之每一者之公用事業，使得使用者可確認正確的標記物被裝載。
可接收觸發器啟動(區塊530)。舉例而言，使用者可藉由用手對機械觸發器264施加壓力來實現觸發器啟動。或者或其他，使用者可藉由(例如)說出特定命令以使觸發信號由無線/有線觸發器320輸出來實現觸發器啟動。或者或其他，使用者可藉由觸摸顯示器266之特定區域以使觸發命令由顯示器266輸出來實現觸發器啟動。
可能視情況確定是否允許觸發器啟動(區塊540)。舉例而言，使用者可能需要在可允許觸發器啟動之前確認具有正確標記物特性之標記物被裝載。替代地，標記工具200可載有來自使用者之證件之資訊。在此狀況下，在標記物之標記物特性未匹配證件資訊時可防止觸發器啟動。舉例而言，若證件資訊指示使用者將在特定位置施配藍色及黃色油漆，則在藍色或黃色油漆裝載至標記工具200中時可允許觸發器之啟動，且在藍色或黃色油漆未裝載至標記工具200中時可防止觸發器的啟動。
若允許觸發器之啟動，則可施配標記物(區塊550)，且 可儲存標記資訊(區塊560)。為施配標記物(區塊550)，可啟動致動裝置288以使油漆罐284之噴嘴290被按下，其可使油漆經由噴嘴290而自油漆罐284輸出。
為儲存標記資訊(區塊560)，可將信號發送至處理器268。可自信號產生器310、無線/有線觸發器320及/或顯示器266發送信號，如上文所描述。信號可指導處理器268儲存標記資訊。舉例而言，處理器268可將標記資訊儲存於區域記憶體270中。在此狀況下，處理器268可在區域記憶體270中建立輸入項。或者或另外，處理器268可藉由傳輸標記資訊以用於由標記工具200外部之裝置或系統儲存來儲存標記資訊。
圖6A為可建立之例示性輸入項之圖。如圖6A中所示，輸入項可包括標記物特性欄位610及時戳欄位620。標記物特性欄位610可包括關於一或多個標記物特性之資訊，諸如標記物色彩、標記物形狀或標記物類型。標記物特性欄位610中之資訊在圖6A中被展示為"黃色"或"黃色油漆"，但是可使用任一類型之描述性資訊。時戳欄位620可包括識別標記物被施配之日期及/或時間之時間資料。時戳欄位620中之時間資料在圖6A中被展示為2005年10月20日上午10：45，但是可使用任一類型之日期及/時間碼。如上文所解釋，標記資訊可適用於確定使用者在特定位置中是否施配正確之標記物(例如，正確色彩之油漆)。舉例而言，使用者之證件可識別區域中待標記何公用事業管線。標記資訊可有助於確保工作被正確完成。
圖6B為可建立之另一例示性輸入項之圖。如圖6B中所示，輸入項可包括標記物特性欄位610、時戳欄位620及計數欄位630。標記物特性欄位610及時戳欄位620可類似於圖6A中之相似命名之欄位。計數欄位630可包括識別使用者啟動觸發器以施配標記物(例如，黃色油漆)之次數之資訊。計數欄位630中之資訊在圖6B中被展示為二十三，但是可使用任一計數值。計數欄位630中之資訊可適用於確定或估計在該位置施配之油漆量，因此確定或估計油漆量是否合理(給定待執行之工作)。
圖6C為可建立之另一例示性輸入項之圖。如圖6C中所示，輸入項可包括標記物特性欄位640、時戳欄位620及消逝時間欄位650。標記物特性欄位640及時戳欄位620可類似於圖6A中相似命名之欄位。然而，在此狀況下，標記物特性欄位640可額外地儲存識別特定標記物(例如，特定油漆罐)之識別符。識別符在圖6C中被展示為"12345"，但是可使用任一類型之識別符。
消逝時間欄位650可包括識別自使用者啟動觸發器以用於施配標記物(例如，黃色油漆)時至使用者停止啟動觸發器時已消逝之時間量之資訊。消逝時間欄位650中之資訊在圖6C中被展示為三分四十五秒零三，但是可使用任一時間碼。消逝時間欄位650中之資訊可適用於確定或估計何時標記物之供應源接近空。消逝時間欄位650中之資訊可有助於確定何時更換油漆罐。消逝時間或指示標記物之供應源需要更換之信號可視覺地及/或聽覺地呈現給使用 者。或替代地，消逝時間欄位650中之資訊亦可適用於確定或估計特定位置中所使用之標記物的量。
儘管已關於圖6A至圖6C描述三個例示性輸入項，但是輸入項可包括更多、更少、不同欄位或圖6A至圖6C中所展示之欄位之組合。
前述描述並非意欲為詳盡的或將描述限制為所揭示之精確形式。修改及變化根據上文揭示內容為可能的或可自本發明之實踐獲得。
舉例而言，處理器140及268可為通用電腦。替代地，其可為專用電腦、經程式化之微處理器或微控制器及周邊積體電路元件、ASIC或其他積體電路、硬線電子或邏輯電路(諸如，離散元件電路)、可程式邏輯裝置(諸如，FPGA、PLD、PLA或PAL)或其類似物。大體而言，能夠執行程式碼之任一裝置均可用以實施處理器140及268。可藉由任一類型之電子記憶體及/或使用諸如磁性、光學或其他媒體之任何類型之媒體之儲存裝置來實施區域記憶體130及270。
另外，雖然圖5中已說明一連串區塊，但是區塊之次序在其他實施例中可不同。又，可並行執行獨立步驟。
又，已描述關於消逝時間之資訊可用以確定或估計何時標記物之供應源接近空。在另一實施例中，感測器可用以偵測油漆罐284之重量。感測器可置放於油漆罐284上或油漆罐固持器282內。油漆罐284之重量可用以估計油漆罐284滿或空之程度。可將此資訊視覺地及/或聽覺地提供至 標記工具200之操作者。在一實施例中，更換油漆罐284可觸發標記物特性(例如，油漆色彩)由標籤讀取器246之識別。此可有助於藉由限制使用標籤讀取器246之次數(例如，僅在油漆罐284初始裝載至油漆罐固持器282中時獲取標記物特性)來減少標籤讀取器246及/或標籤286之總電池壽命。
將顯而易見，如上文所描述之態樣可在圖式中所說明之實施例中以許多不同形式之軟體、韌體及硬體來實施。用以實施此等態樣之實際軟體程式碼或專用控制硬體並非限制於本文中提供之描述。因此，在未參考指定軟體程式碼之情形下描述態樣之操作及行為，應理解，軟體及控制硬體可經設計以實施基於本文中之描述之態樣。
本申請案中所使用之元件、動作或指令不應被解釋為對於本發明而言為關鍵或必要的，除非如此明確描述。又，如本文中所使用，詞"一"意欲包括一或多個項目。在意欲僅一項目之情形下，使用術語"一個"或相似語言。另外，短語"基於"意欲意謂"至少部分基於"，除非另外明確陳述。
100‧‧‧標記系統
110‧‧‧通信系統
120‧‧‧介面
130‧‧‧區域記憶體
140‧‧‧處理器
150‧‧‧標記物施配器
160‧‧‧觸發系統
170‧‧‧標籤讀取器
200‧‧‧標記工具
220‧‧‧外殼
240‧‧‧狹長中心外殼部分
242‧‧‧無線通信天線
244‧‧‧輸入/輸出埠
246‧‧‧標籤讀取器
260‧‧‧頂部外殼部分
262‧‧‧把手
264‧‧‧機械觸發器
266‧‧‧顯示器
268‧‧‧處理器
270‧‧‧區域記憶體
272‧‧‧計時器
280‧‧‧底部外殼部分
282‧‧‧油漆罐固持器
284‧‧‧油漆罐
286‧‧‧標籤
288‧‧‧致動機構
290‧‧‧噴嘴
300‧‧‧觸發系統
310‧‧‧信號產生器
320‧‧‧無線/有線觸發器
400‧‧‧標記工具
410‧‧‧板
610‧‧‧標記物特性欄位
620‧‧‧時戳欄位
630‧‧‧計數欄位
640‧‧‧標記物特性欄位
650‧‧‧消逝時間欄位
圖1為例示性標記系統之方塊圖；圖2為例示性標記工具之圖；圖3為可用於圖2之標記工具中之例示性觸發系統的圖；圖4為另一例示性標記工具之圖；圖5為用於標記區域之例示性過程之流程圖；及 圖6A至圖6C為可建立之例示性輸入項之圖。
100‧‧‧標記系統
110‧‧‧通信系統
120‧‧‧介面
130‧‧‧區域記憶體
140‧‧‧處理器
150‧‧‧標記物施配器
160‧‧‧觸發系統
170‧‧‧標籤讀取器

Claims (65)

  1. 一種標記系統，包含：一標記物施配器，其固持並施配一標記物；一處理器，其確定關於該標記物之至少一特性；及一觸發系統，其與該標記物施配器及該處理器通信以觸發該標記物施配器施配該標記物並觸發該處理器儲存關於該標記物之該至少一特性及與該標記物之該施配相關聯的時間資料。
  2. 如請求項1之系統，其中一標籤與該標記物相關聯，該標籤儲存該至少一特性；且其中該系統進一步包含：一標籤讀取器，其自該標籤讀取該至少一特性。
  3. 如請求項2之系統，其中該標籤為一射頻識別(RFID)標籤且該標籤讀取器為一RFID讀取器。
  4. 如請求項1之系統，其中該至少一特性包含該標記物之一類型、該標記物之一色彩或該標記物之一形狀。
  5. 如請求項1之系統，其中該處理器經進一步組態以將該至少一特性呈現於一使用者介面上。
  6. 如請求項1之系統，其進一步包含：一使用者介面，其：呈現一數目之可能標記物特性，且將該可能標記物特性中之至少一者之選擇作為該至少一特性來接收。
  7. 如請求項1之系統，其中該標記物施配器包含： 一油漆罐固持器，其經調適以支撐一油漆罐，及一致動機構，其在該觸發系統被啟動時自該油漆罐施配油漆。
  8. 如請求項1之系統，其中該觸發系統包含：一觸發器，一致動機構，其使一標記物容器在該觸發器被啟動時施配該標記物，及一信號產生器，其在該觸發器被啟動時將一信號發送至該處理器。
  9. 如請求項8之系統，其中該標記物容器包含一噴霧罐且該致動機構包含一剛性材料，其在該觸發器被啟動時對該噴霧罐上之一噴嘴施加壓力。
  10. 如請求項1之系統，其中該時間資料指示何時該標記物被施配或該標記物被施配之一時間量。
  11. 如請求項1之系統，其進一步包含：一通信系統，其發送關於該標記物之該至少一特性及與該施配該標記物相關之該時間資料至一外部裝置。
  12. 一種標記系統，包含：一標記物施配器，其固持並施配一標記物；一處理器，其確定關於該標記物之至少一特性；及一觸發系統，其與該標記物施配器及該處理器通信以觸發該標記物施配器施配該標記物並觸發該處理器儲存關於該標記物之該至少一特性及與該標記物之該施配相關聯的時間資料， 其中一標籤附著至一固持該標記物之容器。
  13. 一種標記系統，包含：一標記物施配器，其固持並施配一標記物；一處理器，其確定關於該標記物之至少一特性；及一觸發系統，其與該標記物施配器及該處理器通信以觸發該標記物施配器施配該標記物並觸發該處理器儲存關於該標記物之該至少一特性及與該標記物之該施配相關聯的時間資料，其中該處理器經進一步組態以將該至少一特性呈現於一使用者介面上；及其中該使用者介面經組態以識別該至少一特性及該至少一特性所對應之公用事業管線的一類型。
  14. 一種標記系統，包含：一標記物施配器，其固持並施配一標記物；一處理器，其確定關於該標記物之至少一特性；及一觸發系統，其與該標記物施配器及該處理器通信以觸發該標記物施配器施配該標記物並觸發該處理器儲存關於該標記物之該至少一特性及與該標記物之該施配相關聯的時間資料，其中該處理器經進一步組態以將該至少一特性呈現於一使用者介面上，及其中該使用者介面經組態以請求確認在該觸發系統可觸發該標記物施配器或該處理器之前該至少一特性為正確的。
  15. 一種標記系統，包含：一標記物施配器，其固持並施配一標記物；一處理器，其確定關於該標記物之至少一特性；及一觸發系統，其與該標記物施配器及該處理器通信以觸發該標記物施配器施配該標記物並觸發該處理器儲存關於該標記物之該至少一特性及與該標記物之該施配相關聯的時間資料，其中該觸發系統包含：一觸發器，一致動機構，其使一標記物容器在該觸發器被啟動時施配該標記物，及一信號產生器，其在該觸發器被啟動時將一信號發送至該處理器，及其中是否允許該觸發器被啟動之一決策係基於該至少一特性。
  16. 如請求項15之系統，其中該決策係基於該至少一特性與來自一證件之資訊的一比較。
  17. 如請求項15之系統，其中該決策係基於該至少一特性為正確之一確認。
  18. 一種標記系統，包含：一標記物施配器，其固持並施配一標記物；一處理器，其確定關於該標記物之至少一特性；及一觸發系統，其與該標記物施配器及該處理器通信以觸發該標記物施配器施配該標記物並觸發該處理器儲存 關於該標記物之該至少一特性及與該標記物之該施配相關聯的時間資料，其中觸發系統經組態以：接收一觸發器啟動，且回應於該觸發器啟動而使該處理器增加一計數值。
  19. 一種標記工具，包含：一標記物施配器，其固持並施配一來自一標記物容器之標記物，一標籤附著至該標記物容器，該標籤儲存關於該標記物之至少一特性之資訊；一標籤讀取器，其自該標籤讀取該資訊；一處理器，其自該標籤讀取器接收該資訊；及一觸發系統，其觸發該標記物施配器自該標記物容器施配該標記物且觸發該處理器儲存該資訊及與該標記物由該標記物施配器之該施配相關聯之時間資料。
  20. 如請求項19之工具，其中該標籤為一射頻識別(RFID)標籤且該標籤讀取器為一RFID讀取器。
  21. 如請求項19之工具，其中該至少一特性包含該標記物之一類型、該標記物之一色彩或該標記物之一形狀。
  22. 如請求項19之工具，其中該處理器經進一步組態以將該資訊呈現於一使用者介面上。
  23. 如請求項22之工具，其中該使用者介面經組態以識別該至少一特性及該至少一特性所對應之公用事業管線的一類型。
  24. 如請求項22之工具，其中該使用者介面經組態以請求確 認在該觸發系統可觸發該標記物施配器或該處理器之前該至少一特性為正確的。
  25. 如請求項19之工具，其中該標記物施配器包含：一油漆罐固持器，其經調適以支撐一油漆罐，及一致動機構，其在該觸發系統被啟動時自該油漆罐施配油漆。
  26. 如請求項19之工具，其中該觸發系統包含：一觸發器，一致動機構，其使該標記物容器在該觸發器被啟動時施配該標記物，及一信號產生器，其在該觸發器被啟動時將一信號發送至該處理器。
  27. 如請求項26之工具，其中該標記物容器包含一噴霧罐且該致動機構包含一剛性材料，其在該觸發器被啟動時對該噴霧罐上之一噴嘴施加壓力。
  28. 如請求項26之工具，其中是否允許該觸發器被啟動之一決策係基於該至少一特性。
  29. 如請求項28之工具，其中該決策係基於該至少一特性與來自一證件之資訊的一比較。
  30. 如請求項28之工具，其中該決策係基於該至少一特性為正確之一確認。
  31. 如請求項19之工具，其中該時間資料指示何時該標記物被施配或該標記物被施配之一時間量。
  32. 如請求項19之工具，其中該觸發系統經進一步組態以： 接收一觸發器啟動，且基於該所接收之觸發器啟動而使該處理器增加一計數值。
  33. 如請求項19之工具，其進一步包含：一感測器，其偵測該標記物容器之一重量。
  34. 如請求項33之工具，其中關於該標記物容器之該重量的資訊被提供至該工具之一使用者。
  35. 如請求項19之工具，其進一步包含：一通信系統，其發送關於該標記物之該至少一特性及與該施配該標記物相關之該時間資料至一外部裝置。
  36. 一種標記方法，包含：識別關於裝載至一標記工具中之一標記物之一標記物特性；接收該標記工具之一觸發器之啟動；在接收到該觸發器之該啟動時施配該標記物；及在接收到該觸發器之該啟動時儲存該標記物特性及時間資料。
  37. 如請求項36之方法，其中一標籤與該標記物相關聯，該標籤儲存該標記物特性；且其中識別該標記物特性包括：自該標籤讀取該標記物特性。
  38. 如請求項37之方法，其中該標籤為一射頻識別(RFID)標籤。
  39. 如請求項36之方法，其中該標記物特性包含該標記物之 一類型、該標記物之一色彩或該標記物之一形狀。
  40. 如請求項36之方法，進一步包含：發送該標記物特性及該時間資料至一外部裝置。
  41. 如請求項36之方法，其進一步包含：聽覺地或視覺地呈現關於該標記物特性之資訊。
  42. 一種標記方法，包含：識別關於裝載至一標記工具中之一標記物之一標記物特性；接收該標記工具之一觸發器之啟動；在接收到該觸發器之該啟動時施配該標記物；及在接收到該觸發器之該啟動時儲存該標記物特性及時間資料，其中識別該標記物特性包括：將一數目之可能標記物特性呈現於一使用者介面上，及將該可能標記物特性中之一者之選擇作為該標記物特性來接收。
  43. 一種標記方法，包含：識別關於裝載至一標記工具中之一標記物之一標記物特性；接收該標記工具之一觸發器之啟動；在接收到該觸發器之該啟動時施配該標記物；及在接收到該觸發器之該啟動時儲存該標記物特性及時間資料，其進一步包含： 基於該標記物特性來確定是否允許該觸發器被啟動。
  44. 如請求項43之方法，其中該確定係基於該標記物特性與來自一證件之資訊的一比較。
  45. 如請求項43之方法，其中該確定係基於該標記物特性為正確之一確認。
  46. 一種標記方法，包含：識別關於裝載至一標記工具中之一標記物之一標記物特性；接收該標記工具之一觸發器之啟動；在接收到該觸發器之該啟動時施配該標記物；及在接收到該觸發器之該啟動時儲存該標記物特性及時間資料，其進一步包含：在接收到該觸發器之該啟動時增加一計數值。
  47. 一種標記系統，包含：用於固持供施配一標記物之一容器的構件；用於識別關於該容器中之該標記物之一標記物特性的構件；用於接收一觸發器之啟動的構件；用於在該觸發器被啟動時自該容器施配該標記物的構件；及用於在該觸發器被啟動時儲存該標記物特性及一時戳的構件。
  48. 如請求項47之系統，其進一步包含： 用於發送該標記物特性及該時戳至一外部裝置之構件。
  49. 一種標記系統，包含：用於固持供施配一標記物之一容器的構件；用於識別關於該容器中之該標記物之一標記物特性的構件；用於接收一觸發器之啟動的構件；用於在該觸發器被啟動時自該容器施配該標記物的構件；及用於在該觸發器被啟動時儲存該標記物特性及一時戳的構件，其進一步包含：用於儲存指示該標記物被施配之一時間量之一消逝時間的構件。
  50. 一種標記系統，包含：用於固持供施配一標記物之一容器的構件；用於識別關於該容器中之該標記物之一標記物特性的構件；用於接收一觸發器之啟動的構件；用於在該觸發器被啟動時自該容器施配該標記物的構件；及用於在該觸發器被啟動時儲存該標記物特性及一時戳的構件，其進一步包含：用於儲存指示該觸發器被啟動之次數之一計數值的構 件。
  51. 一種標記系統，包含：用於固持供施配一標記物之一容器的構件；用於識別關於該容器中之該標記物之一標記物特性的構件；用於接收一觸發器之啟動的構件；用於在該觸發器被啟動時自該容器施配該標記物的構件；及用於在該觸發器被啟動時儲存該標記物特性及一時戳的構件，其進一步包含：用於確定與該容器相關聯之一重量值的構件；及用於視覺地或聽覺地提供關於該重量值之資訊的構件。
  52. 一種標記系統，包含：用於固持供施配一標記物之一容器的構件；用於識別關於該容器中之該標記物之一標記物特性的構件；用以接收一觸發器之啟動的構件；用於在該觸發器被啟動時自該容器施配該標記物的構件；及用於在該觸發器被啟動時增加一計數值的構件。
  53. 如請求項52之系統，其進一步包含：用於發送該標記物特性及該計數值至一外部裝置之構 件。
  54. 一種標記系統，包含：用於固持供施配一標記物之一容器的構件；用於識別關於該容器中之該標記物之一標記物特性的構件；用以接收一觸發器之啟動的構件；用於在該觸發器被啟動時自該容器施配該標記物的構件；及用於在該觸發器被啟動時增加一計數值的構件，其進一步包含：用於確定與該容器相關聯之一重量值的構件；及用於視覺地或聽覺地提供關於該重量值之資訊的構件。
  55. 一種標記系統，包含：用於提供用於供施配一標記物之一容器之一固持器的構件；及用於僅在該容器被初始置放至該固持器中時識別關於該容器中之該標記物之一標記物特性的構件。
  56. 一種標記系統，包含：一標記物施配器，其固持並施配一標記物；一標籤，其識別關於該標記物之一特性；一標籤讀取器，其讀取關於該標記物之該特性；一觸發系統，其在該標記物施配器被觸發時，觸發該標記物施配器以施配該標記物且記錄一時戳；及 一通信系統，其發送關於該標記物之該特性及該時戳至一外部裝置。
  57. 一種標記系統，其標記地面、路面或其他表面以提供在挖掘活動期間之一待挖掘或被擾亂之挖堀區中之至少一地下公共設施存在或不存在的一視覺指示，該標記系統包含：一外殼，其包括一狹長中部部分及一手柄以使一使用者能夠在使用該標記系統時於該挖掘區中行走或直立；一油漆罐固持器，其被配置在該外殼之一底部部分之中且經調適以支撐一具有一噴嘴的噴霧油漆罐；一致動機構，其被耦接至該外殼之該底部部分且包含一剛性材料，該剛性材料可控制地施加壓力至該噴霧油漆罐之該噴嘴，以在該罐被安裝於該油漆罐固持器中時，從該油漆罐施配油漆；一標籤讀取器，其在該罐被安裝於該油漆罐固持器中時，從該油漆罐上之一標籤讀取油漆之至少一特性一記憶體，其被配置在該外殼之內；一處理器，其被配置在該外殼之內，且通信地耦接至該記憶體及該標籤讀取器；及一觸發系統，其與該致動機構及該處理器通信以實質上同時地觸發該致動機構以施加壓力至該噴霧油漆罐之該噴嘴來從該油漆罐施配油漆，及觸發該處理器以從關於油漆之該至少一特性之該標籤讀取器獲得資訊且記載關於油漆之該至少一特性之該資訊於該記憶體中，該觸 發系統包括一機械觸發器，其鄰近於該外殼之該手柄。
  58. 一種標記工具，其標記地面、路面或其他表面以提供在挖掘活動期間之一待挖掘或被擾亂之挖堀區中之至少一地下公共設施存在或不存在的一視覺指示，該標記工具包含：一外殼，其經組態以使一使用者能夠在使用該標記工具時於該挖掘區中行走或直立；一安裝至該外殼、連接至該外殼或位於該外殼內之標記物施配器，其固持並施配至少一標記物；一安裝至該外殼、連接至該外殼或位於該外殼內之處理器；一安裝至該外殼、連接至該外殼或位於該外殼內之記憶體且通信地耦接至該處理器；一安裝至該外殼、連接至該外殼或位於該外殼內之標籤讀取器，其通信地耦接至該處理器以提供關於該至少一標記物之至少一特性之資訊；及一安裝至該外殼、連接至該外殼或位於該外殼內之觸發系統，其實質上同時地觸發該標記物施配器以施配該至少一標記物及觸發該處理器以記載關於該至少一標記物之該至少一特性之該資訊於該記憶體中。
  59. 一種標記方法，其用於標記地面、路面或其他表面以提供在挖掘活動期間之一待挖掘或被擾亂之挖堀區中之至少一地下公共設施存在或不存在的一視覺指示，該方法包含： A)手動地定位一手持式標記工具以鄰近一待施配標記物所在之該挖掘區中的一地理位置；B)在該挖掘區中施配來自該手持式標記工具之該標記物；C)以電子方式產生識別該被施配之標記物之至少一特徵之標記資料；及D)以電子方式儲存該標記資料，以便產生該至少一視覺指示之一電子記錄。
  60. 一種標記工具，其標記地面、路面或其他表面以提供在挖掘活動期間之一待挖掘或被擾亂之挖堀區中之至少一地下公共設施存在或不存在的一視覺指示，該標記工具包含：一狹長手持式外殼；一標記物施配器，其耦接至該狹長手持式外殼以在該挖掘區中施配至少一標記物；一觸發系統，其觸發該標記物施配器以便施配該至少一標記物；及一包括一無線天線之通信系統，其耦接至該狹長手持式外殼，以關於該至少一標記物之至少一特性及/或該觸發系統之至少一致動之一時間，而從該標記工具傳輸至少一信號。
  61. 如請求項60之標記工具，其中該通信系統包括一藍芽介面。
  62. 如請求項60之標記工具，其中該通信系統包括一射頻介 面。
  63. 如請求項60之標記工具，其中該至少一信號藉由該無線天線來傳輸，該無線天線係關於該觸發系統之該至少一致動之該時間及該至少一標記物之該至少一特性。
  64. 如請求項63之標記工具，其進一步包含至少一處理器，其被配置在該外殼內且耦接至該通信系統，以在只有該觸發系統觸發該標記物施配器以施配該至少一標記物時，記載關於該至少一標記物之該至少一特性之時間資料及資訊。
  65. 一種標記工具，其標記地面、路面或其他表面以提供在挖掘活動期間之一待挖掘或被擾亂之挖堀區中之至少一地下公共設施存在或不存在的一視覺指示，該標記工具包含：一外殼；一標記物施配器，其耦接至該外殼以固持並在該挖掘區中施配至少一標記物；一計時系統，其輸出時間資料；一標籤讀取器，其決定標記物資料；一安裝至該外殼、耦接至該外殼或配置於該外殼內之處理器；及一觸發系統，其通信式地耦接至該處理器以實質上同時地觸發該標記物施配器以施配該至少一標記物，及觸發該處理器以記載該時間資料以識別一藉以施配該標記物之時間，及記載該標記資料以識別該被施配之標記物之至少一特性。
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