WO2014013416A2

WO2014013416A2 - Method and apparatus for recording features relative to a geographical location

Info

Publication number: WO2014013416A2
Application number: PCT/IB2013/055810
Authority: WO
Inventors: Iain PETER MCGUFFIE
Original assignee: Digital Line Markers Fze
Priority date: 2012-07-16
Filing date: 2013-07-15
Publication date: 2014-01-23
Also published as: GB201212619D0; GB2522546B; GB2522546A; WO2014013416A3

Abstract

A method and apparatus are disclosed for recording features relative to a geographical location. A shape (5, 15) is arranged on a computer screen (1). At least one first datum point (17) forming a predetermined part of the shape is associated with a second datum point in the form of a geographical location. The shape is stored in a database together with the first and second datum points. A marking system employing the method or apparatus comprises a further apparatus (21) including a line marking device (29) which incorporates a positioning system (35).

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RECORDING FEATURES RELATIVE TO A

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION

[0001] This invention relates to a method of and an apparatus for recording

features relative to a geographical location. The features may, for example, be real or virtual and may be logged for subsequent display or may be used in conjunction with marking apparatus for marking the features on the ground at the geographical location.

[0002] One problem with marking lines on a surface, such as lines for a sports pitch, lines on a road, or lines on a car-park or an airfield, is being able to adapt the lines to the available area; an associated problem is where to mark a line on the ground, including where to start marking, where to finish, and the orientation and size of any diagram. This is particularly the case with sports pitches which can be varied in size and orientation in order to adapt the pitch or pitches to the available area. The size and orientation of sports pitches is often determined by surveying equipment and line marking apparatus then follows a string or laser beam along a line to be marked. It is very difficult to mark anything other than simple lines.

[0003] The same principle applies to virtual lines on a surface. Virtual lines could be, for example, heating cables or drainage channels beneath a sports pitch, or utility services, for example cables or conduits, such as electrical cables, sewage drains, water supply conduits or gas supply conduits, which lie beneath the surface, for example beneath roads or built-up areas. At present the location and course of such utility services is not well documented and not readily accessible to those who could benefit from such information.

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method of and an apparatus for recording features relative to a geographical location and which overcomes, or at least ameliorates, one or more of the above- mentioned disadvantages.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a

method of recording features relative to a geographical location, the method including the steps of: arranging a shape on a computer screen; associating at least one first datum point forming a predetermined part of the shape with a second datum point in the form of a geographical location; and storing the shape in a database together with the first and second datum points.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for recording features relative to a geographical location, the apparatus comprising: a computer including a screen and means for arranging a shape on the screen; means for associating at least one first datum point forming a predetermined part of the shape with a second datum point in the form of a geographical location; and a database for storing the shape together with the first and second datum points.

[0007] The shape may be manipulated on the screen. For example the location, size, orientation and relative dimensions of the shape may be

manipulated.

[0008] The geographical location may comprise, for example, latitude and

longitude or a grid reference.

[0009] A map may be displayed on the screen in addition to the shape.

[0010] A code for subsequent access may be stored in the database.

[001 1] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a marking system comprises a further apparatus under control of the first-mentioned apparatus, the further apparatus comprising a line marking device which incorporates a positioning system, such as differential GPS, IMU (inertial measurement unit) or a laser-based system.

[0012] Means may be provided for controlling the further apparatus with

information from the database of the first-mentioned apparatus, for example by way of a wireless link. Means may be provided for identifying an appropriate entry in the database and causing the further apparatus to mark the shape stored in the respective database entry at a specific geographical location with the first datum point being positioned at the second datum point.

[0013] The further apparatus may transmit a GPS signal in order that the location of the apparatus can be determined. [0014] Payment for the use of the stored data may be made by means of a pre- purchased credit system. Credit may be purchased, for example electronically, in predetermined amounts and debited from a user's account each time the stored data is used. A warning may be issued by way of the further apparatus when the credit level declines to a

predetermined figure. Data may be associated with different amounts of credit depending on whether a shape is being marked for a first time, or at a lower rate, if an existing shape is being re-marked.

[0015] For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0016] Figure 1 shows a step in the process of sizing and orienting a sports pitch to fit an available space;

[0017] Figure 2 is a diagrammatic front elevation of one embodiment of an

apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention; and

[0018] Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the apparatus shown in Figure 2.

[0019] There is shown in Figure 1 a first apparatus for performing a first step in the present invention, which involves designing and storing an

arrangement of lines. A display, for example a screen 1 of a computer on which there is displayed a map showing a sports area 3. The map may be derived from any suitable source, such as Ordnance Survey or Google Maps, and features other than the outline of the sports area have been omitted for clarity. The right-hand side of the screen 1 shows in dashed lines the outline of a sports pitch 5, in this case a soccer pitch although, of course, alternative sports pitches, such as for rugby, could be displayed and means may be provided for an operator to select the type of sports pitch to be displayed. The size and orientation of the sports pitch can be altered, for example by means of a zoom function for size and a rotate function for orientation, and the location of the sports pitch relative to the sports area can be determined by translational movement, such as a drag and drop operation using a mouse or other cursor control method. These operations are effectively summarised by the arrows 7, 9, 1 1 , 13 and the final size and location of the sports pitch as illustrated in Figure 1 by the sports pitch 15 shown in solid lines. As can be seen, the sports pitch is dimensioned and positioned such that post holes in the sports area coincide with post positions on the sports pitch corresponding to the positions of the goal posts. The post holes and the post positions are identified by the same reference 17. That is, one or more datum points on the virtual sports pitch coincide with one or more physical geographical datum points (represented, for example, by an Ordnance Survey grid reference or by latitude and longitude). In this way, one or more virtual sports pitches can be laid out on the map shown on the screen (which map may itself be changed, for example in size and orientation) and tied to one or more physical geographical datum points. Once the operator is satisfied with the arrangement of the sports pitch(es) in relation to the overall sports area, the data can be saved in a database for subsequent retrieval. The data saved includes at least one physical geographical datum point relating to the sports pitch(es), for example based on an Ordnance Survey grid reference or latitude and longitude, and the relative positions and directions of the lines forming the pitch(es), as well as the width thereof. Even the direction of travel of a machine to mark out the lines may be saved if appropriate. More complex shapes can also be stored, such as advertising material to be marked on the surface. In each case, the shape is related to at least one physical geographical datum point. A set of stored data may be assigned a code for subsequent access. Data may be saved, for example, by way of a (wireless) local area network or a wireless telephonic network.

[0020] This process is not restricted to sports pitches, but can be employed

wherever lines are to be marked on a surface. For example, the lines to be marked on a car park or a road, or the lines to be marked on an airfield, in each case the "shape" being saved together with a geographical datum point. Where appropriate, the colour of a line may be saved in the database along with the other details.

[0021] Where a line is to be marked on a surface, a second apparatus is used under control of the first apparatus. In this case, the second apparatus comprises a line marking device which incorporates a positioning system, such as differential GPS, IMU (inertial measurement unit) or a laser-based system. Such a line marking device is known, for example, from

GB2386969 or from WO2006/013386, provided the linear laser guide is replaced with a positioning system, such as a differential GPS system. In use of the system, the second apparatus is controlled by the information from the database of the first system, for example by way of a wireless link. An operator of the second apparatus can identify an appropriate entry in the database and cause the second apparatus to mark the lines or shapes stored in the database entry. The apparatus then travels to the point at which marking is to commence and marks each line or other shape on the (ground) surface until it reaches the end of the data entry. Laying down of line marking material, such as by spraying, is turned on or off depending on whether or not the second apparatus is in a position to mark a line or the like. Once initiated, the second apparatus may operate without further intervention until the task has been completed.

Alternatively, though, the operator may remain on board or otherwise with the second apparatus and can view the display and make any adjustments that may be necessary. In this case, the second apparatus may be provided with display means which may show, for example, how far the apparatus is from its start point, how far the apparatus has marked, how far the apparatus still has to mark, and any other useful distance. In one embodiment, the shape being marked is shown on a screen and the colour of the lines forming the shape are displayed in different colours depending on whether that part of the shape has been marked or not. This

information, together with information on when the line marking material is being dispensed, can also provide cost information. If desired, the second apparatus may transmit a GPS signal in order that the location of the apparatus can be determined. Such a signal can be useful in determining the efficiency of the second apparatus and also if the location of the apparatus is needed, for example if the apparatus is stolen.

As an alternative to designing the lines or other shapes to be marked, the first apparatus may effectively be incorporated into the second apparatus. In this case, the second apparatus may be operated by the operator and may record on the first apparatus the route taken and the line(s) or shape(s) marked together with a geographical datum point. Once the data has been saved, it can be recalled and re-used whenever required, with the "shape" always being marked at the same location. Where a sports pitch, for example, has fixed sockets, such as for posts, a spraying head of the second apparatus can be located over the or each socket and the precise location determined. The pitch is then configured around the geographical location of the socket as explained above.

[0023] The manner in which the saved data is used also forms part of the present invention. A user may pay for the use of the data by means of a pre- purchased credit system. Credit may be purchased, for example electronically such as by way of a mobile telephone (directly using a SIM card or indirectly via a Bluetooth link) or the Internet (directly or by way of a wireless link), in predetermined amounts and debited from the user's account each time the (or a predetermined amount of) data is used. A warning may be issued by way of the second apparatus when the credit level declines to a predetermined figure. Data may be associated with different amounts of credit depending on whether the line(s) and/or shape(s) are being marked for a first time, or at a lower rate if existing lines are being re-marked. Data may be accessed by entering the relevant code or the like and the second apparatus can then attend to the task, optionally after verifying the geographic location of the shape to be marked.

[0024] Figures 2 and 3 diagrammatically illustrate one embodiment an apparatus according to the present invention. The apparatus comprises a body 21 , which forms a chassis, provided with four wheels 23 and a handle 25 to enable a user to propel the apparatus. The body 21 is also provided with a reservoir for line marking material and having a removable cover 27. Line marking material is supplied to a line marking head 29 by way of a pump 31. The line marking head 29 is mounted on a lateral adjustment device 33 (such as that described in WO2006013386), as is a GNSS sensor 35 such that the sensor moves laterally with the line marking head. The GNSS sensor 35 is connected to a radio transceiver 37 which communicates with a stationary base station 39 which in turn incorporates a GNSS sensor 41 and a radio transceiver 43, together with a suitable power supply 45. The combination of the two GNSS devices 35 and 41 together with the two radio transceivers 37 and 43 provides a differential GPS system which in itself is well known to the skilled person.

[0025] The GNSS sensor 35 provided on the body 21 of the apparatus is

connected to a network hub 47, as are the radio transceiver 37, the pump 31 , and a motor 49 for controlling lateral movement of the line marking head 29 by way of the lateral adjustment device 33. A computer 51 and display 53 (for example corresponding to the display 1 of Figure 1 ) are also connected to the network hub 47. An aerial 55 provides

communication with a remote database (not shown) and permits, for example, the purchase of credit.

[0026] The apparatus shown in Figures 2 and 3 is used in the manner described above. If desired, the computer 51 and display 53 (and optionally the apparatus itself) can be used to determine and save a shape to be marked together with at least one geographical datum point for the location of the shape as explained in relation to Figure 1.

[0027] In order to mark a shape, the shape is downloaded to the computer 51 from the remote database and any required payment is made. The use of the apparatus is logged and data is returned to the remote database, for example either on completion of the task or at a later time when a suitable connection to the remote database is possible. The GNSS sensors 35 and 41 determine the location of the line marking head and guide the user to a starting location by way of the computer 51 and display 53. When marking a shape, the lateral adjustment device 33 corrects for minor lateral errors in the position of the apparatus by moving the line marking head 29 laterally, but additionally the display can indicate to the user whether movement to the left or right is required. The pump 31 is operated under control of the computer 51 and is turned on when a shape is to be marked and off between marking different portions of the shape. The display may indicate to the user the manner in which a shape is to be marked, for example the direction in which a line is to be marked. The computer 51 advises the user, by way of the display 53, when the shape has been completed.

Clearly, an alternative to the manually propelled apparatus of Figures 2 and 3, the apparatus could be controlled automatically, for example by way of the computer 51.

Claims

1. A method of recording features relative to a geographical location, the method including the steps of: arranging a shape (5, 15) on a computer screen (1 ); associating at least one first datum point (17) forming a predetermined part of the shape with a second datum point in the form of a geographical location; and storing the shape in a database together with the first and second datum points.

2. A method according to claim 1 and including the step of manipulating the

shape (5, 15) on the screen (1 ).

3. A method according to claim 2, wherein the location, size, orientation and/or relative dimensions of the shape (5, 15) are manipulated.

4. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the geographical location comprises latitude and longitude or a grid reference.

5. A method according to any preceding claim and including the step of

displaying a map (3) on the screen (1 ) in addition to the shape (5, 15).

6. A method according to any preceding claim and including the step of storing a code for subsequent access in the database.

7. An apparatus for recording features relative to a geographical location, the apparatus comprising: a computer including a screen (1 ) and means for arranging a shape (5, 15) on the screen; means for associating at least one first datum point (17) forming a predetermined part of the shape (5, 15) with a second datum point in the form of a geographical location; and a database for storing the shape together with the first and second datum points.

8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the apparatus includes means for manipulating the shape (5, 15) on the screen (1 ).

9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the apparatus includes means for manipulating the location, size, orientation and/or relative dimensions of the shape (5, 15).

10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 7, 8 or 9, wherein the geographical location comprises latitude and longitude or a grid reference.

1 1. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the apparatus includes means for displaying a map (3) on the screen (1 ) in addition to the shape (5, 15).

12. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 1 1 , wherein the apparatus includes means for storing a code for subsequent access in the database.

13. A marking system comprising a further apparatus (21 ) under control of the

apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the further apparatus comprises a line marking device (29) which incorporates a positioning system (35).

14. A marking system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the positioning system (35) comprises differential GPS, IMU (inertial measurement unit) or a laser-based system.

15. A marking system as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein means is provided for controlling the further apparatus with information from the database.

16. A marking system as claimed in claim 15, wherein control is by way of a

wireless link (37).

17. A marking system as claimed in claim 15 or 16, wherein means is provided for identifying an appropriate entry in the database and causing the further apparatus (21 ) to mark the shape (15) stored in the respective database entry at a specific geographical location with the first datum point (17) being positioned at the second datum point.

18. A marking system as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the further apparatus (21 ) includes means (37) for transmitting a GPS signal in order that the location of the apparatus can be determined.

19. A marking system as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 18, including means for payment for the use of the stored data by means of a pre-purchased credit system.

20. A marking system as claimed in claim 19, wherein credit is purchased in

predetermined amounts and debited from a user's account each time the stored data is used.

21. A marking system as claimed in claim 20, including means for issuing a

warning by way of the further apparatus when the credit level declines to a predetermined figure.

22. A marking system as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 21 , wherein data is associated with different amounts of credit depending on whether a shape (15) is being marked for a first time, or at a lower rate, if an existing shape (15) is being re-marked.