The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for uniquely identifying buried utilities in a multi-utility region by sensing magnetic fields emitted from the buried utilities.

A solution for evaluating a medium using electrical signals is described. A plurality of electrical signals having different frequencies are transmitted through the medium and signal data corresponding to the electrical signals after having traveled through the medium is acquired. A complex impedance and a complex permittivity and/or complex conductivity can be calculated for the medium. A set of characteristics of the medium can be computed using mixing models and/or known information of the medium. A level of one or more attributes of the medium can be determined from the characteristics using nonparametric Bayesian inference. One particular application is directed to determining a nitrate level of soil.

A solution for evaluating a medium using electrical signals is described. A plurality of electrical signals having different frequencies are transmitted through the medium and signal data corresponding to the electrical signals after having traveled through the medium is acquired. A complex impedance and a complex permittivity and/or complex conductivity can be calculated for the medium. A set of characteristics of the medium can be computed using mixing models and/or known information of the medium. A level of one or more attributes of the medium can be determined from the characteristics using nonparametric Bayesian inference. One particular application is directed to determining a nitrate level of soil.

The invention concerns a system (1) and a method for scanning a person (2) before access to a restricted access area (3), comprising a processing unit (14) and a metal detector (10, 70) for detecting metal in the shoes (20) or in a waist portion of the person walking on a surface (15). The processing unit controls an indication unit (12, 13) for: letting the person walk towards the restricted area if a first scan indicates the probability of the presence of metal lower than a first threshold; in case of a probability higher than the first threshold, prompting the person to carry out a second scan close to a mark (11) on the carpet; and prompting the user to remove his shoes or object if the first scan indicates a probability higher than a second threshold, or if the second scan indicates a probability higher than a third threshold.

The invention concerns a system (1) and a method for scanning a person (2) before access to a restricted access area (3), comprising a processing unit (14) and a metal detector (10, 70) for detecting metal in the shoes (20) or in a waist portion of the person walking on a surface (15). The processing unit controls an indication unit (12, 13) for: letting the person walk towards the restricted area if a first scan indicates the probability of the presence of metal lower than a first threshold; in case of a probability higher than the first threshold, prompting the person to carry out a second scan close to a mark (11) on the carpet; and prompting the user to remove his shoes or object if the first scan indicates a probability higher than a second threshold, or if the second scan indicates a probability higher than a third threshold.

Systems and methods for locating and/or mapping buried utilities are disclosed. In one embodiment, one or more magnetic field sensing locating devices include antenna node(s) to sense magnetic field signals emitted from a buried utility and a processing unit to receive the sensed magnetic field signals may be mounted on a vehicle. The received magnetic field signals may be processed in conjunction with sensed vehicle velocity data to determine information associated with location of the buried utility such as depth and position.

Systems and methods for locating and/or mapping buried utilities are disclosed. In one embodiment, one or more magnetic field sensing locating devices include antenna node(s) to sense magnetic field signals emitted from a buried utility and a processing unit to receive the sensed magnetic field signals may be mounted on a vehicle. The received magnetic field signals may be processed in conjunction with sensed vehicle velocity data to determine information associated with location of the buried utility such as depth and position.

An in-wall feature detection device of mutual capacitive technology comprises a housing, a detection baseplate, and at least one capacitive sensing baseplate. The detection baseplate is disposed in the housing and has a central processing module and a capacitance value conversion module and is electrically connected to at least one display module. The capacitive sensing baseplate is provided with driving modules and receiving modules, the driving and receiving modules are arranged in a crisscross manner and electrically connected to the capacitance value conversion module. The in-wall feature detection device is capable of using an electric field change between the driving and receiving modules to determine whether there is a blocking object in a wall, and further generating a corresponding light signal through the central processing module to display a shape of the blocking object. Thereby determining a position and the shape of the blocking object during construction.

An in-wall feature detection device of mutual capacitive technology comprises a housing, a detection baseplate, and at least one capacitive sensing baseplate. The detection baseplate is disposed in the housing and has a central processing module and a capacitance value conversion module and is electrically connected to at least one display module. The capacitive sensing baseplate is provided with driving modules and receiving modules, the driving and receiving modules are arranged in a crisscross manner and electrically connected to the capacitance value conversion module. The in-wall feature detection device is capable of using an electric field change between the driving and receiving modules to determine whether there is a blocking object in a wall, and further generating a corresponding light signal through the central processing module to display a shape of the blocking object. Thereby determining a position and the shape of the blocking object during construction.

A ground search metal detector, comprising a shaft, a probe, and a dual pivot axis-defining junction piece. The probe comprises an electromagnetic coil configured to generate a magnetic field. The shaft and the probe are each attached to the junction piece. The detector is configured to be adjusted between at least a first arrangement (in which the shaft is capable of pivoting relative to the junction piece about a first axis, and the probe is capable of pivoting relative to the junction piece about a second pivot axis that is non-parallel with the first pivot axis) and a second arrangement (in which the shaft is prevented from pivoting relative to the junction piece about a first pivot axis, or the probe is prevented from pivoting relative to the junction piece about a second pivot axis). Also, a probe assembly comprising a probe and a junction piece, and methods.