Systems, Methods and Apparatus of Tunnel Construction

Abstract

Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some implementations a method of a tunnel construction includes inserting two guidetubes into a ground; connecting a sheet to ends of the two guidetubes; and hammering the sheet through the ground from the ends of the sheet that are opposite of the two guidetubes, thus pushing the two guidetubes through the ground in the same direction as the sheet and another method of tunnel construction that includes inserting two guidetubes into a ground; and hammering a sheet into the ground with a beveled front edge of the sheet directed toward the two guidetubes, where the beveled front edge directs the sheet toward the two guidetubes.

Claims

1. A method of a tunnel construction process comprising: inserting two guidetubes into a ground; connecting a sheet to ends of the two guidetubes; and hammering the sheet through the ground from the ends of the sheet that are opposite of the two guidetubes, thus pushing the two guidetubes through the ground in the same direction as the sheet.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the inserting further comprises inserting the two guidetubes into the ground within 1/100 of an inch accuracy in position using a laser-guided process.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the inserting further comprises starting the inserting with the sheet connected to the two guidetubes.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises connecting the sheet to the two guidetubes before the inserting.

5-14. (canceled)

15. A method of a tunnel construction process comprising: inserting two guidetubes into a ground; and hammering a sheet into the ground with a beveled front edge of the sheet directed toward the two guidetubes, wherein the beveled front edge directs the sheet toward the two guidetubes.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the inserting further comprises inserting the two guidetubes into the ground within 1/100 of an inch accuracy in position using a laser-guided process.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the inserting further comprises starting the inserting with the sheet positioned adjacent to the two guidetubes.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the method further comprises positioning the sheet adjacent to the two guidetubes before the inserting.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the inserting further comprises wherein both ends of the two guidetubes are protruding from the ground when the inserting is completed.

20-110. (canceled)

111. An apparatus comprising: a plurality of guidetubes; and a plurality of sheets that are connected to the plurality of guidetubes by complementary geometry.

112. The apparatus of claim 111, wherein a geometry of a structure of the plurality of guidetubes further compromises a recessive geometry and a geometry of a structure of the plurality of sheets further compromises a dominant geometry.

113. The apparatus of claim 111, wherein a geometry of a structure of the plurality of guidetubes further compromises concave geometry and a geometry of a structure of the plurality of sheets further compromises convex geometry.

114. The apparatus of claim 111, wherein the plurality of guidetubes further comprise the plurality of guidetubes in a ground and the plurality of sheets further comprise the plurality of sheets in the ground.

115. The apparatus of claim 111, wherein the plurality of guidetubes further comprise a first guidetube, a second guidetube and a third guidetube; wherein the plurality of sheets further comprise a first sheet and a second sheet; wherein a first connective structure of the first guidetube has a female geometry; wherein the first connective structure of a first edge of the first sheet has a male geometry; wherein a second connective structure of a second edge of the first sheet has a male geometry; wherein a first connective structure of the second guidetube has a female geometry; wherein a first connective structure of a first edge of the second sheet has a male geometry; wherein a second connective structure of the second edge of the second sheet has a male geometry; and wherein a fourth connective structure of the third guidetube has a female geometry.

116. The apparatus of claim 111, wherein the plurality of guidetubes further comprise: a first guidetube in a ground, the first guidetube having a first connective structure; a second guidetube in the ground, the second guidetube having a second connective structure and a third connective structure; a third guidetube in the ground, the third guidetube having a fourth connective structure; the first guidetube, the second guidetube and the third guidetube being approximately parallel in the ground to each other; and the first guidetube, the second guidetube and the third guidetube being approximately equidistance in the ground to each other.

117. The apparatus of claim 111, wherein the plurality of sheets further comprise: a first sheet in the ground, having along a first edge, a first connective structure that is complementary to the first connective structure of the first guidetube, and having along a second edge, a second connective structure that is complementary to the second connective structure of the second guidetube; and a second sheet in the ground, having along a first edge, a first connective structure that is complementary to the third connective structure of the second guidetube, and having along a second edge, a second connective structure that is complementary to the fourth connective structure of the third guidetube.

118. The apparatus of claim 111, wherein a connective structure of the guidetubes has a female geometry and a connective structure of the sheets has a male geometry.

119. The apparatus of claim 118, wherein the first connective structure of the first guidetube has a female geometry; wherein the first connective structure of the first edge of the first sheet has a male geometry; wherein the second connective structure of the second edge of the first sheet has a male geometry; wherein the first connective structure of the second guidetube has a female geometry; wherein the first connective structure of the first edge of the second sheet has a male geometry; wherein the second connective structure of the second edge of the second sheet has a male geometry; and wherein the fourth connective structure of the third guidetube has a female geometry.

120. The apparatus of claim 119, wherein the connective structures of the guidetubes has a male geometry and the connective structures of the sheets has a female geometry.

121. The apparatus of claim 120, wherein the first connective structure of the first guidetube has a male geometry; wherein the first connective structure of the first edge of the first sheet has a female geometry; wherein the second connective structure of the second edge of the first sheet has a female geometry; wherein the first connective structure of the second guidetube has a male geometry; wherein the first connective structure of the first edge of the second sheet has a female geometry; wherein the second connective structure of the second edge of the second sheet has a female geometry; and wherein the fourth connective structure of the third guidetube has a male geometry.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is an isometric diagram of an overview of a system to tunnel through a ground, according to an implementation.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an apparatus to insert a guidetube, according to an implementation.

[0011] FIG. 3 is an isometric diagram of an apparatus, that is a subset of a system 100 to tunnel through a ground, according to an implementation.

[0012] FIG. 4 is side view of an apparatus to tunnel through a ground, according to an implementation.

[0013] FIG. 5 is side view of a diagram of a sheet with a beveled front edge, according to an implementation.

[0014] FIG. 6 is top view of an isometric diagram of a sheet with beveled front edges, according to an implementation.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a top view of an isometric diagram of a sheet connected to guidetubes via alignment pins, according to an implementation.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a top view of an isometric diagram of a sheet connected to guidetubes via alignment pins and impact washers, according to an implementation.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method to insert sheets into a ground, according to an implementation

[0018] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a method to insert sheets into a ground, according to an implementation.

[0019] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a tunnel construction control computer in which different implementations can be practiced.

[0020] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a data acquisition circuit of the tunnel construction control computer, according to an implementation.

[0021] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a hardware and operating environment in which different implementations can be practiced.

[0022] FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a tunnel construction control mobile device, according to an implementation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific implementations which may be practiced. These implementations are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the implementations, and it is to be understood that other implementations may be utilized and that logical, mechanical, electrical and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the implementations. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0024] The detailed description is divided into five sections. In the first section, a system level overview is described. In the second section, apparatus of implementations are described. In the third section, implementations of methods are described. In the fourth section, a hardware and the operating environment in conjunction with which implementations may be practiced are described. Finally, in the fifth section, a conclusion of the detailed description is provided.

System Level Overview

[0025] FIG. 1 is an isometric diagram of an overview of a system 100 to tunnel through a ground, according to an implementation.

[0026] System 100 includes a plurality of guidetubes 102 and a plurality of sheets 104 that are connected to the plurality of guidetubes 102 by complementary geometry that interlock with each other.

[0027] In some implementations of system 100, a geometry of a structure of the plurality of guidetubes 102 includes a recessive geometry and a geometry of a structure of the plurality of sheets 104 includes a dominant geometry. In some implementations of system 100, a geometry of a structure of the plurality of guidetubes 102 also includes concave geometry and a geometry of a structure of the plurality of sheets 104 also includes convex geometry.

[0028] In some implementations of system 100, the plurality of guidetubes 102 and the plurality of sheets 104 are in a ground 106.

[0029] In some implementations of system 100, the plurality of guidetubes 102 includes a first guidetube 110, a second guidetube 120 and a third guidetube 130, in which the plurality of sheets 104 also includes a first sheet 140 and a second sheet 150. A first connective structure of the first guidetube 110 has a female geometry (such as a socket), in which the first connective structure of a first edge of the first sheet 140 has a male geometry (such as a ball), in which a second connective structure of a second edge of the first sheet 140 has a male geometry, in which a first connective structure of the second guidetube 120 has a female geometry, in which a first connective structure of a first edge of the second sheet 150 has a male geometry, in which a second connective structure of the second edge of the second sheet 150 has a male geometry, and in which a fourth connective structure of the third guidetube 130 has a female geometry.

[0030] In some implementations, the sheets (such as the first sheet 140 and the second sheet 150) are about thick.

[0031] In some implementations of system 100, the plurality of guidetubes 102 also includes a first guidetube 110 in a ground 106, the first guidetube 110 includes a first connective structure, a second guidetube 120 in the ground 106, the second guidetube 120 includes a second connective structure and a third connective structure, a third guidetube 130 in the ground 106, the third guidetube 130 includes a fourth connective structure, the first guidetube 110, the second guidetube 120 and the third guidetube 130 is approximately parallel in the ground 106 to each other, and the first guidetube 110, the second guidetube 120 and the third guidetube 130 is approximately equidistance in the ground 106 to each other,

[0032] In some implementations of system 100, the plurality of sheets 104 also includes a first sheet 140 in the ground 106, includes along a first edge of the first sheet 140 a first connective structure that is complementary to the first connective structure of the first guidetube 110, and includes along a second edge of the first sheet 140 a second connective structure that is complementary to the second connective structure of the second guidetube 120, a second sheet 150 in the ground 106, includes along a first edge a first connective structure that is complementary to the third connective structure of the second guidetube 120, and includes along a second edge a second connective structure that is complementary to the fourth connective structure of the third guidetube 130.

[0033] In some implementations of system 100, a connective structure of the plurality of guidetubes 102 has a male geometry and the connective structures of the plurality of sheets 104 has a female geometry. More specifically, the first connective structure of the first guidetube 110 has a male geometry, the first connective structure of the first edge of the first sheet 140 has a female geometry, the second connective structure of the second edge of the first sheet 140 has a female geometry, the first connective structure of the second guidetube 120 has a male geometry, the first connective structure of the first edge of the second sheet 150 has a female geometry, the second connective structure of the second edge of the second sheet 150 has a female geometry and the fourth connective structure of the third guidetube 130 has a male geometry.

[0034] In some implementations of system 100, a connective structure of the plurality of guidetubes 102 has a female geometry and a connective structure of the plurality of sheets 104 has a male geometry. More specifically, the first connective structure of the first guidetube 110 has a female geometry, the first connective structure of the first edge of the first sheet 140 has a male geometry, the second connective structure of the second edge of the first sheet 140 has a male geometry, the first connective structure of the second guidetube 120 has a female geometry, the first connective structure of the first edge of the second sheet 150 has a male geometry, the second connective structure of the second edge of the second sheet 150 has a male geometry and the fourth connective structure of the third guidetube 130 has a female geometry.

[0035] While the system 100 is not limited to any particular plurality of guidetubes 102, plurality of sheets 104, ground 106, guidetube 110, guidetube 120, guidetube 130, sheet 140 and sheet 150, for sake of clarity a simplified plurality of guidetubes 102, plurality of sheets 104, ground 106, guidetube 110, guidetube 120, guidetube 130, sheet 140 and sheet 150 are described.

Apparatus Implementations

[0036] In the previous section, a system level overview of an implementation was described. In this section, the particular apparatus of such an implementation are described by reference to a series of diagrams.

[0037] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an apparatus 200 to insert a guidetube, according to an implementation.

[0038] Apparatus 200 includes a guide tube insertion machine 210 that inserts a guidetube 220 (such as guidetube 110, guidetube 120 or guidetube 130 in FIG. 1) in a ground (such a ground 106 in FIG. 1.

[0039] FIG. 3 is an isometric diagram of an apparatus 300, that is a subset of a system 100 to tunnel through a ground, according to an implementation.

[0040] Apparatus 300 includes the second guidetube 120, the third guidetube 130 and the second sheet 150 that are connected by complementary geometry that interlock with each other.

[0041] In some implementations of apparatus 300, a geometry of a structure of the second guidetube 120 and the third guidetube 130 includes a recessive geometry and a geometry of a structure of the second sheet 150 includes a dominant geometry. In some implementations of apparatus 300, a geometry of a structure of the second guidetube 120 and the third guidetube 130 also includes concave geometry and a geometry of a structure of the second sheet 150 also includes convex geometry.

[0042] In some implementations of apparatus 300, the second guidetube 120 and the third guidetube 130 and the second sheet 150 are in a ground.

[0043] In some implementations of apparatus 300, a first connective structure of the second guidetube 120 has a female geometry, in which a first connective structure of a first edge 310 of the second sheet 150 has a male geometry, in which a second connective structure of the second edge 320 of the second sheet 150 has a male geometry, and in which a fourth connective structure of the third guidetube 130 has a female geometry.

[0044] In some implementations of apparatus 300, the second guidetube 120 includes a second connective structure and a third connective structure, the third guidetube 130 includes a fourth connective structure, the second guidetube 120 and the third guidetube 130 are approximately parallel in the ground to each other, and the first guidetube 110, the second guidetube 120 and the third guidetube 130 is approximately equidistance in the ground to each other,

[0045] In some implementations of apparatus 300, the second sheet 150 in the ground, includes along a first edge 310 a first connective structure that is complementary to the third connective structure of the second guidetube 120, and includes along a second edge 320 a second connective structure that is complementary to the fourth connective structure of the third guidetube 130.

[0046] In some implementations of apparatus 300, a connective structure of the second guidetube 120 and the third guidetube 130 has a male geometry and the connective structure of the second sheet 150 has a female geometry. More specifically, the first connective structure of the second guidetube 120 has a male geometry, the first connective structure of the first edge 310 of the second sheet 150 has a female geometry, the second connective structure of the second edge 320 of the second sheet 150 has a female geometry and the fourth connective structure of the third guidetube 130 has a male geometry.

[0047] In some implementations of apparatus 300, a connective structure of the second guidetube 120 and the third guidetube 130 has a female geometry and a connective structure of the second sheet 150 has a male geometry. More specifically, the first connective structure of the second guidetube 120 has a female geometry, the first connective structure of the first edge 310 of the second sheet 150 has a male geometry, the second connective structure of the second edge 320 of the second sheet 150 has a male geometry and the fourth connective structure of the third guidetube 130 has a female geometry.

[0048] While the apparatus 300 is not limited to any particular second guidetube 120, third guidetube 130, second sheet 150, for sake of clarity a simplified the second guidetube 120 and the third guidetube 130 and second sheet 150 are described.

[0049] FIG. 4 is side view of an apparatus 400 to tunnel through a ground, according to an implementation.

[0050] Apparatus 400 includes a plurality of guidetubes 102 and a plurality of sheets 104 that are connected to the plurality of guidetubes 102 by complementary geometry.

[0051] In some implementations of apparatus 400, a geometry of a structure of the plurality of guidetubes 102 includes a recessive geometry and a geometry of a structure of the plurality of sheets 104 includes a dominant geometry.

[0052] In some implementations of apparatus 400, a geometry of a structure of the plurality of guidetubes 102 includes concave geometry and a geometry of a structure of the plurality of sheets 104 includes convex geometry.

[0053] In some implementations of apparatus 400, the plurality of guidetubes 102 includes the plurality of guidetubes 102 in a ground and the plurality of sheets 104 includes the plurality of sheets 104 in the ground.

[0054] In some implementations of apparatus 400, the plurality of guidetubes 102 includes a first guidetube 110, a second guidetube 120 and a third guidetube 130, the plurality of sheets 104 includes a first sheet 140 and a second sheet 150, a first connective structure of the first guidetube 110 has a female geometry, the first connective structure of a first edge of the first sheet 140 has a male geometry, a second connective structure of a second edge of the first sheet 140 has a male geometry, a first connective structure of the second guidetube 120 has a female geometry, a first connective structure of a first edge of the second sheet 150 has a male geometry, a second connective structure of the second edge of the second sheet 150 has a male geometry and a fourth connective structure of the third guidetube 130 has a female geometry.

[0055] In some implementations of apparatus 400, the plurality of guidetubes 102 includes a first guidetube 110 in a ground, the first guidetube 110 having a first connective structure, a second guidetube 120 in the ground, the second guidetube 120 having a second connective structure and a third connective structure, a third guidetube 130 in the ground, the third guidetube 130 having a fourth connective structure, the first guidetube 110, the second guidetube 120 and the third guidetube 130 being approximately parallel in the ground to each other and the first guidetube 110, the second guidetube 120 and the third guidetube 130 being approximately equidistance in the ground to each other.

[0056] In some implementations of apparatus 400, the plurality of sheets 104 includes a first sheet 140 in the ground, having along a first edge, a first connective structure that is complementary to the first connective structure of the first guidetube 110 and having along a second edge, a second connective structure that is complementary to the second connective structure of the second guidetube 120 and a second sheet 150 in the ground, having along a first edge, a first connective structure that is complementary to the third connective structure of the second guidetube 120 and having along a second edge, a second connective structure that is complementary to the fourth connective structure of the third guidetube 130.

[0057] In some implementations of apparatus 400, a connective structure of the guidetubes 102 has a female geometry and a connective structure of the sheets 104 has a male geometry. In some further implementations, the first connective structure of the first guidetube 110 has a female geometry, the first connective structure of the first edge of the first sheet 140 has a male geometry, the second connective structure of the second edge of the first sheet 140 has a male geometry, the first connective structure of the second guidetube 120 has a female geometry, the first connective structure of the first edge of the second sheet 150 has a male geometry, the second connective structure of the second edge of the second sheet 150 has a male geometry and the fourth connective structure of the third guidetube 130 has a female geometry. In some implementations, the connective structures of the guidetubes 102 has a male geometry and the connective structures of the sheets 104 has a female geometry. In some implementations, the first connective structure of the first guidetube 110 has a male geometry, the first connective structure of the first edge of the first sheet 140 has a female geometry, the second connective structure of the second edge of the first sheet 140 has a female geometry, the first connective structure of the second guidetube 120 has a male geometry, the first connective structure of the first edge of the second sheet 150 has a female geometry, the second connective structure of the second edge of the second sheet 150 has a female geometry and the fourth connective structure of the third guidetube 130 has a male geometry.

[0058] FIG. 5 is side view of a diagram of a sheet 500 with a beveled front edge, according to an implementation.

[0059] Sheet 500 is one example of sheet 140 or sheet 150, as shown in FIG. 1, 3 or 4. Sheet 500 has front edge 510 that is attached to the sheet by welds 520 and 530. The front edge 510 has a beveled front face 540.

[0060] FIG. 6 is top view of an isometric diagram of a sheet with beveled front edges 600, according to an implementation.

[0061] Sheet 500 in FIG. 6 is one example of sheet 140 or sheet 150, as shown in FIG. 1, 3 or 4. Sheet 500 has beveled front edges 510.

[0062] FIG. 7 is a top view of an isometric diagram of a sheet connected to guidetubes via alignment pins 700, according to an implementation.

[0063] Sheet 710 in FIG. 7 is one example of sheet 140 or sheet 150, as shown in FIG. 1 or 3-6. Solid alignment pins 720 and 730 are fixedly attached to the sheet 710, such as by a weld. Ends 740 and 750 of each solid alignment pins 720 and 730 connect with guidetubes 760 and 770 so that when pressure is applied to the back end 780 of the sheet 710, the guidetubes 760 and 770 are pushed in the direction of the force.

[0064] FIG. 8 is a top view of an isometric diagram of a sheet connected to guidetubes via alignment pins and impact washers 800, according to an implementation.

[0065] Sheet 710 in FIG. 8 is one example of sheet 140 or sheet 150, as shown in FIG. 1 or 3-7. Solid alignment pins 720 and 730 are fixedly attached to the sheet 710, such as by a weld. Ends 740 and 750 of each solid alignment pins 720 and 730 connect with guidetubes 760 and 770 so that when pressure is applied to the back end 780 of the sheet 710, the guidetubes 760 and 770 are pushed in the direction of the force.

[0066] Impact washers 810 and 820 are fixedly attached to the solid alignment pins 720 and 730 to absorb the force from the sheet 710 with the guidetubes 760 and 770.

Method Implementations

[0067] In the previous section, apparatus of the operation of an implementation was described. In this section, the particular methods of such an implementation are described by reference to a series of flowcharts.

[0068] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method 900 to insert sheets into a ground, according to an implementation. Method 900 provides interconnected sheets in the ground.

[0069] Method 900 of tunnel construction process 900 includes inserting two guidetubes into a ground, at block 910 and connecting a sheet to ends of the two guidetubes at block 920. The connecting 920 can be implemented by welding the sheet to the ends of the two guidetubes. Examples of the guidetubes include the plurality of guidetubes 102, the first guidetube 110, the second guidetube 120 and the third guidetube 130 such as in FIG. 1, guidetube 220 in FIG. 2, the second guidetube 120 and the third guidetube 130 such as in FIG. 3.

[0070] Thereafter, the method 900 includes hammering the sheet through the ground from the ends of the sheet that are opposite of the two guidetubes, at block 930, thus pushing the two guidetubes through the ground in the same direction as the sheet. The hammering 930 can be performed by either a vibratory hammer or an impact hammer.

[0071] In some implementations, the inserting 910 includes inserting the two guidetubes into the ground within 1/100 of an inch accuracy in position using a laser-guided process.

[0072] In some implementations, the inserting 910 includes starting the inserting 910 with the sheet connected to the two guidetubes.

[0073] In some implementations, the method 900 includes connecting 920 the sheet to the two guidetubes before the inserting 910.

[0074] In some implementations, the inserting 910 includes starting the inserting 910 with the sheet not connected to the two guidetubes.

[0075] In some implementations, the method 900 includes connecting 920 the sheet to the two guidetubes before the inserting 910 is completed.

[0076] In some implementations, the method 900 includes connecting 920 the sheet to the two guidetubes after the inserting 910 is completed.

[0077] In some implementations, the inserting 910 includes both ends of the two guidetubes are protruding from the ground when the inserting 910 is completed.

[0078] In some implementations, the inserting 910 includes inserting the two guidetubes into the ground until both ends of the two guidetubes are protruding from the ground.

[0079] In some implementations, the inserting 910 includes inserting the two guidetubes into the ground at a distance from each other that is equal to a width of the sheet.

[0080] In some implementations, method 900 further comprises inserting another guidetube into the ground in a position that is a distance from one of the two guidetubes that is equal to a width of the sheet, and hammering a second sheet into the ground between the another guidetube and a guidetube of the two guidetubes that is closest in distance to the another guidetube. In some further implementations, the another guidetube has a complementary connective shape along an edge that is operable to mate to an edge of the one of the two guidetubes and the method 900 includes before the hammering 930 a mating of the complementary connective shape along the edge of the another guidetube to the edge of the one of the two guidetubes. In some further implementations, the edge of the another guidetube has a male shape that is operable to mate to the edge of the one of the two guidetubes that has a female shape and the method 900 includes before the hammering 930 a mating of the male shape of the edge of the another guidetube to the female shape of the edge of the one of the two guidetubes. In some further implementations, the edge of the another guidetube has a female shape that is operable to mate to the edge of the one of the two guidetubes that has a male shape and the method 900 includes before the hammering 930 a mating of the female shape of the edge of the another guidetube to the male shape of the edge of the one of the two guidetubes.

[0081] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a method 1000 to insert sheets into a ground, according to an implementation. Method 1000 provides interconnected sheets in the ground.

[0082] Method 100 of a tunnel construction process includes inserting two guidetubes into a ground, at block 910, and hammering a sheet into the ground with a beveled front edge of the sheet directed toward the two guidetubes, at block 1010, in which the beveled front edge directs the sheet toward the two guidetubes.

[0083] In some implementations of method 1000, the inserting 910 includes inserting the two guidetubes into the ground within 1/100 of an inch accuracy in position using a laser-guided process.

[0084] In some implementations of method 1000, the inserting 910 includes starting the inserting 910 with the sheet positioned adjacent to the two guidetubes.

[0085] In some implementations of method 1000, the method 1000 includes positioning the sheet adjacent to the two guidetubes before the inserting 910.

[0086] In some implementations of method 1000, both ends of the two guidetubes are protruding from the ground when the inserting 910 is completed.

[0087] In some implementations of method 1000, the inserting 910 includes inserting the two guidetubes into the ground until both ends of the two guidetubes are protruding from the ground.

[0088] In some implementations of method 1000, the inserting 910 includes inserting the two guidetubes into the ground at a distance from each other that is equal to a width of the sheet.

[0089] In some implementations of method 1000 includes inserting another guidetube into the ground in a position that is a distance from one of the two guidetubes that is equal to a width of the sheet, and hammering a second sheet into the ground with a beveled front edge of the second sheet directed toward the another guidetube and a guidetube of the two guidetubes that is closest in distance to the another guidetube, the beveled front edge of the second sheet directs the second sheet toward the another guidetube and the guidetube of the two guidetubes that is closest in a distance to the another guidetube. In some further implementations, the another guidetube has a complementary connective shape along an edge that mates to an edge of the one of the two guidetubes and the method 1000 includes before the hammering 1010 a mating of the complementary connective shape along the edge of the another guidetube to the edge of the one of the two guidetubes. In some further implementations, the edge of the another guidetube has a male shape that mates to the edge of the one of the two guidetubes that has a female shape and the method 1000 includes before the hammering 1010 a mating of the male shape of the edge of the another guidetube to the female shape of the edge of the one of the two guidetubes. In some further implementations, the edge of the another guidetube has a female shape that mates to the edge of the one of the two guidetubes that has a male shape and the method 1000 includes before the hammering 1010 a mating of the female shape of the edge of the another guidetube to the male shape of the edge of the one of the two guidetubes.

[0090] In some implementations, methods 900-1000 are controlled by implementing as a sequence of computer instructions which, when executed by a processor, such as processor 1102 in FIG. 11, processing unit 1304 in FIG. 13 or main processor 1402, cause the processor to perform the respective method. In other implementations, methods 900-1000 are controller by implementing as a computer-accessible medium having executable instructions capable of directing a processor, such as processor 1102 in FIG. 11, to perform the respective method. In varying implementations, the medium is a magnetic medium, an electronic medium, or an optical medium.

Machine Learning Processes

[0091] A machine learning trainer can be implemented to perform that systems, methods and apparatus described herein using a number of different machine learning processes as described below. The machine learning trainer produces a trained neural network, which is also known as a model.

[0092] Machine learning is a subset of artificial intelligence that can learn from and make decisions and predictions based on data over time in response to the addition of new data and new results, in comparison to traditional systems that are relatively inflexibly designed to always provide a predetermined result from a specific set of data.

[0093] A machine learning system is a data-driven system rather than an algorithmic-based system. A machine learning system trains on a pre-defined data-set. Before training, the data is unlabeled or uncategorized.

[0094] There are four different categories for machine learning processes: Supervised learning, Unsupervised Learning, Semi-supervised learning and Reinforcement-Based Learning.

[0095] Supervised training is task driven to predict the next value that uses mapping between input and output, where the feedback provided to the agent is a correct set of actions for performing a task. In supervised learning, processes learn from labeled data using the supervised learning method in machine learning. This process involves the process receiving input data and the appropriate output labels. The goal is to teach the process to correctly predict labels for brand-new, untainted data. Processes like Decision Trees, Support Vector Machines, Random Forests, and Naive Bayes are examples of supervised learning processes. These processes can be applied to classification, regression, and time series forecasting tasks. In order to make predictions and derive useful insights from data, supervised learning is widely used in a variety of industries, including healthcare, finance, marketing, and image recognition.

[0096] Unsupervised training is data driven in order to identify clusters of data that have commonalities by automatically finding patterns and relationships in the dataset with no prior knowledge of the dataset or no prior training on the dataset. In Unsupervised learning, processes analyze unlabeled data in this machine learning method without using predetermined output labels. Finding patterns, relationships, or structures within the data is the aim. Unsupervised learning processes, in contrast to supervised learning, operate autonomously to unearth secret information and combine related data points. Clustering processes like K-means, hierarchical clustering, and DBSCAN, as well as dimensionality reduction techniques like PCA and t-SNE, are examples of popular unsupervised learning techniques.

[0097] Semi-supervised learning is a hybrid approach to machine learning that uses both labeled and unlabeled data for training. In order to enhance learning, it makes use of both a larger set of unlabeled data and a smaller amount of labeled data. The unlabeled data are supposed to offer extra context and information to improve the trained neural network's comprehension and functionality. Semi-supervised learning can get around the drawbacks of only using labeled data by effectively utilizing the unlabeled data. This strategy is especially helpful when getting labeled data requires a lot of resources or processing power.

[0098] In reinforcement-based learning, a machine learning process called reinforcement learning is developed in part as a reference to how people learn by making mistakes. In this scenario, an agent interacts with the environment and learns to choose the best course of action to maximize cumulative rewards. Based on its actions, the agent receives feedback in the form of rewards or penalties. Over time, the agent develops the ability to make decisions that produce the best results. Reinforcement-based learning makes it possible for machines to use a series of actions to accomplish long-term objectives, adapt to changing environments, and learn from their experiences. Reinforcement-based learning is an effective method for addressing challenging decision-making issues thanks to its dynamic learning approach. Reinforcement-based learning uses mapping between input and output and uses rewards and punishments as signals for positive and negative behavior. Reinforcement-based learning was pioneered by Richard Sutton. Examples of reinforcement learning include Q-learning that uses:

[00001]$Q\left(s_t,a_t\right)\left(1-\right).Math.\underset{\mathrm{old}\mathrm{value}}{\underset{}{Q\left(s_t,a_t\right)}}+\underset{\mathrm{learning}\mathrm{rate}}{\underset{}{}}.Math.\stackrel{\mathrm{learned}\mathrm{value}}{\stackrel{}{\left(\underset{\mathrm{reward}}{\underset{}{r_t}}+\underset{\mathrm{discount}\mathrm{factor}}{\underset{}{}}\underset{\mathrm{estimate}\mathrm{of}\mathrm{optimal}\mathrm{future}\mathrm{value}}{.Math.\underset{}{\underset{a}{\max }Q\left(s_{t+1},a\right)}}\right)}}$ [0099] and SARSA (State-Action-Reward-State-Action) trained neural network tuning, in which all trained neural network weights are tuned, can be fine-tuned to adapt a machine learning trained neural network to new downstream tasks without retraining the entire machine learning trained neural network, such as by prefix tuning, which can be simplified as prompt tuning.

[0100] These four machine learning process categories are further divided into additional categories. These are the most popular supervised machine learning processes: decision tree, gradient boosting process and AdaBoosting process, KNN process, linear regression, logistic regression, Naive Bayes process, random forest process and SVM process. Unsupervised machine learning processes include K-means process.

[0101] Decision Tree. In a decision Tree process, in which a supervised learning process is used for problem classification, is one of the most widely used processes in machine learning. It does a good job of categorizing both categorical and continuous dependent variables. The population is split into two or more homogeneous sets using this process, depending on the most important features or independent variables.

[0102] Gradient boosting process and AdaBoosting process: These processes are used when massive loads of data have to be handled to make predictions with high accuracy. Boosting is an ensemble learning algorithm that combines the predictive power of several base estimators to improve robustness. In short, it combines multiple weak or average predictors to build a strong predictor.

[0103] KNN (K-Nearest Neighbors) process. In KNN, both classification and regression issues can be solved using this process. In KNN, a process that classifies any new cases by obtaining a majority vote from its k neighbors and then stores all of the existing cases. The class with which the case has the most in common is then given the assignment. This calculation is made using a distance function. The following factors should be taken into account before choosing the K Nearest Neighbors process. KNN requires a lot of computation resources. Normalizing variables is necessary to prevent process bias from higher range variables. Processing of the prior data is still required.

[0104] Linear regression process: By fitting the independent and dependent variables to a line, a relationship between them can be found in this process. The equation Y=a*X+b, also known as the regression line, describes this line. The sum of the squared distance differences between the data points and the regression line is minimized to obtain the coefficients a and b.

[0105] This equation reads as follows. [0106] Y is the dependent variable. [0107] Slope is a. [0108] X is an unrelated variable.

[0109] Logistic Regression. Discrete values (typically binary values like 0/1) are estimated from a set of independent variables using logistic regression. By adjusting the data to a logic function, it aids in predicting the likelihood of an event. Additionally known as logic regression.

[0110] The Naive Bayes process. An assumption made by a Naive Bayes classifier is that the presence of one feature in a class has no bearing on the presence of any other features. When determining the likelihood of a specific result, a Naive Bayes classifier would take into account each of these features independently, even if these features are related to one another. Large datasets can benefit from using a Naive Bayesian trained neural network, which is simple to construct. It is known to perform better than even the most sophisticated classification techniques despite being simple.

[0111] Random Forests Process: A Random Forest is an arrangement of decision trees. Each tree is assigned a class and votes for that class in order to categorize a new object according to its attributes. Over all of the trees in the forest, the classification with the most votes is chosen by the forest.

[0112] The planting and growth of each tree is done as follows: If the training set contains N cases, then a random sample of N cases is selected. For growing the tree, this sample will serve as the training set.

[0113] If M input variables are present, then m.

[0114] The SVM process (Support Vector Machine): Plotting raw data as points in an n-dimensional space (where n is the number of features you have) is a technique used in the SVM process, a classification process. After that, each feature's value is associated with a specific coordinate, which facilitates the data's classification. The data can be divided into groups and plotted on a graph using lines known as classifiers.

[0115] K-Means. In K-means a process manages clustering issues by using unsupervised learning. Data sets are divided into a certain number of clusters (e.g. number K) in such a way that all the data points within a cluster are homogenous and heterogeneous from the data in other clusters. K-means creates clusters in the following ways: The K-means process selects k centroids, or points, for each cluster. With the closest centroids, each data point creates a cluster, i.e. clusters of K. From the current cluster members, it now generates new centroids. The closest distance for every data point is calculated using these new centroids. Up until the centroids stay the same, this process is repeated.

Hardware and Operating Environments

[0116] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a tunnel construction control computer 1100 in which different implementations can be practiced. The tunnel construction control computer 1100 includes a processor 1102 (such as a Pentium III processor from Intel Corp. in this example) which includes dynamic and static ram and non-volatile program read-only-memory (not shown), a first bridge 1104, operating memory 1106 (SDRAM in this example). The first bridge 1104 includes integrated video 1108 that couples the tunnel construction control computer 1100 to a XVGA communication path 1110 and a LCD and/or LCDVS device 1112.

[0117] The first bridge 1104 is operably coupled to a bus 1114 and the bus 1114 is operably coupled to a second bridge 1116 and an Ethernet controller 1118.

[0118] The second bridge 1116 is operably coupled to a CODEC 1120 and the CODEC 1120 is coupled to an audio port 1122. The second bridge 1116 is operably coupled to communication ports 1124 (e.g., UDMA IDE 1126, USB port(s) 1128, RS-232 1130 COM1/2 and/or keyboard interface 1132).

[0119] An RS-232 port 1134 is coupled through a universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART) 1136 to the second bridge 1116.

[0120] The second bridge 1116 is operably coupled to a data acquisition circuit 1138 with analog inputs 1140 and outputs 1142 and digital inputs and outputs 1144.

[0121] In some implementations of the tunnel construction control computer 1100, the data acquisition circuit 1138 is also coupled to counter timer ports 1146 and watchdog timer ports 1148. In some implementations of the tunnel construction control computer 1100, the second bridge 1116 is operably coupled to an expansion bus 1150.

[0122] In some implementations, the Ethernet controller 1118 is operably coupled to magnetics 1152 which is operably coupled to an Ethernet local area network 1154

[0123] With proper digital amplifiers and analog signal conditioners, the tunnel construction control computer 1100 can be programmed to drive the apparatus in FIG. 1-8, either in a predetermined sequence, or interactively modify, and can be monitored by thermal sensors, the output of which, after passing through appropriate signal conditioners, can be read by the analog to digital converters that are part of the data acquisition circuit 1138.

[0124] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a data acquisition circuit 1200 of a tunnel construction control computer, according to an implementation. The data acquisition circuit 1200 is one example of the data acquisition circuit 1138 in FIG. 11 above. Some implementations of the data acquisition circuit 1200 provide 16-bit A/D performance with input voltage capability up to +/10V, and programmable input ranges.

[0125] The data acquisition circuit 1200 can include a bus 1202, such as a conventional PC/104 bus. The data acquisition circuit 1200 can be operably coupled to a controller chip 1204. Some implementations of the controller chip 1204 include an analog/digital first-in/first-out (FIFO) buffer 1206 that is operably coupled to controller logic 1208. In some implementations of the data acquisition circuit 1200, the FIFO 1206 receives signal data from and analog/digital converter (ADC) 1210, which exchanges signal data with a programmable gain amplifier 1212, which receives data from a multiplexer 1214, which receives signal data from analog inputs 1216.

[0126] In some implementations of the data acquisition circuit 1200, the controller logic 1208 sends signal data to the ADC 1210 and a digital/analog converter (DAC) 1218. The DAC 1218 sends signal data to analog outputs. The analog outputs, after proper amplification, can be used to ??x. In some implementations of the data acquisition circuit 1200, the controller logic 1208 receives signal data from an external trigger 1222.

[0127] In some implementations of the data acquisition circuit 1200, the controller chip 1204 includes a digital input/output (I/O) component 1238 that sends digital signal data to computer output ports.

[0128] In some implementations of the data acquisition circuit 1200, the controller logic 1208 sends signal data to the bus 1202 via a control line 1246 and an interrupt line 1248. In some implementations of the data acquisition circuit 1200, the controller logic 1208 exchanges signal data to the bus 1202 via a transceiver 1250.

[0129] Some implementations of the data acquisition circuit 1200 include 12-bit D/A channels, programmable digital I/O lines, and programmable counter/timers. Analog circuitry can be placed away from the high-speed digital logic to ensure low-noise performance for important applications. Some implementations of the data acquisition circuit 1200 are fully supported by operating systems that can include, but are not limited to, DOS, Linux, RTLinux, QNX, Windows 98/NT/2000/XP/CE, Forth, and VWorks to simplify application development.

[0130] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a hardware and operating environment 1300 in which different implementations can be practiced. The description of FIG. 13 provides an overview of computer hardware and a suitable computing environment in conjunction with which some implementations can be implemented. Implementations are described in terms of a computer executing computer-executable instructions. However, some implementations can be implemented entirely in computer hardware in which the computer-executable instructions are implemented in read-only memory. Some implementations can also be implemented in client/server computing environments where remote devices that perform tasks are linked through a communications network. Program modules can be located in both local and remote memory storage devices in a distributed computing environment.

[0131] Computer 1302 includes a processing unit 1304, commercially available from Intel, Motorola, Cyrix and others. The computer 1302 is one implementation of control computer tunnel construction in FIG. 1 and computer tunnel construction in FIG. 2. The computer 1302 also includes system memory 1306 that includes random-access memory RAM 1308 and read-only memory ROM 1310. The computer 1302 also includes one or more mass storage devices 1312; and a system bus 1314 that operatively couples various system components to the processing unit 1304. The RAM 1308 and ROM 1310, and mass storage devices 1312, are types of computer-accessible media. Mass storage devices 1312 are more specifically types of nonvolatile computer-accessible media and can include one or more hard disk drives, floppy disk drives, optical disk drives, and tape cartridge drives. The processing unit 1304 executes computer programs stored on the computer-accessible media.

[0132] Computer 1302 can be communicatively connected to the Internet 1316 via a communication device, such as modem 1318. Internet 1316 connectivity is well known within the art. In one implementation, the modem 1318 responds to communication drivers to connect to the Internet 1316 via what is known in the art as a dial-up connection. In another implementation, the communication device is an Ethernet or network adapter 1320 connected to a local-area network (LAN) 1322 that itself is connected to the Internet 1316 via what is known in the art as a direct connection (e.g., T1 line, etc.).

[0133] A user enters commands and information into the computer 1302 through input devices such as a keyboard (not shown) or a pointing device (not shown). The keyboard permits entry of textual information into computer 1302, as known within the art, and implementations are not limited to any particular type of keyboard. Pointing device permits the control of the screen pointer provided by a graphical user interface (GUI) of operating systems such as versions of Microsoft Windows. Implementations are not limited to any particular pointing device. Such pointing devices include mice, touch pads, trackballs, remote controls and point sticks. Other input devices (not shown) can include a microphone, joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, or the like.

[0134] In some implementations, computer 1302 is operatively coupled to a display device 1324. Display device 1324 is connected to the system bus 1314 through a video adapter 1326. Display device 1324 permits the display of information, including computer, video and other information, for viewing by a user of the computer. Implementations are not limited to any particular display device 1324. Such display devices include cathode ray tube (CRT) displays (monitors), as well as flat panel displays such as liquid crystal displays (LCD's). In addition to a monitor, computers typically include other peripheral input/output devices such as printers (not shown). Speakers (not shown) provide audio output of signals. Speakers are also connected to the system bus 1314.

[0135] Computer 1302 can be operated using at least one operating system to provide a graphical user interface (GUI) including a user-controllable pointer. Computer 1302 can have at least one web browser application program executing within at least one operating system, to permit users of computer 1302 to access intranet or Internet world-wide-web pages as addressed by Universal Resource Locator (URL) addresses. Examples of browser application programs include Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer.

[0136] The computer 1302 can operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers, such as remote computer 1328. These logical connections are achieved by a communication device coupled to, or a part of, the computer 1302. Implementations are not limited to a particular type of communications device. The remote computer 1328 can be another computer, a server, a router, a network PC, a client, a peer device or other common network node. The logical connections depicted in FIG. 13 include the local-area network (LAN) 1322 and a wide-area network (WAN). Such networking environments are commonplace in offices, enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets and the Internet.

[0137] When used in a LAN-networking environment, the computer 1302 and remote computer 1328 are connected to the local network 1322 through network interfaces or adapters 1320, which is one type of communications device 1318. When used in a conventional WAN-networking environment, the computer 1302 and remote computer 1328 communicate with a WAN through modems. The modems, which can be internal or external, is connected to the system bus 1314. In a networked environment, program modules depicted relative to the computer 1302, or portions thereof, can be stored in the remote computer 1328.

[0138] Computer 1302 also includes an operating system 1330 that can be stored on the RAM 1308 and ROM 1310, and/or mass storage device 1312, and is and executed by the processing unit 1304. Examples of operating systems include Microsoft Windows, Apple MacOS, Linux, UNIX, providing capability for supporting application programs 1332 using, for example, code modules written in the C++ computer programming language. Examples are not limited to any particular operating system, however, and the construction and use of such operating systems are well known within the art.

[0139] Instructions can be stored via the mass storage devices 1312 or system memory 1306, including one or more application programs 1332, other program modules 1334 and program data 1336.

[0140] Computer 1302 also includes power supply. Each power supply can be a battery.

[0141] Some implementations include computer instructions to ??/that can be implemented in instructions or the instructions stored via the mass storage devices 1312 or system memory 1306 in FIG. 13.

[0142] FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a tunnel construction control mobile device 1400, according to an implementation. The tunnel construction control mobile device 1400 includes a number of components such as a main processor 1402 that controls the overall operation of the tunnel construction control mobile device 1400. Communication functions, including data and voice communications, are performed through a communication subsystem 1404. The communication subsystem 1404 receives messages from and sends messages to a wireless network 1406. In this exemplary implementation of the tunnel construction control mobile device 1400, the communication subsystem 1404 is configured in accordance with the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), General Packet Radio Services (GPRS) standards, 3G, 4G, 5G and/or 6G. It will also be understood by persons skilled in the art that the implementations described herein are intended to use any other suitable standards that are developed in the future. The wireless link connecting the communication subsystem 1404 with the wireless network 1406 represents one or more different Radio Frequency (RF) channels, operating according to defined protocols specified for 4G or 5G communications. With newer network protocols, these channels are capable of supporting both circuit switched voice communications and packet switched data communications.

[0143] Although the wireless network 1406 associated with tunnel construction control mobile device 1400 is a GSM/GPRS, 3G, 4G, 5G and/or 6G wireless network in one exemplary implementation, other wireless networks may also be associated with the tunnel construction control mobile device 1400 in variant implementations. The different types of wireless networks that may be employed include, for example, data-centric wireless networks, voice-centric wireless networks, and dual-mode networks that can support both voice and data communications over the same physical base stations. Combined dual-mode networks include, but are not limited to, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) or CDMA2000 networks, GSM/GPRS networks, 3G, 4G, 5G and/or 6G. Some other examples of data-centric networks include WiFi 802.11, Mobitex and DataTAC network communication systems. Examples of other voice-centric data networks include Personal Communication Systems (PCS) networks like GSM and Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) systems.

[0144] The main processor 1402 also interacts with additional subsystems such as a Random Access Memory (RAM) 1408, a flash memory 1410, a display 1412, an auxiliary input/output (I/O) subsystem 1414, a data port 1416, a keyboard 1418, a speaker 1420, a microphone 1422, short-range communications 1424 and other device subsystems 1426.

[0145] Some of the subsystems of the tunnel construction control mobile device 1400 perform communication-related functions, whereas other subsystems may provide resident or on-device functions. By way of example, the display 1412 and the keyboard 1418 may be used for both communication-related functions, such as entering a text message for transmission over the wireless network 1406, and device-resident functions such as a calculator or task list.

[0146] The tunnel construction control mobile device 1400 can send and receive communication signals over the wireless network 1406 after required network registration or activation procedures have been completed. Network access is associated with a subscriber or user of the tunnel construction control mobile device 1400. To identify a subscriber, the tunnel construction control mobile device 1400 requires a SIM/RUIM card 1428 (i.e. Subscriber Identity Module or a Removable User Identity Module) to be inserted into a SIM/RUIM interface 1430 in order to communicate with a network. The SIM card or RUIM 1428 is one type of a conventional smart card that can be used to identify a subscriber of the tunnel construction control mobile device 1400 and to customize the tunnel construction control mobile device 1400, among other aspects. Without the SIM card 1428, the tunnel construction control mobile device 1400 is not fully operational for communication with the wireless network 1406. By inserting the SIM card/RUIM 1428 into the SIM/RUIM interface 1430, a subscriber can access all subscribed services. Services may include: web browsing and messaging such as e-mail, voice mail, Short Message Service (SMS), and Multimedia Messaging Services (MMS). More advanced services may include: point of sale, field service and sales force automation. The SIM card/RUIM 1428 includes a processor and memory for storing information. Once the SIM card/RUIM 1428 is inserted into the SIM/RUIM interface 1430, it is coupled to the main processor 1402. In order to identify the subscriber, the SIM card/RUIM 392 can include some user parameters such as an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI). An advantage of using the SIM card/RUIM 1428 is that a subscriber is not necessarily bound by any single physical mobile device. The SIM card/RUIM 1428 may store additional subscriber information for a mobile device as well, including datebook (or calendar) information and recent call information. Alternatively, user identification information can also be programmed into the flash memory 1410.

[0147] The tunnel construction control mobile device 1400 is a battery-powered device and includes a battery interface 1432 for receiving one or more rechargeable batteries 1434. In one or more implementations, the battery 1434 can be a smart battery with an embedded microprocessor. The battery interface 1432 is coupled to a regulator 1436, which assists the battery 1434 in providing power V+ to the tunnel construction control mobile device 1400. Although current technology makes use of a battery, future technologies such as micro fuel cells may provide the power to the tunnel construction control mobile device 1400.

[0148] The tunnel construction control mobile device 1400 also includes an operating system 1438 and software components 1440 to 1452 which are described in more detail below. The operating system 1438 and the software components 1440 to 1452 that are executed by the main processor 1402 are typically stored in a persistent store such as the flash memory 1410, which may alternatively be a read-only memory (ROM) or similar storage element (not shown). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that portions of the operating system 1438 and the software components 1440 to 1452, such as specific device applications, or parts thereof, may be temporarily loaded into a volatile store such as the RAM 1408. Other software components can also be included.

[0149] The subset of software components 1440 that control basic device operations, including data and voice communication applications, will normally be installed on the tunnel construction control mobile device 1400 during its manufacture. Other software applications include a message application 1442 that can be any suitable software program that allows a user of the tunnel construction control mobile device 1400 to send and receive electronic messages. Various alternatives exist for the message application 1442 as is well known to those skilled in the art. Messages that have been sent or received by the user are typically stored in the flash memory 1410 of the tunnel construction control mobile device 1400 or some other suitable storage element in the tunnel construction control mobile device 1400. In one or more implementations, some of the sent and received messages may be stored remotely from the tunnel construction control mobile device 1400 such as in a data store of an associated host system with which the tunnel construction control mobile device 1400 communicates.

[0150] The software applications can further include a device state module 1444, a Personal Information Manager (PIM) 1446, and other suitable modules (not shown). The device state module 1444 provides persistence, i.e. the device state module 1445 ensures that important device data is stored in persistent memory, such as the flash memory 1410, so that the data is not lost when the tunnel construction control mobile device 1400 is turned off or loses power.

[0151] The PIM 1446 includes functionality for organizing and managing data items of interest to the user, such as, but not limited to, e-mail, contacts, calendar events, voice mails, appointments, and task items. A PIM application has the ability to send and receive data items via the wireless network 1406. PIM data items may be seamlessly integrated, synchronized, and updated via the wireless network 1406 with the mobile device subscriber's corresponding data items stored and/or associated with a host computer system. This functionality creates a mirrored host computer on the tunnel construction control mobile device 1400 with respect to such items. This can be particularly advantageous when the host computer system is the mobile device subscriber's office computer system.

[0152] The tunnel construction control mobile device 1400 also includes a connect module 1448, and an IT policy module 1450. The connect module 1448 implements the communication protocols that are required for the tunnel construction control mobile device 1400 to communicate with the wireless infrastructure and any host system, such as an enterprise system, with which the tunnel construction control mobile device 1400 is authorized to interface.

[0153] The connect module 1448 includes a set of APIs that can be integrated with the tunnel construction control mobile device 1400 to allow the tunnel construction control mobile device 1400 to use any number of services associated with the enterprise system. The connect module 1448 allows the tunnel construction control mobile device 1400 to establish an end-to-end secure, authenticated communication pipe with the host system. A subset of applications for which access is provided by the connect module 1448 can be used to pass IT policy commands from the host system to the tunnel construction control mobile device 1400. This can be done in a wireless or wired manner. These instructions can then be passed to the IT policy module 1450 to modify the configuration of the tunnel construction control mobile device 1400. Alternatively, in some cases, the IT policy update can also be done over a wired connection.

[0154] The IT policy module 1450 receives IT policy data that encodes the IT policy. The IT policy module 1450 then ensures that the IT policy data is authenticated by the tunnel construction control mobile device 1400. The IT policy data can then be stored in the flash memory 1410 in its native form. After the IT policy data is stored, a global notification can be sent by the IT policy module 1450 to all of the applications residing on the tunnel construction control mobile device 1400. Applications for which the IT policy may be applicable then respond by reading the IT policy data to look for IT policy rules that are applicable.

[0155] The IT policy module 1450 can include a parser 1452, which can be used by the applications to read the IT policy rules. In some cases, another module or application can provide the parser. Grouped IT policy rules, described in more detail below, are retrieved as byte streams, which are then sent (recursively) into the parser to determine the values of each IT policy rule defined within the grouped IT policy rule. In one or more implementations, the IT policy module 1450 can determine which applications are affected by the IT policy data and send a notification to only those applications. In either of these cases, for applications that are not being executed by the main processor 1402 at the time of the notification, the applications can call the parser or the IT policy module 1450 when they are executed to determine if there are any relevant IT policy rules in the newly received IT policy data.

[0156] All applications that support rules in the IT Policy are coded to know the type of data to expect. For example, the value that is set for the WEP User Name IT policy rule is known to be a string; therefore the value in the IT policy data that corresponds to this rule is interpreted as a string. As another example, the setting for the Set Maximum Password Attempts IT policy rule is known to be an integer, and therefore the value in the IT policy data that corresponds to this rule is interpreted as such.

[0157] After the IT policy rules have been applied to the applicable applications or configuration files, the IT policy module 1450 sends an acknowledgement back to the host system to indicate that the IT policy data was received and successfully applied.

[0158] Other types of software applications can also be installed on the tunnel construction control mobile device 1400. These software applications can be third party applications, which are added after the manufacture of the tunnel construction control mobile device 1400. Examples of third party applications include games, calculators, utilities, etc.

[0159] The additional applications can be loaded onto the tunnel construction control mobile device 1400 through at least one of the wireless network 1406, the auxiliary I/O subsystem 1414, the data port 1416, the short-range communications subsystem 1424, or any other suitable device subsystem 1424. This flexibility in application installation increases the functionality of the tunnel construction control mobile device 1400 and may provide enhanced on-device functions, communication-related functions, or both. For example, secure communication applications may enable electronic commerce functions and other such financial transactions to be performed using the tunnel construction control mobile device 1400.

[0160] The data port 1416 enables a subscriber to set preferences through an external device or software application and extends the capabilities of the tunnel construction control mobile device 1400 by providing for information or software downloads to the tunnel construction control mobile device 1400 other than through a wireless communication network. The alternate download path may, for example, be used to load an encryption key onto the tunnel construction control mobile device 1400 through a direct and thus reliable and trusted connection to provide secure device communication.

[0161] The data port 1416 can be any suitable port that enables data communication between the tunnel construction control mobile device 1400 and another computing device. The data port 1416 can be a serial or a parallel port. In some instances, the data port 1416 can be a USB port that includes data lines for data transfer and a supply line that can provide a charging current to charge the battery 1434 of the tunnel construction control mobile device 1400.

[0162] The short-range communications subsystem 1424 provides for communication between the tunnel construction control mobile device 1400 and different systems or devices, without the use of the wireless network 1406. For example, the subsystem 1424 may include an infrared device and associated circuits and components for short-range communication. Examples of short-range communication standards include standards developed by the Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Bluetooth, and the 802.11 family of standards developed by IEEE.

[0163] In use, a received signal such as a text message, an e-mail message, or web page download will be processed by the communication subsystem 1404 and input to the main processor 1402. The main processor 1402 will then process the received signal for output to the display 1412 or alternatively to the auxiliary I/O subsystem 1414. A subscriber may also compose data items, such as e-mail messages, for example, using the keyboard 1418 in conjunction with the display 1412 and possibly the auxiliary I/O subsystem 1414. The auxiliary subsystem 1414 may include devices such as: a touch screen, mouse, track ball, infrared fingerprint detector, or a roller wheel with dynamic button pressing capability. The keyboard 1418 is preferably an alphanumeric keyboard and/or telephone-type keypad. However, other types of keyboards may also be used. A composed item may be transmitted over the wireless network 1406 through the communication subsystem 1404.

[0164] For voice communications, the overall operation of the tunnel construction control mobile device 1400 is substantially similar, except that the received signals are output to the speaker 1420, and signals for transmission are generated by the microphone 1422. Alternative voice or audio I/O subsystems, such as a voice message recording subsystem, can also be implemented on the tunnel construction control mobile device 1400. Although voice or audio signal output is accomplished primarily through the speaker 1420, the display 1412 can also be used to provide additional information such as the identity of a calling party, duration of a voice call, or other voice call related information.

[0165] In some implementations, the tunnel construction control mobile device 1400 includes a camera 1454 receiving a plurality of images 1456 from and examining pixel-values of the plurality of images 1456.

CONCLUSION

[0166] A tunnel construction system, method and apparatus are described herein. A technical effect of the tunnel construction system, method and apparatus is accurate placement of sheets and guidetubes in a ground. Although specific implementations are illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement which is calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific implementations shown. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations. For example, although described in tunneling terms, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that implementations can be made in other applications and uses that provide the required function.

[0167] In particular, one of skill in the art will readily appreciate that the names of the methods and apparatus are not intended to limit implementations. Furthermore, additional methods and apparatus can be added to the components, functions can be rearranged among the components, and new components to correspond to future enhancements and physical devices used in implementations can be introduced without departing from the scope of implementations. One of skill in the art will readily recognize that implementations are applicable to future guidetubes, different sheets and new hammering devices.

[0168] The terminology used in this application meant to include all tunnel arches and alternate technologies which provide the same functionality as described herein.