Methods, apparatus and systems for ensuring wage and hour compliance in locate operations

Control of locating equipment used by a locate technician to perform a locate and/or marking operation to detect and/or mark a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility at a work site (e.g., locate receivers, locate transmitters, marking devices and/or combined locate and marking devices) is based on time-keeping information associated with the technician and/or wage and hour compliance information. In one example, one or more control signals are generated to at least partially enable or disable one or more piece of locating equipment based at least in part on a time clock status of the locate technician (e.g., clocked-in or clocked-out), and/or wage and hour compliance information associated with the locate technician and/or the work site (e.g., relating to required breaks and/or maximum number of work hours).

BACKGROUND

In workplace environments, it is common practice for employees to “clock-in” and “clock-out” (e.g., via a time-keeping system) when checking in and checking out of work, such as when arriving at work, taking a meal break, and leaving for the day. In field-based distributed workforce environments, employees may be dispatched (e.g., with a personal or work-related vehicle) directly to work locations in the field instead of reporting to a central workplace at the beginning of each day. Consequently, time-keeping systems exist by which field service employees may clock-in and clock-out remotely. For example, a field service employee may access a time-keeping system using a networked device (e.g., a cell phone or a networked portable computer such as a laptop computer or tablet device) in the vehicle being used by the field service employee in the field.

Due to the nature of field-based distributed workforce environments, it is sometimes difficult for companies to effectively monitor employee work time. As a result, it may be difficult for companies to maintain accurate employee time records and, thereby, ensure wage and hour compliance that may be based on federal, state, and/or local regulations. Additionally, with respect to operating efficiency in field-based distributed workforce environments, it may be difficult to determine whether work is actually being performed when an employee is clocked-in. Likewise, it may be difficult to ensure that work is not being performed when an employee is clocked-out.

SUMMARY

In view of the limitations of conventional time-keeping systems, Applicants have recognized and appreciated a need for improved techniques of monitoring employee work time and of maintaining accurate employee time records in field-based distributed workforce environments so as to ensure wage and hour compliance and improved operating efficiency.

While a variety of field-based distributed workforce environments would benefit from improved employee work time monitoring techniques, one illustrative example in which such improved techniques may be implemented is given by “locate and marking operations,” or more simply “locate operations.” In the construction industry, “locate operations” refer to the process of locating and marking underground facilities in anticipation of excavation activities. These operations typically are accomplished by a field-based distributed workforce that is dispatched to various locations pursuant to requests to perform such operations. As in other field-based distributed workforce environments, in underground facility locate operations it may be difficult for locate companies overseeing such workforces to monitor employee work time and to maintain accurate employee time records.

Accordingly, various inventive methods, apparatus and systems disclosed herein relate generally to improving employee time-keeping activities and wage and hour compliance in connection with locate and marking operations. In some exemplary implementations, control of locating equipment used by a locate technician to perform a locate and/or marking operation (e.g., to detect and/or mark a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility at a work site) is based on time-keeping information associated with the technician and/or wage and hour compliance information. In particular, one or more control signals may be generated to at least partially enable or disable one or more piece of locating equipment based at least in part on a time clock status of the locate technician (e.g., clocked-in or clocked-out), and/or wage and hour compliance information associated with the locate technician and/or the work site (e.g., relating to required breaks or “rest periods,” meal breaks and start times for same, minimum hours worked per day or week before premium or overtime pay is available, maximum hours that may be worked in a given time period or work shift, etc.). In some implementations, geographic information associated with the work site (e.g., as derived from a locate request ticket and/or as provided by the locating equipment used for the locate operation) may be used to select appropriate wage and hour compliance information that may be specific to a particular geographic location/jurisdiction.

In one aspect, the locating equipment itself, and/or one or more onsite computers used by the locate technician in connection with a locate operation, may be employed to facilitate time-keeping (clocking-in and clocking-out). In some examples, a user interface associated with locating equipment or one or more other computing devices available to the locate technician may be controlled so as to automatically prompt the technician to clock-in or clock-out based on various information associated with wage and hour compliance. In another aspect, a time clock status of the locate technician and various information obtained from one or more pieces of locating equipment used in connection with the locate operation may be monitored before, during, and/or after a locate operation to generate an activity log so as to provide an electronic record of the locate operation including time-keeping information for the locate technician.

In other aspects, inventive methods, apparatus and systems disclosed herein facilitate communication between and amongst a central server operated by a locate company, one or more onsite computers at or near the work site, and various locating equipment used by locate technicians in the field to perform locate operations to implement various time-keeping functions and/or equipment control. Various functionality associated with time-keeping, control of locating equipment, and or maintenance of activity logs may be distributed amongst the various constituent components and entities associated with locate operations, or significant functionality may be controlled/implemented in a more centralized fashion (e.g., by a central server of a locate company).

In sum, one embodiment of the present invention is directed to an apparatus for controlling at least one piece of locating equipment used by a locate technician to perform a locate and/or marking operation to detect and/or mark a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility at a work site. The apparatus includes a memory to store processor-executable instructions and at least one processing unit communicatively coupled to the memory, wherein upon execution of the processor-executable instructions, the at least one processing unit generates at least one control signal to at least partially enable or disable the at least one piece of locating equipment based at least in part on a time clock status of the locate technician; and/or wage and hour compliance information associated with the locate technician and/or the work site.

Another embodiment is directed to a computer-implemented method for controlling at least one piece of locating equipment used by a locate technician to perform a locate and/or marking operation to detect and/or mark a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility at a work site. The method comprises: A) monitoring a time clock status of the locate technician and/or wage and hour compliance information associated with the locate technician and/or the work site; and B) generating at least one control signal to at least partially enable or disable the at least one piece of locating equipment based at least in part on A).

Another embodiment is directed to at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium encoded with processor-executable instructions that, when executed by at least one processing unit, perform a method for controlling at least one piece of locating equipment used by a locate technician to perform a locate and/or marking operation to detect and/or mark a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility at a work site. The method comprises: A) monitoring a time clock status of the locate technician and/or wage and hour compliance information associated with the locate technician and/or the work site; and B) generating at least one control signal to at least partially enable or disable the at least one piece of locating equipment based at least in part on A).

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a computer-implemented method for time-keeping control of an underground facility locate operation. The method includes associating user identification information with a user of locating equipment used to perform the locate operation. A time clock status of the user is determined based on the user identification information. The operation of the locating equipment is enabled if the user is determined to be clocked in. If the user is determined to be clocked out, the operation of at least a portion of the locating equipment is disabled.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention is directed toward a computer-readable storage medium encoded with computer-readable instructions that, as a result of being executed by a computing device, control the computing device to perform a method for time-keeping control of an underground facility locate operation. The method includes associating user identification information with a user of locating equipment that performs the locate operation. Based on the user identification information, a time clock status of the user is determined. The operation of the locating equipment is enabled if the user is determined to be clocked in. If the user is determined to be clocked out, the operation of at least a portion of the locating equipment is disabled.

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to locating equipment for performing at least part of an underground facility locate operation. The locating equipment includes a locate mechanism to perform at least part of the underground facility locate operation, a processing device, and a memory. The memory contains a time-keeping control application, for execution by the processing device, to associate user identification information with a user of the locating equipment, to determine, based on the user identification information, a time clock status of the user, to enable operation of the locate mechanism if the user is determined to be clocked-in, and to disable operation of the locate mechanism if the user is determined to be clocked-out.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention is directed toward a locate operations time-keeping system. The locate operations time-keeping system includes a central server including a time-keeping application configured to maintain employee time records and wage and hour information. The system further includes locating equipment configured to perform at least part of a locate operation when operated by a user. An onsite computer configured to perform time-keeping control of the locating equipment in response to employee time records and wage and hour information received from the time-keeping application in the central server and user identification information received from the locating equipment, wherein operation of the locating equipment is enabled if the user is determined to be clocked-in and wherein operation of at least a portion of the locating equipment is disabled if the user is determined to be clocked-out is also part of the system.

For purposes of the present disclosure, the term “dig area” refers to a specified area of a work site within which there is a plan to disturb the ground (e.g., excavate, dig holes and/or trenches, bore, etc.), and beyond which there is no plan to excavate in the immediate surroundings. Thus, the metes and bounds of a dig area are intended to provide specificity as to where some disturbance to the ground is planned at a given work site. It should be appreciated that a given work site may include multiple dig areas.

The term “facility” refers to one or more lines, cables, fibers, conduits, transmitters, receivers, or other physical objects or structures capable of or used for carrying, transmitting, receiving, storing, and providing utilities, energy, data, substances, and/or services, and/or any combination thereof. The term “underground facility” means any facility beneath the surface of the ground. Examples of facilities include, but are not limited to, oil, gas, water, sewer, power, telephone, data transmission, cable television (TV), and/or internet services.

The term “locate device” refers to any apparatus and/or device for detecting and/or inferring the presence or absence of any facility, including without limitation, any underground facility. In various examples, a locate device may include both a locate transmitter and a locate receiver (which in some instances may also be referred to collectively as a “locate instrument set,” or simply “locate set”).

The term “marking device” refers to any apparatus, mechanism, or other device that employs a marking dispenser for causing a marking material and/or marking object to be dispensed, or any apparatus, mechanism, or other device for electronically indicating (e.g., logging in memory) a location, such as a location of an underground facility. Additionally, the term “marking dispenser” refers to any apparatus, mechanism, or other device for dispensing and/or otherwise using, separately or in combination, a marking material and/or a marking object. An example of a marking dispenser may include, but is not limited to, a pressurized can of marking paint. The term “marking material” means any material, substance, compound, and/or element, used or which may be used separately or in combination to mark, signify, and/or indicate. Examples of marking materials may include, but are not limited to, paint, chalk, dye, and/or iron. The term “marking object” means any object and/or objects used or which may be used separately or in combination to mark, signify, and/or indicate. Examples of marking objects may include, but are not limited to, a flag, a dart, and arrow, and/or an RFID marking ball. It is contemplated that marking material may include marking objects. It is further contemplated that the terms “marking materials” or “marking objects” may be used interchangeably in accordance with the present disclosure.

The term “locate mark” means any mark, sign, and/or object employed to indicate the presence or absence of any underground facility. Examples of locate marks may include, but are not limited to, marks made with marking materials, marking objects, global positioning or other information, and/or any other means. Locate marks may be represented in any form including, without limitation, physical, visible, electronic, and/or any combination thereof.

The terms “actuate” or “trigger” (verb form) are used interchangeably to refer to starting or causing any device, program, system, and/or any combination thereof to work, operate, and/or function in response to some type of signal or stimulus. Examples of actuation signals or stimuli may include, but are not limited to, any local or remote, physical, audible, inaudible, visual, non-visual, electronic, mechanical, electromechanical, biomechanical, biosensing or other signal, instruction, or event. The terms “actuator” or “trigger” (noun form) are used interchangeably to refer to any method or device used to generate one or more signals or stimuli to cause or causing actuation. Examples of an actuator/trigger may include, but are not limited to, any form or combination of a lever, switch, program, processor, screen, microphone for capturing audible commands, and/or other device or method. An actuator/trigger may also include, but is not limited to, a device, software, or program that responds to any movement and/or condition of a user, such as, but not limited to, eye movement, brain activity, heart rate, other data, and/or the like, and generates one or more signals or stimuli in response thereto. In the case of a marking device or other marking mechanism (e.g., to physically or electronically mark a facility or other feature), actuation may cause marking material to be dispensed, as well as various data relating to the marking operation (e.g., geographic location, time stamps, characteristics of material dispensed, etc.) to be logged in an electronic file stored in memory. In the case of a locate device or other locate mechanism (e.g., to physically locate a facility or other feature), actuation may cause a detected signal strength, signal frequency, depth, or other information relating to the locate operation to be logged in an electronic file stored in memory.

The terms “locate and marking operation,” “locate operation,” and “locate” generally are used interchangeably and refer to any activity to detect, infer, and/or mark the presence or absence of an underground facility. In some contexts, the term “locate operation” is used to more specifically refer to detection of one or more underground facilities, and the term “marking operation” is used to more specifically refer to using a marking material and/or one or more marking objects to mark a presence or an absence of one or more underground facilities. The term “locate technician” refers to an individual performing a locate operation. A locate and marking operation often is specified in connection with a dig area, at least a portion of which may be excavated or otherwise disturbed during excavation activities.

The term “user” refers to an individual utilizing a locate device and/or a marking device and may include, but is not limited to, land surveyors, locate technicians, and support personnel.

The term “locate request ticket” (or simply “ticket”) refers to any communication or instruction to perform a locate operation. A ticket might specify, for example, the address or description of a dig area to be marked, the day and/or time that the dig area is to be marked, and/or whether the user is to mark the excavation area for certain gas, water, sewer, power, telephone, cable television, and/or some other underground facility.

The following U.S. published applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference:

U.S. publication no. 2010-0094553-A1, published Apr. 15, 2010, filed Dec. 16, 2009, and entitled “Systems and Methods for Using Location Data and/or Time Data to Electronically Display Dispensing of Markers by A Marking System or Marking Tool;”

U.S. publication no. 2010-0090858-A1, published Apr. 15, 2010, filed Dec. 16, 2009, and entitled “Systems and Methods for Using Marking Information to Electronically Display Dispensing of Markers by a Marking System or Marking Tool;”

U.S. publication no. 2009-0204466-A1, published Aug. 13, 2009, filed Sep. 4, 2008, and entitled “Ticket Approval System For and Method of Performing Quality Control In Field Service Applications;”

U.S. publication no. 2009-0207019-A1, published Aug. 20, 2009, filed Apr. 30, 2009, and entitled “Ticket Approval System For and Method of Performing Quality Control In Field Service Applications;”

U.S. publication no. 2009-0210284-A1, published Aug. 20, 2009, filed Apr. 30, 2009, and entitled “Ticket Approval System For and Method of Performing Quality Control In Field Service Applications;”

U.S. publication no. 2009-0210297-A1, published Aug. 20, 2009, filed Apr. 30, 2009, and entitled “Ticket Approval System For and Method of Performing Quality Control In Field Service Applications;”

U.S. publication no. 2009-0210298-A1, published Aug. 20, 2009, filed Apr. 30, 2009, and entitled “Ticket Approval System For and Method of Performing Quality Control In Field Service Applications;”

U.S. publication no. 2009-0210285-A1, published Aug. 20, 2009, filed Apr. 30, 2009, and entitled “Ticket Approval System For and Method of Performing Quality Control In Field Service Applications;”

U.S. publication no. 2010-0006667-A1, published Jan. 14, 2010, filed Apr. 24, 2009, and entitled, “Marker Detection Mechanisms for use in Marking Devices And Methods of Using Same;”

U.S. publication no. 2010-0088032-A1, published Apr. 8, 2010, filed Sep. 29, 2009, and entitled, “Methods, Apparatus and Systems for Generating Electronic Records of Locate And Marking Operations, and Combined Locate and Marking Apparatus for Same;”

U.S. publication no. 2010-0117654 A1, published May 13, 2010, filed Dec. 30, 2009, and entitled, “Methods and Apparatus for Displaying an Electronic Rendering of a Locate and/or Marking Operation Using Display Layers;”

U.S. publication no. 2010-0086677 A1, published Apr. 8, 2010, filed Aug. 11, 2009, and entitled, “Methods and Apparatus for Generating an Electronic Record of a Marking Operation Including Service-Related Information and Ticket Information;”

U.S. publication no. 2010-0086671 A1, published Apr. 8, 2010, filed Nov. 20, 2009, and entitled, “Methods and Apparatus for Generating an Electronic Record of A Marking Operation Including Service-Related Information and Ticket Information;”

U.S. publication no. 2010-0085376 A1, published Apr. 8, 2010, filed Oct. 28, 2009, and entitled, “Methods and Apparatus for Displaying an Electronic Rendering of a Marking Operation Based on an Electronic Record of Marking Information;”

U.S. publication no. 2010-0088164-A1, published Apr. 8, 2010, filed Sep. 30, 2009, and entitled, “Methods and Apparatus for Analyzing Locate and Marking Operations with Respect to Facilities Maps;”

U.S. publication no. 2010-0088134 A1, published Apr. 8, 2010, filed Oct. 1, 2009, and entitled, “Methods and Apparatus for Analyzing Locate and Marking Operations with Respect to Historical Information;”

U.S. publication no. 2010-0088031 A1, published Apr. 8, 2010, filed Sep. 28, 2009, and entitled, “Methods and Apparatus for Generating an Electronic Record of Environmental Landmarks Based on Marking Device Actuations;”

U.S. publication no. 2010-0188407 A1, published Jul. 29, 2010, filed Feb. 5, 2010, and entitled “Methods and Apparatus for Displaying and Processing Facilities Map Information and/or Other Image Information on a Marking Device;”

U.S. publication no. 2010-0198663 A1, published Aug. 5, 2010, filed Feb. 5, 2010, and entitled “Methods and Apparatus for Overlaying Electronic Marking Information on Facilities Map Information and/or Other Image Information Displayed on a Marking Device;”

U.S. publication no. 2010-0188215 A1, published Jul. 29, 2010, filed Feb. 5, 2010, and entitled “Methods and Apparatus for Generating Alerts on a Marking Device, Based on Comparing Electronic Marking Information to Facilities Map Information and/or Other Image Information;”

U.S. publication no. 2010-0188088 A1, published Jul. 29, 2010, filed Feb. 5, 2010, and entitled “Methods and Apparatus for Displaying and Processing Facilities Map Information and/or Other Image Information on a Locate Device;”

U.S. publication no. 2010-0189312 A1, published Jul. 29, 2010, filed Feb. 5, 2010, and entitled “Methods and Apparatus for Overlaying Electronic Locate Information on Facilities Map Information and/or Other Image Information Displayed on a Locate Device;”

U.S. publication no. 2010-0188216 A1, published Jul. 29, 2010, filed Feb. 5, 2010, and entitled “Methods and Apparatus for Generating Alerts on a Locate Device, Based ON Comparing Electronic Locate Information TO Facilities Map Information and/or Other Image Information;”

U.S. publication no. 2010-0189887 A1, published Jul. 29, 2010, filed Feb. 11, 2010, and entitled “Marking Apparatus Having Enhanced Features for Underground Facility Marking Operations, and Associated Methods and Systems;”

U.S. publication no. 2010-0188245 A1, published Jul. 29, 2010, filed Feb. 11, 2010, and entitled “Locate Apparatus Having Enhanced Features for Underground Facility Locate Operations, and Associated Methods and Systems;”

U.S. publication no. 2009-0208642-A1, published Aug. 20, 2009, filed Feb. 2, 2009, and entitled “Marking Apparatus and Methods For Creating an Electronic Record of Marking Operations;”

U.S. publication no. 2009-0210098-A1, published Aug. 20, 2009, filed Feb. 2, 2009, and entitled “Marking Apparatus and Methods For Creating an Electronic Record of Marking Apparatus Operations;”

U.S. publication no. 2010-0205264-A1, published Aug. 12, 2010, filed Feb. 10, 2010, and entitled “Methods, Apparatus, and Systems for Exchanging Information Between Excavators and Other Entities Associated with Underground Facility Locate and Marking Operations;”

U.S. publication no. 2010-0205031-A1, published Aug. 12, 2010, filed Feb. 10, 2010, and entitled “Methods, Apparatus, and Systems for Exchanging Information Between Excavators and Other Entities Associated with Underground Facility Locate and Marking Operations;”

U.S. publication no. 2010-0205195-A1, published Aug. 12, 2010, filed Jun. 1, 2009, and entitled “Methods and Apparatus for Associating a Virtual White Line (VWL) Image with Corresponding Ticket Information for an Excavation Project;”

U.S. publication no. 2010-0205536-A1, published Aug. 12, 2010, filed Jun. 1, 2009, and entitled “Methods and Apparatus for Controlling Access to a Virtual White Line (VWL) Image for an Excavation Project;”

U.S. publication no. 2010-0228588-A1, published Sep. 9, 2010, filed Feb. 11, 2010, and entitled “Management System, and Associated Methods and Apparatus, for Providing Improved Visibility, Quality Control and Audit Capability for Underground Facility Locate and/or Marking Operations;”

U.S. publication no. 2010-0205554-A1, published Aug. 12, 2010, filed Apr. 13, 2009, and entitled “Virtual White Lines (VWL) Application for Indicating an Area of Planned Excavation;”

U.S. publication no. 2010-0205032-A1, published Aug. 12, 2010, filed Feb. 11, 2010, and entitled “Marking Apparatus Equipped with Ticket Processing Software for Facilitating Marking Operations, and Associated Methods;”

U.S. publication no. 2009-0327024-A1, published Dec. 31, 2009, filed Jun. 26, 2009, and entitled “Methods and Apparatus for Quality Assessment of a Field Service Operation;”

U.S. publication no. 2010-0010862-A1, published Jan. 14, 2010, filed Aug. 7, 2009, and entitled, “Methods and Apparatus for Quality Assessment of a Field Service Operation Based on Geographic Information;”

U.S. publication No. 2010-0010863-A1, published Jan. 14, 2010, filed Aug. 7, 2009, and entitled, “Methods and Apparatus for Quality Assessment of a Field Service Operation Based on Multiple Scoring Categories;”

U.S. publication no. 2010-0010882-A1, published Jan. 14, 2010, filed Aug. 7, 2009, and entitled, “Methods and Apparatus for Quality Assessment of a Field Service Operation Based on Dynamic Assessment Parameters;”

U.S. publication no. 2010-0010883-A1, published Jan. 14, 2010, filed Aug. 7, 2009, and entitled, “Methods and Apparatus for Quality Assessment of a Field Service Operation Based on Multiple Quality Assessment Criteria;”

U.S. publication no. 2010-0088135 A1, published Apr. 8, 2010, filed Oct. 1, 2009, and entitled, “Methods and Apparatus for Analyzing Locate and Marking Operations with Respect to Environmental Landmarks;”

U.S. publication no. 2010-0090700-A1, published Apr. 15, 2010, filed Oct. 30, 2009, and entitled “Methods and Apparatus for Displaying an Electronic Rendering of a Locate Operation Based on an Electronic Record of Locate Information;” and

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Following below are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and embodiments of, inventive methods, apparatus and systems for time-keeping and ensuring wage and hour compliance in underground facility locate operations. It should be appreciated that various concepts introduced above and discussed in greater detail below may be implemented in any of numerous ways, as the disclosed concepts are not limited to any particular manner of implementation. Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes.

FIG. 1is a functional block diagram of an exemplary time-keeping system100for ensuring wage and hour compliance in locate operations. Time-keeping system100may include a central server110, which is maintained and operated by, for example, a locate company (not shown). Central server110may include any local or centralized computing device that is capable of hosting an application. In implementation, central server110may include a networked application server and/or web server that is connected to a network140.

Residing on central server110may be a workforce management application112, which may include business software for assigning locate request tickets (e.g., tickets114) and dispatching personnel (e.g., locate technicians145) into the field. Workforce management application112may further include a time-keeping application116. Wage and hour information118may provide an input to time-keeping application116. An output of time-keeping application116may include one or more employee time records120.

The contents of wage and hour information118may include the wage and hour guidelines of one or more regulatory bodies, such as federal, regional, state, and/or local wage and hour guidelines, and/or guidelines of a company for which a technician works. Generally speaking, examples of wage and hour information include, but are not limited to, information relating to required breaks or “rest periods,” meal breaks and start times for same, minimum hours worked per day or week before premium or overtime pay is available, maximum hours that may be worked in a given time period or work shift, and the like. In some implementations, geographic information associated with the work site (e.g., as derived from a locate request ticket and/or as provided by the locating equipment used for the locate operation) may be used to select appropriate wage and hour compliance information that may be specific to a particular geographic location/jurisdiction.

More specifically, wage and hour information118may include information pertaining to requirements for work breaks. For instance, a non-limiting example of requirements for work breaks during a work shift are provided in the table below.

Wage and hour information118may also include overtime regulations. Overtime regulations may include rules regarding the minimum hours worked per day before a premium wage is applied. A minimum number of hours worked per week before a premium wage is applied may also be included in the wage and hour information118. Requirements for meal breaks, which are normally longer in duration than a work break and occur with less frequency than work breaks, may also be included in the wage and hour information118. An illustrative example of meal break requirements are shown in the table below.

Minimum Consecutive Hours7.5 hoursWorked for Unpaid Meal BreakMeal Period Start TimeAfter second hour of workday,before the last 2 hours of workday

Central server110is accessible to any other entities of locate operations time-keeping system100that are connected to network140. Network140may include, for example, any local area network (LAN) and/or wide area network (WAN) for connecting to the Internet. Network140provides the communication link between any and/or all entities of locate operations time-keeping system100. For example, network140provides the communication network by which information may be exchanged between central server110, at least one onsite computer130and/or locating equipment that are used by locate technicians145in the field.

Onsite computer130may include any computing device or devices that are capable of processing and executing program instructions. Onsite computer130may be used by locate technicians145performing locate operations in the field. For example, onsite computer130may be a portable computer, a personal computer, a tablet device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular radiotelephone, a mobile computing device, a touch-screen device, a touchpad device, or generally any device including, or connected to, a processor and a user interface. Preferably, onsite computer130is a portable computing device, such as a laptop computer or tablet device. Onsite computer130may be carried by a locate technician or installed in the vehicle of the locate technician, for example.

Onsite computer130may be used by locate technicians145to process tickets114and to perform locate operations accordingly. Tickets may be a locate request ticket. The locate request ticket essentially constitutes an instruction to inspect a work site and typically identifies the work site of the proposed excavation or design and a description of the dig area. The locate request ticket may also typically list all of the underground facilities that may be present at the work site (e.g., by providing a member code for the facility owner whose polygon falls within a given buffer zone), and may also include various other information relevant to the proposed excavation or design (e.g., the name of the excavation company, a name of a property owner or party contracting the excavation company to perform the excavation, etc.).

Locate operations time-keeping system100is shown inFIG. 1with one onsite computer130and one set of locating equipment150,160, and170. It will be understood that a typical locate operations time-keeping system100may include the central server110and several onsite computers130at one dig site and/or at multiple dig sites. Further, each onsite computer130may communicate with at least one piece of locating equipment, including, but not limited to, one or more marking devices150, one or more locate receivers160and/or one or more locate transmitters170. In some embodiments, each locate technician may be equipped with an onsite computer130.

Additionally, onsite computer130may be used for processing information from time-keeping application116of central server110. For example, onsite computer130may include a processing unit132, which may be any standard controller or microprocessor device that is capable of executing program instructions, such as those from time-keeping application116. Onsite computer130may also include a memory134, which may comprise any computer-readable media for storing any information that is processed locally at onsite computer130. The memory134may store computer instructions (also referred to herein as “processor-executable instructions”) for implementing the various functionalities described herein. Processing unit132and memory134may be used for managing the overall operations of onsite computer130. In one example, time-keeping information from time-keeping application116may be cached locally in memory134, which may be useful in the event that connectivity is lost between onsite computer130and central server110. Additionally, onsite computer130may include a time-keeping client136, which is a counterpart to time-keeping application116of central server110. For example, time-keeping client136may be used to process information received from or transmitted to time-keeping application116of central server110.

Further, onsite computer130may include a communication interface138for connecting to network140and/or for communication with locating equipment. For example, communication interface138may be any wired and/or wireless communication interface by which information may be exchanged between any entities of locate operations time-keeping system100. Examples of wired communication interfaces may include, but are not limited to, USB ports, RS232 connectors, RJ45 connectors, Ethernet, and any combinations thereof. Examples of wireless communication interfaces may include, but are not limited to, an Intranet connection, Internet, Bluetooth® technology, Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, IEEE 802.11 technology, radio frequency (RF), Infrared Data Association (IrDA) compatible protocols, Local Area Networks (LAN), Wide Area Networks (WAN), Shared Wireless Access Protocol (SWAP), any combinations thereof, and other types of wireless networking protocols.

As also shown inFIG. 1, the onsite computer130may include a user interface135communicatively coupled to the processing unit132to provide information to or receive information from the locate technician. As discussed in greater detail below, the user interface135, as well as user interfaces associated with one or more pieces of locating equipment such as marking device150, locate receiver160, and locate transmitter170, may be employed to facilitate time-keeping (clocking-in and clocking-out). In some examples, a user interface associated with locating equipment or one or more other computing devices available to the locate technician may be controlled so as to automatically prompt the technician to clock-in or clock-out based on various information associated with wage and hour compliance (e.g., requirements for breaks of a certain duration and/or at certain times during a given work shift; limitations on maximum hours that may be worked in a given time period or work shift, etc.).

Locate technicians145may use locating equipment in order to perform a locate operation. In one example, the locating equipment may include a marking device150, a locate receiver160, a locate transmitter170, and any combinations thereof A locate receiver, such as locate receiver160, is an instrument for detecting facilities that are concealed in some manner, such as cables and pipes that are located underground. A locate receiver detects electromagnetic fields that are emitted from a facility. A signal, or lack thereof, detected by the locate receiver indicates the presence or absence of a facility. The source of the detection signal along the facility may be a locate transmitter, such as locate transmitter170. Once the presence or absence of a facility is detected, a marking device, such as marking device150, is used to dispense a marking material on, for example, the surface of the ground at the location of the facility in order to indicate the presence or absence of a facility or facilities. Marking material may be any material, substance, compound, and/or element which may be used separately or in combination to mark, signify, and/or indicate the presence or absence of a facility. Examples of marking materials may include, but are not limited to, paint, chalk, dye, and/or marking powder, such as iron. The color of the marking material is typically chosen based on the type of underground facility that is being marked (e.g., red paint for a power line).

Preferably, marking device150, locate receiver160, and locate transmitter170are capable of processing information in real time from time-keeping application116of central server110. Onsite computer130may be used, for example, to exchange information between time-keeping application116of central server110and marking device150, locate receiver160, and/or locate transmitter170during locate operations. Marking device150, locate receiver160, and locate transmitter170are described with reference toFIGS. 2A,2B, and2C, respectively.

Time-keeping application116manages and monitors the time clock status (i.e., clocked-in or clocked-out) of users in the field, such as locate technicians145. Further, time-keeping application116may communicate the time clock status of locate technician145to his/her associated onsite computer130, marking device150, locate receiver160, locate transmitter170, and any combinations thereof. For example, marking device150, locate receiver160, and/or locate transmitter170may be allowed to operate only when the associated locate technician145is clocked-in. As a result, work is allowed to be performed only when the locate technician145is clocked-in. For example, a clocked-in status of the locate technician145may be communicated to onsite computer130and then passed to marking device150, locate receiver160, and/or locate transmitter170in order to enable the locating equipment and, thereby, allow locate operations to occur. In like manner, work is not allowed to be performed when the locate technician145is clocked-out. For example, a clocked-out status of the locate technician145may be communicated to onsite computer130and then passed to marking device150, locate receiver160, and/or locate transmitter170in order to disable the locating equipment and prevent locate operations from occurring.

Time-keeping application116determines the time clock status of an individual user by associating user identification information with the clocked-in or clocked-out status of the user. The user identification information may include user name, user clock number, password and/or other user identification, for example. In some embodiments, the user clocks in and clocks out at onsite computer130, and/or the associated locating equipment, such as marking device150, locate receiver160and locate transmitter170. In one illustrative embodiment, the locating equipment assumes that the user of the locate equipment is the same as the user that clocked-in at onsite computer130. In other embodiments, the locating equipment requires a user attempting to operate the equipment to enter user identification information in order for the locating equipment to determine the time clock status of the user. This approach is beneficial, for example, in situations that involve more than one user of the locating equipment. This approach is also beneficial with respect to security, i.e., preventing an unauthorized person from operating the locating equipment. In further embodiments, the user may clock-in and clock-out by entering his/her user identification information at the locating equipment.

The user identification information may be entered, for example, via a keypad, via a touch screen, or via a smart card and smart card reader. In further embodiments, the user identification information may be biometric information of the user, such as, for example, fingerprint data or iris image data. In addition, identification information representative of the locating equipment, such as, for example, equipment serial number, may be associated by time-keeping application116with the user identification information and the time clock status of the user. In some embodiments, the time-keeping application116may generate an alert if the user is not authorized to use the locating equipment.

Additionally, time-keeping application116may automatically enable and disable locating equipment in the field according to applicable wage and hour guidelines that are provided by wage and hour information118. In this way, time-keeping application116may be used to ensure wage and hour compliance of personnel using the locating equipment. For example, when a 30-minute meal break is required, time-keeping application116prevents locating equipment from being enabled until at least 30 minutes has elapsed from the beginning of the meal break. A method of operation of locate operations time-keeping system100is described with reference toFIG. 3.

Further, time-keeping application116may automatically generate prompts to locate technicians in real time with respect to clocking in and clocking out according to wage and hour information118. For example, when a break time is due, time-keeping application116may automatically transmit a real-time prompt indicating the same to the locate technician via onsite computer130and/or marking device150, locate receiver160, and/or locate transmitter170. Additionally, the real-time prompts may be delivered in advance of the actual break time that is due in order to provide advanced notice to locate technicians. For example, time-keeping application116may automatically transmit a real-time prompt, for example, 15, 30, or 60 minutes in advance of the actual break time that is due. A method of real-time interaction with respect to employee time keeping using locate operations time-keeping system100is described with reference toFIGS. 4A and 4B.

FIGS. 2A,2B, and2C are functional block diagrams of an example of marking device150, locate receiver160, and locate transmitter170, respectively, that are suitable for use in locate operations time-keeping system100.

FIG. 2Ashows that marking device150may be an electronic marking device. Preferably, marking device150is capable of processing information in real time from time-keeping application116of central server110. Marking device150may include, for example, a processing unit152, a location tracking system153, a memory154, a user interface155, a communication interface156, and an actuation system158.

Location tracking system153of marking device150may include any device that can determine its geographical location to a specified degree of accuracy. For example, location tracking system153may include a GPS receiver or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver. A GPS receiver may provide, for example, any standard format data stream, such as a National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) data stream.

In one example, marking device150may be a geo-enabled electronic marking device based on the marking devices described in U.S. Published Application No. 2008/0245299, entitled “Marking system and method;” U.S. Published Application No. 2009/0013928, entitled “Marking system and method;” and U.S. Published Application No. 2008/0228294, entitled “Marking system and method with location and/or time tracking,” as well as marking devices having various features according to other U.S. patent publications incorporated by reference herein.

FIG. 2Bshows that locate receiver160may be an electronic locate receiver device. Preferably, locate receiver160is capable of processing information in real time from time-keeping application116of central server110. Locate receiver160may include, for example, a processing unit162, a location tracking system163, a memory164, a user interface165, a communication interface166, and receiver circuitry168.

FIG. 2Cshows that locate transmitter170may be an electronic locate transmitter device. Preferably, locate transmitter170is capable of processing information in real time from time-keeping application116of central server110. Locate transmitter170may include, for example, a processing unit172, a location tracking system173, a memory174, a user interface175, a communication interface176, and transmitter circuitry178. In one example, locate transmitter170may be any commercially available locate transmitter device that is modified to include processing unit172, location tracking system173, memory174, user interface175, communication interface176, and transmitter circuitry178, if not already present therein.

Additionally, locating equipment of locate operations time-keeping system100may include a combination locate and marking device (not shown) that is capable of processing information in real time from time-keeping application116of central server110.

Processing unit152of marking device150, processing unit162of locate receiver160, and processing unit172of locate transmitter170may be substantially the same as processing unit132of onsite computers130ofFIG. 1.

Location tracking system163of locate receiver160and location tracking system173of locate transmitter170may be substantially the same as location tracking system153of marking device150ofFIG. 2A.

Memory154of marking device150, memory164of locate receiver160, and memory174of locate transmitter170may be substantially the same as memory134of onsite computer130ofFIG. 1. Further, time-keeping information from time-keeping application116of central server110and/or from time-keeping client136of onsite computer130may be cached locally in memory154of marking device150, memory164of locate receiver160, and/or memory174of locate transmitter170, which may be useful in the event that connectivity is lost between marking device150, locate receiver160, and/or locate transmitter170and onsite computer130and/or central server110.

User interface155of marking device150, user interface165of locate receiver160, and user interface175of locate transmitter170may include any mechanism or combination of mechanisms by which the user may operate the devices and by which information that is processed by the devices may be presented to the user. For example, each user interface may include, but is not limited to, a display, a ruggedized touch panel, one or more manual pushbuttons, one or more toggle switches, a keypad, an audio speaker, an audible buzzer or alert mechanism, and any combinations thereof.

Communication interface156of marking device150, communication interface166of locate receiver160, and communication interface176of locate transmitter170may be substantially the same as communication interface138of onsite computers130ofFIG. 1.

Actuation system158of marking device150may include a mechanical and/or electrical actuator mechanism (not shown) that may be coupled to an actuator that causes the marking material to be dispensed from the marking dispenser, such as marking dispenser159. Actuation means starting or causing any device (e.g., marking device150), program, system, and/or any combination thereof to work, operate, and/or function. Examples of actuation may include, but are not limited to, any local or remote, physical, audible, inaudible, visual, non-visual, electronic, electromechanical, biomechanical, biosensing or other signal, instruction, or event. Actuations of marking device100may be performed for any purpose, such as, but not limited to, for dispensing marking material and for capturing any information of any component of marking device100without dispensing marking material. Processing unit152may be programmed to enable and disable actuation system158of marking device150based on the time clock status of the user, which is received from time-keeping application116of central server110.

Receiver circuitry168of locate receiver160may be any receiver circuitry that is found in underground facility locate receiver devices. For example, receiver circuitry168may be circuitry that is capable of detecting an electromagnetic field of a certain frequency (or frequency range) and amplitude. An RF antenna (not shown) is associated with receiver circuitry168for picking up an electromagnetic field within its effective range. Processing unit162may be programmed to enable and disable receiver circuitry168of locate receiver160based on the time clock status of the user, which is received from time-keeping application116of central server110.

Transmitter circuitry178of locate transmitter170may be any transmitter circuitry that is found in underground facility locate transmitter devices. For example, transmitter circuitry178may be circuitry that is capable of generating a detection signal, such as detection signal179, that may be coupled to the facility that is the target of the locate operation. The electromagnetic field that is generated along the target facility by, for example, detection signal179may be detected by, for example, receiver circuitry168of locate receiver160. The frequency and amplitude of detection signal179generated by transmitter circuitry178is selectable. Processing unit172may be programmed to enable and disable transmitter circuitry178of locate transmitter170based on the time clock status of the user, which is received from time-keeping application116of central server110.

Referring toFIGS. 1,2A,2B, and2C, in some embodiments, a personal area network (not shown) may exist between marking device150, locate receiver160, and locate transmitter170for use by their respective communication interfaces. For example, marking device150, locate receiver160, and locate transmitter170may communicate in a peer-to-peer relationship via the personal area network and one device only (such as marking device150being in communication with onsite computer130and/or central server110).

Referring toFIGS. 1,2A,2B, and2C, locate operations time-keeping system100is not limited to the configuration shown inFIGS. 1,2A,2B, and2C, in particular, with respect to, for example, wage and hour information118and time-keeping application116residing on a central server, such as central server110, and a time-keeping client, such as time-keeping client136, residing on onsite computer130, which is in communication with locating equipment, such as marking device150, locate receiver160, and locate transmitter170. The functionality of locate operations time-keeping system100with respect to generating and processing real-time prompts and processing clock-in and clock-out information may reside fully or in part on any entity of locate operations time-keeping system100. In one example, the functionality of locate operations time-keeping system100with respect to generating and processing real-time prompts and processing clock-in and clock-out information may reside fully or in part on one or more central servers, one or more onsite computers, one or more marking devices, one or more locate receivers, one or more locate transmitters, and any combinations thereof.

FIG. 3is a flow diagram of an example of a method300of operation of locate operations time-keeping system100. Method300may include, but is not limited to, the following acts, which may be implemented in any order.

In act310, the user, such as locate technician145, may use, for example, his/her onsite computer130, marking device150, locate receiver160, and/or locate transmitter170to access time-keeping application116of locate operations time-keeping system100in order to clock-in or clock-out. Standard clock-in and clock-out processes may be used, such authenticating the user when accessing time-keeping application116and then providing standard time-keeping menus. The time-keeping application116may receive user identification information from the user and may associate the user identification information with the time clock status of the identified user.

In act312, the user time clock status (i.e., clocked-in or clocked-out status) and the user identification information are transmitted from central server110to onsite computer130. For example, the time clock status of the user and the user identification information are transmitted from time-keeping application116of central server110to time-keeping client136of computer130.

In act314, the locating equipment queries onsite computer130for the user time clock status (i.e., clocked-in or clocked-out status). More specifically, at the time of locating equipment power up and/or at any attempt to use the locating equipment, onsite computer130may be queried for the user time clock status. In one example, when marking device150is powered up and/or when its processing unit152senses any attempt to use actuation system158, the associated onsite computer130may be queried for the time clock status of the associated user, such as locate technician145. In another example, when locate receiver160is powered up and/or when its processing unit162senses any attempt to use receiver circuitry168, the associated onsite computer130may be queried for the time clock status of the associated user. In yet another example, when locate transmitter170is powered up and/or when its processing unit172senses any attempt to use transmitter circuitry178, the associated onsite computer130may be queried for the time clock status of the associated user. The locating equipment may provide the user identification information to onsite computer130in order to query the time clock status of an individual user. The user identification information may be received by the locating equipment from the user via the user interface, for example a keypad or a smart card.

In act316, based on the time clock status determined in act314, if the user's time clock status is “clocked-in,” method300may proceed, for example, to act318. However, if the user's time clock status is “clocked-out,” method300may proceed, for example, to act320.

In act318, a clocked-in status of the user is received at the locating equipment and the functions of the locating equipment are enabled, thereby allowing locate operations to be performed while the user is clocked-in. More specifically, when a clocked-in status of the user is received at marking device150, its processing unit152allows, for example, actuation system158to be enabled, thereby allowing marking material to be dispensed from marking dispenser159while performing locate operations. Additionally, when a clocked-in status of the user is received at locate receiver160, its processing unit162allows, for example, receiver circuitry168to be enabled, thereby allowing electromagnetic fields of the target facility to be detected while performing locate operations. Further, when a clocked-in status of the user is received at locate transmitter170, its processing unit172allows, for example, transmitter circuitry178to be enabled, thereby allowing detection signal179to be transmitted along the target facility while performing locate operations. At the conclusion of this step, method300may proceed, for example, to act322.

In act320, a clocked-out status of the user is received at the locating equipment and the functions of the locating equipment are disabled, thereby preventing locate operations from being performed while the user is clocked-out. In one example, when a clocked-out status of the user is received at marking device150, its processing unit152disables, for example, actuation system158, thereby not allowing marking material to be dispensed from marking dispenser159when attempting to perform locate operations. In another example, when a clocked-out status of the user is received at locate receiver160, its processing unit162disables, for example, receiver circuitry168, thereby not allowing electromagnetic fields of the target facility to be detected when attempting to perform locate operations. In yet another example, when a clocked-out status of the user is received at locate transmitter170, its processing unit172disables, for example, transmitter circuitry178, thereby not allowing detection signal179to be transmitted along the target facility when attempting to perform locate operations. This is an example of using locate operations time-keeping system100to prevent work from being performed while the user is “off the clock.” At the conclusion of this act, method300may proceed, for example, to act322.

In act322, the locating equipment activity is logged with respect to the user's time clock status (i.e., clocked-in and clocked-out status). In one example, at marking device150the user's time clock status as well as the activation history of, for example, actuation system158is stored locally in memory154. In another example, at locate receiver160the user's time clock status as well as the activation history of, for example, receiver circuitry168is stored locally in memory164. In yet another example, at locate transmitter170the user's time clock status as well as the activation history of, for example, transmitter circuitry178is stored locally in memory174. At the conclusion of act322, method300may end or may return to act314and repeat the process.

Additionally, processing unit152of marking device150, processing unit162of locate receiver160, and/or processing unit172of locate transmitter170may be programmed to log any useful information with respect to the device activity and the user's time clock status. In one example, the locating equipment may be programmed to sense and log any attempts to use the locating equipment while the user has a “clocked-out” status. In another example, the locating equipment may be programmed to log any idle time while the user has a “clocked-in” status. Further, any records that are stored in the activity logs of marking device150, locate receiver160, and/or locate transmitter170are time-stamped (i.e., include calendar date and time of day). At any time, the contents of memory154of marking device150, memory164of locate receiver160, and/or memory174of locate transmitter170may be transmitted to onsite computer130(and stored in memory134) and then to central server110to be stored in employee time records120of workforce management application112.

FIGS. 4A and 4Bshow a flow diagram of an example of a method400of real-time interaction with respect to employee time clock status vs. locating equipment activity using locate operations time-keeping system100. The tasks of the real-time interaction in method400are exemplary only and not meant to be limiting. Any real-time interaction scenario is possible using locate operations time-keeping system100. Method400may include, but is not limited to, the following acts, which may be implemented in any order.

In act414, the locating equipment queries onsite computer130and/or central server110for the user time clock status (i.e., clocked-in or clocked-out status). More specifically, at the time of locating equipment power up and/or at any attempt to use the locating equipment, onsite computer130and/or central server110may be queried for the user time clock status. In one example, when marking device150is powered up and/or when its processing unit152senses any attempt to use actuation system158, the associated onsite computer130may be queried for the time clock status of the associated user, such as locate technician145. In another example, when locate receiver160is powered up and/or when its processing unit162senses any attempt to use receiver circuitry168, the associated onsite computer130may be queried for the time clock status of the associated user. In yet another example, when locate transmitter170is powered up and/or when its processing unit172senses any attempt to use transmitter circuitry178, the associated onsite computer130may be queried for the time clock status of the associated user. As indicated above, the locating equipment may provide the user identification information to onsite computer130in order to determine the time clock status of an individual user. The user identification information may be received by the locating equipment from the user via the user interface, for example, a keypad or a smart card reader.

Additionally in act414, the activity of locating equipment with respect to the user's time clock status is continuously logged as described with reference to act322of method300ofFIG. 3. For example, the activity of marking device150is continuously logged in memory154, the activity of locate receiver160is continuously logged in memory164, and the activity of locate transmitter170is continuously logged in memory174.

In act416, based on the time clock status determined in act414, if the user's time clock status is “clocked-in,” method400may proceed, for example, to act418. However, if the user's time clock status is “clocked-out,” method400may proceed, for example, to act422.

In act418, the user, such as locate technician145, remains clocked-in and because the locating equipment detects the clocked-in status, the locating equipment functions are enabled, which allows locate operations to be performed. For example, because of the clocked-in status, actuation system158of marking device150is enabled, receiver circuitry168of locate receiver160is enabled, and transmitter circuitry178of locate transmitter170is enabled, which allows locate operations to be performed.

In act422, time-keeping application116of central server110and/or time-keeping client136of onsite computer130may present a real-time prompt via the user interfaces of the locating equipment in order to determine whether the user wishes to clock-in or to remain clocked-out. In one example, the locating equipment may be programmed to sense and log any attempts to use the locating equipment while the user has a “clocked-out” status. Upon sensing this attempt, which may be transmitted in real-time from the locating equipment to time-keeping application116of central server110and/or time-keeping client136of onsite computer130, a real-time prompt may be generated and transmitted to the locating equipment. For example, the real-time prompt may be a text message, such as “You are currently clocked-out. Do you want to clock-in?”, that may be displayed to the user, for example, via user interface155of marking device150, user interface165of locate receiver160, and/or user interface175of locate transmitter170. The user may then utilize user interface155of marking device150, user interface165of locate receiver160, and/or user interface175of locate transmitter170to issue a response. Additionally, the user may use onsite computer130to issue a response. This is an example of using the user interfaces of the locating equipment itself to perform user clock-in and clock-out operations. If the user's response is to remain clocked-out, method400may proceed, for example, to act424. However, if the user's response is to be clocked-in, method400may proceed, for example, to act426.

Optionally, with respect to act422, the user may be automatically clocking in based on usage of the locating equipment. For example, upon sensing an attempt to use marking device150, locate receiver160, and/or user locate transmitter170, time-keeping application116of central server110and/or time-keeping client136of onsite computer130may automatically verify user information, ticket information, and whether the locating equipment is at the correct location based on the ticket information. If all information is as expected, the user may be automatically clocked-in without transmitting the real-time prompt of “You are currently clocked-out. Do you want to clock-in?” and waiting for the user's response.

In act424, the user, such as locate technician145, remains clocked-out and because the locating equipment detects the clocked-out status, the locating equipment functions are disabled, which prevents locate operations from being performed. For example, because of the clocked-out status, actuation system158of marking device150is disabled, receiver circuitry168of locate receiver160is disabled, and transmitter circuitry178of locate transmitter170is disabled, which prevents locate operations from being performed. This is an example of using locate operations time-keeping system100to prevent work from being performed while the user is “off the clock.”

In act426, the user is clocked-in and the locating equipment functions are enabled, thereby allowing locate operations to begin. For example, time-keeping application116of central server110and/or time-keeping client136of onsite computer130changes the user's time status to “clocked-in” and the functions of marking device150, locate receiver160, and/or locate transmitter170are enabled, thereby allowing locate operations to begin.

In act428, throughout method400, the total elapsed clocked-in time for a given user is continuously tracked by time-keeping application116of central server110and/or time-keeping client136of onsite computer130and then correlated to guidelines in wage and hour information118. In this way, it may be determined whether a break time is due according to the applicable wage and hour regulations. In one example, wage and hour information118may indicate that a 15-minute break is required every two hours. In another example, wage and hour information118may indicate that a 30-minute meal break is required every four hours.

In act430, based on the total elapsed clocked-in time determined in act428, if it is determined that a break time is not due according to wage and hour information118, method400may proceed, for example, in act432. However, if it is determined that a break time is due according to wage and hour information118, method400may proceed, for example, to act434.

In act432, the user, such as locate technician145, remains clocked-in and because the locating equipment detects the clocked-in status, the locating equipment functions are enabled, which allows locate operations to be performed. For example, because of the clocked-in status, actuation system158of marking device150is enabled, receiver circuitry168of locate receiver160is enabled, and transmitter circuitry178of locate transmitter170is enabled, which allows locate operations to be performed. At the conclusion of act432, method400may return, for example, to act428.

In act434, a real-time prompt may be transmitted to the user that it is time to clock-out. More specifically, time-keeping application116of central server110and/or time-keeping client136of onsite computer130may present a real-time prompt via the user interfaces of the locating equipment in order to inform the user that it is time to clock-out. In one example, time-keeping application116of central server110and/or time-keeping client136of onsite computer130may generate a real-time prompt that is transmitted to the locating equipment. For example, the real-time prompt may be a text message, such as “It's time for your 30-minute meal break” or “It's time for your 15-minute coffee break”, that may be displayed to the user, for example, via user interface155of marking device150, user interface165of locate receiver160, and/or user interface175of locate transmitter170.

Additionally, in act434the real-time prompts may be delivered in advance of the actual break time that is due in order to provide advanced notice to locate technicians. For example, time-keeping application116may automatically transmit a real-time prompt, for example, 15, 30, or 60 minutes in advance of the actual break time that is due. An example of such a prompt may be “Your scheduled 15-minute break will be coming up in a half hour. If possible, please be prepared to clock-out at that time.”

In act436, instead of immediately disabling the locating equipment because the user is due to clock-out for a break, it may be more practical to allow the locate operation to continue until the ticket is completed and/or to allow work to continue pending some other indication by the user. Therefore, time-keeping application116of central server110and/or time-keeping client136of onsite computer130may allow work to continue, perhaps for some limited amount of time (e.g., a half hour), in order to allow the ticket to be completed and/or to receive some other indication from the user that a good stopping point is reached. The user may utilize user interface155of marking device150, user interface165of locate receiver160, and/or user interface175of locate transmitter170to indicate to time-keeping application116and/or time-keeping client136his/her desire to delay the clock-out event and then later to indicate the completed ticket and/or any other reason to initiate the clock-out event. Additionally, the user may use onsite computer130to issue a response to the prompt.

In act438, once the user has indicated in act426that he/she is ready to initiate the clock-out event, time-keeping application116of central server110and/or time-keeping client136of onsite computer130changes the user's time clock status to clocked-out and the locating equipment functions are disabled. For example, once the user is clocked-out, actuation system158of marking device150is disabled, receiver circuitry168of locate receiver160is disabled, and transmitter circuitry178of locate transmitter170is disabled, which prevents locate operations from being performed. This is another example of using locate operations time-keeping system100to prevent work from being performed while the user is “off the clock.”

In act440, while the required break time is in progress, any attempts to clock back in are automatically blocked until the required break time completed. More specifically, following the guidelines in wage and hour information118, time-keeping application116of central server110and/or time-keeping client136of onsite computer130logs the start time of the break and automatically blocks any attempts by the user to clock back in until the required amount of time (e.g., 15 minutes or 30 minutes) has passed. For example, when a required 30-minute break begins at 12:17 pm, any attempts by the user to clock back in before 12:47 pm are automatically blocked. This is an example of using locate operations time-keeping system100to (1) ensure wage and hour compliance according to wage and hour information118and (2) prevent work from being performed while the user is “off the clock.”

Additionally, by monitoring the activity log information that is returned to central computer110and stored employee time records120, supervisors (not shown) associated with central server110may be alerted to certain activities of locate technicians145in the field. For example, supervisors may be alerted when locate technicians145are attempting to perform work when “off the clock.” These alerts may allow supervisors to address and correct the problems.

In act442, the elapsed break time is monitored with the locating equipment functions disabled until the break time is completed. More specifically, time-keeping application116of central server110and/or time-keeping client136of onsite computer130monitors the elapsed break time based on its start time and, for example, actuation system158of marking device150, receiver circuitry168of locate receiver160, and transmitter circuitry178of locate transmitter170remain disabled until the break time is complete, thereby preventing locate operations from being performed during the break.

In act444, based on the elapsed break time determined in act442, if the break time is complete, method400may proceed, for example, to act446. However, if the break time is not complete, method400may return, for example, to acts440and442.

In act446, the user is allowed to clock-in and the locating equipment functions are enabled. More specifically, because the break time is complete, time-keeping application116of central server110and/or time-keeping client136of onsite computer130allows the user to clock back in. As a result, actuation system158of marking device150, receiver circuitry168of locate receiver160, and transmitter circuitry178of locate transmitter170are enabled, which allows locate operations to be performed.

In act450, at any time throughout method400, activity logs of locating equipment may be transmitted to central server110. For example, at any time throughout method400, the contents of memory154of marking device150, memory164of locate receiver160, and/or memory174of locate transmitter170may be transmitted to onsite computer130(and stored in memory134) and then to central server110to be stored in employee time records120of workforce management application112.

In act452, the activity logs of locating equipment are continuously monitored. For example, the contents of the activity logs that are received from marking device150, locate receiver160, and/or locate transmitter170may be continuously monitored throughout the steps of method400by time-keeping application116of central server110and/or time-keeping client136of onsite computer130.

In act454, at any clock-in and clock-out activity throughout method400, the geo-location of the locating equipment may be determined. The geo-location of the locating equipment may be useful for:

Determining the controlling wage and hour regulations for the job site. For example, time-keeping client136of onsite computer130may acquire the current geo-location information of, for example, location tracking system153of marking device150, location tracking system163of locate receiver160, and/or location tracking system173of locate transmitter170. Based on this geo-location information, time-keeping client136automatically queries wage and hour information118at central server110for the wage and hour guidelines of the regulatory body that corresponds to the location of the work site. This information may be used throughout method400to guide the generation of the real-time prompts and ensure compliance with the selected wage and hour guidelines; and

Verifying whether the locate technician is clocked-in or clocked-out at the correct job site with respect to the ticket information. For example, time-keeping client136of onsite computer130may acquire the current geo-location information of, for example, location tracking system153of marking device150, location tracking system163of locate receiver160, and/or location tracking system173of locate transmitter170. Time-keeping client136may then compare the actual geo-location information to the expected location information of the associated locate request ticket (not shown) in order to verify that the locate technician is clocked-in or clocked-out at the correct job site. A real-time prompt may be generated in the event of a mismatch, such as “You appear to be in the wrong location. Please check the location information on the ticket.”

Referring toFIGS. 1 through 4B, in some aspects locate operations time-keeping system100may facilitate user review of clock-in and clock-out activity. In one example, at the end of the day, users may review their clock-in and clock-out activity using, for example, onsite computer130, marking device150, locate receiver160, and/or locate transmitter170in order to confirm and/or modify the information therein before transmitting to central server110.

Referring toFIGS. 1 through 4B, in some aspects locate operations time-keeping system100may facilitate user override of the ability of time-keeping application116to block the use of locating equipment based on the user's clock-in and clock-out status. For example, this override mechanism may be useful in the event of an emergency situation that requires the use of locating equipment. The override mechanism (not shown) may require the user to enter the reason for the override, which may be logged, for example, in employee time records120. In one exemplary implementation, the processing unit132may control user interface135to receive a technician override input to inhibit disabling of the at least one piece of locate equipment based on time code status and/or wage and hour compliance information. In aspect of such an implementation, in response to the technician override input, the processing unit may control communication interface138to provide one or more supervisor notification messages (e.g., to the workforce management application112of the central server) indicating receipt of the technician override input. In another aspect, the processing unit may await receipt of a supervisor approval signal (e.g., via the communication interface138), in response to the supervisor notification message(s), before allowing the technician override input to inhibit disabling of the locate equipment if disabling is otherwise called-for based on time code status and/or wage and hour compliance information.

In other embodiments, other intelligence may be incorporated into locate operations time-keeping system100with respect to generating prompts. For example, advanced knowledge of the expected locate operation duration may be useful with respect to generating prompts. In one example, when the expected duration of a locate operation is about two hours and a 15-minute break time is due in the next 30 minutes, a prompt may be provided to suggest taking the break before starting the two-hour locate operation.

The above-described embodiments can be implemented in any of numerous ways. For example, the embodiments may be implemented using hardware, software or a combination thereof. When implemented in software, the software code can be executed on any suitable processor or collection of processors, whether provided in a single computer or distributed among multiple computers.