IPC Definitions - January 01, 2012
G01V - Definition
This subclass covers:
Methods and apparatus for geophysical purposes such as
Prospecting or detecting of masses or objects in general, e.g. by seismic, electric, magnetic, gravimetric, or optical means, or by the use of nuclear radiation;
Measuring gravitational fields or waves in general, e.g. gravitational forces between two bodies, or gravitational waves of cosmic origin;
Manufacturing, calibrating, cleaning, or repairing such apparatus;
Tags attached to, or associated with, an object, in order to enable detection of the object.
In this subclass, the geophysical methods apply both to the earth and to other celestial objects, e.g. planets.
Relationship between large subject matter areas
The general subject matters locating or detecting of masses or objects are covered by several subclasses besides G01V: G01SG01C.
This subclass covers radar, sonar, lidar or analogous systems specifically designed for geophysical use. Radar, sonar, lidar or analogous systems, or details of such systems, if of general interest, are also classified in subclass G01S.
References relevant to classification in this subclass
This subclass does not cover:
Means for indicating the location of accidentally buried, e.g. snow-buried, persons | A63B 29/02 |
Locating or presence-detecting by the use of radio, acoustic or other waves involving reflection and reradiation of waves | G01S |
Burglar, theft, or intruder alarms actuated by interference with electromagnetic radiation or fields. | G08B 13/18, G08B 13/24 |
Detecting or locating foreign bodies for diagnostic, surgical or person-identification purposes | A61B |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Survey of boreholes or wells | E21B 47/00 |
Investigating or analysing earth materials by determining their chemical or physical properties | G01N |
Measuring electric or magnetic variables in general, other than direction or magnitude of the earth's field | G01R |
Magnetic resonance arrangements in general | G01R 33/20 |
In this subclass, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:
tags | means arrangements cooperating with a detecting field, e.g. near field, and designed to produce a specific detectable effect; "tags" also means active markers or labels capable of generating a detectable field; tags are not to be confused with transponders (cf Glossary of G01S). |
In patent documents the expressions "electronic label" or "electronic marker" is often used instead of "tag" which is used in the classification scheme of this subclass.