Method and control device for providing geodata for an operations planning system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for providing geodata for an operations planning system, comprising the steps of: determining a search path (10) in an operations zone (2), wherein the search path (10) is determined on the basis of a location (22) of a seeker (20) used for detecting a search object (30) in the operations zone (2); determining a spatial search area (12) in the operations zone (2) for detecting the search object (30) by means of the seeker (20), wherein the spatial search area (12) is determined on the basis of the determined search path (10) and a detection range (24) of the seeker (20) for detecting the search object (30); determining at least one influence parameter, which influences a spatial extension of the detection range (24) of the seeker (20); spatially adapting the spatial search area (12) depending on the at least one influence parameter; and outputting geodata that comprise spatial information relating to the spatially adapted search area (13).

Description

[0001] ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 305901 Friedrichshafen 2025-01-20

[0002] Method and control device for providing geodesists for a deployment planning system

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to a method for providing geodesic data for a deployment planning system. The present invention also relates to a control device for outputting geodesic data for a deployment planning system.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] For operational planning, such as rescue operation planning, it is known to define a search path for a searcher, for example, a rescue worker. It is also known to make predetermined spatial assumptions about a search area within which the searcher can locate a target if they move along the defined search path. However, these assumptions can contain uncertainties, which can lead to inefficient execution of the operational plan and inefficient location of the target.

[0007] Description of the invention

[0008] The present invention relates, in one aspect, to a method for providing geodesics for an operational planning system. The geodesics can contain spatial information about a search area, which is searched for a target object during a search operation. The search operation can, for example, be a rescue operation in which the target object is being searched for. The spatial information can be spatial location information about the search area. The operational planning system can also, for example, be a rescue operation planning system. ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 305901 Friedrichshafen 2025-01-20

[0009] The procedure includes, as one step, the determination of a search path within an operational area. The search path can be predetermined, in which case the determination step may involve predetermining the search path within the operational area. Alternatively, or in addition to a predetermined search path, the search path can be recorded, in which case the determination step may be based on a further step of recording the search path within the operational area.

[0010] The method determines the search path based on the location of a searcher, who is deployed to locate a search object within the operational area. The searcher can move along the search path. According to one embodiment of the method, it can also be carried out with a plurality of searchers, i.e., at least two searchers, instead of a single searcher. The searcher can be a living being or a machine. The living being can be a human, for example, a rescue worker, or an animal, for example, a search dog or a rescue dog. The machine can be a robot, for example, a rescue robot, or a mobile mechanical search device. The search object can be a living being to be located or an object to be located. The search object can be stationary or dynamic and may be at rest or in motion within the operational area.The location of the object being sought can be determined or recorded in a further step of the procedure.

[0011] As a further step, the procedure involves defining a spatial search area within the operational area for the searcher to detect the object. The spatial search area can be determined, for example, based on a search radius. This search radius can be specific to the searcher. The spatial search area can encompass a portion of the operational area within which the searcher can detect the object. Alternatively, the spatial search area can be a dynamic search area, defining a search corridor. This dynamic search area or corridor can be based on the searcher's movement along the search path. ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 305901 Friedrichshafen 2025-01-20

[0012] The method determines the spatial search area based on the defined search path and the searcher's detection range for acquiring the search object. The detection range can be a sensory detection range. This sensory detection range can include at least one visual, one auditory, one olfactory, and one tactile detection range. The visual detection range can be based on the searcher's visual perception of the search object within the operational area. The spatial search area can therefore be determined within the operational area for the searcher's visual detection of the search object. The auditory detection range can be based on the searcher's auditory perception of the search object within the operational area.The spatial search area can therefore be defined within the operational area for the auditory detection of the search object by the searcher. The olfactory detection area can be based on olfactory perception for the olfactory detection of the search object within the operational area by the searcher. The spatial search area can therefore be defined within the operational area for the olfactory detection of the search object by the searcher. The tactile detection area can be based on tactile perception for the tactile detection of the search object within the operational area by the searcher. The spatial search area can therefore be defined within the operational area for the tactile detection of the search object by the searcher.

[0013] The procedure includes, as a further step, the determination of at least one influencing parameter that affects the spatial extent of the viewfinder's detection range. This influencing parameter can be an environmental parameter, and can be at least one topographical and one meteorological parameter. Alternatively, the influencing parameter can be a parameter specific to the viewfinder. It can affect at least one aspect of the viewfinder's visual, auditory, olfactory, and tactile perceptions. The spatial extent of the viewfinder's detection range can be determined by at least [ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 305901 Friedrichshafen 2025-01-20]

[0014] one depends on visual perception, auditory perception, olfactory perception, and tactile perception.

[0015] The method includes a further step of spatially adjusting the search area based on at least one influencing parameter. This spatial adjustment step can modify the spatial extent of the search area. It can involve changing the spatial extent of the search area, increasing or decreasing its size, or alternatively or additionally, rotating or translating it. The search area can also be two-dimensional or three-dimensional.

[0016] According to a further embodiment of the method, a further step may include spatial adjustment of the search path depending on the at least one influencing parameter. In this spatial adjustment step, the spatial position of the search path can be modified. This spatial adjustment can involve a spatial change in the search path's position. It can involve a spatial lengthening or shortening of the search path. Alternatively or additionally, it can involve a spatial rotation or translation of the search path. Furthermore, the search path can be two-dimensional or three-dimensional.

[0017] According to a further embodiment of the method, a further step may involve spatially adjusting the operating area depending on at least one influencing parameter. In this spatial adjustment step, the spatial location or extent of the operating area may be modified. The spatial adjustment may involve a spatial change in the location or extent of the operating area. The spatial adjustment may involve a spatial enlargement or a ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 305901 Friedrichshafen 2025-01-20

[0018] The spatial adjustment may involve a reduction in the size of the application area. Alternatively or additionally, it may involve a rotation or displacement of the application area. Furthermore, the application area may be two-dimensional or three-dimensional.

[0019] As a further step, the process outputs geodesics containing spatial information about the spatially adjusted search area. This spatial information can include the spatial dimensions of the adjusted search area. Alternatively or additionally, the spatial information can include the spatial coordinates of the adjusted search area. These spatial coordinates can be, for example, Cartesian or polar coordinates.

[0020] According to a further embodiment of the method, in the output step the geodesists can display statistical information about the spatially adapted search area. This statistical information can include certainty or probability information regarding the search object's location within the spatially adapted search area. For example, the statistical information can include certainty classes or probability classes that indicate the degree of certainty or probability with which the search object can be located within the spatially adapted search area.

[0021] This method advantageously allows for the output and identification of a spatially adapted search area for operational planning, tailored to a specific deployment scenario. This area is searched based on at least one influencing parameter. Areas that cannot be searched due to the influencing parameter can thus be identified and incorporated into the operational planning. For example, the search path can be determined in such a way that it passes through areas that were initially excluded from the search, ensuring that the spatial search area, or the spatially adapted search area, also includes these areas. The method thus enables particularly efficient deployment to locate the search object. ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 305901 Friedrichshafen 2025-01-20

[0022] According to one embodiment of the method, a further step can be to detect the searcher's location. The searcher's location can be detected using a position sensor that the searcher can carry. The searcher's location can thus be detected and recorded. According to this embodiment, the search path can be determined based on the detected location of the searcher. The search path can be continuously recorded, and a detected movement trajectory of the searcher can correspond to the search path. A search path chosen by the searcher in the operational area can thus be efficiently determined.

[0023] According to a further embodiment of the method, the spatial search area can be determined based on a sensory detection range of the searcher, within which the search object can be detected by the searcher. The sensory detection range can be at least one of the visual, auditory, olfactory, or tactile detection ranges. The search object can be visually detectable within the spatial search area. Alternatively or additionally, the search object can be audibly detectable within the spatial search area. Alternatively or additionally, the search object can be olfactorily detectable within the spatial search area. Alternatively or additionally, the search object can be tactilely detectable within the spatial search area. The spatial search area can be configured within the sensory detection range.This method reliably takes into account the searcher's ability to locate the search object using sensory input.

[0024] According to another embodiment of the method, the searcher can be a living being, whereby the spatial search area can be determined based on a sensory detection range of the living being within which the search object can be detected by the living being. According to further embodiments, the searcher can be the rescue worker or the rescue dog. If the searcher is a living being, the influencing parameter can affect the sensory detection of the search object. [The following appears to be unrelated and possibly a separate document:] Environmental ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 305901 Friedrichshafen 2025-01-20

[0025] The method can thus efficiently take into account the affected sensory detection capability of the viewfinder.

[0026] According to a further embodiment of the method, in the step of determining the at least one influencing parameter, at least one environmental influencing parameter can be determined that affects the detection range of the searcher. The environmental influencing parameter can be, for example, a topographical or meteorological influencing parameter. According to this embodiment, in the spatial adjustment step, the search range can be spatially adjusted depending on the environmental influencing parameter. In this spatial adjustment step, the search range can be spatially adjusted depending on the topographical or meteorological influencing parameter. The spatial search range can thus be spatially adapted to at least one of the topography and meteorology of the operational area.The procedure can include, as a further step, the determination of at least one of the topographic and meteorological influence parameters. Alternatively or additionally, the procedure can include, as a further step, the acquisition or reading of at least one of the topographic and meteorological influence parameters.

[0027] According to a further embodiment of the method, in the step of determining the at least one influencing parameter, at least one topographical influencing parameter can be determined, which spatially limits the detection range of the searcher. The topographical influencing parameter can, for example, be a relief parameter of the operational area, which limits the detection range of the searcher. If the relief parameter is a terrain elevation or slope of the operational area, the relief parameter can limit the detection range of the searcher by obscuring it from the terrain.

[0028] Alternatively or additionally to the relief parameter, the topographic influence parameter can, for example, also be a vegetation parameter of the operating area, which limits the detection range of the searcher. Is this ZF Friedrichshafen AG file 305901 Friedrichshafen 2025-01-20

[0029] Vegetation parameters around the vegetation height of the operating area can limit the searcher's detection range by observing the shade cast by vegetation. The spatial search area can thus be realistically determined based on the topographically limited detection range of the searcher.

[0030] According to this embodiment, the search area can be spatially adjusted in the spatial adaptation step depending on the topographic influence parameter. The search area can thus be spatially determined topographically depending on the relief parameter. Alternatively or additionally, the search area can be spatially determined depending on the vegetation parameter.

[0031] According to a further embodiment of the method, in the step of determining the at least one influencing parameter, at least one meteorological influencing parameter can be determined, which spatially limits the detection range of the searcher. The meteorological influencing parameter can, for example, be a weather parameter of the operational area that limits the detection range of the searcher. If the weather parameter is a wind direction or wind speed in the operational area, the weather parameter can limit the detection range of the searcher by influencing it through the influence of wind. If the weather parameter is a precipitation parameter, the weather parameter can limit the detection range of the searcher by influencing it through the influence of precipitation. The precipitation can be rain or fog.Alternatively or additionally to the weather parameter, the meteorological influencing parameter can also be, for example, a brightness parameter of the operating area, which limits the detection range of the searchlight. If the brightness parameter is solar radiation in the operating area, it can limit the detection range of the searchlight by its visibility at different times of day. The brightness parameter can be a binary time-of-day parameter that defines whether it is day or night. The spatial search area can be defined as follows: ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 305901 Friedrichshafen 2025-01-20.

[0032] based on the meteorologically limited detection range of the searchlight, it can be realistically determined.

[0033] According to this embodiment, the search area can be spatially adjusted in the spatial adaptation step depending on the meteorological influencing parameter. The spatial search area can thus be determined meteorologically based on the weather parameter. Alternatively or additionally, the spatial search area can be determined based on the brightness parameter.

[0034] According to a further embodiment of the method, in the step of determining the at least one influencing parameter, at least one parameter specific to the viewfinder can be determined, which influences the viewfinder's detection range. The viewfinder-specific parameter can be a visual, auditory, olfactory, or tactile parameter specific to the viewfinder. Alternatively or additionally, the viewfinder-specific parameter can be a search radius specific to the viewfinder, within which the viewfinder is capable of locating the search object. According to this embodiment, in the spatial adjustment step, the search range can be spatially adjusted depending on the specific parameter. The search range can thus be spatially determined depending on the viewfinder-specific parameter.

[0035] According to a further embodiment of the method, in the output step, the geodesic data can be output to the deployment planning system, which is configured for the automated control of a deployment. The deployment planning system can be configured to determine the search path based on the output geodesic data. Alternatively or additionally, the deployment planning system can be configured to determine the spatial search area. According to a further embodiment of the method, in the output step, the geodesic data can be output to the deployment planning system, which is configured to visualize a deployment. The deployment planning system can be configured to display the spatially adapted search area spatially or color-coded according to the described safety classes or ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 305901 Friedrichshafen 2025-01-20

[0036] To visualize probability classes. Alternatively or additionally, the deployment planning system can be configured to spatially visualize at least one of the searcher and the search path.

[0037] The present invention relates in a further aspect to a control device for outputting geodesic data for a deployment planning system. The control device can be configured to carry out the method according to the preceding aspect. The control device can be a component of the deployment planning system.

[0038] The control unit includes a processing unit configured to determine a search path within an operational area. This search path is determined based on the location of a searcher deployed to detect a target within that area. The processing unit is also configured to determine a spatial search area within the operational area for the searcher to detect the target. This spatial search area is determined based on the defined search path and the searcher's detection range. Furthermore, the processing unit is configured to determine at least one influencing parameter that affects the spatial extent of the searcher's detection range. Finally, the processing unit is configured to spatially adjust the search area based on this at least one influencing parameter.The control unit also has an interface that is set up to output geodesists which have spatial information about the spatially adapted search area.

[0039] Embodiments and features of one aspect of the present invention may be corresponding embodiments and features of another aspect of the present invention.

[0040] Brief description of the characters

[0041] Figure 1 schematically shows a spatially adapted search area of ​​a searcher in an application area to illustrate the invention. ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 305901 Friedrichshafen 2025-01-20

[0042] Figure 2 shows a flowchart with steps of a procedure for providing geodesics based on the spatially adapted search area according to one embodiment.

[0043] Figure 3 schematically shows a control device for providing geodesics based on the spatially adapted search area according to one embodiment.

[0044] Detailed description of embodiments

[0045] Figure 1 schematically shows a spatially adapted search area 13 in an operational area 2. A searcher 20 is located in the operational area 2 and has a detection range 24. Within this range, the searcher 20 can detect a search object 30, also located in the operational area 2, if the search object 30 is within the detection range 24. The searcher 20 moves within the operational area 2 along a search path 10, which is detected and determined by a position detection sensor (not shown) carried by the searcher 20. In Figure 1, the searcher 20 is shown at two locations 22 along the search path 10. The spatially adapted search area 13 defines a spatial search corridor 14, which results from the movement of the searcher 20 along the search path 10.

[0046] For the viewfinder 20, a spatial search area 12 is first defined, which lies within a detection area 24 of the viewfinder 20. The detection area 24 encompasses an area in which the search object 30 can be detected by the viewfinder 20. The spatial search area 12 does not include an outer sub-area of ​​the detection area 24 in which the search object 30 can be detected less reliably by the viewfinder 20 compared to an inner sub-area of ​​the detection area 24. In the operating area 2, an external influencing factor affects the detectability of the search object 30 by the viewfinder 20. Depending on the respective embodiment, the external influencing factor is either a meteorological or a topographical influencing factor. The external influencing factor thus affects the area in which the viewfinder 20 can detect the search object 30 depending on the external factor.

[0047] can actually detect the influencing factor if it is located in the detection area 24.

[0048] Figure 2 schematically shows a flowchart with process steps for providing geodesists for a deployment planning system in a sequence of process steps according to one embodiment.

[0049] In a first step SO, the current location 22 of the searcher 20 along the search path 10 is recorded by the position detection sensor. In a further step S1, the search path 10 in the operational area 2 is determined based on the recorded locations 22 of the searcher 20. In yet another step S2, the spatial search area 12 within the detection area 24 of the searcher 20 along the search path 10 is determined. The dynamically determined spatial search area 12 defines the search corridor 14. In a further step S3, the influencing parameter that affects the spatial extent of the detection area 24 of the searcher 20 is determined. In yet another step S4, the spatial extent of the spatial search area 12 is adjusted depending on the influencing parameter. In a further step, geodesic data, which provide spatial information for the spatially adjusted search area 13, are output to an operational planning system.

[0050] Figure 3 schematically shows a control unit 100, which is configured to read the recorded location 22 and to perform steps S1 to S5 of the procedure. The control unit 100 has a processing unit 110, which is configured to perform steps S1 to S4. The control unit 100 also has an interface 120, which is configured to output the geodesic data 200 to the operational planning system 300. The operational planning system 300 is configured to visualize the geodesic data 200 in order to take the spatially adapted search areas 13 and thus the search corridor 14 into account in operational planning.With the search areas 13 spatially adapted to the external influencing factor and the resulting search corridor 14, it can thus be taken into account in the operational planning that the search object 30 may be located in an area of ​​the operational area 2 which is not yet covered by the search corridor 14ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 305901 Friedrichshafen 2025-01-20.

[0051] is covered. Based on this, the search path 10 can be determined by the deployment planning system 300 and the searcher 20 can be controlled in such a way that the area not yet covered is searched. ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 305901

[0052] Friedrichshafen 2025-01-20

[0053] Reference mark

[0054] 2 Area of ​​operation

[0055] 10 Search path

[0056] 12 Search area

[0057] 13. Customized search area

[0058] 14 search corridor

[0059] 20 viewfinders

[0060] 22 Place of residence

[0061] 24 Detection area

[0062] 30 search object

[0063] 100 Control unit

[0064] 110 computing units

[0065] 120 interface

[0066] 200 surveyors

[0067] 300 deployment planning system

[0068] SO Record location

[0069] S1 Determine search path

[0070] S2 Determine search area

[0071] S3 Determine influencing parameters

[0072] S4 Customize search area

[0073] S5 Output Geodesists

Claims

ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 305901 Friedrichshafen 2025-01-20 Patent claims 1. A method for providing geodesists (200) for a deployment planning system (300), comprising the steps of: determining (S1) a search path (10) in a deployment area (2), wherein the search path (10) is determined based on the location (22) of a searcher (20) who is used to detect a search object (30) in the deployment area (2); determining (S2) a spatial search area (12) in the deployment area (2) for the searcher (20) to detect the search object (30), wherein the spatial search area (12) is determined based on the determined search path (10) and a detection area (24) of the searcher (20) for detecting the search object (30); determining (S3) at least one influencing parameter which affects the spatial extent of the detection area (24) of the searcher (20); and spatially adjusting (S4) the spatial search area. (12) depending on at least one influencing parameter, and output (S5) of geodesists (200),which spatial information about the spatially adapted search area (13) 2. Method according to claim 1, comprising the further step of detecting (SO) the location (22) of the seeker (20), and wherein the search path (10) is determined based on the detected location (22) of the seeker (20).

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the spatial search area (12) is determined based on a sensory detection area (24) of the viewfinder (20) in which the search object (30) can be sensorially detected by the viewfinder (20).

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the seeker (20) is a living being, wherein the spatial search area (12) is determined based on a sensory detection area (24) of the living being in which the search object (30) can be detected by the living being.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the step of determining (S3) the at least one influencing parameter at least one environmental influencing parameter is determined which influences the detection range (24) of the searcher (20), and wherein in the step of spatial adaptation (S4) the ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 305901 Friedrichshafen 2025-01-20 The spatial search area (12) is spatially adapted depending on the environmental influence parameter.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the step of determining (S3) the at least one influence parameter at least one topographic influence parameter is determined which spatially limits the detection range (24) of the searcher (20), and wherein in the step of spatial adjustment (S4) the spatial search range (12) is spatially adjusted depending on the topographic influence parameter.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the step of determining (S3) the at least one influencing parameter at least one meteorological influencing parameter is determined which spatially limits the detection range (24) of the searcher (20), and wherein in the step of spatial adjustment (S4) the spatial search range (12) is spatially adjusted depending on the meteorological influencing parameter.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the step of determining (S3) the at least one influencing parameter at least one parameter specific to the searcher (20) is determined which influences the detection area (24) of the searcher (20), and wherein in the step of spatial adjustment (S4) the spatial search area (12) is spatially adjusted depending on the specific parameter.

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the output step (S5) the geodesists (200) are output to the deployment planning system (300), which is set up for automated control of a deployment.

10. Control unit (100) for outputting geodesic data (200) for a deployment planning system (300), comprising a computing unit (110) configured to determine a search path (10) in a deployment area (2), wherein the search path (10) is determined based on the location (22) of a searcher (20) used to detect a search object (30) in the deployment area (2). ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 305901 Friedrichshafen 2025-01-20 to determine a spatial search area (12) in the operational area (2) for the search object (30) by the searcher (20), wherein the spatial search area (12) is determined based on the determined search path (10) and a detection area (24) of the searcher (20) for the detection of the search object (30), to determine at least one influencing parameter which influences a spatial extent of the detection area (24) of the searcher (20), and to spatially adapt the spatial search area (12) depending on the at least one influencing parameter, and to output an interface (120) which is set up to geodesists (200) which have spatial information about the spatially adapted search area (13).

Images