3D Grading Surface Generation Using Linear Slope Constraints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer-implemented grading design techniques for construction sites are expensive, time-consuming, and require complex manual processes to draw contours and edit elevations, making them inefficient for generating accurate 3D grading designs.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and server system that utilizes linear programming to generate grading designs by accessing 3D surface data, generating point definitions, applying modifiers, and solving linear relationships to optimize slope adjustments, minimizing the weighted sum of adjustments while adhering to constraints such as slope tolerances and fill-equals-cut balance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual survey and slope adjustment methods are used, then the grading design can be performed with simple equipment, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical surveying and contour-drawing processes with computer-implemented automated systems. The system automatically generates 3D surface models from survey data and computes grading designs using linear programming algorithms, eliminating the need for manual contour drawing and slope adjustment while reducing processing time from days to minutes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service grading design by automatically processing survey data and generating optimized grading solutions without requiring manual intervention. The linear programming solver autonomously computes the optimal grading design that satisfies all constraints, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring continuous human operation.
2Extent of automation
If traditional computer-implemented grading design techniques are used, then automated 3D surface generation is achieved, but the processing is expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the grading design problem into discrete point-based representations rather than continuous surface models. By dividing the terrain into a grid of points and applying linear constraints between adjacent points, the system simplifies the mathematical complexity while maintaining automation. This segmentation allows standard linear programming solvers to efficiently compute optimal grading designs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual contour drawing and elevation editing are performed, then design flexibility is maintained, but the process requires extensive manual effort and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the design process by using linear programming variables to represent elevation adjustments at each point. Instead of manually editing contour lines and elevation values, the system optimizes numerical parameters (elevation changes) subject to linear constraints, automatically achieving design flexibility through mathematical optimization rather than manual manipulation.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for generating grading designs includes accessing existing three-dimensional (3D) surface data of a construction site, and constraint data, from an associated database or one or more electronic devices. The computer-implemented method further includes generating a plurality of definitions of a plurality of respective points in the existing 3D surface data. Furthermore, the computer-implemented method includes generating a variable representing a modifier for a definition, for each point of the plurality of points. Furthermore, the computer-implemented method includes generating one or more linear relationships based at least on the constraint data. The computer-implemented method further includes obtaining a plurality of derived values of the variable, by solving a linear program generated by assembling at least an objective function and the one or more linear relationships. Also, the computer-implemented method includes applying the plurality of derived values to the plurality of respective definitions to generate modified 3D surface data.