3D Terrain Mapping for Intuitive Earth-Moving Design Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlling construction machines during earth-moving operations require complex design processes and are not easily adaptable for real-time, intuitive design generation on-site, limiting their usability and automation capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a measuring unit, context camera, and user interface that captures 3D terrain data and allows operators to input design selections directly on a touchscreen, generating 3D coordinates for machine control units to facilitate simplified and intuitive design generation for earth-moving operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a complex computer system is used to create a surface design file for 3D systems, then the desired profile can be accurately defined relative to world coordinates, but the design process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a digital copy of the terrain by capturing 3D coordinates of existing ground points and storing them in a data structure. This digital replica allows operators to work with simplified 2D representations while maintaining accurate 3D spatial relationships, eliminating the need for complex 3D design systems while preserving measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary data structure that stores 3D coordinates and spatial relationships. This intermediary layer translates between simple 2D touchscreen interactions and complex 3D terrain modeling, allowing operators to define profiles intuitively without directly manipulating complex 3D geometry
2Quantity of substance
If traditional measuring systems are used for earth-moving operations, then terrain data can be captured, but the design generation process remains complex and not intuitive for operators
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical design processes with optical/electronic capture and digital processing. A camera captures images of the terrain, and software automatically extracts 3D coordinates and generates design data structures, substituting manual measurement and design operations with automated digital processes that are both comprehensive and intuitive
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically processing captured images to generate terrain models and design data structures without requiring complex manual intervention. The software autonomously identifies terrain features, calculates 3D coordinates, and prepares design files, making the process intuitive for operators while maintaining comprehensive data capture
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables fast, intuitive, and on-site design creation for construction machines, allowing for precise localization and automation of earth-moving operations, enhancing operator efficiency and machine control.
Implementation Method 1
the distance measurement may be based on the time of flight
Implementation Method 2
a laser scanner emitting a laser measurement beam, e.g. using pulsed electromagnetic radiation, wherein an echo is received from a backscattering surface point of the environment and a distance to the surface point is derived
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b~1c
Figure 2~3b
AI summary
The invention pertains to a system (70) for planning an earth-moving operation to be performed by a construction machine having a tool for performing the earth-moving operation and a machine control unit (75) for at least partially controlling the earth-moving operation, the system comprising a measuring system (82) configured for capturing 3D measuring data of an uneven terrain in a surrounding of the construction machine, a context camera (83) having a known position relative to the measuring system and/or the 3D measuring data and being configured for capturing context image data of the terrain, a user interface (73) configured for displaying at least one context image to an operator of the construction machine and for receiving user input from the operator, and a computing unit (71) operatively coupled at least with the measuring system and the user interface, wherein the computing unit is configured for generating a 3D terrain model of the terrain, interpreting the user input as a selection of pixels of the context image, mapping the selection of pixels to a surface of the 3D terrain model, determining 3D coordinates on the surface based on the mapping, and providing the 3D coordinates to the machine control unit for at least partially controlling the earth-moving operation based on the 3D coordinates.