3D Terrain Mapping for Multi-Sensor Vehicle Path Planning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle control systems lack effective methods for generating and utilizing three-dimensional terrain maps, which are essential for precise navigation and terrain adaptation, especially in agricultural and farming applications, where uneven terrain and dynamic conditions pose challenges for vehicle stability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a combination of sensors, including cameras, GNSS, IMU, and lidar, to create and update three-dimensional terrain maps, integrating data from various sources to provide detailed topography, vegetation analysis, and object detection, enabling improved vehicle steering and path planning, and optimizing vehicle operations by predicting terrain traversability and adjusting parameters like tire pressure and load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If three-dimensional terrain mapping is implemented using multiple sensors, then navigation precision and terrain adaptation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (cameras, GNSS receivers, IMUs, and lidars) into an integrated sensor system that collectively performs three-dimensional terrain mapping. By merging these sensors into a unified system with a common coordinate framework, the patent achieves high-precision terrain mapping while managing complexity through systematic integration rather than separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: cameras capture visual terrain data, GNSS provides positioning, IMU measures orientation and acceleration, and lidars generate depth maps. This multi-functional sensor array enables comprehensive terrain mapping, navigation, and vehicle control through a single integrated system rather than separate dedicated systems for each function.
2Productivity
If real-time terrain data is collected and processed, then vehicle control and path planning are improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary terrain mapping and identifies traversability characteristics before the vehicle reaches challenging terrain sections. By pre-processing terrain data and planning paths in advance, the system reduces the need for intensive real-time processing during critical navigation phases, thereby lowering overall energy consumption while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The terrain mapping system focuses computational resources on locally relevant terrain features and traversability analysis rather than processing entire terrain maps uniformly. By applying processing intensity selectively to critical areas along the vehicle's path, the system optimizes the balance between navigation accuracy and energy consumption.
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
This approach enhances vehicle control systems by improving steering performance, reducing strain on vehicles and tools, optimizing fuel consumption, and preventing damage to fields by providing real-time terrain data for better path planning and vehicle adaptation, leading to increased efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor system includes one or more lidars for collecting three-dimensional terrain data
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to generating and utilizing three-dimensional terrain maps for vehicular control. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.