Dual-Purpose Vehicles for Scalable Geospatial Data Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mapping fleets are limited in size and cost-prohibitive due to the need for revenue from map licensing, leading to infrequent map updates and outdated infrastructure data.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing dual-purpose vehicles equipped with 3D mapping kits that collect geospatial data while operating within transportation network company networks, leveraging a ubiquitous localization solution to fuse sensor data and convert it into a real-time world model for scalable and current geospatial intelligence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional mapping fleets are operated with dedicated vehicles, then map data can be collected, but the fleet size is limited and operating costs are prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling vehicles to serve dual purposes: performing their primary transportation or delivery functions while simultaneously collecting geospatial mapping data. This eliminates the need for dedicated mapping vehicles, allowing any vehicle in the fleet to contribute to data collection, thereby scaling the effective mapping fleet size without proportionally increasing operating costs.
2Productivity
If map licensing revenue is required to operate mapping fleets, then data collection can be sustained, but the model becomes cost-prohibitive and limits scalability
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by having vehicles autonomously collect mapping data during their normal operations without requiring separate funding mechanisms. The data collection is integrated into the vehicle's standard operational workflow, allowing the system to sustain itself through existing operational structures rather than requiring additional revenue streams from map licensing.
3Reliability
If map data is refreshed every 3 years by limited fleets, then operational costs are controlled, but the data becomes outdated and infrastructure intelligence loses current accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous data collection by integrating mapping capabilities into ongoing vehicle operations. Instead of periodic updates from limited fleets, vehicles continuously gather geospatial data throughout their regular routes and operations, ensuring the mapping data remains current and reflective of real-time infrastructure changes without requiring dedicated mapping expeditions.
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 planetary-scale, resilient, and scalable geospatial data collection, providing actionable intelligence for maintaining and updating infrastructure with submeter precision localization.
Implementation Method 1
the registered point cloud data to extract shapes, features and classifications
Data Source
AI summary
This patent discloses innovative technologies for efficient and scalable collection, processing, and analysis of geospatial data. The proposed solutions encompass advanced hardware components, such as sensors, cameras, vehicles, satellites, LiDAR systems, and GPS devices, enabling high-precision data acquisition. The invention also introduces sophisticated software algorithms and techniques for processing and analyzing large volumes of geospatial data, including data fusion, feature extraction, image processing, and machine learning approaches. Additionally, the patent addresses the challenges of scalability and efficiency by optimizing data acquisition workflows, reducing processing time and resource requirements, and improving the accuracy and reliability of collected data. The disclosed technologies are designed to support a wide range of applications and use cases, such as mapping, surveying, navigation, urban planning, environmental monitoring, agriculture, disaster response, and infrastructure management. Furthermore, the patent explores methods for seamless integration with existing infrastructure, software platforms, and data management systems, enabling interoperability and data sharing. Overall, this invention offers innovative solutions for efficient and scalable geospatial data collection, processing, and analysis, with potential applications across various domains.