Ground Coverage Mapping for Real-Time Site Modification Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile machinery systems lack effective methods for generating accurate ground coverage maps that indicate the modified portions of a site, which is crucial for optimizing operations such as spraying, planting, or compacting in agricultural and construction projects.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilizes site modifier sensors and position sensors to predict coverage regions and compute coverage images, which are accumulated in real-time to generate a ground coverage map, using a graphics processing unit (GPU) for efficient visualization and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If real-time ground coverage tracking is implemented using sensors and processing systems, then measurement precision and productivity are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the coverage tracking function into multiple independent components: site modifier sensors attached to the vehicle capture modifier data, position sensors capture location data, a prediction module processes this data to predict coverage regions, and a mapping module generates the ground coverage map. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary prediction module that acts as a mediator between the raw sensor data and the final ground coverage map. This module predicts coverage regions based on modifier data and position data, transforming complex sensor inputs into structured coverage information that can be efficiently mapped and visualized, thereby managing system complexity.
2Productivity
If real-time ground coverage maps are generated using CPU and GPU processing, then productivity and task completion speed are improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically allocates processing resources between CPU and GPU based on the computational demands of different tasks. The CPU handles data collection, prediction, and control functions, while the GPU accelerates the computationally intensive tasks of computing coverage images and accumulating them into ground coverage maps. This dynamic resource allocation optimizes productivity while managing energy consumption effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional sequential processing with parallel processing architecture, substituting the mechanical sequential execution model with simultaneous computational operations. The GPU performs parallel computation of multiple coverage images concurrently, dramatically improving task completion speed while the system manages energy through intelligent workload distribution across processing units.
3Manufacturing precision
If coverage regions are predicted based on modifier data and position data, then manufacturing precision of coverage maps is improved, but loss of time in data processing occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously collecting and pre-processing position data and modifier data as the vehicle operates. The prediction module uses this pre-collected data to predict coverage regions in real-time, ensuring high accuracy in the ground coverage map while minimizing processing delays. The continuous data collection approach eliminates the need for post-processing data gathering, reducing overall processing time.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are systems, methods, and other techniques for generating a ground coverage map that indicates portions of a site that have been modified by a vehicle operating within the site. First and second modifier data regarding an operation of a site modifier device of the vehicle at first and second times are captured using a site modifier sensor attached to the vehicle. First and second coverage regions are predicted based on the first and second modifier data, the first and second coverage regions corresponding to regions within the site that are modified by the site modifier device at the first and second times. First and second coverage images are computed based on the first and second coverage regions. The first and second coverage images are accumulated to generate the ground coverage map.