LiDAR Field Surface Finish Analysis Using 2D Point Cloud Slices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for determining surface finish in agricultural fields, such as residue coverage and soil clod size distribution, require significant computing resources and are not optimized for real-time analysis.
Innovation Solution
Agricultural machines equipped with LiDAR sensors generate three-dimensional point clouds, which are processed into spaced two-dimensional slices for analysis, reducing computational demands and enabling real-time determination of surface finish parameters like residue coverage and soil clod size distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If three-dimensional point cloud data is processed using traditional methods, then surface finish parameters can be determined, but computational resources are excessively consumed and real-time analysis is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the three-dimensional point cloud data into multiple two-dimensional cross-sectional slices along the depth axis. Each slice represents a horizontal plane at a different depth level, transforming the complex 3D analysis problem into multiple simpler 2D analysis problems that can be processed more efficiently with reduced computational resources while maintaining real-time analysis capability.
2Measurement precision
If traditional computing methods are used to analyze surface finish, then accurate measurements can be obtained, but the processing time is too long for real-time control applications
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the 3D point cloud into 2D slices, the patent enables parallel processing of multiple slices simultaneously, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining measurement precision through the preservation of depth information across multiple slices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the three-dimensional data into multiple two-dimensional representations by creating cross-sectional slices at different depth levels. This dimensionality reduction allows for faster processing while preserving vertical depth information through the stacking of multiple 2D slices, achieving both speed and accuracy.
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
The system provides accurate, real-time assessment of surface finish parameters, allowing for improved control of agricultural machinery operations.
Implementation Method 1
a LiDAR sensor supported on the frame, with the LiDAR sensor configured to generate a three-dimensional point cloud depicting a portion of a field surface present within a field of view of the LiDAR sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural machine includes a LiDAR sensor configured to generate a three-dimensional point cloud depicting a portion of a field surface present within a field of view of the LiDAR sensor. Furthermore, the agricultural machine includes a computing system configured to receive the generated three-dimensional point cloud from the LiDAR sensor. Additionally, the computing system is configured to generate a plurality of two-dimensional point cloud slices from the received three-dimensional point cloud, with the plurality of two-dimensional point cloud slices being spaced apart from each other such that each of two-dimensional point cloud slices corresponds to a different two-dimensional plane within the received three-dimensional point cloud. Moreover, the computing system is configured to determine a surface finish parameter associated with the portion of the field surface present within the field of view of the LiDAR sensor based on the generated plurality of two-dimensional point cloud slices.