Mine Vehicle Positioning via Point Cloud Matching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mine vehicle positioning systems are complex, require skilled operators, and are difficult to automate, necessitating the development of a more efficient and automated method for determining the position and orientation of mine vehicles within mine tunnels.
Innovation Solution
A mine vehicle equipped with scanning devices that produce 3D scanning data, using point cloud matching techniques to compare operational data with a stored reference model, allowing for simplified data processing and automated position determination without extensive surveying infrastructure or skilled workers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional positioning systems are used in mines, then position determination can be achieved, but the system becomes complex and requires skilled operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses laser scanning to create a digital 3D copy (point cloud) of the mine environment and matches it with a reference model. This copying approach replaces complex traditional positioning systems with simpler optical scanning and computational matching, achieving accurate position determination without requiring extensive surveying infrastructure or skilled operators
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical positioning systems (extensive surveying infrastructure, physical measurement equipment) with optical scanning and computational point cloud matching. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical positioning infrastructure while maintaining or improving position determination accuracy
2Measurement precision
If traditional positioning systems are used, then position data can be obtained, but automation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-positioning by automatically scanning the environment, comparing the scan with the reference model, and calculating its position without human intervention. The mine vehicle autonomously determines its own position through the point cloud matching process, eliminating the need for skilled operators to manually operate complex positioning equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning operations with automated optical scanning and computational algorithms. The entire positioning process—from data acquisition to position calculation—is automated through software-based point cloud matching, enabling full automation of mine vehicle operations
3Measurement precision
If extensive surveying infrastructure is used, then positioning accuracy is maintained, but data handling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential geometric features from the laser scan data to create a point cloud representation, eliminating unnecessary surveying infrastructure and complex data. The point cloud matching process focuses solely on geometric correspondence between the scanned environment and reference model, simplifying data handling while maintaining positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a simplified digital copy (point cloud) of the physical mine environment that captures only the essential geometric information needed for positioning. This copied representation is much simpler to handle and process than traditional surveying data, reducing data handling complexity while preserving positioning 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
Enables accurate and automated position determination of mine vehicles, facilitating efficient mine work operations, reducing data handling complexity, and allowing for easy updating of mine models with new or changed tunnel data, thus improving operational efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a scanning device for scanning surroundings of the mine vehicle in order to produce data for determining position and orientation of the mine vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a mine vehicle and a method. The mine vehicle comprises at least one scanning device for scanning surroundings of the mine vehicle and producing operational point cloud data. The mine vehicle comprises a control unit which is provided with a reference point cloud data of the mine. The control unit is configured to match the operational point cloud data to the reference point cloud data in order to determine position of the mine vehicle. The control unit further comprises a mine work plan, which is connected to the detected position of the mine vehicle.