Automated Map Conformity Verification for Mining Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for verifying the accuracy of environmental representations in automated mining machines are cumbersome and prone to errors, requiring extensive training and manual inspection to ensure map quality, which can lead to machines getting lost or causing damage due to faulty sensor data and poor representation of surroundings.
Innovation Solution
A method that calculates the conformity between a representation of an environment and the actual environment by comparing distances to obstacles in different directions using sensors like laser range scanners, allowing for automated verification through a mathematical model that estimates the machine's position and compares expected and measured signals, providing a fast and reliable assessment of map quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual inspection and extensive training are used to verify map quality, then verification accuracy is improved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated computational system that uses the laser range scanner to objectively verify map accuracy. The system calculates conformity between measured distances and map representation, eliminating the need for trained human inspectors and significantly reducing verification time while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-verification by using its own laser range scanner to measure the environment and compare it against the stored map representation. This self-checking mechanism eliminates the need for external verification processes and enables rapid, automated quality assurance of the map data.
2Reliability
If manual inspection methods are used to verify environmental representations, then verification thoroughness is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual verification procedures with a automated computational algorithm that processes laser range data. The system automatically calculates conformity between measured distances and map representation, reducing operational complexity while ensuring reliable map quality through objective, repeatable measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the laser range scanner continuously measures the environment and compares it against the map representation. The conformity calculation provides immediate feedback on map accuracy, enabling automatic detection and correction of representation errors without complex manual procedures.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If extensive manual verification is performed to ensure navigation safety, then machine safety is improved, but productivity decreases due to time loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual safety verification with an automated laser-based measurement system that rapidly assesses map accuracy. This substitution enables frequent, rapid verification of environmental representations, ensuring machine safety while minimizing impact on operational productivity through fast, automated conformity calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary verification of map accuracy before autonomous navigation begins. By pre-validating the environmental representation using laser range data and conformity calculations, the system ensures safety conditions are met before operation, preventing potential damage while enabling continuous, efficient productivity during actual mining operations.
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 enables quick and reliable verification of map accuracy, reducing the risk of machine misoperation and damage, as it determines the reliability of environmental representations without requiring extensive training or manual inspection, ensuring accurate navigation during autonomous operations.
Implementation Method 1
laser range scanners
Implementation Method 2
measuring the distance in a number of different directions to objects which stop the path of the light beam
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns a method for determining a conformity between a representation of an environment and said environment, wherein said representation of the environment constitutes a representation in at least two dimensions, where a distance between two points in the representation has a known relation to the corresponding distance in said environment, characterised in that said determination involves the step of determining a first set of parameter values for a first position in said representation of the environment, comparing said first determined set of expected parameter values with a second set of parameter values, where said second set of parameter values has been determined for a second position, where said second position constitutes a position in said environment that essentially corresponds to said first position, and using said comparison to determine a measure of conformity between said environment and said representation of the environment. The invention also concerns an arrangement and the mining and/or construction machine.