Path Determination Using Elevation Data Gradient Matrices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing techniques for determining paths in geographic areas, especially in regions without manmade roads, are inefficient and fail to effectively utilize terrain elevation data to identify traversable segments.

Innovation Solution

The method involves receiving terrain elevation data, calculating gradient matrices, determining traversable segments based on these gradients, and generating paths from those segments, allowing for the identification of suitable paths through an area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If existing path determination techniques are used in regions without manmade roads, then path determination can be performed, but the efficiency and accuracy are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepath determination efficiencyVSAvoidpath determination accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms elevation data into gradient matrices by calculating slope values in multiple directions (north, east, south, west). This parameter transformation enables the system to quantify terrain steepness and determine traversable segments based on gradient thresholds, significantly improving both the efficiency and accuracy of path determination in无人区

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the continuous terrain into discrete traversable segments based on gradient calculations. Each segment is evaluated individually against threshold criteria to determine if it is suitable for path construction, allowing systematic processing of large geographic areas while maintaining high accuracy in path selection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If elevation data is not utilized, then path determination is simpler, but the ability to handle various terrain conditions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterrain condition adaptabilityVSAvoidpath determination system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts elevation data into gradient matrices by calculating slope values in multiple directions (north, east, south, west). This parameter transformation enables the system to quantify terrain steepness and determine traversable segments based on gradient thresholds, significantly improving both the efficiency and accuracy of path determination in无人区

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds directional gradient calculations to the traditional elevation data processing. By computing gradients in multiple directions (not just single slope magnitude), the system gains additional dimensional information about terrain characteristics, enabling better adaptation to diverse terrain conditions while maintaining a structured computational approach

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS9127948B2Path determination using elevation data

Publication Date: 2015.09.08 RAYTHEON CO

AI summary

In certain embodiments, path determination includes receiving terrain elevation data comprising elevation values for locations of an area, where each elevation value indicates an elevation at a location. One or more gradient matrices are calculated from the elevation values. Each gradient matrix comprises gradient values corresponding to the locations. Traversable segments are determined from the gradient matrices, and a path is determined from the traversable segments.