Terrain-Adjusted Field Mapping for Accurate Machine Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated guidance systems for agricultural and heavy-equipment machinery in uneven or sloped terrain rely on two-dimensional maps, which lead to inaccuracies and inefficiencies due to the failure to account for height and slope variations, and three-dimensional maps often require excessive data, causing processing inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising autonomously-operated mobile machines equipped with sensors to traverse fields, collect data, and generate terrain-adjusted two-dimensional maps by analyzing deviations from expected values, allowing for the identification of anomalous areas and adjustment of paths to compensate for terrain irregularities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If two-dimensional maps are used for guidance in uneven terrain, then the map structure remains simple and easy to process, but the guidance accuracy deteriorates due to failure to account for height and slope variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by incorporating elevation data (Z-coordinate) into the traditional two-dimensional map structure, creating a three-dimensional terrain model. This allows the guidance system to account for height and slope variations while maintaining a structured map format that can be processed efficiently. The terrain model includes digital elevation data that represents the actual three-dimensional surface of the field.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating terrain-specific adjustments to the map structure. Rather than uniformly complicating the entire map, the system selectively incorporates three-dimensional terrain data where needed - specifically in areas with significant elevation changes, slopes, or irregular terrain features. This allows the guidance system to maintain simplicity in flat areas while providing enhanced accuracy in complex terrain regions.
2Measurement precision
If three-dimensional maps with comprehensive data are used, then the guidance accuracy improves, but the data processing efficiency deteriorates due to excessive data requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies extraction by selectively removing unnecessary data points from the three-dimensional terrain model. The system identifies and extracts only the critical elevation data and terrain features that significantly impact guidance accuracy, discarding redundant information. This reduces the overall data volume while maintaining the essential three-dimensional terrain characteristics needed for accurate guidance in uneven terrain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by implementing a hybrid approach that uses three-dimensional terrain data selectively rather than comprehensively. The system processes full three-dimensional data in areas with complex terrain features while using simplified two-dimensional representations in flat, uniform areas. This partial application of three-dimensional modeling maintains guidance accuracy where needed while reducing overall data processing requirements.
3Measurement precision
If three-dimensional terrain data is collected comprehensively, then the terrain representation accuracy improves, but the data storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-processing and compressing terrain data during the mapping phase. The system collects three-dimensional terrain data and immediately processes it to create an optimized storage format that preserves essential terrain characteristics while reducing data volume. This includes generating terrain profiles, identifying key elevation points, and storing data in a compressed hierarchical structure that maintains accuracy while minimizing storage requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for generating land maps of a land area. The land maps can include two-dimensional and three-dimensional land maps. The land maps may be efficiently generated based on field data obtained by mobile machines configured to traverse the land area, with the mobile machines associated with one or more sensors. The land maps may be used to accurately and efficiently guide other mobile machines as such mobile machines traverse through or operate within the land area.