3D Terrain Mapping via Autonomous Machine GCP Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D terrain mapping methods using photogrammetry require manual setup and frequent collection of ground control points (GCPs), which is time-consuming, expensive, and potentially dangerous due to geographic alterations at work sites like mine sites, landfills, and construction sites.
Innovation Solution
A 3D terrain mapping system that includes an aerial system with cameras capturing images, machines with GCPs that record their global locations, and a mapping unit that constructs a preliminary map, detects GCPs, determines their locations, and calibrates the map, eliminating the need for frequent manual setup and collection of GCPs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual setup and collection of GCPs is performed frequently, then mapping accuracy is maintained, but time consumption and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-service by having machines equipped with GCPs autonomously record their own global locations via GPS, eliminating the need for manual surveyors to physically visit and measure each GCP location. The machines themselves serve as both the survey equipment and the marked points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement systems with automated electronic systems. GPS receivers on machines automatically capture location data, and the mapping unit electronically processes this data to generate and update 3D terrain maps without requiring manual intervention in the field.
2Measurement precision
If manual setup of GCPs is performed, then mapping accuracy is improved, but operational complexity and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
Machines performing work in the area automatically serve as the GCP carriers, recording their own locations through integrated GPS systems. This eliminates the need for separate manual survey operations and reduces operational complexity by combining multiple functions into single autonomous units.
3Measurement precision
If frequent manual collection of GCP coordinates is performed, then mapping accuracy is maintained, but labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The work machines themselves perform the survey function by equipping themselves with GPS receivers to automatically record locations. This eliminates the need for separate labor forces dedicated to manual surveying, thereby reducing labor costs while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the work machines multi-functional by enabling them to simultaneously perform their primary work tasks and serve as mobile survey instruments for mapping. This universalization eliminates the need for separate surveying personnel and equipment.
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 generates accurate 3D terrain maps without the need for frequent manual setup of GCPs, reducing time and labor costs while maintaining high accuracy, and allows for continuous tracking of GCP locations using GPS on machines.
Implementation Method 1
an aerial system including at least one camera configured to capture a plurality of aerial images of an area
Implementation Method 2
Each one of the plurality of machines has a ground control point (GCP) disposed thereon, and is configured to periodically record a global location of the GCP
Implementation Method 3
Photogrammetry is a technique for generating 3D terrain maps. Generally, photogrammetry generates a 3D terrain map of an area being surveyed by combining a plurality of overlapping aerial images of the area
Data Source
AI summary
A terrain mapping system includes an aerial system including at least one camera configured to capture a plurality of aerial images of an area and transmit the plurality of aerial images to an image database, a plurality of machines each having a ground control point (GCP) disposed thereon, and each being configured to periodically record a global location of the GCP in a location history database, and a mapping unit configured to construct a preliminary three-dimensional (3D) terrain map based on the plurality of aerial images, detect at least one GCP within at least one aerial image, determine an estimated global location and an accurate global location of the at least one GCP, and calibrate the preliminary 3D terrain map based on the estimated global location and the accurate global location of the at least one GCP.