Dynamic Terrain Model Error Mapping for Mine Worksites
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Solution Overview
Problem
Generating and maintaining an accurate and up-to-date terrain model for large and dynamically changing worksites, such as open-cut mine sites, is challenging due to the vast area and frequent changes caused by operations like blasting and excavating.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize multiple sources of sensor data from various machines to determine and map the terrain positions and errors, incorporating weighting functions to predict current positions and generate a terrain model that includes both measured and predicted data points, along with error mapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensor sources are integrated to improve terrain model accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor sources (GPS, IMU, barometer, camera systems, LIDAR) into a unified terrain model generation system. The processing system integrates data from these diverse sources using sensor fusion algorithms to produce a single coherent terrain model with associated error metrics, resolving the contradiction by merging multiple complex components into a coordinated system that delivers improved accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a processing system that acts as an intermediary between multiple sensor sources and the terrain model output. This intermediary component receives raw data from various sensors, processes and fuses the information, and generates the final terrain model with error mapping, thereby managing the complexity through a dedicated intermediate processing layer.
2Reliability
If real-time terrain updates are implemented for dynamically changing worksites, then terrain model reliability improves, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic terrain model updates by receiving sensor data at regular intervals and generating updated terrain models accordingly. The system performs terrain model generation at scheduled update cycles, balancing the need for reliable current terrain information with the time required for processing, thus resolving the contradiction through periodic rather than continuous updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary processing of sensor data as it is received, pre-processing measurements and maintaining a ready-to-use data structure that can be quickly converted into updated terrain models. This preliminary action reduces the processing time required for real-time updates while maintaining reliability.
3Measurement precision
If error mapping is included in the terrain model, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified error model that mirrors the terrain model structure. Instead of implementing complex error analysis, the system generates a corresponding error surface that maps uncertainty values across the terrain model grid, providing precise error quantification through a structurally simple copy of the terrain data format.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent represents error information as a separate parameter layer that can be independently adjusted and processed. By changing the representation of error from a complex multi-dimensional analysis to a scalar parameter field that parallels the terrain model, the system achieves precise error mapping without proportionally increasing model complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a method of determining a terrain of a mine worksite. The method may include determining positions of a surface of the worksite from measurements relating to the worksite's terrain. The method may also include determining errors corresponding to the determined positions. The method may also include generating a terrain model that maps the positions and the errors corresponding the positions.