Automated Terrain Model Update System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current terrain surveying systems are manually operated, resulting in excessive collection of extraneous data and limited timeliness due to the surveyor's ability to access and scan specific regions, leading to inefficient data gathering and outdated terrain models.
Innovation Solution
An automated method and system that assesses the quality and age of survey data to determine if updates are needed, using sensors to scan and update terrain models without operator intervention, employing fixed and mobile sensors on autonomous or non-autonomous platforms to collect real-time data based on mining activities and terrain changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual surveying is used to collect terrain data, then the terrain model can be updated, but a large volume of extraneous data is collected and the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of survey data characteristics (age, quality, sparsity) before deciding whether to scan a region. This preliminary evaluation prevents unnecessary scanning operations and reduces time loss while ensuring terrain models are updated only when necessary
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors terrain model characteristics and uses this feedback to determine when and where scanning is needed. The automated assessment creates a feedback loop that optimizes data collection timing and location, reducing extraneous data collection while maintaining model accuracy
2Measurement precision
If manual surveying is used to access and scan specific regions, then terrain data can be collected, but the timeliness is limited by the surveyor's ability to reach the area
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-assessment of its own terrain model data characteristics and automatically determines when and where scanning is required. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual surveyor intervention, improving both data quality through consistent automated assessment and productivity through immediate response to scanning needs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual surveyor movement and operation with an automated electronic system that can instantly assess data needs and deploy scanning operations. This substitution eliminates the time constraint imposed by human physical limitations while maintaining or improving data collection quality
3Productivity
If automated assessment of survey data characteristics is implemented, then the need for manual data collection is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated assessment system is segmented into distinct functional modules: data characteristic assessment, scanning decision-making, and scanning execution. This segmentation manages system complexity by organizing functions into manageable, independent components while maintaining high surveying efficiency through their coordinated operation
4Loss of time
If fixed point sensors are used to scan regions automatically, then real-time terrain updates are achieved, but the cost and complexity of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements sensors with local quality by deploying fixed point sensors only at specific strategic locations where terrain changes are most likely to occur or where they provide maximum monitoring value. This localized deployment achieves real-time terrain model currency while minimizing the overall number of sensors and system complexity
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 provides timely and accurate terrain updates, reducing the need for manual data collection and dedicated personnel, ensuring the terrain model remains current and efficient for autonomous mining operations.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor pack comprising a laser to measure a distance to the terrain
Data Source
AI summary
A surveying system 10 includes a data storage system 12 containing survey data defining a terrain model 14 of a region 16. A processor module 18 is configured to interrogate the data storage system 12 automatically to assess characteristics of the survey data to determine whether or not the survey data require updating and to provide instructions automatically to scanning equipment 26, 28 to scan the region 16 to provide updated survey data to the processor module 18 to enable the processor module 18 to update the terrain model 14.