Ground Vehicle Route Planning Using UAV Terrain Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing route planning techniques for unfamiliar terrain require manual input and rely on outdated or inaccurate pre-existing maps, making them time-consuming and unreliable, especially in evolving terrains like contested or construction sites.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for route planning using frequent and accurate remote UAV data acquisition, employing terrain analysis and AI/ML to generate optimized routes tailored to fleet specifications and mission priorities, avoiding manual waypoint selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual route planning techniques are used with pre-existing maps, then route planning can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and the data is outdated and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary aerial surveys using UAVs to collect up-to-date terrain data before route planning is needed. This advance data collection eliminates the need for time-consuming manual updates and ensures accurate, current terrain information is available for rapid route planning when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical route planning methods with an automated computer-based system that processes aerial survey data using algorithms. This substitution eliminates time-consuming manual waypoint selection and route generation while maintaining or improving accuracy through systematic data analysis.
2Reliability
If pre-existing base maps and satellite data are used, then route planning can be performed, but the data is out of date and inaccurate for evolving terrains
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static pre-existing maps to dynamic aerial survey data that can be updated continuously. The UAV-based surveying capability allows the system to adapt to evolving terrains in real-time, maintaining reliability by always working with current terrain conditions rather than outdated satellite imagery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs its own terrain data collection through UAV aerial surveys rather than relying on external satellite data or pre-existing maps. This self-service approach ensures the data is current, accurate, and tailored to the specific operational area, improving both reliability and adaptability to changing conditions.
3Ease of operation
If manual waypoint selection and route generation are performed, then routes can be planned, but the process is man-power intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs route planning automatically using computer algorithms that process aerial survey data and generate optimal routes without human intervention. The computer automatically selects waypoints and generates routes based on terrain analysis, eliminating the need for manual waypoint selection and reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual human operations with automated computer-based route planning. The system uses algorithms to automatically process terrain data, evaluate multiple potential routes, and generate optimal paths, eliminating time-consuming and complex manual route generation processes.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method is provided for supporting one or more ground vehicles on a mission that includes traversal of a ground region. The method includes accessing geospatial data produced from an aerial survey of the ground region, and performing an analysis of the geospatial data to produce terrain data that describes the ground region. The terrain data is weighted based on constraints of the one or more ground vehicles, and an order of priority of criteria of the mission. A map is constructed in which the ground region is expressed as a geospatially-mapped array of the weighted terrain data, and the map is searched for a path that meets the criteria of the mission. The path is described by a series of waypoints that define a route across the ground region, and an indication of the route is output for the one or more ground vehicles to traverse during the mission.