Virtual Path Guidance Using 3D Mapping for Precise Trenching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-propelled work machines lack the capability to plan and follow a path on-site without pre-uploaded georeferenced maps, making it difficult to navigate and maintain accuracy in trenching operations.
Innovation Solution
A guidance system equipped with a camera and sensors that creates a 3D spatial map of the environment, allows for real-time planning of a virtual path, and compares the actual path of the work machine to the virtual path, enabling on-site path planning and navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pre-uploaded georeferenced maps are used for path planning, then navigation accuracy is improved, but adaptability to on-site conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing images and creating a 3D spatial map of the work area before path planning begins. This preliminary mapping enables the system to plan the virtual path based on actual on-site conditions rather than relying on pre-uploaded georeferenced maps, thus maintaining both navigation accuracy and adaptability to on-site conditions.
2Measurement precision
If complex 3D spatial mapping and real-time path comparison systems are implemented, then navigation precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual copy of the physical work environment through 3D spatial mapping using image data. This virtual map serves as a simplified representation that enables real-time path comparison and navigation without requiring complex physical measurement systems, thus achieving high path following precision while managing device complexity through virtual modeling.
3Adaptability or versatility
If on-site 3D spatial mapping is performed in real-time, then adaptability to terrain variations is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary 3D spatial mapping of the work area before path planning and execution. By capturing images and creating the spatial map in advance, the system reduces real-time processing requirements during actual path following, thus maintaining adaptability to terrain variations while minimizing processing time delays during critical operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A guidance system for remotely guiding a work machine along a virtual path. The system uses a vision system to capture image data representative of areas surrounding the work machine. The image data is used to produce a spatial map. Analysis of image data allows the work machine's then-current position to be represented on the spatial map. A virtual path extending from the work machine's position is next added to the spatial map. The virtual path may be generated in response to external input provided at the display showing an image of the spatial map. Using continuously-updated image data, the work machine is driven toward the virtual path. During operation, the actual path of the work machine is compared to the virtual path. If any deviation between the paths is detected, the trajectory of the work machine is automatically adjusted.