Virtual Tracking Features for Accurate Terrain Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing terrain mapping systems are inefficient and inaccurate as they rely solely on machine parameters, leading to incomplete and inaccurate elevation and contour information, mapping only areas directly beneath the machine.
Innovation Solution
A terrain mapping system that uses sensors and controllers to generate virtual tracking features based on the machine's position and geometry, tracking the movement of these features to update an electronic terrain map, allowing for more comprehensive and accurate mapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If terrain mapping is based solely on machine parameters, then the mapping process is simple, but the accuracy of elevation and contour information deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the terrain mapping process by dividing it into multiple data sources: machine parameters, sensor measurements, and virtual tracking feature data. Each segment contributes specific information that, when combined, produces accurate elevation and contour maps without requiring excessive complexity in any single component.
Solution Approach 2:
Virtual tracking features serve as intermediaries between the machine's physical movement and the terrain map generation. These virtual features track the machine's path and interact with the terrain model to infer elevation and contour information, mediating between simple machine parameters and accurate terrain representation.
2Ease of operation
If terrain mapping covers only areas directly beneath the machine, then the data collection process is straightforward, but the completeness of the terrain map deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from two-dimensional direct-beneath-mapping to three-dimensional terrain reconstruction. By incorporating virtual tracking features that extend beyond the machine's immediate position and using sensor data from multiple angles, the system reconstructs terrain in three dimensions, capturing complete terrain information rather than just areas directly beneath the machine.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by projecting virtual tracking features ahead of and beyond the machine's current position. These virtual features pre-map areas that the machine has not yet physically traversed, allowing the terrain map to include complete information about the entire worksite rather than only areas directly beneath the machine at any given moment.
3Loss of information
If virtual tracking features are used to divide the area between traction device and work surface, then the terrain map completeness improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates virtual copies or representations of the machine's tracking features in the digital terrain model. These virtual tracking features are computational constructs that mirror the physical machine's movement and interaction with terrain, allowing complete terrain mapping without adding physical sensors or hardware complexity to the actual machine.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces potential mechanical or physical measurement systems with computational virtual tracking features. Instead of installing additional physical sensors throughout the worksite, the system uses mathematical models and computational algorithms to create virtual tracking features that infer terrain information, substituting mechanical complexity with computational processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A terrain mapping system is disclosed for a machine having at least one traction device. The system may have a sensor associated with the machine and configured to generate a signal indicative of a position of the machine. The system may also have at least one controller in communication with the sensor. The at least one controller may be configured to receive the signal from the sensor, and divide an area between the at least one traction device and a work surface into a plurality of virtual tracking features based on the signal and known geometry of the machine. The at least one controller may also be configured to track movement of the plurality of virtual tracking features, and update an electronic terrain map of a worksite based on the movement of the plurality of virtual tracking features.