Worksite Marker Mapping for Perception-Based Mobile Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for navigation and coordination of mobile machines at worksites, particularly in mining and construction, face challenges in efficiently managing the dynamic and evolving nature of large-scale worksites, especially in terms of autonomous navigation and marker-based localization, which can be hindered by environmental changes and marker visibility issues.
Innovation Solution
A worksite server and method that generates a computer-readable worksite map using survey and development data, assigns marker positions based on topography and usability, and integrates perception-based localization and navigation systems to enhance the navigation of mobile machines, including the use of LIDAR, smart cameras, and GNSS for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical markers are placed throughout the worksite to enable perception-based navigation, then navigation accuracy is improved, but the complexity of managing and updating marker positions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the physical worksite environment by generating a three-dimensional model from laser scanner data and satellite imagery. This virtual representation allows the system to track and manage marker positions electronically without physically relocating actual markers, thereby maintaining navigation accuracy while reducing physical marker management complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual physical marker placement and tracking with an automated electronic system. The worksite server automatically processes sensor data, generates three-dimensional models, and updates marker positions in the digital model without human intervention, substituting mechanical marker management with automated computational processes
2Adaptability or versatility
If the worksite map is dynamically updated to reflect changing conditions, then adaptability to environmental changes is improved, but the computational processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing by pre-processing laser scanner data and satellite imagery to create an initial three-dimensional model before the mobile machine begins navigation. This pre-computed model serves as a foundation that reduces real-time computational requirements while still allowing dynamic updates when environmental changes occur
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the worksite into multiple three-dimensional models that can be independently processed and updated. This allows the system to update only the relevant portions of the model in response to environmental changes rather than reprocessing the entire worksite, thereby maintaining adaptability while reducing overall computational processing requirements
3Reliability
If multiple sensor types are integrated for perception-based localization, then navigation reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensor types including laser scanners, satellite imagers, and GNSS receivers into a unified navigation system. The worksite server integrates data from all these sensors to create a comprehensive three-dimensional model, combining their strengths to improve navigation reliability while managing complexity through centralized processing
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
Enables efficient and adaptive navigation of mobile machines by dynamically updating the worksite map and marker positions, improving the accuracy and reliability of autonomous operations in complex and changing environments.
Implementation Method 1
The mobile machines may each be configured with perception sensors for determining geographic positions of objects about a worksite such as a mine
Implementation Method 2
the mobile machines may be configured with a perception based locating and navigation system that utilizes machine vision and object detection technologies
Implementation Method 3
the mobile machines may be configured with a perception based locating and navigation system that utilizes machine vision and object detection technologies
Data Source
AI summary
A map generation application and method generates a computer-readable worksite map for managing navigation and travel for a plurality of mobile machines equipped with perception-based localization and navigation systems at a worksite. Survey data and development data associated with the worksite are obtained and used to prepare an unmarked worksite development map including one or more travel/activity areas. Marker positioning factors are obtained and are associated with the one or more travel/activity areas. The application determines assigned marker positions based on the marker positioning factors for the placement of physical markers about the worksite.