Solving the Challenge of Inefficient Terrain Data Updating with Depth Estimation

Based on Patent Research | JP-2020125677-A (2020)

Accurate terrain data updates are essential for optimizing excavation operations at mining worksites. Traditional methods often prove slow and lack precision, hindering efficient planning. Depth estimation, a computer vision task that measures distances from images, offers a powerful solution. Utilizing multicopter image data, this technology rapidly creates or updates detailed terrain models. This improves excavation planning and enhances overall worksite efficiency.

SOLUTION OVERVIEW

Manual Shoveling to Automated Depth Mapping

For professionals in Mining and Quarrying, slow and imprecise terrain data has hindered efficient excavation planning. Depth Estimation, a computer vision task calculating distances from images, directly addresses these issues. It processes image data captured by multicopters flying over worksites. Specialized algorithms then analyze these aerial views to calculate the precise distance of every surface point. This rapidly generates or updates highly detailed three-dimensional terrain models, providing an accurate, up-to-date representation of ground conditions.

This automated approach reduces reliance on manual surveys, enabling continuous monitoring of terrain changes. The precise digital models integrate seamlessly into existing planning software, allowing engineers to make more informed decisions for blasting and material extraction. Imagine a surveyor generating a highly detailed contour map of a quarry face instantly, simply by flying a drone overhead. This replaces days of work with ground instruments. This capability significantly optimizes resource allocation, improves operational agility, and enhances overall worksite safety and efficiency in mining operations.

HOW IT WORKS

How Imagery Becomes Depth

Capturing Aerial Imagery

Multicopters fly autonomously over mining worksites, systematically capturing high-resolution aerial images from various angles. This process rapidly collects comprehensive visual data, providing an up-to-date record of the current terrain conditions across the entire operational area.

Analyzing Terrain Depth

Specialized computer vision algorithms then process these captured aerial images, meticulously analyzing visual patterns and discrepancies. These algorithms calculate the precise distance of every surface point, effectively performing the depth estimation task crucial for terrain analysis.

Generating Detailed Terrain Models

The calculated depth information is immediately used to construct or update highly detailed three-dimensional terrain models. These digital models provide an accurate, up-to-date representation of ground conditions, showing elevation changes and contours with high precision.

Optimizing Excavation Planning

These refined 3D terrain models integrate seamlessly into existing planning software used in mining operations. This empowers engineers to make more informed decisions for blasting, material extraction, and overall excavation strategies, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.

Potential Benefits

Accelerated Data Acquisition

Multicopter-based depth estimation rapidly generates detailed terrain models, dramatically reducing the time and labor traditionally required for manual surveys. This enables continuous, swift updates on ground conditions.

Enhanced Terrain Accuracy

Specialized algorithms analyze aerial images to calculate precise surface point distances, creating highly detailed three-dimensional terrain models. This ensures engineers have accurate, up-to-date information for critical planning.

Optimized Resource Allocation

Automating terrain data collection minimizes reliance on extensive manual surveying, significantly lowering labor costs and equipment expenses. This optimization allows mining operations to allocate resources more efficiently.

Smarter Planning Decisions

Integrating precise digital models into existing planning software provides engineers with superior insights for blasting and material extraction. This leads to more informed decisions, enhancing operational agility and safety.

Implementation

1 Configure Multicopter System. Set up and calibrate multicopters with high-resolution cameras for autonomous flights over mining worksites.

2 Collect Aerial Data. Execute automated flight missions to systematically capture comprehensive, high-resolution aerial imagery of the terrain.

3 Process Terrain Depth. Apply computer vision algorithms to analyze images, calculating precise depth for all surface points.

4 Generate 3D Terrain Models. Construct detailed three-dimensional terrain models from the processed depth data, showing accurate ground conditions.

5 Integrate with Planning. Import the updated 3D models into existing mining planning software to optimize excavation strategies.

Source: Analysis based on Patent JP-2020125677-A "Shovel and terrain data update method" (Filed: August 2020).