Method and device for operating surface change machines relative to a work site

摘要

A method and apparatus for operating geography-altering machinery such as a track-type tractor, road grader, paver or the like relative to a work site to alter the geography of the site toward a desired condition. A first digital three-dimensional model of the desired site geography, and a second digital three-dimensional model of the actual site geography are stored in a digital data storage facility. The machine is equipped with a position receiver to determine in three-dimensional space the location of the machine relative to the site. A dynamic database receives the machine position information, determines the difference between the first and second site models and generates representational signals of that difference for directing the operation of the machine to bring the actual site geography into conformity with the desired site geography. In one embodiment, the signals representing the machine position and the difference between the first and second site models used to generate an operator display which is updated in real time. Alternately, the signals representing the difference between the first and second site models can be supplied to automatic machine controls for autonomous or semi-autonomous operation of the machine.