Spring 2011
Our team is developing a terrain visualization and deformation prototype for construction equipment manufacturer Caterpillar. Caterpillar is currently developing remote and autonomous control systems to allow for the safe operation of heavy equipment in hazardous environments such as power plants and mine sites. Our project is a 3D visualization to assist remote operators and increase their situational awareness through realistic models of their equipment and the terrain. To accomplish this task, our team will develop a terrain simulation system that will utilize data streams coming from the remote equipment to update the surface information. This simulation will resemble the real terrain where the machinery operates with high level of detail. We will also add extra visualization data obtained by the built-in sensors, so the operators can accomplish their usual tasks in the safest way with technology as a helper instead of an obstacle.