Importance

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Abstract

A method, apparatus, media and signals for generating a computer representation of a three-dimensional swept envelope of a vehicle having a wheeled chassis operable to support a vehicle body for movement along a terrain is disclosed. The method involves receiving terrain data representing a 3D terrain, receiving data defining parameters of the vehicle, and receiving data defining a path for movement of the vehicle from an initial position on the terrain to a displaced position on the terrain. The method also involves disposing a computer representation of the vehicle on the 3D representation of the terrain at successive locations along the path using the parameters. Disposing involves determining points of engagement between wheels of the wheeled chassis and the 3D representation of the terrain to dispose the chassis with respect to the terrain, and determining a corresponding 3D location of the vehicle body with respect to the terrain. The method further involves generating a plurality of spatial extents of the vehicle at the successive locations, the spatial extents defining the 3D swept envelope of the vehicle when moving between the initial position and the displaced position. In another aspect a method for generating a computer representation of a three-dimensional swept envelope of an object moving along a guideway disposed with respect to a 3D representation of a terrain is disclosed.

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First Claim