System and Method for Estimating Material Characteristics

A controller implemented method for determining material characteristics of a material of a work surface, comprising:

• storing a first estimate of the material characteristics;
• utilizing a planning system to determine an expected profile extending along a path, the expected profile based at least in part upon the first estimate of the material characteristics;
• moving a machine along the work surface with a work implement to modify the work surface;
• receiving a plurality of position signals from a position sensor associated with the machine as the machine moves along the work surface, the position signals being indicative of a position of the work surface;
• determining an actual profile of the work surface based upon the position signals;
• comparing the expected profile to the actual profile;
• and
• determining a second estimate of the material characteristics based at least in part upon the difference between the expected profile and the actual profile.

A machine comprising:

• a prime mover;
• a ground engaging work implement for engaging a work surface;
• a position sensor for generating position signals indicative of a position of the work surface;
• and
• a controller configured to:
• store a first estimate of material characteristics of a material of the work surface;
• utilize a planning system to determine an expected profile extending along a path, the expected profile based at least in part upon the first estimate of the material characteristics;
• receive a plurality of position signals from the position sensor as the machine moves along the work surface and a work implement of the machine moves a volume of material along the path;
• determine an actual profile of the work surface based upon the position signals;
• compare the expected profile to the actual profile;
• and
• determine a second estimate of the material characteristics based at least in part upon the difference between the expected profile and the actual profile.