An automatic vehicle status, location, and allocation system for surface mines

One of the main problems presently facing the efficient operation of a surface mine is the fact that the real-time status and position of vehicles in the mine are not known to the dispatcher. Further, the positions of vehicles are not being related to the existing route networks within the mine area to enable effective vehicle allocation. An Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) system is recommended as a solution. The system is composed of hardware (computer, input-output devices, positioning devices, etc.) and software (database management, best-route selection, etc.). The positioning system proposed in this application is a combination of, dead reckoning devices, and GPS satellite receivers. The combination of these positioning devices is to yield real-time 3-D vehicle coordinates accurate to a few meters. These vehicle coordinates are then related to an electronic map of the area and to a 3-D Digital Terrain Model (DTM). Consequently the link is secured between the real-time vehicle location, topography, route networks, and the dispatcher, enabling effective real-time route selection and other allocation decisions. A digital route map is an integral part of the AVL system. This map appears on a CRT visible to the dispatcher, illustrating all route networks in the mine domain, all vehicles linked to the system, and “best route” selections.