AutoDESPATCH: GPS based Mine Production Monitoring System Rear Dumper Following is a description on the operation of the dumper. A) The host computer (also known as the base) sends an assignment to the dumper, typically to go to a particular excavator, is loaded, then take the material to a designated dumpsite or storage facility. The operator interface inside the cabin will alert the driver of the new assignment.  Fig.2. Dumper Proceeds to Excavator B) As the dumper moves towards the assigned excavator, the on-board GPS (Global Positioning System) will notify the base of the dumpers’ location in the mine.  Fig.3. Dumper Sends a GPS Update C) Once the dumper enters the vicinity of the excavator, slows down and comes to a complete stop, the system will log the dumper as waiting to be loaded by that particular excavator. A “Waiting” message will appear on the operator’s interface.  Fig.4. Dumper Waiting at the Excavator D) The dumper will remain in waiting until the excavator dumps the first pass onto the tray. This is detected by an increase in the dumper’s weight sensors (pressure struts). The dumper will now be logged as loading and the message “loading” will appear on the operator’s interface.  Fig.5. Dumper Loading at the Excavator E) Whilst loading the dumper, the excavator operator is shown the lower and upper payload weight tolerances of that particular dumper in both numeric and graphic representation. The Indicators show the ideal weight that the dumper should carry. This target between the tolerances ensures no under or overloading of materials occurs. If the dumper is either under or overloaded, the supervisor can be alerted accordingly. F) Once loaded, the dumper hauls the material to its assigned destination. To be registered as hauling full, the dumper must have increased its speed and left the beacon vicinity of the excavator. The operators interface will now display “Hauling Full”.  Fig.6. Dumper Hauling Material to Destination G) As the dumper moves along the haul road, it will register its current location with the system via the GPS.  Fig.7. Dumper Sends GPS Update on Haul Road H) When the dumper arrives at the final destination and the dump switch is activated, the system will acknowledge the dumper has dumped the material at its pre-assigned destination.  Fig.8. Dumper Dumps Load at Destination When the dumper leaves the dump destination, it will be logged as “Hauling Empty”. This will appear on the operator interface. The cycle is then repeated or a new assignment is issued from the base. I) If the dumper suffers a breakdown (e.g. Flat tyre), the operator presses DELAY on the interface and selects a reason for the delay from the selection list provided.  Fig.9. Dumper Goes into Delay Once selected, the base and supervisors are alerted of the problem and maintenance crews can be dispatched to rectify it immediately. Alternately, delays or other actions can be logged automatically without operator’s input. For example if a fuel level sensor is fitted to the dumper, the onboard electronics can monitor its signals. If the fuel level falls below an assigned value, the system will report the situation automatically, allowing for the immediate dispatch of a fuel/service car. |