Information Database & Server
In each quarry there are basically two Server programs running on two separate Machines. Apart from them there are Client Applications which can run on any number of machines .One Server called On-line-Server takes care of online data coming from field devices. One Serial port of this Server is connected directly to Radio network from where it receives data and other Serial port is connected to the DGPS for error correction of the Data coming from field. Other Server is called Off-line or Historical Server. This Server takes care of the Clients which are connected over network and also for storing online data coming from On-line Server in database The Clients are applications which shows the Data to end user in various easily perceptible forms.(refer Fig.5).This system is built on 3-Tier architecture.
3-Tier Architecture
3-Tier architecture consists of the following components.
a)
Data Base :-
Data base is where all the data coming from the On-line Server and also manually entered data by Clients is stored. In present case SQL Server 2000 is used as data base. Each Quarry is having its own database. However for generating composite reports both databases are accessed.
b)
Off-Line or Historical Server.:-
Off-line server is the program, which interfaces database with clients. So all queries from Clients are directed to Database through off-line Server. Thus database is not directly accessible to Client. This secures database from unwanted alterations.
c)
Client Application:-
This is the application, which is distributed to all the Clients. This application consists of GUI, Reporting Module, Online monitoring Module, System Configuration Module and Manual Data Entry Module. GUI is the Map of the mine on which positions (Longitudes, Latitudes) as well different parameters of different on-line monitored HEMM's are shown and updated as per actual movement of the HEMM's. Reporting Module is used for generating different reports regarding performance of equipments. The system provides wizard as well SQL editor for making Report templates, which can be run at any time by entering criteria like date etc.
On-line Monitoring module is functionally similar to GUI except it does not show pictorial representation of the HEMM's. In this module on-line data coming from field devices is represented in tabular form. System Configuration module takes care of various configurations as per the functionality required. This module is used only by System Engineers and all other users are not given access to this module. Data Entry Module is for entering data for non-monitored HEMM's. So database contains information for all the HEMM's. As a result reports coming out of system contain complete information of all the Mine Machines.
Network Architecture
Although both On-line and Off-line Server Application can be on one machine (PC), but that makes system slow and also slow response to On-line Monitored HEMM's whose speed is crucial. So for optimum performance of the hardware and software ,system (refer Fig. 6) contains two server, Off-line Server (Hardware ) and On-line Server (Hardware). Since On-line server gets information from field devices, so to ensure that data is not lost and response to On-line Monitored HEMM's is sufficiently fast , this machine(PC) is generally of good configuration (RAM and Processor). Database also lies on this machine. The off-line server handles Clients, so that the client querries can be answered, without becoming slow. The Off-line server has high RAM. Any Client Machine on the network can run the Client application interfaces, TDS Online Console, TDS manual entry of data for non-monitored equipment and the TDS free format reporting system. Hence, the system maintains data integrity, while simultaneously permitting a wide range of user interactions and
querries.
Expected Benefits
The implementation of the TDS spans multiple areas. These include TDS field hardware and operator software. The following tangible and / or intangible benefits are expected to accrued in the following different areas:
TDS field hardware and operator interfaces
All digital inputs of the TDS hardware capture key information like Engine Run Hours, Idle Hours, Over Temperature and Over Pressure, which will assist maintenance. Operators are provided with an easy to use interface. While the base system is in English, a limited number of stoppage and breakdown reasons are implemented as raster images [bitmaps], to assist the operators in the correct selection. Also Operators are provided with audio visual feedback with regard to messages from the base, loss of communication with the base, and GPS unavailability.
TDS Online Console
All mobile (RD&EX) equipment are viewed on a site map. All the RDs associated with a particular EX can arranged with the same color. The Key Performance Indicators (KPI) for the equipment can be viewed within a tabular list.
TDS Manual Data Entry system
The data for non-monitored equipment can be entered manually. To be able to record The fuel usage for equipment [vide the fuel truck], can be recorded manually. A limited data from the appropriate prep plant can be entered for use within the MIS system.
TDS Free Format Reporting System
An integrated data warehouse for all production equipment is provided within the mines. With this, suitable reports for each of the quarries is being generated. A single daily report on data collected by TDS across the two quarries can be provided (through wireless LAN).
Moreover some additional benefits are as follows:
- On-line Monitoring of Equipment
- Improvement in Production with pay back period less than one year
- Reduction in Operational and Maintenance Delays.
- USER FRIENDLY & Flexible Reporting System
- Ease of Re-deployment of resources during breakdowns
Conclusion
The GPS Based Truck Dispatch System implemented at West Bokaro Collieries is the first of its kind in India and has been a great success in achieving its objectives.
Further Scope
- Implementation of Engine Monitoring System (EMS) and Payload Monitoring System (PMS) and their integration with TDS
- Remote Monitoring of TDS through WLAN / VSAT Link / Internet.
- Implementation of Optimization algorithm for resource utilization and facility of Automatic Dispatching
- Integration with Washery Plant for monitoring of Clean Coal Production.
References
- A Comprehensive Guide to Land Navigation with GPS by J. Hotchkiss, 3rd edition.
- MineSuite Field Hardware Technical Documentation, M/S Advanced Systems Integration Pty. Ltd., Australia, March '2001.
- Spread Spectrum CDMA Systems for Wireless Communication by Savo Glisic & Branka Vucetic, 1997, Artech House Inc., Norwood, MA 02062