Autonomous-dispatch system linked to mine development plan

摘要

An autonomous dispatch system links positioning-system units mounted on mining and haulage equipment to a computerized mine development plan for ascertaining the origin of mined material and directing its disposition according to a predetermined downstream-processing plan. A destination signal is automatically communicated to the haulage vehicle, which is then autonomously guided to the correct destination and tracked until the load is released after arrival. If the haulage vehicle is manually operated, the destination signal and the vehicle's progress toward it are preferably also displayed on a monitor for the operator's information and use. The system may further include hardware for blocking the release of a load from the haulage vehicle until and unless the vehicle has reached the prescribed destination.