Dynamic Geographical Zone Control for Autonomous Mining Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automation systems in complex industrial environments, such as mining, are limited in their ability to integrate and manage autonomous operations across varying geographical regions, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns due to the lack of comprehensive control and boundary management.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method and system that defines localized zones with operation-defined geographical boundaries, integrates control modules, and allows for the variation of these boundaries over time, enabling more extensive automation and safer autonomous operations through a hierarchical system of automation modules and real-time control systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If autonomous operations are implemented in complex industrial environments like mining, then productivity and efficiency are improved, but system complexity and difficulty of control increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the mining operation into multiple localised zones with operation-defined geographical boundaries, each managed by separate control modules. This segmentation allows autonomous operations to be implemented in manageable sections rather than across the entire complex environment at once, reducing the perceived system complexity while maintaining overall productivity gains.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a geographical boundary dimension to organize autonomous operations. By defining zones in spatial terms with可变 boundaries, the system adds a territorial dimension to control architecture, allowing complex mining operations to be managed through spatial segmentation rather than purely functional hierarchy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple autonomous systems are integrated to perform diverse mining activities, then operational capability is improved, but control and coordination difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different mining operations (drilling, loading, haulage) are assigned to different localised zones with dedicated control modules. This segmentation allows diverse autonomous systems to operate independently within their zones while maintaining overall coordination through the hierarchical structure, enhancing operational versatility without proportionally increasing control complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control modules are designed with universal functionality to manage different types of autonomous equipment within their respective zones. Each control module can handle multiple operations (drilling, loading, transport) depending on the zone requirements, allowing the system to achieve diverse operational capability through standardized multi-functional control units rather than specialized controllers for each function.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed geographical boundaries are used for autonomous zones, then system stability is improved, but adaptability to changing operational requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic geographical boundaries for localised zones that can be varied over time based on operational requirements. The boundaries are not fixed but can be adjusted to accommodate changing mining conditions, equipment availability, and operational priorities, allowing the system to maintain structural stability while adapting to new requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changes in the parameters defining zone boundaries (geographical coordinates, spatial extent, temporal validity) to adapt to operational needs. By making boundary parameters variable rather than constant, the system maintains stable zone structures during normal operation while enabling flexibility when operational requirements change.
4Reliability
If comprehensive monitoring and control of autonomous operations is implemented, then safety is improved, but system complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Safety monitoring is segmented by localised zones rather than implemented as a single comprehensive system. Each control module monitors autonomous operations within its own zone boundaries, reducing the computational complexity of any single monitoring unit while maintaining overall safety through distributed surveillance of the entire operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are described for effecting autonomous operations within a defined geographical region (1110). A plurality of localized zones (1102, 1104, 1106, 1108) having operation-defined geographical boundaries are specified within the region. A plurality of control modules are established associated with respective ones of the localized zones and autonomous operations are effected under the supervisory control of the control module associated with the localized zone in which the autonomous operation occurs. The geographical disposition of the boundary of at least one of the localized zones is varied within the defined geographical region.