Mining Vehicle Operating Area Reservation in Isolated Work Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
In isolated working areas with autonomous or partially autonomous mining vehicles, there is a risk of unintentional damage due to the inability to safely integrate manually operated mining vehicles, necessitating restricted access to prevent accidents and disruptions.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that determine and reserve an operating area within the isolated working area for manually operated mining vehicles, imposing access restrictions and providing access permissions to ensure safe entry and operation while maintaining autonomous operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manually operated mining vehicles are allowed to enter the isolated working area, then operational flexibility and productivity are improved, but safety risks and potential damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The isolated working area is segmented into multiple zones (first working area for autonomous vehicles, second working area for manual vehicles, and transition area). This spatial segmentation allows both autonomous and manual vehicles to operate simultaneously in different zones, improving productivity while maintaining safety through controlled access boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
A transition area acts as an intermediary zone between the autonomous vehicle working area and the manual vehicle working area. This intermediary space enables safe entry and exit of manual vehicles without direct interference with autonomous operations, resolving the safety risk while preserving operational flexibility.
2Reliability
If access to the isolated working area is restricted to prevent damage, then safety is improved, but operational efficiency and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The access control system dynamically adjusts permissions based on real-time conditions. Manual vehicles can obtain temporary access permissions to enter specific zones when needed, rather than maintaining static restricted access. This dynamic approach ensures safety through controlled entry while preserving operational efficiency by allowing necessary vehicle movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes predefined working areas and access rules in advance. By pre-defining where manual and autonomous vehicles can operate and setting up transition areas beforehand, the system enables smooth operations without ad-hoc access decisions, maintaining both safety and efficiency.
3Reliability
If the entire isolated working area is reserved for autonomous vehicles, then safety and autonomous operation integrity are improved, but adaptability and flexibility for manual intervention worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The working area is divided into distinct zones: a first working area dedicated to autonomous vehicles, a second working area for manual vehicles, and a transition area connecting them. This segmentation preserves autonomous operation integrity in the first area while providing flexibility for manual intervention in the second area, with the transition area enabling controlled movement between zones.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the working area have different access qualities and restrictions. The first working area maintains strict autonomous operation controls, while the second working area allows manual vehicle access, and the transition area provides controlled connectivity. This local differentiation achieves both autonomous integrity and manual flexibility where needed.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
Disclosed is an apparatus, method and computer program product for monitoring an isolated working area, wherein one or more autonomous work machines are located within the isolated operating area, the method comprising receiving an indication, wherein the indication indicates that a mining vehicle that is at least partly operated manually, is to enter the isolated working area, determining, based at least partly on the indication, an operating area, for the mining vehicle, wherein the operating area is located within the isolated working area, and the operating area comprises at least one of a route area or a work area associated with the mining vehicle, reserving the operating area for the mining vehicle, wherein reserving comprises imposing access restrictions to the operating area, and indicating, to the mining vehicle, an access permission to the operating area.