Virtual track model for a mining machine
AssigneeJoy Global Surface Mining Inc
InventorsWesley P. Taylor, Megan M. Scheppa
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Embodiments described herein provide systems and methods for generating a three-dimensional virtual track model. This track model may be used, for example, in collision prevention and mitigation systems and methods, such as those described herein, and in other collision prevention and mitigation systems and other mining systems using virtual track models. In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein provide a simplified modeling process that enables quick, accurate modeling of tracks of a mining machine that can account for custom tracks that vary in size depending on the particular mining machine.
Claims36
A method for modelling tracks of a mining machine that includes a dipper, the method comprising:
- moving, by an electronic processor, the dipper to a first position associated with the tracks;
- determining, by the electronic processor, a first data point associated with the first position;
- moving, by the electronic processor, the dipper to a second position associated with the tracks;
- determining, by the electronic processor, a second data point associated with the second position;
- and
- generating, by the electronic processor, a virtual model of the tracks by extrapolating virtual boundaries of the tracks from the first data point and the second data point.
A mining machine with a virtual track modeling system, the mining machine comprising:
- a frame;
- tracks supporting the frame and configured to be driven to move the frame over a ground surface;
- a dipper supported by the frame;
- a dipper drive coupled to the dipper and configured to move the dipper in a dipper motion selected from the group of a swing motion, a crowd motion, and a hoist motion;
- a dipper position sensor configured to determine a position of the dipper relative to a three dimensional mining machine coordinate system;
- and
- an electronic controller including an electronic processor and a memory, the electronic controller coupled to the dipper drive and the dipper position sensor, the electronic controller configured to:
- move the dipper to a first position associated with the tracks;
- determine a first data point associated with the first position;
- move the dipper to a second position associated with the tracks;
- determine a second data point associated with the second position;
- and
- generate a virtual model of the tracks by extrapolating virtual boundaries of the tracks from the first data point and the second data point.
A virtual track modeling control system for a mining machine having a frame, tracks supporting the frame and configured to be driven to move the frame over a ground surface, a dipper supported by the frame, a dipper drive coupled to the dipper and configured to move the dipper in a dipper motion selected from the group of a swing motion, a crowd motion, and a hoist motion, a dipper position sensor configured to determine a position of the dipper, the control system comprising:
- an electronic controller including an electronic processor and a memory, the electronic controller coupled to the dipper drive and the dipper position sensor, the electronic controller configured to:
- move the dipper to a first position associated with the tracks;
- determine a first data point associated with the first position;
- move the dipper to a second position associated with the tracks;
- determine a second data point associated with the second position;
- and
- generate a virtual model of the tracks by extrapolating virtual boundaries of the tracks from the first data point and the second data point.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.