Load position display indicator for an excavation system

A method for indicating a real time position located on a hauler for placement of a payload from a loader, the method comprising:

• receiving at a portable, stand-alone computing device on the loader a geographical location and orientation of the loader from a first location device associated with the loader;
• receiving at the stand-alone computing device on the loader a geographical location and orientation of the hauler from at least one of a second location device associated with the hauler and an electronic control unit (ECU) mounted onboard the hauler;
• receiving at the stand-alone computing device a signal indicative of a real time position of an actual center of gravity of a payload carried by the hauler;
• determining, with a processor of the stand-alone computing device, a real time position and orientation of the loader relative to the hauler;
• determining, with a processor of the stand-alone computing device, a target location of the center of gravity of the payload carried by the hauler;
• calculating, with a processor of the stand-alone computing device, a new loading position for a payload to be deposited by the loader onto the hauler based on a difference between the real time position of the actual center of gravity of the payload carried by the hauler and the target location of the center of gravity;
• and
• displaying on a display of the stand-alone computing device at least one of the new loading position for a payload, the target location of the center of gravity of the payload, and the real time position of the actual center of gravity of the payload on an image representative of the hauler as seen from a perspective of an operator on the loader.

A portable, stand-alone computing device for use on a loader to determine and indicate a loading position on a hauler for a payload to be deposited by the loader onto the hauler, the stand-alone computing device including:

• a display;
• a wireless communication interface configured for peer-to-peer direct communication with an electronic control unit (ECU) mounted onboard the hauler;
• and
• at least one controller in communication with a first location device associated with the loader, a second location device associated with the hauler, the ECU, the wireless communication interface, and the display, the at least one controller being configured to:
• receive a first signal from at least one of the second location device and the ECU indicative of a location and orientation of the hauler;
• receive a second signal from the first location device indicative of a location and orientation of the loader;
• receive a third signal indicative of a real time position of an actual center of gravity of a payload carried by the hauler;
• determine a real time position and orientation of the loader relative to the hauler;
• determine a target location for the center of gravity of the payload carried by the hauler;
• calculate a new loading position for a payload to be deposited by the loader onto the hauler based on a difference between the real time position of the actual center of gravity of the payload and the target location of the center of gravity;
• and
• display at least one of the new loading position for a payload, the target location for the center of gravity of the payload, and the real time position of the actual center of gravity of the payload on an image representative of the hauler as seen from a perspective of an operator on the loader.