3D Assisted driving system for haul trucks in surface mining

Abstract

Surface mining transportation accidents mostly because of haul trucks blind spots, driver fatigue and severe visibility conditions. 3D Assisted driving system for haul trucks in surface mining was based on the 3D real-time Google Earth (GE) graphics, GPS, a wireless communication network, a truck driver fatigue detection system, and an enhanced visibility display to restore degraded images when operating under severe visibility conditions. This research results indicate that it increases the reliability and reduces uncertainty in surface mining operations by detecting the driver fatigue, customizing the local 3D digital mining map, constructing the truck 3D models, tracking vehicles, warning proximity dangers and improving haul trucks drivers' visual distance. Development of such 3D assisted driving system has a potential to be applied in coal, metal and non-metal surface mining operations.