- Author
-
Sammarco, J. J.
- Title
- Field Evaluation of the Modular Azimuth and Positioning System (MAPS) for a Continuous Mining Machine.
- Coporate
- Bureau of Mines, Pittsburgh, PA
- Report
-
IC 9354,
1993,
17 p.
- Keywords
-
coal mines
|
machinery
|
data processing
- Identifiers
- automatic control; navigation
- Abstract
- This report details the testing and evaluation of a modular azimuth and positioning system (MAPS) to provide nagivational information for a continuous mining machine. Vehicle navigation is part of the U.S. Bureau of Mines research program in computer-assisted mining serving as a tool to increase mining health, safety and productivity. The Bureau is investigating other navigation systems, but MAPS seems to have the mos promise. MAPS was installed on a continuous mining machine. An operator used the machine to cut caol while researchers collected machine and MAPS data. A comparison of MAPS data for xy position and data obtained with an electronic transit showed an increasing error for MAPS. After 30 min of operation, the easting position error was 0.02 m, and the northing position error was 0.019 m; after 60 min of operation, the easting position error was -0.19 m, and the northing position error was -0.26 m. Modifications to MAPS software and to the operational procedure of the machine significantly reduced this error by a factor of 3.7. Researchers continue to reduce these errors.