Automated Volume Estimation of Haul-Truck Loads

This paper describes technology (hardware and software) that has been developed to estimate the volume of material contained within the tray of various haul trucks. Such information is critical to truck utilization and thus can provide information that could lead to significant gains in productivity. The system consists of a field computer and two proximity lasers. The lasers are placed high above the roadway to enable them to scan each truck as it passes underneath. It is now technically feasible to develop a system that can operate on-line, where the volume can be transmitted to the truck, or to mine management, as it is being scanned. Such immediate feedback provides important data to the optimization of automated dispatching systems.