An integrated information technology assisted driving system to improve mine trucks-related safety

This paper presents the conceptual model and framework of a novel information technology assisted driving system (ADS) to help improve mine trucks-related safety. The main components of the system include a real-time Google Earth (GE) graphics, GPS, a wireless communication network, a truck driver’s fatigue detection system, and an enhanced visibility display to restore degraded images when operating under severe visibility conditions. Mine trucks are traced and proximity warning is provided using GPS, IP addressable radios for wireless data transmission, and the GE graphic interface. Driver’s fatigue levels are detected and assessed using face tracing, extraction of eye features, and fatigue recognition algorithms. Development of such integrated information technology assisted driving system has a potential to be applied in coal, metal and non-metal surface mining operations.