WO2012079112A1

WO2012079112A1 - A train loading system

Info

Publication number: WO2012079112A1
Application number: PCT/AU2011/001587
Authority: WO
Inventors: Victor Schweikart
Original assignee: Technological Resources Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Technological Resources Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2010-12-15
Filing date: 2011-12-07
Publication date: 2012-06-21
Anticipated expiration: 2013-06-15
Also published as: AU2010257208A1; AU2010257208B2

Abstract

A train loading system for loading mined material onto a train at a mine operation comprises a train loading facility, a train loader, at least one camera arranged to capture images of a train loading operation, and at least one microphone arranged to capture audio during a train loading operation. The system also comprises a train loading station which includes train loading controls being arranged to communicate with the train loading facility. Furthermore, at least one display is arranged to receive data from the train loading facility and to display the images at the train loading station, and at least one audio reproducing device is arranged to receive data from the train loading facility.

Description

Ά TRAIN LOADING SYSTEM

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a train loading system for loading mined material onto a train at a mine

operation .

Background of the Invention

It is known to provide a mine operation such as a mine site with a train loading facility arranged to facilitate loading of material onto dedicated material transport trains by mining personnel.

However, with such a train loading facility it is

necessary for operators to travel to the mine operation, which can be expensive for mining operators. The mine operations are also often disposed at relatively remote locations, which is undesirable for many operators.

In addition, with a current arrangement wherein a train loading facility is provided at each mine operation, it is difficult for a mining company to holistically manage several concurrent train loading operations, for example for scheduling purposes .

Summary of the Invention It will be understood that in the present specification a mine operation means any operation or facility associated with extracting, handling, processing and/or transporting bulk commodities in a resource extraction environment or part of such a process, for example mine sites, rail facilities, port facilities, and associated

infrastructure . In accordance with a first aspect of the present

invention, there is provided a train loading system comprising :

a train loading facility located at a mine operation and including:

a train loader for loading mined material onto a train at the mine operation;

at least one camera arranged to capture images of a train loading operation; and

at least one microphone arranged to capture audio during a train loading operation;

a train loading station remotely located relative to the train loading facility at a remote monitoring

facility, the train loading station being arranged to communicate with the train loading facility so as to monitor and control operation of at least part of a train loading operation from the remote monitoring facility, the train loading station including:

train loading controls usable to control a train loading operation from the train loading station;

at least one display arranged to receive from the train loading facility data indicative of

substantially real time images captured by the at least one camera, and to display the images at the train loading station; and

at least one audio reproducing device arranged to receive from the train loading facility data

indicative of substantially real time audio captured by the at least one microphone, and to reproduce the audio at the train loading station; and

a communications network arranged to facilitate communications between the train loading facility and the train loading station;

wherein the train loading controls are usable by an operator at the train loading station to modify a train loading operation in response to the images displayed and/or the audio reproduced at the train loading station. In one embodiment, the train loading facility comprises at least one spillage camera directed towards a carriage of a train to be loaded with material by the train loading facility, images from each spillage camera being viewable on the display at the train loading station. In one variation, 2 spillage cameras are provided on respective opposite sides of a train when the train is disposed in the train loading facility. In one embodiment, the train loading facility comprises a loadout camera disposed so as to view loadout from the train loader, a train camera disposed so as to view a train from above when the train is disposed in the train loading facility, and/or an external camera disposed so as to view approaching and departing trains, images from at least some of the loadout, train and external cameras being viewable on the display at the train loading station . In one embodiment, the or each camera is controllable from the train loading station for pan, track and/or zoom.

In one embodiment, each camera is a still and/or video camera .

In one embodiment, the train loading station comprises at least one screen for displaying operational data

associated with the train loading facility. The system may be arranged such that a representation of at least one component of the train loading facility is displayed on one of the screens .

In one embodiment, the train loading controls at the train loading station comprise a train control device, such as a train control joystick, for controlling movement of a train, and a loader control device, such as a loader control joystick, for controlling flow of material from the train loader.

In one embodiment, the train loading controls comprise a manual train stop control arranged, when activated by an operator, to cause an emergency train stop signal to be communicated from the train loading station to the train loading facility.

In one embodiment, the train loading controls comprise a manual loader stop control arranged, when activated by an operator, to cause an emergency loader stop signal to be communicated from the train loading station to the train loading facility. In one embodiment, the train loading facility is arranged to effect emergency stopping of a train and the train loader when an emergency loader stop signal is received.

In one embodiment, the train loading facility is arranged to transmit a guard tone to a train during a train loading operation, the guard tone indicating to the train that communications between the train and the train loading facility are operational, and to implement an emergency train stop when the guard tone is not transmitted.

In one embodiment, the train loading facility is arranged to cease transmission of the guard tone when an emergency train stop signal is received from the train loading station .

The train loading system may comprise a station safety PLC at the train loading station and a facility safety PLC at the train loading facility, wherein at least an emergency train stop signal and/or an emergency loader stop signal are communicated between the train loading station and the train loading facility through the station and facility PLCs. In one embodiment, control signals generated by the train control device and/or the loader control device are communicated between the train loading station and the train loading facility through the station and facility PLCs .

In one embodiment, the train loading station also includes a touch screen configured to provide at least some of the train loading controls. In one embodiment, the train loading system comprises a remote monitoring facility including a plurality of train loading stations. The remote monitoring facility may be disposed at a metropolitan location. In one embodiment, at least 2 train loading stations are disposed at the remote monitoring facility and the train loading system comprises at least 2 train loading facilities associated with respective train loading stations.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present

invention, there is provided a train loading system comprising :

at least 2 train loading facilities located at respective mine operations, each train loading facility including :

a train loader for loading mined material onto a train at the mine operation;

a remote monitoring facility remotely located

relative to the train loading facilities, the remote monitoring facility comprising at least 2 train loading stations, each train loading station being arranged to communicate with a respective train loading facility so as to monitor and control operation of at least part of a train loading operation associated with the train loading facility from the remote monitoring facility, each train loading station including:

a communications network arranged to facilitate communications between the train loading facilities and the respective train loading stations;

wherein the train loading controls are usable by an operator at the respective train loading station to modify a train loading operation in response to the images displayed and/or the audio reproduced at the train loading station .

In accordance with a third aspect of the present

invention, there is provided a train loading system comprising :

a train loading facility located at a mine operation and including:

a train loader for loading mined material onto a train at the mine operation;

a facility safety PLC;

facility, the train loading station including:

at least one display arranged to receive from the train loading facility data indicative of substantially real time images captured by the at least one camera;

a station safety PLC in communication with the facility safety PLC; and

an emergency stop control usable to cause an emergency stop signal to be sent to the facility safety PLC from the station safety PLC; and

wherein the emergency stop control is usable by an operator at the train loading station to effect an emergency stop in response to the images displayed at the train loading station.

In one embodiment, the train loading facility comprises at least one microphone arranged to capture audio during a train loading operation, and the train loading station comprises at least one audio reproducing device arranged to receive from the train loading facility data indicative of substantially real time audio captured by the at least one microphone, and to reproduce the audio at the train loading station, wherein the emergency stop control is usable by an operator at the train loading station to effect an emergency stop in response to the audio

reproduced at the train loading station.

In one embodiment, the emergency stop control comprises a train stop control arranged when activated by an operator to cause an emergency train stop signal to be communicated from the station safety PLC to the facility safety PLC.

In one embodiment, the emergency stop control comprises a loader stop control arranged when activated by an operator to cause an emergency loader stop signal to be

communicated from the station safety PLC to the facility safety PLC.

In one embodiment, the system is arranged such that activation of the loader stop control causes an emergency train stop and an emergency loader stop to occur.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present

invention, there is provided a mine operation train loading facility comprising:

a train loader for loading mined material onto a train at the mine operation;

the train loading facility being arranged to:

communicate through a communications network with a train loading station remotely located relative to the train loading facility at a remote monitoring facility;

send data indicative of substantially real time captured images and audio through the communications network to the train loading station so that an operator at the train loading station is able to monitor operation of at least part of a train loading operation using the captured images and audio from the remote monitoring facility; and

receive control communications from the train loading station indicative of modifications to a train loading operation in response to the images displayed and/or the audio reproduced at the train loading station.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present

invention, there is provided a train loading station for monitoring and controlling a train loading operation at a train loading facility located at a mine operation, the train loading station comprising:

a communications network arranged to facilitate communications between the train loading station and the train loading facility;

at least one display arranged to receive from the train loading facility data indicative of substantially real time images captured by at least one camera disposed at the train loading facility, and to display the images at the train loading station; and

at least one audio reproducing device arranged to receive from the train loading facility data indicative of substantially real time audio captured at least one microphone at the train loading facility, and to reproduce the audio at the train loading station;

wherein the train loading controls are usable by an operator at the train loading station to modify a train loading operation in response to the images displayed and/or the audio reproduced at the train loading station.

In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present

invention, there is provided a method of loading a train at a train loading facility located at a mine operation, the method including:

implementing a train loading operation so as to load mined material onto a train at the mine operation;

providing at least one camera arranged to capture images of the train loading operation; and

providing at least one microphone arranged to capture audio during the train loading operation;

providing a train loading station remotely located relative to the train loading facility at a remote monitoring facility;

facilitating communications between the train loading facility and the train loading station;

providing train loading controls usable to control a train loading operation from the train loading station; receiving from the train loading facility data indicative of substantially real time images captured by the at least one camera;

displaying the substantially real time images at the train loading station;

receiving from the train loading facility data indicative of substantially real time audio captured by the at least one microphone;

reproducing the substantially real time audio at the train loading station; and

using the train loading controls to modify a train loading operation in response to the images displayed and/or the audio reproduced at the train loading station.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic conceptual diagram

illustrating a plurality of mine sites and components of a train loading system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a train loading system according to an embodiment of the present invention ;

Figure 3 is a diagrammatic representation showing components of a train loading facility of the train loading system shown in Figure 2 disposed at a mine site;

Figure 4 is a diagrammatic representation showing components of a train loading station of the train loading system disposed at a central monitoring facility; and

Figure 5 shows diagrammatic representations of example screens displayed to an operator of the train loading station shown in Figure 4. Description of an Embodiment of the Invention

An embodiment of a train loading system will now be described with reference to mine operations in the form of mine sites, although it will be understood that other mine operations wherein train loading operations occur are envisaged .

An example conceptual diagram 10 illustrating several mine sites 12, a central monitoring facility 18 and several train loading facilities 20 monitored and controlled from the central monitoring facility 18 is shown in Figure 1.

In this example, the central monitoring facility 18 is remotely located relative to the mine sites 12, typically at a significant distance from the mine sites 12, such as a distance exceeding 250km.

The conceptual diagram 10 shows a plurality of mine sites 12 which may be of open pit or underground type. The mine sites 12 typically produce a single bulk commodity, such as iron ore, coal or bauxite, and are serviced by a rail network 14 that transports the bulk commodities produced at the mine sites 12 to a port facility 16 on material transport trains.

Each mine site 12 has an associated locally disposed train loading facility 20. Each train loading facility 20 communicates with a regional communications network 22 that in turn communicates with the central monitoring facility 18 through a wide area network (WAN) 28, such as the Internet. The central monitoring facility 18 may be in communication with a metropolitan area network (MAN) 30 connected to the WAN 28.

The train loading facilities 20 incorporate train loading components for carrying out train loading operations and for monitoring and controlling train loading operations at the mine sites 12.

The central monitoring facility 18 incorporates a remote train loading station for each train loading facility 20. Using the remote train loading stations, operators monitor, activate, deactivate and control operation of the train loading components at the train loading facilities 20.

The remote train loading stations at the central

monitoring facility 18 are used to transmit operating commands to the train loading facilities 20 located at the mine sites 12 via a communications network that includes the MAN 30, the WAN 28, and the regional networks 22. The train loading facilities 20 at the mine sites transmit operational data to the train loading stations which in turn display the operational data on display screens for operators of the train loading stations.

In a typical arrangement, one or more control devices located on site at a train loading facility 20 receive operating commands from a train loading station, and the control devices translate these operating commands into signals which may be implemented by the relevant train loading components. The train loading components transmit operational signals to the relevant control devices which in turn transmit operational data to the train loading stations for display to an operator. The operational data displayed provides an operator of the train loading station with information indicative of the operational status of the relevant train loading operation.

A particular embodiment of a train loading system

according to the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 2 to 5 of the drawings. Referring to Figure 2, a train loading system 11 is shown, the train loading system 11 comprising a train loading facility 20 at each of 2 different mine operations, in this example mine sites, and a remote train loading station 64 for each of the train loading facilities 20 at the central monitoring facility 18.

Each train loading facility 20 includes train loading components 40, at least some of which are electronically monitorable and controllable by an equipment interface device, in this example a component controller 42 which may be in the form of at least one programmable logic controller (PLC) . Some of the train loading components, that is, train speed and train loader clam control components 49, are shown separately in Figure 2, and the train speed and clam control components 49 are connected to a dedicated controller 46, in this example a safety PLC, which is arranged to receive train and clam control signals and emergency stop signals from a remote train loading station 64 disposed at the central monitoring facility 18

The local networks 44 at the respective mine operations 12 are connected to a wide area network (WAN), which may comprise the Internet 28, a dedicated wide area network (WAN) , or any other suitable wide area communications network, and through the WAN 28 to the central monitoring facility 18, in this example disposed remotely relative to all of the mine sites 12, for example at a metropolitan location.

The central monitoring facility 18 comprises a network 62 which may be in the form of a local area network (LAN) in communication with the wide area network 28 and thereby with the respective local networks 44 at the mine

operations 12. Each remote loading station 64 includes a dedicated controller 66, in this example a safety PLC, arranged to detect when an operator at the remote loading station has activated an emergency stop and to send an emergency stop signal to the relevant safety PLC 48 at the train loading facility 20 associated with the train loading station 64.

Location of the controllers 42, 46 locally at the mine sites 12 ensures that network overheads are not too large during use.

Each train loadout facility 20 also includes a guard tone generator 48 that interfaces with the facility safety PLC 46 and is arranged to transmit a guard tone signal to a train 50, the guard tone signal being used by the train to indicate that communications between the train 50 and the train loading facility 20 are operational. If the guard tone is not received by the train 50, an emergency stop is carried out to stop the train.

In the present example, when the facility safety PLC 46 receives an emergency stop signal from the associated station safety PLC 66, the facility safety PLC 46

generates a signal which causes the guard tone generator 48 to cease transmission of the guard tone signal. In this way, an emergency train stop is initiated.

Each station safety PLC 66 is also arranged to detect train speed and clam control inputs received from an operator at the remote loading station and to send corresponding control signals to the relevant safety PLC 46 at the train loading facility 20 associated with the train loading station 64. In this example, the facility and station safety PLCs 46, 66 are of a type designed to meet a category 3 safety rating in accordance with the AS4024 standard. Accordingly, the safety PLCs 46, 66 include dual redundant circuits and communications between safety PLC modules is by SafeEthernet protocol. In this example, the facility safety PLCs 46 are Preventa MF4002 safety PLCs and the station safety PLCs 66 are Preventa MF3502 safety PLCs.

It will be understood that although in this embodiment the train loading system comprises 2 train loading facilities and 2 associated train loading stations 64, any number of train loading facilities and associated train loading stations are envisaged.

A train 50 for transporting material, such as ore, from a mine site is shown diagrammatically in Figure 3. The train 50 includes several connected carriages 52 for receiving ore and the train 50 runs on a track 54.

Also shown in Figure 3 are components of a train loading facility 20 including a train loader 56, in this example a reclaimer connected to a chute 58 through which ore is directed into a carriage 52. Ore flowing through the chute 58 is controllable by opening and closing a chute clam . The train loading facility 20 also includes first and second spillage video cameras 60, 62 disposed on opposite sides of the train 50 and configured such that the cameras 60, 62 are directed at the carriage 52 currently being filled, and at least one microphone 63 arranged to capture audio adjacent the carriage 52 currently being filled.

The captured video and audio may be used to detect when spillage of material has occurred. This is important since spillage of material has the potential to cause derailment of the train 50 if the spilled material is not timely detected and removed. If a spillage has occurred that has the potential to effect a train derailment, the train and flow of material through the train loader should be stopped.

The captured video and audio are communicated to the central monitoring facility 18, and the video and audio is presented to an operator at the remote loading station 64 associated with the mine site 12.

The system 11 in this example includes an A/V server 59 disposed at each train loading facility 20, the A/V server 59 being associated with an A/V client 86 disposed at the central monitoring facility 16 and arranged to communicate with the A/V servers 59 so as to receive captured video and audio information from the train loading facility 20.

The captured audio and video derived from the spillage video cameras, and from any other cameras disposed at the train loading facility, may also be used to identify occurrence of other warning situations, such as whether the train loader is operating correctly, whether the train has stopped or is moving normally, and so on.

As shown in Figure 4, each train loading station 64 at the central monitoring facility 18 comprises a CCTV display 80 that receives A/V input from an A/V client 82 in

communication with the A/V server 59 of an associated train loading facility 20, in this example through the Internet 28, and displays video 86 indicative of the operational status of the train loading operation derived from multiple video cameras, including video derived from the first and second spillage video cameras 60, 62. In this example, the video 86 is also derived from a fixed camera disposed so as to view the loadout from the chute of the reclaimer; a train camera controllable for pan, track and zoom and disposed so as to view the train carriages from above, not from track level; and an external camera disposed so as to view approaching and departing trains .

The A/V client 82 also communicates with an audio output device, in this example a loudspeaker 84, the A/V client 82 receiving audio data from the or each microphone 64 of an associated train loading facility 20 such that audio captured adjacent the train loading operation is

reproduced at the train loading station 64 and an operator at the train loading station 64 is able to derive

important information in relation to the operational status of the train loading operation substantially in real time . The reproduced audio may be used by the operator in addition to other operational information such as the video shown on the CCTV display to determine whether a fault situation exists, such as whether a spillage of ore material has occurred that has the potential to cause a train derailment, whether mechanical components of the train loader such as the chute or clam are operating correctly, or whether train movement, in particular automatic train movement, is operating

correctly .

Each train loading station 64 also includes several screens 88 for displaying operational data associated with the train loading facility, in particular operational data associated with a train loader used to load ore into the carriages 52 of the train 50. Each train loading station 64 also includes a control unit 90 for receiving

operational data from the train loading components 40 at the train loading facility 20 associated with the train loading station 64, for example through the Internet 28, and controlling display of the operational data on the screens 88. The A/V servers 59 may use a multi-cast protocol to transmit video images to the central monitoring facility video images from the mine sites 12 to the central monitoring facility avoids unnecessary duplication of images and therefore unnecessary utilisation of bandwidth over the WA .

Preferably, the operational data for display at the central monitoring facility 18 is updated at a rate that is at least an order of magnitude slower than the rate at which data at the operator monitoring stations is updated. This reduces, and preferably minimises, the bandwidth requirements between the central monitoring facility 18 and the mine sites 12.

Each train loading station 64 also includes a train control device, in this example a train control joystick 92, for controlling movement of a train 50, in particular the speed of the train, and a train loader control device, in this example a train loader control joystick 93, for controlling flow of material from the train loader, in this example by controlling opening and closing of a clam at an output chute of the train loader.

The train loading station 64 also includes a train emergency stop control 94, in this example in the from of a button, and a loader emergency stop control 95, in this example in the form of a button. The joysticks 92, 93 and the stop controls 94, 95 are managed by a safety PLC 66 arranged to detect control signals received from the joysticks 92, 93 and to detect activation of the emergency stop controls 94, 95. The safety PLC 66 at the train loading station 64 communicates with the safety PLC 48 at the associated train loading facility 20 such that control and emergency stop signals generated by the station safety PLC 66 in response to inputs from the joysticks and stop controls are communicated to the facility safety PLC 48 through the Internet 28. On receipt of the control signals or the emergency signals, the facility safety PLC 48 effects appropriate control of the train speed and the train loader clam and also if required implements an emergency stop of the train and/or the train loader. The train loading station also includes a touch screen 96 configured to provide train loadout controls that enable an operator to directly control operation of train loading, in particular to enable selection of manual or automatic train movement and loading, to control operation of a reclaimer, and so on.

The control unit 90 and screens 88 may take the form of computing devices, for example of thin client type with one or more thin client terminals communicating with a terminal server through the network 62 in order to implement a plurality of computing devices at each train loading station 64.

In circumstances wherein the central monitoring facility 18 communicates with the train loading facilities 20 over a corporate network that also carries e-mail, and other non-time-critical data traffic, it is preferable that the operating commands transmitted from train loading stations 64 to the train loading facilities 20 and operational data received from the train loading facilities 20 occur in real time or near real time such that an operator located at the central control facility 18 perceives an average system response time between transmitting operating commands and seeing operational data displayed in response is less than 2.0 seconds. Preferably the delay is less than 1.5 seconds and preferably less than 1.0 seconds.

It will be understood that each train loading station 64 at the central monitoring station 18 is associated with one train loading facility at a mine site 12.

It will also be understood that by disposing multiple train loading stations for the mine operations at the same location, significant cost savings can be achieved, particularly if the central monitoring facility is disposed at a metropolitan location since the need for operators to travel to the mine operations, which are often at relatively remote locations, in order to carry out the monitoring and/or control operations is reduced.

It will be understood that the train loading system 11 may also comprise a local train loading system disposed at each train loading facility 20, the local train loading station having functionality similar to the remote rain loading station 64 disposed at the central monitoring facility 18. Location of such train loading stations locally at the mine sites 12 allows a train loading facility to be monitored and controlled locally in the event of an interruption to communications between the central monitoring facility 18 and the train loading facility 20.

By providing a local train loading station at each train loading facility 20, and a plurality of train loading stations 64 associated with the respective train loading facilities 20 and disposed at a single remote location, it is possible to monitor and/or control train loadout for all train loading facilities 20 from the same remote location, or to monitor and/or control train loadout at each train loading facility 20 locally from the

respective mine site 12 if necessary, for example because communications between the mine sites 12 and the central monitoring facility have broken down or deteriorated to the extent that monitoring and/or control from the central monitoring facility 18 is not feasible. Example screens 100, 102 displayed to an operator at a train loading station 64 are shown in Figure 5. On a first screen 100, a representation of a train loader 104 having a reclaimer is shown and on a second screen 102 operational data 106 indicative of the current status of the reclaimer such as the reclaim rate, speed of

bucketwheel, maintenance information, and so on, are shown .

The representation of the train loader 104 may be modified according to the operational status of the train loader. For example, the colour of the train loader may change depending on whether the train loader is currently operating or on stand-by. The representation of the train loader 104 may also show that the train loader is

functioning by showing parts of the train loader moving.

Figure 5 also shows example screens 108, 110 shown on the touch screen 96. First and second screens 100, 102 show controls activatable by touch for controlling aspects of operation of the train loading facility such as the train speed during automatic operation, and selection of automatic or manual train speed and clam control

operation .

In order to improve the reliability of communications between the central monitoring facility 18 and the mine sites 12, the system 10 may incorporate quality of service measures such as prioritizing communications through the WAN according to type.

In the present example, communications related to

monitoring and control activities, and VOIP communications are given higher priority than email and file transfers.

In an alternative arrangement, different types of

communications are allocated different priority values which are used by routers in the WAN to manage queues i the routers and thereby the speed of transfer of the communication through the routers.

For example, the system may be arranged to allocate different bandwidth percentages to different types of communications, such as to communications related to monitoring and control activities, VOIP communications, CCTV data, email, file transfers, and so on.

In one embodiment, priority values for each communication are allocated according to the IP addresses associated with the communication. For example, the IP addresses of all network enabled devices in the system 11 may be recorded in system network routers and the priority level allocated by the routers according to the priority level recorded for the network addresses in the routers. In one example, all communications to or from a network enabled device outside the system 11, that is, having an IP address that does not appear in the routers, is allocated the lowest priority level.

In the present embodiment, in order to provide a degree of protection against system failure, multiple network connection arrangements may be provided for connecting the train loading stations 64 with the train loading

facilities 20 so that a backup network connection is available should one of the connections between the central monitoring facility 18 and the train loading facilities 20 fail. The system 10 may also be arranged to monitor whether communications between the central monitoring facility 18 and the mine sites 12 are reaching their destination, for example by reguiring a handshake to occur periodically between the central monitoring facility 18 and the mine sites 12. In the present example, this is achieved by configuring the controllers 42 to periodically send a heartbeat communication to an associated train loading station 64. On receipt of the heartbeat communication, the train loading station is arranged to send a reply signal indicating that the heartbeat communication has been received.

If the reply signal is not received, an alarm signal may be generated to indicate to appropriate personnel that an outage may have occurred between the central monitoring facility 18 and one or more mine sites 12.

It will be understood that communications between network enabled devices on the system may be communicated in a unicast or multicast way depending on communication type. For example, A/V communications and communications associated with the audio messaging system may be

communicated in a multicast way such that any IP address associated with the system is able to receive the

communication. Alternatively, communications such as from an equipment interface to the central monitoring facility may be communicated in a unicast way.

An example of operation of the train loadout system will now be described in relation to the embodiment shown in the Figures .

As a train 50 with empty carriages 52 approaches the train loading facility 20 at a mine site 12, the train loadout operator at the train loading station 64 associated with the train loading facility 20 instructs the train driver to cause the train to approach the train loading facility at low speed until the train reaches a defined stopping position. At this position, the first carriage 52 of the train is aligned with the chute of the train loader.

The operator then lowers the chute and opens the clam using the train loader control joystick 93 in order to cause material to flow from the train loader to the carriage 52. The train is also caused to move relatively slowly, for example at about 0.6 to 0.7 km/hr, so as to enable the entire carriage to be filled. Initial train movement may be by the train driver until the operator activates automatic train movement using controls on the touch screen 96. At least initially, the clam may be opened and closed manually so as to control flow of material into the carriages 52, for example for the first 15 carriages 52, after which the operator selects

automatic clam control using the touch screen 96.

The operator then continuously monitors the screens 88, and monitors the video 86 and audio captured from the train loading facility 20. If a spillage is detected, or other fault condition is identified, for example because the operator hears sounds that are unexpected, the operator has the option of activating the train emergency stop control 94 and/or the loader emergency stop control 95 in order to effect an emergency train stop and/or and emergency loader stop. In this example, activation of the train emergency stop control 94 sends an emergency signal from the station safety PLC 66 at the train loading station 64 to the facility safety PLC 48 at the train loading facility 20 associated with the train loading station 64 that causes the guard tone to cease. The effect of ceasing the guard tone is to cause an emergency train stop procedure to be carried out at the train loading facility. Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS :

1. A train loading system comprising:

a train loading facility located at a mine operation and including:

a train loader for loading mined material onto a train at the mine operation;

2. A train loading system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the train loading facility comprises at least one spillage camera directed towards a carriage of a train to be loaded with material by the train loading facility, images from each spillage camera being viewable on the display at the train loading station.

3. A train loading system as claimed in claim 2, wherein 2 spillage cameras are provided on respective opposite sides of a train when the train is disposed in the train loading facility.

4. A train loading system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the train loading facility comprises a loadout camera disposed so as to view loadout from the train loader, a train camera disposed so as to view the train from above when the train is disposed in the train loading facility, and/or an external camera disposed so as to view approaching and departing trains, images from at least some of the loadout, train and external cameras being viewable on the display at the train loading station.

5. A train loading system as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the or each camera is controllable from the train loading station for pan, track and/or zoom.

6. A train loading system as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein at least one camera is a video camera.

7. A train loading system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the train loading station comprises at least one screen for displaying operational data associated with the train loading facility.

8. A train loading system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the train loading controls comprise a train control device for controlling movement of a train.

9. A train loading system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the train control device comprises a train control j oystick .

10. A train loading system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the train loading controls comprise a loader control device for controlling flow of material from the train loader.

11. A train loading system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the loader control device comprises a loader control joystick.

12. A train loading system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the train loading controls comprise a manual train stop control arranged, when activated by an operator, to cause an emergency train stop signal to be communicated from the train loading station to the train loading facility.

13. A train loading system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the train loading controls comprise a manual loader stop control arranged, when activated by an operator, to cause an emergency loader stop signal to be communicated from the train loading station to the train loading facility.

14. A train loading system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the train loading facility is arranged to effect emergency stopping of a train and of the train loader when an emergency loader stop signal is received.

15. A train loading system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the train loading system comprises a station safety PLC at the train loading station and a facility safety PLC at the train loading facility, at least some communications between the train loading station and the train loading facility being through the station and facility safety PLCs .

16. A train loading system as claimed in claim 15 when dependent on claim 12, wherein the emergency train stop signal is communicated between the train loading station and the train loading facility through the station and facility PLCs.

17. A train loading system as claimed in claim 15 when dependent on claim 13, wherein the emergency loader stop signal is communicated between the train loading station and the train loading facility through the station and facility PLCs.

18. A train loading system as claimed in claim 15 when dependent on claim 8, wherein control signals generated by the train control device are communicated between the train loading station and the train loading facility through the station and facility PLCs .

19. A train loading system as claimed in claim 15 when dependent on claim 10, wherein control signals generated by the loader control device are communicated between the train loading station and the train loading facility through the station and facility PLCs .

20. A train loading system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the train loading facility is arranged to transmit a guard tone to a train during a train loading operation, the guard tone indicating to the train that communications between the train and the train loading facility are operational, and to implement an emergency train stop when the guard tone is not

transmitted .

21. A train loading system as claimed in claim 20 when dependent on claim 12, wherein the train loading facility is arranged to cease transmission of the guard tone when an emergency train stop signal is received from the train loading station.

22. A train loading system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the train loading station also includes a touch screen configured to provide at least some of the train loading controls.

23. A train loading system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the train loading system

comprises a remote monitoring facility including a

plurality of train loading stations.

24. A train loading system as claimed in claim 23, wherein the remote monitoring facility is disposed at a metropolitan location.

25. A train loading system as claimed in claim 23 or claims 24, wherein at least 2 train loading stations are disposed at the remote monitoring facility and the train loading system comprises at least 2 train loading

facilities associated with respective train loading stations .

26. A train loading system comprising:

a train loader for loading mined material onto a train at the mine operation;

a remote monitoring facility remotely located

27. A train loading system comprising:

a train loading facility located at a mine operation and including:

a train loader for loading mined material onto a train at the mine operation;

a facility safety PLC;

facility, the train loading station including:

substantially real time images captured by the at least one camera;

a station safety PLC in communication with the facility safety PLC; and

wherein the emergency stop control is usable by an operator at the train loading station to effect an

emergency stop in response to the images displayed at the train loading station.

28. A system as claimed in claim 27, wherein the train loading facility comprises at least one microphone

arranged to capture audio during a train loading

operation, and the train loading station comprises at least one audio reproducing device arranged to receive from the train loading facility data indicative of

substantially real time audio captured by the at least one microphone, and to reproduce the audio at the train loading station, wherein the emergency stop control is usable by an operator at the train loading station to effect an emergency stop in response to the audio

reproduced at the train loading station.

29. A system as claimed in claim 27 or claim 28, wherein the emergency stop control comprises a train stop control arranged when activated by an operator to cause an emergency train stop signal to be communicated from the station safety PLC to the facility safety PLC.

30. A system as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein the emergency stop control comprises a loader stop control arranged when activated by an operator to cause an emergency loader stop signal to be communicated from the station safety PLC to the facility safety PLC.

31. A system as claimed in claim 30, wherein the system is arranged such that activation of the loader stop control causes an emergency train stop and an emergency loader stop to occur.

32. A mine operation train loading facility comprising: a train loader for loading mined material onto a train at the mine operation;

the train loading facility being arranged to:

33. A train loading facility as claimed in claim 32, comprising at least one spillage camera directed towards a carriage of a train to be loaded with material by the train loading facility, images from each spillage camera being viewable on the display at the train loading station .

34. A train loading facility as claimed in claim 33, wherein 2 spillage cameras are provided on respective opposite sides of the train .

35. A train loading facility as claimed in any one of claims 32 to 34, comprising a loadout camera disposed so as to view loadout from the train loader, a train camera disposed so as to view the train from above, and/or an external camera disposed so as to view approaching and departing trains, images from at least some of the loadout, train and external cameras being viewable on the display at the train loading station.

36. A train loading facility as claimed in any one of claims 33 to 35, wherein the or each camera is

controllable for pan, track and/or zoom.

37. A train loading facility as claimed in any one of claims 33 to 36, wherein at least one camera is a video camera .

38. A train loading facility as claimed in any one of claims 32 to 37, wherein the train loading facility is arranged to implement an emergency train stop when an emergency train stop signal is received.

39. A train loading system as claimed in any one of claims 32 to 38, wherein the train loading facility is arranged to implement an emergency loader stop when an emergency loader stop signal is received.

40. A train loading facility as claimed in claim 39, wherein the train loading facility is arranged to effect emergency stopping of a train and of the train loader when an emergency loader stop signal is received.

41. A train loading facility as claimed in any one of claims 32 to 40, comprising a facility safety PLC arranged to communicate with a station safety PLC at a train loading station, at least some communications between the train loading station and the train loading facility being through the station and facility safety PLCs .

42. A train loading facility as claimed in any one of claims 32 to 41, wherein the train loading facility is arranged to transmit a guard tone to a train during a train loading operation, the guard tone indicating to the train that communications between the train and the train loading facility are operational, and to implement an emergency train stop when the guard tone is not

transmitted.

43. A train loading facility as claimed in claim 42 when dependent on claim 38, wherein the train loading facility is arranged to cease transmission of the guard tone when an emergency train stop signal is received.

44. A train loading station for monitoring and controlling a train loading operation at a train loading facility located at a mine operation, the train loading station comprising:

45. A train loading station as claimed in claim 44, comprising at least one screen for displaying operational data associated with the train loading facility.

46. A train loading station as claimed in claim 44 or claim 45, wherein the train loading controls comprise a train control device for controlling movement of a train at the train loading facility.

47. A train loading station as claimed in claim 46, wherein the train control device comprises a train control joystick.

48. A train loading station as claimed in any one of claims 44 to 47, wherein the train loading controls comprise a loader control device for controlling flow of material from the train loader.

49. A train loading station as claimed in claim 48, wherein the loader control device comprises a loader control joystick.

50. A train loading station as claimed in any one of claims 44 to 49, wherein the train loading controls comprise a manual train stop control arranged when activated by an operator to cause an emergency train stop signal to be communicated from the train loading station to the train loading facility.

51. A train loading station as claimed in any one of claims 44 to 50, wherein the train loading controls comprise a manual loader stop control arranged when activated by an operator to cause an emergency loader stop signal to be communicated from the train loading station to the train loading facility.

52. A train loading station as claimed in any one of claims 44 to 51, comprising a station safety PLC at the train loading station arranged to communicate with a facility safety PLC at the train loading facility, at least some communications to and from the train loading station being through the station safety PLC.

53. A method of loading a train at a train loading facility located at a mine operation, the method

including :

displaying the substantially real time images at the train loading station;

reproducing the substantially real time audio at the train loading station; and

54. A method as claimed in claim 53, comprising providing at least one spillage camera directed towards a carriage of a train to be loaded with material by the train loading facility, and displaying images from each spillage camera at the train loading station.

55. A method as claimed in claim 54, wherein 2 spillage cameras are provided on respective opposite sides of the train .

56. A method as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 55, comprising providing a loadout camera disposed so as to view loadout from the train loader, a train camera disposed so as to view the train from above, and/or an external camera disposed so as to view approaching and departing trains, images from at least some of the loadout, train and external cameras being viewable on the display at the train loading station.

57. A method as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 56, wherein the or each camera is controllable from the train loading station for pan, track and/or zoom.

58. A method as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 57, wherein at least one camera is a video camera.

59. A method as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 58, comprising providing the train loading station with at least one screen for displaying operational data

associated with the train loading facility.

60. A method as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 58, comprising providing a train control device at the train loading station for controlling movement of a train.

61. A method as claimed in claim 60, wherein the train control device comprises a train control joystick.

62. A method as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 62, comprising providing a loader control device at the train loading station for controlling flow of material from the train loader.

63. A method as claimed in claim 62, wherein the loader control device comprises a loader control joystick.

64. A method as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 63, comprising providing a manual train stop control at the train loading station, and communicating an emergency train stop signal from the train loading station to the train loading facility when the manual train stop control is activated by an operator.

65. A method as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 64, comprising providing a manual loader stop control at the train loading station, and communicating an emergency loader stop signal from the train loading station to the train loading facility when the manual loader stop control is activated by an operator.

66. A method as claimed in claim 65, comprising

implementing emergency stopping of a train and of the train loader when an emergency loader stop signal is received at the train loading facility.

67. A method as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 66, comprising providing a station safety PLC at the train loading station and providing a facility safety PLC at the train loading facility, at least some communications between the train loading station and the train loading facility being through the station and facility safety PLCs .

68. A method as claimed in claim 67 when dependent on claim 64, comprising communicating the emergency train stop signal between the train loading station and the train loading facility through the station and facility PLCs .

69. A method as claimed in claim 67 when dependent on claim 65, comprising communicating the emergency loader stop signal between the train loading station and the train loading facility through the station and facility PLCs .

70. A method as claimed in claim 67 when dependent on claim 60, comprising communicating control signals generated by the train control device between the train loading station and the train loading facility through the station and facility PLCs.

71. A method as claimed in claim 67 when dependent on claim 62, comprising communicating control signals generated by the loader control device between the train loading station and the train loading facility through the station and facility PLCs.

72. A method as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 71, comprising transmitting a guard tone at the train loading facility to a train during a train loading operation, the guard tone indicating to the train that communications between the train and the train loading facility are operational, and implementing an emergency train stop when the guard tone is not transmitted.

73. A method as claimed in claim 72 when dependent on claim 64, comprising ceasing transmission of the guard tone when an emergency train stop signal is received from the train loading station.

74. A method as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 73, comprising providing the train loading station also with a touch screen configured to provide at least some of the train loading controls.

75. A method as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 74, comprising providing a remote monitoring facility

including a plurality of train loading stations.

76. A method as claimed in claim 75, comprising providing at least 2 train loading stations disposed at the remote monitoring facility and providing at least 2 train loading facilities associated with respective train loading stations.

77. A train loading system, a train loading facility, a train loading station or a method of train loading substantially as hereinbefore described.