Patent ID: 7578079
Filing Date: 2009-08-25
Classification: E02F

Abstract:
1. A method for controlling an electric mining shovel, the method comprising a plurality of activities comprising: determining a profile of a digging surface responsive to a scan of the digging surface; identifying a predetermined bank profile from a plurality of predetermined bank profiles, the identified predetermined bank profile a closest match of the plurality of predetermined bank profiles to the profile of the digging surface; automatically determining a first electric mining shovel digging procedure based upon the identified predetermined bank profile; automatically executing an optimization routine to determine a second electric mining shovel digging procedure; automatically comparing the first electric mining shovel digging procedure to the second electric mining shovel digging procedure to determine a preferred electric mining shovel digging procedure; executing a confusion routine responsive to a determination that a bank of said digging surface is unstable, said confusion routine adapted to request at least partial operator control of said electric mining shovel; and automatically executing the preferred electric mining shovel digging procedure via the electric mining shovel, the preferred electric mining shovel digging procedure adapted to, responsive to an automatic relocation of the electric mining shovel, automatically control a cable reel to change an extended length of an electrical cable utilized to provide power to the electric mining shovel.