Mechanical sensor guidance of a mining machine

Computer-assisted control of a mining machine can place the operator in a safe, remote location. A guidance system that aids in the remote positioning of a mining machine by determining its position and heading is described. The mechanical position and heading system (MPHS) developed at the US Bureau of Mines provides such navigation information during face maneuvers. Formulating the required theory yields a robust algorithm for calculating the position and heading. Implementing this theory through hardware and software design allows testing. Analysis of the errors and test results show that the MPHS provides reliable results