Introduction
The 5DT Shovel/Excavator Training Simulator teaches the trainee shovel/excavator operator how to operate a large mining shovel or excavator. It is expected of the trainee operator to load several trucks. For this purpose autonomous (computer controlled) trucks have been implemented. These trucks arrive continuously and position themselves for loading. The autonomous trucks position themselves at random positions to ensure that the trainee operator is subjected to many different loading challenges.

Simulator Setup
The system consists of a mock-up cabin that is mounted on a motion base, in the midst of three large projection screens. The three screens (left, middle, right) provide the trainee with a wide field of view (approximately 180 degrees). This is the same out the window (OTW) view that a real operator would experience in a real shovel or excavator. The mock-up cabin is equipped with controls and instruments that mimic real controls and instruments in a shovel/excavator. The motion base provides realistic motion cues to make the trainee feel as if he/she is operating a real shovel/excavator.

Interchangeability
The mock-up cabin may easily be interchanged with mock-up cabins of other mining vehicles. The simulator hardware (computers, large projection screens and motion base) may therefore be used for several different 5DT Training Simulators.

Virtual Environment
The virtual shovel is operated in a photo-realistic virtual environment that emulates reality very closely. The virtual surface mine emulates a real mine. Realistic computer graphics (visual) models of entities like haul trucks, wheeled loaders, water cars and light delivery vehicles were also developed. These models do not only look like the real thing, but they also sound like the real thing - real sound recordings were used for this effect.

Material Interaction
A sophisticated material interaction model has been developed for the shovel simulator. If material (e.g. ore) is removed from the mine, other material slides down to fill the empty space. This ensures realistic filling of the shovel/excavator bucket by the trainee.

Performance Measurement
The instructor monitors the performance of the trainee. This is achieved by means of real-time graphs, reports and a record/playback module. The trainee is presented with a detailed, categorized report after each session. The record/playback module records the entire training session. The session can be played back for detail analysis and evaluation.

Team Training
The 5DT Surface Mining Training Simulators may be networked together. A Shovel Training Simulator may be networked with a Haul Truck Training Simulator so that two human operators, in two separate simulators, can work together to complete a task. The 5DT Simulators are 'Network-Ready', which means that it has been designed to function together and that it can be networked without any problems.

Conclusion
The 5DT Shovel Training Simulator is the closest thing to reality you can get! The main advantages offered by the simulator is that one does not have to use a production-capable shovel for training, that the trainee cannot damage or destroy the virtual shovel and that the trainee can be exposed to life-threatening conditions and situations without putting either the trainee or the shovel at risk.

Haul Truck Training Simulator
Dragline Training Simulator
Wheeled Loader Training Simulator
LongWall Training Simulator
Continuous Miner Training Simulator

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