Geological-system based data-capture apparatus

Abstract

The present invention provides a geological-system based data capture apparatus for capturing data to be used in modifying hyperspectral data relating to a geological structure The data capture apparatus includes a spectral irradiance measuring device for providing spectral irradiance data. The data capture apparatus also includes a visual atmospheric sensor for providing visual atmospheric data. Further, the data capture apparatus includes a data accumulator for accumulating the provided spectral irradiance data and the provided visual atmospheric data. Advantageously, the accumulated spectral irradiance data and visual atmospheric data may be used in modifying the light-sensitive hyperspectral data for improved mapping of the geological structure.

Description

GEOLOGICAL-SYSTEM BASED DATA-CAPTURE APPARATUSTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a geological-system based data- capture apparatus. The present invention has particular, although not exclusive application to mining applications.BACKGROUND

[0002] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0003] A mobile mining spectral scanner can be used to perform hyperspectral scanning of a mine, including scanning of mine faces, muck piles, core and stockpiles. Geologists or other subject matter experts can then provide maps for use in geological modelling, mine planning, scheduling, or to guide manual or autonomous machinery.

[0004] Applicant’s own prior art PCT / AU2023 / 050646 discloses an automated geological mapping method used in conjunction with the mobile mining spectral scanner. The method involves receiving scan data from a hyperspectral scanner that relates to a geological structure; processing the data to determine one or more regions of interest; and displaying a geo-spatially accurate map of the geological structure showing the regions of interest.

[0005] The hyperspectral scan image data is sensitive to light variation which can adversely affect the mapping.

[0006] An embodiment of the present invention provides for improved mapping.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a geological-system based data capture apparatus for capturing data to be used inmodifying hyperspectral data relating to a geological structure, the data capture apparatus including: a spectral irradiance measuring device for providing spectral irradiance data; a visual atmospheric sensor for providing visual atmospheric data; and a data accumulator for accumulating the provided spectral irradiance data and the provided visual atmospheric data.

[0008] Advantageously, the accumulated spectral irradiance data and visual atmospheric data may be used in modifying the light-sensitive hyperspectral data for improved mapping of the geological structure.

[0009] The data accumulator may accumulate the hyperspectral data received from a hyperspectral scanner. The data capture apparatus may include a wireless interface for receiving the hyperspectral data. The hyperspectral scanner may be mobile in use. The data accumulator may time stamp the accumulated data.

[0010] The data capture apparatus may further include at least one environmental sensor for providing environmental data. The data accumulator may further accumulate the environmental data received from the environmental sensor. The environmental sensor may be a separate unit interfaced with the data accumulator.

[0011] The spectral irradiance measuring device may be onboard with the data accumulator, or a separate unit interfaced with the data accumulator. The spectral irradiance measuring device may include an optic terminus (foreoptic); and a spectral irradiance measuring sensor for coupling to the optic terminus. The coupling may include an optic fibre coupling.

[0012] The data capture apparatus may further include onboard storage for storing data accumulated by the accumulator.

[0013] The data capture apparatus may further include a controller for controlling the operation of the data capture apparatus.

[0014] The data capture apparatus may further include at least one thermal protector for impeding overheating of the data capture apparatus. The thermal protectormay impede overheating of a controller and / or the data accumulator. The thermal protector may impede overheating of a spectral irradiance measuring device.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a geological system including: the data capture apparatus; and a hyperspectral scanner for providing the hyperspectral data to be modified using the provided spectral irradiance data and the provided visual atmospheric data from the data capture apparatus.

[0016] The system may include a processor for modifying the scan data using the spectral irradiance data and the visual atmospheric data.

[0017] The geological structure may include one or more of a mine, mine faces, muck piles, core, stockpiles, or a bucket or a conveyor loaded with geological material.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for capturing data to be used in modifying hyperspectral data relating to a geological structure, the method including: providing spectral irradiance data; providing visual atmospheric data; and accumulating the provided spectral irradiance data and the provided visual atmospheric data.

[0019] The method may include accumulating the hyperspectral data received from a hyperspectral imaging device.

[0020] The method may involve accumulating environmental data from at least one environmental sensor.

[0021] The method may involve modifying (i.e. processing) the hyperspectral data using the accumulated spectral irradiance data and visual atmospheric data. The method may involve further modifying the hyperspectral data using the accumulated environmental data.

[0022] The method may involve processing the modified hyperspectral data to determine one or more regions of interest; and displaying a geo-spatially accurate map of the geological structure showing the regions of interest, for example in accordance with the disclosure of PCT / AU2023 / 050646. Advantageously, the use of the modified hyperspectral data provides for improved mapping.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a geological-system based data capture apparatus for capturing data to be used in modifying optical data relating to a geological structure, the data capture apparatus including: at least one imaging device for providing image data; at least one environmental sensor for providing environmental data; and a data accumulator for accumulating the provided image data and the provided environmental data.

[0024] The optical data may be provided by a hyperspectral image sensor. The at least one imaging device may include a spectral irradiance measuring device and / or a visual atmospheric sensor.

[0025] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0027] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an electronic geological system including a data capture apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2A is an upper perspective view of the data capture apparatus;

[0029] Figure 2B is a side view of the data capture apparatus;

[0030] Figure 3A is an upper perspective view of a spectral irradiance measuring device of the data capture apparatus;

[0031] Figure 3B is a side view of the data capture apparatus with the spectral irradiance measuring device extending therefrom; and

[0032] Figure 4 is a block diagram of an electronic geological-based system including an electronic data capture apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an electronic geological system 100 situated in a mining geological environment as shown in Figure 1 .

[0034] The system 100 includes a portable electronic data capture apparatus 102. The system 100 also includes a hyperspectral optical scanner 104 for capturing and providing hyperspectral (image) data 106 to be modified using other captured data 108, 110, 112 accumulated in the data capture apparatus 102, as will be described below. The system 100 is to be able to make modifications to the light sensitive hyperspectral data 106 either during sampling or in post-processing.

[0035] The data capture apparatus 102 captures data 108, 110, 112 to be used in modifying the hyperspectral data 106 relating to a geological structure. The geological structure includes one or more of a mine, mine faces, muck piles, core, stockpiles, and a bucket or a conveyor loaded with geological material.

[0036] The data capture apparatus 102 includes an onboard spectral irradiance measuring device 114 for measuring spectral radiance and / or irradiance and providing the associated spectral irradiance data 108. The spectral irradiance measuring device 114 is capable of acquiring solar irradiance measurements in a spectral representation between 350nm to 2500nm with a spectral bandwidth < 5nm.

[0037] The apparatus 102 also includes an onboard visual atmospheric sensor 116 for sensing visual atmospheric characteristics and providing the associated visual atmospheric data 112. The visual atmospheric characteristics include visual atmospheric images that impact on light variation. The visual atmospheric sensor 116 can be, but need not be limited to a high resolution RGB camera coupled to a fisheye lens. The RGB Camera can have an interchangeable foreoptic, such as the fisheye lens, for capturing a hemisphere of the sky when in “sky-reading” mode, or a high- resolution lens for capturing static information from (say) a bucket of a shovel.

[0038] Further, the apparatus 102 includes at least one external interfaced environmental sensor 118 for sensing at least one environmental characteristic and providing associated environmental data 110. The at least one sensed environmental characteristic includes but is not limited to, temperature, humidity, pressure, GPS location, altitude, or other characteristics that impacts on light variation.

[0039] An onboard data accumulator 120 (or logger) is provided for accumulating the provided spectral irradiance data 108, visual atmospheric data 112 and environmental data 110. The data accumulator 120 interrogates the various sensors 104, 114, 116, 118 of the system 100, acquires the related data 106, 108, 110, 112 and stores it for later retrieval. Advantageously, the accumulated data 108, 110, 112 can be used in modifying the light-sensitive hyperspectral data 106 for improved mapping of the geological structure. The data accumulator 120 periodically time stamps and synchronizes the accumulated data 106, 108, 110, 112 with a perfectly aligned clock during storage.

[0040] The data capture apparatus 102 captures environmental data 110 and atmospheric data 112 to counteract the effect of reflected light variation due to changing irradiance when using the hyperspectral scanner 104 for remote geological material analysis. The accumulated data 108, 110, 112 is in the form of solar irradiance data, light intensity, temperature, humidity, and a 180-degree horizon to horizon field of view images of the sky. The data capture apparatus 102 captures radiance and / or irradiance spectrums along with RGB image data to monitor and record variations in the light source (sun or artificial light). The data capture apparatus 102 captures sufficient data to train a machine learning based system to predict solar irradiance spectrums from RGB based sky images. The data capture apparatus 102 is a companion instrument tosupport a light reflective optical sampling system in the form of a hyperspectral scanner 104.

[0041] The data capture apparatus 102 further includes onboard storage 122 for storing data accumulated by the accumulator 120.

[0042] In addition, the data capture apparatus 102 further includes a manager or controller 124 for controlling the operation of the data capture apparatus 102. The controller 124 manages the power distribution and monitors the health of the apparatus 102 and handles system recovery should any components fail. The controller 124 can modify the hyperspectral data 106 using the other captured data 108, 110, 112 accumulated in the data capture apparatus 102. Alternatively, an external processor can be used for this purpose.

[0043] The data capture apparatus 102 further includes a thermal protector 126 for impeding overheating of the data capture apparatus 102. The thermal protector 126 includes a thermal controller 128 which monitors the temperature and humidity inside the apparatus 102 and enables an active cooling system when needed.

[0044] The thermal protector 126 also includes a thermal management system 130 including active and passive cooling elements to ensure all internal components operate within specified parameters. In particular, the thermal protector 126 impedes overheating of the controller 124 and the data accumulator 120.

[0045] The data capture apparatus 102 includes a wireless interface 132 for receiving the hyperspectral data 106 from the hyperspectral scanner 104 which is mobile in use.

[0046] The data capture apparatus 102 includes a portable housing 134 for housing the spectral irradiance measuring device 114, visual atmospheric sensor 116, data accumulator 120, storage 122, controller 124 and thermal protector 126. The environmental sensor 118 is a separate portable unit interfaced with the data accumulator 120 in the housing 134.

[0047] Turning to Figure 2, the spectral irradiance measuring device 114 includes a concave optic terminus 200 (or foreoptic). The foreoptic terminus 200 can be an‘intergrating sphere’ for capturing a hemisphere of the sky, or a lens with (say) a 5- degree field of view (FOV) to capture an average spectrum of (say) a cross-section of a conveyor belt loaded with geological material of interest, or for taking a measurement of the geological contents of a mining shovel bucket.

[0048] Turing to Figure 3, the spectral irradiance measuring device 114 includes a spectral irradiance measuring sensor 300 for coupling to the optic terminus 200 with an extending flexible optic fibre coupling 302. In this manner, the optic terminus 200 can be readily maneuvered into a suitable position for measuring.

[0049] The foreoptic terminus 200 may also be fixed in position relative to the sensor 300. However, there are also shortcomings with such an arrangement in relation to the limited field of view requiring relocation of the apparatus 102 and stitching to get the complete dataset. This moving of the apparatus 102 means it takes longer to capture an area as multiple exposures need to be stitched together for a full image. The maneuverable optic terminus 200 allows for single exposure to capture the whole area of interest at the same time which reduces the time needed for capture. A single exposure also reduces the error related to movement of material, movement of the apparatus 102 and varying light over time.

[0050] Figure 4 shows an electronic geological system 100 in accordance with another embodiment, where like reference numerals refer to like features previously described. The geological system 100 includes two separate portable housings 134A, 134B, electrically interfaced together. The data accumulator 120 is onboard the housing 134A, whereas the spectral irradiance measuring device 114 is onboard the other housing 134B.

[0051] The housings 134A, 134B also house respective thermal protectors 126A, 126B for impeding respective overheating of the data accumulator 120 and spectral irradiance measuring device 114. The visual atmospheric sensor 116 is a separate interfaced unit, like the hyperspectral scanner 104 and at least one environmental sensor 118.

[0052] This modular design of the system 100 separates the data accumulation and support system 102, 124 from the atmospheric and environmental sensing components116, 118. The sensing components 114, 116, 118 are attached to the data accumulator 120 through flexible umbilicals to facilitate positioning.

[0053] A method for capturing the data 108, 110, 112 to be used in modifying hyperspectral data 106 relating to the geological structure, is now briefly described.

[0054] The system 100 is driven on a vehicle around the mine 104 capturing the data 106, 108, 110, 112.

[0055] The method includes providing the hyperspectral data 106, the spectral irradiance data 108, visual atmospheric data 112 and environmental data 110 using the respective hyperspectral scanner 104, spectral irradiance measuring device 114, visual atmospheric sensor 116 and at least one environmental sensor 118.

[0056] The captured data 106, 108, 110, 112 is accumulated in the accumulator 120, and time stamped and stored in the storage 122.

[0057] The method involves modifying (i.e. processing) the hyperspectral data 106 using the accumulated spectral irradiance data 108, visual atmospheric data 112 and environmental data 110.

[0058] The method further involves processing the modified hyperspectral data 106 to determine one or more regions of interest, and displaying a geo-spatially accurate map of the geological structure showing the regions of interest in accordance with the disclosure of PCT / AU2023 / 050646 which is incorporated herein by reference. Advantageously, the use of the modified hyperspectral data provides for improved mapping.

[0059] In summary, the system 100 is deployed close to geological item(s) or object(s) being observed by the primary optical sensing equipment 104. The system 100 is powered, and data capture commences automatically, storing the data 106, 108, 110, 112 including accurate timestamps. The primary optical device 104 is then able to observe the geological item of interest and store its result along with accurately synchronised timestamps. In either real-time or during post-processing the data 106 from the primary device can be corrected using the captured spectral irradiance data 108, visual atmospheric data 112 and environmental data 110.

[0060] The arrangement of the optical components including visual atmospheric sensor 116 allows the continuous capture of solar irradiance transmission through the sky, as well as other atmospheric conditions. Alternatively, the optical components can be re-configured to measure target materials of interest by measuring the reflected light through the interchangeable fore-optic 200, or integrating sphere and transmitting captured data through a specialised fibre-optic 302 to the input slit of the detector 300 - the length of the fibre optic cable 302 can be increased substantially, such that data collection can occur at a significant distance from the input slit of the detector 300, meaning that the system 100 can be flexibly deployed into a broad range of use cases in harsh environmental conditions. Additionally, the processing of the data 106, 108, 110, 112 can occur in real-time or during post processing.

[0061] Ensuring proper time alignment of data 106, 108, 110, 112 is advantageous, the clocks report Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) which is aligned via Network Time Protocol and correlated periodically with the time reported by the global positioning system (GPS). This permits deployment of the system 100 to multiple time zones without the need to align and correct the data later.

[0062] The system 100 is in relatively close proximity to the geological items / objects being observed by the primary optical sampling equipment 106. The system 100 is modular in its design.

[0063] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that many embodiments and variations can be made without departing from the ambit of the present invention.

[0064] Aside from mines, the system 100 can be used as a primary measurement device for geological material on conveyors, shovels and trucks, and continuous monitoring of material at underground mine draw points and stockpiles using reflected light. The system 100 can also be used for quality assurance and trend information in these same scenarios. The system 100 can also use optical fibre 302 to connect the optical components 200 to the sensor 300 which allows for further flexibility in mounting the optical components 200 and increases safety for the non-optical sensing components of the system 100.

[0065] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect.

[0066] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:1 . A geological-system based data-capture apparatus for capturing data to be used in modifying hyperspectral data relating to a geological structure, the data capture apparatus including: a spectral irradiance measuring device for providing spectral irradiance data; a visual atmospheric sensor for providing visual atmospheric data; and a data accumulator for accumulating the provided spectral irradiance data and the provided visual atmospheric data.

2. A data-capture apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the accumulated spectral irradiance data and visual atmospheric data are used in modifying the lightsensitive hyperspectral data for improved mapping of the geological structure.

3. A data-capture apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the data accumulator accumulates the hyperspectral data received from a hyperspectral scanner.

4. A data-capture apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the data capture apparatus includes a wireless interface for receiving the hyperspectral data.

5. A data-capture apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the hyperspectral scanner is mobile in use.

6. A data-capture apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the data accumulator time stamps the accumulated data.

7. A data-capture apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein further including at least one environmental sensor for providing environmental data.

8. A data-capture apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the data accumulator further accumulates the environmental data received from the environmental sensor.

9. A data-capture apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the environmental sensor is a separate unit interfaced with the data accumulator.

10. A data-capture apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the spectral irradiance measuring device is onboard with the data accumulator, or a separate unit interfaced with the data accumulator.

11. A data-capture apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the spectral irradiance measuring device includes an optic terminus; and a spectral irradiance measuring sensor for coupling to the optic terminus.

12. A data-capture apparatus as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the coupling includes an optic fibre coupling.

13. A data-capture apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , further including onboard storage for storing data accumulated by the accumulator.

14. A data-capture apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , further including a controller for controlling the operation of the data capture apparatus.

15. A data-capture apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , further including at least one thermal protector for impeding overheating of the data capture apparatus.

16. A data-capture apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the thermal protector impedes overheating of a controller, the data accumulator and / or the spectral irradiance measuring device.

17. A geological system including: the data-capture apparatus as claimed in claim 1 ; and a hyperspectral scanner for providing the hyperspectral data to be modified using the provided spectral irradiance data and the provided visual atmospheric data from the data capture apparatus.

18. A geological system as claimed in claim 17, including a processor for modifying the scan data using the spectral irradiance data and the visual atmospheric data.

19. A method for capturing data to be used in modifying hyperspectral data relating to a geological structure, the method including: providing spectral irradiance data;providing visual atmospheric data; and accumulating the provided spectral irradiance data and the provided visual atmospheric data.

20. A geological-system based data capture apparatus for capturing data to be used in modifying optical data relating to a geological structure, the data capture apparatus including: at least one imaging device for providing image data; at least one environmental sensor for providing environmental data; and a data accumulator for accumulating the provided image data and the provided environmental data.

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