Anomaly detection system, anomaly detection method, and program

Abstract

This system easily notifies operators of abnormal conditions. [Solution] The abnormality detection system 1 according to this disclosure comprises a camera 10 that captures images of bubbles generated in the flotation process, and a signal processing device 20. The signal processing device 20 comprises a processor 25 that determines whether an abnormal condition requiring operator intervention has occurred based on the image of the bubbles, and if an abnormal condition has occurred, automatically notifies the operator that an abnormal condition has occurred.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an anomaly detection system, an anomaly detection method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a froth flotation process has been widely used for separating minerals. In the froth flotation process, air is fed into ore slurry to generate froth containing the target minerals, thereby separating useful minerals from unnecessary substances.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a control system that photographs the state of froth in a froth flotation process and adjusts the chemical injection amount, air supply amount and the like based on the state of the froth.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In a froth flotation process, as long as the process is within the normal state range, adjusting control parameters such as the chemical injection amount and the air supply amount can bring the froth state to a desired state. However, when an abnormal state that requires operator intervention occurs, the operator needs to manually take measures to eliminate the abnormal state.

[0006] Accordingly, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an anomaly detection system, an anomaly detection method, and a program capable of easily notifying an operator that an abnormal state has occurred.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] [1] A camera that takes images of bubbles generated in the flotation process, Signal processing device and Equipped with, The signal processing device is Based on the image of the bubbles, it is determined whether or not an abnormal condition requiring operator intervention has occurred. If the aforementioned abnormal condition occurs, the processor automatically notifies the operator that the abnormal condition has occurred. An anomaly detection system equipped with the following features. Such anomaly detection systems make it easy to notify operators when an abnormal condition occurs.

[0008] [2] In the anomaly detection system described in [1] above, The signal processing device further comprises an output unit, The processor may notify the operator that the abnormal condition has occurred by having the output unit emit an alarm. This allows operators to quickly become aware of abnormal conditions through alarms.

[0009] [3] In the anomaly detection system described in [1] or [2] above, The processor may notify the operator that the abnormal condition has occurred by transmitting information indicating that the abnormal condition has occurred to the terminal device. This allows operators to quickly become aware of abnormal conditions through notifications sent to terminal devices.

[0010] [4] In the anomaly detection system described in any one of the above items [1] to [3], The processor may automatically adjust the control parameters of the flotation process based on the image of the bubbles. This allows the foam state in the flotation process to be brought to a desired state, provided that no abnormal conditions occur.

[0011] [5] In the anomaly detection system described in any one of the above items [1] to [4], The processor may analyze the image of the bubbles and determine whether the abnormal condition is occurring based on at least one of the following: the shape of the bubbles, the size of the bubbles, the amount of bubbles, the rate at which the bubbles are generated, and the color of the bubbles. This allows for the determination of whether or not an abnormal condition is occurring based on factors such as the shape, size, quantity, generation rate, and color of the bubbles.

[0012] [6] A step of taking an image of the bubbles generated in the flotation process, The steps include determining whether an abnormal condition requiring operator intervention has occurred based on the image of the bubbles, If the aforementioned abnormal condition occurs, the operator is automatically notified that the aforementioned abnormal condition has occurred. An anomaly detection method, including the above. This type of anomaly detection method makes it easy to notify operators when an abnormal condition occurs.

[0013] [7] A step of obtaining an image of the bubbles generated in the flotation process, The steps include determining whether an abnormal condition requiring operator intervention has occurred based on the image of the bubbles, If the aforementioned abnormal condition occurs, the operator is automatically notified that the aforementioned abnormal condition has occurred. A program that causes a computer to perform an action that includes [a specific action]. Such a program makes it easy to notify operators when an abnormal condition occurs. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide an anomaly detection system, an anomaly detection method, and a program that can easily notify an operator when an abnormal condition occurs. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] It is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an anomaly detection system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of an anomaly detection system according to an embodiment. Mode for Carrying out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an anomaly detection system 1 according to an embodiment. The anomaly detection system 1 can automatically notify an operator when an abnormal state that requires operator intervention has occurred in a froth flotation process, that such an abnormal state requiring operator intervention has occurred. In the description of the present embodiment, the "abnormal state requiring operator intervention" may be simply referred to as an "abnormal state" for convenience of explanation.

[0018] The anomaly detection system 1 includes a camera 10, a signal processing device 20, and a terminal device 30. The signal processing device 20 and the terminal device 30 are communicably connected via a network 40. The network 40 may be a network including a mobile communication network, the Internet, and the like.

[0019] The camera 10 captures images of froth generated in a froth flotation process performed in a flotation cell 100.

[0020] The flotation cell 100 is a vessel in which a froth flotation process is performed. In the froth flotation process performed in the flotation cell 100, for example, air is blown into ore slurry to generate froth containing the target mineral.

[0021] The camera 10 may be any camera capable of capturing images of the froth.

[0022] The signal processing device 20 may be a dedicated electronic device configured to function as the signal processing device 20 of the anomaly detection system 1, or it may be a general-purpose electronic device such as a tablet terminal or a PC (Personal Computer).

[0023] The signal processing device 20 includes a communication unit 21, a memory 22, an input unit 23, an output unit 24, and a processor 25.

[0024] The communication unit 21 includes a communication module. For example, the communication unit 21 may include a communication module that corresponds to a LAN (Local Area Network). In one embodiment, the signal processing device 20 is connected to the network 40 via the communication unit 21. The communication unit 21 can communicate with the terminal device 30 via the network 40. The communication unit 21 can also communicate with the camera 10 by wire or wireless connection.

[0025] Memory 22 is, for example, a semiconductor memory, magnetic memory, or optical memory, but is not limited to these. Memory 22 may function as, for example, a main memory, an auxiliary memory, or a cache memory. Memory 22 stores any information used in the operation of the signal processing device 20. For example, memory 22 may store system programs, application programs, and various types of information. Part of memory 22 may be installed outside the signal processing device 20. In that case, the part of memory 22 installed outside may be connected to the signal processing device 20 via any interface.

[0026] The input unit 23 includes one or more input interfaces that detect user input and acquire input information based on user operations. For example, the input unit 23 includes, but is not limited to, physical keys, capacitive keys, a touchscreen integrated with the display of the output unit 24, or a microphone that accepts voice input.

[0027] The output unit 24 includes one or more output interfaces for outputting information and notifying the user. For example, the output unit 24 includes, but is not limited to, a display for outputting information as an image, a speaker for outputting information as sound, etc.

[0028] The processor 25 is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. The processor 25 may also be an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The processor 25 may also be a combination of multiple processors. The processor 25 controls each part of the signal processing device 20 and executes processes related to the operation of the signal processing device 20.

[0029] The functions of the signal processing device 20 can be realized by executing a program stored in the memory 22 using the processor 25. In other words, the functions of the signal processing device 20 can be realized by software.

[0030] Terminal device 30 is a terminal device operated by an operator. Terminal device 30 may be, for example, a PC, smartphone, or tablet. Terminal device 30 can communicate with signal processing device 20 via network 40. It is not mandatory for the operator to operate terminal device 30; the operator may also operate signal processing device 20 directly.

[0031] (Operation of the anomaly detection system) Next, we will explain the operation of the anomaly detection system 1.

[0032] In flotation cell 100, the flotation process is performed. When the flotation process is performed, bubbles containing the target mineral are generated.

[0033] Camera 10 is positioned to capture images of the bubbles generated during the flotation process performed in the flotation cell 100.

[0034] Camera 10 captures an image of the bubbles generated in the flotation cell 100. Camera 10 transmits the captured image of the bubbles to the signal processing device 20.

[0035] The processor 25 of the signal processing device 20 acquires the image of the bubble transmitted by the camera 10 via the communication unit 21.

[0036] The processor 25 automatically adjusts the control parameters of the flotation process being performed in the flotation cell 100 based on the image of the bubbles. The processor 25 may automatically adjust control parameters such as the amount of chemical injected and the amount of air supplied. The processor 25 may adjust the control parameters by, for example, sending a command to a control device installed in the flotation cell 100 to adjust the control parameters. This allows the processor 25 to bring the state of the bubbles to a desired state.

[0037] The processor 25 automatically adjusts the control parameters of the flotation process based on the foam image and also determines, based on the foam image, whether or not an abnormal condition requiring operator intervention has occurred.

[0038] An abnormal condition requiring operator intervention is one in which the signal processing device 20 cannot respond automatically, and it is necessary for the operator to respond manually or to go to the site to respond.

[0039] The processor 25 analyzes, for example, the image of the bubbles acquired from the camera 10 and determines whether an abnormal state has occurred based on information for determining the presence or absence of an abnormal state, such as the shape of the bubbles, the size of the bubbles, the amount of bubbles, the bubble generation rate, and the color of the bubbles. In this case, the processor 25 may also determine whether an abnormal state has occurred by combining two or more pieces of information such as the shape of the bubbles, the size of the bubbles, the amount of bubbles, the bubble generation rate, and the color of the bubbles. For example, the processor 25 may determine that an abnormal state has occurred if the shape of the bubbles, the size of the bubbles, the amount of bubbles, the bubble generation rate, the color of the bubbles, or a combination thereof exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0040] If an abnormal condition occurs, the processor 25 automatically notifies the operator that an abnormal condition has occurred.

[0041] The processor 25 may notify the operator of an abnormal condition by, for example, having the output unit 24 emit an alarm. In this case, the processor 25 may display the alarm on the output unit 24, or output the alarm as an audible message. Alternatively, the processor 25 may output an alarm that combines display and audible information on the output unit 24.

[0042] Furthermore, the processor 25 may notify the operator of an abnormal condition by, for example, transmitting information indicating that an abnormal condition has occurred to the terminal device 30 via the communication unit 21. The terminal device 30 may be a terminal device operated by the operator or a terminal device held by the operator.

[0043] When an operator receives notification that an abnormal condition has occurred, they can respond to the abnormal condition by manually operating the signal processing device 20 or by actually going to the site of the flotation cell 100 to take action.

[0044] The operation of the anomaly detection system 1 will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 2.

[0045] Step S101: Camera 10 captures an image of the bubbles generated in the flotation cell 100. Camera 10 transmits the captured image of the bubbles to the signal processing device 20.

[0046] Step S102: The processor 25 of the signal processing device 20 automatically adjusts the control parameters of the flotation process being carried out in the flotation cell 100 based on the image of bubbles acquired from the camera 10. The processor 25 may automatically adjust control parameters such as the amount of chemical injected and the amount of air supplied.

[0047] Step S103: The processor 25 determines whether an abnormal condition requiring operator intervention has occurred based on the bubble image acquired from the camera 10. The processor 25 determines whether an abnormal condition has occurred based on information for determining the presence or absence of an abnormal condition, such as at least one of the following: bubble shape, bubble size, bubble quantity, bubble generation rate, and bubble color, or a combination of two or more of these pieces of information.

[0048] If an abnormal condition requiring operator intervention has occurred (Yes in step S103), the processor 25 proceeds to step S104. If no abnormal condition requiring operator intervention has occurred (No in step S103), the processor 25 returns to step S101.

[0049] Step S104: If an abnormal condition requiring operator intervention occurs, the processor 25 automatically notifies the operator that an abnormal condition has occurred. The processor 25 may notify the operator that an abnormal condition has occurred, for example, by having the output unit 24 emit an alarm. Alternatively, the processor 25 may notify the operator that an abnormal condition has occurred by transmitting information indicating that an abnormal condition has occurred to the terminal device 30 being operated by the operator via the communication unit 21.

[0050] In the flowchart shown in Figure 2, the anomaly detection system 1 executes step S103 after step S102, but it may also execute step S103 before step S102. Alternatively, the anomaly detection system 1 may execute steps S102 and S103 in parallel.

[0051] According to the anomaly detection system 1 of this embodiment described above, it is possible to easily notify the operator when an abnormal condition occurs. More specifically, the anomaly detection system 1 comprises a camera 10 that takes images of bubbles generated in the flotation process and a signal processing device 20. The signal processing device 20 includes a processor 25 that determines whether or not an abnormal condition requiring operator intervention has occurred based on the image of the bubbles, and if an abnormal condition has occurred, automatically notifies the operator that an abnormal condition has occurred. In this way, since it is determined whether or not an abnormal condition has occurred based on the image of the bubbles taken by the camera 10, it is possible to determine whether or not an abnormal condition has occurred in real time without relying on the operator's visual inspection. Furthermore, since it is possible to easily notify the operator when an abnormal condition has occurred, it is possible to easily notify the operator when an abnormal condition has occurred.

[0052] Furthermore, according to the abnormality detection system 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to notify the operator in real time that an abnormal condition has occurred based on the image of bubbles captured by the camera 10, so that the operator can take appropriate action quickly. Therefore, it is possible to maintain the stability of the flotation process and avoid problems such as a decrease in quality and productivity.

[0053] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this disclosure can be implemented in other predetermined forms besides the embodiments described above without deviating from its spirit or essential features. Therefore, the prior description is illustrative and not limiting. The scope of the disclosure is defined not by the prior description but by the added claims. Any modifications within their equivalent scope are incorporated therein.

[0054] For example, the arrangement and number of each component described above are not limited to those shown in the above description and drawings. The arrangement and number of each component may be configured arbitrarily, as long as it can achieve its function.

[0055] For example, it is also possible to configure a general-purpose electronic device such as a smartphone or computer to function as the signal processing device 20 according to the above embodiment. Specifically, a program describing the processing content that realizes each function of the signal processing device 20 according to the embodiment can be stored in the memory of the electronic device, and the processor of the electronic device can read and execute the program. Therefore, the disclosure according to one embodiment can also be realized as a program that can be executed by a processor.

[0056] For example, in the embodiment described above, it is determined whether or not an abnormal condition is occurring in the flotation process, but the abnormality detection system 1 according to this embodiment can also be applied to processes other than the flotation process.

[0057] For example, in the embodiment described above, it is determined whether or not an abnormal state has occurred based on the image of the bubbles, but it is also possible to determine whether or not an abnormal state has occurred based on information other than the image of the bubbles. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1. Anomaly detection system 10 Cameras 20 Signal Processing Equipment 21 Communications Department 22 memory 23 Input section 24 Output section 25 processors 30 Terminal devices 40 Networks 100 flotation cells

Claims

1. A camera that takes images of the bubbles generated in the flotation process, Signal processing device and Equipped with, The signal processing device is Based on the image of the bubbles, it is determined whether or not an abnormal condition requiring operator intervention has occurred. If the aforementioned abnormal condition occurs, the processor automatically notifies the operator that the abnormal condition has occurred. An anomaly detection system equipped with the following features.

2. In the anomaly detection system according to claim 1, The signal processing device further comprises an output unit, An anomaly detection system comprising the processor, which notifies the operator that the abnormal condition has occurred by causing the output unit to emit an alarm.

3. In the anomaly detection system according to claim 1, An anomaly detection system comprising a processor that notifies the operator of the occurrence of the anomaly by transmitting information indicating that the anomaly has occurred to a terminal device.

4. In the anomaly detection system according to claim 1, The processor is an anomaly detection system that automatically adjusts the control parameters of the flotation process based on the image of the bubbles.

5. In the anomaly detection system according to claim 1, An anomaly detection system comprising a processor that analyzes an image of the bubbles and determines whether or not the anomaly is occurring based on at least one of the following: the shape of the bubbles, the size of the bubbles, the amount of bubbles, the rate of bubble generation, and the color of the bubbles.

6. The steps include taking images of the bubbles generated in the flotation process, The steps include determining whether an abnormal condition requiring operator intervention has occurred based on the image of the bubbles, If the aforementioned abnormal condition occurs, the operator is automatically notified that the aforementioned abnormal condition has occurred. An anomaly detection method, including the above.

7. In the abnormality detection method described in claim 6, The aforementioned notification step is an abnormality detection method that notifies the operator that the abnormal condition has occurred by sounding an alarm.

8. In the abnormality detection method described in claim 6, An abnormality detection method, the notification step of which notifies the operator that the abnormal condition has occurred by transmitting information indicating that the abnormal condition has occurred to a terminal device.

9. In the abnormality detection method described in claim 6, An anomaly detection method further comprising the step of automatically adjusting the control parameters of the flotation process based on the image of the bubbles.

10. In the abnormality detection method described in claim 6, The above determination step is an abnormality detection method that analyzes an image of the bubbles and determines whether or not the abnormal condition is occurring based on at least one of the bubble shape, bubble size, bubble quantity, bubble generation rate, and bubble color.

11. The steps include obtaining an image of the bubbles generated in the flotation process, The steps include determining whether an abnormal condition requiring operator intervention has occurred based on the image of the bubbles, If the aforementioned abnormal condition occurs, the operator is automatically notified that the aforementioned abnormal condition has occurred. A program that causes a computer to perform an action that includes [a specific action].

12. In the program described in claim 11, The notification step is a program that notifies the operator that the abnormal condition has occurred by sounding an alarm.

13. In the program described in claim 11, The notification step is a program that notifies the operator that the abnormal condition has occurred by transmitting information indicating that the abnormal condition has occurred to a terminal device.

14. In the program described in claim 11, A program that causes a computer to perform an operation which further includes the step of automatically adjusting the control parameters of the flotation process based on the image of the bubbles.

15. In the program described in claim 11, The aforementioned determination step is a program that analyzes an image of the bubbles and determines whether or not the abnormal condition has occurred based on at least one of the following: the shape of the bubbles, the size of the bubbles, the amount of bubbles, the rate of bubble generation, and the color of the bubbles.

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