Method and system for providing a decision support based on a detected physical phenomenon

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method (200) for providing a decision support for a drilling process (150, 350), the method (200) comprising: - obtaining (220) a sensor signal (Ssens) representative of a physical phenomenon (155, 355) detected during the drilling process (150, 350), the physical phenomenon (155, 355) being conveyed to a sensor (121, 321); - creating (230) a drilling process signal (Sdrill) based on the sensor signal (Ssens), wherein the drilling process signal (Sdrill) comprises information being possible to reproduce as an audible representation of the detected physical phenomenon (155, 355); - providing (240), during the drilling process (150, 350), the decision support for the drilling process (150, 350) based on the drilling process signal (Sdrill). The disclosure also relates to a corresponding system.

Description

[0001] METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING A DECISION SUPPORT BASED ON A DETECTED PHYSICAL PHENOMENON

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The disclosure relates to improved control of drilling processes, and more specifically to a method for providing a decision support based on a detected physical phenomenon. The disclosure also relates to a system for providing a decision support, to an operator station comprising the system, to a cabin comprising the operator station, and to a mining machine comprising the cabin.

[0004] Furthermore, the disclosure also relates to a corresponding computer program and a computer-readable medium causing a computer to carry out the method.

[0005] Background

[0006] Mining machines, such as for example drilling rigs and raise-boring machines, are used for drilling holes in a vast number of applications. One common feature of many of these applications is that input of information related to multiple senses is needed to be able to properly control the mining machines during the drilling process.

[0007] Generally, during the drilling process, a machine operator or an autonomous system controlling a mining machine often need to use visual, tactical and / or auditory senses when monitoring how the drilling process is proceeding, and thus for controlling the mining machine.

[0008] The visual information associated with the drilling process may be provided by visual inspection, i.e. , by the operator looking at the drilling process, either directly by using the eyes of the operator, or by also using a camera. The tactical information associated with the drilling process may be provided by the controls, e.g., by handles or the like, used by the operator for controlling the drilling machine.

[0009] The audio information associated with the drilling process is often difficult to perceive for the machine operator or the autonomous system controlling a mining machine. There may be several reasons for this. One reason may be that the drilling process takes place at a distance from the machine operator or autonomous system, for example in remote drilling applications or in raise-boring applications. In remote controlled drilling applications, the operator station may be positioned such that the sounds associated with the drilling process do not reach the machine operator at all. In raise-boring applications, the reamer performing the actual cutting / drilling may be positioned up to hundreds of meters below the machine operator or autonomous system, such that the sounds associated with the drilling process are relatively silent, or are almost not audible at all, at the operator station.

[0010] Another reason may be that there are often many other masking sounds present at the operator or autonomous system. The masking sounds may for example originate from other drilling processes than the one controlled by the operator or autonomous system. The masking sounds may originate from the mining machine presently being controlled, although being associated with another drilling process than the actual drilling process being controlled for the moment. Such masking sounds may e.g., originate from the engine or other parts of the mining machine not being directly involved in the present drilling process. Also, in many mining applications, other mining machines, vehicles, ventilation fans and / or many other sound creating entities may cause a high noise level at the operator station. These masking sounds, that are unrelated the present drilling process being controlled, drown the sounds being associated with the present drilling process, i.e. , drown the sounds being interesting for the control of the present drilling process.

[0011] Thus, the noise level at the operator station is often high. This is a working environment problem for the operator, and makes the control of the drilling process difficult, since the important sounds associated with the drilling process to be controlled are drowned by the surrounding loud noise. The cabin comprising the operator station may be designed to be soundproof. However, since the operator wants to hear what the drilling process sounds like, it has been common for operators of conventional systems to open the cabin door, thereby dramatically increasing the noise and dust levels in the cabin, and thus degrading the working environment for the operator.

[0012] Summary

[0013] An objective of the embodiments of the disclosure is to provide a solution which mitigates or solves the drawbacks of conventional solutions. Another objective of the embodiments of the disclosure is to provide a solution which provides decision support during a drilling process, in particular when audio information associated with the drilling process is difficult to perceive for the machine operator or the autonomous system controlling the drilling process.

[0014] The above and further objectives are solved by the subject matter of the appended independent claims.

[0015] According to a first aspect of the disclosure, the above mentioned and other objectives are achieved with a computer-implemented method for providing a decision support for a drilling process. The method comprises:

[0016] - obtaining a sensor signal representative of a physical phenomenon detected during the drilling process, the physical phenomenon being conveyed to a sensor;

[0017] - creating a drilling process signal based on the sensor signal, wherein the drilling process signal comprises information being possible to reproduce as an audible representation of the detected physical phenomenon;

[0018] - providing, during the drilling process, the decision support for the drilling process based on the drilling process signal.

[0019] An advantage of the method according to the first aspect is that audio information associated with the physical phenomenon, and thus also with the drilling process, is provided, such that it is more easily and clearly perceived by the operator or the autonomous system controlling a machine. The audio information may be presented to an operator by one or more loudspeakers and / or by a headphone, for example transformed into resembling a drilling sound in free air which an operator is familiar with. The drilling process signal and the associated audible representation may be provided to an operator by means of an app in a smart phone, tablet or similar portable device that is easily accessible to the operator. Since, an experienced operator knows what a drilling process should sound like in free air, the transformed drilling sound may be a helpful decision support when controlling the mining machine. The audio information may also be provided to other systems, such as to artificial intelligence systems, for further processing. The relevant sounds associated with the drilling process are clearly audible / hearable, thanks to the considerable reduction of the noise level and surrounding masking sounds. Thanks to the improved presentation of the audio information, wear of mining machine components, such as for example cutters, leading to degraded drilling performance, may be detected in time before costly damages occur, such as dropping the expensive drill string in a worst-case scenario. The operator is by the method provided with a further sense, i.e. , a hearing / audition sense decision support based on the audio representation, in addition to the sight / vision and touch / tactile senses conventionally used by the operator.

[0020] When the presented method is utilized, a cabin comprising an operator station from which an operator controls the drilling process may comprise sound traps, i.e., may be designed to be soundproof, such that the surrounding noise is efficiently shielded off. Also, since the operator can listen to the sounds of the drilling process via loudspeakers inside the cabin, the doors and windows of the cabin can be closed without degrading the control of the drilling machine / process. In other words, the operator can close the door and still hear the mining machine and the drilling process. Therefore, since the control of the drilling process can be safely performed within a sealed cabin, the cabin may also be equipped with air conditioning equipment, and with dust and / or particle traps / fi Iters. The working environment for the operator is hereby improved considerably.

[0021] The method also makes it possibly to individually and sequentially listen to more than one drilling process taking place simultaneously. If, for example, a first sensor is configured to detect a physical phenomenon associated with a first drilling process, and a second sensor is configured to detect a physical phenomenon associated with a second drilling process, then first and second individual decision supports may be provided for the first and second drilling processes, respectively. For example, the sounds associated with the first drilling process may first be output by the loudspeaker by choice of the operator, and thereafter the sounds associated with the second drilling process may be chosen to be output. Hereby, a potential problem with one of these drilling processes can be easily identified and indicated as a decision support to the operator. For example, if the first drilling machine is struggling and the second drilling machine is working as expected the problem with the first drilling machine could hereby be easily detected with the presented method. However, without utilization of the presented method, the sounds of the struggling first drilling machine would be drowned by the sounds from the second fine-working drilling machine and / or by the surrounding noise level in a mining tunnel.

[0022] Thus, an improved control of the drilling process, considerably reducing the risk for severe component damages, and improving the working environment for the operator, is provided.

[0023] In an embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the physical phenomenon is conveyed to the sensor through solid and / or fluid matter.

[0024] Thus, the drilling process signal may be created based on a signal from one or more contacting sensors. Since the physical phenomenon is conveyed to the sensor through solid and / or fluid matter, the noise being present in the air e.g., in a mining tunnel may be at least partly avoided.

[0025] In an embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the sensor is attached to a structure conveying the physical phenomenon to the sensor, the structure comprising one in the group of:

[0026] - a rock bolt; and

[0027] - a part of a mining machine.

[0028] By attaching the sensor to rock bolts and / or to mechanical parts of the mining machine, a solid connection between the drilling process and the sensor is provided. Hereby, the physical phenomenon, and thereby the sounds associated with the drilling process, are efficiently conveyed to the sensor with little attenuation and distortion.

[0029] In an embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the solid matter comprises one or more in the group of:

[0030] - rock; and

[0031] - one or more parts of a mining machine. An advantage with this embodiment is that the solid matter conveys / transfers the physical phenomenon with little attenuation and distortion to the sensor. Hereby, a high-quality drilling process signal may be created, such that e.g. a natural sounding reproduction of the sounds of the drilling process may be provided.

[0032] In an embodiment of the method according to the first aspect,

[0033] - the sensor is configured to detect the physical phenomenon conveyed to the sensor by a hydraulic system; and

[0034] - the fluid matter is a hydraulic fluid of the hydraulic system.

[0035] An advantage with this embodiment is that in mining machines commonly used hydraulic systems may be utilized for detecting the physical phenomenon and sounds of the drilling process. The hydraulic fluid, such as e.g., hydraulic oil, is a capable conductor of the physical phenomenon to the sensor, such that a high- quality drilling process signal may be created.

[0036] In an embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the physical phenomenon comprises oscillations associated with the drilling process.

[0037] An advantage with this embodiment is that oscillations, including essentially any kind of vibrations, alterations, transformations and / or movements being associated with the drilling process may be detected by the sensor. The changing conditions may be dynamically / quickly varying or may be semi-static / slowly varying, such that relatively higher or relatively lower frequency oscillations are detected. Hereby, essentially any sounds associated with the drilling process may be detected and / or reproduced.

[0038] In an embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the drilling process signal is associated with one or more in the group of:

[0039] - an impact frequency for the drilling process;

[0040] - a number of revolutions for the drilling process;

[0041] - axial oscillations of a drill string;

[0042] - bending associated oscillations of a drill string;

[0043] - torsion associated oscillations of a drill string;

[0044] - axial oscillations of a reamer; - bending associated oscillations of a reamer;

[0045] - torsion associated oscillations of a reamer;

[0046] - an oil pressure in a hydraulic system of a mining machine;

[0047] - pulsations in a hydraulic system of a mining machine; and

[0048] - structure carried vibrations of a mining machine.

[0049] Thus, a number of different parameters / conditions associated with the drilling process may be utilized for providing the decision support for the drilling process. This makes the method flexible and easily adaptable to various types of mining machines and / or various types of drilling processes.

[0050] In an embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the creation of the drilling process signal comprises:

[0051] - signal processing the sensor signal; and

[0052] - providing the signal processed sensor signal as the drilling process signal.

[0053] An advantage with this embodiment form is that sensor signals provided by essentially any type of sensor may be possible to reproduce as a useful audible representation after suitable signal processing. Thus, also sensor signals that unprocessed would sound unnatural, annoying, or even misleading could by suitable signal processing be converted / transformed to drilling process signals being easily interpreted by the operator. Useful audio information may hereby, i.e. , by the performed signal processing, be presented based on sensor signals that would otherwise be more or less worthless as audio information for an operator.

[0054] In an embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the signal processing comprises:

[0055] - transforming the detected physical phenomenon into an audible representation resembling a drilling sound in air for the drilling process.

[0056] An advantage with this embodiment is that the operator is presented with a drilling sound that he is familiar with. The sensor detects / picks up the physical phenomenon which may sound differently than the physical phenomenon would sound like in free air. The transformation of the detected physical phenomenon into a for the operator familiar sound in free air for the drilling process considerably facilitates the control of the drilling process. Thus, an experienced operator knows what normal and unnormal drilling processes sound like in free air, respectively, and can easily determine how to control the drilling process based on the presented decision support, i.e. , based on the presented audible representation.

[0057] In an embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the signal processing comprises:

[0058] - band pass filtering of the sensor signal.

[0059] An advantage with this embodiment form is that low and high frequency signal components are suppressed, thereby mitigating noise and distortion components in the sensor signal. The quality of the audible representation is thus hereby improved.

[0060] In an embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the signal processing comprises one or more in the group of:

[0061] - adding a high frequency content to the sensor signal; and

[0062] - amplifying a high frequency content of the sensor signal.

[0063] An advantage with this embodiment form is that the addition and / or amplification of higher frequency components makes the audible representation sound more like the operator expects the drilling to sound like. For example, the higher frequencies corresponding to the sound of cracking rocks may be added / amplified to the drilling process signal.

[0064] Also, if the sensor signal is a low frequency pulse signal, the signal may be intentionally distorted such that higher frequencies are added and / or amplified in order to achieve enhanced audibility for the operator. Alternatively, if the sensor signal comprises a single frequency, e.g., a single sinus signal, higher frequencies may be added to make the drilling process signal more comfortable to listen to for the operator.

[0065] In an embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the providing of the decision support comprises providing the audible representation of the detected physical phenomenon to an operator controlling the drilling process. By presenting the audio information to an operator by usage of one or more loudspeakers and / or a headphone, the operator may easily and clearly perceive audio information associated drilling process. The operator may, based on this audio information, control the drilling process such that wear of mining machine components is avoided and / or detected in time before costly damages occur. The operator is, based on the audio information, provided with a further sense, i.e. , a hearing / audition sense, in addition to the sight / vision and touch / tactile senses conventionally provided. Sounds associated with multiple drilling processes may individually and / or sequentially be presented to the operator, such that a potential problem with one of these drilling processes can be easily identified.

[0066] In an embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the providing of the decision support comprises providing at least one output generated by an artificial intelligence entity based on the drilling process signal.

[0067] An advantage with this embodiment form is that the artificial intelligence entity may provide advanced decision support to the operator and / or to an autonomous system controlling the drilling process. This advanced decision support may be determined based on machine learning supervised by an experienced operator, such that experienced gained over many years is built into the artificial intelligence entity and the decision support.

[0068] In an embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the method further comprises one or more in the group of:

[0069] - providing the at least one output to an operator controlling the drilling process; and

[0070] - providing the at least one output to an autonomous system controlling the drilling process.

[0071] The artificial intelligence entity may suggest / present suitable actions to take at a current situation to the operator and / or to the autonomous system, where these suitable actions may be based on the gained experience of an operator. By such decision support, the quality and reliability of the control of the mining machine is improved. According to a second aspect of the disclosure, the above mentioned and other objectives are achieved with a system for providing a decision support for a drilling process, the system comprising processing circuitry configured to:

[0072] - obtain a sensor signal representative of a physical phenomenon detected during the drilling process, the physical phenomenon being conveyed to a sensor;

[0073] - create a drilling process signal based on the sensor signal, wherein the drilling process signal comprises information being possible to reproduce as an audible representation of the detected physical phenomenon;

[0074] - provide, during the drilling process, the decision support for the drilling process based on the drilling process signal.

[0075] The system according to the second aspect can be extended into embodiments corresponding to the embodiments forms of the method according to the first aspect. Hence, an embodiment of the system comprises the feature(s) of the corresponding embodiment of the method.

[0076] The advantages of the system according to the second aspect and its embodiments are the same as those for the corresponding aspect and embodiments of the method according to the first aspect mentioned above.

[0077] In an embodiment of the system according to the second aspect, the sensor is one in the group of:

[0078] - a contact microphone;

[0079] - an accelerometer;

[0080] - a revolution sensor;

[0081] - a pressure sensor;

[0082] - a position sensor;

[0083] - a strain gauge;

[0084] - an aucoustic emission sensor;

[0085] - a magnetic sensor; and

[0086] - an inductive sensor.

[0087] An advantage with this embodiment is that a number of different sensors may be utilized for detecting the physical phenomenon. Many of these sensors are already present in the mining machine in which the system is to be implemented, which makes it possible to implement the system at a low cost. Thus, since already existing sensors in the mining machine may be utilized in the system, an implementation with minimal additional hardware complexity is possible.

[0088] According to a third aspect of the disclosure, the above mentioned and other objectives are achieved with an operator station for controlling a drilling process, the operator station comprising a herein described system.

[0089] The advantages of the operator station according to the third aspect and its embodiments are the same as those for the corresponding aspect and embodiments of the method according to the first aspect mentioned above.

[0090] According to a fourth aspect of the disclosure, the above mentioned and other objectives are achieved with a cabin configured to be soundproof, the cabin comprising a herein described operator station.

[0091] When the herein presented methods and / or systems are utilized, the operator station can be located in a cabin comprising sound traps, i.e. , is designed to be soundproof. Hereby, the surrounding noise e.g., in a mining tunnel is efficiently shielded off from the workspace of the operator. Since the operator is presented with the sounds of the drilling process via loudspeakers inside the cabin, the doors and windows of the cabin can be closed, and the control of the drilling process can be safely performed within the sealed cabin. The working environment for the operator is hereby improved considerably since the noise level and also the dust within the cabin is considerably reduced compared to conventional solutions.

[0092] According to a fifth aspect of the disclosure, the above mentioned and other objectives are achieved with mining machine comprising a herein described cabin.

[0093] The advantages of the mining machine according to the fifth aspect and its embodiments are the same as those for the corresponding aspect and embodiments of the method according to the first aspect mentioned above. Embodiments of the disclosure also relate to a computer program, characterized in program code, which when run by at least one processor causes the at least one processor to execute any method according to embodiments of the disclosure. Further, embodiments of the disclosure also relate to a computer program product comprising a computer readable medium and the mentioned computer program, wherein the computer program is included in the computer readable medium, and may comprises one or more from the group of: read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), flash memory, electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), hard disk drive, etc.

[0094] Further applications and advantages of embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent from the following detailed description.

[0095] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0096] The appended drawings are intended to clarify and explain different embodiments of the disclosure, in which:

[0097] - Fig. 1 shows a flow chart for an exemplary method according to embodiments of the disclosure;

[0098] - Fig. 2 schematically illustrates an exemplary drilling rig with which embodiments of the disclosure may be utilized;

[0099] - Fig. 3 schematically illustrates an exemplary raise-boring machine with which embodiments of the disclosure may be utilized;

[0100] - Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a control unit according to some embodiments of the disclosure;

[0101] - Fig. 5 shows a flow chart for exemplary methods according to embodiments of the disclosure; and

[0102] - Fig. 6 illustrates an example implementation of the disclosure.

[0103] Detailed Description

[0104] As mentioned above, a machine operator or an autonomous system controlling a mining machine often need to use auditory senses when controlling the mining machine. However, the audio information associated with the drilling process is generally difficult to perceive for the machine operator and the autonomous system, since the audio information is either drowned in surrounding noise or is suppressed by the distance to the drilling process and / or by the insulation of the cabin in which the operator station is located.

[0105] Figure 1 illustrates a flow chart for a method for providing decision support for a drilling process according to some embodiments of the disclosure. In an optional first step 210 a physical phenomenon associated with a drilling process is detected by utilization of a sensor. Optionally, the physical phenomenon is here conveyed to the sensor through solid and / or fluid matter, and is then detected / picked up 210 by the sensor. As understood by a skilled person, the herein mentioned sensor may comprise one or more sensors.

[0106] In a second step, 220, a sensor signal Ssens representative of the physical phenomenon is obtained. The sensor signal Ssens may be processed in various ways, as described below.

[0107] In a third step 230, a drilling process signal Sdriii is created based on the sensor signal Ssens. The drilling process signal Sdriii here comprises information being possible to reproduce as an audible representation of the detected physical phenomenon. The drilling process signal Sdriii may then be utilized in various ways, as described below.

[0108] In a fourth step 240, a decision support for the drilling process is provided during the drilling process based on the drilling process signal Sdriii. This decision support may be provided by various entities and in various forms, as descibed below.

[0109] The method disclosed herein may be computer-implemented.

[0110] Figure 2 schematically illustrates an example drilling rig 100 for performing a drilling process 150, such as drilling of holes 165, e.g., during tunnelling or mining, in which the aspects and / or embodiments herein described may be implemented. The drilling rig 100 includes a boom 101 , one end 101 a of which being attached, according to the present example, in such a way that it can pivot in relation to a carrier 102, such as a vehicle, via one or more articulated connections (not shown). A feeder 103 that carries a drilling machine 104 is attached to the other end 101 b of the boom 101 via one or more articulated connections, such as one or more rotators (not shown). The drilling machine 104 may be movable along the feeder 103 such that the drill string 107, and thus also the drill bit at the end of it, continues creating a hole in the rock 163.

[0111] The drilling machine 104 may, according to some embodiments, be hydraulically driven by a hydraulic system 170 comprising hydraulic fluid 171. The hydraulic system 170 may be driven by one or more hydraulic pumps 105, which in turn are driven by one or more electric motors and / or combustion engines 106, also in a manner known per se.

[0112] The drilling process 150 may be controlled by an operator 145 positioned in a cabin 110 comprising an operation station 111. Alternatively, the rock drilling rig 100 may be remotely controlled or may be configured to operate autonomously, i.e. , to be controlled by an autonomous system. Drilling rigs of the disclosed kind are known per se. It is to be understood that the illustrated example drilling rig 100 is presented for describing the disclosure, and that the disclosure may be implemented in essentially any type of drilling rig.

[0113] The drilling rig 100 may comprise two or more booms 101 , feeders 103, drilling machines 103, and hydraulic systems 170. To enhance readability, however, only one boom 101 , feeder 103, drilling machine 103, and hydraulic system 170 are illustrated. The disclosure herein may be extended to any number of booms 101 , feeders 103, drilling machines 103, and hydraulic systems 170.

[0114] Figure 3 schematically illustrates an exemplary raise-boring machine 300, in which the aspects and / or embodiments herein described may be implemented. The raiseboring machine 300 is utilized in underground mining to excavate a hole 365 between a first and a second level in a mine without using explosives. Thus, the raise-boring machine 300 is set up underground 361 in between a second tunnel 362 at a second level and a first deeper tunnel at a first level 364 to excavate a hole 365 in the rock 363 between the first 364 and second 362 tunnels.

[0115] The raise-boring machine 300 comprises a rig 301 and a powerpack 302. A drilling machine 304 drives a drill string 303 and a reamer 307 attached to the drill string 303. The drilling machine 304 may, according to some embodiments, be hydraulically driven by a hydraulic system 370 comprising hydraulic fluid 371. The hydraulic system 370 may be driven by one or more hydraulic pumps 305 comprised in the powerpack 302. The one or more hydraulic pumps 305 may in turn be driven by one or more electric motors and / or combustion engines 306.

[0116] The drilling process 350 of the raise-boring machine 300 may be controlled by an operator 345 positioned in a cabin 310 comprising an operator station 311. In a raiseboring drilling process, the operator 345 does not see the reamer 307 in action. The operator 345 therefore must rely on the drilling sounds associated with the drilling process 355 when controlling the drilling process 350. The operator station 311 is configured for control of the raiseboring machine 300 via a communication connection 309. Alternatively, the raise-boring machine 300 may be remotely controlled via a communication connection, or may be configured to operate autonomously, i.e. , may be controlled by an autonomous system. It is to be understood that the illustrated example raise-boring machine 300 is presented for describing the disclosure, and that the disclosure may be implemented in essentially any type of raise-boring machine 300.

[0117] A system 140, 340 for providing decision support for a drilling process 150, 350 according to an aspect of the disclosure may for example be implemented in the drilling rig 100 shown in figure 2 and / or in the raiseboring machine 300 shown in figure 3.

[0118] The system 140, 340 comprises processing circuitry which is configured to obtain 220 a sensor signal Ssens representative of a physical phenomenon 155, 355 detected during the drilling process 150, 350, the physical phenomenon 155, 355 being conveyed to a sensor 121 , 321. In some embodiments the physical phenomenon 155, 355 is conveyed to the sensor 121 , 321 through solid and / or fluid matter. In some embodiments, the solid matter may comprise for example rock 163, 363, and / or one or more parts 101 , 104, 170, 301 , 304, 370 of the mining machine 100, 300, and the sensor 121 , 321 is configured to detect the physical phenomenen 155, 355 conveyed to the sensor 121 , 321 through the solid materia 163, 363, 101 , 104, 170, 301 , 304, 370. In some embodiments, the fluid matter may comprise for example the hydraulic fluid 171 , 371 in the hydraulic system 170, 370. The sensor 121 , 321 is then configured to detect the physical phenomenen 155, 355 conveyed to the sensor 121 , 321 through the hydraulic fluid 171 , 371 , being e.g. hydraulic oil. The process circuitry of the system 140, 340 is further configured to create 230 a drilling process signal Sdriii based on the sensor signal Ssens.The drilling process signal Sdriii comprises information which is possible to reproduce as an audible representation of the detected physical phenomenon 155, 355.

[0119] The process circuitry of the system 140, 340 is further configured to provide 240, during the ongoing drilling process 150, 350, the decision support for the drilling process 150, 350 based on the drilling process signal Sdriii. Thus, based on the physical phenomenon 155, 355 conveyed to the sensor 121 , 321 , a decision support is provided, which helps the operator 145, 345 in the cabin 110, 310 and / or helps a more or less autonomous system 144, 344 to control the drilling process 150, 350.

[0120] According to some embodiments, this is accomplished by letting the system 140, 340 comprise a creation entity 141 , 341 and / or an output entity 142, 342. The creation entity 141 , 341 may be configured to create 230 the drilling process signal Sdriii based on the sensor signal Ssens, and the output entity 142, 342 may be configured to provide 240 the drilling support based on the drilling process signal Sdriii. The output entity 142, 342 may comprise one or more loudspeakers configured to output sounds corresponding to the drilling process signal Sdriii. The one or more loudspeakers may be configured in an operator station 111 , 311 , possibly comprised in a cabin 110, 310, as explained below. The output entity 142, 342 may also comprise one or more headphones configured to output sounds corresponding to the drilling process signal Sdriii and / or connections to futher systems / entities, such as to the autonomous system 144, 344.

[0121] The sensor 121 , 321 may, according to various embodiments, be located essentially anywhere as long as the physical phenomenon 155, 355 can be detected by the sensor 121 , 321. Thus, the sensor 121 , 321 may be configured in any suitable position / location to which the physical phenomenon 155, 355 can be conveyed / transmitted / transferred. A non-limiting number of such example positions are exemplified for the drilling rig 100 in figure 2, showing the sensor 121 attached or connected to the drilling machine 104, the boom 101 , and / or the hydraulic system 170. Also, a number of such example positions are exemplified for the raiseboring machine 300 in figure 3, showing the sensor 321 attached or connected to the rig 301 , the drilling machine 304, the hydraulic system 370, and / or a rock bolt 308. The sensor 121 , 321 may thus be attached to, be connected to, or be in physical contact with essentially any structure being capable of conveying the physical phenomenon 155, 355 to the sensor, including e.g. a rock bolt 308 or any suitable part 101 , 104, 170, 301 , 304, 370 of the mining machine 100, 300.

[0122] Essentially any type of entity being able to detect the physical phenomeneon 155, 355 may be utilized as the sensor 121 , 321 . For example, sensors being configured and suitable / capable to detect any type of oscillations, vibrations, alterations, transformations and / or movements, e.g., in solid and / or fluid matter, associated with the drilling process 150, 350 may be utilized. Such sensors 121 , 321 comprise for example contact microphones, accelerometers, revolution sensors, pressure sensors, position sensors, strain gauges, aucoustic emission sensors, magnetic sensors, and inductive sensors.

[0123] The drilling process signal Sdriii is associated with the drilling process 150, 350 and the physical phenomenon 155, 355. As mentioned above, the drilling process signal Sdriii comprises information which may be reproduced as an audible representation of the physical phenomenon 155, 355, and thus of the drilling process 150, 350. The drilling process signal Sdriii may, according to various embodiments, be associated with one or more features / parameters of the drilling process 150, 350. These features are chosen to be suitable as basis for determination of the decision support.

[0124] For a drilling rig 100, such as the one schematically illustrated in figure 2, the features of the drilling process 150 may include e.g. an impact frequency for the drilling process, such that the operator 145 can, by the provided decision support, receive an audible representation of how the number of impacts varies over time. The features of the drilling process 150 may also include a number of revolutions for the drilling process 150, i.e. for the drill string 107, such that an operator 145 can hear the number of revolutions, e.g. hear if they vary abnormally or not. The features of the drilling process 150 may also include axial oscillations of the drill string 107, such that the operator 145 can hear how the drill string 107 oscillates in the axial direction. The features of the drilling process 150 may also include bending associated oscillations of the drill string 107, such that the operator 145 can hear if the drill string 107 is bent normally or abnormally / harmfully. The features of the drilling process 150 may also include torsion associated oscillations of the drill string 107, such that the operator 145 can hear sounds associated with the torque on the drill string 107, i.e if the torque is inappropriate / detrimental. The features of the drilling process 150 may also include an oil pressure in the hydraulic system 170, such that the operator 145 can hear how the pressure varies over time. The features of the drilling process 150 may also include pulsations in the hydraulic system 170, such that the operator 145 can hear if and / or how the pulsations vary over time. The features of the drilling process 150 may also include structure carried vibrations of the drilling rig 100, such that the operator 145 can hear such vibrations. It should be noted that, although only the operator 145 is mentioned here for simplicity reasons, the process signal Sdriii may in this document be generally provided to one or more of an operator 145, an artificial intelligence entity 143 and an autonomous system 144 of the drilling rig 100.

[0125] For a raise-boring machine 300, such as the one schematically illustrated in figure 3, the features of the drilling process 350 may include e.g. an impact frequency for the drilling process, such that the operator 345 can, by the provided decision support, receive an audible representation of how the number of impacts varies over time. The features of the drilling process 350 may also include a number of revolutions for the drilling process 350, i.e. for the drill string 303, such that an operator 345 can hear the number of revolutions. The features of the drilling process 350 may also include axial oscillations of the drill string 303, such that the operator 345 can hear how the drill string 303 oscillates in the axial direction. The features of the drilling process 350 may also include bending associated oscillations of the drill string 303, such that the operator can hear sonds associated with the bending of the drill string 303. The features of the drilling process 350 may also include torsion associated oscillations of the drill string 303, such that the operator 345 can hear sounds associated with the torque on the drill string 303. The features of the drilling process 350 may also include axial oscillations of the reamer 307, such that the operator 345 can hear how the reamer 307 oscillates in the axial direction. The features of the drilling process 350 may also include bending associated oscillations of the reamer 307, such that the operator can hear sounds associatede with the bending of the reamer 307. The features of the drilling process 350 may also include torsion associated oscillations of the reamer 307, such that the operator 345 can hear sounds associated with the torque on the reamer 307. The features of the drilling process 350 may also include an oil pressure in the hydraulic system 370, such that the operator 345 can hear how the pressure varies over time. The features of the drilling process 350 may also include pulsations in the hydraulic system 370, such that the operator 345 can hear if and / or how the pulsations vary over time. The features of the drilling process 350 may also include structure carried vibrations of the raiseboring machine 300, such that the operator can hear such vibrations. It should be noted that, although only the operator 345 is mentioned here, the process signal Sdriii may be provided to one or more of an operator 345, an artificial intelligence entity 343 and an autonomous system 344 of the raise-boring machine 300.

[0126] Figure 4 schematically illustrates a control unit 130. The drilling rig 100 shown in figure 1 and the raise-boring machine 300 shown in figure 3 comprise a control system comprising at least one control unit 130, which controls various functions of the drilling rig 100, e.g., by suitable control of various actuators / motors / pumps etc. Drilling rigs and raise-boring machines of the disclosed kind may comprise more than one control unit, where each control unit, respectively, may be arranged to be responsible for different functions of the drilling rig 100 and raise-boring machine. According to examples of the disclosure, the first 210, second 220, third 230 and fourth 240 method steps described herein may be controlled by any suitable control unit of the drilling rig 100 and / or of the raise-boring machine 300, such as the control unit 130. In some embodiments, the herein disclosed creation entity 141 , 341 and output entity 142, 342 may be implemented in any suitable control unit of the drilling rig 100 and / or of the raise-boring machine 300, such as the control unit 130, possibly as one or more sections of programming code. The functionality of the disclosure may also be divided among more than one control units. According to examples of the disclosure, one control unit may comprise functionality of the creation entity 141 ,

[0127] 341 , whereas another control unit may comprise functionality of the output entity 142,

[0128] 342.

[0129] The control unit 130 comprises a data processing unit 131 which, based on received signals, and by means of suitable calculations, perform the steps according to the examples of the disclosure described herein. The processing unit 131 can, for example, be constituted by a processor, such as a digital signal processor. The control unit 130 may be controlled by means of a computer program 132 that is, e.g., built into the processor or being connected thereto. The computer program may be generated by means of an appropriate programming language and be stored in a computer readable medium, e.g., a non-transitory computer memory 133 that is integrated in the processor or form a separate part of the control unit 130. The control unit 130 may further comprises a transceiver module 134 for receiving / transmitting signals. The transceiver module 134 may, e.g., also constitute an interface for other signals being received and / or transmitted by the control unit 130.

[0130] The processing unit 131 may be referred to and / or may comprise one or more general-purpose central processing units (CPUs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more programmable logic devices, or any other one or more discrete or logic devices / components / circuits / chipsets. The computer memory 133 may be a readonly memory (ROM), a random-access memory (RAM), or a non-volatile RAM (NVRAM). The transceiver module 135 may be a transceiver circuit, a power controller, or an interface providing capability to communicate with other communication modules or communication devices. The transceiver module 135, computer memory 133 and / or processing unit 131 may be implemented in separate components or may be implemented in a common component.

[0131] Figure 5 shows a flow chart comprising various embodiments of the disclosure. As mentioned above, an optional first method step 210 comprises detection of the physical phenomenon 155, 355 associated with the drilling process 150, 350 by utilization of the sensor 121 , 321. The second step, 220 comprises obtaining a sensor signal Ssens representative of the detected physical phenomenon.

[0132] The third step 230 comprises creation of a drilling process signal Sdriii based on the sensor signal Ssens, which may be performed according to various embodiments.

[0133] According to an embodiment, the sensor signal Ssens is provided 231 as the drilling process signal Sdriii in the third step 230, as illustrated to the left in figure 5. Thus, the more or less raw sensor signal Ssens is then output as the drilling process signal Sdriii without being further processed. This embodiment may for example be utilized if the sensor signal Ssens itself may be audibly presentable and / or if the signal Ssens is output to an entity for further processing, such as to an artificial intelligence entity 143, 343, as explained below. According to an embodiment, illustrated to the right in figure 5, the third step 230 comprises performing signal processing 232 of the sensor signal Ssens, and then providing 233 the signal processed sensor signal as the drilling process signal Sdriii. This embodiment may for example be utilized if the drilling process signal Sdriii is output to an operator 145, 345, as explained below.

[0134] The signal processing 232 may comprise one or more processing methods configured for transforming 232a the detected physical phenomenon 155, 355 into an audible representation resembling a drilling sound in free air for the drilling process 150, 350 causing the physical phenomenon 155 355. Thus, the sensor signal Ssens may by the signal processing 232 be transformed into a audible representation which sounds something like an operator 145, 345 expects the drilling process 150, 350 to sound like. In other words, the audible representation may due to the transformation 322 sound familiar to an operator being used to listen to drilling processes. Hereby, the operator 145, 345 may, based on experience from how earlier drilling processes have sounded like, utilize the audible representation as a decision support when controlling the present driling process 150, 350.

[0135] The operator 145, 345 may also learn over time how the audible representation provided sounds like in certain situations, even if he is previously not experienced to listen to the specific drilling process features being presented, and may then use the audible representation for decision support.

[0136] According to an embodiment, the signal processing 232 comprises band pass filtering 232b of the sensor signal Ssens and then providing 233 the band pass filtered sensor signal as the drilling process signal Sdriii. Hereby, lower frequencies and higher frequencies of the sensor signal Ssens are supressed, such that the middle / bandpass frequencies are more audible, i.e. are more clearly presented, since a lot of the noise in the sensor signal Ssens is mitigated.

[0137] In some implementations the sensor signal Ssens comprises the lower and / or middle frequencies but lacks the higher frequencies, or at least has too low amplitudes for the higher frequencies, possibly depending on a limited bandwidth of the sensor 121 , 321 . The sensor 121 , 321 may have electric, mechanic and / or hydraulic limitations resuliting in a limited bandwidth. For example, if the sampling frequency is relatively low, then the bandwidth of the sensor signal Ssens will be correspondingly limited. According to an embodiment, the signal processing 232 comprises adding 232c higher frequency content to the sensor signal Ssens, e.g. by extrapolation and / or upsampling of the sensor signal Ssens. According to an embodiment, the signal processing 232 comprises amplifycation 232d of the high frequency content of the sensor signal Ssens. These embodiments may also be used in combination for creating a high frequency content in the signal processed sensor signal Ssens having a suitable amplitude.

[0138] Generally, the signal processing 232 of the sensor signal Ssens may apply various methods / functions on the sensor signal Ssens, such as linear and / or non-linear filtering of the sensor signal Ssens, thereby providing one or more of modulation, convolution, distortion, lowpass filtering, bandpass filtering and highpass filtering of the sensor signal Ssens. The signal processing 232 may also comprise applying a short-time Fourier transform or a wavelet transform to the sensor signal Ssens.

[0139] Sounds and / or frequencies may further be added to the sensor signal Ssens by utilization of synthesized sounds being created based on a model, e.g. a physical model, of one or more parts of the mining machine 100, 300, including e.g. the drilling machine 104, 304, and / or a model of the drilling process 150, 350 as a whole. The model may then have the sensor signal Ssens, which may possibly have a lower sampling frequency than the impact frequency for the drilling process (150, 350), as an input signal. Hereby, a model based synthesized high frequency content may be added to the sensor signal S sens-

[0140] Further, synthesized sounds associated with the drilling process 150, 350 may also be created by utilization of a Kronecker / tensor / vector product being based on a sound representing the drilling process 150, 350. For example, if a possibly low rate sampled sensor signal Ssens comprises information indicating when in time certain actions in the drilling process 150, 350 occur, and it is known what these actions should sound like, it is possible to add the sound for that action at these correct points in time. Hereby, Kronecker / tensor / vector product based synthesized high frequency content may be added to the sensor signal Ssens.

[0141] The fourth step 240 comprises providing the decision support for the drilling process 155, 355 during the ongoing drilling process based on the drilling process signal Sdriii. According to various embodiments, this may be performed in a number or ways. According to an embodiment, the decision support is provided 240 by providing / presenting 241 the audible representation of the detected physical phenomenon to the operator 145, 345 controlling the drilling process 150, 350. The operator 145, 345 is typically located in the cabin 110, 310 of the mining machine 100, 300. The cabin 110, 310 may be designed to be soundproof, and possibly also dustproof, and may comprise one or more speakers configured to present / output the audible representation to the operator 145, 345. Thanks to the herein presented embodiments, the operator may control the drilling process 150, 350 in a friendly working enviroment, shielded off from noise and dust, and may still be able to listen to how the drilling process 150, 350 proceeds.

[0142] According to an embodiment, the providing 240 of the decision support comprises providing 242 the drilling process signal Sdriii to an artificial intelligence entity 143, 343. Thus, the drilling process signal Sdriii, which comprises the unprocessed 231 or processed 233 sensor signal Ssens, is here fed to the artificial intelligence entity 143,

[0143] 343 as an input. The at least one output from the artificial intelligence entity 143, 343 may then be utilized as a decision support for controlling the drilling process 150, 350. According to various embodiments, the at least one output from the artificial intelligence entity 143, 343 may be provided 243 the operator 145, 345 and / or may be provided 244 the autonomous system 144, 344. The the drilling process 150, 350 is then controlled by the operator 145, 345 and / or by the autonomous system 144,

[0144] 344 based on the at least one output 243, 244 from the artificial intelligence entity 143, 343.

[0145] Thus, the control of the drilling process, either being performed by an operator 145,

[0146] 345 or by an autonomous system 144, 344, may be aided by a computer, i.e. , by a computer implemented artificial intelligence entity 143, 243. Such an artificial intelligence entity 143, 243 should be trained to perform well. Such training may be performed based on input from an experienced operator 145, 345. For example, the operator 145, 345 may during the training classify different drilling sounds / signals into different categories depending on how the drilling process associated with these drilling sounds / signals works. Such categories may include e.g. ok drilling process, non-ok drilling process, poor rock, broken cutter, acute mechanical problem, and other suitable categories. Thus, the different drilling sounds / signals may be correlated to various dilling performances and / or mining machine problems by the training, such that the artificial intelligence entity can thereafter identify such performances and / or problems associated with provided input drilling sounds / signals, and can provide suitable decision support based on those identifications.

[0147] Further, a conventional mining control cabin comprises lots of holes, and lacks dust protection and sound traps / protection. Actually, if a conventional cabin would have been designed to be soundproof, it would have been hard to sell, because the operator wants be able to hear the drilling process. Alternatively, the operator would have opened the door of a soundproof cabin such that the drilling can be heard, which would have made the sound protecton useless. Thus, conventional cabins provide a poor working environment for the operator, offereing high noise and dust levels.

[0148] However, by utilization of the herein described system and method for providing decision support for a drilling process, cabins 110, 310 having improved working environment may be produced. Since the sounds of the drilling is reproduced by speakers and / or headphones within the cabin 110, 310, the cabin itself can be made soundproof without degrading the operator control of the drilling process. Thus, the cabin 110, 310 including a herein described operator station 111 , 311 may comprise sound traps, sealed openings / doors, and air conditioning equipment, which may comprise a particle filter. The operator 145, 345 can then listen to the sounds of the drilling process by use of speakers in a sealed, i.e. soundproof and dustproof, environment and at a comfortable temperature. Thus, the herein presented aspects and embodiments makes it possible to produce operator stations 311 and / or cabins 310 providing an improved working environment for the operator 145, 345.

[0149] Figure 6 schematically illustrates one possible implementation of the herein presented system and method, which makes remote control of of a raiseboring drilling process possible. A raiseboring machine 300 is here set up in a second tunnel 362 for excavating a hole through rock 363 between a first tunnel 364 and a second tunnel 362. Above the second tunnel 362, there is further rock 361 and a surface 365. A first underground operator station 311a is comprised in a first cabin 310a in the second tunnel 362, and is configured for control of the raiseboring machine 300 via a communication connection 309. A second operator station 311 b is comprised in a second cabin 310b in free air 360 on the surface 365, and is configured for control of the raiseboring machine 300 via a communication connection 309, and is possibly also connected to the first operator station 311a via a communication connection 309. Since the raiseboring process may be remotely controlled thanks to the herein presented aspects and embodiments, the following scheme may be followed when changing shifts, i.e. when changing the operators.

[0150] A previous operator 345a initially controls the raisboring machine 300 locally from the first operator station 311a positioned in the fist cabin 310a. When the previous operator 345a is about to end his shift, the previous operator 345a prepares the raiseboring machine 300 for remote control. Then, a new operator 345b positioned in the second cabin 310b on the surface takes over the control of the raiseboring machine 300 via the second operator station 311 b. The previous operator 245a may now leave the first operator station 311a and go up to the second cabin 310b on the surface 365. The previous operator 345a may then take over the remote control of the raiseboring machine 300 while the new operator 345b goes down to the first cabin 310a. The new operator 345b thereafter takes control of the raiseboring machine locally via the first operator station 311a.

[0151] By utilizing this scheme, the raiseboring machine can continue its drilling process also while changing shifts, i.e. while changing operators. It is important for the drilling process to not be interrupted since the raiseboring drilling process is slow. Also, the drilling process must be monitored, such that the very expensive drill string 303 is not damaged. By utilization of the presented shift changing scheme, an increase in production by 10% to 20 % may be provided, since the raiseboring machine keeps working also during the shift changes.

[0152] As understood by a skilled person, the herein presented aspects and embodiments may be utilized in a number of ways / implentations for increasing the overall production of mining machines. The scheme illustrated in figure 6 is one such advantageous way / implementation. Finally, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, but also relates to and incorporates all embodiments within the scope of the appended independent claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A computer-implemented method (200) for providing a decision support for a drilling process (150, 350), the method (200) comprising:- obtaining (220) a sensor signal (Ssens) representative of a physical phenomenon (155, 355) detected during the drilling process (150, 350), the physical phenomenon (155, 355) being conveyed to a sensor (121 , 321 );- creating (230) a drilling process signal (Sdriii) based on the sensor signal (Ssens), wherein the drilling process signal (Sdriii) comprises information being possible to reproduce as an audible representation of the detected physical phenomenon (155, 355);- providing (240), during the drilling process (150, 350), the decision support for the drilling process (150, 350) based on the drilling process signal (Sdriii).

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the physical phenomenon (155, 355) is conveyed to the sensor (121 , 321 ) through solid and / or fluid matter (101 , 104, 163, 171 , 301 , 304, 363, 371 ).

3. The method (200) according to claim 2, wherein the sensor (121 , 321 ) is attached to a structure (101 , 104, 170, 301 , 304, 308, 370) conveying the physical phenomenon (155, 355) to the sensor (121 , 321 ), the structure (101 , 104, 170, 301 , 304, 308, 370) comprising one in the group of:- a rock bolt (308); and- a part (101 , 104, 170, 301 , 304, 370) of a mining machine (100, 300).

4. The method (200) according to any one of claims 2-3, wherein the solid matter (101 , 104, 163, 301 , 304, 363) comprises one or more in the group of:- rock (163, 363); and- one or more parts (101 , 104, 301 , 304) of a mining machine (100, 300).

5. The method (200) according to any one of claims 2-4, wherein- the sensor (121 , 321 ) is configured to detect (210) the physical phenomenon (155, 355) conveyed to the sensor (121 , 321) by a hydraulic system (170, 370); and- the fluid matter is a hydraulic fluid (171 , 371 ) of the hydraulic system (170, 370).

6. The method (200) according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the physical phenomenon (155, 355) comprises oscillations associated with the drilling process (150, 350).

7. The method (200) according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the drilling process signal (Sdriii) is associated with one or more in the group of:- an impact frequency for the drilling process (150, 350);- a number of revolutions for the drilling process (150, 350);- axial oscillations of a drill string (107, 303);- bending associated oscillations of a drill string (107, 303);- torsion associated oscillations of a drill string (107, 303);- axial oscillations of a reamer (307);- bending associated oscillations of a reamer (307);- torsion associated oscillations of a reamer (307);- an oil pressure in a hydraulic system (170, 370) of a mining machine (100, 300);- pulsations in a hydraulic system (170, 370) of a mining machine (100, 300); and- structure carried vibrations of a mining machine (100, 300).

8. The method (200) according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the creation (230) of the drilling process signal (Sdriii) comprises:- signal processing (232) the sensor signal (Ssens); and- providing (233) the signal processed sensor signal as the drilling process signal (Sdriii).

9. The method (200) according to claim 8, wherein the signal processing (232) comprises:- transforming (232a) the detected physical phenomenon into an audible representation resembling a drilling sound in air for the drilling process (150, 350).

10. The method (200) according to any one of claims 8-9, wherein the signal processing (232) comprises:- band pass filtering (232b) of the sensor signal (Ssens).11 . The method (200) according to any one of claims 8-10, wherein the signal processing (232) comprises one or more in the group of:- adding (232c) a high frequency content to the sensor signal (Ssens); and- amplifying (232d) a high frequency content of the sensor signal (Ssens).

12. The method (200) according to any one of claims 1 -11 , wherein the providing (240) of the decision support comprises providing (241 ) the audible representation of the detected physical phenomenon (155, 355) to an operator (145, 345) controlling the drilling process (150, 350).

13. The method (200) according to any one of claims 1 -12, wherein the providing (240) of the decision support comprises providing (243, 244) at least one output generated by an artificial intelligence entity (143, 343) based on the drilling process signal (Sdnii).

14. The method (200) according to claim 13, further comprising one or more in the group of:- providing (243) the at least one output to an operator (145, 345) controlling the drilling process (150, 350); and- providing (244) the at least one output to an autonomous system (144, 344) controlling the drilling process (150, 350).

15. Computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to any one of the claims 1 -14.

16. A system (140, 340) for providing a decision support for a drilling process (150, 350), the system (140, 340) comprising processing circuitry configured to:- obtain (220) a sensor signal (Ssens) representative of a physical phenomenon (155, 355) detected during the drilling process (150, 350), the physical phenomenon (155, 355) being conveyed to a sensor (121 , 321 );- create (230) a drilling process signal (Sdriii) based on the sensor signal (Ssens), wherein the drilling process signal (Sdriii) comprises information being possible to reproduce as an audible representation of the detected physical phenomenon (155, 355);- provide (240), during the drilling process (150, 350), the decision support for the drilling process (150, 350) based on the drilling process signal (Sdriii).

17. The system (140, 340) according to claim 16, wherein the sensor (121 , 321 ) is one in the group of:- a contact microphone;- an accelerometer; - a revolution sensor;- a pressure sensor;- a position sensor;- a strain gauge;- an aucoustic emission sensor; - a magnetic sensor; and- an inductive sensor.

18. An operator station (111 , 311 ) for controlling a drilling process (150, 350), the operator station (111 , 311 ) comprising a system (140, 340) according to any one of claims 16-17.

19. A cabin (110, 310) configured to be soundproof, the cabin (110, 310) comprising an operator station (111 , 311 ) according to claim 18.

20. A mining machine (100, 300) comprising a cabin (110, 310) according to claim19.

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