3D Blast Fragment Georeferencing for Accurate Muck Pile Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mining operations lack effective systems for automated capture and reporting of fragmentation data, particularly at the muck pile, which hinders efficient planning and resource allocation in downstream processing.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a 3D imaging system mounted on an excavation device to capture images of blast fragments, a positioning system to determine the device's location, and a processor to process images and determine geographic coordinates of individual fragments, using techniques like image processing and georeferencing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement methods are used for fragmentation data, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision and data accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an automated optical imaging system. A camera captures images of the muck pile, and image processing algorithms automatically identify and measure rock fragment boundaries, replacing the need for manual measurement tools and human operators while significantly improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the physical muck pile environment through imaging. The camera captures visual information of the rock fragments, and processing systems generate digital representations including boundary detection and size measurements, allowing accurate analysis without physical intervention.
2Productivity
If automated image processing is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically capturing images, processing them through algorithms, and generating fragmentation data without requiring external measurement equipment or manual intervention. The imaging system and processing software work together as an integrated self-sufficient measurement solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system serves multiple functions: capturing rock fragment images, detecting boundaries through image processing, measuring fragment sizes, and potentially tracking fragment locations. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate measurement devices into a single integrated system.
3Loss of information
If precise location determination is added to fragment identification, then information completeness is improved, but measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges fragment identification and location determination into a single integrated process. The image processing system simultaneously detects rock fragment boundaries and calculates their positions within the muck pile based on image coordinates and camera positioning, eliminating the need for separate location measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses image coordinate systems as an intermediary to bridge visual detection and physical location. The camera captures images with embedded spatial information, and processing algorithms convert image coordinates to real-world positions, serving as a mediator between optical detection and physical measurement without requiring direct physical measurement tools.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate and timely data collection on rock size and location, allowing for improved blast planning and resource allocation, enhancing the efficiency of mining operations.
Implementation Method 1
a 3D imaging system mounted on an excavation device and configured for viewing a portion of a pile of blast fragments and configured for capturing at least one image of the viewed portion of the pile of blast fragments
Data Source
AI summary
A system for determining locations of blast fragments may include: a three-dimensional (3D) imaging system mounted on an excavation device and configured for viewing a portion of a pile of blast fragments and configured for capturing at least one image of the viewed portion of the pile of blast fragments; a positioning system configured for providing a location and heading of the excavation device; and a processor. The processor may be configured to execute instructions to perform image processing operations upon the images of the viewed portion of the pile of blast fragments, to: identify a reference location in the viewed portion of the pile of blast fragments; determine the reference location in a geographic coordinate system; identify a plurality of individual blast fragments in the viewed portion of the pile of blast fragments; and determine a distinct geographic coordinate corresponding to each of the plurality of individual blast fragments.