Voxel-Based Material Visualization in Mining Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mining operations lack efficient methods for real-time visualization and characterization of material characteristics, which hinders productivity and efficiency in extracting and processing geological materials.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for onboard and offboard visualization of material characteristics using voxel representations of mining areas, where voxels are compared to geological models to assign quantified characteristics, and displayed using visualization tools, enabling 2D and 3D visual representations for operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional mining operations are used without real-time visualization systems, then equipment and operational simplicity is maintained, but material characterization accuracy and productivity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The mining area is divided into discrete volumetric elements (voxels) that can be individually characterized and visualized. This segmentation allows the complex geological formation to be broken down into manageable units, each with specific material properties assigned through comparison with geological models, thereby improving measurement precision without overwhelming system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from traditional 2D surface mapping to 3D volumetric representation using voxel grids. This dimensional enhancement enables comprehensive characterization of subsurface materials, providing accurate material properties throughout the entire mining volume rather than just at surface level, thus improving material characterization accuracy
2Productivity
If real-time voxel-based visualization systems are implemented, then productivity and decision-making speed are improved, but data processing requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Geological models are created and prepared in advance, containing expected material characteristics and properties. During mining operations, actual voxel data is rapidly compared against these pre-established models to assign material characteristics, significantly reducing real-time data processing requirements and enabling faster productivity-driven decisions
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates visual representations (copies) of the actual mining environment through voxel models that mirror the physical space. These digital copies allow operators to analyze material characteristics and make decisions without physically examining every voxel, reducing information loss while maintaining productivity
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive geological modeling is performed for all voxels, then material characteristic accuracy is maximized, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies geological model comparison selectively to voxels that require material characteristic assignment, rather than performing comprehensive analysis on every voxel in the mining area. This partial action approach maintains material characteristic accuracy for relevant volumes while reducing overall processing time and computational resource requirements
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of onboard and offboard visualization of material characteristics in mining is provided. According to one aspect, the method includes a step of providing a voxel representation of a mining area. The voxel representation includes a plurality of voxels. At least one voxel of the plurality of voxels is compared to a geological model of the mining area, and at least one material characteristic is assigned to the at least one voxel based on the geological model of the mining area. In another aspect, the method includes calculating a volume of extracted material, assigning at least one quantified material characteristic to the volume of extracted material based on a geological model, and displaying a visual representation of the volume of extracted material and at least one quantified material characteristic using a visualization tool.