Remote Mineral Detection via Laser Spectroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Detecting underground geological veins containing valuable minerals is challenging due to their buried nature, requiring costly excavation and laboratory testing, and existing technologies are inefficient in locating these veins from the surface.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using image-based detection and remote testing with electromagnetic radiation to identify candidate rocks or plants that may contain specific minerals, involving camera imaging, electromagnetic radiation to produce a light signature, and spectroscopy analysis to determine the presence of minerals or metals in the ground.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If excavation and extraction methods are used to detect mineral deposits, then reliable identification of minerals can be achieved, but the cost and time required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical excavation and physical extraction methods with electromagnetic radiation-based spectroscopy. The system uses electromagnetic energy to interact with minerals at the surface, detecting their spectral signatures remotely without requiring physical contact or excavation, thus eliminating time-consuming manual processes while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic radiation as an intermediary between the detector and the mineral deposits. Instead of directly excavating and analyzing minerals, the system uses electromagnetic waves to probe the minerals' composition through their spectral responses, enabling non-contact identification that is both rapid and reliable.
2Reliability
If excavation is performed to locate underground geological veins, then mineral deposits can be accessed, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection and identification of mineral deposits using spectroscopy before any excavation activities. By accurately identifying the presence, type, and location of minerals through their spectral signatures in advance, the system enables targeted excavation only where minerals are confirmed to exist, avoiding costly and energy-intensive exploratory digging in unproductive areas.
3Area of stationary object
If traditional prospecting methods are used to map mineral abundances, then comprehensive coverage can be achieved, but the productivity remains low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional spectroscopic system that can simultaneously perform multiple tasks: detecting mineral presence, identifying mineral types, determining composition ratios, and mapping spatial distribution. This universal approach consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate operations into a single efficient process, dramatically increasing productivity while maintaining comprehensive survey coverage.
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 efficient and cost-effective location and identification of underground mineral veins by processing visual signatures from surface rocks or plants, reducing the need for extensive excavation and facilitating targeted mining efforts.
Implementation Method 1
remoted testing of the candidate rock or plant is conducted using electromagnetic radiation (e.g., a laser), that causes the candidate rock or plant to emit a light signature that is detected and analyzed using, for example, spectroscopy
Implementation Method 2
using a high-powered laser to cause a vaporization and/or oxidation of a portion of the candidate plant or rock
Implementation Method 3
using a high-powered laser to cause a vaporization and/or oxidation of a portion of the candidate plant or rock
Implementation Method 4
Transmitting electromagnetic radiation to the rock can cause a chemical reaction to occur in the rock the light signature is produced by the chemical reaction
Data Source
AI summary
A method of detecting a mineral or metal in ground includes capturing an image of a target region of the ground and processing the image to determine a location of a candidate rock or plant of interest that is known to be usable for the detection of a mineral or element of interest. Once located, electromagnetic radiation, such as a laser, is directed to the candidate rock or plant to create a light signature, such as by vaporization. The method analyzes the light signature for the presence of the mineral or metal in the target region and determines if the light signature indicates the mineral or metal is present in the ground. The light signature can be analyzed with a spectroscope to detect the mineral or element as an indication of the present of the mineral or element in the ground around or below the candidate rock or plant.