Depth Estimation Enables Safer Slope Anchoring in Mining

Based on Patent Research | CN-108643828-A (2018)

Maintaining stable anchoring on high slopes presents a significant challenge in mining and quarrying. Inconsistent gradients lead to inaccurate drilling and potential safety hazards. Depth estimation, using laser range sensors, addresses this. This computer vision task assesses slope and terrain. It allows adaptive drilling by providing data for interpolation, thresholding, and boundary extraction. This ensures accurate anchoring. Benefits include improved drilling precision, enhanced work efficiency, and safer operational conditions for both personnel and equipment.

SOLUTION OVERVIEW

Replacing Manual with AI Analysis

Depth estimation technology offers a solution for the challenges of maintaining stable anchoring on the varied terrain of mining and quarrying sites. Using laser range sensors, the system gathers detailed data about the slope and surface. This data undergoes processing involving interpolation, thresholding, and boundary extraction. The result is a highly accurate depth map that informs adaptive drilling strategies, ensuring that anchoring is precise, even on difficult high slopes.

This technology integrates into existing drilling workflows, automating terrain assessment and improving drilling accuracy. Think of it as a geologist using a laser rangefinder to map a rock face before blasting, but doing so continuously and automatically. By enabling more precise drilling and anchoring, depth estimation promotes better resource use and safer operational conditions within the mine, enhancing the stability of operations on challenging terrain. This leads to significant operational improvements in mining environments.

HOW IT WORKS

Processing Scans for Depth Maps

Scanning the Terrain with Lasers

The system starts by using laser range sensors to scan the quarry or mine face. This creates a detailed 3D representation of the terrain, capturing the variations in slope and surface texture. The laser data provides the raw information needed for accurate depth estimation.

Creating a Detailed Depth Map

Next, the system processes the raw laser data to create a depth map. This involves filling in any gaps in the data through interpolation, and highlighting key features by using thresholding techniques. The result is a clear visual representation of the terrain's depth at each point.

Analyzing Terrain Geometry

The depth map is then analyzed to identify boundaries and gradients within the terrain. Algorithms extract critical information about the slope and potential hazards. This enables the system to understand the terrain's geometry and prepare for adaptive drilling.

Adapting Drilling for Precise Anchoring

Finally, the system uses the processed data to inform the drilling process. By understanding the depth and slope, drilling equipment can adjust its parameters to ensure accurate and stable anchoring. This adaptive approach improves drilling precision and overall safety.

Potential Benefits

Improved Drilling Precision

Improved Drilling Precision Depth estimation ensures accurate drilling angles, reducing the risk of misaligned anchors. This leads to more stable and secure anchoring, especially on challenging slopes.

Enhanced Operational Efficiency

Enhanced Operational Efficiency The AI automates terrain assessment, speeding up the drilling process. By optimizing drilling parameters, the system reduces wasted time and resources.

Safer Operational Conditions

Safer Operational Conditions Accurate depth maps minimize the risk of landslides and collapses due to unstable anchoring. This creates a safer environment for mining personnel and equipment.

Better Resource Utilization

Better Resource Utilization By enabling more precise drilling, the system helps optimize the use of explosives and other resources. This minimizes waste and reduces operational costs.

Implementation

1 System Installation. Install laser range sensors and processing unit. Ensure proper calibration for accurate data capture.

2 Data Collection Protocol. Establish a data collection protocol for terrain scanning. Store data securely for processing and analysis.

3 Software Configuration. Configure software parameters for depth map generation. Fine-tune interpolation and thresholding settings.

4 Equipment Integration. Integrate the depth estimation system with drilling equipment. Enable real-time data feedback for adaptive drilling.

5 Performance Monitoring. Monitor system performance and drilling accuracy. Regularly update the model with new terrain data.

Source: Analysis based on Patent CN-108643828-A "A kind of high slope anchoring equipment intelligent control method" (Filed: October 2018).