Depth Sensors and 3D Image Reprinting in Goldmines - Assignment Example

Depth sensors and 3D image reprinting in goldmines Name Date Course Goldmines 1. Introduction about gold mine A gold mine is a site where mining of gold takes place. The main activities at the gold mine involve mining gold or gold ores from the ground. Different methods are usually utilized during the mining of gold at the hold mine. In some of the gold mines, the miners have to dig deep into the ground. Gold pits are common at the gold mine and in some instances the pits could be more than 50 meters deep. Tunneling is also common at the gold mines and this is mainly aimed at reaching the gold extracts found underground (Asner, et al, 2013). In most case, the hand tools or simple machines are usually used at the gold mines. The gold deposits are found in areas with loose soils and near the river beds. This therefore makes it difficult for the miners to use heavy machinery. Simple tools are usually used and timbering is common in most instances for the purposes of supporting the loose soils. The collapse of tunnels is common due to the loose soil. Gold planning is one of the techniques used at the gold mines. It is used for the purposes of separating gold from other materials. This manual method is considered the simplest and it has been used at the gold mines for centuries. Other gold mining techniques that are used at the gold mines include dredger, rocker box and sluicing. Most of the gold mines are risky as a result of the activities taking place. The health and safety of the workers at the gold mines may also be at risk as a result of the complex activities. The standards at the gold mines are dependent on the levels of expertise as well as the experience of the workers. Most of the gold mines have also been accused of environmental pollution. This is as a result of discharging a high amount of sludge and other waste materials to the water bodies. High volume of soil is usually excavated at the gold mines. This is because most of the companies do not have the expertise that is required to locate the actual position that the gold deposits are found. The workers therefore have to keep digging and excavating in order to locate the gold deposits. The process is therefore dependant on trial and errors methods. The aquatic system is also affected by the activities at the gold mines. Residual cyanide is usually used for the recovery of gold from ore (Baranek & Solc, 2012)). The dumping of the cyanide at the water bodies affects the aquatic lives. The natural environment at the gold mines is usually altered significantly as a result of the activities taking place. Advancements in technology has however seen improvements at the gold mines. The use of sensors is being introduced in the gold mines for the purposes of enhancing the operations at the gold mines. 2. Process of extraction The extraction of gold involves the recovery of the ores from the mines. The process requires a lot of communication, mineral processing, pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical. Different methods of gold extraction are in place including the simple methods where simple tools are used. Hydraulic mining is one of the commonly used methods during the extraction of gold. This method involves breaking down the alluvial deposits through the use of high jet of water. The gold can also be extracted from the open pits through the use of simple techniques. Once the ore has been mined, the treatment process is usually carried out through the use of dump leaching r heap leaching technique. In case of heap leaching method is used, the ore is usually crushed and agglomerated (Asner, et al, 2013). Some of the ores are usually resistant to cyanide leaching it requires further processing. This is common in the among the coarse particles size. The further processing technique may include grinding, concentration, pressure oxidation and roasting. The gold extraction process therefore requires some levels of expertise which is important in determining the quality of the gold. The processes involved during extraction may be complicated as a result of high volumes of soil and other materials that have to be handled. Tonnes of materials have to be excavated in order to obtain a few pounds of gold and hence making the extraction process complicated. The use of machinery during the mining process is however becoming popular when it comes to some of the extraction activities. Depth sensor for mines 1. Structural sensor mounted on hexacopter The hexacopter is a member of multi-rotor flying device and it consists of multiple fixed rotors attached to a simple mechanical structure. In the mining industry, hexacopters are increasingly becoming useful. This involves the gold mine industry where the structural sensors are usually mounted on the hexacopter. The sensors usually have some cameras that are responsible for taking images and obtaining information on the ground about the prospects of gold. The structural sensors mounted on the hexacopters play also utilize the GPS technology for the purposes of collecting data from the pre-marked ground control points. This is considering that the structural sensors mounted on the hexacopters can be used in areas that have not undergone any exploration before (Baranek & Solc, 2012). It is also used for the purposes of collecting information from an existing gold mine. Depth sensing of the mines is important in terms of ensuring that information about the exposed surfaces as well as the strata. The information obtained from the structural sensor is important in terms of determining the likely depths that the miners would be required to excavate in order to find the gold ores. This is useful I terms of eliminating the trial and error method that is used during the extraction of gold in some of the mines. Depth sensing in the gold mines is also important in terms of ensuring that the prospects of gold are known in advance. This information is importance to the miners as it avoids the incidences of investing in gold mines that may not have much gold for commercial purposes. Depth sensing is also important as it ensures exploration can take place in remote areas where it may be difficult access physically to carry out the survey. The ore and material volumes can be calculated accurately based on the information obtained from the structural sensor. The sensor plays an important role in providing information about the amount of ore as well as the volume of materials (Leishman, et al, 2012). The information about the soil type or rocks found in the area can also be obtained from the hexacopter mounted sensor. This is important in terms of ensuring that the miners are prepared adequately with appropriate tools and machines. The information about the terrain of the main as well as the exposed surfaces can be obtained through the data collected from the depth sensor. The hexacopter mounted depth sensor is therefore important in terms of providing vital information that can be used at the gold mine. In terms of the research gap, the gap is not wide as the information about the structural sensors mounted on hexacopter is available. 2. Storage device The flight computer has a built in accelerometer which additionally obtains data from ultrasonic ultimeter and GPS unit. GNC software is also in place for the purposes of supporting the data collection process. The data collected is processed in accordance with the pre-programmed GNC software. The signal is then obtained and it is outputted in four throttle signals. The signals which form an important t aspect of the data is then transported and stored in the Engine computer unit. The Engine computer unit plays an important role in terms of determining the operating parameters with regards to the incoming signal. Any remote commands can be obtained through the connected receivers (Baranek & Solc, 2012). The remote commands can also play an important role in terms of ensuring that the data is sent to the other sources including the computer. The information collected in most cases is usually sent to back to the operator using the software instruction for further processing. This is for the purposes of ensuring that the data is obtained in real time. The transmission of live footage is thus common when the structural sensor mounted hexacopter is being used. However, a hard drive is also available for the storage of data which can be accessed after the completion of the survey. In most cases, the use of a hard drive is not common for security reasons. The data may be lost if the hexacopter crashes during the survey (Leishman, et al, 2012). This is considering that the terrain may be too ragged to access the wreckage. Obtaining the output from the hexacopter is therefore on real time. This plays an important role in terms of ensuring that the data can be used immediately. This is unlike the use of the traditional methods where the field visit is required. It therefore takes a shorter period of time and it requires little resources. There is a research gap in terms of the availability of information about the storage device. Most of the information are not clear and are too general. 3. Types of depth sensors Different types of depth censures are currently in use and have been developed by different manufacturers. The sensors are also limited to certain depths where it can collect the information required for the mining process. Model 8DP and 8CDP absolute is one of the high pressure depth sensors. This type of sensor is quite powerful and it has an absolute ranger of 10 to 700m. Microsoft kinect is also one of the commonly used depth sensors. It has a range of 1.5m and it is quite cheap and easy to use. However, its limitations are on the depth as it may not be in a position to meet the needs of the industry when the ores are located deep in the ground. Pressure sensors are also available and can be used for the purposes of determining the pressure. This information is useful during the excavation process. This is considering that the information about the pressures is important during the excavation. Model 8DP and 8 CDP are among the commonly used sensors due to their high potential (Baranek & Solc, 2012). Its levels of accuracy are also high and hence making it effective in the gold mining industry. During the process of selecting that type of sensor, the range has to be considered. However, this is dependent on the terrain and the likely depth that the gold can be found. This is considering that some of the ores are located deep in the ground. The kinect depth sensor is commonly used when the range is low. In terms of the types of depth sensors, the research gap is quite huge. The information that is available is quite scarce and hence impacting negatively on the acquisition of information. 4. Programming The programming of the depth sensors is an important process and it is dependent on the use of various software. The software that is used for programming is also unique for different types and models of depth sensors. However the programming is mainly aimed at ensuring that the depth sensors are able to function effectively and provide the required information. The programming process involves the configuration of transmission frequency in order to ensure that the information can be transmitted effectively to the users. Programming is also important in terms of ensuring that the sensor is able to work within its range. This means that programming is useful in ensuring that the sensor has the ability to work within the maximum range (Vergne, et al, 2010). The process of programming is important in terms of ensuring that the sensor is able to work effectively. High levels of accuracy are required during the programming process. This is for the purposes of ensuring that the sensor is able to provide accurate information. It is therefore important to note that the programming process requires high levels of expertise. The gap in literature is wide with regards to the information on programming. Only a handful of information is available in literature. 3D image reprinting 1. 3D Image techniques In gold mining, the 3D images are usually developed after the collection of information from the field through the use of the sensors. The 3D information is mainly for the purposes of interpreting the data and ensuring that the ores are located. The information about the terrain as well as the conditions on the site can be interpreted through the use of 3D imaging techniques. The use of 3D imaging technologies also play an important role capturing the three dimensional images of the topography and environment which eliminates the need to visit the sites (Pierrot-Deseilligny, 2012). The recorded successive axis with decameter, compass and clinometers are usually used for the purposes of developing the 3D images in the gold mines. The use of the method is however tedious and technological advancement has led to the development of new methods that can be used for the purposes of developing the 3D images. Modern photometric software is usually used for the purposes of developing the 3D images. The high powered computers are also used for the purpose of developing the 3D images. High levels of accuracy is usually obtained the computers are used for the development of the 3D images (Pierrot-Deseilligny & Clery, 2011). The advancement in technology has therefore made the process of developing the 3D images easier. Literature offers a wide variety of information with regards to the development of the 3D image techniques. The gap between in literature with regards to the 3D imaging techniques is low. However future research needs to provide more information with regards to specific techniques together with the software that is used during the development of the 3D images. Specific information is important in ensuring that the information is easily understood by the readers. 2. Appropriate techniques Tomography is one of the 3D imaging techniques that can be used in the gold mine. This technique involves moving around the subject the 1D or 2D images that has been acquired in the field. This technique also involves the computation and reconstruction of the 2D images through multiple series of computed cross sections. This technique is important in ensuring that the features that were captured in the fields are clearly highlighted and identified. In the gold mining industry, this technique is considered effective as it is being used widely. However, it requires some expertise in order to come up with the 3D images. The levels of accuracy are high through the use of this method despite the high levels of expertise that is required. Optical coherence tomography is also one of the important 3D imaging techniques. This technique is almost similar to the tomography technique. However, it involves the use of optical phase interferometry with broad band or white light. A 2D image that is produced during the process is referred to as the A-scan. The A-Scan is usually used for the purposes of representing a specific distance. A-Scans that have been developed over different depths are referred to a B-scan (Palma, et al, 2010). A lot of expertise is also required during the development of the 3D image using the optical coherence tomography. Speckle interferometry is also a technique that is used for the purposes of 3D imaging. This technique involves the creation of speckle patterns in order to create the 3D images. This technique is effective when dealing with the rough images. The method is therefore appropriate for gold mining. The scene is usually imaged on an image sensor which is usually illuminated by the light from the reference source. The speckle pattern of the object usually changes when the object moves. The changes in the image speckled pattern usually results to the light and dark fringes (Furukawa & Ponce, 2010). This is important during the interpretation process. In terms of the literature review, the gap is still wide. The information is only available in a handful of sources. Most of the explanations provided are not detailed and hence impacting negatively on the ability to fully understand the imaging techniques. The future research should therefore put in place more emphasis on the quality of information provided with regards to the 3D imaging technique. More information is also required in literature in order to address different aspects of the 3D imaging techniques. 3. Laser 3D reprinting Laser 3D reprinting is considered as an additive manufacturing technique which uses a laser as the power source. This is for the purposes of sintering powdered materials which is mainly metal. Materials are bound together through the use of the use of the laser. High power laser which may involve carbon dioxide is usually used for laser 3D reprinting. Small particles of plastics, metals, ceramic or glass are usually fused together in order to produce the required 3D dimensional image. Laser 3D printer usually fuses the powdered materials in a cross-sectional manner. Scan data is usually used for the purposes of controlling the reprinting process. The scan data could be the information that has been collected from the field. The use of 3D laser printer is effective in the reproduction of images. It is also cheap as compared to the other methods (Pierrot-Deseilligny, 2012). Little expertise is required when using this method as the printer does most of the work. The reprinting is also takes a short period of time to be completed which makes it effective. A repetitive process is usually carried out when using the Laser 3D printer. However, it is also important to ensure that the printer has been programmed to carry out the printing process. Ball mining is important in terms of producing the powder that is required for the process. This technique is considered effective due to its high levels of accuracy. The outcome is not dependant on the time but availability of the materials. This technique is replacing most of the traditional 3D techniques due to its benefits. Laser 3D reprinting can be used in the gold mine for the purposes of developing the images collected from the field. It is important in ensuring that a clear understanding of the situation at the field is understood (Vergne, et al, 2010). Laser 3D reprinting can also be used in the gold industry for the purposes of shaping the gold into different shapes. A huge gap exists in literature with regards to the application of laser 3D in gold mine. Very little information is available which impacts negatively on the acquisition of information. More research is required in these areas in order to ensure that information is availed. A huge amount of information that is available is mainly the general information which may not be useful in addressing some of the specific issues. However detailed information is available with regards to the operations and working principles of Laser 3D printer. 4. Assembling of the stored data images The 3D view of the gold mine can be obtained through assembling the stored data and images obtained through the use of the sensors. This is important in terms of ensuring that a true representation of the gold mine can be obtained. The assembling of the images and data can be achieved through the use of 3D imaging techniques. The use of different techniques that can change the 2D images and data collected from the field to 3D can prove to be effective during the process. However, the Laser 3D printer can play an important role in terms of developing the 3D images. This is considering that the 3D printer can use different materials including sand or soil particles which can give a clear representation of the information in the field (Baranek & Solc, 2012). However, it is important to note that this method may require some levels of expertise when assembling the stored data and images. However, once the materials have been obtained, the 3D printer is able to come up with the 3D image and representation of the gold mine. The 3D images play an important role in ensuring that the levels of accuracy in the extraction process are enhanced. The advancements in technology therefore play an important role in terms of improving on the accuracy of the mining activities. The process of assembling the stored images and data ensures that the accuracy of the mining process is enhanced. The miners will be in a position to know whether the gold ores are found and how the location can be accessed. A plan can also be developed from the 3D image. This is important in ensuring that the position for poisoning the machine are planned and determined in advance. The use of the 3D printer together with the depth sensors is therefore useful in ensuring that the operations are improved (Baranek & Solc, 2012). Literature review provides detailed information with regards to how the 2D images and data collected from the gold mines can be converted to the 3D images. Although the data is not specific, it provides useful information that can be applied in the gold mines. However more information should be provided in future research in order to fully address the issues of 3D printing. References Asner, G. et al. (2013). Elevated rates of gold mining in the Amazon revealed through high resolution monitoring. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 110(46), pp 18454-18459. Baranek, R., & Solc, F. (2012). Modeling and control of a hexacopter. In Carpathian Control Conference (ICCC), 13th International, pp 19-23. Leishman, R. et al. (2012). Relative navigation and control of a hexacopter. Robotics and Automation (ICRA), 2012 IEEE International Conference, pp 4937-4942. Vergne, R. et al. (2010). Radiance Scaling for Versatile Surface Enhancement. In: I3D '10: Proc. symposium on Interactive 3D graphics and games. ACM. Pierrot-Deseilligny, M. (2012). A multiresolution and optimization-based image matching approach: An application to surface reconstruction from SPOT5-HRS stereo imagery. International Archives of Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, 36. Pierrot-Deseilligny, M. & Clery, I. (2011). APERO, an Open Source Bundle Adjusment Software for Automatic Calibration and Orientation of a Set of Images. In: The ISPRS Commission V Symposium, Image Engineering and Vision Metrology, Trento. Palma, G. et al. (2010). Dynamic Shading Enhancement for Reflectance Transformation Imaging". ACM Journ. on Computers and Cultural heritag, 3(2). Furukawa, Y. & Ponce, J. (2010). Accurate, Dense, and Robust Multi-View Stereopsis. IEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence, 32(8), pp. 1362-1376. Read More

The workers therefore have to keep digging and excavating in order to locate the gold deposits. The process is therefore dependant on trial and errors methods. The aquatic system is also affected by the activities at the gold mines. Residual cyanide is usually used for the recovery of gold from ore (Baranek & Solc, 2012)). The dumping of the cyanide at the water bodies affects the aquatic lives. The natural environment at the gold mines is usually altered significantly as a result of the activities taking place.

Advancements in technology has however seen improvements at the gold mines. The use of sensors is being introduced in the gold mines for the purposes of enhancing the operations at the gold mines. 2. Process of extraction The extraction of gold involves the recovery of the ores from the mines. The process requires a lot of communication, mineral processing, pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical. Different methods of gold extraction are in place including the simple methods where simple tools are used.

Hydraulic mining is one of the commonly used methods during the extraction of gold. This method involves breaking down the alluvial deposits through the use of high jet of water. The gold can also be extracted from the open pits through the use of simple techniques. Once the ore has been mined, the treatment process is usually carried out through the use of dump leaching r heap leaching technique. In case of heap leaching method is used, the ore is usually crushed and agglomerated (Asner, et al, 2013).

Some of the ores are usually resistant to cyanide leaching it requires further processing. This is common in the among the coarse particles size. The further processing technique may include grinding, concentration, pressure oxidation and roasting. The gold extraction process therefore requires some levels of expertise which is important in determining the quality of the gold. The processes involved during extraction may be complicated as a result of high volumes of soil and other materials that have to be handled.

Tonnes of materials have to be excavated in order to obtain a few pounds of gold and hence making the extraction process complicated. The use of machinery during the mining process is however becoming popular when it comes to some of the extraction activities. Depth sensor for mines 1. Structural sensor mounted on hexacopter The hexacopter is a member of multi-rotor flying device and it consists of multiple fixed rotors attached to a simple mechanical structure. In the mining industry, hexacopters are increasingly becoming useful.

This involves the gold mine industry where the structural sensors are usually mounted on the hexacopter. The sensors usually have some cameras that are responsible for taking images and obtaining information on the ground about the prospects of gold. The structural sensors mounted on the hexacopters play also utilize the GPS technology for the purposes of collecting data from the pre-marked ground control points. This is considering that the structural sensors mounted on the hexacopters can be used in areas that have not undergone any exploration before (Baranek & Solc, 2012).

It is also used for the purposes of collecting information from an existing gold mine. Depth sensing of the mines is important in terms of ensuring that information about the exposed surfaces as well as the strata. The information obtained from the structural sensor is important in terms of determining the likely depths that the miners would be required to excavate in order to find the gold ores. This is useful I terms of eliminating the trial and error method that is used during the extraction of gold in some of the mines.

Depth sensing in the gold mines is also important in terms of ensuring that the prospects of gold are known in advance. This information is importance to the miners as it avoids the incidences of investing in gold mines that may not have much gold for commercial purposes. Depth sensing is also important as it ensures exploration can take place in remote areas where it may be difficult access physically to carry out the survey.

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