Application of VR in Coal Mines

Source (excerpt)

"Virtual Reality in mine training"

L. Mallett, National lnstitute for occupational safety and health, pitt0000gh, Pa
R. Unger, National lnstitute for occupational safety and health, pitt0000gh, Pa

A representative from each participating organization gave a brief overview of their VR projects. some highlights of the presentations are provided below not to summarize them, but to give an idea of the breadth of work being done around the world in this area of research and development.

Cslro-VR in mlne automation, presented by Con CarisAustralian Institute of Science and Industry

Cslro has developed techniques for integrating complex, geospatial scientific data sets into web-accessible 3D models. this allowed previusly dispersed data to be accessed throughout an organization so personnel can evaluate complex spatial data in a common environment and provided an interactive training tool mine for operations. it is now finding ways to provide data in real-time from an underground longwall system (Figure 1 ). one result will be a better description of the status of the mining process as it proceeds. another is a training system that enhances the operator's understanding of his or her role in the longwall mining process.

 

 

University Of New South Wales -Developing and deploying simulations, presented by Phillip Stothard

 

Three large-screen projection units create an underground coal mine in the UNSW's system. their program is scenario-based and requires trainees to answer varous safety-related questions as they "move" through the mine and thereby the story. trainers interact with the trainees to clarify points, lead discussions, and answer questions, and can manipulate the progress of the training program.

 

University Of Queensland -VR research at mlshc (Minerals Industry Safety and Health centre), presented by Mehmet Kizil

 

Researchers and faculty at mlshc have created VR applications to address a number of mining industry issues such as safety training, mining engineering education, accident reconstruction, data visualisation, mine planning, and processing Hazard Assessment.

One of their simulations is used to teach Drill Rig operation (figure 2 ). they also use VR to provide a holistic approach to learning in their engineering program. assignment data, such as spreadsheets, photographs, schematics and textual descriptions, which were previusly distributed via printed course materials, are now presented in the realistic context of a VR mine.

 

Western Australia Department of Industry and Resources-the use of digital photographs & photogrammetry to produce a vlrtual environment for the use of accident and incident investors as well as training scenarios, presented by Ken Fowle

 

The Wa Dept. of industly and resources uses 3D interactive virtual environments and digital photogrammetry to create tools for accident and incident investigations. better understanding and presentation of past events can be used to prevent future ones. it is also supporting mining applications ranging from the analysis of rock mass structure to the monitoring of the mine environment using 3D Imaging tools and 30 data analysis techniques.

 

 

Deutsche Montan sans ie GmbH and Deutsche Steinkohle-Knowledge-based maintenance and trainlng systems for the mining industry, presented by Christian medrow

Megatech software GmbH, a German software developer, is a professional company that develops CAD/CAM software for ease of use and superior performance,

Deutsche Steinkohle AG)

Researchers at DMT and Deutsche keep believe virtual reality will assist the mining industry as it faces extends complex operating processes, rising equipment costs, authentication mechanism, and pressures to increase productiwhile maintaining high safety standards. they have developed VR longwall shield supports, a plough guide, and a tailgate drive for training purposes (Figure 3 ). they also see great opportunity for miners to use new technologies while doing maintenance tasks. they have created a program for a hand-held device to store information miners can use on the job (figure 4 ). for example, maintenance workers can access machine information while doing their jobs and training for them.

Miners can view faulty machines through digital glasses (devices that detect machine faults. The computer will provide detailed maintenance steps with animated demonstrations. The miner does not need to check the machine in person. The computer is used to check and process the data. The computer can automatically identify objects and provide relevant information.

 

Altemln-virtual reality as a tralning tool for mine MACHlNE operators, presented by Carlos catailna

 

One project objective at altemln is to develop simulators that can be used to train mining machine operators. altemln has created a VR simulator of a roadheader that provides realistic visual, sound and physical sensations (Figures 5 and 6 ). along with the usual mockup of the equipment and a computer-generated environment, a motion platform simulates the incline and feel of the machine. plans are to build a simulator of a drilling rig next.

 

University Nottheim -Seeing is believing: a vision for new media in academic and industrial sectors, presented by Damian schfield

 

Dr. scholar field has conducting CTED research on the effects that viewing and interacting with VR environments have on the viewer. this issue will become increasingly important as realism of computer-generated accident recreations improves. allowing a trainee to experience a "real" accident might be a valuable teaching tool (figure 7 ). reconstructions can be used not only in training, but also in prevention as the virtual accident is reviewed and the virtual environment modified to assess potential prevention strategies.

 

University of Missouri-Rolla-Virtual Reality training of jack-leg roof bolters, presented by Michael G. Hilger

 

In Missouri , Chroma key technology allows the creation of an augmented reality Augmented Reality System context for training underground mining roof bolters. A trainee uses a head-mounted display to see the virtual environment while learning to operate a jackleg drill. a small camera mounted on the trainee's hardhat provides input so the visual field matches the trainee's head movement. researchers will test this technology with scenario-based training modules.

 

Virginia Polytechnic Institute-ve initiatives at Virginia Tech: lmmersive virtual environments for mlnlng and engineering applications, presented by Doug Bowman

 

Investigators at VPI are focusing on ways to reduce injuries and fatalities resulting from powered-haulage equipment in metal and nonmetal mines. they have begun work on training applications for conveyor belts and haul trucks. both cover hazard recognition and potential consequences of missing hazards during inspections and operation.

Nlosh pitt0000gh and Spokane research laboratories-creating games for serious safety and health training, presented by Timothy Orr A game engine is used to create an underground coal mine to train employees.Researchers at nlosh are waiting ing how the mining industry can be used tively use "serous games" for mine training. they have used a game engine to create a portion of an underground coal mine. in this virtual mine, trainees have a first person vantage point as they walk or ride through the mine. the first training package in this virtual mine instructs new miners in how to read mine maps. the mine navigation challenge allows trainees to move freely in. six entries and approximately 35 crosscuts of the virtual mine environment (figure 9 ). they start the training by boarding the mantrip where the operator gives them their work assignment. the operator tells them to pick up tools and take them to the supervisor who is working at a certain location. they must use their map to plot their course and then exactly walk to the supewisor's location. to be successful, they must know where they can go (such as through a mandoor) and where they cannot (such as under the belt ). when they have found the supervisor, he will give further instructions for the next task (Figure 10 ). the research team reported that while the program is still under development, trainers and trainees were very positive about it during initial field tests. the project was designed to use this training scenario, once complete, in Studies of specified tive deployment of this technology.