PAT (proximity awareness technology)
Collision Avoidance Systems
Proximity detection systems (Collision Avoidance Systems) have changed the way mining is done. Extreme environment and working conditions damage components. Many of the systems are also inaccurate, needing large detection fields. This causes nuisance alarms to be triggered continuously. Cluttered PDS displays make personal orientation challenging. In the end, PDS systems are expensive, not developed properly tampered with and ignored by operators, rendering them ineffective.
Mine Safe presents the PAT system. Over the years, EDG’s first-generation PDA system evolved from a Level seven and eight proximity awareness system to a Level nine intervention system capable of assistive control for surface and underground operations.
The PAT system is now further developed in-house through Mine Safe, which specializes in safety equipment for the local and international mining sectors.
System components.
Let’s take a closer look at the PAT system components and the unique features that sets it apart from all the others. The main controller unit displays GISS backgrounds of the mines, maps in real-time, suggestive voice commands as well as visual and audible warnings are displayed on the screen. With predictive path algorithms, software constantly calculates the safest options for operators.
The antenna houses, the radio, G.P.S., RF and back-office radio and installed on all vehicles. The antenna’s main function is to relay positioning information to all surrounding vehicles and pedestrians. The antennas are also used to relay critical information from and to the back office. The CBI unit is used to interface with the PAT system and includes the following functions. A pairing function that is used to pair a pedestrian within a
TMM. A load mode function that is used during loading to exclude nuisance alarms and an override button that is used in specific cases.
Prox D, whenever the G.P.S. is diluted, the pat system will automatically switch to time of flight position determination by means of the Prox D unit. The electronic checklist ensures that Pre-shift checklists are logged when undocked the device will display preset mandatory questions that must be completed before operation. Checklists are customizable to each TMM and are site-specific.
The Vehicle Access Unit act as an integrated key control solution authorizing only assigned personnel to operate specific TMMs.
A TMM will not start up unless the assigned operator is authorized to do so.
Mobile units, the Level eight compact unit detects TMM to TMM and TMM to pedestrian.
When a TMM or pedestrian is detected, the 360° display unit will warn the operator in 30° increments. The G.P.S. and RTLS technology make the mobile unit a cost-effective solution for any working environment. All pedestrians in the workplace are equipped with a PTU unit. Suggestive audio and visual warnings will alert the pedestrian of the danger.
Whenever the G.P.S. is diluted by the PTA, you will automatically switch to time of flight position determination.
The back office displays the positioning of all teams and personnel on-site and is used to communicate critical fixed messages. The rules of the site, like speed limit areas, warning waypoints, no-go zones, geo-fenced areas and biometric access controls are set up here. Standard reports generated by the back office include over speeding access, idling red zone incidents, amber zone incidents, loading zones and test station reports.
Components are tamper-proof, maintenance-friendly, serviceable, onsite and environmentally sealed to withstand the harshest of conditions. The PAT controller integrates via CANBUS onboard communication protocol to OEMs and third parties.
Fatigue Monitoring System
The PAT Fatigue Monitoring system will warn the operator of the machine when his behavior indicates fatigue or drowsiness. The operators’ eyes, facial movement, and -features are tracked with the Fatigue sensor and AI camera. This enables the system to detect behavior that indicates drowsiness and fatigue.
The real-time notification which is sent to the control room enables the fleet owner to stop a fatigued operator before an incident occurs. All violations are logged with video evidence,
the location, and other data related to the incident.
Monitoring fatigue ensures workers’ safety, increases productivity, reduces the number of incidents and lost-time injuries.
Email: gert@minesafeglobal.com
Website: www.minesafeglobal.com
Cell: +27 76 982 6910