Simplified hyperspectral imaging for improved geologic mapping of mine slopes.

McHugh-EL; Girard-JM; Denes-LJ

Intelligence in a Materials World: Selected Papers from IPMM-2001, the Third International Conference on Intelligent Processing and Manufacturing of Materials. Meech JA, Viega MM, Kawazoe Y, LeClair SR, eds., Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press; 2002 May; :143-152

20036302

A prototype portable hyperspectral imaging system that operates in the visible and near-infrared ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum was field-tested at an open-pit mine. The tests were sponsored by the Spokane Research Laboratory, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, as part of an investigation into remote sensing technologies for use in detecting and monitoring conditions in surface mines that could lead to catastrophic slope failure. The spectro-polarimetric imager, built at the Carnegie Mellon Research Institute, employs an acousto-optical tunable filter (AOTF) to control wavelength, a phase retarder to measure polarization signatures, and a digital camera and computer to capture data. The spectral range of the instrument is 450 to 1000 nm at 10-nm intervals. High-resolution hyperspectral images of highwalls, outcrops, hand samples and drill core were collected in the field. Spectra from the images closely matched those of specific minerals present and were used to classify the images. The field tests were designed to examine the feasibility of using spectral imaging to assist in compiling objective geologic maps of mine highwalls and other hazardous slopes. Results illustrate the capability of the method to discriminate materials within the image, validating the concept of simplified spectral imaging. A contributing factor in many slope failures is the presence and distribution of mechanically incompetent, clay-rich altered rock in slope faces. Spectral features of clays and other minerals are more distinctive in the short wave and mid-infrared part of the spectrum; the capabilities of the instrument need to be extended into this range to apply the AOTF-based technology to common geologic materials. A field-portable hyperspectral imager could find broad application in remotely identifying diverse materials from solids and coatings as well as gases.

Mining-industry; Surface-mining; Analytical-instruments; Analytical-processes; Infrared-spectroscopy; Accident-prevention

20020530

Conference/Symposia Proceedings

Meech-JA; Viega-MM; Kawazoe-Y; LeClair-SR

2002

9780849314933

SRL

Intelligence in a Materials World: Selected Papers from IPMM-2001, the Third International Conference on Intelligent Processing and Manufacturing of Materials

WA; PA