Based on the successful SAFEmine CAS and scientific research, SAFEmine has developed the first multi-technology fatigue detection system for monitoring driver alertness within the mining environment.
This innovative solution is available for demonstration until 19th September at Electra Mining Africa 2014 hall five stand C06.
In the open pit mining environment approximately 65% of truck haulage accidents are directly related to driver fatigue or exhaustion (mining-technology.com).
In response to this alarming number, SAFEmine has developed patent-pending FatigueMonitor, an innovative solution that integrates data from fatigue detection and collision avoidance units to minimise accidents involving mining vehicles.
FatigueMonitor helps operators maintain levels of attention that are required during mining operations, while providing the management with driver fatigue profiles and traffic-related data. Based on scientific research performed by the universities of Zurich and Berne, intelligent fatigue assessment algorithms are used to estimate current driver fatigue levels and to predict fatigue development. The black-box recording technology provides a reliable tool for analysing incidents. FatigueMonitor is operator-friendly and does not require drivers to wear additional equipment such as glasses or caps.
Traffic safety in the open pit can be significantly enhanced by closely monitoring vehicle movements, operator fatigue and operator distraction. SAFEmine’s FatigueMonitor accomplishes this by integrating data from four inputs: attention-level detection (PerClos), vehicle dynamics (inertial sensors), body clock (circadian rhythms) and individual traffic behaviour (from the collision avoidance system).
The FatigueMonitor back-end consists of a comprehensive live web platform that provides dispatchers with real-time fatigue analysis associated with the entire fleet. In addition, reporting services provide supervisors with updates via email or text messages. When the mine-management team is alerted that an operator is experiencing early stages of fatigue, they can dynamically manage and reassign operators to maximise levels of safety and efficiency within mining operations. FatigueMonitor is a simple upgrade to any existing SAFEmine collision avoidance system.
Thus, SAFEmine brings to market a solution specially designed for the surface mining environment that integrates physiological and traffic data (both real-time and historical) to prevent vehicle collisions and improve mine efficiency.
Image: SAFEmine has developed the first multi-technology fatigue detection system for monitoring driver alertness within the mining environment. Photo: courtesy of SAFEmine.