University of Nevada faculty, students create computer simulations to reduce on-the-job mining accidents
On-the-job mining accidents can result in injuries or death for workers. But with the help of new virtual reality computer programs developed at the University of Nevada, Reno, learning to drive a 200-ton Caterpillar will be like training a Top Gun pilot to fly an F-18 fighter jet: Students will practice on a computer simulation before they actually take the machine out for a ride.
Fred Harris, assistant professor of computer science, teamed with Pierre Mousset-Jones, professor of mining engineering, to develop the concept. Computer science students Nerissa Oberlander, a senior, and Benjamin Lucchesi, a recent graduate, came on board to help with production of two virtual reality programs: the Mine Vehicle Inspection Simulator and the Mine Vehicle Driving Simulator.
The inspection program allows the trainee to "walk" around a 192-ton (unloaded) Caterpillar 785 haulage truck. Hazards and damaged parts are built into different scenarios. For example, a trainee might find a virtual rock wedged into a virtual tiretread. Since each real tire costs thousands of dollars and a blowout poses a danger to the driver and other mine workers, failing to find a rock in real life is unsafe and potentially costly.
"These vehicles cost $1.5 million apiece. If they're out of production for training, or due to an accident, it costs the company," Harris says.
The inspection simulator uses a "6-Degree-of-Freedom" device, the same intuitive, handheld device used on game programs such as "Quake," "Doom" and "Duke Nuke 'Em," Oberlander explains. The 6DOF device allows for six types of movement in virtual 3D space, travel in a straight line along the X, Y and Z axes, as well as rotation around them.
"A user can perform complex movements, such as moving forward while scanning for obstacles on the ground or objects hanging from a ceiling," Harris says.
The driving simulator allows the trainee to drive through a mining company's pit, up and down roads, and face unexpected hazards, such as people, parked vehicles or moving trucks. It plugs into game-type steering devices, replete with steering wheel, simple gearshift and gas and brake pedals.
The designers are planning to add a feature that will allow multiple trainees to be in the same simulation at the same time. The programs were designed for the Microsoft Windows NT platform.
The project received $19,200 in funding from the federally funded Mine Safety Health Administration, as well as the Nevada Division of Industrial Relations, Newmont Gold Co. and Echo Bay Minerals.
By Melanie Supersano (775) 784-4941; supersan@accutek.com
University
of Nevada, Reno