New 3D laser scanner from GeoSight uses Xplore tablets to operate new underground laser scanning system

Mining operations today have gone high tech.  Regardless of the type of mining, mapping and surveying are more important than ever before.

GeoSight Inc., a company based in Oshawa, Ontario in Canada, has recently introduced what it believes is a ground breaking cavity scanning system that can be used for underground surveying. The MINEi is completely wireless and non-manned and will geo reference itself using 2 or 3 point resection to provide data that can calculate volume of underground voids.

The MINEi Cavity Scanning System is a robust, remote, rapid 3D laser scanner that can easily calculate the volume of underground voids that would be difficult – and hazardous – for humans to try and determine.  The scanner provides remote underground scanning of ore passes or shafts and the MINEi can be lowered well over 300 meters vertically, or down inclines with the buggy system.

Users download the CAD compatible DXF files into any mining software.  To fully take advantage of this product, GeoSight is pairing its MINEi along with the world’s most rugged tablet computer – the Xplore iX104C5, to provide a complete solution. The Xplore computer, with its sunlight-readable, high performance 10.4 inch LCD screen and four different radios built into the system is a perfect match for GeoSight’s MINEi Cavity Scanning System.

The Xplore iX104C5 is the world’s most rugged PC, able to withstand seven-foot operating drops to plywood and four-foot operating drops to concrete. The C5 boasts an IP 67 ratings, which means it is fully submersible for up to 30 minutes and is completely impenetrable to dust and debris. As a highly portable, versatile unit, it can be mounted in virtually any vehicle through its docking solutions and undocked at a moment’s notice. The iX104C5 has been independently tested to above MIL-STD 810G standards for shock, vibration, thermal, impact, ingress, and crash and drop. It can also operate in extreme temperatures ranging from -30 degree F (-34 C) to 160 degree F (60C) and is Class I/Div II certified to function in explosion prone areas.

“Our system is designed so that a total station doesn’t need to be carried into the field because MINEi can geo-reference using resection,” said John Lupton, president of GeoSight, Inc. and developer of the Australian Patented and Canadian patent-pending scanner.  “There is no chance of forgotten or damaged cables using our system because it is completely wireless.”

He added that the MINEi can be deployed into bottom access areas using the GeoSight Buggy System and users are able to calibrate their own systems.  “The average scan time is about seven minutes.”  He added that, like the rugged Xplore tablets, the GeoSight scanner is sealed against water and dust.

“This is a welcome addition to the tools that are available today and the feedback that we have been receiving from our customers if very good,” Lupton added.

Xplore Technologies (www.xploretech.com) develops, integrates and markets mobile wireless Tablet PC computing systems.  The Company’s products enable the extension of traditional computing systems to a range of field and on-site personnel, regardless of location or environment.  Using a range of wireless communication mediums together with the Company’s rugged computing products, the Company’s end-users are able to receive, collect, analyze, manipulate and transmit information in a variety of environments not suited to traditional non-rugged computing devices.  The Company’s end-users are in markets that include utility, warehousing/logistics, public safety, field service, transportation, manufacturing, route delivery, military and homeland security.