CAP LAMP RFID FACE RECOGNITION & ELECTRONIC TAG BOARD FOR MINERS

PPE Kiosk Solution

Roobuck has devised a solution in collaboration with Cognitec Systems (a world leader in “State of the Art” Face Recognition systems). The solution uses the existing Cap Lamps, that will be upgraded with externally embedded RFID Tags.

The Cap Lamps will be linked to RFID Readers, Rugged Cameras, Rugged Display monitors (for electronic tag board) with onboard CPU and ethernet; and networked computer server technology. The server will be installed with the Cognitec Software platform with customised functional licenses to create reliable and repeatable ID monitoring and a “real time” tally of pedestrians underground.

The solution addresses the following key areas in a Mine

PPE Kiosk

This is a defined above ground area, where Miner’s acquire safety equipment (e.g. Cap Lamp, Rescue Apparatus) and register their ID and assigned ownership of PPE for a start of shift and entering the mine Portal).
Note: Monitoring of the PPE Rescue Apparatus or other key safety assets can also be included in the RFID monitoring process at the Kiosk point.

Portal Tag Board

This is a defined above ground area immediately adjacent to the main portal mine entrance where the primary “tag board” resides to record the ID of every miner, visitor or service contractor entering and exiting the mine. It is the official count (reference #) of all people believed to be in the mine and is also critical to evacuation and/or rescue planning.

Underground Electronic Tag Boards

These are positioned in dedicated key locations (e.g. checkpoints/gates) at various levels within the mine. These tag boards are for checkpoint access control and register Miner ID’s as they move through defined monitoring sections of the mine. The Miners “tag on” at each tag board, so Supervisors know which section they are in and at what time they arrived/departed.

Technical Setup

face-recognition-and-electronic-tag-board

Miners typically carry two tags to start a work shift:

  1. One tag for the Portal Tag board (main point of entry and exit of the mine)
  2. Another tag for underground tag boards. Miners move this tag from board to board underground as they perform their work moving within the defined operational sections under tag control.

Roobuck’s Miner’s Cap Lamp is recognised as the #1 safety device in the mine and must always be worn by all personnel underground. Roobuck has now enhanced its Cordless Cap Lamp with the option of a rugged externally embedded RFID tag. (NFC as an option is also available).

In the Cap Lamp PPE Kiosk, the Miner’s face is recognized, and the Cap Lamp RFID tag is read. Every miner will be matched to the unique RFID number on the Cap Lamp at the start of their shift. After this registration process, the unique RFID on the Cap Lamp will be treated as the Miner’s ID during this shift. When the Cap Lamp is returned to the Kiosk the ID is disassociated and placed back in the pool for the next Miner.

The Cognitec software, references from a central database gallery of miner/contractor data and photos; and processes the persons movements, displaying their ID, Face Image and other location details onto an electronic tag board display in real time.

The display will also provide a running tally (total) of all personnel within the mine in real time. The system allows a Central Control Room and other key personnel via their own desktop computers or Smart Phones to have a live and visual indication of the location of Miners at the defined areas with RFID monitoring, along with verified facial ID at all times in the designated areas.

The PPE Kiosk is mostly located in the Cap Lamp room to keep it simple. All human interface devices are mounted on the wall, including the Camera, display and button box. The miner is facing the wall then presses one of 3 buttons: IN, OUT, Cancel. There is no gate to pass through.

Roobuck does offer the added option of “Access Control” using Gallagher Turnstiles. This capability is already available with electronic integration as a proven interface with the Cognitec Systems software.

Interest? Contact us