Tag Archives: Carlson software

Carlson releases new laser scanning system for improved underground void mapping

Carlson Software has released the Carlson C-ALS HD auto-scanning laser system, the successor to the Carlson C-ALS Gyro.

This system sets new industry standards by offering enhanced visual inspection capabilities along with its accurate 3D underground mapping functionality, according to the company.

Equipped with an advanced high-definition camera and 874-lumen spot light on the C-ALS head, the C-ALS HD offers increased visualisation capability with up to 25 m of visibility, Carlson Software claims. Users can visualise in real time as the probe is deployed to spot obstructions and monitor deployment in underground environments. This new functionality provides unparalleled visibility, enabling professionals to identify and analyse potential hazards, structural issues, or areas of concern with the utmost precision and accuracy, the company claims

“The C-ALS has been the gold standard for inaccessible void mapping for more than 25 years,” Nuno Fernandes, Director of Carlson Laser Measurement Devices, said. “Carlson is committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation, and the C-ALS HD is a testament to that dedication.”

Key features of the Carlson C-ALS HD include:

  • A new slip ring drum that introduces quicker and integrated cable deployment;
  • An integrated high-definition camera to provide full HD (1,920 x 1,080) for photo and video;
  • Spot light visibility, which brings 874-lumen LED illumination to the void for added camera visualisation at distances up to 25 m; and
  • New joystick controls, which, when added into the included deployment software, Carlson Scan, provides free-motion control to inspect and locate points of interest.

Carlson, which is celebrating 40-years of innovation and service, says the C-ALS HD is among the list of new releases in 2023.

Carlson fills the underground Void with new scanning system

Carlson Software recently released its new Void Scanner+ wireless surveying system for underground surveying, building on the roots of its standard Void Scanner.

Engineered to scan in extreme environments, the ruggedised VS+ system is designed to be deployed in potentially hazardous locations – allowing operators to map underground cavities safely.

The information collected by the VS+ can be viewed in real time and provide mine site managers the information needed to optimise production, review extraction, backfill operations, and monitor problems with ore loss and dilution, according to Carlson. It can also be used for ore pass monitoring, mine design management, underground blast planning, drive surveys, and pre and post underground evacuation planning.

The VS+ includes an onboard battery and Wi-Fi connectivity to a tablet computer from up to 50 m, with the fully wireless capability increasing deployment speed and operation. Carlson’s VS+ can be deployed via stock boom or operators can create a customised boom, tripod, or crane to enable safe operation where access is limited or dangerous.

According to the company, a full scan with one-inch (25 mm) increments can be completed in less than 12 minutes with a 200 point-per-second scan rate, 360°  horizontal scan, and a vertical scan extent of 270°.

Operators can run the free scanning software, Carlson Scan, on a tablet computer to view the scan and analyse recorded data. This software automatically connects to the VS+ and enables full remote control of the system, Carlson says. “The post-processing tools can be used to analyse, geo-reference, and edit data as needed,” the company said. “Geo-referenced point clouds or modelled surfaces can be exported in industry-standard formats. The exported data can then be integrated with popular mining and CAD packages, including Carlson Mining modules and Carlson Point Cloud.”

The VS+ is part of Carlson’s Laser Measurement Division, which includes: C-ALS® Gyro, Void Scanner, Quarryman® Pro, Rodded and Cabled Boretraks®, and Merlin.

Carlson expands mine software capabilities with Mining 2020

Carlson Mining 2020 has added new options to its recently released Mining 2020 software, including modules for Geology, Surface Mining, and Underground Mining.

Able to run on AutoCAD® 2015-2020 and equipped with IntelliCAD 9.2, it enhances block modelling, variograms, mining solids with improved 3D viewing and rendering, design and scheduling, according to Grant Wenker, Vice President of Carlson Mining.

“These additions further expand the capabilities of the Carlson Mining Suite, linking the office software closer to the Carlson Laser Measurement and Machine Control solutions,” he said.

Carlson Mining 2020’s Variogram features multiple updates including the ability to process multiple strata and attributes at once, data point composting, cross variable geostatistical analysis with cross variograms, a method to auto-fit model variograms, and output lag results, according to the company.

The Block Model Viewer, meanwhile, now shows a legend of grade names and assigned colours. Users can switch the grade parameters for viewing the blocks coloured by a different attribute, without exiting the command, in addition to defining new grade parameters by attribute value range while in the viewer.

The Surface Equipment Timing has several upgrades with the 3D pick tool such as the ability to define attribute equations to display in the charts, tooltip settings that display values, automatic tracking of non-key tonnage, and an undo button, the company said. “Speed has been improved – allowing pit assignment within a few seconds even with up to 35,000 pit blocks,” Carlson Mining said.

There are new commands to create solid models including by grade from a block model and by 3D triangulation from a cloud of points. Additionally, there is a new option to create a solid using a Carlson surface object – providing better performance, as opposed to drawing hatched 3D faces, especially on larger models. The new solid-by-section model uses a series of slices through a model to make edits.

Another new tool within Carlson 2020 is the Settings Migration Wizard. This tool provides a new way to transfer Carlson and CAD settings between previous versions of Carlson. When using Carlson 2020 for the first time, the Migration Wizard gives users the chance to transfer the settings.

Along with Carlson Mining 2020, Carlson is also releasing 2020 versions of Carlson Survey, Carlson Civil, Carlson GIS, and Carlson Hydrology. The release also includes Carlson Takeoff Suite, which is made up of Carlson Construction, Carlson GeoTech, Carlson CADNet, and Carlson Trench modules.