Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning an optical surface, at least a portion of the surface being covered by an optically transparent liquid film, includes a wiper including an edge extending across at least a portion of the optical surface and urged into close proximity with the optical surface, the edge being defined between a leading face and a trailing face. The apparatus also includes an actuator operable to move of at least one of the wiper and the optical surface to cause the wiper to traverse the optical surface such that the leading face dislodges contaminants entrained in the liquid film or adhered to the optical surface to produce a cleaned portion of the optical surface. The apparatus further includes a liquid applicator disposed behind the trailing face of the wiper and operable to dispense liquid for renewing the liquid film on the cleaned portion of the optical surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing an image of fragmented material to identify fragmented material portions within the image is disclosed. The method involves receiving pixel data associated with an input plurality of pixels representing the image of the fragmented material. The method also involves processing the pixel data using a convolutional neural network, the convolutional neural network having a plurality of layers and producing a pixel classification output indicating whether pixels in the input plurality of pixels are located at one of an edge of a fragmented material portion, inwardly from the edge, and at interstices between fragmented material portions. The convolutional neural network includes at least one convolution layer configured to produce a convolution of the input plurality of pixels, the convolutional neural network having been previously trained using a plurality of training images including previously identified fragmented material portions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing an image of fragmented material to identify fragmented material portions within the image is disclosed. The method involves receiving pixel data associated with an input plurality of pixels representing the image of the fragmented material. The method also involves processing the pixel data using a convolutional neural network, the convolutional neural network having a plurality of layers and producing a pixel classification output indicating whether pixels in the input plurality of pixels are located at one of an edge of a fragmented material portion, inwardly from the edge, and at interstices between fragmented material portions. The convolutional neural network includes at least one convolution layer configured to produce a convolution of the input plurality of pixels, the convolutional neural network having been previously trained using a plurality of training images including previously identified fragmented material portions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a fragmentation assessment of a material including fragmented material portions is disclosed. The method involves receiving two-dimensional image data representing a region of interest of the material, and processing the 2D image data to identify features of the fragmented material portions. The method also involves receiving a plurality of three dimensional point locations on surfaces of the fragmented material portions within the region of interest, identifying 3D point locations within the plurality of three dimensional point locations that correspond to identified features in the 2D image, and using the identified corresponding 3D point locations to determine dimensional attributes of the fragmented material portions.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for generating an indication of an object within an operating ambit of heavy loading equipment is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of sensors disposed about a periphery of the loading equipment, each being operable to generate a proximity signal in response to detecting an object within a coverage region of the sensor, the proximity signal including an indication of at least an approximate distance between the sensor and the object. A processor circuit is operably configured to define an alert region extending outwardly and encompassing swinging movements of outer extents of the loading equipment. The processor circuit is operably configured to receive proximity signals from the plurality of sensors, process the signals to determine a location of the object relative to the loading equipment, and initiate an alert when the location falls within the alert region.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a fragmentation assessment of a material including fragmented material portions is disclosed. The method involves receiving two-dimensional image data representing a region of interest of the material, and processing the 2D image data to identify features of the fragmented material portions. The method also involves receiving a plurality of three dimensional point locations on surfaces of the fragmented material portions within the region of interest, identifying 3D point locations within the plurality of three dimensional point locations that correspond to identified features in the 2D image, and using the identified corresponding 3D point locations to determine dimensional attributes of the fragmented material portions.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for generating an indication of an object within an operating ambit of heavy loading equipment is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of sensors disposed about a periphery of the loading equipment, each being operable to generate a proximity signal in response to detecting an object within a coverage region of the sensor, the proximity signal including an indication of at least an approximate distance between the sensor and the object. A processor circuit is operably configured to define an alert region extending outwardly and encompassing swinging movements of outer extents of the loading equipment. The processor circuit is operably configured to receive proximity signals from the plurality of sensors, process the signals to determine a location of the object relative to the loading equipment, and initiate an alert when the location falls within the alert region.