Mobile Sensor Monitoring System Using Modular Architecture Technology

Environmental monitoring is a key concern in underground mines, such as part of the copper mine of Codelco-Chile's Andina Division, in the central part of the country. The concentration of dust is important due to its negative effect in workers health. Regrettably, sensors for this parameter are costly and therefore implementing a full scale monitoring network of static devices can be prohibitive. A feasible alternative is to use a mobile sensor/recorder. The problem is that analysis of the data can take place far apart in time with respect to the original measurement, preventing timely response. This paper describes work done jointly by Codelco-Chile and the Center for Mathematical Modeling (CMM) of the University of Chile (UChile), in order to create a prototype Mobile Monitoring Station (MMS), which will allow the creation of a complete environmental map of any area where a user can reach, at a fraction of the cost of implementing a full scale fixed monitoring network, in a near-real time mode. The key element in the solution is a hand held mobile device based on the BUG modular and open source prototyping platform.