Happy Birthday, IntelliZone®!

In April of 2009, a team of engineers completed a three-year effort to create a next level proximity detection system for underground mines. When the patent was approved for IntelliZone's proprietary technology, for the first time ultra-precision tracking and the ability to define customized shaped zones around each machine was available. This X,Y tracking was revolutionary in the marketplace, particularly for MSHA-approved systems.

Before IntelliZone was introduced, only "bubble" zone technology was available. These football-like shapes expand wider as the machine's zones extend forward, detecting workers to the sides or in cross-cuts who are actually in a safe location.

In contrast, IntelliZone's SharpZone^TM technology enables precise worker location around a piece of equipment. The system allows zones to expand and contract based on a vehicle's speed and direction and only on the path of travel, instead of overlapping into crosscuts or cutouts.

Advent of Gen 2

The next leap forward for IntelliZone was Gen 2 in 2013, which now allows a tracking range of about 65 feet and an RF line-of-site range of over 100 feet. Gen 2 also reduces electrical noise interference and includes a number of features to minimize nuisance trips. Components are integrated into the machine and kept inside the machine frame, which means that cables are protected and not exposed. An in-cab display for visual indication of zone breaches was also added as well as visual and audible zone alerts on the wearable locator. Today, IntelliZone is used on continuous miners and many other mobile machines.

New Features and Accessories

Because Matrix is focused on continuous innovation, we have recently introduced a number of new features. A Machine Mounted Locator now enables driver signal diagnostics and articulated machine angle detection, and a Capacitor Filter offers EMI noise filter reduction on tram motor contactor phase leads. Additionally, a recently released Water Hose Isolation Filter helps with EMI noise control. Matrix will soon be releasing a Status Screen that provides detailed on-board diagnostics, critical for quick troubleshooting and maintenance, and a new longer-range driver.