The second delineates the rock fragments using image processing algorithms. The third is the resulting size distribution. This information is used to optimize blasting or processes such as milling or leaching. The company was formed in November 1997 as an outgrowth of a business plan developed in the Berger Entrepreneurship Program in UA's Eller College of Business and Public administration. Kemeny is one of the principals in Split Engineering.
Analysis starts with images of rock fragments.
After scaling and preprocessing, the software delineates the individual fragments in the image. It then estimates the size distribution of the fragments, including fines that are either too small or are not present on the surface of the fragments. Finally it outputs the results, on the computer screen and to other computers at the mine. This data can then be fed to an expert system or into the mine database. Split software has been installed at more than 35 locations worldwide, including mines in Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Australia, South Africa, Indonesia, Papua New-Guinea, Botswana, and the United States.