U.S. patent application number 11/605390 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-12 for electronic blasting system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Orica Explosives Technology Pty Ltd.. Invention is credited to Charles Michael Lownds.
Application Number | 20070159766 11/605390 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38091797 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070159766 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lownds; Charles Michael |
July 12, 2007 |
Electronic blasting system
Abstract
An electronic blasting system comprising: a plurality of
electronic detonators; and a blasting machine, a function of which
is to transmit information to and/or receive information about one
or more of the plurality of electronic detonators, wherein the
blasting machine is adapted to perform this function under voice
control.
Inventors: |
Lownds; Charles Michael;
(Aurora, CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BIRCH STEWART KOLASCH & BIRCH
PO BOX 747
FALLS CHURCH
VA
22040-0747
US
|
Assignee: |
Orica Explosives Technology Pty
Ltd.
Melbourne
AU
|
Family ID: |
38091797 |
Appl. No.: |
11/605390 |
Filed: |
November 29, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60740671 |
Nov 30, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
361/247 ;
102/200 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F42D 1/055 20130101;
F42D 1/05 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
361/247 ;
102/200 |
International
Class: |
F23Q 3/00 20060101
F23Q003/00; F42D 1/055 20060101 F42D001/055 |
Claims
1. An electronic blasting system comprising: a plurality of
electronic detonators; and a blasting machine, a function of which
is to transmit information to and/or receive information about one
or more of the plurality of electronic detonators, wherein the
blasting machine is adapted to perform this function under voice
control.
2. An electronic blasting system according to claim 1 comprising a
microphone in communication with the blasting machine.
3. An electronic blasting system according to claim 1, wherein the
microphone is provided on a headset or helmet.
4. An electronic blasting system according to claim 1, wherein the
blasting machine is adapted to seek confirmation from a blast
operator of a voice input command that has been received prior to
implementation of that command.
5. An electronic blasting system according to claim 1, wherein the
blasting machine includes logic functionality that enables a voice
command received from the blast operator to be compared against a
registry of stored/actionable commands, that enables the registry
to be searched for a stored command that most closely matches the
input command received, and that enables the blasting machine to
relay the matched registry command to the blast operator for
confirmation that the matched command reflects correctly the actual
input command, and wherein if it is not possible to match a voice
input command with one stored in the registry, this is communicated
to the blast operator with a verbal request or identifier for the
voice command to be repeated.
6. An electronic blasting system according to claim 1, further
comprising a device that has voice synthesis functionality.
7. An electronic blasting system according to claim 6, wherein the
voice synthesis functionality is associated with or consequential
on a voice command directed to the blasting machine that is
operable under voice control.
8. An electronic blasting system according to claim 6, wherein the
device and blasting machine are the same piece of equipment, and
the voice synthesis functionality is used to acknowledge receipt of
a voice input command and to indicate that the command is being
actioned, to request a voice input command to be repeated (for
confirmation purposes) and/or to prompt further command as might be
required.
9. An electronic blasting system according to claim 6, wherein the
voice synthesis functionality is used to generate a warning
message.
10. An electronic blasting system according to claim 1, wherein the
blasting machine comprises as a security/safety feature voice
recognition analysis functionality in order to limit operation of
the blasting machine to authorised personnel.
11. An electronic blasting system according to claim 1, wherein the
blasting machine comprises memory means for storing voice commands
that have been received by the blasting machine.
12. An electronic blasting system according to claim 11, wherein
unauthorised attempts to use the blasting machine trigger an alarm
and/or lead to shutdown of the blasting machine system thereby
rendering it inoperable.
13. An electronic blasting system according to claim 1, wherein the
blasting machine is a portable device that is intended to transmit
information to and/or receive information about a particular
detonator when the portable device is associated with that
detonator.
14. A blasting machine as defined in claim 1 for use in an
electronic blasting system.
15. A method of blasting which comprises use of an electronic
blasting system as claimed in claim 1
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic blasting
system for use in blasting operations, for example in mining and
quarrying. The present invention also relates to a method of
blasting involving the electronic blasting system. The present
invention further relates to components of the electronic blasting
system.
[0002] In general terms electronic blasting systems are well known
in the art. A characteristic of such systems is the use of
electronic delay detonators to achieve precise detonation, and
preferably these detonators are fully programmable with respect to
detonation delay time. The use of such detonators affords
significant benefits in terms of blast control and design.
[0003] A blasting system using electronic delay detonators involves
a variety of control equipment in order to implement successfully a
pre-determined blast design and to initiate a blast according to
that design. Invariably, operation of the control equipment
requires a blast operator to use his/her hands to press buttons
and/or perform keystrokes. Even when a skilled blast operator is
involved, operation of control equipment in this way can be a
source of errors. This is especially so in the field when the
control equipment is being operated under difficult conditions,
such as when it is wet or humid and/or when ambient light levels
are low. Errors can also occur when a precise, and possibly
complex, combination of keystrokes, or the like, is required to
implement some equipment functionality.
[0004] Furthermore, use of conventional hand-operated control
equipment invariably requires the blast operator to look at what
he/she is doing to ensure that the correct buttons or keys are
being pressed at the appropriate time. In addition, the blast
operator is inevitably distracted when reading (LCD) display
screens which are characteristic of control equipment in common
usage. This can be especially problematic in dusty and/or wet
conditions and/or when visibility is poor. It should also be noted
that LCDs tend to perform badly in cold conditions, such as might
be encountered in locations such as Canada and the US. All of these
factors can mean that this kind of equipment is
concentration/attention demanding to operate, and this can detract
from other important roles the blast operator may have, such as
observation and control of explosives loading.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Against this background it would be desirable to provide an
electronic blasting system that reduces or obviates these
drawbacks.
[0006] Accordingly, the present invention provides an electronic
blasting system comprising:
[0007] a plurality of electronic detonators; and
[0008] a blasting machine, a function of which is to transmit
information to and/or receive information about one or more of the
plurality of electronic detonators,
[0009] wherein the blasting machine is adapted to perform this
function under voice control.
[0010] Herein the term "blasting machine" embraces any type of
(electronic) device that is used in an electronic blasting system
and that is capable of being in signal communication with one or
more electronic detonators being used. The blasting machine may be
in direct communication with one or more of the electronic
detonators or the blasting machine may communicate with one or more
of the electronic detonators indirectly via one or more
intermediate devices. The blasting machine may be in signal
communication with one or more of the electronic detonators in
order to send various command signals, such as ARM, DISARM and FIRE
signals and/or to program the detonators with detonation delay
times and/or identification codes. Alternatively, or additionally,
the blasting machine may be capable of receiving information from
one or more of the electronic detonators. This information may
include the identification code and/or detonation delay time
assigned to individual detonators or the status of detonators, for
example to confirm that the detonators are ready to be fired. The
functionalities described for the blasting machine are not intended
to be limiting, and other functionalities will be apparent from the
following description of the invention.
[0011] The present invention resides in the use of a blasting
machine that may be operated by a blast operator under voice
control in order to carry out some required action in the context
of operating the electronic blasting system. Use of a blasting
machine that is voice operable reduces the need for the blast
operator to use his/her hands for operation of the device. As will
be appreciated from the preceding discussion, this has significant
practical advantages. The function of the blasting machine with
respect to the one or more electronic detonators used in the
blasting system may be conventional. However, the fact that this
function is voice controlled in accordance with the invention is
believed to represent a significant departure from the state of the
art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] Embodiments of the invention will be discussed with
reference to the accompanying non-limiting figures in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an electronic
blasting system in accordance with the present invention; and
[0014] FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating the kind of steps
associated with operation of an electronic blasting system in
accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] To enable the blasting machine to be operated under voice
control the blast operator may speak into a microphone in
communication with the blasting machine. This microphone may be
provided on a headset or helmet to be worn by the blast operator.
The microphone may be connected to the blasting machine by a wire.
Alternatively, wireless technology may be used to relay voice input
at the microphone to the blasting machine. In this case
conventional wireless technology protocols and componentry may be
used, such as Bluetooth.TM.. Depending upon context the blast
operator may be in close proximity to the blasting machine during
operation of it. Alternatively, the blast operator may operate the
blasting machine from a location remote from it. This may be
required for safety reasons. In this case voice commands from the
blast operator may be relayed to the blasting machine by a hard
(wire) connection or using wireless technology.
[0016] When selecting a microphone, the signal-to-noise ratio of
the sound pick up of the microphone may be an important
consideration, also taking into account background noise. If the
signal-to-noise ratio is low the error rate in identification of
voice commands will also be low. Typically, the microphone will be
positioned close to the blast operator's mouth in order to provide
clean conveyance of voice commands.
[0017] The blasting machine is adapted to operate as required on
the basis of electrical signals generated in response to voice
input at the microphone used by the blast operator. To facilitate
this the blasting machine will be equipped with some form of voice
recognition functionality. Alternatively, the blasting machine may
have associated with it a device that has voice recognition
functionality and that is adapted to control the blasting machine
in response to voice commands. For ease, in the following reference
will be made simply to the blasting machine in this regard.
[0018] The complexity of the voice recognition functionality of the
blasting machine will vary depending upon the number of tasks that
are required to be performed under voice control. Thus, where the
blasting machine is required to perform limited tasks under voice
control, the voice recognition functionality may be relatively
basic. On the other hand, in more complex systems, where the
blasting machine may be required to perform a variety of different
tasks under voice control, the voice recognition functionality must
be sufficiently sophisticated in order to distinguish between
different voice commands. One skilled in the field of voice
recognition systems would understand how this may be achieved in
practice. Here it should be noted that the ability of the human
voice to convey a high density of information is a distinct
advantage over conventional (manual) systems where possibly complex
combinations of keystrokes may be called for in order to
distinguish as between different functionalities of the equipment.
The error rate associated with operation of the blasting machine is
likely to be lower when the number of words required to be
recognised is low.
[0019] The registry of commands to which the blasting machine will
respond may be pre-programmed into the electronics of the blasting
machine. The blasting machine may be configured to operate over a
number of different languages with the blast operator selecting
his/her language of choice. Alternatively, the blasting machine may
be tailored (programmed) to respond to commands from a particular
blast operator, i.e. the registry of commands will be configured by
the blast operator who will use the device in the field. This may
enhance operation of the blasting machine under voice control and
operating errors may be reduced.
[0020] To eliminate the possibility of operating errors, the
blasting machine may be adapted to seek confirmation from the blast
operator of a voice input command that has been received prior to
implementation of that command. A miniature speaker or earpiece
provided on the headset or helmet used by the blast operator may
facilitate this. In this embodiment the blasting machine will
invariably include logic functionality that enables a voice command
received from the blast operator to be compared against a registry
of stored/actionable commands. In response to a voice input command
the registry is searched for a stored command that most closely
matches the input command received. The blasting machine may then
relay the matched registry command to the blast operator (via the
speaker or earpiece) for confirmation that the matched command
reflects correctly the actual input command. If it is not possible
to match a voice input command with one stored in the registry,
this may be communicated to the blast operator with a verbal
request, or identifier (eg. a tone), for the voice command to be
repeated. By proceeding in this way operating errors can be
avoided. Again, conventional voice recognition technology may be
used to achieve this capability.
[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the
electronic blasting system includes a device that has voice
synthesis functionality. Preferably, this functionality is
associated with or consequential on a voice command directed to the
blasting machine that is operable under voice control. In one
embodiment, the device and blasting machine are the same piece of
equipment, and in this case voice synthesis may be used to
acknowledge receipt of a voice input command and to indicate that
the command is being actioned, to request a voice input command to
be repeated (for confirmation purposes) and/or to prompt further
command as might be required. For example, this aspect may be
useful in the context of wireless detonator assemblies including a
charge storage device for discharge into a firing circuit upon
receipt of an appropriate FIRE command from an associated blasting
machine, as described in applicant's co-pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 60/662806, the content of which is herein
incorporated by reference. Here the wireless detonator assembly may
be configured to discharge in a benign manner, i.e. without firing
the detonator, unless a specific "keep alive" signal is received.
In accordance with this aspect of the invention the blasting
machine may remind the blast operator to send an appropriate "keep
alive" signal to a wireless detonator assembly if the wireless
detonator assembly is to remain in a ready-to-fire condition. This
reminder may be triggered by a signal from the wireless detonator
assembly to the blasting machine or it may be generated after a
specific period of time from an original command to charge the
charge storage device or from the last "keep alive" command sent to
the wireless detonator assembly.
[0022] In a preferred aspect of this embodiment, the voice
synthesis functionality is used to generate a warning message. A
voice message may have more significance to and impact on a blast
operator than some other warning indicator, such as a flashing
light or alarm.
[0023] In another embodiment the blasting system may include some
other device, i.e. distinct from the blasting machine, that
generates a message or warning. Preferably, this other device is
equipped with voice synthesis functionality. In this embodiment the
device generates a message as a consequence of some function
performed by the blasting machine. For example, where the blasting
machine is commencing a particular step, such as detonator
charging, it may be appropriate for this fact to be relayed as a
message, preferably a voice message, to some other location at the
blast site. The message might be generated at a central control
station where progress of the blast implementation process is being
monitored and controlled. Alternatively, or additionally, the
function of the blasting machine may automatically trigger warning
messages at various locations at the blast site, thereby alerting
personnel about the progress of the blasting process. This may
contribute significantly to the safety of the blasting process. One
skilled in the art of blasting operations will understand that this
embodiment of the invention may be used in a variety of ways. By
way of example, this embodiment may be incorporated in a blasting
operation in which a (remote) central command station is adapted to
transmit command signals to one or more blast boxes that are in
signal communication with the central command station and with a
group of electronic detonators. This type of arrangement is
disclosed in WO 2004/020934. It would be useful in the context of
this arrangement for certain functions of the central command
station (operated under voice control) to trigger some (warning)
message at the associated blast boxes, for example, to alert any
personnel in the area that the step of charging the detonators is
about to commence.
[0024] This embodiment of the invention may also be integrated as
part of an otherwise conventional mine alarm system. Such mine
alarm systems are well known in the art and have been
commercialised by entities such as Mine Site Technologies. In this
embodiment-it will be appreciated that generation of the message(s)
is contingent upon some functionality of the blasting machine being
imminent, in process or complete.
[0025] In embodiments of the present invention that involve voice
synthesis functionality, a voice message can be synthesised
electronically or it can be a message compounded from a set of
pre-recorded messages that are stored in the blasting machine. The
use of pre-recorded messages (verbal replay of actual human speech)
may be preferred where the system is constrained in computational
power. Depending upon context responses could be simple, like "yes"
or they can be multi-digit numbers created by concatenation, or
warning messages. In providing acknowledgment to the blast operator
of some received command the need for the blasting machine to
include a display that reflects operating status of the device may
be removed. This can be a distinct advantage since LCD displays
typically used in blasting equipment can be difficult to see in low
light conditions and, moreover, tend not to function in cold
climates (less than -15.degree. C., say).
[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the blasting machine may comprise
as a security/safety feature voice recognition analysis
functionality in order to limit operation of the blasting machine
to authorised personnel. The use of voice recognition analysis in
this way can contribute significantly to security/safety,
especially where critical functionality of the blasting machine,
i.e. functionality necessary to initiate a blast, may only be
implemented under voice control. In this way, unauthorised personal
may be prevented from initiating a blast, even if they have access
to the various componentry otherwise required.
[0027] For this aspect of the invention to be implemented, the
blasting machine will comprise, or have associated with it, a voice
analyser that is capable of comparing a voice input with a stored
registry of voice inputs for authorised users. The voice analyser
may be part of the blasting machine itself or it may be provided
separately, and possibly remotely, from the blasting machine. One
skilled in the art of voice recognition technology would be
familiar with the kind of hardware and software required to
implement such a system.
[0028] Other biometric feature analysis systems based on, for
example, fingerprint, iris or retina recognition, may be used in
addition to or as an alternative to voice recognition as a means of
distinguishing between authorised and unauthorised users. However,
as the blasting machine used in accordance with the invention is
operable under voice control, it may be more convenient to rely on
voice recognition analysis for security/safety purposes rather than
some other biometric feature. Other aspects of the blasting system
in accordance with the present invention may of course include
security/safety measures based on analysis and recognition of one
or more biometric features.
[0029] It may also be advantageous for the voice recognition
technology associated with the blasting machine to comprise memory
means for storing voice commands that have been received by the
blasting machine. This may provide useful information as to how the
blasting system has been used, for example for diagnostic purposes
in the event of a mis-fire. This feature may also be used to check
whether any unauthorised attempts to use the blasting machine under
voice control have been made. Any unauthorised attempts to use the
blasting machine may trigger an alarm and/or this may lead to
shutdown of the blasting machine system thereby rendering it
inoperable. To be useful in practice, an alarm should be triggered
and/or the blasting machine shutdown only in the event of a series
of unsuccessful/unauthorised attempts to use the blasting machine
under voice control. In the event that the blasting machine is
shutdown, it may be reactivated, typically by use of a secure
access code.
[0030] Further details about the use of biometric features in order
to provide increased security/safety to blasting systems is
described in the applicant's co-pending U.S. provisional patent
application No. 60/653085, the content of which is incorporated
herein by reference.
[0031] In the alternative, authorised use of the blasting machine
may be controlled by use of other means, such as smart cards, and
the like.
[0032] The function of the blasting machine that may be voice
actuated/controlled may vary from system to system. However, in
general terms the function involves the transmission of information
to and/or the receipt of information about one or more of the
electronic detonators. This information may comprise information
necessary for implementation of the blasting process, such as
detonator identity data and/or detonation delay time.
Alternatively, or additionally, the information may comprise
specific command signals relating to detonator functionality, such
as ARM, DISARM and FIRE command signals.
[0033] It may be necessary to customise the blasting machine to one
or more authorised blast operators to ensure that the voice
recognition functionality of the blasting machine will operate as
intended. It will also be appreciated that some training may
initially be required to enable a blast operator to use an
electronic blasting system in accordance with the present
invention. Thereafter, however, it is believed that the present
invention will enable blasting operations to be carried out with
ease and in a safe and reliable manner.
[0034] In one embodiment, the blasting machine may be a portable
device (or logger) that is intended to transmit information to
and/or receive information about a particular (selected) detonator
when the portable device is associated with that detonator. This
may be a particularly useful application of the present invention
since the portable device will be needed in field conditions and
these may present difficulties for hand-operation of control
equipment In this context the term "associated" means that the
portable device and detonator are brought together in order to
allow the exchange of information to proceed. Information may be
transmitted and/or received over a hard (wire) connection or using
laser or wireless radio technology. The nature of the association
called for will vary depending upon the particulars of the system.
This will become apparent from the subsequent description of
embodiments of the invention. Examples of the function that the
portable device may perform under voice control are included
below.
[0035] The portable device may be used to record the identity
number of individual electronic detonators. Here individual
detonators will have an associated tag that is readable digitally
by the device. The tag will typically be associated with the
detonator such that the tag will be accessible at the collar of a
blasthole when the detonator has been deployed in the
blasthole.
[0036] The tag may be a bar code that represents the identity
number specific to a detonator with which the tag is associated. In
this case the portable device is a bar code reader (scanner) that
can read the bar code when brought into sufficiently close
proximity with the bar code. The portable device may have a laser
stripe for reading bar codes in low light conditions. The
technology required to do this is well known, although in this
embodiment reading of the bar code may be initiated under voice
control. The portable device will store the identity number for
later use, typically for downloading to the blast control unit for
detonator programming.
[0037] In an alternative embodiment the tag may be a radio
frequency (RF) tag associated with the detonator. The RF tag
carries an identity number relating to the detonator and may be
read by a suitable portable device. The basic technology required
to do this is well known with respect to the tag and reader,
although in this embodiment activation of the device to perform
reading is voice activated. In a preferred embodiment the device
may provide a voice synthesised status report, as mentioned above
in connection with the bar code reader. Alternatively, the portable
device may need to be connected electrically (using wires) to the
detonator, before or after deployment in a blasthole, for logging.
The detonators may be connected to the device one at a time, logged
and then disconnected, or they may be logged as they are connected
for the first and last time to a harness wire. Logging takes place
under voice control with the portable device preferably offering a
verbal commentary to assist the logging process.
[0038] In all of these examples the identity number of an
electronic detonator is pre-assigned and readable using a portable
electronic device. The identity number will be stored for
subsequent use and this will typically involve downloading of the
identity numbers of an array of detonators to a remote central
blast control unit to facilitate detonator programming. Here it is
also necessary for the identity data of individual detonators to be
associated with information relating to the respective locations of
the detonators. The detonator location is important when firing
times are not directly allocated to the detonators during logging
since the detonation delay will vary between blasthole locations
across the blast field.
[0039] Preferably, the location of a given detonator may be
recorded and associated with the detonator identity number using
the same portable device that is used for reading and logging the
identity number. It is also preferred that the location of a given
detonator (the identity data of which is being logged) may be
stored or determined under voice control. Thus, at the time of
logging detonator identity number the blast operator may also
record, under voice control, the location of the relevant
detonator. In one embodiment the portable device may be responsive
to voice input giving details of the row and hole numbers of the
detonator being logged and store this information as an electronic
record that is paired with the detonator identity number. In an
alternative embodiment the portable device may be adapted to record
the absolute position of the detonator being logged and to this end
the device may include GPS functionality. Preferably, location
determination using the GPS functionality may be voice controlled.
Again, for the purposes of the central blast control unit it is
important for the identity number and location information relating
to each detonator to be recorded as an association of data that
characterises each detonator.
[0040] In another embodiment the identity number is assigned to
each detonator at the time of its use, i.e. the identity number is
not pre-assigned. In this case a function of the portable device is
to communicate the identity number to the detonator for storage in
a memory unit in electronic circuitry of the detonator. This may
require some form of wire connection between the portable device
and the relevant detonator the portable device and detonator may be
adapted to communicate wirelessly. Once a suitable "connection"
between the portable device and the detonator has been established
programming of the detonator with an identity number may be
initiated under voice control. The portable device will also record
the identity number allocated as well as information as to
detonator location. This latter functionality may be achieved as
described above.
[0041] In the various embodiments described above, the blast
operator controls function of the portable device under voice
control. In a preferred embodiment, the portable device also has
voice synthesis functionality and is able to "answer" the blast
operator with voice messages, in order to provide useful
information. This may include the generation of warning messages
relating to the occurrence, or non-occurrence, of various events in
the process. The ability of the blasting machine to "answer" the
blast operator is also useful as it may then be possible to avoid
the need to use traditional LCD displays and/or to rely on "beeps"
of various tones and lengths to communication information to the
blast operator, as might be required during use of the portable
device. For example, when the blast operator commences logging of a
particular row of detonators/blastholes, the portable device is
able to recognise the progression and offer by synthesised voice an
update as to hole number each time the blast operator logs a
detonator. A voice message, such a simple "yes", may be generated
by the portable device as confirmation that a hole has been logged
correctly, thereby allowing the blast operator to move onto the
next hole with confidence. In the same way GPS coordinates may be
interpreted via a stored blast plan into row number and hole number
and offered to the blast operator (by synthesised voice) for
confirmation.
[0042] In the embodiments described the intended result is that the
blast operator has an electronic record of the identity number and
location of each detonator in the entire blast field. As noted,
preferably the identity number and location are stored as an
associated pair by the portable device used for reading or
assigning detonator identity number. After the detonators have been
characterised in this way, the portable device may be interfaced
with a blast control unit in order to download information about
the detonators (i.e. identity number and location). In turn this
allows each detonator to be programmed by the blast control unit
with a detonation delay time. Alternatively, interfacing of the
portable device with a central blast control unit may be via
electrical connection (wires or docking) with the data remaining in
the portable device but accessible by the blast control unit for
programming of detonators. These general approaches are in
themselves well known and one skilled in the art would be familiar
with the equipment and methodology to be used.
[0043] In yet another embodiment the portable device may be
operated under voice control to program individual detonators with
a detonation delay time based on the position of the detonators in
the overall blast pattern. This may involve some form of hard
(wire) connection between the portable device and the (electronic
circuitry of the) detonator, although this could be achieved using
wireless technology. In practice a blast operator will move from
blasthole to blasthole using the portable device to allocate a
predetermined detonation delay based on detonator location.
[0044] Preferably, in this embodiment the portable device includes
an electronic record of the detonation delay based on location and
allocates the relevant delay in response to an input as to
location. This may be achieved by voice input by the blast
operator, such as by reference to the row and hole number being
visited. In this case it may be helpful for the portable device to
report by synthesised voice the delay time that is applicable to a
particular detonator based on location. Alternatively, the location
may be determined automatically using a GPS system. Preferably, the
GPS functionality is provided for in the same portable device that
is used for detonator delay time programming. It is also preferred
that determination of location by the GPS system is voice
activated. Using this particular embodiment to program the
detonators it may be sufficient for the blast operator to connect
or associate the portable device with a selected detonator (as
required for detonator programming) and then initiate location
determination by suitable voice command. The portable device then
determines the location of the detonator and programs it with a
detonation delay time based on an electronic record of
location/intended delay time that has been pre-programmed into the
portable device. The portable device could confirm by a suitable
voice message or tone that programming has been successful. As will
be appreciated this would enable rapid and easy detonator
programming.
[0045] As alluded to above, even though it is not required for
programming of detonator delay time, it may be useful to allocate
an identity number to each detonator to permit some form of
centralised control by a blast control unit. This may be helpful
when it comes to pre-blast testing of the detonators and/or
re-programming of detonators as might be required. If required, the
portable device may also therefore be used to assign detonator
identity number, as described above. Preferably this can also be
done by appropriate voice command from the blast operator under
voice control. It is unlikely that the blast operator would
actually read out the number to be assigned--stored identity
numbers may be allocated incrementally, for example. After the
detonators have been allocated identity numbers, this information
together with location can be downloaded to the blast control unit
for subsequent use.
[0046] When the portable device is adapted to communicate audible
signals or messages to the blast operator this may be done via a
miniature speaker or earpiece provided on the headset or helmet
used by the blast operator. This will be in communication with the
portable device in the same way as the microphone, i.e. using a
wire connection or a wireless communication protocol. In this
embodiment it is preferred to use a single earpiece since this will
enable the blast operator to fulfil his primary role of observation
and control. In turn this will enhance the safety of blasting
operations and improve the reliability of blast programming using
electronic detonators.
[0047] The portable device may interface with the blast control
unit in conventional manner. Usually, this will be done by suitable
wire connections from an output terminal of the portable device to
an input terminal of the blast control unit. The blast control unit
may communicate as required with individual detonators using the
detonator identity numbers. This functionality may be implemented
under voice control. Alternatively, the blast control unit may
communicate with all detonators at the same time, for example when
issuing a PREPARE TO FIRE, FIRE or DISARM command. This may be done
over a wired network in which individual detonators are connected
by wires to a surface harness that itself is connected to the blast
control unit. Alternatively, the blast control unit and detonators
may be adapted to communicate with each other over a wireless
network. One skilled in the art would appreciate how this may be
done.
[0048] The present invention may be implemented by the adaptation
of known electronic blasting components (blasting machines) to
include the necessary voice recognition, and possibly voice
synthesis, functionality. Alternatively, the components may be
designed and constructed afresh.
[0049] The present invention also provides a blasting machine, as
described herein, for use in an electronic blasting system of the
invention.
[0050] The present invention further provides a method of blasting
which comprises use of an electronic blasting system in accordance
with the present invention. The crux of this aspect of the
invention is the use of a blasting machine, a function of which is
to transmit information to and/or receive information about an
electronic detonator with which the blasting machine is associated,
the blasting machine being adapted to perform this function under
voice control.
[0051] Embodiments of the method and blasting machine of the
invention will be apparent from the discussion herein of the
corresponding blasting system.
[0052] FIG. 1 shows an electronic blasting system 1 in accordance
with the present invention. The system 1 includes a blast control
unit 2 that is connected via a surface harness 3 to a plurality of
electronic detonators 4. The detonators 4 are connected to the
surface harness 3 by downlines 5. In use the detonators will be
provided in blastholes (not shown) and the blastholes loaded with
bulk explosive. Each detonator 4 may have attached to it a tag 6
including an identity number specific to the detonator to which the
tag 6 is attached. The tag 6 may be a label including a bar code or
an RF tag. In use the tag 6 will be provided at the collar of a
blasthole (for access) when an associated detonator has been
deployed.
[0053] The electronic blasting system 1 also includes a portable
electronic device 7 that is carried by a blast operator 8. There is
a communication link 9 between the blast operator 8 and the
portable device 7 by which the blast operator 8 can communicate
with and control a function of the portable device 7 by voice. The
link 9 may be a wire connection or a wireless link. The blast
operator 8 is provided with a headset (not shown) including a
microphone and an earpiece. The portable device 7 is adapted to
receive electrical signals generated by the microphone in response
to voice commands by the blast operator 8. These signals are
relayed to the portable device 7 over the communication link 9. The
portable device 7 can communicate audible signals to the earpiece
over the same communication link 9, as may be required. As noted
previously, as an alternative, the portable device may have voice
synthesis/generation functionality in order to communicate
information to the blast operator 8.
[0054] The portable device 7 is adapted to log the identity number
of individual detonators 4 via the tag 6 associated with each
detonator 4. In the embodiments shown the device 7 will be a bar
code reader or RF logger. In preparing a blast the blast operator 8
moves from detonator 4 to detonator 4 logging the identity number
associated with each. Logging is achieved using the portable device
7 which is operated under voice control by the blast operator 8
over the communication link 9. It is also necessary to record the
location of each detonator 4 and for the location to be paired with
the detonator identity number. To this end the portable device 7
may be adapted to record location information input by the blast
operator, possibly under voice control. Alternatively, the portable
device 7 may include GPS functionality so that the location of each
detonator 4 being logged can be determined and stored. In this
case, it is preferred that the GPS functionality of the device 7 is
activated by an appropriate voice command by the blast operator
8.
[0055] After all of the detonators 4 in the blast field have been
logged in this way the portable device 7 is interfaced with the
blast control unit 2 and information (identity number and location)
about each detonator downloaded. The interface is typically a wire
connection between the device 7 and control unit 2. The blast
control unit 2 is then able to communicate with individual
detonators 4 using the individual detonator identity numbers as
addresses. In this way the detonators 4 may be programmed with
detonation delay times. The blast control unit 2 may also
communicate with individual detonators 4 to perform other functions
including, for example, diagnostic testing. Of course, the blast
control unit 2 is also used to prepare the detonators 4 for firing
by transmission of appropriate signals across the surface harness,
and for firing the detonators 4. If required, the blast control
unit 2 may also disarm the detonators 4 after they have been armed
for firing, as may be required.
[0056] FIG. 2 represents the kind of steps that may be performed in
operating the portable device 7 under voice control. Thus, on
detection of a voice command (step 100) via the microphone, the
portable device generates and stores in a suitable memory module an
electronic representation of the voice command (step 102). This
representation is then compared with a stored registry of commands
which the portable device recognises as actionable (step 104). If
the voice command received by the portable device matches a command
in the registry of stored commands, the device is activated and
performs the requisite function (step 108). Although not shown in
FIG. 2, the portable device may seek confirmation from the blast
operator that the command identified in the registry is the
intended command, and this may be done by relaying a suitable
message or signal to the earpiece worn by the blast operator. The
blast operator may, for example, be invited to confirm the command
with a simple YES or NO answer. This answer will be processed using
a similar approach by the portable device in order to verify the
action to by undertaken. After the portable device has undertaken
the action required, a confirmation message or signal to this
effect may be transmitted to the blast operator (step 110).
[0057] In the event that the voice input command-received by the
portable device cannot be matched to a command in the registry of
stored commands, the portable device may send a message or signal
to this effect to the blast operator via the earpiece (step 106).
The voice command can then be repeated until the blast operator can
confirm that the portable device will put the correct functionality
into effect.
[0058] It will be appreciated that to operate in this way the
portable device will include voice recognition componentry and
software and logic functionality. These aspect are individually
known in the art for use in other voice operated systems. The
present invention may be used with any voice recognition and logic
technology provided the principles associated with the present
invention are observed.
* * * * *