Method for determining the location of a detonator in a wireless network of electronic detonators, method for programming a firing plane and corresponding firing system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for determining the position of a detonator (101) in a wireless network of electronic detonators (10), comprising: a step of transmitting a signal by the detonator, referred to as a transmitting detonator; a step of receiving the signal by at least one other detonator of the network, the at least one other detonator being referred to as a receiving detonator; and a step of calculating the distance between the transmitting detonator and the receiving detonator from the power of the signal received by the receiving detonator. The invention also relates to a method for programming a blasting plan, comprising the steps of the method for determining the position of the detonator. The invention also relates to a system (1) configured to implement the method for determining the position of a detonator. The invention also relates to the use of a signal power loss for identifying the position of a detonator (101).

Description

(19) State Intellectual Property Office (12) Invention Patent Application (10) Application Publication Number (43) Application Publication Date (21) Application Number 202480041091.5 (22) Application Date 2024.06.20 (30) Priority Data FR2306443 2023.06.22 FR (85) PCT International Application Entering National Phase Date 2025.12.19 (86) PCT International Application Application Data PCT / FR2024 / 050820 2024.06.20 (87) PCT International Application Publication Data WO2024 / 261435 FR 2024.12.26 (71) Applicant: Davies Bickford Address: France (72) Inventor: F. Guyon A. Denoelle (74) Patent Agency: China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Patent & Trademark Office Co., Ltd. 11038 Patent Attorney Gao Xin (51) Int.Cl. F42D 1 / 055 (2006.01) (54) Invention Title: Method for determining the location of detonators in a wireless network of electronic detonators, method for programming a blasting plan and corresponding initiation system (57) Abstract: This invention relates to a method for determining the location of detonators (101) in a wireless network of electronic detonators (10), comprising: the step of transmitting a signal by a detonator, referred to as a transmitting detonator; the step of receiving a signal by at least one other detonator in the network, referred to as a receiving detonator; and the step of calculating the distance between the transmitting detonator and the receiving detonator based on the power of the signal received by the receiving detonator. The invention also relates to a method for programming a blasting plan, comprising the steps of a method for determining the location of detonators. The invention also relates to a system (1) configured to implement the method for determining the location of detonators. The invention also relates to the use of signal power loss in identifying the location of detonators (101). Claims 1 page, Description 8 pages, Drawings 2 pages, CN 121358999 A 2026.01.16 CN 1 21 35 89 99 A 1. A method for determining the location of detonators (101) in an electronic detonator wireless network (10), the method comprising: - a step of transmitting a signal by a detonator (S21), said detonator being referred to as a transmitting detonator; - a step of receiving the signal by at least one other detonator in the network (S3), said at least one other detonator being referred to as a receiving detonator; - a step of calculating the distance between the transmitting detonator and the receiving detonator based on the power of the signal received by the receiving detonator (S5). 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of identifying the absolute location of at least one first element and at least one second element of an initiation system (1), said initiation system (1) comprising at least the detonator network (10).3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, comprising the step (S1) of placing each detonator (101) of the network (10) in a theoretical position before the step of transmitting the signal, and the step of activating each detonator (S10). 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the step (S2) of communicating between the transmitting detonator and the network hub, the communication step (S2) comprising the step (S21) of transmitting a signal by the transmitting detonator, the signal transmitted by the transmitting detonator including a signal for communicating between the transmitting detonator and the network hub. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the signal transmitted by the transmitting detonator includes an identification sequence of the transmitting detonator that transmitted the signal. 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the signal received by the receiving detonator includes the identification sequence of the transmitting detonator that transmitted the signal. 7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising the step (S4) of transmitting at least one piece of information from the receiving detonator to an external unit (11), the at least one piece of information representing that the receiving detonator has received the signal. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the external unit (11) is a network hub. 9. The method of claim 7 or 8, wherein the transmission step (S4) includes a sub-step (S41) of sending an identification sequence of the received detonator to the external unit (11). 10. A method for programming a blasting plan, comprising: - a step (S100) of the method for determining the location of a detonator in a wireless network of electronic detonators according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and - a step (S101) of programming an initiation delay associated with the detonator based on the location of the detonator. 11. An initiation system (1) comprising a wireless network of electronic detonators (10), each detonator (101) of the network (10) comprising a transmitter configured to transmit a signal, and at least one receiver configured to receive a signal transmitted by another detonator of the network (10), the system further configured to calculate a distance based on the power of the signal received by the detonator. 12. The system (1) of claim 11, comprising a unit outside the detonator network (10), wherein each detonator (101) is further configured to transmit information representing the received signal to the external unit (11). 13. Use of signal power loss for identifying the location of detonators (101) in an electronic detonator wireless network (10), the power loss being a function of the distance between a transmitter and a receiver.Claims 1 / 1 Page 2 CN 121358999 A Method for determining the location of detonators in an electronic detonator wireless network, method for programming a blasting plan, and corresponding initiation system

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for determining the location of detonators in an electronic detonator wireless network.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a method for programming a blasting plan.

[0003] The present invention also relates to an initiation system comprising an electronic detonator wireless network.

[0004] The detonators herein include, for example, explosive charges, particularly pyrotechnic charges, and communication modules, such as two-way communication modules.

[0005] Here, an electronic detonator wireless network refers to a group of detonators that are not connected to each other by wires or to an external unit (e.g., a network hub).

[0006] A network hub refers to an electronic device configured to coordinate radio communications between the various communication modules. It manages a protocol.

[0007] The present invention has applications in the field of pyrotechnic initiation and is applicable to any industry where a network of at least one electronic detonator must be deployed by convention.

[0008] Typical applications involve the mining, quarrying, seismic exploration, or construction and public works industries.

[0009] During the installation of an initiation system at a work site or field, each electronic detonator of at least one electronic detonator network is installed in a location arranged to receive it.

[0010] Such a location is, for example, a borehole, particularly a borehole in the ground or rock face.

[0011] In practice, the operator positions the electronic detonators in locations set up for this purpose.

[0012] To implement the initiation of a network with multiple electronic detonators, knowing the location of each electronic detonator is useful. Knowing the location of each detonator is primarily for programming the initiation delay associated with at least one detonator, thereby establishing an initiation sequence.

[0013] To know the location of the electronic detonators at the work site, the geographic coordinates of each electronic detonator can be collected, for example, via a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver device. The GPS device can be embedded in the detonator and / or in a programming tool (e.g., a programming console). If it is embedded in a programming tool, the location is based on the position of the operator holding the programming tool, that is, it is equated to the location of the relevant detonator. However, associating a GPS receiver with each electronic detonator and / or programming tool to acquire the geographic coordinates of the electronic detonator can be costly and / or cause the operator to spend a long time on-site to perform this acquisition.

[0014] Furthermore, blasting operations do not require absolute positioning; the relative topology of the detonators is usually sufficient.

[0015] In addition, such a GPS-equipped detonation system is difficult or even impossible to use in certain terrains, such as underground terrain.

[0016] The correct operation of this type of detonation system also depends on the availability (reception) of the satellites dedicated to the geolocation system used.

[0017] The object of the present invention is to at least partially overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages and further bring other advantages.

[0018] To this end, according to a first aspect, a method for determining the location of detonators in a wireless network of electronic detonators is proposed, the method comprising:

[0019] - the step of transmitting a signal by a detonator, referred to as a transmitting detonator;

[0020] - the step of receiving a signal by at least one other detonator in the network, referred to as a receiving detonator, distinct from the transmitting detonator; Specification 1 / 8 page 3 CN 121358999 A

[0021] - the step of calculating the distance between the transmitting detonator and the receiving detonator based on the power of the signal received by the receiving detonator.

[0022] Thus, a detonator, for example, at least one communication module of the detonator, whether it is on the surface or in the hole, communicates with at least one other detonator in the network, for example, with the communication modules of other detonators.

[0023] The signals emitted by the launching detonator include, for example, electromagnetic signals, such as optical signals or radio signals, or mechanical signals, or acoustic signals, such as ultrasonic signals.

[0024] If all the detonators in the group include modules located on a surface, this can be an optical signal.

[0025] The step of calculating the distance between the launching detonator and the receiving detonator may include the step of estimating the distance, or even the step of estimating the order of magnitude of the distance between the launching and receiving detonators.

[0026] Depending on the specific circumstances, it may not be necessary to precisely determine the distance (i.e., accurate to the centimeter).

[0027] Implementing this method allows to avoid the need for an operator to move between the detonators in the network to identify their locations and thus allow for their programming.

[0028] In practice, detonators are typically installed and programmed by different operators.

[0029] In this way, once the detonators are deployed and installed, regardless of whether at least one detonator includes a module located on a surface or at the bottom of an orifice, subsequent programming can be transparent to the operator who must perform the operation.

[0030] In practice, the launching detonator transmits signals, such as radio waves. At least one other detonator (i.e., a receiving detonator) receives the signal.

[0031] The distance between the transmitting and receiving detonators can be determined based on the power of the signal received by the receiving detonator.

[0032] Signal attenuation is therefore used to determine the distance of each detonator relative to other detonators in the network.

[0033] For example, the steps of the method are implemented for each detonator in a detonator wireless network.

[0034] That is, each detonator in the network acts as a receiving detonator in turn.

[0035] Therefore, depending on the state of the method, the same detonator can be both a transmitting and receiving detonator.

[0036] The position of each detonator relative to its adjacent detonators in the detonator network can be determined through triangulation.

[0037] For example, the network includes at least three detonators, two of which are transmitting detonators configured to transmit signals, and a third detonator, distinct from the two transmitting detonators, is a receiving detonator configured to receive the signals transmitted by each transmitting detonator.

[0038] In one exemplary embodiment, the method includes the step of comparing the received signal with a theoretical signal.

[0039] In a specific exemplary embodiment, the theoretical signal compared with the received signal is the transmitted signal.

[0040] For example, the method may include the step of comparing at least one power value of a signal received by the receiving detonator with a theoretical power value of a signal transmitted by the transmitting detonator.

[0041] For example, the relative position between the transmitter and receiver can be determined based on the power loss rate per meter between the transmitter and receiver in the surrounding environment (e.g., in dB / m).

[0042] In one exemplary embodiment, the signal transmitted by the transmitting detonator includes an identification sequence of the transmitting detonator that transmitted the signal.

[0043] Specifically, the signal received by the receiving detonator includes an identification sequence of the transmitting detonator that has emitted the signal.

[0044] This method also allows for the avoidance of adding components to the detonator, since each detonator is typically already configured to communicate with the network hub via electrical or optical signals, etc.

[0045] Once a detonator in the network is activated, it enters a method for determining its location.

[0046] For example, prior to the step of emitting a signal, the method includes a step of placing each detonator in the network at its theoretical location.

[0047] For example, the method includes a step of activating each detonator (e.g., at least one communication module of each detonator), such as an energizing step.

[0048] For example, the method includes a communication step between the transmitting detonator and the network hub.

[0049] In an exemplary embodiment of the method, the signal emitted by the transmitting detonator includes a communication signal between the transmitting detonator and the network hub.

[0050] For example, the communication steps between the launching detonator and the network hub include the step of the launching detonator transmitting a signal.

[0051] In one exemplary embodiment, the receiving detonator picks up the communication signal between the launching detonator and the network hub.

[0052] In one exemplary embodiment, each detonator in the network also receives communication transmitted between other detonators in the network and the network hub.

[0053] In other words, each detonator in the network picks up and intercepts communication transmitted between other detonators in the network and the network hub.

[0054] The signals are processed and analyzed in a computing unit.

[0055] In one exemplary embodiment, the computing unit is located in the receiving detonator.

[0056] In one exemplary embodiment, the signal is processed externally; the computing unit is located in a unit different from any detonator (referred to as an external unit), such as in a network hub or any other electronic unit.

[0057] This externally performed step of determining the location of each detonator allows for the avoidance of having additional computing power or memory available in the detonator itself; all information can be transmitted to the external unit together or gradually.

[0058] For example, the method may then include the step of transmitting at least one piece of information representing the received signal from the receiving detonator to the external unit.

[0059] The at least one piece of information representing the received signal may include the entirety of the received signal.

[0060] For example, the external unit may receive at least one piece of information representing the signal received from each detonator in the network, and then perform the computing steps based on all the received information.

[0061] According to one exemplary embodiment, the at least one piece of representative information includes at least one power value of the signal received by the receiving detonator.

[0062] According to one exemplary embodiment, the at least one piece of representative information includes an identification sequence of the firing detonator.

[0063] According to an exemplary embodiment, the transmission step includes a sub-step of sending an identification sequence of the receiving detonator (e.g., transmitting it to an external unit).

[0064] In a notable exemplary embodiment, the external unit is a network hub.

[0065] For example, the algorithm for locating each detonator in the network is implemented in the receiving detonator or in the external unit (e.g., the network hub).

[0066] Thus, for example, the comparison step can be implemented by the receiving detonator or by the external unit.

[0067] The distance calculation step can be implemented by the receiving detonator or by the external unit.

[0068] Each receiving detonator may transmit only the received power value associated with the identification sequence of the transmitter, and the identification sequence of the receiving detonator transmitting this information.

[0069] Only the received signal power is useful for calculating the distance between the transmitter and receiver, but the identification sequence of the transmitter specification (page 3 / 8, CN 121358999 A) and the identification sequence of the receiver are meaningful for identifying the relevant transmitter-receiver links among all transmitter-receiver pairs of detonators in the network to be mapped, especially if the processing is performed in a unit outside the network (e.g., by a network hub).

[0070] For example, the method includes the step of recording at least one piece of information representing the received signal by the receiving detonator.

[0071] For example, the recording is at least temporary, for example, until the at least one piece of information has been transmitted to the external unit.

[0072] In one specific instance, the at least one piece of information recorded representing the received signal is the power of the received signal.

[0073] For example, the method includes the step of controlling the transmission of at least one piece of information representing a signal received by a receiving detonator to an external unit.

[0074] Such a control step is initiated, for example, by the external unit.

[0075] For example, if the transmission control step is implemented (e.g., after a request from the external unit), the method includes the step of transmitting at least one piece of information representing a signal received by a receiving detonator, which optionally includes a sub-step of sending an identification sequence of the receiving detonator.

[0076] However, the receiving detonator may process at least one piece of information representing a received signal independently based on the power of the received signal and transmit the calculated distance value to the external unit.

[0077] For example, the receiving detonator may independently implement the step of calculating the distance between the transmitting detonator and the receiving detonator based on the power of the received signal and transmit the calculated distance value to the external unit.

[0078] Optionally, the transmission of the calculated value may be accompanied by an identification sequence of the transmitting detonator, or even an identification sequence of the receiving detonator.

[0079] Thus, the external unit receives, for example, information representing the received signal about each receiving detonator in the group (i.e., each detonator in the group as a receiver).

[0080] Information is thus centralized.

[0081] At least some, or even all, of the calculations are performed by a device other than the detonators.

[0082] Once the topology of the group is known, i.e., the location of each detonator in the detonator network is known, programming operations can be easily implemented, for example, in a conventional manner (e.g., manually or automatically).

[0083] The method described above allows at least the relative topology of the detonators in the detonator network to be known.

[0084] In some cases, knowing the relative topology is sufficient.

[0085] Otherwise, in order to determine the absolute topology, the method includes, for example, the step of identifying the absolute location of at least one first element of the detonation system.

[0086] The detonation system here includes at least a detonator network and preferably also includes external units, such as at least a network hub, or even a communication relay and / or a detonation console.

[0087] Thus, the element of the detonation system is, for example, one of the detonators in the network, or a unit outside the network (e.g., a network hub, or a communication relay, or a detonation console).

[0088] Knowing the absolute position of individual elements allows the network topology to be anchored at least in a known coordinate system.

[0089] For example, the method further includes the step of identifying the absolute position of at least one second element of the detonation system, which is different from the first element.

[0090] The absolute position of the network can then be known because the absolute positions of the first and second elements allow the orientation of the network on, for example, the ground (rotation about the "z" axis).

[0091] According to another aspect, a method for programming a blasting plan is proposed, comprising: (Page 4 / 8, CN 121358999 A)

[0092] – a step for determining the location of detonators in an electronic detonator wireless network, including all or part of the features described above; and

[0093] – a step for programming an initiation delay associated with the detonator based on the location of the detonator.

[0094] According to another aspect, an initiation system configured to implement the method for determining the location of detonators as described above is also proposed.

[0095] For example, such an initiation system includes an electronic detonator wireless network, each detonator in the network including a transmitter configured to emit a signal and at least one receiver configured to receive a signal emitted by another detonator in the network, the system further being configured to calculate a distance based on the power of the signal received by the detonator.

[0096] For example, elements of the system are configured to calculate the distance between the transmitting detonator and the receiving detonator based on the power of the signal received by the receiving detonator.

[0097] For example, the initiation system also includes units outside the detonator network.

[0098] In other words, the external unit is different from any detonator in the network.

[0099] Thus, an element of the detonation system is, for example, one of the detonators in the network, or an external unit.

[0100] For example, each detonator is also configured to transmit at least one piece of information to the external unit representing the signal it has received.

[0101] According to another aspect, the use of signal power loss as a function of the distance between the transmitter and receiver for identifying the location of detonators in a wireless network of electronic detonators has also been proposed.

[0102] For example, the polarization and / or phase of the signal can also be used to improve positioning accuracy.

[0103] This method can therefore have many uses, for example:

[0104] - Relative positioning (topology): This is the minimum that can be obtained using the method described above. Detonators can simply be represented in space without scale (in rows / columns). Since the distance is measured in the process, the topology can be scaled and then the detonators can be represented in space (map).

[0105] - Absolute Positioning: If at least two components of the system (e.g., detonators or external units) can provide their absolute positions (e.g., GPS), the complete topology can be positioned in an absolute reference frame.

[0106] Optionally, at least two components of the system can each be placed at a reference position known to the operator, and the discovered topology is then also positioned in an absolute reference frame.

[0107] The invention and its advantages will be well understood by reading the following detailed description, given as a non-limiting example, with reference to an exemplary embodiment and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0108] FIG1 schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an initiation system;

[0109] FIG2 is a block diagram illustrating a method for locating detonators according to an embodiment of the invention; and

[0110] FIG3 is a block diagram illustrating a method for programming a blasting plan according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0111] The same elements shown in the above figures are identified by the same reference numerals.

[0112] FIG1 illustrates an initiation system 1 deployed on terrain 2.

[0113] The initiation system 1 mainly includes an electronic detonator wireless network 10 and at least one external unit 11.

[0114] Here, an electronic detonator wireless network refers to a group of electronic detonators that are not connected to each other by wires or connected to an external unit (such as a network hub).

[0115] The detonator wireless network 10 includes at least one electronic detonator 101, typically including at least two electronic detonators 101, for example, ten or even dozens of electronic detonators.

[0116] Each electronic detonator 101 of network 10 is mounted on the terrain 2 at a location arranged to receive it.

[0117] Each detonator 101 includes, for example, a pyrotechnic charge 102 and a communication module 103. Specification 5 / 8 pages 7 CN 121358999 A

[0118] In this exemplary embodiment, the communication module 103 is connected to the charge 102 via at least one electrical connection cable.

[0119] The terrain 2 here includes an aperture 20, and the charge 102 is disposed at the bottom of the aperture 20.

[0120] The communication module 103 here is disposed at the outlet of the aperture 20, for example, on the surface of the terrain 2.

[0121] According to another exemplary embodiment, the communication module is configured to communicate through a wall; it may be disposed, for example, at the bottom of the aperture together with the charge 102. A system including such a detonator and a “primer” (i.e., an explosive amplifier) ​​may be referred to as a “primer” to distinguish it from a simple detonator, as it therefore also includes an explosive amplifier. The charge 102 or optional detonating charge can be lowered into the hole 20 and held in place using a simple rope.

[0122] In this specification, the communication module 103 is a radio signal communication module (which allows communication, for example, with a network hub, whether the module is on the surface or in the hole), but it can also be any other type of communication, such as via any electromagnetic signal (e.g., optical signal), or via mechanical signal (e.g., acoustic signal, such as ultrasonic signal), depending on the arrangement of the module.

[0123] The detonation system 1 also includes at least one computing unit herein.

[0124] In one specific embodiment, the computing unit is contained in an external unit 11 as shown, i.e., different from the detonator. However, it can be integrated into the detonator.

[0125] The computing unit of the initiation system 1 (when it is external and different from the detonators) is, for example, included in a network hub. Otherwise, it may be integrated, for example, into the initiation control console.

[0126] The network hub is configured to at least transmit a signal for communicating with the detonators 101.

[0127] In this example, the communication signal is a radio signal.

[0128] In quarries and mines, an initiation sequence is required to control the order in which the detonators (hole rows) are triggered. In the case of electronic initiation, the delay (in milliseconds) of the initiation sequence must therefore be associated with each detonator. This is the programming operation.

[0129] For this purpose, the network hub is configured to communicate with all the detonators 101.

[0130] The network hub can generate a series of initiation commands via commands from the initiation control console.

[0131] The network hub is specifically configured to associate the initiation delay with each electronic detonator 101 individually based on its position. This unified detonation command allows for the synchronization of the detonation delay countdown for all electronic detonators in the network. Upon receiving a detonation command, each electronic detonator manages the countdown for its specific detonation delay and its own detonation.

[0132] The detonation control console is typically located at a distance from the network 10 and the network hub.

[0133] The detonation control console is specifically configured to transmit detonation commands to the network hub.

[0134] At least for communication with the network hub, each detonator 101 in the network (particularly the communication module 103 here) includes a transmitter configured to transmit a signal and at least one receiver configured to receive a signal.

[0135] Programming is a time-consuming operation, which may also be performed in challenging environments (extreme temperatures, presence of hazardous substances, etc.).

[0136] The programming operation of an electronic detonator involves assigning a delay to it based on its location on the terrain.

[0137] Therefore, once the location of each detonator (typically identified by its unique identifier) ​​is known, the programming operation is resolved.

[0138] When performed manually, this operation remains time-consuming and error-prone, as it relies on an operator who must associate the correct delay or connect (or activate) the detonators in the correct sequence.

[0139] To make the programming operation more reliable and efficient, the programming device can be equipped with a positioning sensor (e.g., a Global Navigation Satellite System, GNSS) to automatically assign the correct delay based on the determined detonator location. This approach still has the drawbacks of requiring expensive sensors (differential GNSS) to obtain the necessary accuracy and potentially long initialization times (sat search), but most importantly, it always relies on an external signal (satellite), which may be unavailable (or insufficiently available) or interfered with by rock wall reflections, depending on the environment.

[0140] To obtain at least the relative position of each detonator 101 in network 10, the present invention therefore proposes a method based on measuring the power of adjacent signals (e.g., radio signals described in this specific embodiment).

[0141] This method thus provides an autonomous solution to the positioning problem. No additional external signals are required, nor is additional hardware required for the detonators. Therefore, it can be easily adapted to electronic detonator wireless networks.

[0142] FIG2 illustrates a specific embodiment of the method according to the present invention for determining the position of detonators in an electronic detonator wireless network.

[0143] The method includes, for example, the following step S100.

[0144] It includes, for example, the step S1 of placing each detonator 101 of network 10 in a theoretical position.

[0145] Then it includes, for example, the step S10 of activating each detonator 101.

[0146] Then it includes, for example, the step S21 of transmitting a communication signal by each detonator, the detonator transmitting the signal being referred to as the transmitting detonator.

[0147] For example, each detonator (more precisely its communication module) communicates with at least one adjacent detonator.

[0148] The communication signal may be a signal used for, for example, regular communication with a network hub, or a standalone signal.

[0149] For example, the method includes a communication step S2 between a transmitting detonator and a network hub, the communication step S2 including a step S21 of transmitting a signal by the transmitting detonator, the transmitted signal optionally including a communication signal with the network hub.

[0150] Each detonator measures the power of the signal it receives from at least one other detonator in the network. The detonator receiving the signal is therefore referred to as a receiving detonator.

[0151] For example, each receiving detonator measures or determines the “RSSI” (Received Signal Strength Indication) value of at least one other detonator in the network, i.e., a measurement of the received power of the radio signal. If each detonator acting as a receiver already knows the transmitted power of the signal, it is not necessary to transmit the value; otherwise, the communication signal may carry this information.

[0152] According to a noteworthy option, the method may include a step of calculating the distance directly in the receiving detonator; if necessary, the calculation step uses, for example, the strength of the received signal (the RSSI measurement) and combines it with a theoretical attenuation model.

[0153] The estimated distance between network detonators (or, some or all of the information, such as RSSI value measurement information) is transmitted to an external unit (e.g., a unit controlling the network, such as a network hub), which determines the location of each detonator in the network by cross-checking the measurements.

[0154] Well-known location resolution algorithms can be applied.

[0155] Thus, the location of each detonator is determined.

[0156] The location can be relative only (network topology).

[0157] The location can be given along with a confidence index (probability).

[0158] Thus, a map of the detonator network 10 is obtained.

[0159] An external unit 11 (e.g., a network hub) can be used as a “neighboring element” for all detonators 101 during the method if it is placed near the detonator network. This allows the relative topology to be anchored to a reference point to determine the topology considered absolute.

[0160] This operation is repeated using at least one second element to determine the absolute location of the detonator network.

[0161] The method therefore also includes: Page 7 / 8 of the specification 9 CN 121358999 A

[0162] - Step S3, where a signal is received by at least one other detonator in the network (referred to as a receiving detonator).

[0163] - Step S5, where the distance between the transmitting detonator and the receiving detonator is calculated based on the power of the signal received by the receiving detonator.

[0164] In one exemplary embodiment, the method may include step S4, which involves transmitting at least one piece of information representing a signal received by the receiving detonator to an external unit 11 (e.g., a network hub).

[0165] Transmission step S4 may include a sub-step S41, which involves sending an identification sequence of the receiving detonator to the external unit 11.

[0166] The method may also include step S6, which involves identifying the absolute position of at least one first element (and preferably at least one second element) of an initiation system (which includes at least a detonator network).

[0167] FIG3 illustrates a specific embodiment of a method for programming a blasting plan according to the present invention.

[0168] The method includes, for example, the following steps:

[0169] - at least some steps S100 of a method for determining the location of detonators in an electronic detonator wireless network, as described, for example, with reference to FIG2; and

[0170] - step S101, which involves programming an initiation delay associated with a detonator based on the location of the detonator. Instruction manual, page 8 / 8, 10 CN 121358999 A, Figure 1, Figure 2; Instruction manual, attached figures, page 1 / 2, 11 CN 121358999 A, Figure 3; Instruction manual, attached figures, page 2 / 2, 12 CN 121358999 A.

Claims

1. A method for determining the position of a detonator (101) in a wireless network (10) of electronic detonators, the method comprising: - a step (S21) of transmitting a signal by a detonator, said detonator being referred to as transmitting detonator; - a step (S3) of receiving said signal by at least one other detonator of said network, said at least one other detonator being referred to as receiving detonator; - a step (S5) of calculating the distance between said transmitting detonator and said receiving detonator as a function of the power of said signal received by said receiving detonator.

2. The method according to claim 1, comprising a step (S6) of identifying the absolute position of at least one first element and at least one second element of an initiation system (1), said initiation system (1) comprising at least said network (10) of detonators.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a step (SI) of placing each detonator (101) of the network (10) in a theoretical position, before the step of transmitting a signal, and a step (S10) of activating each detonator.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a step (S2) of communicating between said transmitting detonator and a network hub, said step (S2) of communicating comprising a step (S21) of transmitting a signal by said transmitting detonator, said signal transmitted by said transmitting detonator comprising a signal for communicating between said transmitting detonator and said network hub.

5. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, Said signal transmitted by said transmitting detonator comprises an identification sequence of said transmitting detonator transmitting said signal.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, Said signal received by said receiving detonator comprises said identification sequence of said transmitting detonator having transmitted said signal.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a step (S4) of transmitting, by said receiving detonator, at least one piece of information to an external unit (11), said at least one piece of information being representative of the reception of said signal by said receiving detonator.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, Said external unit (11) is a network hub.

9. The method of claim 7 or 8, wherein, Said step (S4) of transmitting comprises a sub-step (S41) of sending, to said external unit (11), an identification sequence of said receiving detonator.

10. A method of programming a blasting plan, comprising: - the steps (S100) of the method for determining the position of a detonator in a wireless network of electronic detonators according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and - a step (S101) of programming the initiation delay associated with said detonator as a function of the position of said detonator.

11. An initiation system (1) comprising a wireless network (10) of electronic detonators, each detonator (101) of said network (10) comprising a transmitter configured to transmit a signal, and at least one receiver configured to receive a signal transmitted by another detonator of said network (10), said system being further configured to calculate a distance as a function of the power of a signal received by said detonator.

12. The system (1) according to claim 11, comprising a unit external to the detonator network (10), and wherein, Each detonator (101) is further configured to transmit, to said external unit (11), a piece of information representative of said received signal.

13. Use of signal power loss, which is a function of the distance between a transmitter and a receiver, for identifying the location of a detonator (101) in a wireless network (10) of electronic detonators.

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