Electronic detonator initiation system based on star flash communication and control method

Abstract

This invention discloses a hybrid network electronic detonator initiation system and control method based on star-flash communication. The system replaces traditional long-distance communication lines with star-flash wireless communication, while retaining a wired network within the blasting zone. Repeaters are deployed between the controller and the blasting zone. Combined with multi-relay adaptive networking and dynamic distance monitoring, it achieves low-cost, high-reliability, and highly terrain-adaptive safe and efficient blasting. Simultaneously, an electronic detonator initiation system and method based on pure star-flash wireless communication is also disclosed. This system consists of an initiation controller, a star-flash communication module, and optional single-stage repeaters. It transmits commands and status data only through the star-flash wireless link, explicitly excluding positioning functionality. By simplifying the network architecture and retaining the wired detonator structure within the blasting zone, both low cost and high reliability are achieved. Both schemes are suitable for blasting operations in complex terrains such as open-pit mines, tunnels, and underground mine roadways, forming a complete technical path from wired to wireless.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of civilian blasting electronic detonator technology, specifically a hybrid electronic detonator initiation system and control method combining star-flash wireless communication and wired networking, and an electronic detonator initiation system and control method based on pure star-flash wireless communication. Both solutions are suitable for blasting operations in complex terrains such as mines and tunnels. Their core lies in utilizing only star-flash wireless communication technology to transmit initiation commands and status feedback data, and employing a simplified communication architecture with single-level direct connection or single-hop relay, avoiding the reliability risks introduced by complex multi-hop relay networks. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional electronic detonator initiation systems rely primarily on long-distance communication lines to connect the initiation controller and the firing area, resulting in inherent drawbacks such as low wiring efficiency, cable fragility, and poor terrain adaptability. While existing wireless electronic detonator solutions can partially address the wiring issue, they typically require modifications to the detonator network structure within the firing area, leading to high costs. Furthermore, signals are susceptible to obstruction or interference in complex terrain, making reliability difficult to guarantee. Currently, no mature application solution suitable for large-scale deployment has been developed in China.

[0003] It is worth noting that StarSpark wireless communication technology has significant advantages in complex environment communication, featuring wide coverage, strong anti-interference, and low deployment cost. A single base station can achieve a communication range of up to 800 meters, surpassing the 500-meter level of traditional wireless solutions (such as Sub-G and LoRa), and its reliability has been verified in real-world scenarios such as tunnels and mines. However, no blasting control system based on StarSpark communication has yet emerged in the current technology, especially lacking an independent technical path that completely removes the positioning function and utilizes only the pure communication characteristics of StarSpark to achieve detonation control. Existing wireless solutions often couple communication and positioning functions, leading to high system complexity and increased costs, limiting their widespread application in non-precise positioning scenarios.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a new detonation scheme that combines the advantages of star-flash communication, system reliability, cost controllability, and terrain adaptability to fill the current technological gap and promote the development of electronic detonator detonation systems towards a more efficient, safe, and flexible direction. Summary of the Invention

[0005] I. System Architecture 1. The hybrid electronic detonator initiation system combining wireless and wired networking includes the following core components: Detonation controller: integrates a high-precision positioning module and a star flash communication module, and supports password authorization, multi-relay adaptive connection, dynamic distance monitoring and emergency wired switching functions; Star Flash Relay Detonator: Deployed at a predefined safe distance outside the firing zone, with a built-in power management module, it interacts with the controller via the Star Flash protocol to drive the detonator network within the firing zone; Artillery detonator networking: The traditional wired connection method is adopted, and the physical connection between the detonator and the main wire is achieved through quick-connect clamps; Hybrid communication links: Wired networking is retained within the gun zone, while long-distance communication lines are replaced by a star-flash wireless link outside the gun zone; Emergency wired interface: The controller has a reserved standard communication line interface, which supports direct connection to the detonator network in the artillery area under extreme circumstances.

[0006] 2. The pure star-flash wireless communication electronic detonator initiation system includes the following core components: Detonation controller: It integrates the star flash main communication module, which is responsible for command issuance, status monitoring and emergency wired switching functions, but does not have the ability to collect or process positioning data. Star Flash Communication Module: Built-in Star Flash Slave Chip, directly communicates with the controller or single-level repeater to drive the electronic detonator to perform detonation, does not include a positioning algorithm unit; Single-level repeater (optional): Used to extend communication distance, it only supports single-hop relay and does not support multi-hop routing or dynamic network self-healing function.

[0007] II. Technical Features 1. Hybrid electronic detonator initiation system combining wireless and wired networking: Hybrid networking architecture: Wired networking is used within the artillery area to ensure reliability, while outside the artillery area, star-flash wireless communication replaces traditional long-distance communication lines, realizing a hybrid mode of "short-distance wired + long-distance wireless". Dynamic distance monitoring: By using the controller positioning module and the star flash signal strength fusion algorithm, the distance between the controller and the repeater is calculated in real time to ensure operational safety; Multi-relay adaptive networking: Supports cascading of multiple repeaters or interconnection of repeaters across artillery areas, and achieves adaptive networking through the Star Flash protocol to solve the signal coverage problem in complex terrain; Dual security mechanisms: The controller needs to download the password and location authorization in advance, and the repeater executes the detonation process after completing the detonator password matching to prevent misoperation; Seamless emergency switching: The controller has a built-in wired / wireless dual-mode communication module, which automatically switches to the wired interface when there is a star flash anomaly, ensuring the continuity of operation in extreme scenarios.

[0008] 2. Electronic detonator initiation system with pure star-flash wireless communication: Pure communication function: The system only transmits detonation commands, detonator status feedback and security password interaction through the Star Flash wireless link. It explicitly does not involve the measurement of positioning parameters such as signal time of flight (ToF) and time difference of arrival (TDoA), and the communication data packet does not contain any coordinate or location information fields. Simplified networking mode: The communication path is strictly limited to a single-level link of "controller → repeater (optional) → communication module", without the need for dynamic routing optimization, multi-point collaborative networking or coordinate system construction; Hybrid deployment compatibility: The wired detonator network structure is retained within the artillery area, while long-distance communication lines are replaced by Star Flash wireless outside the artillery area, reducing the cost of modification.

[0009] III. Control Methods and Procedures 1. Hybrid electronic detonator initiation system combining wireless and wired networking: Step 1: The controller downloads the brute-force parameters, password, and location authorization; Step 2: Connect the repeater via the Starlink link to monitor and display the spacing in real time; Step 3: The controller sends a detection command, and the repeater drives the detonator to complete online status detection and password matching; Step 4: After confirming safety, issue a detonation command, and the repeater will charge and trigger the detonator; Emergency Procedure: When the StarFlash communication is interrupted, the controller automatically switches to the wired interface to directly connect to the detonator network in the artillery area.

[0010] 2. Electronic detonator initiation system with pure star-flash wireless communication: Step 1: The controller wakes up the communication module via Star Flash Broadcast to establish a point-to-point or single-hop relay link; Step 2: Issue a detection command, and the communication module will provide feedback on the detonator status (such as resistance value and charging ready signal). Step 3: After the safety verification is passed, the controller sends a synchronous detonation command. The low latency characteristic of the star flash ensures microsecond-level error. Step 4: If the wireless signal is interrupted, the system will automatically switch to the preset wired emergency link.

[0011] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0012] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0013] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein in the template description is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Beneficial effects

[0014] 1. Hybrid electronic detonator initiation system combining wireless and wired networking: Cost and efficiency advantages: StarFlash wireless links replace traditional long-distance communication lines, saving cable laying costs and material waste, and improving work efficiency; Safety and Reliability: Dynamic distance monitoring ensures personnel safety, and the star-flash anti-interference feature avoids the risk of cable crushing, reducing the difficulty of cable laying and the risk of exposure to hazardous environments; Terrain adaptability: Multi-relay adaptive networking supports complex terrain scenarios and solves the problem of difficult wiring in traditional solutions; Emergency compatibility: The dual-mode communication design ensures system robustness in extreme scenarios and avoids failure of blasting operations due to communication interruption.

[0015] 2. Electronic detonator initiation system with pure star-flash wireless communication: Cost optimization: The positioning algorithm and dedicated chip are completely eliminated, the cost of the communication module is reduced, and it is compatible with the existing wired detonator structure; Highly efficient deployment: Simplified networking logic, eliminating the need for coordinate calibration, anchor point deployment, or network self-healing processes, thus reducing deployment time; Reliability Enhancement: Polar coding anti-interference technology ensures stable command transmission, single-level communication path reduces the probability of link failure, and emergency wired switching mechanism copes with extreme scenarios. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 Pure Star Flash Communication System Architecture Diagram (highlighting the single-level link of controller-repeater-communication module); Figure 2 : Pure Star Flash Communication System Detonation Control Flowchart (including status verification, command issuance, and emergency switching path); Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the hybrid architecture of Starflash + wired connection; Figure 4 : Schematic diagram of a multi-repeater cascade scenario using a hybrid architecture of StarFlash + wired connection. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0019] 1. Hybrid electronic detonator initiation system combining wireless and wired networking (taking open-pit mine blasting as an example): Step 1: Place the repeater at a safe distance outside the blasting area, ensuring that it is located in the middle area between the controller and the blasting zone; Step 2: After the controller downloads the authorization, it connects to multiple repeaters via StarFlash and displays the distance to the nearest repeater in real time; Step 3: The repeater drives the detonators in the artillery area to complete the detection and password matching; Step 4: After the controller confirms safety, it issues a detonation command, and the repeater triggers the detonator.

[0020] Emergency Scenario: If strong electromagnetic interference causes the star flash to be interrupted, the controller will automatically switch to the wired interface to directly connect to the detonator network in the firing area to complete the detonation.

[0021] 2. Electronic detonator initiation system with pure star-flash wireless communication: 2.1 Example of open-pit mine blasting: Deploy the detonation controller at a safe location outside the blasting zone, and install the star flash communication module (connected to the wired detonator via a physical interface) inside the blasting zone. The controller establishes a direct Starlink link with the communication module. When the distance exceeds 300 meters, a single repeater is added (supporting only single-hop forwarding). The controller sends a registration command, and the communication module returns the detonator ID and status code (excluding position data). The detonation command is sent synchronously via the star link, achieving microsecond-level detonation control without the involvement of any positioning algorithm throughout the process.

[0022] 2.2 Example of blasting in underground mine roadways: Detonation controllers are deployed in the safe area at the entrance of the tunnel, and star-flash communication modules are installed along the tunnel wall in the blasting area to ensure a straight communication path. If there are bends or obstructions in the roadway, install single-level repeaters (single-hop repeaters only) at the bends to extend the signal coverage. The controller wakes up the communication module via the star link to complete the detonator status detection and password verification; The detonation command is transmitted synchronously via the star-flash link, which utilizes its anti-interference characteristics to overcome the multipath effect in the tunnel and ensure detonation synchronization. In an emergency, the controller switches to a wired interface to directly connect to the detonator network in the firing area.

Claims

1. A hybrid network electronic detonator initiation system based on star-flash communication, characterized in that, It includes a detonation controller, a star-flash relay detonator, and a network of detonators in the blasting area; the controller interacts with the relay via a star-flash wireless link, and the relay drives the detonators in the blasting area via a wired connection; the controller integrates a positioning module to monitor the distance to the relay in real time; the relay is deployed in the middle range of the blasting area pointed to by the controller; the controller has a reserved communication line interface to support direct connection to the network of detonators in the blasting area in emergency situations.

2. The system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The repeater has a built-in power management module that supports multiple detection charging and detonation charging, and receives password authorization and detonation commands from the controller via StarShock.

3. The system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The system supports cascading of multiple repeaters or interconnection of repeaters across gun zones, and achieves adaptive networking through the StarFlash protocol.

4. The system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The controller has a built-in wired / wireless dual-mode communication module, which automatically switches to the wired interface when the star flash is abnormal.

5. A control method based on any one of the systems of claims 1-4, characterized in that, It includes a full-process wireless control system for distance monitoring, password matching, status feedback, and command triggering, as well as an emergency wired switching process in case of star flash anomalies.

6. The method as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The distance monitoring is achieved through a fusion algorithm between the controller positioning module and the star flash signal strength.

7. The method as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The adaptive networking supports simultaneous connection of multiple repeaters or interconnection of repeaters across gun zones.

8. An electronic detonator initiation system based on pure star-flash wireless communication, characterized in that, include: The detonation controller integrates a star-flash main communication module for command issuance and status monitoring; The StarSpark communication module connects to the electronic detonator and interacts with the controller or single-level repeater via the StarSpark wireless link.

9. The system only uses star-flash wireless communication to transmit detonation commands and status data, does not include a positioning function module, and the communication path is limited to single-level direct connection or single-hop relay mode, and does not support multi-hop relay or dynamic routing optimization.

10. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The detonation controller supports an emergency wired switching function, automatically switching to a direct wired link to the firing area when the star-flash communication is interrupted.

11. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The star-flash communication module is connected to the electronic detonator through a physical interface, retaining the wired network structure within the firing area, and the module does not have a positioning algorithm processing unit inside.

12. A detonation control method based on pure star-flash wireless communication, characterized in that, include: Communication link establishment steps: The controller wakes up the communication module via Star Flash wireless to establish a point-to-point or single-hop relay link; Command transmission steps: The controller initiates a detonation command, and the communication module receives the command and drives the detonator to perform detonation. Status feedback steps: The communication module transmits the detonator's operating status back to the controller in real time.

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