System for decentralized data acquisition and wireless transmission during underground operations

Abstract

System for the decentralized acquisition and wireless transmission of data collected during underground operations, in which the decentralized data is centrally evaluated, wherein several at least temporarily mobile modules are arranged at different locations within a given underground structure, and the temporarily mobile modules are designed to acquire and temporarily store measurement data and to wirelessly and automatically transmit the acquired measurement data to several fully mobile modules as soon as a fully mobile module reaches a distance from a temporarily mobile module at which wireless data transmission between a respective temporary and a fully mobile module is possible, and the fully mobile modules are further trained to temporarily store data received from at least one temporarily mobile module and, upon reaching a data access point connected to a central acquisition, evaluation and / or storage unit, to transmit this temporarily stored data to the respective data access point and The temporarily mobile modules are further developed to transmit buffered measurement data wirelessly only after receiving a wirelessly received request signal, which has been transmitted from a fully mobile module to the respective temporarily mobile module, whereby a fully mobile module is installed on or integrated into a vehicle.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a system for the decentralized acquisition and wireless transmission of acquired data in underground operations.

[0002] The present invention describes a decentralized communication and data transmission system primarily developed for use in underground mines, but also suitable for use in all other facilities, tunnels, and mines, both above and below ground. Data transmission is wireless, without a permanent connection. The measuring stations / data loggers can be distributed as needed and collect and store their data. As soon as a receiver (e.g., a vehicle with an installed data collector) is within range of a measuring station, the data is automatically transmitted and can be sent by the receiver to the higher-level system, e.g., via Ethernet at a central location with a WLAN access point (workshop, processing plant). A receiver can visit any number of measuring stations and record their data, as this data can always be precisely assigned via an internal identifier and a timestamp.Similarly, each measuring station can connect to any authorized receiver to ensure the most continuous data flow possible. This reduces the time lag from hours or days to just a few minutes, depending primarily on the distance the receiver has to travel.

[0003] Data transmission underground presents a significant challenge, as above-ground wireless transmission options such as UMTS, LTE, WLAN, and satellite internet cannot be used to the same extent. Transmission distances are reduced to a minimum in the mine, which is why wired solutions are currently the primary approach. This requires equipping the entire mine with fiber optic cables or other suitable wired data transmission options. Access points are installed at key locations, enabling access from virtually anywhere in the mine. Alternatively, WLAN can be used, as the mine can be networked via a sufficient number of repeaters. Wireless data transmission within a limited area is also possible using slotted cables.The decisive disadvantage of these options is the high installation and maintenance costs, which arise from two essential characteristics of a mine: its variability and three-dimensionality. Raw materials are extracted in a mine, which is why the mine grows and changes every day. At the same time, other areas are sealed off, i.e., closed off. Therefore, theoretically, the network for data transmission must be reconfigured or expanded almost daily. Furthermore, long additional routes are created that are of secondary importance, as hardly any new information is received along them. Nevertheless, these areas must be equipped with network technology to ensure data transmission.

[0004] The second characteristic, concerning three-dimensionality, manifests itself primarily through the following problem. A deposit often extends hundreds of meters underground and therefore cannot be mined from a single point of access. Several levels must be established at different depths and operated simultaneously due to mining and production. Since data transmission must be guaranteed for each level, the demands on the necessary infrastructure quickly become substantial.

[0005] These characteristics result in the fact that the construction, maintenance, upkeep, and updating of a data transmission system intended for underground use becomes a significant cost factor, making it difficult for small and medium-sized mines to afford. Furthermore, relatively little data is collected in many areas of a mine, rendering the system over-engineered using current technologies in those locations.

[0006] Loaders with data loggers are already in use, storing data throughout the entire work shift and transmitting it only at the end of the shift or during the next maintenance. However, a disadvantage of this method is that all data is outdated for up to 8 hours, making rapid intervention impossible.

[0007] Another current approach involves long-wave transmission through the Earth, or Through-The-Earth (TTE). Due to the very long wavelengths, distances of up to 150 meters across rock can be achieved. However, a problem with this approach is the very low data transmission rate. The principle here is: the longer the wavelength and the lower the frequency, the lower the data rate that can be transmitted. In addition, secure transmission must be ensured, which is why the telegrams contain a protocol overhead that further reduces the amount of actual measurement data that can be transmitted.

[0008] Thus, WO 2006 / 086906 A1 describes a method and a system for wireless underground transmission between at least one mobile station and a stationary network via a radio network.

[0009] WO 2013 / 015493 A1 concerns a system, a transportable device, a headset, a sensor system and a method for monitoring a mine.

[0010] ALLMESS GmbH, 23758 Oldenburg, offers and distributes an Itron-EquaScan Master RF as a radio unit for automatic data acquisition, an Itron - EquaScan wMIURF for data acquisition on water meters and an Itron - Equascan as a radio system for data acquisition in buildings.

[0011] The object of the invention is therefore to provide possibilities for a decentralized communication and data transmission system for underground plants, tunnels and mines, whereby configurable data acquisition and decentralized data transmission within an underground mine or structure should be possible without complete cabling / networking and without permanent continuous communication.

[0012] According to the invention, this problem is solved with a system having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments can be realized with features specified in dependent claims.

[0013] The system consists of several at least temporarily mobile modules arranged at various locations within a given underground structure. The temporarily mobile modules are designed to acquire measurement data, temporarily store it, and wirelessly and automatically transmit the acquired data to several fully mobile modules as soon as a fully mobile module reaches a distance sufficient for wireless data transmission between the two.

[0014] Fully mobile modules are further trained to temporarily store data received from at least one temporarily mobile module and, upon reaching a data access point connected to a central acquisition, evaluation and / or storage unit, to transmit this temporarily stored data to the respective data access point. The temporarily mobile modules are further developed to transmit buffered measurement data wirelessly only after receiving a wirelessly received request signal that has been transmitted from a fully mobile module to the respective temporarily mobile module.

[0015] This requires temporary and fully mobile modules that have capabilities for wirelessly sending and receiving signals, i.e., transmitting and receiving elements.

[0016] Temporary mobile modules can be, in particular, a measuring station with at least one sensor for acquiring measurement data. Hereinafter, a temporary mobile module may also be referred to as a measuring station. A fully mobile module is installed on or integrated into a vehicle. A vehicle can be any vehicle suitable for underground use. This also includes transport vehicles, which may be equipped with a fully mobile module.

[0017] A temporarily mobile module can be placed at a suitable or necessary location as needed, and relocation should also be possible. This can be done to adapt to changing conditions underground due to operational or work-related factors.

[0018] Data transmission from a temporarily mobile module to a fully mobile module and / or from a fully mobile module to a data access point should preferably be carried out serially using a communication protocol. A communication protocol should not only transmit acquired measurement data, but also a time signal associated with the respective measurement data and / or at least one identification code for the respective mobile module.

[0019] Preferably, data captured by a temporary mobile module should be transmitted as unprocessed raw data, byte by byte, thereby reducing the data volume to be transferred. Data transmission should be secure, in particular encrypted, and subsequently assigned and decrypted or unencrypted using an identification code specific to each temporary mobile module in the central acquisition, evaluation, and / or storage unit.

[0020] Measurement data acquired by temporary mobile modules can also be wirelessly transmitted to an intermediate storage module via at least one repeater. Each intermediate storage module should be designed to wirelessly store measurement data received from at least one temporary mobile module and, upon receiving a request signal from a fully mobile module, to transmit the stored measurement data to that module. This allows for the bridging of underground areas that are rarely, if ever, accessible to fully mobile modules.

[0021] There may be more than one access point underground. Each of these access points is then connected to the central data acquisition, analysis, and / or storage unit.

[0022] A temporarily mobile module can be designed to determine the concentration of at least one chemical element or compound in the ambient atmosphere, the temperature, relative humidity, atmospheric pressure, the presence of living organisms, machine data, or raw material data. Other operationally relevant data can also be determined. A temporarily mobile module can also be designed to determine the number and, if applicable, the location of people within its observation range. This is possible, for example, with suitable video technology that is also sensitive in the infrared range. This list of possible sensors can be expanded as needed, since there are no restrictions on the type or nature of the sensor.

[0023] The invention utilizes mobile modules, also known as data loggers / data storage devices, in combination with radio modules. These temporarily mobile modules, which capture measurement data (measuring stations), can be freely positioned throughout the field or installed on machines. Vehicles and machines (e.g., personnel carriers, aerial work platforms, dump trucks, tipper trucks) that regularly travel from remote points within a mine (e.g., extraction / advancement) to the central parts of the mine (e.g., processing / workshop) connect to the temporary mobile modules as they pass by and collect their measurement data, which they temporarily store until it is transmitted to a centrally located access point. Subsequently, the measurement data can be fed into an intranet in central areas of the mine (workshop, processing, etc.) and then visualized, analyzed, and stored in a central acquisition, evaluation, and / or storage unit.This significantly reduces installation and maintenance compared to fully networked mines.

[0024] Since, for example, dump trucks, whether as or with a fully mobile module, must continuously transport both the mined raw material and the waste rock from the mine to the processing plant, they can ensure regular traffic and thus also wireless data transmission over a certain distance, even across several superimposed areas of a mine building, such as tunnels, thereby significantly reducing the time delay in data transmission compared to the currently used non-wired or fully networked technologies.

[0025] The invention relates to the wireless transmission of data within an underground area. For this purpose, serial master / slave communication, e.g., based on IBM's Binary Synchronous Communication protocol, should be used between temporary and fully mobile modules, as well as between fully mobile modules and a data access point or an intermediate storage module. The communication takes place decentrally between the various modules or an intermediate storage module and at least one data access point.

[0026] At any location within the underground area, measuring stations with data loggers (hereinafter referred to as "measuring stations"), acting as slaves in communication, can be installed. These stations initially store their collected or measured data. As soon as a vehicle (e.g., dump truck, aerial work platform, troop carrier) equipped with a data collector / cache, a fully mobile module (hereinafter referred to as "data collector") acting as the master in communication, passes one of the measuring stations, a serial wireless connection should be established between the two devices, and the data should be transferred to the data collector. This makes the system highly flexible, as the measuring stations can be positioned anywhere and can also be repositioned at any time. A power supply is required, which can be provided by any means (e.g., mains connection or battery).The conversion of raw data acquired by the measuring station into measurement data should only take place above ground to ensure a robust system underground. Byte-by-byte forwarding of the raw data to an existing infrastructure via existing interfaces to other measurement systems is possible. A data collector of a fully mobile module can communicate with any number of measuring stations sequentially and temporarily store the available measurement data until it can forward it to a higher-level central acquisition, analysis, and / or storage unit (e.g., via an access point to the mine's intranet). Any number of data collectors can be integrated for data transport. Due to the unique identifier of master and slave, multiple masters can communicate simultaneously with different slaves without interfering with each other.As soon as a data collector connects to a higher-level system (e.g., another measuring station via ProfiNet, WLAN, etc.), all data from the visited measuring stations can be transmitted from the data collector to the higher-level communication systems. Software stored in a central acquisition, evaluation, and / or storage unit can analyze all the information by first separating the messages acquired and transmitted by temporary mobile units into control characters, structural data, and measurement data. The measurement data can then be converted using the structural data (e.g., byte to float). An internal identification code (slave number) assigned to each measuring station can always be used for its location and unique addressing.The encoding of structural data can be adapted for each mine, thus achieving initial data security, as the data can only be evaluated using the unique code. Since many machines in the mine have cycle times of less than 15 minutes, the delay between data acquisition and evaluation can be minimized. The data can be transmitted both securely (e.g., via CRC) and unsecured. Acquired measurement data can be transmitted as raw data to maximize the achievable bandwidth. Data encryption can be achieved using an encryption code, such as a slave identifier. This encryption can also be extended with standard encryption methods.The conversion of the recorded raw data into evaluable measurement data can be carried out using suitable evaluation software in a central acquisition, evaluation and / or storage unit, both when transmitting raw data and when transmitting encrypted data.

[0027] Remote underground areas that are infrequently accessed and therefore experience high data transmission delays can be connected to the central areas of the mine via repeaters to minimize these delays. Repeaters can be installed in series and forward the received data directly until it reaches a location with higher traffic volume. There, the data is transferred to an intermediate storage module, which receives measurement data from temporarily mobile modules and transmits this data to a fully mobile module. This ensures regular data transmission and, consequently, lower latency.

[0028] All temporary mobile modules are freely configurable and programmable specifically for their respective applications. This enables a uniform, specific setup for all measuring stations and data collectors, where only the data itself changes, as the data transmission framework remains constant due to the specifications of the respective transmission protocol. This design allows for the expansion of the existing system at any time (additional measuring stations or data collectors) without requiring updates to existing modules. Since a data collector typically does not analyze the data but only temporarily stores it and forwards it to the higher-level system, the acquired measurement data is independent of the transmission protocol used. Therefore, new measuring stations can be integrated into the existing system as temporary mobile modules at any time.The evaluation only requires an update to the data analysis software, which can translate this raw data into usable data.

[0029] The invention enables a reduction in the necessary infrastructure compared to 802.11-based communication systems by using radio transceivers in combination with microcontrollers, which can be used for data transmission between the various modules. This results in significant energy savings for the measuring stations (slaves), as they only transmit if they have been previously addressed by a fully mobile module (master) and consist of microcontrollers. This also makes long-term monitoring via battery operation possible in remote areas not connected to the power supply.

[0030] It is also possible to implement acyclic, regular data transmission to a higher-level module by using multiple data collectors, while ensuring uninterrupted data transmission in the event of failure of individual measuring stations or data collectors.

[0031] There is an independent connection option for each measuring station integrated into the system with each data collector.

[0032] In addition to minimizing the data flow between the measuring station and the data collector by transferring raw data byte by byte, which is only converted into readable data with a central acquisition, evaluation and / or storage unit, it is also possible to maximize the possible intermediate storage on the measuring stations and data collectors, since only raw data is temporarily stored.

[0033] It enables simple, freely configurable, and robust data transmission without the need for additional updates from specifically configured measuring stations, which can be read independently of their measurement data by the data collector. The measuring stations therefore only need to be programmed once for their specific application and require no updates. The transmission protocol allows the data collectors to communicate with any measuring station, enabling any measuring station to be added to the system at any time. The translation and evaluation of the measurement data takes place in a central evaluation program (transmission of raw data), which also increases data security. The central evaluation program can be easily expanded with new modules (new measuring stations).

[0034] In practice, a central data acquisition, evaluation, and / or storage unit can be installed, for example, in a main building of a mine, which houses the mine control room or the workstations and computers of the mine foremen. This building is usually located above ground.

[0035] The core areas of a mine, accessed via a shaft or adit, are usually already equipped with IEEE 802.11-based data transmission, which can therefore be considered state of the art. For example, a central mine structure (e.g., bunker, crusher, or underground processing plant) may already have an Ethernet connection from at least one data access point to a central acquisition, analysis, and / or storage unit. Wireless and automatic data transmission can then take place between the fully mobile modules and the data access point, as well as between the data access point and the central acquisition, analysis, and / or storage unit. All other areas of the mine no longer need to rely on typical communication media but can be equipped with and accessed via the new decentralized communication system.The decentralized system can be integrated into an existing network. It can also be added in combination with other tools for wireless data transmission between machines.

[0036] A ramp or, alternatively, a spiral track allows the various fully mobile modules to be moved to different depths within the mine. Neither the mining direction nor the mining method affects the system's operation.

[0037] Measuring stations, which can be arranged underground as needed and at any location, can be read by any data collector and are therefore freely positionable. This allows the position of measuring stations, especially with the temporarily mobile modules, to be selected independently of the underground facility's infrastructure. As a result, the decentralized communication system is extremely flexible and can be used with mobile machines as fully mobile modules. The time delay is determined by the distance to the higher-level communication system and the frequency of use of the measuring station.

[0038] In practice, any vehicle can be equipped with data collectors as fully mobile modules. A dumper truck, for example, can transport all mining-related materials (e.g., ore, waste rock, backfill, etc.) to all areas of the mine while simultaneously providing a continuous data stream from measuring stations to a data access point. This enables a continuous data stream with minimal delay from the moment measurement data is acquired. A foreman typically makes his daily rounds and can collect data from temporarily mobile modules at less frequently visited locations and transmit it to the central data acquisition, analysis, and / or storage unit via a data access point in the overarching communication system. As a third example, the tunnel face is accessed by another dumper truck, which transports its load to the surface.Since it passes by the central mine structure, the tunneling data can also be regularly transmitted via a data access point or directly to the central acquisition, analysis, and / or storage unit. By establishing a repeater network, it is possible to transmit the acquired measurement data from remote locations to more central locations, such as a main conveying route (e.g., a ramp), to an intermediate storage module, where it can be continuously recorded and transmitted by the various data collectors of fully mobile modules. Thus, for example, the data from an exploratory borehole or tunneling operation could be transmitted to the central acquisition, analysis, and / or storage unit with significantly reduced transmission latency.

Claims

[1] System for the decentralized acquisition and wireless transmission of acquired data in underground operations, in which a central evaluation of the decentralized acquired data takes place, wherein several at least temporarily mobile modules are arranged at different positions of a respective underground structure and the temporarily mobile modules are designed to acquire measurement data, temporarily store it and wirelessly and automatically transmit acquired measurement data to several fully mobile modules as soon as a fully mobile module has reached a distance to a temporarily mobile module at which wireless data transmission between a respective temporary and a fully mobile module is possible, and the fully mobile modules are further trained to temporarily store data received from at least one temporarily mobile module and, upon reaching a data access point connected to a central acquisition, evaluation and / or storage unit, to transmit this temporarily stored data to the respective data access point and The temporarily mobile modules are further developed to transmit buffered measurement data wirelessly only after receiving a wirelessly received request signal, which has been transmitted from a fully mobile module to the respective temporarily mobile module, whereby a fully mobile module is installed on or integrated into a vehicle. [2] System according to claim 1, characterized by, that a temporarily mobile module is a measuring station with at least one sensor for recording measurement data and a fully mobile module is a vehicle that can be used underground. [3] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that data is transferred serially from a temporarily mobile module to a fully mobile module and / or from a fully mobile module to a data access point using a communication protocol. [4] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that data captured by a temporarily mobile module is transmitted as unprocessed raw data byte by byte. [5] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the data transmission is secured, in particular encrypted, and subsequently an assignment and unlocking or decryption takes place in the central recording, evaluation and / or storage unit using an identification code specific to each temporarily mobile module. [6] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that measurement data acquired with temporarily mobile modules can be wirelessly transmitted to an intermediate storage module via at least one repeater, and that each intermediate storage module is designed to store the measurement data received wirelessly from at least one temporarily mobile module and, upon receiving a request signal from a fully mobile module, to transmit the temporarily stored measurement data to this fully mobile module. [7] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that a temporarily mobile module is designed to determine the concentration of at least one chemical element or at least one chemical compound in the ambient atmosphere, the temperature, the relative humidity, the atmospheric pressure, the presence of living organisms, machine data, raw material data or operating conditions of plants and facilities.