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
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- DAVEY BICKFORD
- Filing Date
- 2024-06-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-29
AI Technical Summary
Existing firing systems for wireless networks of electronic detonators require costly GPS equipment and significant operator presence to determine detonator positions, which is impractical for underground terrain and increases operational costs, and is dependent on satellite availability.
A method using signal attenuation to determine the distance between detonators within a wireless network, allowing for relative or absolute positioning without the need for GPS, by emitting and receiving signals to calculate distances and triangulate positions, with processing done externally to avoid additional hardware on detonators.
Enables efficient and cost-effective determination of detonator positions, reducing operator presence and satellite dependency, allowing for transparent programming and reliable firing sequence setup.
Smart Images
Figure FR2024050820_26122024_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Method for determining the location of a detonator in a wireless network of electronic detonators, method for programming a firing plan and corresponding firing system.
[0002] The invention relates to a method for determining the location of a detonator of a wireless network of electronic detonators.
[0003] It also concerns a method of programming a firing plan.
[0004] It also relates to a firing system comprising a wireless network of electronic detonators.
[0005] A detonator comprises, for example, a charge, in particular a pyrotechnic charge, and a communication module, for example a two-way communication module.
[0006] A wireless network of electronic detonators here refers to a set of detonators that are not connected by electrical wires to each other or to an external unit, such as a network hub.
[0007] A network hub is an electronic device configured to coordinate radio communications between different communication modules. It manages a protocol.
[0008] The invention finds its application in the field of pyrotechnic initiation, in any sector where a network of at least one electronic detonator must traditionally be implemented.
[0009] Typical examples of use include mining, quarrying, seismic exploration, or the construction and public works sector.
[0010] When installing a firing system on a site or worksite, each electronic detonator in a network of at least one electronic detonator is placed in a location designed to receive it.
[0011] Such a location is, for example, a drilled hole, in a floor or a wall in particular.
[0012] In practice, an operator positions an electronic detonator in the location provided for this purpose.
[0013] In order to implement the firing of a network of several electronic detonators, it is useful to know the position of each electronic detonator. Knowing the position of each detonator is mainly necessary in order to program a firing delay associated with at least one of the detonators and thus establish the firing sequence. To know the position of the electronic detonators in a work site, the geographical coordinates of each electronic detonator can be collected, for example by a GPS receiver device. A GPS device can be installed on the detonators and / or on a programming tool, such as a programming console. If it is installed on the programming tool, it is the position of the operator, having the programming tool in hand, which is authoritative, i.e. which is assimilated to the position of the detonator concerned.However, the presence of a GPS receiver device associated with each electronic detonator and / or the programming tool to collect geographic coordinates of electronic detonators can generate significant costs, and / or significant time spent by the operator in the field to implement this collection.
[0014] Furthermore, absolute positioning is not required for firing operations; a relative topology of the detonators is often sufficient.
[0015] Moreover, such a GPS firing system is difficult to use, or even impossible to use, in certain terrains, such as underground terrain.
[0016] The proper functioning of this type of firing system is furthermore dependent on the availability (reception) of the satellites dedicated to the geolocation system used. The present invention aims to resolve at least in part the aforementioned drawbacks, also leading to other advantages.
[0017] To this end, there is proposed, according to a first aspect, a method for determining the location of a detonator of a wireless network of electronic detonators, the method comprising:
[0018] A step of emitting a signal by the detonator, called the transmitting detonator; A step of receiving the signal by at least one other detonator in the network, called the receiving detonator, different from the transmitting detonator;
[0019] A step of calculating a distance between the transmitting detonator and the receiving detonator based on a signal strength that was received by the receiving detonator.
[0020] Thus, a detonator, for example at least one communication module of the detonator, whether on the surface or in a hole, communicates with at least one other detonator in the network, for example with a communication module of the other detonator.
[0021] The signal emitted by the emitting detonator includes, for example, an electromagnetic signal, for example a light signal or a radio signal, or a mechanical signal, or an acoustic signal, such as an ultrasonic signal. It may be a light signal if all the detonators in the set have a surface module.
[0022] The step of calculating a distance between the transmitting detonator and the receiving detonator may include a step of estimating the distance, or even estimating an order of magnitude of the distance between the transmitting detonator and the receiving detonator.
[0023] Depending on the situation, a precise determination of the distance, i.e. a determination to the nearest centimetre, may be superfluous.
[0024] The implementation of such a process thus makes it possible to avoid the need for an operator to move among the detonators in the network to identify their position, and thus enable their programming.
[0025] In fact, it is usually different operators who install a detonator and program it.
[0026] Thanks to such a process, as soon as the detonator is deployed and put in place, whether at least one detonator has a surface or downhole module, the programming can then be transparent for an operator who has to ensure it.
[0027] In fact, a transmitting detonator sends a signal, such as a radio wave. At least one other detonator, i.e. a receiving detonator, receives the signal. Depending on the strength of the signal received by the receiving detonator, it is then possible to determine the distance between the transmitting detonator and the receiving detonator.
[0028] The signal attenuation is thus used to determine the distances of each detonator from other detonators in the network.
[0029] For example, the process steps are implemented for each of the detonators in the wireless detonator network.
[0030] That is to say, each of the detonators in the network is, in turn, a receiving detonator.
[0031] Thus, the same detonator can be both a transmitter and a receiver, depending on the process state. By triangulation, it is possible to know the position of each detonator in relation to neighboring detonators in the detonator network.
[0032] For example, the network comprises at least three detonators, two of which are transmitting detonators, which are each configured to transmit a signal, and one detonator, distinct from the two transmitting detonators, is a receiving detonator, which is configured to receive the signal transmitted by each of the transmitting detonators. In an exemplary implementation, the method comprises a step of comparing the received signal with a theoretical signal.
[0033] In a particular implementation example, the theoretical signal, with which the received signal is compared, is the transmitted signal.
[0034] For example, the method may comprise a step of comparing at least one value of the power of the signal received by the receiving detonator with a theoretical power value of the signal emitted by the transmitting detonator.
[0035] For example, knowing a power loss rate per meter of distance between the transmitter and the receiver in the surrounding environment (e.g. in dB / m (decibel per meter)), it is thus possible to determine a relative position between the transmitter and the receiver.
[0036] In an exemplary implementation, the signal emitted by the transmitting detonator comprises an identification sequence of the transmitting detonator emitting the signal. In particular, the signal received by the receiving detonator comprises the identification sequence of the transmitting detonator having emitted the signal.
[0037] Such a method also makes it possible to avoid adding a component to a detonator since each detonator is generally already configured to communicate with a network hub, by radio or optical signal for example.
[0038] As soon as one of the network's detonators is put into operation, it then enters the process of determining its location.
[0039] For example, the method comprises, prior to the step of transmitting a signal, a step of placing each detonator of the network at a theoretical location.
[0040] For example, the method comprises a step of putting each detonator into operation, for example at least one communication module of each detonator, for example a step of powering up.
[0041] For example, the method includes a communication step between the emitting detonator and the network concentrator.
[0042] In an exemplary implementation of the method, the signal emitted by the transmitting detonator comprises a communication signal from the transmitting detonator to the network hub.
[0043] For example, the step of communicating between the transmitting detonator and the network hub includes the step of transmitting a signal by the transmitting detonator. In an exemplary implementation, the receiving detonator picks up the communication signal between the transmitting detonator and the network hub.
[0044] In an example implementation, each detonator in the network also receives communications sent between other detonators in the network and the network hub.
[0045] In other words, each detonator in the network captures and intercepts communications sent between the other detonators in the network and the network concentrator.
[0046] The signals are processed and analyzed in a computing unit.
[0047] In an example implementation, the computing unit is located in the receiving detonator.
[0048] In an exemplary implementation, the signals are processed externally; the computing unit is then located in a unit different from any detonator, called an external unit, for example in the network hub, or in any other electronic unit.
[0049] Such an externally implemented step of determining the location of each detonator avoids the need for additional computing power or memory in the detonator itself; all information can be sent in bulk or as needed to the external unit.
[0050] For example, the method may then include a step of transmission, by the receiving detonator, of at least one item of information representative of the signal received, to the external unit.
[0051] The at least one piece of information representative of the received signal may comprise the entirety of the received signal.
[0052] For example, the external unit can receive at least one piece of information representative of the signal received from each of the detonators in the network, and then implements the calculation step based on all the information received.
[0053] According to an exemplary implementation, the at least one representative information comprises the at least one value of the power of the signal received by the receiving detonator.
[0054] According to an exemplary implementation, the at least one representative information comprises the identification sequence of the emitting detonator.
[0055] According to an exemplary implementation, the transmitting step comprises a sub-step of sending an identification sequence of the receiving detonator, for example to the external unit. In an interesting exemplary implementation, the external unit is the network hub.
[0056] For example, an algorithm for locating each of the detonators in the network is implemented in the receiving detonator or in the external unit, for example in the network hub.
[0057] So, for example, the comparison step can be implemented by the receiving detonator, or by the external unit.
[0058] The distance calculation step can be implemented by the receiving detonator, or by the external unit.
[0059] Each receiving detonator may transmit only the received power value associated with the transmitter's identification sequence, as well as the identification sequence of the receiving detonator that transmitted this information.
[0060] Only the received signal power is useful for calculating the distance between the transmitter and the receiver; but the transmitter identification sequence and the receiver identification sequence are of interest for identifying a link between the transmitter and the receiver concerned among all the transmitter-receiver pairs of the detonators of the network to be mapped, in particular if the processing is implemented in a unit external to the network, for example by the network concentrator. For example, the method comprises a step of recording, by the receiver detonator, at least one piece of information representative of the received signal.
[0061] For example, the recording is at least temporary, for example until at least one piece of information has been transmitted to the external unit.
[0062] In a particular example, the at least one piece of information representative of the received signal that is recorded is the power of the received signal.
[0063] For example, the method comprises a step of controlling the transmission of at least one piece of information representative of the signal received by the receiving detonator to the external unit.
[0064] Such a control step is for example initiated by the external unit.
[0065] For example, if a transmission control step is implemented, for example following a request from the external unit, the method comprises the step of transmitting at least one piece of information representative of the signal received by the receiving detonator, which optionally includes the sub-step of sending an identification sequence of the receiving detonator. The receiving detonator can however process at least one piece of information representative of the received signal itself, depending on the power of the received signal, and transmit the calculated distance value to the external unit.
[0066] For example, the receiving detonator may implement the step of calculating the distance between the transmitting detonator and the receiving detonator based on the strength of the received signal itself and transmit the calculated distance value to the external unit.
[0067] Optionally, the transmission of the calculated value can then be accompanied by the identification sequence of the transmitting detonator, or even by the identification sequence of the receiving detonator.
[0068] The external unit then receives, for example, information representative of the signal received for each receiver detonator in the set (i.e. each of the detonators in the set, as a receiver).
[0069] The information is thus centralized.
[0070] At least part of the calculations, or even all of the calculations, are then carried out by equipment other than the detonators.
[0071] Once the topology of the assembly is known, i.e. the location of each of the detonators in the detonator network, a programming operation is easily implemented, for example in a traditional manner, for example manually or automatically.
[0072] A method as described above makes it possible to know at least one relative topology of the detonators of a detonator network.
[0073] Knowing the relative topology is sufficient in some cases.
[0074] Otherwise, in order to determine an absolute topology, the method comprises for example a step of identifying the absolute position of at least a first element of the firing system.
[0075] The firing system here comprises at least the detonator network, and preferably an external unit, for example at least the network concentrator, or even in addition a communication relay, and / or a firing console.
[0076] An element of the firing system is therefore, for example, one of the network detonators, or the unit external to the network, for example the network concentrator, or the communication relay, or even the firing console.
[0077] Knowing the absolute position of a single element makes it possible at least to anchor the network topology in a known reference frame. For example, the method further comprises a step of identifying the absolute position of at least a second element of the firing system, the second element being different from the first element.
[0078] It is then possible to know the absolute position of the network, because the absolute position of a first element and a second element makes it possible to know an orientation of the network on the ground for example (rotation around a “z” axis).
[0079] Also provided, according to another aspect, is a method of programming a firing plan, comprising:
[0080] The steps of a method for determining the location of a detonator of a wireless network of electronic detonators, comprising all or part of the characteristics described above; and
[0081] A step of programming a firing delay associated with the detonator depending on its location.
[0082] Also provided, according to another aspect, is a firing system configured to implement a method for determining the location of a detonator as described above.
[0083] For example, such a firing system comprises a wireless network of electronic detonators, each detonator in the network comprising a transmitter configured to transmit a signal, and at least one receiver configured to receive a signal transmitted by another detonator in the network, the system being further configured to calculate a distance based on a strength of a signal received by the detonator.
[0084] For example, an element of the system is configured to calculate a distance between a transmitting detonator and a receiving detonator based on a strength of a signal received by the receiving detonator.
[0085] For example, the firing system also includes a unit external to the detonator network.
[0086] In other words, the external unit is separate from any detonator in the network.
[0087] An element of the firing system is therefore, for example, one of the network detonators, or the external unit.
[0088] For example, each detonator is further configured to transmit at least one piece of information representative of the signal it received to the external unit.
[0089] Also provided, according to another aspect, is a use of signal power attenuation as a function of a distance between a transmitter and a receiver to identify a location of a detonator of a wireless network of electronic detonators. For example, a signal polarization, and / or a signal phase could nevertheless also be used to improve location accuracy.
[0090] Such a process can therefore have numerous applications, such as:
[0091] - A relative positioning (topology): which is a minimum possible to obtain with a process as described above. The detonators can be simply represented spatially without scale (row / column representation). As the distances are measured during the process, the topology can be scaled, and the detonators are then represented in space (map).
[0092] - Absolute positioning: If at least two system elements (e.g., a detonator, or an external unit) can provide their absolute position (e.g., GPS), the complete topology can be positioned in an absolute reference frame. Alternatively, at least two system elements can each be placed at a reference location known to an operator, and the discovered topology is then also positioned in an absolute reference frame.
[0093] The invention, according to an exemplary embodiment, will be well understood and its advantages will appear better on reading the detailed description which follows, given for information purposes and in no way limiting, with reference to the appended drawings in which: Figure 1 schematically represents an exemplary embodiment of a firing system; Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a method of locating a detonator according to an embodiment of the invention; and Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a method of programming a firing plan according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0094] Identical elements shown in the above figures are identified by identical reference numerals.
[0095] Figure 1 illustrates a firing system 1 which is deployed on a terrain 2.
[0096] The firing system 1 mainly comprises a wireless network of electronic detonators 10, and at least one external unit 11.
[0097] A wireless network of electronic detonators here refers to a set of electronic detonators that are not connected by wires to each other or to an external unit, such as a network hub.
[0098] The wireless detonator network 10 comprises at least one electronic detonator 101, and generally at least two electronic detonators 101, for example ten or even several tens of electronic detonators. Each electronic detonator 101 of the network 10 is installed at a location designed to receive it on the ground 2.
[0099] Each detonator 101 comprises, for example, a pyrotechnic charge 102 and a communication module 103.
[0100] In the present exemplary embodiment, the communication module 103 is connected to the load 102 by at least one electrical connection cable.
[0101] The ground 2 here comprises holes 20, at the bottom of which the charge 102 is arranged. The communication module 103 is here arranged at the exit of the hole 20, for example on the surface of the ground 2.
[0102] According to another exemplary embodiment, the communication module is configured to communicate through a wall; it can then, for example, be arranged at the bottom of the hole, with the charge 102. A system comprising such a detonator and a “booster” (i.e. an explosive amplifier) can be designated “primer”, or “primer” according to the usual Anglo-Saxon terminology, as opposed to a simple detonator, because it then also includes the explosive amplifier. A simple string can be used to lower the charge 102, or possibly the primer, into the hole 20 and hold it in place.
[0103] In the present description, the communication module 103 is a radio signal communication module (which allows communication with a network hub for example, whether the module is on the surface or in a hole), but it could be any other type of communication, for example by any electromagnetic signal, for example a light signal, or by a mechanical signal, for example an acoustic signal, such as for example an ultrasonic signal, depending on the arrangement of the module.
[0104] The firing system 1 further comprises at least one computing unit.
[0105] In a particular embodiment, the calculation unit is included in the external unit 11 as shown here, i.e. separate from a detonator. It could nevertheless be integrated into a detonator.
[0106] The computing unit of the firing system 1, when external and separate from a detonator, is for example included in the network concentrator. It could otherwise be integrated into a firing console for example.
[0107] The network hub is configured to at least transmit a communication signal with a detonator 101.
[0108] In this example, the communication signal is a radio signal. In quarries and mines, a firing sequence is necessary to control the order in which the detonators (rows of holes) are triggered. In the case of electronic initiation, it is therefore necessary to associate a delay (in milliseconds) of the firing sequence with each detonator. This is the programming operation.
[0109] The network hub is therefore configured to communicate with all 101 detonators.
[0110] The network hub, on command from a firing console, can generate a train of firing commands.
[0111] The network hub is notably configured to associate a firing delay individually with each electronic detonator 101, depending on its location. This common firing order makes it possible to synchronize the countdown of the firing delay for all the electronic detonators in the network. From the reception of the firing order, each electronic detonator manages the countdown of the specific firing delay associated with it, as well as its own firing.
[0112] The firing console is usually located remotely from the 10 network and the network hub.
[0113] The firing console is configured in particular to transmit a firing order to the network concentrator.
[0114] At least to communicate with the network hub, each detonator 101 of the network, and in particular here the communication module 103, comprises a transmitter configured to transmit a signal, and at least one receiver configured to receive a signal.
[0115] Programming is a long-term operation, which can also take place in a difficult environment (extreme temperature, presence of dangerous substances, etc.).
[0116] One operation of programming an electronic detonator consists of assigning it a delay based on its location on the ground.
[0117] The programming operation is thus resolved as soon as the location of each detonator (generally identified by its unique identifier) is known.
[0118] When done manually, this operation remains tedious and error-prone because it relies on the operator to match the correct delay or connect (or activate) the detonators in the correct order.
[0119] To make the programming operation more reliable and efficient, the programming equipment can be equipped with a positioning sensor (e.g. GNSS) so that the correct delay is automatically assigned based on the determined position of the detonator. This methodology still has the disadvantage of requiring an expensive sensor (differential GNSS) to achieve the necessary accuracy, with potentially long initialization times (search for satellites), but above all it still depends on an external signal (satellites) that may not be available (or sufficiently available) or disturbed by reflections on rock walls depending on an environment.
[0120] In order to obtain the location, at least relative, of each detonator 101 within a network 10, the present invention therefore proposes a method based on the measurement of the power of neighboring signals, for example radio signals in the present description of a particular mode of implementation.
[0121] This method thus provides a stand-alone solution to the location problem. No additional external signals are required, and it does not require equipping the detonators with additional hardware. It can therefore be easily adapted to a wireless network of electronic detonators.
[0122] Figure 2 illustrates a particular mode of implementation of the method for determining the location of a detonator of a wireless network of electronic detonators according to the invention.
[0123] The method comprises, for example, steps S100 as follows.
[0124] For example, it comprises a step S1 of placing each detonator 101 of a network 10 at a theoretical location.
[0125] It then comprises, for example, a step S10 for putting each detonator 101 into operation.
[0126] Then it comprises, for example, a step S21 of transmission of a communication signal by each detonator, the detonator transmitting the signal then being designated the transmitting detonator.
[0127] For example, each detonator (more precisely its communication module) communicates with at least one neighboring detonator.
[0128] The communication signal can be a traditional communication signal, for example with a network hub, or an independent signal.
[0129] For example, the method comprises a step S2 of communication between the transmitting detonator and a network hub, the communication step S2 comprising the step S21 of transmission of a signal by the transmitting detonator, the transmitted signal possibly comprising the communication signal with the network hub. Each detonator measures the power of the signal that it has received from at least one other detonator in the network. The detonator receiving the signal is then designated the receiving detonator.
[0130] For example, each receiving detonator measures or determines a "RSSI" (Received Signal Strength Indication) value, i.e., a measurement of the received power of a radio signal from at least one other detonator in the network. If the transmission power of the signal is already known by each detonator as a receiver, then there is no need to transmit this value; otherwise, the communication signal can carry this information.
[0131] According to an interesting option, the method can include a step of calculating the distance directly in the receiving detonator; if necessary, the calculation step uses for example the intensity of the received signal (RSSI measurement) and combines it with a theoretical attenuation model.
[0132] The estimated distances between detonators in the network (alternatively, some or all of the information, e.g., the measured information of RSSI values) are sent to an external unit (e.g., controlling the network, e.g., the network hub) which determines the location of each detonator in the network by cross-referencing the measurements.
[0133] Well-known location resolution algorithms can be applied.
[0134] A location for each detonator is thus determined.
[0135] Locations may only be relative (network topology).
[0136] Locations can be given with a confidence index (probability).
[0137] A map of the 10 detonator network is thus available.
[0138] The external unit 11, for example the network hub, if placed close to the detonator network, can be used as a "neighboring element" of all the detonators 101 during the process. This makes it possible to anchor the relative topology with a reference point, in order to determine a topology considered as absolute.
[0139] This is repeated with at least a second element in order to know the absolute positioning of the detonator network.
[0140] The process therefore also includes:
[0141] - A step S3 of reception of the signal by at least one other detonator in the network, called the receiving detonator.
[0142] - A step S5 of calculating a distance between the transmitting detonator and the receiving detonator as a function of a power of the signal which has been received by the receiving detonator. In an exemplary implementation, the method may comprise a step S4 of transmission, by the receiving detonator, of at least one item of information representative of the signal received by the receiving detonator, to an external unit 11, which is for example the network concentrator. The transmission step S4 may comprise a sub-step S41 of sending an identification sequence of the receiving detonator, to the external unit 11.
[0143] The method may also comprise a step S6 of identifying the absolute position of at least one first element, and preferably also at least one second element, of a firing system which comprises at least the network of detonators. Figure 3 illustrates a particular mode of implementation of a method for programming a firing plan according to the invention.
[0144] The method includes, for example, steps as follows:
[0145] - At least some of the steps S100 of a method for determining the location of a detonator of a wireless network of electronic detonators, for example as described in connection with FIG. 2; and
[0146] A step S101 for programming a firing delay associated with the detonator depending on its location.
Claims
CLAIMS 1. Method for determining the location of a detonator (101) of a wireless network of electronic detonators (10), the method comprising: A step (S21) of emitting a signal by the detonator, called the emitting detonator; A step (S3) of receiving the signal by at least one other detonator in the network, called the receiving detonator; A step (S5) of calculating a distance between the transmitting detonator and the receiving detonator based on a power of the signal which has been received by the receiving detonator.
2. Method according to claim 1, comprising a step (S6) of identifying the absolute position of at least a first element and at least a second element of a firing system (1), the firing system (1) comprising at least the network of detonators (10).
3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, comprising, prior to the step of transmitting a signal, a step (S1) of placing each detonator (101) of the network (10) at a theoretical location, and a step (S10) of putting each detonator into operation.
4. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a step (S2) of communication between the transmitting detonator and a network concentrator, the step (S2) of communication comprising the step (S21) of transmission of a signal by the transmitting detonator, the signal transmitted by the transmitting detonator comprising a communication signal of the transmitting detonator with the network concentrator.
5. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the signal emitted by the emitting detonator comprises an identification sequence of the emitting detonator emitting the signal.
6. Method according to claim 5, in which the signal received by the receiving detonator comprises the identification sequence of the transmitting detonator having transmitted the signal.
7. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a step (S4) of transmission, by the receiving detonator, of at least one item of information representative of the signal received by the receiving detonator, to an external unit (11).
8. Method according to claim 7, wherein the external unit (11) is a network hub.
9. Method according to any one of claims 7 or 8, in which the transmission step (S4) comprises a sub-step (S41) of sending an identification sequence of the receiving detonator to the external unit (11).
10. Method for programming a firing plan, comprising: Steps (S100) of a method for determining the location of a detonator of a wireless network of electronic detonators according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and A step (S101) of programming a firing delay associated with the detonator depending on its location.
11. Firing 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 being further configured to calculate a distance as a function of a power of a signal received by the detonator.
12. System (1) according to claim 11, comprising a unit external to the network (10) of detonators, and in which each detonator (101) is further configured to transmit information representative of the signal received to the external unit (11).
13. Using signal power attenuation as a function of a distance between a transmitter and a receiver to identify a location of a detonator (101) of a wireless network of electronic detonators (10).