Blast System Reply Timing Using Randomized Micro-Slots
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large-scale wireless blast systems, collisions of reply signals from detonator assemblies occur frequently, leading to increased latency and setup time due to the need for staggered transmission times to avoid collisions, which in turn results in inefficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A communication method using synchronized frames, slots, and micro-slots with variable bin sizes and random number generation to determine transmission times, ensuring minimal collisions and optimized signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If reply signals are transmitted simultaneously to reduce latency, then setup time is reduced, but signal collisions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The time frame is divided into multiple slots, each containing multiple micro-slots. This segmentation allows multiple detonator assemblies to transmit reply signals in a structured sequence rather than simultaneously, reducing collisions while maintaining efficient setup time. The master transceiver divides the transmission opportunity into discrete time units that can be managed independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically assigns different numbers of micro-slots to different slots based on the specific communication requirements. The master transceiver can adapt the slot structure in real-time, allowing flexible management of transmission opportunities. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the balance between reducing collisions and minimizing setup time for each specific blasting scenario.
2Reliability
If reply signals are staggered to avoid collisions, then signal reliability improves, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the time frame into slots with multiple micro-slots, the system achieves staggered transmissions that avoid collisions while minimizing the total time required. The segmented structure allows for efficient sequencing of reply signals from multiple detonator assemblies without requiring excessive delays between transmissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temporal parameters of transmission by varying the number of micro-slots per slot and the timing within each slot. This parameter adjustment allows the system to optimize the balance between avoiding collisions and maintaining low latency, adapting the transmission schedule to the specific needs of each communication cycle.
3Reliability
If more micro-slots are created to reduce collisions, then signal reliability improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The time frame is segmented into slots, which are further segmented into micro-slots. This hierarchical segmentation provides a systematic approach to collision avoidance that scales predictably. The master transceiver manages this structured division, and the pattern becomes more manageable as the number of micro-slots increases, rather than creating uncontrolled complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic timing signals transmitted by the master transceiver to synchronize the operation of local transceivers. This periodic action creates a rhythmic framework for transmissions, making the complex multi-slot structure more predictable and easier to manage. The periodic nature allows for standardized processing of each time unit.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of communicating in a blast system which includes the steps of transmitting timing signals from a master transceiver to a plurality of local transceivers, in response, at each local transceiver, defining a succession of micro-slots and calculating a size of a respective bin which is associated with each micro-slot, transmitting a packet from the master transceiver, at each local transceiver calculating a uniform random value, identifying the bin in which the uniform random value is located and during the micro-slot which is associated with the identified bin, if no transmission of a reply signal from any other local transceiver is detected, in response to the packet transmitting a reply signal from the local transceiver to the master transceiver.