Network planning method and mine planning method

The present invention relates to the fields of mine planning and wireless network planning for open pit mines and underground mines. In this regard, the communication subsystem has become an indispensable element of collection work due to the tendency of process automation and work robotization.

The present invention comprises the fusion of two known processes, mining planning and network planning. The two steps have always existed separately in the technical status, as the potential for synergistic effects between the two steps has not been known to date.

Therefore, in order for the present invention to be fully understood, it is necessary to define in advance what is a "mining plan" and what is a "network plan".

The network plan is a plan before installing a wireless transmission network in any environment. Wireless transmission networks are extremely common in open pit mines and underground mines, and are highly available, ultra-reliable, and error-rate to maximize safety, productivity, and efficiency standards. A communication network with very low (packet loss) and low latency is required.

There are several types of wireless networks, the most common being the fixed antenna 2, the portable router 3, and the onboard router 3'(trucks, excavators, and other bodies of machines involved in mining operations. This is a combination with the router. See FIG. 3 of the present invention.

In order for all vehicles 8 and units in mines 1 and 4 to be able to communicate with each other while transmitting and collecting data from each other, the mining work should be expanded and work such as equipment transportation area and destination area. A communication network structure that matches the entire area is required.

The calculation of node distribution is so complex that wireless network planning work is usually done using specialized software. Examples of software that can perform this task include: -Asset (registered trademark) -Mentum Planet (registered trademark) -WinProp (registered trademark) -Wireless InSite (Ray Tracing (registered trademark))

Standard procedures for planning and optimizing with such software work very well in less dynamic ("not cluttered") topography, as well as in morphological environments such as urban and rural areas. However, if the mine's terrain is constantly changing, plans, especially broadband, will become obsolete in a short period of time. This actually requires a series of lagging and costly redesigns throughout the length of the mine's life cycle.

The mining plan is planned before the mine harvesting stage, that is, before the stage of extracting material from the ore body.

The production area of the mine is mapped based on the data acquired during the exploration phase of the mine, such as data from sampling and physical profiling. At this stage, the location of deposits with high concentrations of minerals is determined and a schematic map of the production area is created.

The mining planning stage is the development of projects for access to mineral production areas and harvesting. In open pit mining, these are divided into virtual three-dimensional blocks (see Figure 11) to help save resources, facilitate machine access, and maximize financial returns for operations. The order of collection of plots 10 and 11 is planned.

In practice, mining programs aim to maximize ore extraction, reduce waste rock material, and maximize the net present value of the mine. This maximizes profits and saves resources for this work.

Similar to network plans applied to wireless network plans, mining plans need to be modified frequently throughout the mine life cycle based on changes in data collected during the mineral exploration phase.

Several tools are commercially available for mining planning, including: . Vulcan (registered trademark) . GeoVia Whittle (registered trademark) . Datamine (registered trademark) . Minesight (registered trademark) . Geopit (registered trademark)

To date, the technical status in which it is possible to carry out a plan that integrates the mine and its support network in order to optimize the work of both the mine and its support network and bring economic benefits to such work. There is no method or software included in.

<p> An object of the present invention is a new network planning method for inputting data provided by a mining planning method.</p><p> The present invention aims at a new mining planning method that inputs data provided by the network planning method.</p><p> Another object of the present invention is to make the method of network planning more economical.</p><p> Another object of the present invention is to make the method of mining planning more economical.</p><p> The present invention also limits the radio signal to the target area in order to increase the confidentiality of the information used in the work, and the mine terrain and the propagation of radio signals so as to minimize unintended leakage. The purpose is to manipulate.</p><p> Finally, the present invention manipulates mine terrain, and radio wave propagation, to block unintentionally interfering external radio signals in order to increase confidentiality to protect important radio links used in the work. The purpose is to make it possible to do.</p><p> The present invention will be described in more detail based on the drawings.</p>

<figref num="1">It is a top view of an open pit mining mine showing a dead area in a wireless network covering area.</figref>

<figref num="2">It is a top view of the open pit mining mine of FIG. 1 in which the problem of the dead region is solved by using the present invention.</figref>

<figref num="3">Shown is a wireless network coverage area that includes a base station, a fixed repeater, and a mobile repeater that operate together.</figref>

<figref num="4">A cut-out view of an underground mine with a series of repeaters set to support the mine's wireless communications network.</figref>

<figref num="5">It is a cutting view of an underground mine having an interference point in the communication network of the mine.</figref>

<figref num="6">It is a cutting view of the underground mine of FIG. 5 which shows the solution by the method of this invention.</figref>

<figref num="7">It is a flowchart of 1st Embodiment of this invention.</figref>

<figref num="8">It is a flowchart of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.</figref>

<figref num="9">It is a flowchart of this invention based on the execution form of FIG.</figref>

<figref num="10">It is a flowchart of this invention based on the execution form of FIG.</figref>

<figref num="11">It is a diagram of a compartmentalized model that can be understood from the technical situation.</figref>

The present invention combines the mining planning method with the network planning method, as shown briefly in FIGS. 7 and 8.

This new tool will allow mining plan data to be entered into network plans. In other words, a new tool is used to take into account the layout plans for nodes 3, 3', 2 of the wireless network, taking into account the current and future mine terrains 1, 4 (see Figure 7). To do.

In technical situations where the two methods (mining and network planning) are not synchronized, the mine's wireless network planning is created as a workaround, perhaps irregularly and timely, each time a poor connection occurs. Will be done.

Before implementing a network plan, you need to understand radio wave propagation. The propagation of radio waves is strongly influenced by the undulations of the land, and the undulations then change continuously by following the mining after the mining plan. Ultimately, it will rely on wireless connectivity to coordinate and perform its own mining, especially in highly automated situations. In this case, the base station and fixed node 3 are located where they may be needed in the future for network coverage. Nodes 2, 3, and 3'are oriented to cover the terrain of current and future mines, avoiding additional barriers, and future terrain that is completely different from the original terrain in the early stages of exploration of mines 1 and 4. Installed in, depth, and number expected to cover contours, and layout.

In the technical context, there are service providers such as United Mine Solutions (USA) that can provide network plans that predict current and future demand for mines 1 and 4. Such service providers make network plans based on their employees' experience and insights. In the technical context, there is no 100% reliable and network planning method that does not require human intervention to meet all current and future demands of mines 1 and 4.

The present invention is therefore the only systematic and effective means of defining network plans, during the early, final and intermediate stages of development of mines 1, 4 during these periods. A wireless network can be designed that enhances coverage area 6 so that there are no gaps or dead areas, regardless of the topographical changes that occur in.

Referring to FIG. 8, in its second embodiment, the network planning method also provides an input to the mining planning method. The purpose of this loop (see the arrow above in Figure 8) is to adapt to the terrain shape of the mine and facilitate the improvement of the wireless network.

To understand this point, radio waves 7 emitted by radio equipment can be absorbed, reflected, deflected, or scattered by the various types of materials found in mines 1 and 4. It is necessary to understand that in advance.

Specular reflection generally occurs when an electromagnetic wave hits a surface that is much larger in size than its wavelength, especially a metal surface. Diffraction occurs most prominently when the path taken by the radio wave 7, that is, the path between the transmitter and the receiver, is blocked by an obstacle or rift whose dimensions correspond to the wavelength, and as a result, the radio wave is an obstacle. Bend around. Scattering (diffuse reflection) then occurs when the wave surface hits a non-uniform surface, or when the medium through which the radio waves propagate contains an object whose dimensions correspond to the wavelength. Finally, absorption is a physical phenomenon in which part of the energy (photons) of radio waves interacts with the surroundings (usually electrons) and is converted into thermal energy.

So far, such effects on radio waves 7 caused by materials and the terrain of mines 1 and 4 have been (unexpected) problems that should only be overcome by network planning. The deflection, attenuation, or reflection caused by the materials found in mines 1 and 4 was considered an obstacle to be overcome by network planning. After the completion of the present invention, such an interaction between radio waves 7 and the materials present in mines 1 and 4 will be interpreted as "a suitable form of RF condition generation".

Suitable RF conditions are defined as the presence of the signal in the area of interest (or the reverse area to avoid signal leakage) and no interference above the permissible threshold. Prior to the present invention, mine topography and petrological deflections, attenuations, or reflections were considered obstacles to be overcome by network planning. After the completion of the present invention, the network plan will allow the interaction between radio waves and the mining environment to be estimated in consideration of topographical changes. You can also manipulate the topographical features of the mine to achieve specific objectives of the plan, such as limiting interference. For example, the radius of the first Fresnel band can be calculated mathematically, but it is known that the signal level of the receiver changes significantly in the presence of obstacles inside it.

For example, a deposit of waste rock may be placed in a specific area around the mine, so that this component acts as a reflective screen 5 to reflect radio waves 7 and network. The dead spots in coverage area 6 disappear (see Figures 1 and 2).

Another option is to create a barrier (absorption shield 5') in the underground mining mine 4 to contain the interference (FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 herein). See).

One option not shown in the figure is to create an additional tunnel that acts as a waveguide in the underground mine 4 to extend the network coverage area 6 within the underground mine 4.

Other examples of mine topographical changes affecting RF signal propagation include fine-tuning the mining sequence, non-permanent filling of intermediate mines, and surface shields / to limit signals within open pit mines. Includes the creation of mobile shields. Fine adjustment of the mining order may delay, for example, the removal of obstacles in the propagation environment. This obstacle can be a hill, attenuating the signal from the transmitters, but can limit interference between different transmitters.

All methods capable of generating suitable RF conditions are not limited to these examples. Several other forms of interaction may be designed, and such an interaction between the material and the radio wave 7 can contribute to the operation of the wireless network.

By using the "mode that generates suitable RF conditions", the present invention can save the number and capacity of antennas 2 distributed in nodes 3, 3'and mines 1, 4.

In this embodiment of the invention (discussed in FIG. 8 herein), the mining program covers the entire mine surfaces 1 and 4 in addition to conventional variables such as the location of the waste rock compartment 10 and the ore painting 11. Consider variables that can interfere with or facilitate the completion of wireless networks.

In other words, in this embodiment, the mining program considers the costs involved in removing the ore in mines 1 and 4 and the waste rock material and transporting it to a discharge site (such as a waste rock deposit or crusher). Not only will we look for cheaper alternatives to develop mines 1 and 4, taking into account the cost of installing wireless networks in each of these forms of access and development.

According to this logic, an ideal mining plan is one with the lowest possible execution costs, including material harvesting, transportation, and processing costs, as well as wireless network installation costs.

Synchronizing the two methods of mining planning and network planning can be done in several ways, including: -Development of a unique method for simultaneous mining planning and network planning. -A framework that uses two different methods, one for mining planning and the other for network planning. In this practice of the present invention, the operator is responsible for transferring the inputs to the mining plan to the network plan and vice versa. -A method of performing mining planning and network planning at the same time by manual calculation and planning without using software.

The first embodiment of the present invention (FIG. 7) can be further subdivided into the following steps. I. Mining Plan Information Gathering: This step involves access to the mine's future terrain, petrology, and the trucks, drills, and wheel loaders and other machinery needed to complete mining within a predetermined period of time. Corresponds to the number and shape of components contained in mines 1 and 4, such as. II. Evaluate network requirements: Find the network requirements for these components based on the components defined in step I. For example, is it a requirement that only narrowband communication is required, or is wideband communication required at the same time or as a whole? It also evaluates the maximum delay and jitter that each node can tolerate, the coverage of each node, the number of autonomous nodes in the network, and the size of the area covered. III. Network Infrastructure Planning: Select the best possible layout for wireless network delivery for current and future mine terrain, based on network requirements and mining plan inputs. Considering the change in terrain in the medium term, select a layout that minimizes network costs while following the network requirements of the components contained within the mine. IV. Network installation: Effectively distribute repeaters 3, 3', antenna 2 and other devices that support the network. V. Mine Operation: This step consists of the mine development stage. In this step, waste rock plots or ore paintings are removed according to the mining plan. As a result, this step changes the terrain of the mine. VI. Evaluation of network performance indicators: Collect actual indicators and simulated indicators, taking into account changes in mine terrain 1 and 4. VII. Are the indicators compatible with current and future requirements? This step consists of comparing the collected indicators with performance requirements. When this step is performed, the system operator may decide to optimize the system if necessary. If the indicator complies with the required requirements, return to step V. VIII. Can the network be improved? This stage optimizes network parameters such as positioning of nodes 3, 3', 2 transmission power, tilt of antenna 2, transmission mode, and even generating suitable RF conditions. It consists of evaluating the possibility of conversion. If possible, proceed to step IX to optimize the parameters, and if not, step X to assess whether the network infrastructure needs to be redesigned. IX. Network optimization: Change the parameters identified in step VIII and return to step VI to reassess the figure of merit. X. Gathering mine updates: It is known that the actual mine environment does not strictly follow mining plans. Therefore, it is sometimes necessary to evaluate how close the mining plan is to the actual topography of the mine. This information is very important for network planning. XI. Does your network need more nodes? Based on the information gathered in step X, assess if your network infrastructure needs more nodes 3, 3', and 2. If more nodes 3, 3', 2 are needed, go to step XII. If not required, proceed to step XIII. XII. Add Node: Add additional nodes 3, 3', 2 to the network structure and return to Step IV. XIII. Need to redesign the network? This step evaluates the requirements for redesigning the network. One of the reasons why this network redesign can be unnecessary is the closure of mines 1 and 4. If you need to redesign your network, go back to Step II.

A typical flowchart of the listed steps is shown in FIG. 9 herein.

Next, the second embodiment of the present invention (FIG. 8) can be further divided into the following steps. I. Mining Planning: This step determines the final layout of the mine (the final mine of open pit mine 1) and the order of the mines to be harvested, according to a specific algorithm. In this implementation, the mining program further receives input from terrain favorable to the wireless network. In this case, the net value of mines 1 and 4 also takes into account the long-term cost of the wireless infrastructure used to program the layout of mines 1 and 4 in a more profitable way. II. Collecting mining plan data: This step involves access to future terrain of mines 1 and 4, petrology, and the trucks, drills, and required to operate mines 1 and 4 within the planned schedule. Corresponds to the evaluation of components such as wheel loaders. Since this step involves acquiring mining plan information in future periods, the steps taken to optimize and redesign the network will take into account future growth. III. Evaluate network requirements: Find the network requirements for these components based on the components defined in the previous step. For example, is it a requirement that only narrowband communication is required, or is wideband communication required at the same time or as a whole? It also evaluates the maximum delay and jitter that each node can tolerate, the coverage of each node, the number of autonomous nodes in the network, and the size of the network coverage area 6. IV. Network Infrastructure Planning: Select the best possible layout for wireless network delivery for current and future mine terrains 1 and 4 based on network requirements and mining plan inputs. Considering the change in terrain in the medium term, select a layout that minimizes network costs while maintaining the network requirements of the components contained within mines 1 and 4. V. Network installation: Effectively distribute the repeaters 3, 3', antenna 2 and other elements that make up the network. VI. Mine Operation: This step consists of Mine Development Stages 1 and 4. At this stage, the material of the waste rock section 10 or the ore painting 11 is taken out according to the mining plan. As a result, this step changes the terrain 1 and 4 of the mine. VII. Evaluation of network performance indicators: Collect actual indicators and simulated indicators in consideration of changes in mine topography 1 and 4. VIII. Are the indicators compatible with current and future requirements? This step consists of comparing the collected indicators with performance requirements so that the system operator can optimize the system if necessary. May be determined. If the indicator complies with the required requirements, return to Step VI. IX. Can the network be improved? This stage evaluates network parameters such as positioning of nodes 3, 3', 2 and transmit power, tilt of antenna 2, transmit mode, and even generate suitable RF conditions. Consists of doing. If possible, proceed to step X to optimize the parameters, and if not, step XI to assess whether the network infrastructure needs to be redesigned. X. Network optimization: Change the parameters identified in step IX and return to step VII to re-evaluate the figure of merit. XI. Gathering mine updates: It is known that the actual mine environment does not strictly follow mining plans. Therefore, it is sometimes necessary to evaluate how close the mining plan is to the actual terrain of mines 1 and 4. This information is very important for network planning. XII. Does your network need more nodes? Based on the information gathered in step XI, evaluate if your network infrastructure needs more nodes 3, 3', and 2. If more nodes 3, 3', 2 are needed, go to step XIII. If not required, proceed to step XIV. XIII. Add Node: Add additional nodes 3, 3', 2 to the network structure and return to step V. XIV. Does the network need to be redesigned? This step evaluates the requirements for redesigning the network. One of the reasons why this network redesign can be unnecessary is the closure of mines 1 and 4. If the network needs to be redesigned, go to step XV. XV. Evaluate terrain within the planned schedule: In this step, the optimized structure evaluates the mine terrain over the planned period. What is the effect of this terrain on the network? Will holes appear in the intermediate coverage? Are there interferences between nodes? In this case, to avoid interference, another radio channel, band, or Is it necessary to use the spectrum? After this evaluation, proceed to step XVI. XVI. Did the terrain change? If there was any change, proceed to step XVII, if not, proceed to step II. This step involves the maintenance and generation of absorption shields 5'in underground mine 4 to contain terrain changes that can increase the cost and performance of radio communications, eg, interference, taking into account the evaluation of step XV. Check if. XVII. Include network cost in net value function: In this step, the economics of the wireless network in each parcel (or set of parcels) net value function, taking into account the possible terrain changes evaluated in steps XV and XVI. Attribute (economic) Create attribute) and proceed to step I. With this new information, mining planning software can optimize mining plans.

A typical flowchart of the listed steps is shown in FIG. 10 herein.

Finally, it was concluded that the present invention clarifies the network planning method associated with the mining planning method and achieves all the objectives sought to be achieved, the objectives of which are cost reduction and mine 1, Set for quality optimization of the wireless network located in 4.

Although some preferred achievements of the present invention have been described, the scope of protection provided herein includes all other alternative forms suitable for carrying out the present invention, which are attached. It should be noted that it is defined and limited only by the content described in the claims of.