INTEGRATED OPEN-PIT OR UNDERGROUND MINES AND WIRELESS TRANSMISSION NETWORKS

Abstract

The disclosure provides a method that comprises the combination of two processes: Mine Planning and Network Planning. The fusion of these two processes can reduce the operation costs of a mine, enable the installation of a cheaper wireless network, and provide a higher quality and coverage that better meet the operation needs of the mine.

Claims

1. A method of Network Planning, comprising using information provided by a method of Mine Planning as input data.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the method of Mine Planning receives inputs from the method of Network Planning.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the inputs provided by the method of Network Planning to the method of Mine Planning are configured for creation of forms of generating a favorable RF condition.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the favorable RF condition is provided by a reflexive bulkhead.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein the favorable RF condition is provided by an attenuation bulkhead.

6. The method of claim 3, wherein the favorable RF condition is provided by an additional tunnel comprised within an underground extraction mine.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein an interaction of the method of Network Planning with the method of Mine Planning reduces operational costs involved in an operation phase of a mine.

8. A method of Mine Planning, comprising using information provided by a Method of Network Planning as input data.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising attributing a performance factor in a Net Value function which analyzes if removal or permanence of one or more blocks of a three-dimensional model causes a positive or negative condition of a wireless network performance.

10. The method of claim 8, further comprising attributing an economic factor in a Net Value function which analyzes Network Planning costs for each block or for a set of blocks of a three-dimensional model.

11. The method of claim 8, further comprising manipulating a mine topography and propagation of radio waves to minimize unintentional leaks and increase a security of information used by operations.

12. The method of claim 8, further comprising manipulating a mine topography and propagation of radio waves to block unintentional external signals of interference.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0032] This disclosure is more described in detail, based on the respective figures:

[0033] FIG. 1A top view of an open-pit extraction mine, revealing a blind spot in its wireless network coverage area.

[0034] FIG. 2A top view of the open-pit extraction mine of FIG. 1, with the blind spot issue solved by the use of these aspects.

[0035] FIG. 3A representation of a wireless network coverage area comprising base stations, fixed relays and mobile relays operating jointly.

[0036] FIG. 4A cut view of an underground mine fitted with a series of relays set to give support to the wireless communication network of the mine.

[0037] FIG. 5A cut view of an underground mine with an interference point in the communication network of the mine.

[0038] FIG. 6A cut view of the underground mine of FIG. 5 with a solution brought by the method of these aspects.

[0039] FIG. 7A flowchart of a first form of execution of these aspects.

[0040] FIG. 8A flowchart of a second form of execution of these aspects.

[0041] FIG. 9A flowchart based on the form of execution of FIG. 7.

[0042] FIG. 10A flowchart based on the form of execution of FIG. 8.

[0043] FIG. 11A block model representation understood by the technique status.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] In a simplified way, an aspect of this disclosure, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, is the combination of a method of Mine Planning with a method of Network Planning.

[0045] The new tool makes available the data from Mine Planning as inputs to Network Planning. In other words, with the new tool, the layout planning of nodes 3, 3, 2 of the wireless network will take into account the current and future provisions of mine topography 1, 4 (see FIG. 7).

[0046] Without a synchronization between the two methods (mine planning and network planning), in the technique status, the wireless Network Planning of a mine is made in a sub-optimal mannerpossibly erratic and timelyevery time connectivity failures appears.

[0047] Before performing any Network Planning, it is necessary to understand the propagation of radio waves. This propagation is strongly influenced by the relief, which, in turn, is continuously changed by following by mining after a mine planning. Finally, coordination and execution of own mining, especially in scenarios with a high degree of automation, rely on wireless connectivity. In this sense, base stations and fixed nodes 3 are positioned where it is believed there will be a future need for network coverage. The nodes 2, 3, 3 are oriented so as to cover the current and future mine topography, being installed in an amount and layout which are expected to be able to circumvent further barriers and cover future topography, depths and contours quite distinct from original topographies in the initial phase of mine exploration 1, 4.

[0048] There are service providers in the technique status, as the company United Mine Solutions (USA), which say they can provide a network planning that anticipate the current and future needs of a mine 1, 4. It happens that these service providers make the Network Planning based on the experience and intuition of their employees. In the technique status, there is no method 100% reliable and independent of human intervention for a Network Planning that meets all current and future needs of a mine 1, 4.

[0049] This disclosure, therefore, includes the only organized and effective means of defining a Network Planning that can design a wireless network that promotes a coverage area 6 without gaps or blind spots in the early, final and intermediate stages of the exploitation phase of a mine 1, 4, regardless of the topographical changes that have occurred in the mine 1, 4 in these periods.

[0050] In its second form of execution, see FIG. 8, the method of Network Planning also provides input to the method of Mine Planning. The purpose behind this loop (see upper arrow in FIG. 8) is to provide adaptations to the topographic profile of the mine that promote wireless network improvements.

[0051] To understand this point, we must preliminarily understand that radio waves 7 emitted by the wireless equipment can be absorbed, reflected, deflected or scattered by different types of materials found in the mine 1, 4.

[0052] In general, specular reflections occur when the electromagnetic wave falls upon a surfaceparticularly metallicwhich dimensions are much greater than its wavelength. Diffraction occurs most prominently when the way taken by radio wave 7the path between the transmitter and receiveris blocked by an obstacle or slit with dimensions comparable to the wavelength, resulting in bending the wave around the obstacle. The scattering (diffuse reflection), in turn, occurs when the wavefront falls upon an uneven surface or when the medium through which the wave propagates comprises objects which dimensions are comparable to the wavelength. Finally, the absorption is a physical phenomenon in which part of energy (photons) of the wave interacts with the environment (typically electrons), being converted into thermal energy.

[0053] So far, these effects caused by the materials and the topography of mines 1, 4 on radio waves 7 were just a problem to be overcome (not foreseen) by the Network Planning. Any deviation, attenuation or reflection caused by materials found in mines 1, 4 was seen as an obstacle to be overcome by the Network Planning. After completing this disclosure, these ways of interaction between radio waves 7 and the materials present in the mine 1, 4 will be interpreted as forms of generation of favorable RF condition.

[0054] A favorable RF condition is defined as the presence of signal and absence of interference above acceptable thresholds in the areas of interest (or the reverse to avoid signal leaks). Before this disclosure, any deviation, attenuation or reflection caused by topography and lithology of the mine were seen as obstacles to be overcome by the Network Planning. After completing this disclosure, the interaction between radio waves and the mine environment, also considering the topographical change, is now estimated by the Network Planning. In addition, the mine topography features can be manipulated to achieve the specific purposes of planning, such as interference confinement. For example, it is known that the presence of obstacles within the first Fresnel zone, which radius can be calculated mathematically, significantly changes the signal level at the receiver.

[0055] It is possible, for instance, to allocate a deposit of waste rock material in a specific area around a mine so that this element works as a reflective screen 5 and reflects radio waves 7 to extinguish a blind point in a network coverage area 6 (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0056] Another option would be to create barriers (absorption shields 5) to contain the interference in underground extraction mines 4 (see FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 of this document).

[0057] One option not revealed in the figures is the creation of additional tunnels acting as waveguides in an underground mine 4 to expand the network coverage area 6 inside the underground mine 4.

[0058] Other examples of topographical changes in the mine that influence the propagation of RF signals include: small adjustments to the mine sequencing, non-permanent filler of intermediate pits, and creation of surface/mobile screens to confine the signal in an open-pit mine. Small adjustments to the mine sequencing allows, for example, that the removal of an obstacle in the propagation environment is delayed. This obstacle may be a hill which attenuates the signal from the transmitter, but allows the interference confinement between different transmitters.

[0059] All possible ways of generating a favorable RF condition are not limited to these examples. Several other forms of interaction could be designed, since these interactions between materials and radio waves 7 could contribute to the operation of the wireless network.

[0060] By using forms of generation of favorable RF condition, this disclosure allows reducing the number and capacity of the nodes 3, 3 and antennas 2 distributed in the mine 1, 4.

[0061] In this mode of the disclosure (described in FIG. 8 of this report), the Mine Planning considers, in addition to conventional variables, such as location of waste rock material blocks 10 and ore blocks 11 variables capable of hampering or facilitating the completion of a wireless network on the entire mine surface 1, 4.

[0062] In other words, in this mode of execution, the Mine Planning looks for cheaper alternatives for exploitation of the mine 1, 4, considering not only the costs involved in the removal and transportation of ore and waste rock material inside the mine 1, 4 for their discharge points (such as deposits of waste rock or primary crushers), but also take into account the cost of wireless network installation for each of these forms of access and exploitation.

[0063] The ideal Mine Planning, according to this logic, is the one with the lowest possible execution costs, including material extraction, transportation and processing costs, and the cost of installation of the wireless network.

[0064] A synchronization of these two methods, Mine Planning and Network Planning, can be made in several ways, including: [0065] The development of a unique method that perform the Mine Planning and Network Planning simultaneously. [0066] A framework that uses two different methods, one of them related to Mine Planning and another related to Network Planning. In this execution of the disclosure, an operator would be in charge of transferring the mine planning inputs to network planning, and vice-versa. [0067] A method that does not use software, but executes the Mine Planning and Network Planning simultaneously by performing manual calculations and planning.

[0068] The first form of execution of the disclosure (FIG. 7) can also be divided into the following steps: [0069] ICollect information of Mine Planning: This step corresponds to access to future topography of the mine, the lithology and the number and profile of elements comprised by the mine 1, 4, such as trucks, drills and wheel loaders, and other equipment necessary for the complete extraction of the mine within a previously stipulated period of time. [0070] IIAssess the network requirements: Based on the elements defined in step I, find the network requirements of these elements. For example, if only narrow band communication is required, or if broad band communication is required concurrently or entirely. Also assess: what is the maximum delay and jitter acceptable for each node; the coverage capacity of each node; the number of autonomous nodes within the network; and the size of the area to be covered. [0071] IIIPlan the network infrastructure: Based on the network requirements and Mine Planning inputs, select the best possible layout for the wireless network distribution for current and future mine topography. Considering the medium-term changes in the topography, choose a layout that minimizes network costs while complying to the network requirements of elements comprised inside the mine. [0072] IVInstall the network: Effectively distribute relays 3, 3, antennas 2 and other devices that give support to network. [0073] VOperate the mine: This step consists of the mine exploitation phase. In this step, blocks of waste rock or ore material are removed, according to Mine Planning. Consequently, this step changes the mine topography. [0074] VIAssess the network performance indicators: collect real and simulated indicators, considering the changes in mine topography 1, 4. [0075] VIIAre indicators compatible with current and future requirements? This step consists of comparing the indicators collected with the performance requirements. This step is performed so that the system operator may make a decision to optimize the system, if required. If the indicators are in accordance with the necessary requirements, it returns to step V. [0076] VIIICan the network be improved? This phase consists of the assessment of the possibility or not to optimize network parameters, such as: positioning of nodes 3, 3, 2, transmission power, inclination of antenna 2, transmission modes, or even to generate a favorable RF condition. if it is possible, go to step IX to optimize the parameters; if not, assess if it is required to redesign the connectivity of the network infrastructure in step X. [0077] IXNetwork optimization: Changes the parameters identified in step VIII, returning to step VI to reassess the performance indicators. [0078] XCollect update information of the mine: It is known that the real mine environment does not follow the Mine Planning exactly. Therefore, from time to time, it is necessary to assess how close is the Mine Planning from the real topography of the mine. This information is very important for Network Planning. [0079] XIDoes the network needs more from us? Based on information collected in step X, assess if more nodes 3, 3 and 2 are required for the network infrastructure. If more nodes 3, 3, 2 are required, go to step XII. If not, go to step XIII. [0080] XIIAdd nodes: Add extra nodes 3, 3, 2 to the network structure, then return to step IV. [0081] XIIIIs it required to redesign the network? In this step, it is assessed the requirement to redesign the network. One of the reasons that may result in this Network redesign being unnecessary is the mine closure 1, 4. If it is required to redesign the network, return to step II.

[0082] A representative flow chart of the steps listed is shown in FIG. 9 of this document.

[0083] The second form of execution of the disclosure (FIG. 8), in turn, can be divided into the following steps: [0084] IMine Planning: In this step, the final layout of the mine (the final-pit of an open-pit mine 1) and the order of mines to be extracted are determined in accordance with specific algorithms. It is noted that, in this implementation, the Mine Planning also receives an input from topographies favorable to wireless network. In this case, the Net Value of the mine 1, 4 also considers the long-term costs of the wireless infrastructure, being used to program the mine layout 1, 4 in a more profitable way. [0085] IICollect Mine Planning data: This phase corresponds to the assessment of future topography of the mine 1, 4, lithology and elements, such as trucks, drills and wheel loaders, required to operate the mine 1,4 within a planned schedule. This step comprises the obtainment of Mine Planning information in a future period, so that the actions taken to optimize and redesign the network consider its future growth. [0086] IIIAssess the network requirements: based on the elements defined in the previous step, find the network requirements of these elements. For example, if only narrow band communication is required, or if broad band communication is required concurrently or entirely. Also assess: the maximum delay and jitter acceptable for each node; the coverage capacity of each node; the number of autonomous nodes within the network; and the size of the area of network coverage 6. [0087] IVPlan the network infrastructure: Based on the network requirements and Mine Planning inputs, select the best possible layout for the wireless network distribution for current and future mine topography 1, 4. Considering the medium-term changes in the topography, choose a layout that minimizes network costs while keeping the network requirements of elements comprised inside the mine 1, 4. [0088] VInstall the network: Effectively distribute relays 3, 3, antennas 2 and other elements that comprise the network. [0089] VIOperate the mine: This step consists of the mine exploitation phase 1, 4. In this phase, blocks of waste rock 10 or ore 11 material are removed, according to Mine Planning. Consequently, this step changes the mine topography 1, 4. [0090] VIIAssess the network performance indicators: Collect real and simulated indicators, considering the changes in mine topography 1, 4. [0091] VIIIAre indicators compatible with current and future requirements? This step consists of comparing the indicators collected with the performance requirements, so that the system operator may make a decision to optimize the system, if required. If the indicators are in accordance with the necessary requirements, it returns to step VI. [0092] IXCan the network be improved? This phase consists of the assessment of the network parameters, such as: positioning of nodes 3, 3, 2, transmission power, inclination of antenna 2, transmission modes, or even to generate a favorable RF condition. If it is possible, go to step X to optimize the parameters; if not, assess if it is required to redesign the connectivity of the network infrastructure in step XI. [0093] XNetwork optimization: Change the parameters identified in step IX, returning to step VII to reassess the performance indicators. [0094] XICollect update information of the mine: It is known that the real mine environment does not follow the Mine Planning exactly. Therefore, from time to time, it is necessary to assess how close is the Mine Planning from the real topography of the mine 1, 4. This information is very important for Network Planning. [0095] XIIDoes the network needs more from us? Based on information collected in step XI, assess if more nodes 3, 3 and 2 are required in the network infrastructure. If more nodes 3, 3, 2 are required, go to step XIII. If not, go to step XIV. [0096] XIIIAdd nodes: Add extra nodes 3, 3, 2 to the network structure, then return to step V. [0097] XIVIs it required to redesign the network? In this step, it is assessed the requirement to redesign the network. One of the reasons that may result in this network redesign being unnecessary is the mine closure 1, 4. If it is required to redesign the network, go to step XV. [0098] XVAssess the topography within a planned schedule: In this step, the optimization structure will assess the mine topography in a planned period. Which will be the effects of this topography in the network? Will holes appear in the coverage in medium term? Will there be interference between nodes? In this case, will it be required to use another wireless channel, band or spectrum to avoid this interference? After this assessment, go to step XVI. [0099] XVIIs there any topography change? If there is any change, go to step XVII; if not, go to step II. This step considers the assessment of step XV and checks if there is any topography change that could improve costs and the performance of the wireless communication, such as maintenance or creation of absorption bulkheads 5 in underground mines 4 to contain the interference. [0100] XVIIInclude network costs in Net Value function: In this step, considering the feasible topography changes assessed in steps XV and XVI, create an economic attribute for wireless network. in the Net Value function for each block (or set of blocks), and go to step I. With this new information, the Mine Planning software may optimize the Mine Planning.

[0101] A representative flow chart of the steps listed is shown in FIG. 10 of this document.

[0102] Finally, it is concluded that the disclosure achieves all purposes it intends to achieve, revealing a Network Planning method associated to a Mine Planning method, set for cost reduction and quality optimization of wireless network distributed over a mine 1, 4.

[0103] Having described some examples of preferred achievement of these aspects, it is noteworthy that the scope of protection given by this document encompasses all other alternative forms appropriate to the execution of these aspects, which is defined and limited only by the content of the claim scope attached.