CN101361295A - Network for confined hazardous or other extreme environments - Google Patents

Abstract

A wireless node for a network in an underground mine is provided. The wireless node comprises a mounting portion for detachably mounting the node to node mounting locations in the mine, such that the node may be repositioned in the mine. The wireless node further comprises at least one antenna coupling portion for detachably coupling antennas of different modalities to the node such that the node may be configured for at least one of backhaul operation and coverage operation. The wireless node further comprises a communication portion for enabling communication with at least one other wireless node, a server and at least one client, via the antennas, such that the server and the at least one client can communicate via a network of wireless nodes mounted to the node mounting locations in the mine.

Description

The network that is used for dangerous constrained environment or other extreme environment

The application requires in the U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/826,456 of on September 21st, 2006 application with in the priority of the U.S. Patent application 11/649,419 of application on January 4th, 2007, and its content is incorporated into herein by reference.

Technical field

The present invention relates generally to communication network, particularly a kind of network is used for dangerous constrained environment, for example environment such as mine, granary, oil or natural gas refinery, sawmill, Furniture Factory.

Background technology

As long as profit potentially, mining can be in extreme danger the ground operation.Extensive underground mining presents sizable security challenge especially owing to the risk of roof fall.Because explosive methane continues to leak in frangible nature of coal and the coal, mine even present bigger challenge.Perhaps, the Sago mine disaster is explosion of coal mines nearest and that feature is the distinctest.On January 2nd, 2006, mine disaster takes place in Sago colliery, w.va. Sago city, almost in two days, causes 13 miners to die.Only there is 1 miner to survive.Suppose, although this kind supposition does not confirm that as yet communication and location technology can be saved most miner.From this mine disaster, legislation requires radio communication and location technology, so that in the incident of this type of disaster, the miner can be positioned, yet before this, this kind communication and location technology do not exist.

Generally speaking, lack the existing network technology that is used to environment such as digging up mine, and generally believe that the network technology that is used to dig up mine of prior art can not change the result of mine disaster.The current communication technology that is used to dig up mine is based on intercom or " walkie-talkie " and/or run through wired link of mine.Because the decay of signal, existing radio communication is unreliable when roof fall, in any case and the broadcast characteristic of existing radio communication also be not easy to the location.Wiredly can break down when being linked at mine and subsiding.

The main prior art that is used to communicate by letter is a telephone.This can trace back to nineteen fifties.Its shortcoming is conspicuous.Each miner can not be identified, and s/he can not be talked with any specific people.In addition, if blast or subside, electric wire can be damaged.Even do not damage cable, system is also inoperative, because blast or during fire, all power supplys in the mine will be cut off automatically.

Second kind of technology " sewing feed " (leaky feeder) by name.Long in essence cable passes mine, as big antenna.Signal is broadcasted on cable, and " sewing " to bidirectional communication apparatus, and for example radio receiver-transmitter maybe can comprise the device of a series of lamps or LED.Sew feed and have four main shortcomings.The first,, sew the feed cable and must often move or extend because the zone that " production face " or coal are just being exploited can advance 300 feet in one day.This is expensive, and always can in time not finish.Second is that signal typically extends to about 15 feet from leaky cable.Though this provides good covering for each tunnel, it needs leaky cable to be covered in each position that needs cover.Because this will be very expensive, therefore usually only mine often to part be capped.Three, the carrier wave of signal does not meet the bandwidth of Federal Communications Committee (" FCC ") approval.Therefore, it will interfere with each other with other equipment in the mine.Has a large-scale mine at least because this is former thereby abrogate 150000 dollars the system that used.At last, system's power supply that need continue.When the length of cable increased, signal must be exaggerated at interval end place.These amplifiers need power supply.Unfortunately, when power supply was cut off, urgency communication also was cut off.

Another kind of technology " PED " by name.Leading firm, mine technology company (Mine siteTechnologies) (www.minesite.com) and break faith with the connotation of PED.They represent " individual sentinel plant " or " efficient raising device " with it.The PED system is that a kind of ultralow frequency (ULF) is worn soil (through-the-earth), paging, control and blasting system.The binding energy of ULF and high-voltage transmission system makes the PED signal propagate by hundreds of meters lithosphere.In theory, signal can only utilize the antenna on the face of land or underground miniature antenna to be received in any position of mine.First shortcoming of PED is only to provide individual event communication.Voice communication is impossible, and five-star be can RTA Radio Text message.Shortcoming is that this message can not really be received.This system is installed in Australia widely, because it originates from this, yet North America market is accepted it lentamente.The PED antenna is the longest face of land loop cable that reaches 12 kms.In most of Australian mining industries, the mild relatively and vegetation of face of land landform seldom.In mountain area or forest, lay this cable difficulty and expensive.Most of U.S. (" US ") mining operator thinks that this system that makes can not install.Many U.S. mine is positioned under the private manor, and cabling hinders land use.

The technology of upgrading is by the healthy office of U.S.'s mine safety (" MSHA ") test.By a kind of technology of being test be (through the earth) (TTE).It is at first in nineteen seventies and the 1980s and mineral bureau's joint development of now having abolished that a kind of TTE system is arranged.It utilizes electromagnetic radiation to propagate based on ultra-low frequency signal.The advantage of TTE is in theory can two-way call.This technology is by at least two company's exploitations.First hand is Vital Alert (www.vitalalert.com).They have by the breadboard engineer of Los Alamos is the licensed technology of the initial exploitation of mineral bureau.They provide considerably less public information, claim that but they can pass 9000 feet earth-layer propagation voice communication.File is presented in the actual test, and they at most successfully reach 500 feet.In theory, the base station can be every 500 feet settings in underground passage, with complete covering mine.Yet maximum colliery covers 30 sq. mi, and so relies on unit price, and system can daunting costliness.Second kind of technology Transtek (www.transtekcorp.com) by name.They have the commercially available system that is installed in the U.S. and the Canadian many admants ore deposit.Audio frequency is propagated to be proved to be and can be reached 300 feet.Ratify without MSHA.

Generally speaking, the neither one aforementioned system can be provided for a series of ideals of environment such as digging up mine, satisfied safety and operation characteristic.

Summary of the invention

The embodiment of the first main aspect seeks to be provided for the radio node of the network in the underground mine.Radio node comprises the mounting portion, be used in the node installation site of mine node being installed separably, so that node can reconfigure in mine.Radio node also comprises at least one antenna coupling unit, be used for the antenna of different systems is coupled to node separably, so that node can be set to one of backhaul operation at least and overlapping operation.Radio node also comprises communications portion, be used for allowing and at least one other radio node, server and at least one client communication by antenna, so that the network service of the radio node that server and at least one client computer can be by being installed in the node installation site in the mine.In certain embodiments, the node installation site in the mine comprises one of the top board position of mine of post in the mine at least, adjacent posts and top board position of the mine between the post.

In first some embodiment aspect main, the antenna of different systems comprises the antenna mounting portion, is used for fixing up an aerial wire separably in the antenna installation site of mine.In certain embodiments, the antenna installation site in the mine comprises one of the top board position of mine of post in the mine at least, adjacent posts and top board position of the mine between the post.

In first other embodiment aspect main, the antenna of different systems comprises bilateral antenna and omnidirectional antenna.In certain embodiments, bilateral antenna is set to produce the forward direction area of coverage and back to the area of coverage, the forward direction area of coverage and back are used for providing basic covering along the room of mine to the area of coverage, and the forward direction area of coverage comprises sidepiece, are used for providing the basic covering between the crossdrift of mine.In other embodiments, omnidirectional antenna is set to provide the omnidirectional in the mine to cover.

In first another embodiment aspect main, radio node also comprises one of bilateral antenna and omnidirectional antenna at least.In certain embodiments, backhaul operation comprises at least one bilateral antenna is coupled at least one antenna coupling unit, described at least one bilateral antenna is set to be installed in the mine, so that the forward direction area of coverage and back cover room in the mine substantially to the area of coverage, so that node is communicated by letter with one of other nodes with server at least.In certain embodiments, overlapping operation comprises at least one omnidirectional antenna is coupled at least one antenna coupling unit, and at least one bilateral antenna is coupled at least one antenna coupling unit, described omnidirectional antenna is set to be installed in the mine, so that node is by omnidirectional antenna and at least one client communication, and described at least one bilateral antenna is set to be installed in the mine, so that node is further communicated by letter with one of other nodes with server at least.

The embodiment of the second main aspect seeks to be provided for the network of underground mine.This network comprises server.Network also comprises a plurality of radio nodes of the node location configuration that spreads all over mine.Part in a plurality of nodes is set to the backhaul operation, is used for relaying data between the actual production zone of server and mine.Part in a plurality of nodes is set to overlapping operation, is used at least one client computer of actual production zone and is set to relay data between the node of backhaul operation.Each node is set to and at least one other node communication, thus all nodes can with server communication.At least one client computer is set to executive utility, and with each node communication.

In second some embodiment aspect main, mine comprises exploits part and actual exploitation part, and the node that is set to the backhaul operation is positioned at exploits part, and the node that is set to overlapping operation is positioned at actual exploitation part.In certain embodiments, actual exploitation part comprises the working face in the coal seam of just being exploited, so that when the working face of being exploited when the coal seam advances, the node that is set to overlapping operation of at least a portion can be repositioned to more near the working face place, and the node that is set to overlapping operation of a part can be redeployed as the backhaul operation.In these embodiments, replace with the antenna that is set to the backhaul form by the antenna that will be set to mulching method, the node section that is set to overlapping operation can be redeployed as the backhaul operation.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the schematic diagram in house column type colliery with communication system of whole configurations.

Fig. 2 is the schematic diagram of the communication network that disposes in the mine of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is the schematic diagram of the access points that uses in the system of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is the schematic diagram of the client apparatus that uses in the system of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is the schematic diagram of a part of network shown in figure 2.

Fig. 6 shows the coverage of the antenna of the access points that is used for Fig. 3.

Fig. 7 shows the coverage of Fig. 6 relevant with a plurality of posts.

Fig. 8 shows the scope of the covering of a plurality of antennas in the idealized grid of post.

Fig. 9 shows idealized grid and the access points and the communication interaction therebetween of post.

Figure 10 shows because of blast and makes the grid of the failed Fig. 9 of some access points.

Figure 11 shows because of blast and makes the grid of the failed Fig. 9 of some other access points.

Figure 12 shows to have because of blast and makes the mine of the failed Fig. 1 of some access points.

Embodiment

With reference to Fig. 1, house column type colliery integral body is noted as 50.The characteristics of mine 50 are that coal seam 52 is exploited, so that remaining a plurality of post 54-1,54-2 54-26.(usually, post (pillar) 54, and collectively, post (pillars) 54).Be not that post 54 and a part of coal seam 52 of not exploited yet are called as coal face, and be marked as 58-1,58-2 ... 58-7.

The characteristics of mine 50 also are, a plurality of rooms around each post 54.Each room (being also referred to as " crossdrift " " inlet " (cross-cut)) has about 20 feet width, and each post 54 has the width of about 40-100 foot.Mine 50 can be suitable for the mining of longwell and/or retrusive, thereby each post 54 is moved, and allows roof caving, and further increases the risk of mining personnel injury.

The characteristics of mine 50 also are well head 62, and miner, other staff and equipment can enter and withdraw mine 50 by well head 62, and the coal of exploitation from mine 50 can therefrom be shifted out.

The characteristics of mine 50 also are, a plurality of barrier 66-1, the 66-2 that can be used to some room is isolated from each other ... 66-12.Barrier 66 can be arranged so that isolate the corridor in room.For example barrier 66-3,66-7,66-9 and 66-11 define a side in corridor 70, and a relative side in barrier 66-4,66-8,66-10 and 66-12 definition corridor 70.For example, corridor 70 can be from coal face 587-7 and carries the conveyer belt of coal to reserve to well head 62.Similarly, the ventilation equipment in the mine 50 can be provided so that the dirty air of guiding blows out from well head 62, and therefore impel clean air to enter the residue place of mine 50.

Barrier 66 can be a stationary partition, also can be for so-called " People's Bank of China's door ", and as needs, its permission personnel open and pass through those.In mine 50, barrier 66-5 and barrier 66-6 are People's Bank of China's door, and remaining barrier 66 is partition wall.

According to an embodiment, communication network 72 is also spreaded all over mine 50 configurations.In Fig. 2, schematically show communication network 72, and in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, all show the element of network 72.Network 72 comprises a plurality of access points 74 that are installed in a plurality of points that spread all over mine 50, mainly is post 54.Network 72 also comprises at least one client apparatus 78-1, and described client apparatus 78-1 is set to and those access points 74 radio communications in the scope of device 78-1.

System 50 also comprises at least one base station 82, and described base station 82 is set to and those access points 74 radio communications in the scope of base station 82.Base station 82 connects Operation Centre 86 successively by linking 90, and described link 90 can be wired or wireless according to needs.Base station 82 can be used as the access points 74 that connects Operation Centre 86.

Operation Centre 86 is provided with by linking the server 94 of 90 connection base stations 82.Server 94 is set gradually to allowing user U mutual with system 50 by terminal 98 and telephone device 102.Terminal 98 allows user U that the text input is provided and watches visual output from server 94, and telephone device 102 allows user U to carry out voice frequency telephone by server 94 to call out.It should be understood by one skilled in the art that the input/output unit of various configurations and type can be utilized, or it is substituted except that telephone device 102 and terminal 98.

As shown in Figure 2, server 94 also connects network 106, and for example the Internet is mutual with mode identical with user U and server 94 with the user who allows Long-distance Control server 94.

With reference to Fig. 3, access points 74 shows more details.Access points 74 comprises a plurality of inner members, comprises by bus and radio receiver-transmitter 114 interconnective central processing units (" CPU ") 110, network interface unit (" NIC ") 116, random access memory (" RAM ") 118 (or other volatile memory devices) and read-only memory (" ROM ") 122 (or other non-volatile memory devices).Do not show among Fig. 3 that access points 74 also is provided with rechargable power supplies.Under usual conditions, access points 74 connects the electrical network main line of operation in the mine 50.Yet under contingency condition, access points 74 is set to rely on the rechargable power supplies continuous running, and described rechargable power supplies relies on connection electrical network main line and keeps Full Charge Capacity.

The inner member of access points 74 is set in the shatter-proof explosion-proof casing that meets the regulations of digging up mine, so that the power supply in the access points 74 has the risk of lighting the imflammable gas in the mine 50 of minimizing.This kind is shatter-proof to be meant and to make access points 74 as specified " essential safety " of MHSA and/or other regulators and/or group.

Each access points 54 also has and aims at the battery that allows access points 54 operations to reach four days and design.As needs, each access points 54 is connected to step-down transformer so that 120 volts of AC and/or 20 to be provided the DC that is beset with.20 are beset with the DC type for preferred, because its more efficient usually and easier realization essential safety.Weight and unit price are considered in compromise, and lead acid accumulator and lithium-ion electric pool technology are preferred.Yet, should note the easier realization essential safety of lithium ion battery.

In the present embodiment, access points 74 also comprises a plurality of directional antenna 126-1,126-2,126-3,126-4.Therefore, preferably, comprise a plurality of radio receiver-transmitters in the radio receiver-transmitter 114, a radio receiver-transmitter is controlled each antenna.In addition, equally preferably, each antenna 126 is set to two different tunneling traffics---and passage is used for coal face and other access points 74 uplink communications towards mine 50, and another passage is used for towards the Operation Centre 86, with other access points downlink communication.Each directional antenna 126 is controlled by radio receiver-transmitter 114, and each antenna 126 is set to both receive and sends radio communication, therefore and allow each access points 74 to communicate with one another and/or communicate by letter, need only them in scope each other with base station 82.

In the present embodiment, access points 74 comprises that also a plurality of wireline interfaces connect 130-1,130-2.Each interface 130 is controlled by NIC 116, and each interface 130 is set to the local ancillary equipment that is attached to interface 130 mutual.In the present embodiment, each interface 130 is based on ethernet standard, but in other embodiments, interface connects 130 can be based on USB (" USB "), RS-232, live wire etc. and/or their combination.Can expect, the ancillary equipment that is used for connected reference access point 74 comprises for example basic permanent IP Camera, telephotography head, gas sensor, temperature sensor, process logic controller, humidity sensor or other transducers, the loud speaker of connecting, and/or interim connect comprise notebook computer, personal digital assistant, printer, barcode scanner and/or the device when device 78 can not wireless connections access points 74 78 self.

Therefore, ROM 122 preserves the persistent copy of software and other program codes of operational access access points 74, and it realizes various communications and other functions that access points 74 is set.Can expect that equally the content of ROM 122 can be updated by antenna 126 or interface 130.

Same attention, in the present embodiment, each antenna 126 mechanically separates with the main underframe of access points 74, and is electrically connected to main underframe by essential safety cable and pass connection connector thereof.Therefore, each antenna 126 can be installed in other correct positions in post 54 or the mine 50, and towards so that create and/or be arranged in the overlay area of another antenna 126 of another access points 74.The separable characteristic of each antenna 126 also allows antenna 126 to be placed in a side of barrier 66, and the underframe of access points 74 is placed in an opposite side of barrier 66.As shown in Figure 3, antenna 126-2 is placed in a side of barrier 66, and the underframe of access points 74 is placed in an opposite side of barrier 66.Because barrier 66 is not airtight usually, and the opening that cable can easily pass through the slit or be drilled with in barrier 66.

In the present embodiment, because each access points 76 can be supported nearly four radio receiver-transmitters, and antenna 126 is two-way, each access points 76 can be propagated nearly eight signal modes by the antenna 126 of Remote configuration, in the present embodiment, described antenna 126 can be configured to reach 75 feet from its access points 76 separately by cable.Therefore, an access points 76 can be used to produce the two-way signaling that is used for two inlets, can provide sizable expense to save and/or the efficient hardware utilization by the configuration access points still less 76 more required than prior art in mine 50.

With reference to figure 4, show the more details of client apparatus 78.Be accompanied by some important modifications, client apparatus 78 can be based on the function of wireless personal digital assistant, for example the IPaq of Hewlett-Packard ^TM, Palm company TREO ^TMThe perhaps Blackberry of JNC research company ^TMDevice 78 also is contained in the physical requirement that stands Minepit environment and reduces electric component in the device 78 equally and light in shatter-proof, the essential safety of the possibility of the gas in the mine 50, the explosion-resistant enclosure.Therefore, the inner member of device 78 comprises keyboard 138 and microphone 142 (and/or other input equipments) and display 146 and the interconnected CPU 134 of loud speaker 150 (and/or other output equipments).CPU 134 also is connected to each other aforesaid element and RAM 154, ROM 158, radio receiver-transmitter 162 and NIC 166.Radio receiver-transmitter 162 connects antenna 170 successively, and NIC 166 connecting interfaces 174.Radio receiver-transmitter 162 and antenna 170 are set to put 74 radio communications with each access interface in the scope of device 78.NIC 166 and interface 174 can or comprise Bluetooth based on USB, live wire, RS-232, RS-485 ^TMOr the wireless medium of Zig Bee.Can comprise a plurality of NIC that utilize different above-mentioned agreements.Should be appreciated that in variant device 78 does not need to comprise all above-mentioned features.

In this preferred embodiment, client apparatus 78 is based on Windows ^TM" personal digital assistant ", comprise the software that aims at device 78 communication and positioner 78 and design.Device 78 can utilize IEEE 802.11b, and g (or its variant) standard is communicated by letter with each access points.Software allows each client apparatus 78 to have the function of walkie-talkie and/or voip phone.Positioning software allows the user accurately to understand the position of user in mine 50, and understands the position of other client apparatus 78 in its vicinity.As needs, can comprise other embedded instruments, for example message and spreadsheet.

With reference to Fig. 5, show base station 82, access points 74 and install 78 illustrative configurations, wherein, the communication between device 78 and the base station 82 comes into force by access points 78.As previously mentioned, each access points 78 is set to communicate by letter on two passes, and each antenna 126 dynamically is set to move on any passage.Similarly, each antenna 126 can physically be installed on the direction of creating the overlay area that another antenna 126 with another access points 74 overlaps.In Fig. 5, access points 74-1 is illustrated as by first down going channel 180 and base station 82 two-way communications.Visit 74-1 also is illustrated as by second data feedback channel 184 and access points 74-5 and access points 74-6 two-way communication.Successively, access points 74-5 and access points 74-6 also are illustrated as by data feedback channel 184 and access points 78 two-way communications.

Down going channel 180 and data feedback channel 184 are orthogonal, and therefore mutually noninterfere.In this preferred embodiment, the carrier frequency of down going channel 180 is 2.4GHz, and the carrier frequency of data feedback channel 184 is 5.8GHz, 2.4GHz or required and based on other frequencies of IEEE 802.11b (and/or its variant) agreement.

With reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, the figure integral body that the coverage of each antenna 126 is shown is noted as 188.This coverage typically is two-way.Passage 180 with 184 each can have the identical scope of covering as shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7 substantially.Each antenna 126 is set to produce as shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7 the forward direction area of coverage (coveragefootprint) 192 with radio system 144, and equally as shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7 back to the area of coverage 196.As shown in Figure 7, antenna 126 is mounted to post 54-z, and the middle body 200 of the forward direction area of coverage 192 is set to one or the width in more rooms of overlay defining between adjacent post 54.The sidepiece 204 of the forward direction area of coverage 192 is set to cover the crossdrift of closing on the room.Sidepiece 204 also is set to have some penetrances of passing any barrier 66 that is arranged in those crossdrifts.Rear portion 196 is advantageously provided provides extra covering when causing the loss of other antennas 126 and/or access points 64 in blast.

Fig. 8 shows the coverage of a plurality of antennas 126 in the idealized grid of post 54.The length of the idealized grid of post 54 is about 3,000 feet.What pay special attention to is that the various antennas 126 of access points 74 are placed, so that the forward direction area of coverage 200 will mainly cover the room between the post 54 that closes on, and provide along crossdrift and some extra coverings of passing barrier 66.Therefore similarly, sidepiece 204 provides the abundant covering between the crossdrift, and can communicate with one another at the access points 74 of the opposite side of barrier 66.

A plurality of forward direction areas of coverage 200 that Fig. 9 shows another idealized grid of post 54 and covers the room between a plurality of adjacent posts substantially.As the part of bilateral antenna of invention, also be provided for the extra reference point of locating, the configuration setting of access points 74 can be established so that staggered each access points 74, so its spacing is about 750 feet.

Figure 10 shows the grid of the post among Fig. 9,208 many antennas 126 and/or access points 74 is lost efficacy but wherein explode, and the fraction length of only depositing the grid of post 54 is not blocked.Although blast 208 is arranged, communication is still possible between the different access points 74.Therefore, client apparatus 78 still can be communicated by letter with Operation Centre 86.

Figure 11 shows the grid of the post among Fig. 9, but wherein several blast has made the access points 74 of the diverse location of many grids that spread all over post 54 lose efficacy.In Figure 11, the communications that the sidepiece of the area of coverage 192 still allows the access points that closes on 74 to keep each other, so that still can communicate with one another at the access points 74 at the two ends of the grid of post 54.

Equally preferably, the function that is used for the radio receiver-transmitter 144 of each antenna 126 is dynamically configured, therefore, by the automatic selection of each access points 74 and/or by control, can dynamically adjust from frequency and/or communication protocol that each antenna 126 sends from Operation Centre 86.Therefore, specific radio receiver-transmitter/antenna 126 combinations can be used to data feedback channel 180 and/or down going channel 184.Can wish to dispose less or extra passage.For example, when blast causes the loss of access points 74, can wish to impel each access points 74 only to abandon its only operation of a passage using of supported V oIP, and increase therefore that client apparatus 78 can successfully be lost or indicator of trapped personnel is used for the possibility of communicating by letter with Operation Centre 86.Yet, if many access points 74 are all effective and cover overlapping, so, those access points 74 can be set to move on many orthogonal channels automatically or manually, and therefore use some passage of contribution for some, for example a passage is used for audio frequency, another is used for data, also has a backhaul that is used to get back to Operation Centre 86, and it is therefore can be used for special modality and adjust every passage, but whole based on the access points 74 that all can in preset time, communicate with one another with the service quality that is used for application-specific according to hope.

The configuration of new access points 74 can realize in conjunction with the form of each new post 54 basically.In addition, if a group access access point 74 fully disconnects with other, so, mobile access access point 74 can be rescued the workman and be carried and enter mine 50 to the position that can be used as bridge between the coverage, and therefore restore all-access access point 74 each other and with Operation Centre 86 between be connected fully.

Figure 12 shows the mine of Fig. 1, but blast has caused near the mining area of post 54-6,54-7,54-8 to subside fully, in fact besieges miner or the other staff that are positioned at coal face 58-3.Because those personnel just carrying can with Operation Centre 86 communicating devices 78-1, perhaps audio frequency, perhaps text, even video are allowed to 220 the path of being designated by being ten miles.It should be understood by one skilled in the art that after this blast, coal ash and dust restriction visibility, even the use of light, the whole inside of mine 50 can be absorbed in dark.Utilize the pictorial information of server 64, how the personnel that user U might instruct at coal face 58-3 are by only advancing along the path that is illustrated as 220 and walking out mine 50 simply.Even explode closed path, still can communicate by letter with user U at least the personnel of coal face 58-3, and even during by rescue, be allowed to communicate by letter with relatives by network 106 when they wait from mine 50.

Figure 13 shows another idealized grid of post 54 of mine 50 and a plurality of coal faces in coal seam 52, a plurality of coal faces are marked as 58a-1,58a-2,58a-7 (usually, coal face (coalface) 54a, and collectively, coal face (coal faces) 54a), coal face 54a is similar substantially to the coal face 54 among Fig. 1.In one embodiment, mine 50 comprises production zone 57 and actual production zone 58.Production zone 57 expressions have been exploited, the zone of the mine 50 of the remaining post 54 that is used to support, and working seam 52 takes place in actual production zone 58 expression reality, for example removes the zone of the mine 50 of coal from coal face 54a.In the coal mining process, actual area 58 is advanced and is goed deep into coal seam 52, produces more multicolumn 54, and coal face 54a equally further advances in coal seam 52.Production zone 57 also will be followed the preceding of actual production zone 58 and then be advanced and go deep into coal seam 52.

Figure 13 also shows on the node installation site in mine 50 separably access points 74a-1, the 74a-2 of configuration, 74a-11 (usually, access points (access point) 74a, and collectively, access points (access point) 74a).For example, in a non-limiting example, access points 74a is disposed on post 54 separably.In another non-limiting example, may close on post 54 or on the top board of the mine between the post 54 50, or other suitable positions, access points is disposed separably.In Figure 14, access points 74a has been described, its to Fig. 3 in the access points 74 described similar substantially, similar element is represented with similar Reference numeral.Figure 14 has also described the mounting portion 85 that is used for installing separably at post 54 access points 74a.In a non-limiting example, mounting portion 85 comprises the device of the plush copper of using the anchor pole in the bolt state of the art separably, and described anchor pole is holed to provide structural strength to frangible top board on the top board of mine 50.

Figure 14 also shows and is used for antenna coupling unit 129-1,129-2,129-3 and 129-4 that antenna and radio receiver-transmitter 114 are coupled separably.For example, Figure 14 shows by antenna coupling unit 129-1 and 129-2, and radio receiver-transmitter 114 is coupled to bilateral antenna 126-1 and 126-2 respectively separably.Figure 14 also shows by antenna coupling unit 129-3 and 129-4, and radio receiver-transmitter 114 is coupled to omnidirectional antenna 127-1 and 127-2 respectively separably.Omnidirectional antenna 127 has and the similar area of coverage of whole directions known to those of ordinary skills.So, different antennas can be coupled to radio receiver-transmitter 114 separatedly, rely on the kind of antenna to allow access points 74a to be set to different standard operations, this antenna to be coupled to radio receiver-transmitter 114 and in order further resetting with the different systems operation, only the antenna of at least one first standard to be changed into the antenna of at least one second standard.In addition, with reference to aforesaid Fig. 3, each antenna 126 mechanically separates with the main underframe of access points 74, and is electrically connected to main underframe by essential safety cable and pass connection connector thereof.Therefore, each antenna 126 can be installed in the antenna installation site with the plush copper of bolt anchor pole separably by for example aforesaid, for example the suitable position of other in post 54 or the mine 50.

Get back to Figure 13, when the miner when coal face 58a cuts coal, more miners will be positioned at actual production zone 58, wish to have in actual production zone 58 redundant the covering, make at least one client apparatus 78-1 be positioned at actual production zone 58 as far as possible.Therefore, wish to pass through at least one omnidirectional antenna 127 of coupling, the access points 74a that is arranged in actual production zone 58 is set is used for overlapping operation to radio receiver-transmitter 114.The scope of omnidirectional antenna 127 scope than bilateral antenna 126 usually is little, yet omnidirectional antenna 127 can provide than bilateral antenna 126 is more local and cover.Therefore, wish by more highdensity access points 74a is provided in being provided with the actual production zone 58 of omnidirectional antenna 127, and then provide the redundancy of actual production zone 58 to cover.For example, Figure 13 further shows the partial converage zone 201 of omnidirectional antenna 127.In certain embodiments, omnidirectional antenna 127 can be suitable for communicating by letter with other access points 74a.For example, Figure 13 shows related with 74a-9 with access points 74a-8 and is set to the overlay area 201a of the omnidirectional antenna 127 of communicating by letter with other access points 74a.

Yet in certain embodiments, bilateral antenna 126 can be preferably used for communicating by letter with other access points 74a.Therefore, when access points 74a is set to overlapping operation, access points 74a will further comprise at least one bilateral antenna that is coupled to radio receiver-transmitter 114 usually, be used for communicating by letter with other access points 74a.In certain embodiments, access points 74a will comprise bilateral antenna 126 that is set to uplink communication and the bilateral antenna 126 that is set to downlink communication.

More wish to be provided with to be arranged in the access points 74a of production zone 57, be used for the backhaul operation of Data transmission between server 94 (by at least one base station 82) and access points 74a at actual production zone 58.When access points 74a is set to backhaul when operation, wish bilateral antenna 126 is coupled to radio receiver-transmitter 114, because bilateral antenna 126 can reach than long apart from the longer spread scope of directional antenna or omnidirectional antenna 128.The signal strength signal intensity of bilateral antenna 126 can not demonstrate bigger difference (decay) along the 2/3 the longest place of its pattern because the signal strength signal intensity at for example 1,000 feet places to look similar substantially in for example signal strength signal intensity at 1,300 feet places.In addition, bilateral antenna 127 can allow the propagation of overlap scheme, and therefore provides the reference points that are used for positioning software more.In certain embodiments, some aim at the backhaul operation and the access points 74a possibility redundancy of setting.For example in Figure 13, when access points 74a-1 communicated by letter with access points 74a-4, access points 74a-3 was " redundant node ".

In addition, the use that is used for the bilateral antenna of backhaul operation has brought the ability with the two-way backhaul communication of uplink and downlink.At first, involved if access points 74a determines uplink communication, upward signal can be propagated away from the head of network temporarily.If this kind situation, so, shortest path will not be the path of the fastest path or maximum bandwidth.Bilateral antenna on the backhaul radio receiver-transmitter is used in the communication of each the access points 74a that is equipped with this antenna in essence and selects double.

Therefore, be in operation, at least one client computer 78-1 communicates by letter with the access points 74a that is set to overlapping operation in actual production zone 58 by omnidirectional antenna 127 (or bilateral antenna 126), and omnidirectional antenna 127 provides the redundancy of actual production zone 58 to cover.The access points 74a that is positioned at actual production zone 58 also communicates by letter with other access points 74a, and next production zone 57 is set to the access points 74a of backhaul operation to server 94 relay communications by being arranged in.Carry out with coal mining, coal face 58a advances more deep to coal seam 52, the access points 74a that is set to overlapping operation of at least a portion is reconfigurable extremely more near coal face 58a, and the access points 74a that is set to overlapping operation of a part can be re-set as the backhaul operation by all fronts antenna 127 is replaced with bilateral antenna 126.

Though aforementioned some exemplary embodiment that provides, these embodiment also are not intended to restricted.The subclass of other combination, variation and those embodiment is conspicuous.Scope of the present invention is by the claim institute definition individually of enclosing at this.

Claims (14)

1. radio node that is used for the networking of underground mine comprises:

The mounting portion be used in the node installation site of mine node being installed separably, so that node can be shifted in mine;

At least one antenna coupling unit is used for the antenna of different systems is coupled to node separably, so that described node can be set to one of backhaul operation at least and overlapping operation; And

Communications portion, being used for can be by described antenna and at least one other radio node, server and at least one client communication, so that the network service of the radio node that described server and described at least one client computer can be by being installed in the described node installation site in the described mine.

2. radio node according to claim 1 is characterized in that, the described node installation site in the mine comprises one of the top board position of mine of the post in the mine at least, contiguous described post and top board position of the mine between the described post.

3. radio node according to claim 1 is characterized in that the antenna of described different systems comprises the antenna mounting portion, is used in the antenna installation site of mine described antenna being installed separably.

4. radio node according to claim 3 is characterized in that, the described antenna installation site in the mine comprises one of the top board position of mine of post in the mine, contiguous described post and top board position of the mine between the described post at least.

5. radio node according to claim 1 is characterized in that the antenna of described different systems comprises bilateral antenna and omnidirectional antenna.

6. radio node according to claim 5, it is characterized in that, described bilateral antenna is set to produce the forward direction area of coverage and back to the area of coverage, the described forward direction area of coverage and described back are used for providing basic covering along the room of described mine to the area of coverage, the described forward direction area of coverage comprises sidepiece, is used for providing the basic covering between the crossdrift of described mine.

7. radio node according to claim 5 is characterized in that, described omnidirectional antenna is set to provide the omnidirectional in the described mine to cover.

8. radio node according to claim 5 is characterized in that, also comprises one of described at least bilateral antenna and described omnidirectional antenna.

9. radio node according to claim 6, it is characterized in that, described backhaul operation comprises at least one described bilateral antenna is coupled to described at least one antenna coupling unit, described at least one described bilateral antenna is set to be installed in the described mine, so that the described forward direction area of coverage and described back cover room in the described mine substantially to the area of coverage, so that described node is communicated by letter with one of other nodes with described at least server.

10. radio node according to claim 9, it is characterized in that, described overlapping operation comprises at least one described omnidirectional antenna is coupled to described at least one antenna coupling unit, and described at least one bilateral antenna that is coupled is to described at least one antenna coupling unit, described omnidirectional antenna is set to be installed in the described mine, so that described node is by described omnidirectional antenna and described at least one client communication, and described described at least bilateral antenna is set to be installed in the described mine, so that described node is further communicated by letter with one of other nodes with described at least server.

11. a network that is used for underground mine comprises:

Server;

The a plurality of radio nodes that spread all over the node location expansion of described mine; Part in described a plurality of node is set to the backhaul operation, be used between the actual production zone of described server and described mine, relaying data, part in described a plurality of node is set to overlapping operation, be used at least one client computer of described actual production zone and be set to relay data between the described node of backhaul operation, each described node is set to other described node communications with at least one, thus all described nodes can with described server communication; And

Described at least one client computer is set to executive utility, and with each described node communication.

12. network according to claim 11, it is characterized in that, described mine comprises exploits part and described actual exploitation part, and the described node that is set to the backhaul operation is positioned at has describedly exploited part, and the described node that is set to overlapping operation is positioned at the described actual part of exploiting.

13. network according to claim 12, it is characterized in that, described actual exploitation part comprises the working face in the coal seam of just being exploited, so that when the described working face of being exploited when described coal seam advances, the described node that is set to overlapping operation of at least a portion can be shifted in to more approaching described working face, and the described node that is set to overlapping operation of a part can be redeployed as the backhaul operation.

14. network according to claim 13 is characterized in that, replaces with the antenna that is set to the backhaul form by the antenna that will be set to mulching method, the described node that is set to overlapping operation of described part can be redeployed as the backhaul operation.

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