Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US7958824?dq=inassignee:doubleclick
Timestamp: 2014-12-20 09:45:28
Document Index: 642375893

Matched Legal Cases: ['art%20', 'art%20', 'art-260273', 'art�260273', 'art%20', 'art%20']

Patent US7958824 - Security enhanced blasting apparatus, and method of blasting - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inAdvanced Patent SearchPatentsBlasting apparatuses are disclosed that include enhanced security features, including biometric analysis of specific biological features of a candidate blast operator, thereby to generate a biometric signature. Other corresponding methods relate to cross-referencing of biometric signatures between components...http://www.google.com/patents/US7958824?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US7958824 - Security enhanced blasting apparatus, and method of blastingAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS7958824 B2Publication typeGrantApplication numberUS 12/958,613Publication dateJun 14, 2011Filing dateDec 2, 2010Priority dateFeb 16, 2005Also published asCA2596099A1, CA2596099C, CA2597675A1, CA2597675C, CA2775934A1, CA2775934C, EP1848959A1, EP1848959A4, EP1848959B1, EP1848960A1, EP1848960A4, EP1848960B1, EP2357442A2, EP2357442A3, US8839720, US20060262480, US20060272536, US20090314176, US20110067591, WO2006086843A1, WO2006086844A1Publication number12958613, 958613, US 7958824 B2, US 7958824B2, US-B2-7958824, US7958824 B2, US7958824B2InventorsRonald F. StewartOriginal AssigneeOrica Explosives Technology Pty Ltd.Export CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (45), Non-Patent Citations (101), Referenced by (2), Classifications (9) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetSecurity enhanced blasting apparatus, and method of blastingUS 7958824 B2Abstract Blasting apparatuses are disclosed that include enhanced security features, including biometric analysis of specific biological features of a candidate blast operator, thereby to generate a biometric signature. Other corresponding methods relate to cross-referencing of biometric signatures between components of the blasting system. Additional security features of the blasting apparatuses, and corresponding methods of blasting employing the blasting apparatuses, are also disclosed.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/354,929, filed Feb. 16, 2006, which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No's. 60/653,085, filed Feb. 16, 2005, and 60/715,133, filed Sep. 9, 2005, the entire contents of each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of blasting apparatuses for mining operations, as well as corresponding methods of blasting. In particular, the present invention relates to blasting apparatuses having an increased level of security.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Mining operations often employ a blasting system or apparatus for controlling actuation of an array of explosive charges. Typically, explosive charges are positioned at the blast site, for example in drilled boreholes, and detonators are associated with the explosive charges. For example, during a blast event, signals may be transmitted to the detonators (often via shock tube, low energy detonating cord, electrical wires or wireless means) to cause initiation thereof, which in turn triggers actuation of each associated explosive charge. The efficiency and success of the blasting event may depend largely upon the careful positioning and timing of actuation of the explosive charges relative to one another, with the intention to provide near optimal shockwave interference, and rock fragmentation.
In another example, International Patent Application PCT/AU98/00929 published Nov. 6, 1998 discloses an electromagnetic induction detonation system involving an automated radio charge (ARCH) module connectable to an electric detonator and a transducer. The system further includes a remote controller for sending instructions to the transducer module from a remote location. Actuation of the detonator requires the transducer module to generate an electromagnetic field which is used to power the ARCH module and provide a detonation current. In one embodiment, the remote controller includes means for the manual entry of instructions by which a user must enter a valid identification number within a predetermined time period in order for the remote controller to establish a radio communication link with the transducer unit. In another embodiment, the remote controller unit includes a processor means for generating a unique identification code word which is continuously transmitted until an acknowledgment signal is received from the transducer unit corresponding to the identification code word. In the absence of receipt of the acknowledgment signal within a predetermined time period the remote controller adopts a �reset� mode, thereby requiring a user to enter a new valid identification code before communication with the transducer unit is re-established.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention, at least in preferred embodiments, to provide a blasting apparatus that is substantially inoperable by unauthorized persons.
It is yet another object of the present invention, at least in preferred embodiments, to provide a blasting apparatus that �recognizes� an authorized blast operator without the need to input authorization codes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 illustrates a blasting apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention.
DEFINITIONS Biometric analyzer: Any device capable of scanning or otherwise analyzing one or more biometric feature of an individual (e.g. a blast operator). For example, in the case where the biometric analyzer scans a physical biometric feature the device may include a camera such as a digital camera or RF scanning means, and optionally means to store an image such as a digital image. Furthermore, a biometric analyzer may include storage means to store the image and means to communicate the image to a blast authorizing means. Examples of such a biometric analyzer unit include the Sony� FIU-700 Biometric Unit, those produced under the trade name �V-pass� by the company Bioscrypt, as well as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,937,557, issued Aug. 17, 1999. However, biometric analyzers are not limited to those that capture and process images comprising biometric features. In this regard, the expression �biometric analyzer� includes devices that capture other biometric features including but not limited to voices (such analyzers may include a microphone and optionally sound recording means), DNA fingerprints (such analyzers may include DNA sampling, extraction and analysis means), written signatures (such analyzers may include computer-based signatures analysis). Other biometric analyzers may involve the use of skin spectroscopy for example to measure surface or subcutaneous spectral properties of the skin. Other biometric analyzers may detect vein patterns and include means for example to analyze finger vein patterns by the presence of haemoglobin in subcutaneous veins. Such finger vein pattern analyzers may be obtained from manufacturers such as Hitachi.
Biometric feature: any feature that is unique or substantially unique between two or more persons. Preferably, a biometric feature is readily accessible and suitable for analysis or scanning via a biometric analyzer. Biometric features may be selected from the following non-limiting group: a fingerprint, an iris, a retina, a face, a hand, a DNA fingerprint etc. In other embodiments the biometric feature may include an entire face. Other biometric features include skin spectroscopy (including surface or deep skin spectroscopy), vein patterns such as finger vein patterns (for example assessed by measuring haemoglobin presence in subcutaneous veins). The expression �biometric feature� is not limited to material features, and may include for example, a voice or spoken word that can be recorded by a biometric analyzer for subsequent analysis, or a signature recognition for a written signature.
Blast operator: For the purposes of this specification, a blast operator encompasses anyone who uses or attempts to use a blasting apparatus of the present invention. The expression �blast operator� includes a �candidate blast operator� who is a blast operator attempting to gain access to and control of a blasting apparatus of the invention by allowing analysis by components of the blasting apparatus of his/her biometric features. The expression �authorized blast operator� refers to a candidate blast operator who has been determined by components of the blasting apparatus to be authorized to operate the blasting apparatus by reason of competency and/or sufficient training and/or trustworthiness. In contrast, the expression �unauthorized blast operator� refers to those blast operators who fail to meet the requirements of an authorized blast operator.
Blasting apparatus: For the purposes of this specification, a blasting apparatus may include one or more blasting machines and associated detonators or detonator assemblies. The blasting apparatus may further include additional components such as one ore more additional blasting machines, and optionally a central command station. The detonators and other components of a blasting apparatus may communicate via physical means such as electrical wires, low energy detonating cord, or shock tube, or alternatively may communicate via wireless means such as radio waves, electromagnetic induction or light (e.g. laser light) signaling means. The expressions �blasting system� and �blasting apparatus� are essentially synonymous on the understanding that they may include various physically joined or separate components working on conjunction with one another to control and optionally actuate detonators.
Corresponds: in specific embodiments, a test biometric signature is described to correspond to a known biometric signature of an authorized or unauthorized blast operator. For the sake of clarity, the terms �corresponding� or �corresponds� provide that a test biometric signature exhibits identical or similar features to a known biometric signature sufficient to deduce that the test biometric signature is likely derived from the same biometric feature of the same blast operator. In this way, a determination can be made as to whether a test biometric signature is derived from an authorized or an unauthorized blast operator. It should be noted that to achieve correspondence, two biometric signatures need not be identical, but at least achieve a degree of similarity greater than a predetermined threshold.
Detonator: this term pertains to any form of electronic or electric detonator. Such forms are well known in the art and typically comprise a shell, a base charge, and means to actuate the base charge in response to some form of electronic or wireless signal. In preferred embodiments, �detonator� relates to those detonators that include programmable initiation means, for example that include means to store unique detonator identification information, and/or detonator firing codes. Furthermore, in preferred embodiments, the detonators and their associated blasting machines may be defined as being �secure�, such that �secure� detonators will only be capable of actuation when in association with a corresponding �secure� blasting machine, and likewise a �secure� blasting machine will only be operational when connected to correspondingly �secure� detonators. Dialog between �secure� detonators and corresponding �secure� blasting machines can only occur if the detonators are predesignated to function with a selected �secure� blasting machine. The term detonator further includes detonator assemblies comprising other components required for the control and actuation of the base charge of the detonator. For example, in the case of a wireless detonator assembly the components may include wireless signal receiving and processing means.
Detonator firing code�each detonator firing code may include in electronic form identification information and/or delay time information for each individual detonator or group of detonators.
Portable device: pertains to any device that is easily transported between components of the blasting apparatus of the present invention, and which further comprises means for electronically storing information such as information that relates to the identity of a blast operator, and in particular a biometric signature of a blast operator. In this way, the portable device may form part of the personal property of the blast operator for presentation at each blasting event, for example to input a biometric signature into one or more components of a blasting apparatus of the present invention with the intention to active the apparatus for a blasting event in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The portable device may have the biometric signature information inputted onto the device by inserting the device into a suitable writer for writing the biometric signature information thereto. Alternatively, the portable device may have incorporated therein a biometric analyzer and other means to analyze, process, and record information relating to one or more biometric features directly onto the device. Preferably, the portable device is secure, in that the information stored electronically on the portable device can only be read by an appropriate reader device specifically designed to �read� the electronic information from the portable device in a secure manner. In this way, illicit attempts to retrieve information from the portable device will be essentially foiled. In most preferred embodiments, the device may take the form of a card-like device such as a smart card.
Smart card: A smart card is a preferred type of portable device. For example, a smart card may take the physical form of a credit card-like device that includes any form of electronic storage media suitable for storing biometric signature information, and information relating to the blast operator and owner of the smart card. Preferably, the smart card is �secure�, in that the information stored electronically on the portable device can only be read by an appropriate reader device specifically designed to �read� the electronic information from the portable device in a secure manner. In this way, illicit attempts to retrieve information from the smart card will essentially be foiled.
Preferably: unless otherwise indicated the term �preferably� generally precedes disclosure of one or more preferred features of the broadest embodiments of the invention. Any preferred feature may be optional to all embodiments of the invention, and limits only the broadest embodiments of the invention unless otherwise indicated.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The inventors have succeeded in the development of a blasting apparatus having significant improvements in security. The inventors believe that the present invention represents the first time that biometric analysis has been contemplated and successfully incorporated as an integral feature of a blasting apparatus for use in mining operations, wherein the blasting apparatus comprises multiple components in communication with one another. In selected embodiments, specific components of the blasting apparatus of the present invention employ biometric analysis to determine whether a blast operator is authorized to control and/or initiate a blast, and if so, to bring the blasting apparatus into an active state whereby detonators may be controlled and actuated as desired by the authorized blast operator. Authorized blast operators include those persons who are properly trained, competent, or trustworthy to establish and/or control the blasting system, and initiate a blasting event at a desired time. In this way, unauthorized blast operators such as, for example, children, operators with insufficient skill, training or experience to operate the blasting system, or terrorists, will be substantially unable to active the blasting apparatus into a functional state for blasting.
The blasting apparatuses of the present invention in preferred embodiments comprise security features that work in conjunction with biometric analysis systems. It should be noted, however, that the blasting apparatuses of the present invention encompass any blasting apparatus designed to initiate one or more detonators at a blast site that includes some form of biometric analysis to determine whether the blast operator is authorized to control the blast system. If the presence of an authorized blast operator is not detected via biometric analysis then the blasting apparatus will remain in some form of inactive �safe� state, or alternatively may undergo some form of predetermined shut down or deactivation process. In preferred embodiments, the detection of an unauthorized blast operator may result in the blasting apparatus maintaining an inactive �safe� state, a shut down or deactivated state for an indefinite period, or for a limited amount of time. It should also be noted that any form of biometric analysis may be used for the purposes of determining whether a candidate blast operator is an authorized blast operator. Such forms of biometric analysis include, but are not limited to, a fingerprint recognition scan, a hand recognition scan, a foot recognition scan, an iris recognition scan, a face recognition scan, a retina recognition scan, a voice recognition analysis, a DNA fingerprint analysis or a written signature recognition.
The present invention, at least in preferred embodiments, provides a blasting apparatus and a corresponding method of blasting that provides dramatic improvements in the security of blasting apparatuses and virtually eliminates the possibility of accidental or illicit use of the blasting apparatus by unauthorized users. In this way, detonator control and actuation is substantially limited to authorized users. As will become more apparent from the following examples, one feature of the blasting apparatus of the present invention involves the use of one or more biometric analyzers to confirm whether an individual under analysis (a candidate blast operator) is authorized to control the blasting apparatus and carry out a blasting event. Following electronic processing of various information regarding the biometric features of the individual, a decision made by components of the blasting apparatus regarding whether the individual exhibits the biometric characteristics and features of known, authorized blast operators. If a positive decision is made, in that an authorized blast operator is identified, then the appropriate signals are transferred between components to activate the blasting apparatus for control and possible actuation of associated detonators. On the other hand, if a negative decision is made, for example if an authorized blast operator is not identified or if an unauthorized blast operator is identified, then the appropriate signals then the blasting apparatus either remains in an inactive, �safe� mode, or appropriate signals are transferred between components to specifically deactivate the blasting system.
Each component of the blasting apparatuses of the present invention may optionally be �tagged� using a GPS tracking device. In a particularly preferred embodiment, each biometric analyzer associated with the blasting apparatuses may be tagged with a GPS tracking device so that every time a biometric feature is scanned for the purpose of gaining access and control of the blasting system, the time and/or geographical location of the scanning event, and the identity of the person being scanned, is recorded. This information may be logged or recorded in a memory either located at the blasting site, or where off-site communications are available, to a memory located remote from the blast site, for example in the office of a mining company. Moreover, in selected embodiments, the apparatus of the present invention may be used in conjunction with a system with features similar or equivalent to that described by International patent publication WO00/60305, which is incorporated by reference. This system allows for the logging of authorized detonator usage of identifiable detonators, after removal of the detonators from a controlled store. As such, a firing control station monitors and logs the destruction of each detonator after transmission thereto of a FIRE signal. The invention encompasses the combination of the apparatus of the present invention with a system the same or similar to that described by WO00/60305. In this way, the time of the detonator firing, the nature of the material being actuated, and the person responsible for the blasting event, can be centrally monitored, and the information stored accordingly for future reference.
Regardless of the fingerprint scanning technique, it may be noted that fingerprint scanning may be more prone to complications imposed by the presence of dirt, or scars and cuts on the finger surface. To overcome such anomalies, fingerprint images derived from biometric scanning may be processed to improve image quality. Such processing may interpolate and smooth anomalies in the image to generate an image having a quality more suited for comparison with other biometric signatures. In most preferred embodiments, the fingerprint image may be scored in terms of its quality and accuracy, such that images that fail to meet or exceed basic image quality requirements are rejected. Such data or image processing to improve a �quality� of a biometric signature may be applied to any form of biometric analysis other than fingerprint scanning.
Preferably, the portable device may further include a biometric analyzer such that the candidate blast operator inputs his or her biometric feature(s) directly onto the portable device. More preferably, the portable device further includes a blast authorizing means to allow the decision regarding whether the blast operator is an authorized blast operator to be made on the portable device, rather than by an integral component of the blast apparatus. For example, the device may further comprise a database of known biometric signatures of authorized blast operators. In this way, a candidate blast operator may present himself or herself to input biometric features into the blasting system. However, these features will be detected by and processed by the portable device. The decision regarding whether the candidate blast operator is authorized to control the blasting apparatus may then be read directly off the portable device, for example by placing the portable device into one or more appropriate reader units associated with the blasting system. For example, such a reader unit may be associated with one or more components of the blasting apparatus including but not limited to the blasting machines and/or the central command station. In this way, the biometric signature of the candidate blast operator may be maintained on the portable device, which may be �blanked� (i.e. all biometric feature and biometric signature data erased) on a routine basis. In addition, the database comprising biometric features is preferably maintained on the portable device, rather than residing in a permanent central database remote from the blast site, which may be more susceptible to unauthorized access and abuse.
In particularly preferred embodiments, the portable device may take the form of a �smart-card�. More preferably, the smart card may take the form of a credit-card shaped device that can be easily carried by a blast operator. For example, each smart card may include the identification of the blast operator on the card, together with an electronic memory for storing information relating to the biometric features or the biometric signature of the blast operator. The card may then be read by an appropriate card reader, associated for example with one or more components of a blast apparatus or at a position remote from the blast site, in communication with either the central command station or a blasting machine. In preferred embodiments, each smart card may include a biometric analyzer to retrieve biometric data from a blast operator, and preferably process the biometric data to generate a biometric signature. For example, a blast operator may present himself or herself to an appropriate authority prior to a blasting event, and in the presence of the appropriate authority insert his/her smart card into a suitable smart card reader, to verify the nature of the biometric information stored on the smart card. In other embodiments, the smart card may further include a database of authorized biometric signatures, such that all processes to generate a biometric signature, and for comparing the signature with those of authorized blast operators, can be completed by the smart card even prior to insertion of the smart card into the reader. Preferably, the reader only retrieves an �authorized� or �not authorized� message from the smart card, such that the blasting apparatus is activated or deactivated accordingly.
establishing a blasting apparatus according, for example according to an embodiment of the invention described with reference to FIG. 1 (and variants thereof) at the blast site (step 50); scanning at least one biometric feature of a candidate blast operator via said at least one biometric analyzer (step 51); processing information derived from scanning said at least one biometric feature via said blast authorizing means, to generate a biometric signature (step 52); comparing said biometric signature with known biometric signatures via said blast authorization means, and if said biometric signature matches any one of said known biometric signatures of authorized blast operators (step 53); activating the blasting apparatus to enable transmission of said at least one command signal to said at least one detonator (step 54). Failure to identify a biometric signature derived from an authorized user can result either in the blasting apparatus retaining a generally inactive state (55), or resorting to a �safe� or shutdown mode (56). With reference to FIG. 4, another embodiment the invention provides for a method of controlling a plurality of detonators at a blast site, the method comprising the steps of:
establishing a blasting apparatus according, for example to an embodiment of the invention described with reference to FIG. 2 (and variants thereof) at the blast site (step 60); scanning at least one biometric feature of a blast operator via each biometric analyzer associated with said central command station and each of said at least one blasting machine (step 61); processing information derived from scanning said at least one biometric feature via each blast authorizing means associated with said central command station and each of said at least one blasting machine, to generate at least two biometric signatures (step 62); comparing said at least two biometric signatures to determine whether said biometric signatures are derived from the same blast operator (step 63), and if so; and activating the blasting apparatus to enable transmission of said at least one command signal to said at least one detonator (step 64). Failure to identify at least two biometric signatures derived from the same blast operator can result either in the blasting apparatus retaining a generally inactive state (65), or resorting to a �safe� or shutdown mode (66). It is within the scope of the present invention to employ both of methods outlined with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, at the same time or subsequent to one another during any attempt to control a blasting apparatus of the invention and/or to execute a blasting event. Moreover, other methods that are encompassed by the invention over and above those described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 may be combined with one or more of the methods described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.
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