Multiple slave logging device
View Patent ↗A multiple slave logging device, or “logger” for use in a system such as an electronic blasting system. The logger is able to communicate with multiple slave devices connected to it, and preferably also is able to communicate with a slave device connected individually. The logger preferably utilizes current modulation-based talkback from the slave devices, and optionally may also be adapted to detect the presence of inappropriate slave devices connected to the system.
1. A logging device for use with a plurality of slave devices each having an identity and a pyrotechnic charge, comprising a power supply, an electrical interface, and memory, said logging device being configured for two-way communication with said plurality of slave devices simultaneously connected to said electrical interface by individually addressing said slave devices, wherein said logging device is configured to operate only at a voltage that is incapable of causing detonation of said pyrotechnic charge.
2. The logging device of claim 1 , wherein said logging device is also configured to communicate with a slave device individually connected directly to said electrical interface.
3. The logging device of claim 1 , wherein said logging device is configured to communicate with said slave devices through current modulation-based talkback from said slave devices.
4. The logging device of claim 3 , wherein said logging device includes means for dynamically baselining said current modulation-based talkback from said slave devices.
5. The logging device of claim 4 , wherein said slave devices are electronic detonators.
6. The logging device of claim 3 , wherein said slave devices are electronic detonators.
7. The logging device of claim 1 , wherein said logging device is further configured to detect the presence of undesired slave devices connected to said electrical interface.
8. The logging, device of claim 1 , wherein said slave devices are simultaneously connectable to said electrical interface via a bus wire.
9. The logging device of claim 8 , wherein said slave devices are electronic detonators.
10. The logging device of claim 1 , wherein said logging device is further configured to verify that the logged slave devices are connected to said electrical interface.
11. The logging device of claim 1 , wherein said slave devices are electronic detonators.
12. A system for logging multiple slave devices, comprising:
a) an electrical conduit;
b) a plurality of slave device simultaneously connectable to said electrical conduit and each having an identity and a pyrotechnic charge; and
c) a logging device comprising a power supply, an interface connectable to said electrical conduit, and memory, said logging device being configured for two-way communication with said plurality of slave devices simultaneously connected to said electrical conduit by individually addressing said slave devices, wherein said logging device is configured to operate only at a voltage that is incapable of causing detonation of said pyrotechnic charge.
13. The system of claim 12 , wherein said logging device is also configured to communicate with a slave device individually connected directly to said electrical interface.
14. The system of claim 12 , wherein said logging device is configured to communicate with said slave devices through current modulation-based talkback from said slave devices.
15. The system of claim 14 , wherein said slave devices are electronic detonators.
16. The system of claim 12 , wherein said electrical conduit is a branch or a row.
17. The system of claim 16 , wherein said slave devices are electronic detonators.
18. The system of claim 12 , wherein said logging device is further configured to verify that the logged slave devices are connected to said electrical conduit.
19. The system of claim 18 , wherein said slave devices are electronic detonators.
20. The system of claim 12 , wherein said slave devices are electronic detonators.