Detonator device communication

1. A method of communicating with a detonator device which device includes a metallic detonator tube within which are disposed a control circuit, an RFID tag, an ignition element and an explosive charge, the control circuit and the RFID tag being connected to each other, the method comprising the step of using the RFID tag to read data from the control circuit, the data relating at least to the status of the detonator device, and to transmit information and commands to the control circuit, wherein the information and commands are selected at least from the following: instructions for verifying the detonator functionality; calibration processes and the setting of timing periods.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the data read from the control circuit is additionally selected from one or more of the following:

a) manufacturing and usage information;

b) test results;

c) tracking data, manufacturing location;

d) permitted distribution or use region;

e) customer identity;

f) calibration data;

g) the results of self-test routines;

h) voltage and energy storage capacity of a battery associated with the detonator device;

i) the measurement of one or more parameters associated with circuitry linked to the device;

j) data which has been logged in respect of activities of the detonator device; and

k) the reading of any memory component associated with the detonator device.

3. A method according to claim 1 wherein the information and commands transmitted to the control circuit are additionally selected from one or more of the following:

Information:

a) manufacturing information;

b) calibration data;

c) the results of factory tests and diagnostic routines;

d) data relating to a programmed initiation time;

e) data relating to the setting of access passwords;

f) data relating to detonator control;

g) the erasing or writing of log data; and

h) information directed to a memory device associated with the detonator device:

Commands:

a) the initiation of a command;

b) enabling the detonator device to respond to a fire command;

c) enabling or disabling specific circuitry of the device; and

d) permanently disabling the detonator device.

4. A method according to claim 3 wherein the reading of data from the control circuit and the transmission of information and commands to the control circuit are accomplished using extensions to a command set of the RFID tag.

5. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the reading of data from the control circuit and the transmission of information and commands to the control circuit are accomplished using extensions to a command set of the RFID tag.

6. A detonator arrangement which includes a detonator device comprising a metallic detonator tube within which are disposed both a control circuit and an RFID tag and wherein the RFID tag is used to read data from the control circuit and to transmit information and commands to the control circuit.

7. A detonator arrangement which includes a detonator device, a control circuit and an RFID tag, wherein the RFID tag is used to read data from the control circuit and to transmit information and commands to the control circuit, the arrangement further comprising a metallic detonator tube having a mouth, a battery, the control circuit, an ignition element and an explosive charge, wherein the battery, the control circuit, the ignition element and the explosive charge are located inside the tube, and the RFID tag is connected to the control circuit, a non-conductive plug is engaged with the mouth of the tube, and a communication component is connected to the RFID tag and embedded in the plug.

8. A detonator arrangement according to claim 7 wherein the communication component comprises an antenna.

9. A detonator arrangement according to claim 7 wherein the communication component comprises a first electrode which forms part of a capacitor which establishes a communication link with the RFID tag, and the second tube constitutes a second electrode of the capacitor.