MINERAL MATERIAL PROCESSING PLANT CONFIGURATION AND CONTROL
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure generally relates to mineral material processing. The disclosure relates particularly, though not exclusively, to using various configurations of machines at a mineral material processing plant. The disclosure relates particularly, though not exclusively, to setting up a mineral material processing plant with various configurations of machines.
BACKGROUND
This section illustrates useful background information without admission of any technique — described herein representative of the state of the art.
Mineral material processing is increasingly automated. Current automation systems enable a remote control of mineral material processing machines and the whole process, for example using a mobile user device operated e.g. by a user operating an excavator or the like handling material to be processed.
Remote control of mineral material processing reguires a system that is reliable, secure, takes site safety into account and is easy to setup for various configurations. Mineral material processing is carried out using various combinations of machines, which combination might also change during operation at a site. Accordingly the remote control and the used configuration should provide for an easy setup of the process.
Previously, wireless network connections have been used in remote control of a mineral material processing process. Such systems are known e.g. from publications
DE202004006887U1 and WO2008/12911541. However, a reliable system also enabling
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N process configuration is needed.
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2 The inventors have found a system and method for enabling remote control with easier 2 25 — setup by automatically discovering machines and providing a user interface for configuring
I a process. a
O SUMMARY
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Q The scope of protection sought for various embodiments of present disclosure is set out by
N the independent claims. The embodiments and features, if any, described in this specification that do not fall under the scope of the independent claims are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding various example embodiments.
According to a first example aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of configuring and controlling a mineral material processing plant, comprising establishing a wireless network connection with the mineral material processing plant from a remote control element; presenting on the remote control element a list of available mineral material processing machines; setting up a desired configuration for the mineral material processing plant from the available mineral material processing machines using the remote control element; and controlling remotely the mineral material processing plant in the desired configuration with the remote control element.
Establishing the network connection may comprise establishing a network connection to a
WLAN mesh network.
The available mineral material processing machines may comprise mineral material processing machines connected to the same wireless network.
Presenting the available mineral material processing machines may comprise presenting information on the available machines.
Setting up the desired configuration for the mineral material processing plant may comprise user selection of machines to be used and their order.
The remote control element may comprise a mobile user device.
Presenting on the remote control element may comprise presenting using an application.
Setting up the desired configuration for the mineral material processing plant may comprise 2 creating or editing a configuration.
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6 According to a second example aspect there is provided a system of configuring and = controlling a mineral material processing plant, comprising at least one processor; and at
N 25 least one memory including executable instructions that, when executed by the at least one
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= processor, cause the system to carry out the method of the first example aspect.
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S According to a third example aspect there is provided a mineral material processing plant,
Q comprising at least one mineral material processing machine comprising a communication
N unit configured to provide a wireless network; and the system of the second example aspect.
Different non-binding example aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated in the foregoing. The embodiments in the foregoing are used merely to explain selected aspects or steps that may be utilized in different implementations. Some embodiments may be presented only with reference to certain example aspects. It should be appreciated that corresponding embodiments may apply to other example aspects as well
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Some example embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
Fig. 1 schematically shows a principle view of a mineral material processing plant according to an example embodiment;
Fig. 2 schematically shows a principle view of a network topology according to an example embodiment;
Fig. 3 shows a flow chart of a method according to an example embodiment;
Figs 4A-4D show the principle of operation of a user interface according to an example embodiment;
Fig. 5 shows a flow chart of method according to an example embodiment; and
Fig. 6 shows a block diagram of an apparatus 600 according to an example embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In the following description, like reference signs denote like elements or steps.
Fig. 1 schematically shows a principle view of a mineral material processing plant according to an example embodiment. Fig. 1 shows a mineral material processing plant comprising mineral material processing machines 100,110,120. Fig. 1 shows an example embodiment in which the mineral material processing plant comprises three mineral material processing machines 100,110,120. In further example embodiments of the present disclosure the & 25 mineral material processing plant comprises one, two or more than three mineral material a processing machines 100,110,120. 2 The mineral material processing machines 100,110,120 each comprise in an example
I embodiment crushing machines, screening machines or a combination thereof. In an - example embodiment, the mineral material processing machines comprise mobile mineral = 30 material processing machines comprising a base 108,118,128 configured to enable 2 movement of the machine, such as a track base. In an example embodiment the mobile
N mineral material processing machine is movable by other means such as by wheels, skids or legs. In a further example embodiment, the mineral material processing machines 100,110,120 are stationary machines.
Each mineral material processing machine comprises various elements, or modules, 102- 106, 112-116, 122-126. The modules 102-106, 112-116, 122-126 comprise the various actuators of the mineral material processing machine 100,110,120 respectively. In an example embodiment, the modules 102,112,122 comprise a feed hopper, a feeder, a pre- screen and/or conveyors.
In an example embodiment, the modules 104,114,124 comprise the main actuator, i.e. a crusher or a screen. In an example embodiment, the crusher comprises a crusher selected from the group of a jaw crusher, a cone crusher, a gyratory crusher and an impact crusher.
In an example embodiment, the screen comprises a screen selected from the group of a banana screen, a horizontal screen, and inclined screen and an ultrafine screen.
In an example embodiment, the modules 106,116,126 comprise a conveyor, an engine, hydraulic elements, electric elements and a control system. In an example embodiment, the controls system of the mineral material processing machine comprises imaging means, such as a digital video camera, configured to provide images of the operation of the — machine.
In an example embodiment, the mineral material processing machines 100,110,120 comprise elements or parts not shown in the schematic presentation of Fig. 1 such as further conveyors.
Fig. 2 schematically shows a principle view of a network topology according to an example embodiment. Fig. 2 shows the mineral material processing plant comprising the mineral material processing machines 100,110,120. Each mineral material processing machine 100,110,120 comprises a communication unit 210A-C, respectively. In an example embodiment, the communication unit 210A-C is integrated with or in communication with the control system of the mineral material processing machine 100,110,120.
O 25 In an example embodiment, the communication units 210A-C comprise wireless local area
N network, WLAN, access points, AP, configured to provide a wireless network. In an example
S embodiment, the communication units 210A-C comprise WLAN APs configured to operate
N using at least one freguency range. In a further example embodiment the communication
E units 210A-C comprise WLAN APs configured to operate using at least two separate
LO 30 frequency ranges. In an example embodiment, the at least one frequency range comprises
S the 2,4 GHz WLAN band and the at least two frequency ranges comprise the 2,4 GHz & WLAN band and the 5 GHz WLAN band.
N Fig. 2 further shows a remote control element 200. In an example embodiment, the remote control element 200 comprises a user device with an application providing a remote user interface for controlling the mineral material processing plant. In an example embodiment, the user comprises a portable user device such as a laptop computer, a tablet computer or a smartphone. In a further example embodiment, the remote control element 200 is integrated with or in communication with a further unit, such as a user interface of an 5 excavator used to handle mineral material being processed. In a still further example embodiment, the remote control element 200 is comprised in a separate control system provided on the site of the mineral material processing plant.
Fig. 2 shows the network provided by the communication units 210A-C connecting the mineral material processing machines 100,110,120 with the remote control element and — with each other. In an example embodiment the WLAN network comprises a mesh WLAN network. The mesh network provides a network topology in which the infrastructure nodes, i.e. the communication units 210A-C and the remote control unit 200, connect directly, dynamically and non-hierarchically to as many other nodes as possible and cooperate with one another to route data. The mesh network is configured to dynamically self-organize and — self-configure, thus enabling enables dynamic distribution of traffic. This provides for fault- tolerance and reduced maintenance costs as well as easy reconfiguration for changes in the setup of the mineral material processing plant.
In the mesh network, in an example embodiment, the connection unit 210A-C of each mineral material processing machine 100,110,120 provides a 2.4GHz WLAN band — connection 220A-C for remote control element 200 within the area of coverage of the WLAN
AP of the mineral material processing machine. The mesh network provides for connectivity covering the whole mineral material processing plant, as a mineral material processing machine 100,110,120 needs only to be within the area of coverage of the WLAN AP of another mineral material processing machine 100,110,120, for example in the vicinity of the other machine. Connection management and roaming is controlled by functions in the @ WLAN standards used. In an example embodiment, the WLAN mesh network comprises a < Wi-Fi mesh network.
S In an example embodiment, the connection 230A-C between the mineral material
N processing machines 100,110,120 is configured to use the 5 GHz WLAN band. In a further
E 30 example embodiment, also the connection 230A-C between the mineral material processing 10 machines 100,110,120 is configured to use the 2.4 GHz WLAN band.
S The mesh network topology provides for robust data transfer as the connections can be
O routed dynamically based on the setup and problems with single connection do not cause a fault. Furthermore, adding further machines to the setup is convenient, as the mesh network is configured to discover and recognize added elements automatically.
In an example embodiment, the wireless network used is based on a further network standard and/or protocol, with similar functionality and mesh network setup that WLAN standards provide, such as Z-Wave, Zighee, WIMAX or HIPERLAN.
In an example embodiment, the WLAN network comprises a network other than a mesh
WLAN network, i.e. a WLAN network established with a central access point to which the remote control element 200 and the connection units 210A-C establish a connection and via which the remote control element 200 and the connection units 210A-C communicate with each other.
Fig. 3 shows a flow chart of a method according to an example embodiment. At step 310, a network connection to the mineral material processing plant is established, i.e. the remote control element 200 is connected to the wireless network provided by the communication unit(s) 210A-C. In an example embodiment, the remote control element 200 comprises a mobile user device, such as a smartphone, and the connection to the wireless network is established in a conventional manner, i.e. by joining the WLAN network provided.
A step 320, the mineral material processing machines 100,110,120 of the mineral material processing plant that are connected to the network are presented to the user on the remote control element 200 as explained in more detail hereinafter.
A step 330, the remote control element 200 enables the user to configure the mineral material processing plant, i.e. choose the mineral material processing machines 100,110,120 of the mineral material processing plant to be controlled and select a correct setup for the plant as explained in more detail hereinafter.
At step 340, the setup is complete and the remote control element 200 is used to control and/or monitor the mineral material processing plant. In an example embodiment, images and/or video is provided on the remote control element.
S 25 Figs 4A-4D show the principle of operation of a user interface according to an example o» embodiment. Figs 4A-4D show a user interface 400. In an example embodiment, the user = interface 400 comprises an application in the remote control element 200. IN an example
N embodiment, the user application is shown to the user on a display element in a = conventional manner and operated for example using a keyboard, a touch sensitive element = 30 and/or a pointer device. 2 Fig. 4A shows an initial view shown after the remote control element has established a & connection to the wireless network provided by the communication unit(s) 210A-C. The user interface 400 shows the mineral material processing machines 100,110,120 available for setup and remote control. In an example embodiment, the mineral material processing machines are depicted as pictures or icons and information on machine type is provided.
Fig. 4B shows a further view of the user interface 400. Fig. 4B shows a view in which the user has selected, for example by touching on a touch screen, the mineral material processing machine 100 and a menu has been activated. In an example embodiment, the menu enables the user to see further information about the selected mineral material processing machine 100 and/or change the type of the machine as needed.
Fig. 4C shows a further view of the user interface 400. Fig. 4C shows a view in which the user interface enables the user to configure the mineral material processing plant. The user interface is configured to enable the user to create a configuration for the mineral material processing plant by selecting the mineral material processing machines to be controlled and setting them up in the order that they are to be used in mineral material processing. In an example embodiment, the user interface has previously saved configurations and the user interface is configured to enable the user to select and/or edit these previously created configurations.
Fig. 4C shows a view in which the user configures the mineral material processing plant by selecting the mineral material processing machines to be used in correct order. In an example embodiment, the user interface is configured to enable the user to setup the mineral material processing plant by selecting, dragging and dropping the machine icons into the desired order.
Fig. 4D shows a further view of the user interface 400. Fig. 4D shows a view in which the configuration of the mineral material processing plant is completed. i.e. the user has selected the mineral material processing machines 100,110,120 in correct order to the configuration. In an example embodiment, as the configuration of the mineral material © 25 processing plant is complete, the user interface is configured to enable starting the control
S and/or monitoring of the mineral material processing.
S Fig. 5 shows a flow chart of method according to an example embodiment. At step 510 the
N remote control element 200 is connected to the wireless network provided by the
E communication unit(s) 210A-C and the user interface 400 is started. In an example
LO 30 embodiment, starting the user interface 400 comprises opening an application in the remote
S control element 200.
S At step 520, the available mineral material processing machines are shown to the user.
At step 530, the user interface is configured to enable the user to create a new configuration to be used in mineral material processing or choose an existing configuration.
At step 540, the user interface is configured to enable the user to edit the configuration by moving, or selecting, machines to the configuration in the desired order in which they are to be used in mineral material processing.
At step 540, the mineral material processing plant in the desired configuration is remotely monitored and/or controlled.
Fig. 6 shows a block diagram of an apparatus 600 according to an example embodiment.
The apparatus 600 may operate as the remote control element 200 according to example embodiment. The apparatus 600 generally comprises a memory 640 including a computer program code 650. The apparatus 600 further comprises a processor 620 for controlling the operation of the apparatus 600 using the computer program code 650, and a communication unit 610 for communicating with other network elements, such as the communication units 210A-C and other devices. Further, the apparatus 600 may comprise a user interface unit 630.
The communication unit 610 comprises, for example, one or more of: a local area network (LAN) port; a wireless local area network (WLAN) unit; Bluetooth unit; cellular data communication unit; or satellite data communication unit. The communication interface 610 may support one or more different communication technologies. The communication interface 610 may support Ethernet communications and/or IP based communications. The apparatus 600 may also or alternatively comprise more than one of the communication interfaces 610. The processor 620 comprises, for example, any one or more of: a master control unit (MCU); a microprocessor; a digital signal processor (DSP); an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC); a field programmable gate array; and a microcontroller.
The user interface unit 630 may comprise a circuitry for receiving input from a user of the
Q 25 apparatus 600, e.g., via a keyboard; graphical user interface of a display, speech
N recognition circuitry; or an accessory device; such as a headset; and for providing output to 3 the user via, e.g., a graphical user interface or a loudspeaker. Various parts may be x implemented using more than one corresponding or different elements, such as memories x and storages may be multiplied for capacity and/or redundancy purposes. Similarly,
LO 30 processing and/or communications may be implemented with multiple parallel or elements
S for capacity and/or redundancy purposes.
S The computer program code 650 may control the apparatus 600 to provide one or more example embodiments of present disclosure, such as suitable parts of Figs. 3, 4A-4D and 5.
Without in any way limiting the scope of the appended claims, some technical effects of the system according to example embodiment of the invention are explained in the following.
The method according to example embodiments of the invention is configured to enable setting up and remote control of mineral material processing.
Accordingly, a technical effect of example embodiment of the invention is an easy configuration of a mineral material processing plant in various situations. A further technical effect of the example embodiments of the invention is a robust network solution to remote control. A still further technical effect of the example embodiments of the invention is enabling remote control and plant setup with an existing user device. A still further technical effect of the example embodiments of the invention is increase in plant safety.
Various embodiments have been presented. It should be appreciated that in this document, words comprise; include; and contain are each used as open-ended expressions with no intended exclusivity.
The foregoing description has provided by way of non-limiting examples of particular implementations and embodiments a full and informative description of the best mode presently contemplated by the inventors for carrying out the invention. It is however clear to a person skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted to details of the embodiments presented in the foregoing, but that it can be implemented in other embodiments using equivalent means or in different combinations of embodiments without deviating from the characteristics of the invention.
Furthermore, some of the features of the afore-disclosed example embodiments may be used to advantage without the corresponding use of other features. As such, the foregoing description shall be considered as merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention, and not in limitation thereof. Hence, the scope of the invention is only restricted & 25 by the appended patent claims.
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