1. General

The TomNet Communication is a plug in module, which adds GSM Cellular capabilities to TomTech III.

The realization is done by a cellular module that is directly connected to the hardware, and a package of software that interfaces between TomNet, The GSM module and the user.

The GSM module is fully operated by the software. No one has to dial, request line, end the communication or to perform any other task. All the operations are done transparently and automatically by TomNet.

Utilizing cellular phone network means that the net is non synchronic and non limited. It has no geographical restrictions, nor distance problems. It has world wide coverage, and is international compatible – the net is completely open.

Theoretically, every one can penetrate and be connected, but practically just authorized stations can really borrow and send information.

The net has a virtual dynamic structure. All the stations are, normally, at “waiting” position – the modem is “on” but the line is disconnected. If a member needs to borrow or to send information, he initiates the connection by dialing the number of the other member and establishing the line. At the end of the process, the line is disconnected and the two stations return to “waiting” mode.

Most of the time, the line is not connected. It means that the members are available and ready all the time, but that the communication coasts are extremely low.

The supporting software deals with all the technical issues that are involved in the point to point file transferring.

2. Hardware

The hardware includes GSM module, SIM card, power supply, wires and antenna.

The modem uses the European GSM band (There is a version which uses the North American band). It has the capacity to benefit most of the options that the GSM technology offers. It supports voice, data, SMS, auto redial, waiting call, follow me…. but we suspended most of the options in order to be as simple, and as reliable, as possible. We utilize just the data services and SMS abilities.

The installation of the hardware, inside TomNet, is done by TOMER SYSTEMS BV during manufacturing. The only thing that has to be done on site, is to locat of the magnetic antenna.
The modem, as well as all the other internal parts of the computer, should never be manipulated, maintained or disassembled by any non authorized person!

The external modem, which is used for office applications, is a stand alone box including all the needed electronics for realizing the GSM communication. That modem has 100-240 Volt power supply, and already connected antenna.

The SIM card is an electronic device that represents the customer, and opens the services he has permission to use. TOMER SYSTEMS BV cannot supply a SIM card as it must be issued by the service’s provider, directly to the owner of the GSM cellular phone. Any valid SIM can be used. The SIM has to have a permission for accessing data transferring and SMS massages.

The wires and antenna for the external modem are included within the package:
    • Power supply.
    • Antenna.
    • RS232 cable.

3. The net

The net is flexible and virtual. Any authorized person may joint the net and borrow or send information or orders.

In spite of the above mentioned, normally the net consists of:
    • The drilling rig(s).
    • The site office.
    • The company office.
    • The designer.
    • The materials supplier(s).
    • The GPS satellites.
    • TOMER SYSTEMS BV.

Every member of the net may initiates the communication – just by clicking on the “Establish Communication” bottom on his computer. All the rest will be done, automatically, by the software.

Normally, there is no need for manual initiation. The software will do it by it self, when information has to be transferred.

4. The content

The network has to serve the activities of the drilling company:
    • It transfers the pile’s information directly from the designer to the rig.
    • It brings the navigation information from the GPS satellites.
    • It sends reports from the rig to the site office.
    • It sends reports from the site office to the main office.
    • It sends orders to the concrete supplier.
    • It allows the site manager to directly trace the rig’s activities.
    • It allows the company’s manager to directly trace the rig’s or site’s activities.
    • It allows TOMER SYSTEMS BV to maintain or even upgrade the software in real time.
    • It allows TOMER SYSTEMS BV to assist the operator in real time.
    • If the client wants, the information will be transmitted directly to the inspector.
    • It opens a means for future applications.

The data inside the reports depends on the application and on the type of the Self Managing program.

There are three kinds of reports:
    • At a single pile level.
    • At a site level.
    • At a company level.

The first kind (at the pile level) of the reports describes the pile to deep, including the process information. It contains the maximum available information regarding the pile, the ground, the casting and the performance.
That detailed information is important to the designer and the inspector.

The second kind (at a site level) of the reports shortly describes the piles just by some significant parameters. In exchange, it shows a picture of the entire site. That report is important to the site management

The third kind (at a company level) of the reports summarizes all the sits together into one concentrated page.

5. Times and Real Time

Even though the GSM rate of information transfer is relatively slow, the time needed for a complete working day information transmit is just few minutes.
TomNet sends just the real information with no overhead.

TomNet applies a multi tasking software so the data transmitting and receiving may be done in parallel to the normal activities – no extra time is needed.

The reports cover a lot of information. Having that information being available at any time, allows as to treat them as a real time reports. Speaking about the option of tracing the operator – the time span becomes extremely shorter. There should be no perceived time delay in between the picture the operator sees, and the received one.

In order to withstand that challenge, TOMER SYSTEMS BV developed a unique protocol. That protocol enables as to transmit coded concentrated information and thus fulfilling a real Real-Time communication.