DE112008001636T5 - System and method for tracking employees and equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

A system for tracking personnel and equipment in a hazardous environment, comprising:
a tracking tag for attachment to one of a person and a piece of equipment in the hazardous environment, the tracking tag being intrinsically safe and periodically transmitting a radio signal including a unique tracking tag identification code for identifying the tracking tag;
an intrinsically safe reader system including a hub cable driver and a plurality of intrinsically safe antennas, the hub cable driver and the plurality of intrinsically safe antennas connected by communication cables;
wherein the hub cable driver is configured to provide intrinsically safe power for and communicating with the plurality of intrinsically safe antennas via the communication cables;
wherein the plurality of intrinsically safe antennas are located at known locations in the hazardous environment in a self-correcting redundant link infrastructure topology,
Each intrinsically safe antenna is designed to:
Receiving the radio signal from the tracking mark; and
Transmitting a data signal to the hub cable driver via the communication cables, wherein the data signal provides an antenna identification code for ...

Description

Cross reference to related Registrations

The This application claims the benefit of June 13th 2007 provisional filed U.S. Patent Application Number 60 / 943,807.

statement in terms of Federal subsidized Research or development

• None

Names of parties to an agreement on common research

• None

CD-ROM material included by reference

• None

Background of the invention

1. Field of the invention

The The invention relates to the tracking of employees and equipment in dangerous Environments, such as in underground mines, foundries, mills, huge Ships, refineries, heavy industries and the like, where tracking systems based on GPS (Global Positioning System GPS, global positioning system) and other technologies are not ready or do not work.

2. Description of the state of the technique

Out prior art systems and methods for tracking of employees and equipment in dangerous Environments with poor radio signal propagation characteristics do not have the desired "narrow-mindedness" (that is, accuracy) in determining the location of employees and equipment in the dangerous one Surroundings.

Furthermore can Systems Known from the Prior Art Tracing Marks use that of a specific person or a specific piece of equipment are not permanently assigned, which is a problem related with the accuracy and reliability in the identification of a respective person or a respective one Piece of equipment, which are associated with a particular follow-up marker, raises.

Furthermore can because of that dangerous Environments "explosive" environments could be, Components of the tracking system, if not properly designed, a cause for an infection be.

Some dangerous Environments, such as underground mines, can a few miles Occupy territory and over Energy and communication connection points only every 3,000 to 5,000 Foot, usually at the ends of conveyors, feature. Older follow-up systems, who rely on energy and communication connection points, were due to the physical availability limited such facilities. It is therefore desirable with greater narrow-mindedness, for example, within 1,000 feet or less, knowing where employees and equipment are located.

at another example, namely in a mill environment, in particular an aluminum mill, must have a fire fighting system possibly enclosed in a basement or in another Structure are used. The use of the fire fighting system can create a state in which the basement or the other enclosed structure does not have enough oxygen for living things contain. In this scenario would be it desirable prove that all employees have left the structure, before the fire fighting system is used. Because of the enclosed structure, GPS based works Systems not reliable.

at Another example may be in a refinery with overhead running pipes and containers an environment in which GPS signals are not reliably received can be.

at In another example, a big ship can be a big ship Have area below deck where to follow employees he wishes is, for example, proof that all employees are the ship where GPS signals are not reliably received can be.

Short summary of invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, a staff tracking system and equipment includes a tracking tag and an intrinsically safe reader system. The system is useful in hazardous environments in situations both before and after an accident. The tracking mark is for attachment to a person or piece of equipment in the hazardous environment. The follow-up flag is intrinsically safe and periodically retransmits A radio signal containing a unique tracking tag identification code for identifying the tracking tag. The intrinsically safe reader system includes a hub cable driver and a plurality of intrinsically safe antennas or antenna devices. The hub cable driver and the majority of intrinsically safe antennas are interconnected by communication cables. The hub cable driver is designed to provide intrinsically safe power for and communicate with the plurality of intrinsically safe antennas via the communication cables. The plurality of intrinsically safe antennas are located at known locations in the hazardous environment in a self-correcting, wireline, mesh-based, and redundant link infrastructure topology. The wireline mesh topology allows more flexible placement of the antennas compared to line-of-sight wireless mesh systems. Each intrinsically safe antenna is configured to receive the radio signal from the tracking tag and transmit a data signal to the hub cable driver via the communication cables. The data signal includes an antenna identification code for identifying the antenna and a tracking marker identification code for identifying the tracking marker. The system is able to operate continuously due to intrinsic safety of the intrinsically safe tracking tag, the majority of intrinsically safe antennas, and intrinsically safe power and communication from the hub cable driver in an explosive environment. In addition, the redundant link infrastructure topology allows the system to operate continuously, regardless of a communication break at a site along the redundant link infrastructure topology.

The Intrinsically safe tracking mark can be attached to a safety helmet be carried by a person in the dangerous environment. In this scenario, the follow-up flag becomes employee marker designated.

The intrinsically safe tracing mark may also be an equipment mark the on a piece of equipment attached, which is located in the dangerous environment. The intrinsically safe equipment mark serves to receive equipment status and location information for the equipment part and periodic transmission a radio signal containing a unique equipment tag identification code for identifying intrinsically safe equipment tag and equipment status and location information.

each intrinsically safe antenna may have a plurality of communication ports for Connect with a plurality of further antennas, wherein the majority of communication ports are not powered and can be separated from each other until a command to start the Power supply and connecting selected ones of the plurality of communication ports Will be received. In addition, each intrinsically safe antenna can be a first Voltage zone, a switching regulator and a second voltage zone each intrinsically safe antenna to maximize intrinsic safety Receives energy at a first voltage in the first voltage zone and the energy with the first voltage in energy with a second Stress for use in the second stress zone using of the switching regulator converts.

at In another implementation, the hub cable driver has an output port, an IS protection block and a Hubmikrokontroller on. The output port serves to provide intrinsically safe energy and communication. The IS protection block is used to detect current and voltage levels at the output port. The Hub Microcontroller is for receiving the current and voltage levels from the IS protection block and any disconnect the power supply from the output port to intrinsically safe Energy for and provide communication with the plurality of intrinsically safe antennas.

Again another implementation involves an intrinsically safe atmospheric Sensor located at a known location in the dangerous environment is positioned and in communication with the hubcable driver. Designed is the intrinsically safe atmospheric Sensor for sensory detection of a gas content in an atmosphere at the intrinsically safe atmospheric Sensor; and periodic transmission a signal to the hub cable driver that has a unique identification code for identifying the intrinsically safe atmospheric sensor and a gas content reading for Specifying a sensory gas content contains. Of the intrinsically safe atmospheric Sensor can be a wireless atmospheric sensor or in communication be with the Hubkabeltreiber through a communication cable. In the case the connection through a communication cable is intrinsically safe atmospheric A sensor further for receiving power from the lift cable driver via the Communication cable designed.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a system for tracking personnel and equipment in a hazardous environment includes: a plurality of tracking tags; an intrinsically safe reader system; a server database; and a server. Each tracking mark serves the periodic override a radio message containing a unique tracking tag identifier. Each tracking mark is intended for attachment to another person or other piece of equipment located in the hazardous environment. In addition, each tracking mark is intrinsically safe. The intrinsically safe reader system includes a hub cable driver and a plurality of intrinsically safe antennas connected to the hub cable driver and to each other by communication cables in a redundant link infrastructure topology. Each antenna is at a known location in the hazardous environment for receiving radio messages from nearby tracking tags, determining a signal strength value of each received radio message, and transmitting a tag data message for each received radio message to the hub cable driver. Each tag data message includes the received radio message, an antenna identifier of the receiving antenna, and the signal strength value. The server includes: a server module, an administrator module and a view module. The server module is for receiving tag data messages from the hub cable driver, determining a location of each tracking tag by designating the antenna that receives the radio message having a highest signal strength value. The manager module is for maintaining a continuously updated tag data table in the server database, the currently updated tag database containing current location data for each tracking tag. The view module is for generating a view of a current location of each tracking mark on a map of at least a portion of the hazardous environment and generating selected indications of data for each tracking mark.

Corresponding an implementation of the second aspect of the invention the system further communicates at least one atmospheric sensor with the Hubkabeltreiber, wherein the sensor further has a common used sensor data memory includes.

Corresponding In another implementation, the system further includes a supervisor module to provide e-mail support for database reports and status notifications. The supervisor module is also used to read and process commands written in e-mail messages received by an e-mail server are included.

Corresponding In another implementation, the system includes a key module for providing a means for controlling licensing Based on a number of antennas and tracking marks with approval.

at In another implementation, the system includes an OPC module to enable OPC access to the server by external clients.

The Viewing module may further affect the sounding spots serve an alarm if a tracking mark, from the It is known that they have a detectable range of intrinsically safe Reader system leaves, not within a predetermined period of time in the detectable area the intrinsically safe reader system reappears.

Further Features and advantages of the invention will be apparent or apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of Invention.

Brief description of the several figures the drawing

1 Figure 11 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary system for tracking employees and equipment in a hazardous environment according to the invention.

2 to 5 FIG. 12 are schematic diagrams of embodiments of example systems in a typical mine scenario. FIG.

6 FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an exemplary intrinsically safe employee tag attached to an exemplary hard hat. FIG.

7 FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary hub cable driver of the exemplary system of FIG 1 ,

8th FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary intrinsically safe antenna of the exemplary system of FIG 1 ,

9 FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram of first and second voltage zones of the exemplary intrinsically safe antenna of FIG 8th ,

10 FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram of an exemplary potted switching regulator of the exemplary intrinsically safe antenna of FIG 8th ,

11 FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram of an exemplary line switching input section of the exemplary intrinsically safe antenna of FIG 8th ,

12 Figure 12 is a front plan view of an exemplary server of the example system from 1 ,

13 FIG. 12 is a typical snapshot of a map display suitable for display on a display workstation of the exemplary system of FIG 1 has been generated.

14 FIG. 13 is a typical snapshot of a data display suitable for display on a display workstation of the exemplary system of FIG 1 has been generated.

15 FIG. 13 is a typical snapshot of a preparatory supervisor display suitable for display on a display workstation of the exemplary system of FIG 1 has been generated.

16 FIG. 3 is an overview diagram of the architecture of an exemplary software system of the exemplary system of FIG 1 ,

17 FIG. 3 is a process diagram of an exemplary server module of the exemplary software system of FIG 16 ,

18 FIG. 3 is a process diagram of an exemplary administrator module of the exemplary software system of FIG 16 ,

19 FIG. 14 is a process diagram of an exemplary supervisor module of the exemplary software system of FIG 16 ,

20 FIG. 3 is a process diagram of an exemplary view module of the exemplary software system of FIG 16 ,

21 FIG. 3 is a process diagram of an exemplary key module of the exemplary software system of FIG 16 ,

22 FIG. 3 is a process diagram of an exemplary OPC module of the exemplary software system of FIG 16 ,

Detailed description of exemplary embodiments the invention

In In the present document, the term "intrinsically." safe") as defined by U.S. Pat. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) used.

Furthermore are related in the present document "Dangerous environments" described with mines. It should be clear that that described system and method in any dangerous Environment can be used, including underground mines, but also foundries, mills, size Ships, refineries, heavy industries and the like more.

A. System

1 shows an exemplary system 10 to track employees and equipment in a hazardous environment in pre-accident or post-accident situations, including: intrinsically safe employee tagging 20 (although only one marker is shown, in practice, multiple such markers may be present), an intrinsically safe designation marker 22 (although in this case only one marker is shown, in practice several such markers may be present), a first group of intrinsically safe antennas 26a to 26i , a second group of intrinsically safe antennas 28a to 28i , a hubcable driver 30 , a data switch 34 , a server 36 , a data store 38 and a workstation 40 , The hub 30 , the first group of antennas 26a to 26i and the second group of antennas 28a to 28i are connected by segments of a communication cable, preferably a coaxial cable. The exemplary system 10 is an electronic security system designed specifically for hazardous environments 48 is designed to determine and report on the location of employees and equipment. Advantageously, the exemplary system is based 10 commercially standardized RFID (Radio Frequency Identification RFID) technology used in many commercial applications such as toll booths, marathon or running events and door security systems. However, other radio technologies are within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention.

The exemplary system 10 aims to improve safety by continually tracking employees and assets. This is done in two parts. The first part consists of an intrinsically safe employee marking or intrinsically safe employee markings 20 and intrinsically safe equipment markings or intrinsically safe equipment markings 22 with transmitters that periodically transmit identification data to a system of deployed antennas. The second part consists of a dense network of antennas 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i , redundant communication channels, and a network that combines collected data for analysis and storage.

An intrinsically safe reader system consists of several regularly spaced antennas 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i which are redundantly connected by a communication cable such as a coaxial cable, and the Hubka beltreiber 30 that feeds power into the communications cable and bi-directional data into it. Every antenna 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i is intrinsically safe and can be used in gas-sensitive areas. In the exemplary system 10 assigns each antenna 26 . 28 There are four ports that can be used simultaneously, with the hub cable driver 30 the two antenna networks 26 . 28 can feed at the same time. The hubcable driver 30 is not permitted and is therefore installed outdoors or in the fresh air with a standard Ethernet connection and a local DC power supply.

The purpose of intrinsically safe employee marking 20 and the intrinsically safe equipment mark 22 is to periodically send a digital radio signal containing a pass code from those in the hazardous environment 48 built-up networked antennas 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i can be received. The employee tag 20 should always be worn by one person while in the dangerous environment 48 is, including areas where the marker 20 must be permitted. The equipment mark 22 should be placed on a piece of equipment to be followed. The intrinsically safe employee mark 20 and the intrinsically safe equipment mark 22 are each housed in a durable plastic housing that is sealed for environmental reasons. The circuit inside the housing is intrinsically safe.

As will be described in detail below, the exemplary system is 10 able due to intrinsic safety of intrinsically safe employee marking 20 , the intrinsically safe equipment mark 22 and the antennas 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i in a dangerous environment 48 to continue to work in a situation after an accident. Therefore, due to the fact that all elements of the system 10 who are in the dangerous environment 48 are intrinsically safe, the system 10 work continuously in a gaseous environment, and staff and equipment monitoring after an accident or interruption of ventilation in a hazardous environment 48 enable.

As will also be described below, the system is 10 fault tolerant and self-diagnostic. The components of the system 10 Monitor yourself, taking care of the system 10 reconfigured itself to provide alternative energy and communication channels. In the event of a failure, such as a communication break at a location along an antenna (e.g. 26a or 28a ) enables the redundant link infrastructure that unaffected antennas (e.g. 26b or 28b ) continue working. In addition, when a problem is detected, the components in a non-hazardous environment (that is, the hubcable driver 30 , the desk 34 , the server 36 , the memory 38 and the workstation 40 ) is informed of the problem and an operator is notified of the problem.

Note that in a practical scenario, there are many employees and equipment in the hazardous environment 48 work, each with a unique employee tag 20 or unique equipment mark 22 wearing. Therefore, a single employee tag 20 and a single equipment tag 22 for simplicity, an operating scenario has a plurality of such devices used concurrently in the hazardous environment, the following descriptions applying to such an operating scenario.

In addition, in a practical scenario, numerous antennas (for example 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i ) throughout the hazardous environment to achieve the desired level of tightness. Advantageously, the design of the system allows 10 in that each antenna in a network is connected to any other antenna via a segment of the communication cable. Each antenna may be connected to one or more other antennas via the segments of the communication cable.

2 to 5 show embodiments of example systems in typical mines, such as in a potentially hazardous environment where employee and equipment monitoring is desired.

2 shows a horizontal section through a mine with a system 50 having a configuration in which antennas 26a to 26c . 28a to 28c are located at a distance of 1,000 feet. An employee tag 20 between antennas (for example 26a . 26b ) is in all likelihood of two antennas (for example 26a . 26b ), which has a tightness of about 500 feet and a full-time monitoring of the location of the employee's mark 20 allows.

3 shows a horizontal section through a mine with a system 52 , which has a configuration in which the antennas 26a to 26c . 28a to 28c at a distance of 2000 feet from each other.

Limit the spatial conditions the number of usable antennas 26a to 26c . 28a to 28c because longer cables have a higher resistance, resulting in a smaller number of readers connected to the antenna network 26 . 28 can be present. At a spacing of 1,000 feet, the system can 50 for example, a total of 28 antennas 26a to 26x . 28a to 28x (calculated as 14,000 feet in and 14,000 feet out, with an antenna 26a to 26x . 28a to 28x every 1,000 feet). At a spacing of 2,000 feet, the system can 52 a total of 24 antennas 26a to 26x . 28a to 26x use (calculated as 24,000 feet in and 24,000 feet out, with an antenna 26a to 26x . 28a to 28x every 2,000 feet).

Connecting cables between the antennas 26a to 26x . 28a to 28x provide redundancy between the antenna networks 26 . 28 ago.

4 shows a horizontal section through a mine with a system 54 having an embodiment in which four passes or accesses by placing the antennas 26a to 26x . 28a to 28x are covered in several passes. The antennas 26a to 26x . 28a to 38x in one go are intentionally not direct way by interruption by the antennas 26a to 26x . 28a to 28x placed in another passage, to avoid the marks 20 . 22 of antennas 26a to 26x . 28a to 28x be detected in other passes.

5 shows a horizontal sectional view through a mine with a system 56 having an embodiment in which four passes or accesses by four Hubkabeltreiber 30a to 30d are covered. The antennas 26a to 26x . 28a to 28x are not designed in a redundant way.

B. Intrinsically Safe Employee Mark and equipment marking

6 shows a typical intrinsically safe employee tag 20 wearing a typical hard hat 66 mounted by a miner at work in a mine. The employee tag 20 periodically sends a digital radio signal containing a unique identification code identifying the employee's mark 20 contains. The exemplary mark 20 is an "active" device which uses a battery to increase the transmission range, transmits at an interval of 1 to 2 seconds, covers a range of 200 to 800 feet, uses a frequency of 433.92 MHz, and the hard hat 66 is attached with a technically high-quality adhesive.

Similarly, the intrinsically safe equipment mark 22 attached to a piece of equipment located in the mine. The exemplary equipment mark 22 has analog input and digital input for receiving equipment status information such as vehicle energy and temperature. The equipment mark 22 periodically sends a digital radio signal containing a unique identification code identifying the equipment tag 22 and contains equipment status information.

Advantageously, as described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12 / 017,888, which is hereby incorporated by reference, the intrinsically safe employee mark 20 and the intrinsically safe equipment mark 22 a transceiver that can both transmit and receive.

C. Intrinsically Safe Hub Cable Driver

7 Figure 4 is a block diagram of the exemplary hub cable driver 30 who has a motherboard and either a first ethernet daughter board 70a or a second ethernet daughter board 70b having. As in 7 is shown, a DC voltage of 10 to 30 V in the Hubkabeltreiber 30 through an external energy supply 72 fed. A DC voltage of +3.3 V and a DC voltage of +36 V become from the external power supply 72 based. The DC voltage of +3.3 V is used to power local systems in 7 as will be described below while the DC voltage of +36 V is applied to the IS protection block 74 is forwarded before entering the antenna networks 26 . 28 ( 1 ) is fed.

Either the first Ethernetochterboard 70a or the second ethernet daughter board 70b Fix the Ethernet connectivity to the hub cable driver 30 , The first Ethernetochterboard 70a carries an Ethernet switch and multiple RJ45 and fiber ports. The second Ethernetochterboard 70b carries a single RJ45 connector. Both the first Ethernetochterboard 70a as well as the second Ethernettochterboard 70b are powered by the local supply of +3.3V.

Data packets are from one of the first Ethernet daughterboard 70a or the second ethernet daughter board 70b by a Hub microcontroller 76 for interpretation prior to routing to an RF modulation chip set 78 routed. The modulated data is from the IS protection block 74 before coupling into cable connector 80a . 80b , preferably RG11 coaxial cable connector, with limited energy.

Similarly, received Da follow from the antenna networks 26 . 28 ( 1 ) the opposite way and flow from one of the first Ethernettochterboard 70a or the second ethernet daughter board 70b over the Ethernet network. A DB9 serial connection 81 and a memory card 82 , preferably an SD memory card, are provided for direct communication with the Hub Microcontroller 76 to enable. The Hub Microcontroller 76 receives voltage and current levels from the IS protection block 74 and opens a switch (not shown) (for example, a small output relay (2 A, 30 VDC) to signal a system fault.) Also, detect the Hub Microcontroller 76 an error, so separates the Hubmikrokontroller 76 the power supply of any of the two cable connectors 80a . 80b to intrinsic safety for the antenna networks 26 . 28 ( 1 ).

As in 1 is shown, is the Hubkabeltreiber 30 outside the dangerous environment 48 , A connection 31a of the Hubkabeltreibers 30 is through a first cable to the first group of connected antennas 26a to 26i connected. The connection 31b of the Hubkabeltreibers 30 is through a second cable to the second group of connected antennas 28a to 28i connected. The hub cable driver is designed 30 for providing power to the antennas 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i over the cables; Receive the signals from the antennas 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i over the cables and transmit the signals to the server 36 via the data switch 34 , The hubcable driver 30 is communication technology with the data switch 34 , such as by Ethernet protocol communication.

Advantageously, the mesh-type connection design provides between the lift cable driver 30 and the antennas 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i of the exemplary system 10 several redundancy levels ready, since every antenna 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i up to four independent ways to receive power and transfer data to the server 36 having. Occurs, for example, at a location between the antennas 26a . 26b A communication interruption caused by any incident in the dangerous environment (for example, a mine) is like all the antennas 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i still with the Hubkabeltreiber 30 functionally connected.

D. Intrinsically safe antennas

As in 1 shown are the first set of intrinsically safe antennas 26a to 26i and the second set of intrinsically safe antennas 26a to 26i in known locations in the dangerous environment 48 positioned and with each other or with the first connector 31a or the second port 31b each connected by the communication cable. The antennas are laid out 26a to 26i and 28a to 28i for receiving the digital radio signals from the employee tag 20 and the equipment mark 22 if the marks 20 . 22 in the area of the antennas 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i are located. Designed each antenna 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i further for transmitting a signal over the communication cable having a unique identification code for identifying the respective antennas 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i contains, as well as with the Hubkabeltreiber 30 successively linking the respectively received unique identification codes for the employee marking 20 and the equipment mark 22 together with any respective equipment status information. Every antenna 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i also has a plurality of ports for connection to the hub cable driver 30 or other antennas.

8th shows a functional block diagram of an exemplary antenna 26a that has an on-board antenna 84 , an antenna microcontroller 85 , a plurality of RF modulators 26a to 26d and connections 88a to 88d having.

The connections 88a to 88d remain disconnected until a command to start the power supply is issued. In this way, the power supply for discrete cable segments can be started and checked for proper functioning, thereby automatically avoiding damaged or shorted segments. So if a communication cable or component fails, the system reconfigures 10 even to provide alternative energy and communication channels.

As in 1 shown are several antennas 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i at regular intervals throughout the dangerous environment 48 constructed and connected redundantly with each other. This "mesh network" draws its energy from a single hub cable driver 30 which is used outdoors or in fresh air. The hubcable driver 30 is also responsible for exchanging data with the Ethernet network. Every antenna 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i is intrinsically safe, and the installation can be extended to the limit of that of the hubcable driver 30 obtainable energy is reached. Every antenna 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i can work with a plurality of other antennas 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i be connected via independent communication cable.

After the antenna networks 26 . 28 are fully initialized, the receipt of information from intrinsically safe employee tags begins 20 and the intrinsically safe equipment markings. In the exemplary system 10 be data packets from the on-board antenna 84 received and separately with each connection 88a to 88d connected. Each connection has its own RF modulator 86a to 86d , Any unused connections 88a to 88d can be removed to save energy. In the event that signals from one or more markers 20 . 22 through more than one antenna 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i are received, determine the antennas 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i the strength of each of the markers 20 . 22 received signal to the nearest of the antennas 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i to every mark 20 . 22 to determine.

9 shows that the exemplary antenna 26a a first stress zone 90 and a second stress zone 92 to maximize intrinsic safety of the device.

The first zone 90 is the one of the IS-operated network. 41V at 500mA can be used from any of the connectors 88a to 88d ( 8th ).

As again in 8th is shown are line switching components 93a to 93d and RF coupling capacitors 94a to 94d ( 8th ) also free for this tension. A potted switching regulator 95 absorbs this tension and limits it, leaving a second tension zone 92 ( 9 ) arises.

The second stress zone 92 ( 9 ) includes a local DC voltage of 3.3V, each RF modulator 86a to 86d and the antenna microcontroller 85 energized. The input of the potted switching regulator 95 is fuse limited to 62 mA while the output is voltage limited to 5.36V by redundant 1.51V tens (not shown). In addition, each assigns from the RF modulators 86a to 86d and the antenna microprocessor 85 own 10 V fail-safe 62 mA fuses 96 on.

In order to maintain energy efficiency as well as mesh stability, the potted switching regulator decreases 95 The IS-41-V DC voltage and down gradually down to a DC voltage of +3.3 V for all local communication and control operations down. The potted switching regulator 95 is potted to exclude the atmosphere as well as soldered to the board so it can not be exchanged by the user. The protective elements of the device serve to isolate the on-board capacitance and inductance needed by the regulator for its operation. All protection elements are on-board with the potted switching regulator 95 potted and also 60 V fail-safe.

To avoid a general failure, the RF sections are individually by means of a fuse immediately adjacent to the output of the regulator 95 secured. The fuses 96 are 10V fail-safe with a 62mA maximum and are not user replaceable.

10 shows the potted switching regulator 95 , At one point in time, the user-replaceable fuse F7 limits the maximum input current to 62 mA (from the 41 V DC dc voltage for a 500 mA stroke source). This passes through redundant diodes (D36, D33 and D34) to prevent the regulator input capacitance (C142, C143 and C144) from feeding back into the input. U9 is a standard down converter with an internal switching feet and a single output inductor 117 , The output capacitors are C136, C137 and C140. The normal output of 3.3V is set by feedback from R83 and R84. Any overvoltage fault is limited by redundant 5.1V D28, D29, D30, which set an effective maximum of 5.36V.

As in 11 are shown are within the first stress zone 90 (ie the voltage zone of 41 V) all insulation components double fault redundant or 60 V-fail-safe. The four connections 88a to 88d are identical in function, while a power of an IS DC voltage of 41 V and 500 mA can be taken from each of them. Energy from every connection 88a to 88d is next RF-filtered (L7, L1, L2, L10) before it encounters its own line switching MOSFET (Q1, Q3, Q4, Q2). At the same time, any RF communication is shunted by redundant DC blocking capacitors (C67 / C68 / C69, C19 / C20 / C21, C36 / C35 / C34, C81 / C80 / C79). The voltage detection line has a high-resistance series resistor R7 for limiting the current. Analogously, the MOSFET control cables have a high series resistance (R5 / R10, R6 / R12, R8 / R13, R9 / R11) for limiting the current. The MOSFET intrinsic body diode provides power to the local regulator at 3.3V, while blocking energy from uninitialized terminals.

As in 8th 2, all other components are in the second stress zone 92 , The RF modulators 86a to 86b (preferably CC1101 RFID chips) are used with each connector 88a to 88d to communicate individually. The antenna microcontroller 85 is preferably a SAM-7S microcontroller. The antenna microcontroller 85 is for receiving initialization commands from the hub cable driver 30 and for switching at each port 88a to 88d with a set of low current diode pumps (not ge shows) responsible. The antenna microcontroller 85 monitors the applied voltage for drooping, signaling a bad segment. Temperature data is collected by a temperature sensor (not shown). A user interface 97 includes buttons, LEDs and an LCD display. A data transceiver 98 collects data from the markers 20 . 22 and passes the data to the antenna microcontroller 85 for a return to the Hubkabeltreiber on.

E. Physical Descriptions

As in 1 2, the circuits of the exemplary hub cable driver are shown 30 preferably installed in a metal housing. The housing does not have to be explosion and dustproof. All boards are preferably conformally coated. The circuits of the exemplary antennas 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i are preferably installed in a durable plastic housing which is sealed for environmental reasons. Nevertheless, dust protection is not claimed with regard to this housing. The housing does not have to be explosion proof or dustproof. The circuits of the exemplary antennas 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i are intrinsically safe. All boards are preferably conformally coated.

F. Mesh Network Security

• 1. Nur ein Hubkabeltreiber 30 sollte pro Kombination von Antennennetzwerken 26, 28 verwendet werden.
• 2. Jedes Kommunikationskabelsegment entweder zwischen einem Hubkabeltreiber 30 und einer Antenne (beispielsweise 26a bis 26i, 28a bis 28i) oder zwischen Antennen (beispielsweise 26a bis 26i, 28a bis 28i) sollte weniger als eine vorbestimmte Länge aufweisen, die durch die Kommunikationskabeleigenschaften bestimmt wird (beispielsweise 4000 Fuß Länge für ein RG11-Koaxialkabel).
• 3. Eine vorbestimmte Anzahl von Antennen (beispielsweise 26a bis 26i, 28a bis 28i) kann pro Kombination von Antennennetzwerken 26, 28 verwendet werden, was durch die Kommunikationskabeleigenschaften bestimmt wird. Ein Grenzwert von beispielsweise 50 Antennen begrenzt die maximale Anzahl von eingesetzten Kabelsegmenten. Werden vier Kabelsegmente für den ersten Knoten hinzugefügt und werden drei Segmente für jeden zusätzlichen Knoten hinzugefügt, so muss die maximale Segmentbevölkerung unter Berücksichtigung der bevorzugten Eigenschaften eines RG11-Koaxialkabels gleich 1·4 + 49·3 = 151 sein, wobei 151·4 K Fuß ein Worst-Case-Netzwerk von 604 K darstellen. Die Berücksichtigung einer Kabelspezifikation von 16 pF/ft bedingt einen Worst-Case-Wert von 9,6 μF, der im ganzen Netzwerk verteilt ist. Sind Systeme mit einer Gleichspannung von 40 V Maximum gegeben und werden Segmentwiderstandszahlen von 75 Ohm bei Wechselspannung und 18,4 Ohm bei Gleichspannung verwendet, so weist das maximale Netzwerk allem Anschein nach keine Entzündungsgefahr auf.

To maintain intrinsic safety and facilitate a quick check, the following limitations should apply when using the example system 10 get noticed.

• 1. Only one hub cable driver 30 should be per combination of antenna networks 26 . 28 be used.
• 2. Each communication cable segment either between a hub cable driver 30 and an antenna (e.g. 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i ) or between antennas (for example 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i ) should be less than a predetermined length determined by communications cable characteristics (for example, 4000 feet in length for an RG11 coaxial cable).
• 3. A predetermined number of antennas (for example 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i ) can be used per combination of antenna networks 26 . 28 which is determined by the communication cable characteristics. A limit of, for example, 50 antennas limits the maximum number of cable segments used. If four cable segments are added for the first node and three segments are added for each additional node, the maximum segment population, taking into account the preferred characteristics of an RG11 coaxial cable, must be 1 * 4 + 49 * 3 = 151, with 151 * 4K feet represent a worst case network of 604K. Considering a cable specification of 16 pF / ft requires a worst-case value of 9.6 μF, which is distributed throughout the network. If systems with a DC voltage of 40 V are given maximum and segment resistance numbers of 75 ohms at AC voltage and 18.4 ohms at DC voltage are used, the maximum network does not appear to have a risk of ignition.

It should be understood that these guidelines are intended only to facilitate safety testing, but beyond the usefulness of the exemplary system 10 lie. The antenna load, signal strength and cable resistance automatically limit the usable network size to below these values. Therefore, a simple test of persistent security is a system functionality. Be the antennas 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i energized and they communicate, so the network is fine.

G. Optional atmospheric sensors

Optionally, the system can 10 intrinsically safe atmospheric sensors that are either wired or wireless. Intrinsically safe wireless atmospheric sensors are positioned at known locations in the underground mine and periodically transmit a digital radio signal using the same radio technology as described above on the employee's label 20 and the equipment mark 22 has been described. The digital radio signal includes a unique identification code for identifying the atmospheric sensor and a gas content reading detected by the wireless atmospheric sensor.

Advantageously, the wireless atmospheric sensors simplify the calibration process by allowing a wireless atmospheric sensor requiring calibration to be replaced with a calibrated wireless atmospheric sensor. The wireless atmospheric sensor, which requires calibration, can then be calibrated at some central point along with other wireless atmospheric sensors in a more controlled (and convenient) environment than in the mine. In addition, the wireless atmospheric sensor includes a rechargeable battery that can power the wireless atmospheric sensor between calibrations. Therefore, the rechargeable battery can be recharged after calibration, and the wireless atmospheric sensor is calibrated and opened ready for replacement with another wireless atmospheric sensor requiring calibration and recharging.

Intrinsically safe wired atmospheric sensors are also located at known locations in the underground mine. The wired atmospheric sensors are preferably in series through a communication cable with the mesh antenna networks 26 . 28 connected. Each of the wired atmospheric sensors is designed to receive power from the hub cable driver 30 via the communication cable; sensory sensing of a gas content in an atmosphere at the respective wired atmospheric sensor; and periodically transmitting a signal to the hub cable driver 30 over the communication cable. The transmitted signal includes a unique identification code for identifying the respective atmospheric sensor and a gas content reading for indicating the sensory gas content. The respective Hubkabeltreiber 30 transmits the received signals to the server 36 via the data switch 34 , The server 36 stores the data in the data store 38 , and the workstation 40 uses the data in the data store 38 to track the gas content of each of the wired atmospheric sensors.

H. Data switch

The data switch 34 is a standard data switch known in the art and serves to connect the hub 30 with the server 36 using a predetermined communication protocol, such as Ethernet.

I. Server / Data Storage

The server 36 receives the signals from the hub 30 and stores data contained in the received signals in the data memory 38 ,

J. Workstation

The workstation is laid out 40 is to restore the stored data from the data store 38 and using the stored data to keep track of the person and mine equipment using a software to be described below.

K. Software

12 shows a typical server 36 , Preferably, the server has 36 via redundant power supplies, plates, fans and Ethernet connections. The server 36 preferably has a remote administration card to enable remote management of the server 36 , The server 36 executes some program modules, described below, to implement the steps of an exemplary method of tracking miners and equipment in mines using the markers 20 . 22 and the antennas 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i which have already been described above.

13 to 15 show typical snapshots, the program modules for display on a display workstation 40 ( 1 ). The display workstation 40 is preferably in communication with the server 36 via an ethernet connection.

13 is an exemplary map display 270 to identify miners, units, equipment or equipment groups. A knot 272 on the map display 270 For example, make an antenna 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i ( 1 ) by selecting the node 272 a window appears 274 on the map display 270 for identifying the selected antenna 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i and listing the miners or equipment (that is the markings 20 . 22 ( 1 )) that are currently located at that location. The map display 270 may have zooming or magnifying capabilities.

14 is an exemplary map display 280 , the details of antennas 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i ( 1 ) and markings 20 . 22 ( 1 ), and can with respect to the marks 20 . 22 or antennas 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i be sorted. The data display 280 includes an antenna identification / status area 282 , a selection mark detail area 284 as well as a list 286 all markers in the area at a selected antenna 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i are located. The selection mark detail area 284 can also be a photo 288 of the miner or a piece of equipment belonging to a marking 20 . 22 assigned.

15 is an exemplary preparation supervisor ad 290 used to display miners in preparation areas and to prove the functionality of the mark. The preparation supervisor display 290 includes a first area 292 for identifying employee tags 20 the miners who are not logged in; a second area 294 for identifying tags 20 miners who are logged in; a third area 296 for identifying employee tags 20 for miners who are at a preparation area antenna.

16 to 22 show an exemplary software system 100 for tracking miners and equipment in mines using exemplary markers (e.g. 20 . 22 ) and antennas (for example 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i ), as described above. As such, a reference to the marks 20 . 22 and antennas 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i in the following description with reference to the exemplary markings (e.g. 20 . 22 ) and antennas (for example 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i ) as described above.

16 is an overview diagram of the architecture of the exemplary software system 100 with software program modules with a server module 101 , an administrator module 102 , a view module 103 , a supervisor module 104 , a key module 105 , an OPC module 106 , a shared sensor datastore 107 , a shared tag data store 108 , a shared reader communication memory 110 , a server database 112 and a shared RS instruction memory 114 ,

The server module 101 includes several server objects 101 to 101c running at the same time. Each running server object 101 to 101e manages a hubcable driver 30 and antennas (e.g. 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i ). The purpose of the server module 101 This is information from the hubcable driver 30 and the antennas (e.g. 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i ) and this information to the administrator module 102 forward. Communication is through the shared tag data store 108 within a storage component of the server 36 ,

In addition, the server objects communicate 101 to 101e to each other through the shared reader communication memory 110 where digital radio messages are stored. The server module 101 Filters digital radio messages from more than one antenna (for example 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i ) are received simultaneously, and stores only the digital broadcast message having the strongest signal and the location of the antenna which has received this signal in the shared tag data memory 108 , In this way, the module determines 101 the location of the mark 20 . 22 by determining the location of the nearest antenna (e.g. 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i ) (for example, the antenna that receives the strongest signal).

Sensor data is stored in the shared sensor data memory 107 saved.

The administrator module 102 takes on different functions. The primary function of the administrator module 102 is the shared memory of the shared tag data memory 108 and the shared sensor data memory 107 read out and the information in server records in the server database 112 to translate. In addition, the administrator module sends 102 Commands to the server module 101 through the shared RS instruction memory 114 , In addition, the administrator module keeps 112 the definitions of the hub cable driver 30 and all antennas (e.g. 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i ) in the system 10 be used. These definitions include objects such as Ethernet address and port information specific to the reader hardware.

Within the server database 112 maintains the administrator module 102 a continuously updated tag data table 113 and a legacy table 115 , The continuously updated tag data table 113 Contains the current data from the hubcable driver 30 and each of the antennas (e.g. 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i ) are read on the system 10 are attached. The administrator module 102 stores older tracking tag data in the legacy data table 115 to maintain a site history for each follow-up marker 20 . 22 ,

The view module 103 takes two primary functions with respect to the server database 112 true. A feature provides an optical overview of the mine, showing multiple levels of maps and displaying the locations of the tracking marks 20 . 22 included on the cards. The other function provides a view of the tracking data in tabular format, for both the continuously updated tag data table 113 as well as for the legacy data table 115 , In addition, the display module 103 It also has the ability to run ad-hoc and predefined reports from data in the continuously updated tag data table 113 and the legacy data table 115 to create.

The view module 103 also performs a number of other functions. One function is to allow users to position information for the antennas (e.g. 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i ) when added, modified or removed from the system 10 be removed. Another function is to selectively select whether data for the tags 20 . 22 For example, for the current layer or active tags when included in the currently updated tag data table 113 be read, filtered who the. The display module 103 also has the ability to locate the tracking markers 20 . 22 both in terms of the current location as well as the last place where the tracking mark 20 . 22 as well as the subsequent visual displaying of these locations on a map and in a table. Another feature that the display module 103 the ability to edit details related to a particular marker. These details include objects such as the number of an employee, ID numbers, and a photograph of the individual or subject in the database.

The supervisor module 104 provides e-mail support for database reports and status notifications. The supervisor module 104 also provides a method for deleting database tables, cleaning up database routines, and monitoring the operation of the administrator module 102 ready.

The key module 105 provides a way to control licensing based on the number of antennas (e.g. 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i ) and markings 20 . 22 with approval and generates keys for remote systems based on system parameters in the remote system (it allows license changes via telephone support).

The OPC module 106 allows OPC access by external clients, such as connecting to another server that provides atmospheric monitoring services.

17 is a process diagram of the server module 101 which is used as an interface with the antennas (for example 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i ) serves. A reader initialization process 116 initially initializes the hubcable driver 30 and all antennas (e.g. 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i ), which is a read of the status of the Hubkabeltreibers 30 and the antennas (e.g. 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i ) and reading older data from the hubcable driver 30 and the antennas (e.g. 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i ) includes. This enables a function of reading information from the hub cable driver 30 and the antennas (e.g. 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i ) if the server 16 was off. Following the reader initialization process 116 Six processes can occur within the server module 101 expire.

The first process is a stream processing process 118 , Once the reader initialization process 116 is finished, the Hubkabeltreiber occur 30 and the antennas (for example 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i ) into a "data streaming". In the data streaming mode, the hubcable drivers are streaming 30 and the antennas (for example 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i ) Data from each tag read 20 . 22 in the server 36 including a time stamp, the tag of the tag, the tag of the signal receiving antenna, and a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) value. As discussed above, each running server object manages 101 to 101e a hubcable driver 30 and antennas (e.g. 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i ), checks the marking data in step 120 and stores the tag data in step 122 in the shared reader communication memory 110 ,

The second process is a marking data processing process 124 for processing data from the shared reader communication memory 110 , The shared reader communications memory 110 serves as a buffer for data, and the tag data processing process 124 reads the buffered data and stores only the tag data for the digital radio message with the highest RSSI value for a particular tag 20 . 22 at a certain time. The marking data processing process 124 stores the buffered or filtered data in the shared tag data store 108 , causing the antenna closest to the mark at that particular time 20 . 22 is, is identified. This buffering process ensures that only valid, new, and the strongest tag data are sent to the administrator module 102 for storage in the server database 123 be passed on.

The third process is a sensor data processing process 126 to process sensor data for the shared sensor data memory 107 ,

The fourth process is a display processing process 128 , The display processing 128 shows a status of the hub cable driver 30 and the antennas (e.g. 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i ) and monitors and monitors the communications.

The fifth process is a debugging process 130 (debug), which enables an engineer or technician to perform an error check on the processing currently running in the program to determine if the tag data has been stored correctly. This is done by collecting data and then displaying the data in a trace box located within the server module 101 is available.

The sixth process is a tax processing process 132 to process commands from the administrator module 102 , The administrator module 102 sends commands to the RS shared memory 114 , and the control processing process 132 processes the commands and then makes appropriate handling steps within the server module 101 ready.

18 is a process diagram of the administrator module 112 that is the management of the hub cable driver 30 and the associated antennas (for example 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i ).

A first process is a reader server display processing process 140 , The reader server display processing process 140 reads database information and displays server description and server status (box 142 ) in tabular form on a main screen provided by the administrator module 102 is produced.

A second process is a reader server definition processing process 144 , The reader server definition processing process 144 initializes the system 10 if a hubcable driver 30 and the associated antennas (for example 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i ) are currently not active. It registers new servers, takes a re-registration or editing of old servers as well as a de-registration or deletion of servers from the system 10 (Box 146 ) in front.

A third process is a control request process 148 , The control request process 148 runs in conjunction with the control processing process 132 ( 17 ) of the server module 101 , The control request process 148 provides an operator with a method for sending global commands and single-user-specific commands (box 150 ) to the server module 101 and the server objects (for example 102 to 102e ). Examples of these functions include: setting options within the server objects, such as turning on features such as time-based time synchronization or deleting the reader history as soon as the server module 101 has been initialized. The tax or

Rule request process 148 also provides commands, such as for immediate deletion of the history or forcing time synchronization. This data is sent to the server module 101 and the server objects (for example 101 to 101e ) through the shared RS instruction storage area 114 Posted.

A fourth process is a tag data store processing process 152 , The data storage processing process 152 represents the primary function of the administrator module 104 ready to do the data storage in the server database 112 is. The first step 154 consists in reading the tag data from the shared tag data memory 108 , Subsequently, in step 156 the tag data in the currently updated tag data table 113 the server database 112 saved. In addition, additional processing determines whether the legacy data table 115 also needs updating. The legacy data table 115 is updated at most every 10 seconds, and new entries are made in the legacy data table 115 created when the administrator module 104 that determines the marks 20 . 22 from a closer antenna 24 moved to another antenna.

A final process is a sensor data store processing process 157 containing the tag data store processing process 152 for sensor data reflects.

19 is a process diagram of the supervisor module process 104 , The reader status processing detects status changes of the hub cable driver 30 and the associated antennas (for example 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i ) and generates notifications of a status change via e-mail. Daily report processing generates daily reports, a daily entry, and a markup report. The checkmark monitor monitors checkmarks and sends a notification if the checkmarks are not active. The battery alarm monitor monitors for battery alarms and sends a notification when a battery alarm is detected. Remote Command Processing reads commands from an e-mail server and processes commands contained in emails. Daily Cleansing cleans up historical activity-based data and bad marker data.

20 is a process diagram of the view module 103 , which is the main user interface for the system 10 provides. The display module 103 is used by operators and technicians in the mine so they are able to get information stored in the server database 112 stored, optically reprocessed. There are three primary functions / operations of the display module 103 available.

The first process is a visual display process 158 indicating a user-defined hierarchical tree of the mine, whereupon the user can view different sections of the mine by selecting elements within that tree. The user has the ability to define the different areas within a mine and even different mines in the case where the system is used to view data from different mines. The status of the antennas (for example 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i ) is displayed in an optical map of the mine, this status being indicated by the color as well as a list of markings 20 . 22 displayed at each antenna shown on the map (for example 26a to 26i . 28a to 28i ) are visible. The list is based on the level of activity of the tag based on the current time and date and on the group membership of the tags 20 . 22 selectively.

The second process is a table display process 160 , which displays data in the form of a table. The table display process 160 Provides options for displaying continuously updated tag data and legacy tag data. It also shows when a particular marker 20 . 22 within the table is selected, the table display process 160 detailed information for this mark 20 . 22 including information such as name, employee's number, group affiliation, and a photograph of the individual or equipment of that mark 20 . 22 assigned.

The last process of the display module 103 is a control or regulation function process 162 , The control or regulation function process 162 Defines functions where: Map images are selected and stored in the server database 112 can be stored; Details of a mark 20 . 22 can be set, such as employee numbers and photographs; the location of a miner or an object can be located by a "find"button; Predefined quick reports or ad-hoc reports with selectively selected data areas can be generated, reports for individual markings 20 . 22 , the group membership or groups of tags can be printed; and antenna locations can be set by drag-and-drop functions. In addition, the control or regulating function process allows 162 also defining areas of the mine and image files that define the background of each mine and area. Finally, the control function includes 162 the possibility of manual sound setting of an alarm when a mark 20 . 22 which is known to leave the monitored area does not reappear in the monitored area within a predetermined period of time.

21 is a process diagram of the key module 105 which must be operated to generate an initialization control or a first key ("key A") which must be reported for the generation of a second key ("key B"). The first key and the second key act as a license control system.

22 is a process diagram of the OPC module 106 , which provides a way to transfer data into or out of other systems that support OPC (OLE for process control).

L. Additional Steps and configurations

a One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that extra steps and embodiments possible are without departing from the teachings of the invention. The detailed description and in particular the specific details of the disclosed exemplary embodiment are primary to promote of understanding indicated and do not constitute unnecessary Limitations, as one skilled in the art when reading this revelation tap into modifications that can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention.

Therefore is the essence of the invention by the appended claims and their legal equivalents and not determined by the examples given.

Summary

A system for tracking personnel and equipment in hazardous environments in pre-crash and post-crash situations includes an intrinsically safe tracking tag and an intrinsically safe reader system. The intrinsically safe tracking tag transmits identification and status information to the intrinsically safe reader system that includes a plurality of intrinsically safe antennas and a hub cable driver. In one embodiment, antennas are located at known locations in the hazardous environment and connected via a redundant wire mesh topology. The wire mesh topology also allows more flexible placement of the antennas compared to line-of-sight wireless mesh systems. The hubcable driver provides intrinsically safe. Powering and communicating with the antennas using communication cables, receiving data signals from the antennas, and transmitting the data signals to a server. The server stores the data signals in a storage device and is connected to a workstation. The workstation will track the stored data of persons or equipment.

Claims (16)

System for tracking employees and equipment in a dangerous one Environment comprising:  a tracking mark for attachment at one of a person and a piece of equipment in the dangerous Environment, where the tracking mark is intrinsically safe and periodically transmits a radio signal that a unique tracking tag identification code for identifying the follow-up mark contains;  an intrinsically safe one Reader system, which is a Hubkabeltreiber and a plurality of intrinsically safe Includes antennas, wherein the Hubkabeltreiber and the majority of intrinsically safe antennas connected by communication cables;  in which the hubcable driver for it is designed to provide intrinsically safe energy for and communication with the Majority of intrinsically safe antennas over the communication cables provide;  being the majority of intrinsically safe ones Antennas at known positions in the dangerous environment in one self-correcting redundant link infrastructure topology is,  Each intrinsically safe antenna is designed to:  Receive the radio signal from the tracking tag; and  Transfer a data signal to the hub cable driver via the communication cables, wherein the data signal comprises an antenna identification code for identifying the antenna and a tracking mark identification code for identifying the tracking mark;  in which the system is capable of intrinsically safe intrinsic safety Follow-up marking, the majority of intrinsically safe antennas and intrinsically safe power and communication from the hub cable driver in a potentially explosive atmosphere Environment to work continuously; and where the redundant Connective infrastructure topology enables the system, regardless of a communication interruption at a location along the redundant link infrastructure topology to work continuously. The system of claim 1, wherein the intrinsically safe tracking mark attached to a safety helmet that is dangerous to the person Environment is worn. The system of claim 1, wherein the intrinsically safe tracking mark at one in the dangerous Attached equipment installed where the intrinsically safe tracer mark is to receive of equipment status and location information for the equipment part and periodic transmission a radio signal serving a unique equipment tag identification code for identifying intrinsically safe equipment tag and equipment status and location information. The system of claim 1, wherein each intrinsically safe antenna a first voltage zone, a switching regulator and a second voltage zone each intrinsically safe antenna to maximize intrinsic safety Receives energy at a first voltage in the first voltage zone and the energy with the first voltage in energy with a second Stress for use in the second stress zone using of the switching regulator converts. The system of claim 1, wherein each intrinsically safe antenna a plurality of communication ports for connection to a Plurality of other antennas, wherein the plurality of communication ports are not is energized and separated from each other until a command to Start the power supply and connect selected ones the plurality of communication ports is received. The system of claim 1, wherein the hub cable driver an output terminal for providing the intrinsically safe energy and communication, an IS protection block for detecting current and voltage levels at the output terminal and a hub microcontroller for receiving the current and voltage levels from the IS protection block and possibly disconnecting the power supply from has the output port. The system of claim 1, further comprising intrinsically safe atmospheric Sensor at a known location in the dangerous Environment positioned and in communication with the Hubkabeltreiber is where the intrinsically safe atmospheric sensor is designed for: sensory detection of a gas content in an atmosphere in the intrinsically safe atmospheric Sensor; and periodic transmission a signal to the hub cable driver that has a unique identification code for identifying the intrinsically safe atmospheric sensor and a gas content reading to indicate a sensory gas content. The system of claim 7, wherein the intrinsically safe atmospheric sensor a wireless atmospheric Sensor is. The system of claim 7, wherein the intrinsically safe atmospheric sensor is in communication with the lift cable driver through a communications cable, and wherein the intrinsically safe atmospheric sensor is further for receiving power is designed by the Hubkabeltreiber over the communication cable. System for tracking employees and equipment in a dangerous one Environment comprising:  a plurality of follow-up markers, wherein each tracking tag is for periodic transmission a radio message serving as a unique tracking tag identifier contains, where each tracking mark of attachment to another person or another piece of equipment, those in the dangerous Environment, serve and each follow-up mark is intrinsically safe;  an intrinsically safe reader system that has a hubcable driver and a plurality of intrinsically safe antennas included with the hub cable driver and each other through communication cables in a redundant link infrastructure topology are connected, each antenna at a known position in the dangerous Environment for receiving radio messages from nearby Tracking marks, determining a signal strength value each received radio message, sending a tag data message for every received radio message is located on the Hubkabeltreiber, wherein each tag data message receives the received radio message, one Antenna ID of the receiving antenna and the signal strength value includes;  a server database; and  a server, including:  one Server module for receiving tag data messages from the Hubcable driver, determining a location of each tracking marker by determining the antenna that receives the radio message having a highest signal strength value;  one Administrator module for maintaining a continuously updated tag data table in the server database, with the continuously updated tag data table current location data for contains each tracking mark; and  a view module for generating an indication of a current location of each tracking marker on a map of at least a section of the dangerous ones Environment and to generate selected displays of data for each tracking marker. The system of claim 10, further comprising at least one atmospheric Sensor in communication with the hub cable driver; being the server further includes a shared sensor data memory. The system of claim 10, further comprising a supervisor module to provide e-mail support for database reports and status notifications. The system of claim 12, wherein the supervisor module Furthermore, it serves to read and process commands contained in e-mail messages received by an e-mail server are. The system of claim 10, further comprising a key module for providing a means for controlling licensing Based on a number of antennas and tracking marks with approval. The system of claim 10, further comprising an OPC module to enable OPC access to the server by external clients. The system of claim 10, wherein the view module moreover, it serves as an alarm sounding point, if a tracking mark that is known to be does not leave a detectable area of the intrinsically safe reader system within a predetermined period of time in the detectable area the intrinsically safe reader system reappears.