AU2021333393A1

AU2021333393A1 - A vehicle, equipment and machinery control method and systems

Info

Publication number: AU2021333393A1
Application number: AU2021333393A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Alex Gibson; Lisa REMATO
Original assignee: Safety Connect It Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Safety Connect It Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2020-08-27
Filing date: 2021-08-27
Publication date: 2023-06-29
Also published as: WO2022040750A1

Abstract

The premises compliance control system for control of vehicles and equipment and machinery at a premises, uses the machinery control device including at least one relay or switch to initiate or stop or modify operation of the machinery, at least one sensor, each of the at least one sensor configured to generate corresponding sensor information and a control communication interface configured to communicate information including the sensor information generated by the at least one sensor, and to receive a stop or go control to the at least one relay or switch to automatically initiate or stop or modify operation of the machinery.

Description

A VEHICLE, EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY CONTROL METHOD AND SYSTEMS

Field of the Invention

[001] The present invention relates to a vehicle, equipment and machinery control method and systems. The invention has been developed primarily for use to actively control vehicle, equipment and machinery on premises to ensure usage compliance and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

Background of the Invention

[002] The usage of vehicle, equipment and machinery is important in order to fulfil:

(i) effective usage

(ii) safe usage

(iii) correct usage

(iv) strategic usage

(v) beneficial usage.

[003] The outcomes of such usage includes: a) None or limited accidents and injuries b) None or limited property damage c) None or limited damage to vehicle, equipment and machinery d) Longevity of workforce e) Longevity of vehicle, equipment and machinery f) Commercial upside g) Increased reputation h) Responsible management.

[004] This outcome is usually achieved in reverse by having a compliance system which is generally a paper trail with details of the outcomes sent into the main company office. The compliance system after the event determines if employees have been operating at a premises according to a compliance system This is clearly a disjointed resultant approach with multiple unconnected decision points that are manually reviewed or missed or assumed after the event.

[005] The system therefore of the prior art is to: a) define the compliance requirements b) personally watch and review the employees and operation of the equipment or vehicles at a premises c) at each step compare the use or operation with each step of the compliance requirements d) assess compliance e) determine further action.

[006] It can be seen that known prior art premises compliance control system has the problems of: a) inconvenience - if not impossibility - in handling many personnel and many vehicles and many equipment at a premises over many procedures or operations or mis-operations b) the disjointed assessment at different steps by a manual review that does not lead to next step and does not ensure c) the lack of consistency at different steps of whether compliance is attained d) the lack of foresight in assessing action to be taken by different people at different assessment points e) compliance usually obtained by correction after the action and review such that it allows incorrect of the operation of personnel, vehicles and equipment.

[007] The present invention seeks to provide premises compliance system, which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least one or more of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

[008] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. Summary of the Invention

[009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the premises compliance control system uses a predefined control system such that there is control of personnel, vehicles and equipment.

[0010] It can be seen that the invention of premises compliance control system provides the benefit of ensuring that there is a control of equipment at a premises and therefore by that control there is compliance.

[0011] According to the present invention, there is provided a premises compliance control system for control of vehicles and equipment and machinery at a premises, the system comprising a machinery control device including at least one relay or switch to initiate or stop or modify operation of the machinery; at least one sensor, each of the at least one sensor configured to generate corresponding sensor information; a control communication interface configured to communicate information including the sensor information generated by the at least one sensor, and to receive a stop or go control to the at least one relay or switch to automatically initiate or stop or modify operation of the machinery.

[0012] The system further includes a premises module in communication with the machinery control device, the premises device including a premises communication interface configured to receive the sensor information from the control device; and processing circuitry configured to determine, based on control stop or go control criteria whether a control event has occurred; and trigger at least one stop or go control if the control event occurred.

[0013] It can be seen that the invention of premises compliance system provides the benefit of automatic control so as to always have correct usage of the vehicles, machinery equipment by the right personnel in the required premises which therefore results in compliance.

[0014] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the premises compliance control system includes a recordal of operation of vehicles, machinery, equipment and personnel at a premises so as to fulfil a recordal compliance.

[0015] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, a preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic operational set-up based on review of compliance requirements and sensed operation to undertake a sensed review to actively control equipment on premises to ensure compliance in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic operational review of compliance requirements and sensed operation to undertake a sensed review to actively control equipment on premises to ensure compliance in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic operational procedure for use in a premises compliance control system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figs 4, 5 and 6 are control modules of machinery, premises and personnel respectively for use in a premises compliance control system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic block view of the method of implementing a premises compliance control system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 8 is a diagrammatic view of use of a predefined control structure that can be modified for use for a premises so as to form a particular premises compliance control system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention and used accordingly so as to result in compliance;

Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic view of the predefined control structure that can be modified for use for a premises so as to form a particular premises compliance control system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Fig 10 is a diagrammatic view of the technical architecture of a premises compliance control system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figs 11 , 12, 13 and 14 are parts of firmware and software and API of a premises compliance control system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and Figs 15 and 16 are parts of a premises compliance control system in which a break has occurred or a new user engages the equipment, machinery or vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Description of Preferred Embodiments

[0017] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

[0018] Referring to the drawings there is shown active control of equipment on premises to ensure compliance.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 1 there is an operational set up 19 that is to form the physical operation set-up 20 that will be used in the operational review 25. The operational setup 19 is created based on the compliance requirements 15, 16, 17 and sensed operation 18, 19 20 to undertake a sensed review to actively control equipment on premises to ensure compliance in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Further as shown in Fig. 2 there is an operational review 25 of compliance requirements 15, 16, 17 and sensed operation 18, 19 20 to undertake a sensed review to actively control equipment on premises to ensure compliance in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Therefore the operation review 25 does not directly review with compliance requirements 26 but instead includes a hardwired approach of controlling the vehicles or machinery or personnel 20 that is used to determine operational review 25.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 3 this hard wiring in the premises compliance control system means the operation review 25 has an immediate hard wired effect of predefined control 31 which can for example be initiation 32, stopping 33 or modifying 34 operation of the vehicle equipment or machinery.

[0021] Figs 4, 5 and 6 show control modules that can be physically on machinery, premises and personnel respectively for use in a premises compliance control system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0022] The machinery control module 41 can include a machinery lock 42, machinery operation sensors 46 and feedback 43 machinery control sensors and feedback 44 and machinery log 45 of use requirements, maintenance details, relevant authorized personnel and instructions as required. A relay or switch 47 can be connected to any element of the machinery control module 41 such that upon communication interface 49 receiving sensed data from external sensors or from internal sensors can affect operation of the machinery such as predefined control 31 of initiation 32, stopping 33 or modifying 34 operation of the vehicle equipment or machinery. Further the communication interface can send information of operation, sensed operation, modified operation and other logged information back to the control module to fulfil recordal compliance requirements of the machinery operation.

[0023] The premises control module 51 can include various premises sensors 52, 53, 54 such as gateways buildings, driveways, overhead obstructions or wiring and can include a premises geofencing 55 through a predefined GPS defined area. There can be one or more machinery sensors 46 that sense and monitor actions or effects of the machinery relative to the premises sensors 52. In this way the premises and concerns on the premises is defined so as to be used and communicated through communication interface 59 to be used in the premises compliance control system.

[0024] The personnel control module 61 can be a personal module that includes a personal indicator 62 that can advise status or instruction to the personnel, a personnel key 63 that can be used when activated to allow access to parts of the premises, vehicles or access to machinery and equipment. There can be a personnel sensor 66 that can interact with machinery sensor 46 and/or premises sensor 52 so that the relative authorization of the personnel relative to the machinery and the premises is controlled according to [predefined hard-wire compliance.

[0025] The premises compliance control system for control of vehicles and equipment and machinery at a premises, uses the machinery control device including at least one relay or switch to initiate or stop or modify operation of the machinery, at least one sensor, each of the at least one sensor configured to generate corresponding sensor information and a control communication interface configured to communicate information including the sensor information generated by the at least one sensor, and to receive a stop or go control to the at least one relay or switch to automatically initiate or stop or modify operation of the machinery. A premises device in communication with the machinery control device, uses a premises communication interface configured to receive the sensor information from the control device and processing circuitry configured to determine, based on control stop or go control criteria whether a control event has occurred; and trigger at least one stop or go control if the control event occurred.

[0026] Referring to Figs 7, 8 and 9, the method of implementing the premises compliance control system can initially include the step of selecting a control structure 71. As shown in Fig 8 this control structure 71 has a predefined control arrangement to various controllers 47, 48, 49 that are defined according to category 1 , 2 or 3 dependent on the urgency of the decision point and the action that is going to be controlled. As shown in Fig. 9 the next step is to define the control points and then identify the importance of the control points. The actual actions to occur at the control points are defined such as initiation, stop or modify actions at the control points. The hard wiring of the control points is then installed such that there is control at the control points that can then be utilized at a premises.

[0027] It can be seen as shown in Fig. 8 that the control system module 72 can be predefined and then made suitable for a premises 81 by an identification of the control points. Then the hard wiring can occur so as to create a hard wiring control system that enables correct control 91 . It is by this hard-wired control that the result is compliance 99 at all times and with avoiding any incorrect control.

[0028] It should be noted that “hard wiring” throughout this specification can refer to use of wiring or wireless connection such as Bluetooth or WiFi. In effect it is not manual or operator connection but automatic connection so as to avoid disjoint in control at various control points.

[0029] Figs 11 , 12, 13 and 14 are parts of a premises compliance control system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention

[0030] Figs 15 and 16 shows that upon personnel approaching a vehicle such as a forklift on the premises, the hardwiring reviews the QR code of the person to determine if you can proceed. If not such as wrong license, the relay on the forklift stops you enabling operation of the forklift. If you are authorized, then you are presented with the Site or Location Induction document so you as the operator know and will be operating under the requirements of the location.

[0031] As operation proceeds there are sensors sent to system which follows the setup into minor alert or major alert and the automatic hard wired effect due to relays on the machinery to stop or modify operation. There can be indicator relays to turn on flashing lights and also automatic messaging to supervisor to allow override or continuation of the relays to allow equipment to continue or stop or modify operation.

[0032] The system also monitors and senses operation over time. This is monitored to ensure breaks are undertaken and that the user after the break is the same user and is in full awareness of the required approach before operation of the equipment, machinery or vehicle is controlled to be able to restart or to continue. [0033] Therefore, the control by relays ensures operation within the predefined and affixed hard wired physical operation set-up. This control effects that compliance is achieved.

[0034] There is also the website and API that required. As per Fig 10 there is a high level design (HLD) created initially in AWS. However, this could be re-architected using Azure equivilents. The required structure includes: a) AWS Architecture o Setup and securing of S3 buckets o Lambda function setup o API Gateway setup including accepting APIGatewayRequest and sending of response type APIGatewayResponse o API Gateway setup allowing token access o DynamoDB table design to allow filtering of data and considers read/write requirements o Dynamo DB table design to cover best practice storing of all company details including users, company details, equipment and GEO fences o Email setup including AWS SNS service o AWS Parameters setup o CloudWatch log setup b) AWS Deployment o Setup of DTAP environment o Setup of source code on GIT hub o Deployment of AWS resources o Best practice and training of deployment of Web applications changes o Structure and guidance on best practice for structure and setup of sever-less code c) • Other o Push notifications guidance and services available through AWS o GEO fence setup and recording [0035] By utilizing a serverless architecture, which means utilizing cloud managed services and serverless functions (execution of code on demand using services such as AWS Lambda or Azure Functions) without needing to deploy and manage servers, we can hand over the responsibility of some aspects of the infrastructure to the cloud provider.

[0036] The system backend of the "API First", allowing that only one set of code to perform the backend actions need to be built and can be reused by the web application, mobile application and external systems.

[0037] One of the benefits to a serverless application is performance. Concurrent requests utilize and compute in parallel and therefore what user A is doing does not affect what user B is doing. As a result serverless functions are quick to process requests, generally under 100ms, and can be tuned on a case-by-case basis by allocating more resources backend to speed up more-complex parts of the application.

[0038] The database type can be NoSQL (e.g. AWS OynamoDB or Azure Cosmos), which both offer single digit millisecond latency when returning the results of a query — optimal for returning large sets of geofence co-ordinates extremely quickly for example.

[0039] Using serverless functions removes the need to have separate security for servers and operating systems as this responsibility is now taken care of by the identity provider. In a similar manner, using managed services for identity we offload the responsibility of maintaining security of usernames and passwords to the identity provider. This ensures that we are using best practices automatically as soon as we turn on the service.

[0040] We still need to ensure data in transit is encrypted using SSL certificates and data at rest is encrypted, this is made easier by being a turnkey feature from cloud providers. API endpoints also need to be secured, again made significantly easier when using managed API services as they generally integrate seamlessly with most leading identity providers.

[0041] This type of system architecture scales inherently, and no significant architectural re-factoring needs to take place to support an increase in users, traffic and overall “load”. It helps future-proof the system to allow you to effectively bring on any number of customers of any size without having the worry of supporting the load. This also avoids the higher complexity and costs of traditional server-full architectures which require significantly more work to do so. [0042] Benefits

[0043] This digital platform is designed and developed to assist companies with their safety compliance by ensuring safety checks are done, and operator’s skills and qualifications match the equipment they are using, before they start the equipment. The hardware can be fitted to all types of plant and equipment and will immobilize it until all safety checks are passed. It can also warn drivers and pedestrians of hazards, through a built-in geofencing system.

[0044] The system is using a technical solution for safety, background in manufacturing and construction rather than and after event paper recordal. However it is more than mere automation as prior systems provided no control over users or equipment and machinery. Therefore past manual records were meant to train people to avoid accidents etc or avoid misuse etc, There was clearly a gap between safety documentation and implementation. This system closes the safety gap by building safety compliance into everyday equipment use, so our customers can be more in control of their risk.

[0045] Key Feature- Geofencing

[0046] Geofencing can occur of all equipment and define a no-go-zone from the driver’s angle and have lights and buzzer going off to notify the driver. This clearly avoids accidents. The intersection of a path of a forklift and pedestrian zone can also be monitored and notified. With geofencing, the guess work is being taken out of vehicle safety by creating a digital fence around a worksite. This will eliminate the requirement for operators to manually switch safety lights entering a site or going back onto a public road. It can also be set for no-go zones, so if a driver enters a hazard area, they are warned with lights and a buzzer that they are too close. This application extends to temporary weather created hazards, or other hazards such as steep inclines, chemical or treated areas where PPE might be required, passing traffic, low wires, or designated pedestrian zones.

[0047] Key Feature- Immobilization

[0048] With use of a tractor at a maintenance shed, to start usage a staff member scans onto the equipment, to provide licence checking, provide a series of safety checks, and ensure the equipment will not start if incorrect answer is shown. A schedule of Safety Checks is predefined and precategorised according to the predetermined priority. A major alert is created if the driver is not licenced, the equipment is uninsured or any other issue that is critical. If a major alert is flagged the plant will not start. A minor alert might be raised for less serious issues in which case the equipment will start with identifying signals that there is a minor problem with the plant. As this is happening all alerts are sent to the supervisor for their approval to proceed.

[0049] Key Feature- Equipment Safety Checks

[0050] Maintenance shed handheld equipment can need to use personal protective equipment (PPE). Not all hazards are caused by motorised equipment, some accidents are caused by lack of training or PPE. The system controls the equipment so that the immediate provision of safety checks is presented at the right time to the relevant person to ensure correct action of what's needed to get the job done safely.

[0051] Key Feature- Site Inductions

[0052] Geofence site induction or QR code can be part of the system at a chemical shed at a work premises. Daily site inductions can be time consuming. Using a simple QR code or a geofence, they can be delivered and responded to in real time to show that the induction had recently been undertaken and therefore the user can proceed and the equipment will start.

[0053] How it works- Website & Platform

[0054] At a premises the worker can start at the website and then click through to login to platform and show any current notifications. The system is used in relation to operator licences and qualifications by the program checking that the users have the right licence to operate the equipment and there can be integration of a training program, so even if a licence isn't required, the equipment does not to start if they don't have the right skills.

[0055] The system helps with operator safety as a staff head can be busy from very early in the morning, so the system needs to be really efficient in the way of managing the driver welfare and vehicle safety checks. This system allows it to be done without paperwork, the driver just scans on, fills in the checks and can gets started.

[0056] Clearly prevention is better than cure when it comes to safety. However prior systems were always after the event and therefore could not provide prevention. By directly using technical combination of software and hardware that controls the equipment, machinery and vehicles there is a active technical prevention system. This provides substantial risk reduction for employees, Management and Boards and avoids injuries and the hidden costs for businesses when accidents occur. [0057] In one example

[0058] ALL YOUR COMPANY EQUIPMENT CHECKED WHENEVER YOU NEED IT

[0059] Ensures your vehicles, plant or equipment is in good condition before use, and that your users are qualified and trained to do so, through the system. You set the frequency - the employees do the checks.

A. Equipment detail page:

• Identifying each asset with Name, Serial Number & Image

B. Licensing and training:

• Set licencing, training or qualifications required to operate the equipment.

C. Site and Department Details:

• Sites

- Induct people and equipment onto sites.

- Know which site your equipment is allocated to and for immobilized equipment, where it was used last (latitude and longitude).

• Departments

- Allocate a supervisor per each department

- Alerts are presented to that supervisor on major or minor equipment

D. Safety Compliance Checks:

• Present documents to be checked for each piece of equipment.

• Customize your questions, company policies and procedures and determine the major, minor or nil risk associated with each issue.

• Set Frequencies on each document, daily I weekly I monthly I User

E. Servicing & Assessment Schedule

• Upload copies of your servicing and risk assessments and set reminder dates for renewals.

F. Warranty & Insurance Details

• Upload your insurance details for each piece of equipment and policy expiry reminders.

[0060] In one example EMPLOYEE RECORDS TO ENSURE THE OPERATOR IS QUALIFIED TO OPERATE THE EQUIPMENT. [0061] The platform checks the operator’s licences and training and if the person does not have an up-to-date licence that is related to the equipment it won’t start.

A. User detail page:

• Identifying each user by name, position & department

B. Sites:

• Allocate users to sites and departments

• Roles and responsibilities

C. Emergency Contact:

• Setting emergency details so supervisor and senior management have instant access

D. Licensing

• Store and set licences. These link to equipment being operated.

• Also alerts management and operators on renewals and expiry dates

E. Qualifications and Training

• Maintains company created training and qualifications

• Sets an expiry as a reminder to update skills

• Could include first aid, OHS, apprentice dates, visa dates, and any specific internal or equipment-based training required.

[0062] CONNECTING VEHICLES AND OPERATORS

[0063] QR Scanning connects the equipment, checks and operators together to ensure compliance.

[0064] QR code scan on equipment:

• Connection of equipment,

• Operator and equipment checks are supplied through the platform.

• If the operator is not licenced it will not start

• If the checks record a Minor event it is still operational and recorded

• If the checks record a Major event the equipment is locked.

• Supervisors are notified

[0065] SAFETY REMINDER ON THE SPOT [0066] Induct all your employees on whatever piece of equipment you choose. Attach a simple QR code to your chainsaw, mower or any equipment, and once scanned it will run the staff member through a safety check procedure, information or simple training video or rules for use, which the employee acknowledges. A simple and quick safety reminder right at the point of use.

[0067] QUICK CHECK OF LICENCES, TICKETS OR TRAINING BEFORE USE.

[0068] If policy requires your employees to have a qualification to use equipment such as welders, hydraulic tools, power tools, walkie talkies or to erect scaffolding etc, or just for peace of mind, use the Safety Connect mobile app to connect to the equipment and quickly check the operators training and qualifications or run them through a refresher list. It will notify management if employees are using equipment they haven’t been trained on so you can ensure your employee training is up to date as their work evolves.

[0069] REPORTS

[0070] The system records all the data on your equipment, your vehicles and where they are being used, your operator’s skills and qualifications in regards to that equipment, what they use and when. A complete record of your company safety compliance.

[0071] There is a range of reports to choose from which can be used for Management or Board safety Reporting, which shows what compliance has been undertaken in your company. Add: All data is stored up to 5 years in our cloud services, so you can maintain your safety records as legally required by work safe authorities.

[0072] SUMMARY

• Maintain all equipment safety and compliance checks.

• Set frequency of checks and policy delivery.

• Store equipment service manuals.

• Store equipment Risk Hazard Assessment Details.

• Store insurance policy and expiry dates

• Store warranty documents and expiry dates.

• Set major and minor alerts for safety checks a) Minor alert where supervisor is notified but equipment can still be used. b) Major alert where supervisor is notified and equipment cannot start.

• GEO Fencing a) Set inductions per site b) Turn on safety lights automatically when passing a GEO fence onto site. c) Set NO GO zones and set off alarms and lights to inform the operator to move out.

• Maintain all users’ licences, training and qualifications

• Set roles for operators

• Alert management in real-time of any problems with licences and training

• If licences don’t match required licences for the equipment, it will not start.

• If a major safety check fails it will not start

• If unlicensed operators try to use the equipment alerts are sent to supervisors and management.

• All records are kept for 7 years.

• Link to the operator’s website

[0073] Other benefits and variations would be understood by a person skilled in the are and are included in this scope.

Interpretation

Embodiments:

[0074] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. [0075] Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[0076] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Different Instances of Objects

[0077] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

Specific Details

[0078] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Terminology

[0079] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

Comprising and Including

[0080] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

[0081] Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

Scope of Invention

[0082] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

[0083] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms. Industrial Applicability

[0084] It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the to actively control equipment on premises to ensure compliance industries.

Claims

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A vehicle, equipment and machinery control method at a premises, comprising: receiving an authorisation parameter from a primary user authorising a secondary user to control the functionality of the vehicle, equipment or machinery available to the primary user, evaluating, by processing circuitry of the relevant vehicle, equipment or machinery control, the control authorisation request for compliance with the authorisation parameter, wherein the authorisation parameter comprises one or more of: a) Sensed detection of the vehicle, equipment and machinery within the location of the premises b) Sensed detection of the secondary user in the vicinity of vehicle, equipment or machinery; c) Compliance of the sensed secondary user having authorised capability with the sensed vehicle, equipment or machinery;

2. The method of claim 1 in the event that the control authorisation request does not comply with the authorisation parameter, denying the secondary user control to the vehicle equipment and machinery and sending a notification to the primary user; and in the event that the control authorisation request complies with the authorisation parameter, automatically unlocking a control of the vehicle, equipment or machinery to allow the secondary user to control the vehicle, equipment or machinery.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the verification is performed by a biometric collection device located within the vehicle; and wherein after receiving verification of the identity of the second user, providing the secondary user with control functionality of the vehicle based on the verification of the identity of the secondary user.

4. The method of claim 1 , 2 or 3, wherein receiving a location of the portable electronic device in the possession of the secondary user; the authorisation parameter is not sent to a portable electronic device in the possession of the secondary user. The method of claim 2, wherein verifying the identity of the secondary user comprises obtaining at least one of a biometric of the secondary user and a photograph of the secondary user. The method of claim 1 , further comprising activating one or more non-compliant measures based at least in part on a result of the identity verification step. The method of claim 1 , wherein the authorisation parameter comprises a time window during which the secondary user may control the vehicle, equipment or machinery. The method of claim 1 , wherein the notification to the primary user includes a request for secondary control approval from the primary user. The method of claim 7, further comprising the vehicle receiving a secondary control approval from the primary user and unlocking the control of the vehicle, equipment or machinery based on the secondary control approval. A vehicle, equipment and machinery control system comprising:

A digital control unit for each of a vehicle, equipment and machinery with each digital control unit configured to: receive and store authorisation parameters for granting activating control to a vehicle, equipment and machinery; receive a location of a user relative to the vehicle, equipment or machinery; a) evaluate control authorisation requests for compliance with authorisation parameters, wherein the control authorisation requests comprise Sensed detection of the vehicle, equipment and machinery within the location of the premises b) Sensed detection of the secondary user in the vicinity of vehicle, equipment or machinery; c) Compliance of the sensed secondary user having authorised capability with the sensed vehicle, equipment or machinery; allow activation to enable control to the vehicle, equipment or machinery in the event that the control authorisation request is in compliance with the authorisation parameters, and not allow activation in the event that the control authorisation request is not in compliance with the authorisation parameters; send a notification to a primary user different from the user in the event that the control authorisation request is not in compliance with the authorisation parameters. The system of claim 10 wherein the control authorisation is evaluated remotely. The method of claim 11 in the event that the control authorisation request does not comply with the authorisation parameter, denying the secondary user control to the vehicle equipment and machinery and sending a notification to the primary user; and in the event that the control authorisation request complies with the authorisation parameter, automatically unlocking a control of the vehicle, equipment or machinery to allow the secondary user to control the vehicle, equipment or machinery. The system of claim 10, 11 or 12 including the control of the vehicle, equipment and machinery verifying the identity of the user after the control of the vehicle, equipment and machinery is activated, wherein the verification is performed by at least one visual or biometric recognition device located within the vicinity of the vehicle, equipment or machinery; and providing the user with functionality of the vehicle, equipment or machinery based on the verification of the identity of the user. The system of claim 10, further comprising at least one non-compliant detection device configured to activate based on the at least one visual or biometric recognition device determining that a non-compliant user is present. The system of claim 14, wherein the at least one visual or biometric recognition device comprises a biometric reader scanner. The system of claim 14, wherein the at least one visual or biometric recognition device comprises a camera. The system of claim 14, 15 or 16, wherein the at least one non-compliant device connects with at least one of an alarm, a notification sent to a user, and a vehicle, equipment or machinery operational tracking system. The system of claim 10, wherein the vehicle digital control unit comprises a microcontroller configured to cause unlocking of the control of the vehicle, equipment or machinery. 22

19. The system of claim 11 , wherein the vehicle digital control unit comprises a physical memory configured to store the authorisation parameters.

20. The system of claim 11 , wherein the remote control unit comprises a serverless architecture, utilizing cloud managed services and serverless functions with execution of code on demand.

21. The system of claim 10, further comprising remote central computer control configured to store the authorisation parameters, wherein the vehicle, equipment or machinery digital control unit is configured to communicate via a network with the remote central computer control.

22. A control system of vehicles and equipment and machinery at a premises for providing a premises compliance control system, the control system comprising: a. a control device for each vehicle, equipment and machinery at a premises, the control device including: i. at least one relay or switch to initiate or stop or modify operation of the machinery; ii. at least one sensor, each of the at least one sensor configured to generate corresponding sensor information; iii. a control communication interface configured to communicate information including the sensor information generated by the at least one sensor, and to receive a stop or go control to the at least one relay or switch to automatically initiate or stop or modify operation of the machinery; b. a premises device in communication with the machinery control device, the premises device including: i. a premises communication interface configured to receive the sensor information from the control device; and ii. processing circuitry configured to:

1. determine, based on control stop or go control criteria whether a control event has occurred; and

2. trigger at least one stop or go control if the control event occurred. 23 The premises compliance control system of claim 22, wherein the machinery is fixed or driveable. The premises compliance control system of claim 22, wherein the at least one sensor includes: a. a positional sensor like GPS and a location is geo fenced wherein machinery is operable in a certain predetermined manner in the geo fenced location b. an operational sensor to check machinery is being operated in the certain predetermined manner in the geo fenced location wherein if the detection shows incorrect operation a control event has occurred. The premises compliance control system of claim 22, wherein the positional sensor triggers relays of other ancillary machinery nearby such as automated gates. The premises compliance control system of claim 22, wherein the at least one sensor includes an operational sensor such as a tilt angle of vehicle and notify other people remotely if incorrect operation. The premises compliance control system of claim 22, wherein the at least one sensor used to record a compliance status of an employee determined by automated employee records which have expiry dates which need automated reminders such as visa expiry dates, apprentice year turn over dates, medication taking reminders, anniversaries etc. The premises compliance control system of claim 22, wherein the control device further includes at least sensor capturing sensor information, the sensor information communicated to the premises control by a communication interface. The premises compliance control system of claim 22, wherein the at least one sensor device includes a first sensor device configured to sense of an exterior environments of the vehicle, equipment or machinery and a second sensor device configured to sense of an interior operation of the vehicle, equipment or machinery. The premises compliance control system of claim 22, wherein the control communication interface is further configured to receive wireless signals for 24 identifying a person proximate to a required operational machinery and for identifying a personal compliance to that required operational machinery. The premises compliance control system of claim 30, wherein the control communication interface is further configured to receive wireless signals for identifying a person proximate to the required operational machinery. The premises compliance control system of claim 31, wherein the wireless signals are at least one of near field communication signals, global positioning signals and Bluetooth™ signals. The premises compliance control system of claim 30, wherein the control communication interface is further configured to compare the personal compliance of the detected person proximate to the required operational machinery. The premises compliance control system of claim 22, wherein the premises device is configured to integrate with at least an electronic personal indicator for providing an indication of the at least one stop or go control. The premises compliance control system of claim 22, wherein determining whether a control event occurred includes analyzing a matrix and timing of control operations detected by the at least one sensor. The premises compliance control system of claim 22, further comprising an access control unit affixed to the control of the required operational machinery and which limits access to the control. A control device module for monitoring a control, the control device comprising: a. at least one sensor, the at least one sensor configured to detect opening and closing of the control and generate corresponding sensor information; and b. at least one sensor device configured to sense in a response to the sensor information of the at least one sensor. The control device module of claim 37, further comprising a control communication interface configured to communicate information including the sensor information generated by the at least one sensor. 25

39. The control device module of claim 37, further comprising processing circuitry in communication with at least one of the at least one sensor and at least one sensor device, the processing circuitry configured to: c. determine whether a control event has occurred by analyzing a matrix and timing of control operations detected by the at least one sensor; and d. trigger at least one stop or go control if the control event occurred to automatically initiate or stop or modify operation of the machinery.

40. The control device module of claim 39, wherein the at least one sensor device includes a first sensor device configured to sense of an exterior of the control and a second sensor device configured to sense of an interior of the control.

41. The control device module of claim 40, wherein the control communication interface is further configured to receive wireless signals for identifying a person proximate to the control, the wireless signals including at least one of near field communication signals, global positioning signals and Bluetooth™ signals.

42. The control device module of claim 41 , wherein the control device is configured to integrate with at least one personal indicator for providing an visual indication of the at least one stop or go control.

43. The control device module of claim 41 , further comprising an access control unit affixed to the machinery control which limits the control.

44. A method of controlling machinery at the premises, the method comprising: a. sensing information generated by at least one sensor; b. communicating an indication of the detected sensed information to a premises device; c. determining if a control event has occurred based upon the indication of the sensed information; and d. triggering at least one stop or go control if a control event occurred to automatically initiate or stop or modify operation of the machinery e. ensuring that there is a control of equipment at a premises and therefore by that control there is compliance. 26 The method of claim 45, further comprising detecting opening and closing of the control and determining if a control event has occurred based upon the detected opening and closing of the control. The method of claim 45, wherein the indication further comprises sensing by a control device. The method of claim 45, wherein the indication further comprises captured video of an exterior of the control and captured video of an interior of the control. The method of claim 45, further comprising identifying a person proximate to the control. The method of claim 45, wherein identifying a person proximate to the control further comprises receiving a wireless signal that identifies the person proximate to the control. The method of claim 45, further comprising sending an indication to at least one electronic personal voice assistant to provide an indication of the at least one stop or go control. The method of claim 45, further comprising limiting access to an interior of the control to authorized users. A web or app based premises compliance control system or platform, the system comprising: a. a processor and a memory coupled therewith; and b. a computer executable program code stored in the memory and executable by the processor to generate, c. a personnel module to allow a user to sign up for a premises service and/or to perform a search of the premises, d. an operational location search module to define an operational function of a premises, e. a premises module to schedule operation at the premises and/or to perform operation at the premises, f. a controller module, g. an operational location requirements module, executed by the processor, wherein the operational location requirements module allows the user to enter default settings data for an operational location, and 27 h. a user interface, which includes, i. a personnel interface, executed by the processor, controlled by prospective personnel for allowing the prospective personnel to connect to the personnel module and thereby enter personnel information into the personnel module, j. a controller interface, executed by the processor, controlled by a controller for connecting to the controller module and thereby identify the personnel and identify the premises and the operation based on operational location characteristics, and k. wherein the premises compliance control system provides the benefit of ensuring that there is a control of equipment at a premises according to the operation and therefore by that control there is compliance. The system of claim 52, configured for matching prospective personnel with a premises. The system of claim 53, wherein the matching is further based on geofencing of the location of the premises or operative area adjacent the premises. The system of claim 53, wherein the interface system is displayed in a web interface. A method implemented by a computer system for web-based interaction to match a prospective personnel with a premises, the method comprising: a. creating, by a processor of the computer system, a premises database of information related to the plurality of premises, the database created from information acquired from a controller, the information including premises data for the plurality of premises; b. displaying, by a processor of the computer system via a user interface presented to the user on a display coupled to a client computer, a display of parameters of the premises; c. receiving, from the computer, an input data of the premises parameters provided by the user via the user interface indicating a request for premises information; 28 d. performing, by the processor, a control points requirements based on the input data; e. performing, by the processor, an operational location search on the premises database based on the operational location requirements; f. displaying, by the processor, via the user interface, a display of a subset of the plurality of premises that match the operational location search; g. setting up the geolocation perimeter of the premises; and h. controlling to effect a compliance. method of claim 56, wherein the setting up the premises comprises: i. receiving, from the client computer, user input data indicating a compliance for the premises; j. requesting, from a controller, controller input data indicating acceptance of the compliance of the premises; k. creating, by the processor, a premises data display using the data input by the controller; l. sending, by the processor, the premises data display to the computer that requested the premises data display; m. displaying, by the processor, the premises data display. method of claim 57, wherein the ensuring of the compliance comprises: n. receiving, from the computer, user input data indicating the request for the control parameters for compliance; o. requesting, from a controller, controller input data indicating the operational control to effect the compliance; p. displaying, by the processor, the terms of the compliance control requirements display; q. receiving, from the computer, user input data indicating a control to effect compliance; and r. requesting, from a controller, controller input data indicating acceptance to the operation of the control to ensure compliance.