GB2462590A

GB2462590A - Proximity safety system for vehicle and personnel using ID tags, with vehicle immobilization and event logging.

Info

Publication number: GB2462590A
Application number: GB0814272A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Elliot Harrison-Croft; Mark Rodgers; Paul Ferguson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-08-05
Filing date: 2008-08-05
Publication date: 2010-02-17
Also published as: GB0814272D0

Abstract

The safety system protects personnel 6 from mechanical vehicles 5 by providing radio ID tags to the personnel, possibly integrated in a hardhat 1. The tags communicate with a beacon unit 2 on the vehicle. If a tag is detected within a range (see figs 5 to 9) both the operator of the vehicle 4 and tag wearer 6 receive warning notifications. The system also has a control unit 3 on the vehicle which prevents it's use without detecting the presence of a designated driver tag. Operators may select through the control unit pre-determined safe ranges (see figs 5-9) or different tag may be assigned different rage privileges. The tags may also have the ability to hail the vehicle operator. A central logging means records event data, preferably collected via each control unit of each vehicle and allows for subsequent analysis. Beacons and control units may additionally be provide away from vehicles at dangerous fixed locations.

Description

Area of Application 1 [000 1]The invention is designed to act as a safety measure to help prevent injuries and fatalities in the work place caused by poor awareness of individual in proximity to mechanical vehicles.

Through a system of beacons and sensors the core functions are to: 1) render machinery inoperable without a designated operator present. 2) Notify the operator and tagged personnel when either come within a predetermined proximity, designated the warning zone'. The innovation in its present form allows for immobilisation, detection and warning in a simple form.

applicable to a wide range of applications and potential work environments. The current form of the innovation is intended to be used on construction sites and implemented as a widespread and fully inclusive safety system incorporating all individual personnel and mechanical vehicles on site. Although this my be the form used for the process of the patent application the system even in it's current state has far more widespread potential and so should not be limited by this example when under consideration.

Background of Innovation

[0002]The innovation follows in suit with many previous attempts to address the issue of people working in close range of dangerous machinery, but does so with the aid of new technology.

Helping the driver become more aware of his surroundings and doing so more efficiently is very * important as traditional methods such as rear mounted cameras require constant attention and *.. multiple series mirrors are prone to obscuring due to dirt. Both require operator concentration **S* *..** and maintenance and despite widespread implementation have not had the desired impact on * safety.

[0003]Using a proximity system enables warnings to be sent to both vehicle and personnel parties and the necessary precautions to be taken without direct line of sight. Approaching a * working vehicle to communicate with operator is when many accidents occur, some sites have adopted the practice of calling the operators mobile phone before approaching. The tag system : features a call button on the tag which can notify the vehicle operator of the tag, if he is not already within the warning zone.

[0004}The system offers new possibilities for the monitoring and recording of warning zone events, logging each contact made for future reference to aid the reconstruction of incidents and the prevention of further accidents though reliable encrypted data.

Such a system has similarities to HGV Tachographs in that operator hours are logged, but the system goes much further by updating live and recording all tag contact with a vehicle.

It is in this data collection and analysis that the system goes much further than current systems providing a highly original solution.

Summary of Innovation 2

[0005]The system consists of four core components which are made up of: The Tag, which is fitted to standard hard hats allocated to all site personnel as part of the standard safety requirement, and represents the individual in the system.

Mounted to all mechanical vehicles on site the Beacon, Fixed to the vehicle communicates with the tags.

In conjunction with beacon the Control unit in the vehicle cabin allows the driver to select a predetermined safety zone and notifies him of any tags in the deemed safety zone.

A second function of the control unit is to behave as an inimobiliser. When the system is unable to detect a vehicle specific Driver Tag within the immediate vicinity, (incorporating the driver's cabin) the control unit is able to override the vehicles ignition system rendering the vehicle immobile.

The fourth part of the system is a local or remote control centre in communication with the vehicle control unit either locally utilising RF (radio frequency) or remotely with M2M (machine to machine) using the mobile telephone network. This provides logging of events and live current status for analysis and recording.

All control units maintain and record event data, which can be analysed and stored by internal or remote means, maintaining a log of all event e.g. operator hours, tag contacts, tag button calls, warning zone mode. This data may be collected and centrally managed via local connection or remotely.

* Tags can also be user specific programmed, allowing different attributes to be assigned to different individuals. * *.*

Each tag maintains its own identification so as not to cause conflict when multiple tags working * close to the beacon. Once inside the beacons warning zone the wearers receives warnings both visually and audibly, as to there location being considered dangerous. Simultaneously the * driver will receive a similar warning from the cabin mounted control unit notifying them of an * : * individual's entry to the designated warning zone. Ground beacons may be set up around site danger zones e.g. bucket changing zones or demolition zones, alerting tags and diver tags to : their proximity.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0006]To aid the presentation of the innovation References are made to the following accompanying drawings: [0007]FIG. 1: Schematic view of the components in their basic form.

[0008] FIG. 2 and 3: Schematic illustration of system application in a work enviromnent.

[0009] FIG. 4: Schematic illustration of driver tag and vehicle iminobilisation.

[00101 FIG. 5: Schematic overhead view of "Mode 1" warning zone (A).

[0011] FIG. 6: Schematic overhead view of "Mode 2" warning zone (B).

[0012] FIG. 7: Schematic overhead view of "Mode 3" warning zone (C).

[0013] FIG. 8: Schematic overhead view of multi directional warning zone.

[0014] FIG. 9: Schematic overhead view of warning zone and function in the event of an operator leaving a vehicle active.

[0015] FIG. 10: Function flow chart illustrating the basic Control Unit process with relations to the Vehicle Control Unit and Tag.

[0016] FIG. 11: Function flow chart illustrating the basic Tag process.

Detailed Description * S. **S 0

.... [0017] The innovation being put forward is a system for the immobilization of mechanical * * vehicles (5) bar the presence of a designated driver tag (4) (Fig.4), and a warning for the * detection of an individuals (6) in proximity to mechanical vehicle (5). By using a system of : beacon(2), two way radio frequency (RF) mobile communication devices and control unit(3) (Figs.1,2 and 3). * S *

[001 8]The system relies on RF technology to establish a local network or peer to peer S. * : connection controled by a beacon(2) which will communicate with passing "tag(1)" mobile RF 2 way communication devices, this establishing a contact and deriving a range based on the RF properties of the transmission(Fig.1). Once established with a personal tag's (1) global identification code, the beacon (2) can then initiate a waning to the vehicle operator providing the tag (1) unit falls within range of an operator selected predetermined warning zone mode (Fig. 5,6,7 and 8). Tag(l) unit will also be notified as to its entry into a vehicles(5) designated warning zone via a beacon(2) RF transmission to notify the wearer(6)(Fig. 10).

[00 19]The system uses the same method of communication, identification and ranging to detect vehicle (5) specific driver tags (4) worn by designated drivers (4). It is only once the designated driver tag (4) is within a predetermined range of the beaconed vehicle (5) (Fig. 4) that the system will allow the starting sequence of the vehicle (5), effectively acting as an immobilizer.

This is all done simply by relying on the presence of a designated driver and his driver tag (4) rather than the entry of a numeric code or JR fob click, neither of which method are traditionally implemented on industrial vehicles(5)(Fig. 10). Such a system of driver specification is very important for the upkeep of safe site practice with vehicle (5) access for only those with the necessary training. Another side to such a function would be to deter drivers from leaving the vehicle running unattended. Jn such and event the system would detect the lack of the driver tag (4) in the vehicle beacons (2) activation zone (Fig.4) and that the vehicle was still running (via the ignition harness (7)) and would initiate the drivers tag (4) (provided he was still in communicable range) with an alarm sounding as well as a system log entry being posted. Any other individual tags (I) within range of the abandoned but running vehicle would also receive a notification (Fig. 9). A notification system would provide valuable warnings in the event of * a driver incapacitation or recklessness. Such a system would also play an important role in the prevention of theft. [0020]The system provides warnings for both mechanical vehicle (5) and individual (6) not just from other vehicles (5) but ground based beacons which can be set up around known site danger zones. These may be bucket changing zones where no personnel (6) are allowed or deep trenches which may be hard to spot from a reversing dumper. Such ground beacons can be programmed as to which of a plurality of modes to be used on installation on site, and left to warn passing vehicle (5) beacons (2) and tags (1).

[0021]A major concern for those responsible for site personnel (6) is the limiting of access to only those who require it, personnel (6) must move through a site but oily in the areas they are concerned with. Example: an electrician should not be in an area where concrete is being * .* poured. Hence the system allows for different individuals(6) with different access priorities to be allocated specific tags(l), providing warning to the individual (6) and central command if the individual (6) strays into a vehicle beacon (2) or ground beacon they should not be in the vicinity 4 of. All tags (1) maintain their own ID but different attributes and ranges may be programmed : locally or remotely depending on the requirement.

[0022]The control center (8) may be located on site and provide tag (1) programming and control *S..

* : unit (3) log updating via encrypted RF, or be situated off site utilizing M2M communications ** (Fig. 1). This allows the system to maintain a record of all control unit (3) events and tag (1) contacts locally or remotely to render a reliable record of events. This provides important data for incident reconstruction and investigation as well as vehicle (5) and personnel (6) monitoring.

A control center (8) may be responsible for a single site or multiple sites nationwide.

[OO23JThe control unit (3) mounted in the cabin in direct view of the driver provides multiple functions and uses. The primary function for the unit (Fig. 10) is to give an audio and visual warning for the operator in the event of a warning zone breech. The second main function is to provide the operator with predetermined options for the spread of the warning zone (Fig. 5, 6, 7 and 8) depending on the indented use of the vehicle (5). As an example: A roller on a roadwork site will not want to be alerted to the presence of an individual (6) to his left or right but will require a warning if reversing, hence a mode with limited side range and extended front and rear range being more preferable. There for the control unit (3) provides different preset modes depending on the operator's intentions.

[0024]Modes can be programmed based on range and an array of directional zones (Fig. 5, 6, 7 and 8). The minimum warning range may also be derived from a secondary sensor unit mounted on a variable extremity of the mechanical vehicle (5), for example the digger arm or crane hook. This would then be able to update the control unit's (3) minimum range to incorporate any vehicle (5) extensions or actions and so extend the warning range to provide up to date notifications.

[0025]The tag (I) may well be within communicable distance with a beacon (2) but there will only be a warning issued if the tag (1) enters the operators designated warning zone. However if an individual(6) wishes to approach a mechanical vehicle(S) to communicate with the operator then the individual (6) may summon the drivers attention by sending a hail or call to the drivers control unit (3). This is done by depressing a button on the tag (1) unit causing the vehicles (5) control unit (3) to provide a notification to the operators as to a hail being sent from a tag (1) close by. All this can be done without the individual (6) having to enter the danger zone or move into the operator's line of sight.

[0026]The tag (1) is based on RF communication and a basic function sequence (Fig. 11). The tag (1) simply acts as receiving node as part of its normal procedure, only when it is detected by a beacon (2) or the tag detects the beacon (2) is in a danger zone, the beacon (2) sends a prompt will the tag (1) unit send its globally unique ID for the beacon (2) to identify the tag (1). If based upon signal properties the beacon (2) deems the tag (1) within the selected warning zone, the *.. beacon(2) will notify tag(l) to alert the wearer visually, audibly and with a vibration to their ***.

proximity being considered a danger. Simultaneously the beacon (2) will prompt the control unit (3) to notify the driver, as well as the drivers tag (4) in a similar manner as to the individual tag (1).

r [0027]In conjunction with tag (1) detection the mechanical vehicle(S) is rendered inoperable without the following sequence of events read by the following function (Fig. 10); can the beacon(2) detect a tag (1) or (4) in the area, if so an ID is retrieved from the tag (1) or (4). If . .: the ID of the tag (1) or (4) identifies it as a driver tag (4) or corresponds with the controllers' paired vehicle code (assigned on system install) the beacon (2) can determine the tag (4) to be a designated driver. Once a designated driver tag(4) is found to be within the predetermined safety zone (Fig. 9)(based on RF transmission properties) which incorporates the operator's cabin and a relatively limited proximity, the control panel will only then allow for the activation of the vehicle (5) through the intervening ignition harness (7).

Once the driver tag (4) is detected the control unit (3) can detect via the ignition harness (7) as to the vehicle (5) becoming active, only then the beacon (2) enters scan mode for tags (1) to respond to (Fig. 10). The control unit (3) will maintain contact with the drivers tag (4) forwarding all notifications to the tag so as to provide warning via both the control unit (3) and the driver tag (4) to the operator.

The ignition harness (7) wired into the vehicle's (5) ignition system on installation provides the ability to prevent vehicle (5) ignition without the correct clearance via the control unit (3).

[0028]The beacon (2) unit itself is made up of a RF based communicatons device housed within a sealed weatherproof shell which may take the form of a typical flashing light beacons, this is mounted atop a length of pole to provide elevation (Fig 2,3 and 4). The pole may be formed of a flexible but tough material to provide protection from impact and knocks.

Beacon (2) and pole are mounted to the mechanical vehicle (5) in a similar fashion to flashing safety lights, at a high point on the main body of the machine or cabin. The control unit (3) is mounted in the cabin, either utilizing existing mounting brackets or its own mounting system.

and must be placed in direct view of the operator and within reach for button interaction (Fig 3).

All vehicle (5) mounted components e.g. beacon (2), control unit (3), control unit to beacon cable and ignition harness (7) are permanently mounted feature of the vehicle (5), and so may be installed in the machine by its manufactures under license as a more intergraded feature and supplied with driver tags (4) for the corresponding vehicle (5).

[0028]Tags (1) are worn by all site personnel (6) as part of their standaid issue safety requirement. Tags (1) may take different forms but typically be worn as an accessory mounted on existing standard issue safety hard hats as commonly found in the work place, utilizing existing mounting points. Future embodiments of the tag (1) may take the form of a complete hat with fully integrated tag functionality.

Tags (1) require periodic charging which is done so by an on site charging dock, using two pins * at a sheltered location on the tag. Tags (1) may be used in pairs, one allocated to a site individual (6) and the other kept in the on-site charging unit to maintain a constantly charged backup.

[0029]For full effect the system must be applied to all mechanical vehicles (5) and all personnel * (6) on site. All components which make up the system on one site may be use with other site 4' systems, as all components maintain full compatibility allowing for vehicles (5) and personnel (6) to move between sites without updating or the changing of any components. The system is in basic; a series of communicating RF mobile devices able to determine range, and provide a set of functions in response. With the ability to be retro-fitted to a wide range of applications the : system would be easily incorporated into a plurality of industries, while being based on simple technology allows for practical costing.

[0030]The system put forward in this disclosed embodiment is primarily for the purpose of illustration to the ends of the innovations application, hence remaining in a consistent vain of the current form. However the system may in turn be expanded upon by those who adopt a skillful approach to the innovation, to producing wider reaching embodiments, to a plurality of applications and possibilities.

Claims

Claims 1. A system of apparatus for the detection of personnel and mechanical vehicles in a work environment, and the warning of personnel and mechanical vehicles as to their proximity if so being deemed dangerous; by means of RF (radio frequency) transmissions, though a system which provides function programmability and event data logging; and comprise of a function for the immobilizing of mechanical vehicles bar the presence of a designated operator by means of globally unique identifiable tag units.
2. System as set forth in claim 1 comprises in its most basic form; a beacon unit, control unit, a plurality of mobile RF 2 way mobile communication devices and control center.
3. Apparatus set forth in claim 2, beacon and control unit are mounted to a mechanical vehicle to provide the presence of the vehicles within the system.
4. Apparatus set forth in claim 2; tag unit is worn by individuals to provide the presence of the individual within the system
5. As of claim 3, system comprises of a beacon which sends a transmission for tag units to respond to, it is with this communication between the tag and beacon that the range can be derived based upon properties of the RE transmission.
6. Beacon as set forth in claim 5 comprises of a signal or plurality of aerials enabling * ** unidirectional or directional RF transmissions. * . *S..* *
7. System of claim I comprises of a control unit which is mounted in front of the operator providing options: the operator may select modes for the warning range dependent on working requirements. * S..
8. Modes of claim 1 comprises of variations in range and direction and are predetermined : default zones or programmable on installation or programmable from a control centre.
9. As set forth in claim 2 the tag unit maintains its own globally unique identification number (ID) to allow recognition and discrimination within the system and other systems.
10. As of claim 9 the tag ID provides the identification of tag and therefore recognition of the individual, which in turn may comprise of a function to allow different individual tag functionality.
11. System of claim 2 coniprises of an ignition harness installed on the machine to allow communication and interaction between the machine and control unit.
12. As set forth in claim 2 and lithe system comprises of a control unit which function's include inimobilising the vehicle via the ignition harness should events allow.
13. As set forth in claims wherein the control unit can allow for vehicle activation at the discretion of the presence of complementary drivers tag ID, when detected within a predetermined range of the vehicle beacon.
14. Apparatus set forth in claim 11 produces feedback from the vehicle to provide vehicle information for additional functions to be based.
15. Apparatus of claim 4 further comprises of a means to hail vehicle operators within range through the control unit notification system by the depressing of a button on the tag unit.
16. System of claim 1 provides proximity warnings once a tag is within a danger zone; to the tag, control unit, driver tag and control centre or externally.
17. As of claims wherein tag comprises of the function to provide warnings based on programmable specifically designated warning zones overriding those set by the vehicle control unit, to allow the detailed specification of warning zones based on personal conditions or * attributes of the tag wearer rather than those of the vehicle. * *. S... .
18. As of claims wherein, tag units and control units are programmable through local or remote means. * .:
19. The means of claim 18 programming may be local RF transmissions or remote M2M communications via the GSM network, in either event using encrypted data. * S.. * . S S. ** j
20. System as in claim 1 logs and stores all tag, beacon and control unit events either internally or externally.
21. Method of claim 20 is collected by control centre for data analysis and storage for the recording of event which may be used for incident monitoring and reconstruction.
22. System as of claim 1 comprises of deployable ground beacons functioning in the same manner as the vehicle beacons; but positioned around areas of the work environment rather than mobile vehicles.
23. Apparatus of claim 22. ground beacons provides notification warnings to tags and vehicles within the selected modes predetermined warning zone.
24. Apparatus of claim 2 control centre may be located on site, remotely as a site dedicated resource or remotely as a shared nationwide resource.
25. Apparatus of claim 3 identified as the beacon is mounted at an uppermost point on the vehicle to provide the most efficient cover and may take a form similar to that of a flashing light beacons.
26. As of claim 25 the beacon may be mounted atop a pole for extension.
27. Apparatus of claim 26 the beacon pole my take a flexible form.
28. Method of claim 8 warning zone allocation may comprise of a method of deriving the minimum warning zone range by means of an extra sensor component.
29. Apparatus of claim 28 Sensor components comprise of the ability to be mounted to a vehicle extremity or extendable components to provide warning zone cover for the complete machine.
30. Sensor component of claims 27 and 28 comprise of RF or accelerometer sensors to derive * position in relation to beacon and therefore vehicle body. * * S..
31. As of claims wherein, all data communications within the system of claim 1 transmit a * globally unique identification number as a precursor to the communication, and all log data is i.communicated as encrypted data. Si.S32. System as of claim I in which the notification comprise of audible alarm, visual alarm, vibration alarm and system control centre logging notification upon warnings.33. Apparatus as of claim 3, 5 and 6 comprises of aerials which are orientated to provide the most efficient cover in a horizontal or vertical orientated plane.34. Apparatus as of claim 33 directional aerial arrays comprising of multiple aerials maintain even range coverage by means of perpendicular orientation to each other.35. Apparatus of claim I beacon and control unit maintain communication by cable.36. Apparatus of claim 1 beacon mounting method comprises of the use of existing flashing light beacon mountings and mounting components.37. Apparatus of claim 1 control unit comprises of a method for mounting on mechanical vehicle using existing mounting brackets or dedicated mounting brackets.38. Apparatus of system 1 tag unit comprises of a methods for mounting to classic hard hats making use of existing auxiliary mounting clips on either side of the helmet.39. Apparatus of claim 1 control unit comprises of a plurality of buttons for performing a range of functions, detailed lighting for graphical differentiation and selection highlighting, and a screen for interfacing and function visualisation.40. System of claim I comprises of multiple components all of which maintain their own dedicated globally unique identification number allowing for components from one work environment system to be relocated into another work environments system maintaining its original settings and full functionality.41. Apparatus of claim 1 tag comprises of two pins for the charging of batteries which interact with complimentary charging dock contacts.42. Function of claim 1 comprises of the function that in the event of the driver tag no longer * being present in the driver tag vehicle activation zone and the vehicle still being active, then the * system will; sound a warning on the driver tag (within communication range) and log a post for **S.,* the central control system.4' 43. As a function of claim 42 comprises of the function; in the event of no driver being * within the safe zone and the vehicle being active then the control unit may interact with the *:. vehicle through the ignition harness to the effect of engaging a neutral mode or disabling the vehicle. ** * * ** * **44. Function of claim 15 comprises of the control unit on vehicle sounding a notification also to the driver tag, as to a hail being made from an individual tag with communicable range of the vehicle beacon but not within the warning zone, hence no warning zone alarm sounding.45. Function of claim 43 functions may comprise of the notification of all individual tags within range of a vehicle in the event of the previously stated function.