GB2609184A - Updating mobile devices - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of updating executable instructions stored by a plurality of mobile devices, comprises the steps of retaining a mobile device within a charging apparatus configured to charge a set of mobile devices and simultaneously updating a proportion of said set of mobile devices. Upon detecting that a mobile device is located in the charging apparatus, the mobile device is configured to determine a delay interval, wait for the delay interval, attempt communication with a support station, download updated instructions upon successfully establishing communication, and repeating the steps of determining a delay interval, waiting for said delay interval and attempting to communicate if communication cannot be established. Multiple devices may simultaneously perform the steps by identifying and waiting for first and second delay intervals, with the device that is unsuccessful in making the data connection identifying a third delay interval and making a further attempt to make a data connection for receiving the updated executable instructions. The mobile device may be a control unit connected to a loom with an industrial garment.

Description

Intellectual Property Office Application No G132106920.8 RTM Date:24 November 2021 The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: Bluetooth Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk/ipo Updating Mobile Devices

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is the first application for a patent directed towards the invention and the subject matter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system for updating a plurality of control units and, in particular, wherein each said control unit is deployable within an industrial garment having a wiring loom.

Increasingly, within industrial environments, operatives are provided with protective garments that include technology for detecting hazards, raising alerts and generally providing communication between individual devices. Communication is directed by a connected control unit (or hub) from which power is also received. Consequently, it is necessary to detach and recharge these control units on a regular basis; usually between shifts.

In addition to performing a recharging operation, it is often desirable to install updated executable instructions that are then retained in non-volatile storage; a procedure often referred to as a firmware update.

In a facility, many devices may be recharged by means of a central recharging station, allowing updates to be performed from a central source.

However, given that many devices may be connected to the recharging station at the end of a shift, problems arise if many units attempt to make a data connection substantially at the same time.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of updating executable instructions stored by a plurality of mobile devices, as set out in claim 1.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for updating a plurality of control units, wherein each said control unit is deployable within an industrial garment having a wiring loom, as set out in claim 5.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control unit for attachment to a wiring loom included within an industrial garment, as set out in claim 17.

Embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The detailed embodiments show the best mode known to the inventor and provide support for the invention as claimed. However, they are only exemplary and should not be used to interpret or limit the scope of the claims. Their purpose is to provide a teaching to those skilled in the art. Components and processes distinguished by ordinal phrases such as "first" and "second" do not necessarily define an order or ranking of any sort.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows operatives working in a hazardous environment; Figure 2 shows a control unit retained within an external pouch; Figure 3 shows a control unit being removed from an internal pocket of an industrial garment; Figure 4 illustrates a control unit having been removed from an internal pocket; Figure 5 shows the detachment of a loom from the control unit identified in Figure 4; Figure 6 shows an example of a loom; Figure 7 details a section of the loom shown in Figure 6; Figure 8 shows light emitting assemblies; Figure 9 details a light emitting assembly; Figure 10 shows a peripheral-device connector; Figure 11 shows a peripheral-device connector extending from the surface of an industrial garment; Figure 12 shows an apparatus for charging mobile devices; Figure 13 details a mechanical support of the type identified in Figure 12; Figure 14 shows a side view of the apparatus identified in Figure 12; Figure 15 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the apparatus identified in Figure 14; Figure 16 shows a rear view of the apparatus identified in Figure 12; Figure 17 illustrates upper fans; Figure 18 illustrates lower fans; Figure 19 shows the apparatus of Figure 12 with mobile devices retained thereon; Figure 20 shows a schematic representation of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 19; Figure 21 shows a schematic representation of the control units identified in Figure 19; Figure 22 shows a schematic representation of the control unit; Figure 23 shows procedures performed by the processor identified in Figure 22; Figure 24 details procedures for communicating with a base station identified in Figure 23; Figure 25 shows procedures for determining a delay interval identified in Figure 24; Figure 26 details part of the apparatus shown in Figure 19; Figure 27 shows a system having multiple charging stations communicating with a base station; Figure 28 shows the removal of an identification tag from a side cabinet; Figure 29 shows the attachment of a control unit to a loom prior to deployment; and Figure 30 shows an example of a peripheral device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 Operatives are shown in Figure 1, working in a hazardous environment.

Each operative wears an item of clothing, that may be considered as an example of an industrial garment, such as a jacket 101, that includes a mobile device, in the form of a control unit, along with a hazard sensor 102. The present invention may be deployed with general-purpose commercially available mobile devices. In addition, as described with reference to this particular embodiment, the mobile devices may take the form of specifically designed units, such as a control unit or hub, deployed within an industrial garment and configured to work substantially within a network environment. These may be identified as a personal area network, communicating over the item of clothing itself, a local area network, in which a team of operatives working together mutually communicate and a wide area network in which communications are made to a base station.

In the example shown in Figure 1, a mobile device, in the form of a control unit, is retained within an internal pocket of the jacket 101. An alternative arrangement will be described with reference to Figure 2. The item of clothing includes a loom of conducting cables connected to a plurality of light-emitting devices and peripheral device connectors, for data transmission in accordance with a loom protocol. An example of a loom will be described with reference to Figure 6.

The control unit, when connected to a loom, communicates with the hazard sensor 102. The hazard sensor has a hazard sensing device, a loom connector and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is configured to receive hazard data from the hazard sensor in accordance with hazard-sensor protocols and transmit the hazard data to the control unit in accordance with a loom protocol, as described in GB 2 017 726 and US 17/097, 038 assigned to the present applicant.

The item of clothing shown in Figure 1 is a jacket but other items of clothing could be deployed, usually of a type worn on the upper torso. Thus, the item of clothing may take the form of a vest, of the type described with reference to Figure 3, or a harness etc. In this embodiment, the item of clothing also includes light-emitting devices 103 connected to the loom and configured to be illuminated in response to power and data received from the connected control unit, as described in US 10,161,611 assigned to the present applicant.

Many types of hazard sensor may be deployed, with many sensors of this type becoming available at substantially reduced costs by the deployment of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS). This facilitates the deployment of substantially more detectors of this type within a particular environment. An example of a sensor is described with reference to Figure 30.

Figure 2 As an alternative to a control unit being retained within an internal pocket, it is also possible for a control unit to be retained within an external pouch 201, as shown in Figure 2 and as described in GB 19 10 696 assigned to the present applicant.

In this example, the pouch 201 includes a window 202 through which a visual display 203 of a control unit can be viewed.

Figure 3 An alternative industrial garment is shown in Figure 3, taking the form of a vest 301. The vest is constructed from a fluorescent material, with light reflective strips 302. In addition, the vest includes light emitting devices 303 that receive power and data from a control unit when said control unit is retained within an internal pocket. Thus, to initiate a charging operation, the control unit is removed from this internal pocket.

Figure 4 An example of a control unit (or hub) 401 is shown in Figure 4. The control unit 401 has been removed from an internal pocket of the vest 301 and is connected to a loom 402 via a loom connector 403. The loom connector may be of the type described in GB 2 582 773 assigned to the present applicant.

Figure 5 After removing the control unit 401 from an internal pocket, as described with reference to Figure 4, the loom connector 403 is removed from the control unit 401 as shown in Figure 5. It is now possible for the control unit 401 to be located within a charging station, allowing the device to be recharged in readiness for its next deployment.

In an embodiment, the charging station includes interface devices of a substantially similar configuration to the loom connector 403, as described with reference to Figure 13.

Figure 6 An example of the loom 402 identified in Figure 4 is illustrated in Figure 6, prior to deployment within an industrial garment. The loom connector 403 is permanently attached to the loom 402. The loom 402 includes electrical conductors for conveying power and data to devices connected to the loom, as detailed with reference to Figure 7.

In this example, loom portions 601, 602 and 603 connect a first interface circuit 611, to a second interface circuit 612, to a third interface circuit 613 and to a fourth interface circuit 614. The interface circuits may include permanently attached light emitting diodes, possibly with each interface circuit having three diodes of this type, as described with reference to Figure 8. Alternatively, the interface circuits may include peripheral-device connectors, as described with reference to Figure 10.

Figure 7 The first loom portion 601 is detailed in cross-section in Figure 7. A first conductor 701 and a second conductor 702 are twisted together to form a first twisted pair 703. In addition, a third conductor 713 and a fourth conductor 714, form a second twisted pair 715. A woven material 716 surrounds the first twisted pair 703 and the second twisted pairs 715. A line of stitching 717 is applied between the first twisted pair 703 and a second twisted pair 715, that ensures that the two twisted pairs are separated and retained within their own respective conduits The twisting of the wires, as described with reference to Figure 7, substantially enhances the mechanical durability of the loom, thereby reducing the risk of damage occurring during washing cycles for example. In an embodiment, the first twisted pair 703 may convey power and the second twisted pair 715 may convey data. Thus, the twisting of the wires for carrying data also assists in terms of cancelling induced electrical noise. Further details of this loom configuration are described in GB 2 017 758 assigned to the present applicant.

Figure 8 In an embodiment, the four interface circuits 611 to 614 may be constructed together as a block, after which a cutting operation is performed to define loom connected devices, as illustrated in Figure 8.

In this embodiment, cuts have been performed to define a first strip 801, a second strip 802, a third strip 803 and a fourth strip 804. The cutting operation also results in the removal of a first discard portion 811 and a second discard portion 812.

Figure 9 Individual loom connected strip 801 is shown in Figure 9. Moulded silicone rubber on the upper surface has been obscured by a strip cover 901.

In this embodiment, the strip cover 901 is attached to the strip by a first row of stitching 911 and a second row of stitching 912. Further details of this fabrication are described in GB 2 588 609 assigned to the present applicant.

Figure 10 In addition to connecting light-emitting devices, as described with reference to Figure 8 and Figure 9, it is also possible to attach peripheral device connectors, as shown in Figure 10. A rigid component 1001 of a peripheral device connector extends through an orifice 1002 of a silicone rubber cover. In this embodiment, an outer cover 1003 is also provided that includes a similar orifice 1004.

The peripheral device connector presents a circular surface 1005 which, when deployed, lies substantially parallel with the outer surface of the garment. The circular surface 1005 includes a plurality of concentric electrical contacts to provide electrical connection to peripheral devices, an example of which is described with reference to Figure 30. Further details of connectors of this type are described in GB 2 569 816, assigned to the present applicant.

Figure 11 A further item of industrial clothing is shown in Figure 11, taking the form of a vest 1101. The vest 1101 is constructed from a fluorescent material 1102 with light reflective strips, including a first light reflective strip 1103. A peripheral device connector 1104, of the type described with reference to Figure 10, extends from the first conductive strip 1103, with the loom of twisted wire pairs being retained behind.

In this example, an assembly 1105 of light-emitting devices 1106 is also attached to the light reflective strip 1104 and electrically connected to the loom.

In an embodiment, it is possible for a control unit to directly attach to the peripheral connector 1104. Thus, removal of the control unit for charging purposes may involve disconnecting it from a peripheral device connector, removing it from an internal pocket for disconnection or removing it from an external pouch for disconnection, as described with reference to Figure 2.

Figure 12 An apparatus for charging mobile devices (a charging station) is shown in Figure 12. The apparatus includes mechanical supports 1201, that may also be identified as holsters, for retaining the mobile devices. In this example, it is possible for a total of one hundred mobile devices to be charged simultaneously, configured in an array of ten rows and ten columns.

The apparatus, providing a charging station, has a front panel 1202. A plenum chamber is defined by the front panel 1202, a rear panel, a bottom panel, a top panel, a first side panel and a second side panel. Thus, the mechanical supports 1201 extend from the front panel 1202.

To achieve appropriate levels of cooling, lower fans direct air upwards into the plenum chamber. In addition, upper fans direct air downwards into the plenum chamber and the front panel 1202 includes openings for supplying cooling air towards each of the retained mobile devices.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 12, the apparatus includes a storage compartment 1203 for storing identification tags, possibly deploying RFID protocols. These tags are used to personalize a selected control unit after a charging operation has been completed, as described with reference to Figure 28 and Figure 29.

In the apparatus shown in Figure 12, an additional storage drawer 1204 is provided which, in addition to providing additional storage for spare control units for example, also enhances the overall stability of the apparatus. In this way, it is possible for the apparatus to be moved within a working environment, facilitated by the provision of castors 1205.

Figure 13 Mechanical support 1201 is detailed in Figure 13. The mechanical support 1201 includes a holster 1301 and an upper support 1302. An electrical connector 1303 extends from the upper support 1302 and is mechanically configured to be substantially similar to a loom connector, such as loom connector 403 described with reference to Figure 5. In this embodiment, four front panel openings 1304 are provided for supplying cooling air towards a respective retained mobile device when located within the holster 1301.

The mechanical support 1201 also includes a first contact region 1311 and a second contact region 1312. The contact regions 1211, 1212 are provided for displacing a retained mobile device away from the front surface of the front panel to facilitate the flow of air around the back of the device when retained. In this way, it is not possible for the mobile device to develop hotspots while being charged.

Figure 14 A side view of the apparatus described with reference to Figure 12 is shown in Figure 14. In addition to being defined by the front panel 1202, a plenum chamber is also defined by a rear panel 1401, a bottom panel 1402, a top panel 1403, a first side panel 1404 and a second side panel, on the opposite side to the first side panel 1404.

Figure 15 A schematic cross-sectional side view of the apparatus is shown in Figure 15, in an orientation substantially similar to that shown in Figure 14. To provide cooling air, lower fans direct air upwards, in the direction of arrow 1501 into a plenum chamber 1502. In addition, upper fans direct air downwards, in the direction of arrow 1503, into the plenum chamber 1502. The front panel 1201 includes openings 1504 for supplying cooling air towards each retained mobile device, in the direction of arrows 1505. In an embodiment, upper fans 1506 are located in the top panel 1403.

The first side panel 1404 defines a side panel width, as indicated by arrows 1506. As indicated by arrow 1507, the bottom panel 1412 extends forward beyond the side panel width 1506. This extension provides stability and allows the apparatus to be supported by the castors 1205 to facilitate relocation within an operational environment.

In the embodiment of Figure 15, a base panel 1508 is located above the bottom panel 1412 to define a storage void 1509. In an embodiment, a storage drawer 1510 is located within the storage void 1509.

In an embodiment, a back plate 1511 of the storage drawer 1510 is angled to define an air deflection plane. The back panel 1401 includes an air intake 1512 substantially at the position of the air deflection plane 1511. For this embodiment, lower fans 1513 are located above the air deflection plane 1511.

Figure 16 A rear view of the apparatus described with reference to Figure 12 is shown in Figure 16, with the rear panel 1401 removed. The rear surface of the front panel 1201 is shown, with openings as described with reference to Figure 17. A first power supply 1601 and a second power supply 1602 provide charging electricity to each charging location for deployment via a respective interface 1204. In the embodiment, each control unit is charged at five-point-one volts and typically receives up to one amp of charging current during a charging operation that may take several hours. With one hundred control units undergoing a charging operation simultaneously, the total power requirement is approximately five hundred watts and it is appreciated that a significant proportion of this will dissipate as heat.

Data communication is provided by means of an ethernet router 1603, configured as a switch that has a unique SSID. In this way, it is possible for the charging control units to connect with an external support station, as described with reference to Figure 20, allowing the control units to receive updates while in their charging mode. Thus, in an embodiment, the router 1603 communicates via a local physical ethernet connection or wirelessly via an antenna 1605. Furthermore, in an embodiment, the router is also provided with a cellular connection, using a second antenna 1606.

Lower fans 1611 are provided for directing air upwards into the plenum chamber. Upper fans 1612 direct air downwards into the plenum chamber.

Figure 17 Upper fans 1612 are detailed in Figure 17. In this embodiment, the upper fans comprise a first upper fan 1701, a second upper fan 1702, a third upper fan 1703 and a fourth upper fan 1704, thereby giving a total of four fans. However, it should be appreciated that other embodiments may have fewer fans or more fans in this upper location. Furthermore, similar levels of air flow may be achieved by increasing the size of the fans when fewer fans are present or increasing their velocity.

In this embodiment, each fan is one hundred-and-nineteen millimetres (four inches) across and has a power rating of between ten and twenty watts.

The router 1603 is also shown in Figure 17.

Figure 18 Lower fans 1611 are detailed in Figure 18. In this embodiment, they consist of a first lower fan 1801, a second lower fan 1802, a third lower fan 1803 and a fourth lower fan 1804. Thus, in this embodiment, four fans are again provided and, in an embodiment, they may be substantially similar to the upper fans 1612.

The first power supply 1601 and the second power supply 1602 are also shown in Figure 18.

Figure 19 The apparatus described with reference to Figure 12, for charging mobile devices, is shown in Figure 19; with mobile devices retained in place for charging purposes. Power supplies 1601/1602 provide charging electricity to each retained mobile device.

The front panel includes openings for supplying cooling air to each retained mobile device, including a first mobile device 1901, a second mobile device 1902 and a third mobile device 1903. In this embodiment, each mobile device is in the form of a control unit connectable to a loom within an industrial garment.

Region 2100 is shown in greater detail in Figure 21.

Figure 20 A schematic representation of the apparatus described with reference to Figure 19 is shown in Figure 20. The first control unit 1901 is shown retained, along with the second control unit 1902, the third control unit 1903, a fourth control unit 2004, a fifth control unit 2005 and a sixth control unit 2006, etc. As previously described, in this embodiment, a total of one hundred control units may be charged within the apparatus. Typically, a charging station may provide charging facilities for between eighty and one-hundred-and-twenty mobile devices.

Charging power is received from the power supplies, including the first power supply 1601. The router 1603 provides two-way communication between the control units, including the third control unit 1903, and external equipment (the support station) via an Internet connection.

The lower fans 1611 direct air upwards, as indicated by arrow 2001. Similarly, upper fans 1612 direct air downwards in the direction of arrow 2002.

Figure 21 A schematic representation of the control units of Figure 19 is shown in Figure 21 and includes the first control unit 1901 and a second control unit 1902 etc. All of the control units are connected to the communications router 1603, allowing them to communicate with a support station, such that they may receive updates of executable instructions. In an embodiment, these instructions are stored in non-volatile storage of the type sometimes identified as firmware.

It would be possible for the charging apparatus to include processing systems for overseeing the systematic updating of mobile devices after being retained within the charging station. However, such an approach would require the charging apparatus to be aware of the total number of units that are to be retained at the end of an operational period. This in itself creates a further overhead and limits the flexibility of the overall system.

A further approach would be to provide sufficient bandwidth and communication capability such that data transfers to all of the mobile devices could be supported simultaneously. However, it is also appreciated that the amount of data to be transferred in any transaction is relatively small and it is expected that a full data transfer could take place in approximately two minutes. Thus, given that a charging operation could take place over several hours, essentially between shifts, a long period of time is available for all the updates to take place. Thus, a high bandwidth connection would only be used for a relatively short interval, compared to the overall time available.

In an embodiment, a total of one hundred mobile devices may be retained within the charging apparatus but a typical communications router can only support up to ten simultaneous data transmissions. Thus, it is possible that each mobile device could attempt to establish communication and thereafter receive updated instructions if the communication attempt is successful. In this environment, the first ten mobile devices would successfully establish communication but the eleventh and subsequent devices would fail and would thereby fail to receive updated instructions. In many environments, this would represent an unacceptable scenario given that, during the next working period, some of the mobile devices would have received an update whereas others would still be operating in accordance with earlier versions of the instructions. Such a situation could cause slight inconveniences but it is also possible that these incompatibilities could also lead to a total system failure which, in a hazardous environment, would be unacceptable.

The embodiment supports a system for updating a plurality of control units, wherein each control unit is deployable within an industrial garment, of the type described with reference to Figure 1, having a wiring loom, of the type described with reference to Figure 6. The system has a plurality of control units and a charging apparatus that is configured to retain the control units, electrically charge these control units and supply updated executable instructions to the control units.

Upon deployment of a first control unit within the charging apparatus, the first control unit identifies a first delay interval. After waiting for the first delay interval, the first control unit attempts to make a data connection for receiving the updated executable instructions. Upon deployment of a second control unit within the charging apparatus, the second control unit identifies a second delay interval. After waiting for the second delay interval, the second control unit attempts to make a data connection for receiving the updated executable instructions. If the deployed control unit cannot make a data connection, the unsuccessful control unit identifies a third delay interval and makes a further attempt to make a data connection for receiving the updated executable instructions after this third delay interval.

The control units 1901, 1902 etc. of Figure 21 are for attachment to a wiring loom, of the type described with reference to Figure 6, included within an industrial garment, of the type described with reference to Figure 1, during an operational period. Thereafter, the control unit is configured for retention within a charging apparatus during a charging period.

Figure 22 A schematic representation of control unit 1902 is shown in Figure 22.

The control unit is for attachment to a wiring loom included within an industrial garment during an operational period, as described with reference to Figure 5. The control unit 1902 is also configured for retention within a charging apparatus or charging station during a charging period, as described with reference to Figure 13.

The control unit 1902 includes a processor 2201, along with a storage device 2202 for storing instructions executable by the processor 2201. In addition, there is provided a rechargeable battery 2203 and a communication device 2204 for communicating with the support station, as described reference to Figure 27. Figure 22 also shows visual display device 203.

In this embodiment, the processor 2201 is configured to detect deployment of the control unit within a charging station and, in particular, within a holster of the type described reference to Figure 13. Thereafter, the processor 2201 identifies a delay interval and then attempts to establish communication after this delay interval. Thus, the control unit does not make an immediate attempt to communicate. It waits for a delay interval and then attempts to establish communication.

The delay intervals ensure that the control units do not all attempt to establish communication substantially at the same time and effectively staggers these attempts; which will result in some of the communication procedures terminating before new ones are established. However, if one hundred control units are placed on charge at the end of an operational period and the communication system is only capable of supporting ten simultaneous data transfers, it is likely that not all of the control units will establish communication on their first attempt. Consequently, the procedures described above of identifying a delay interval and attempting to establish communication after this delay interval are repeated until data communication has been established.

Thus, upon establishing a communication channel to the support station, it is possible for the control units to receive updated executable instructions, which are written to the storage device 2202. Thus, in this embodiment, executable storage is updated directly and a reloading of instructions as such is not required.

In an embodiment, it is possible for each control unit to be preconfigured with a specific delay interval. Alternatively, it is possible for data identifying a delay interval to be generated by the charging apparatus itself or received by the charging apparatus from the support station. Both these approaches have disadvantages, in terms of over complexity and scalability. In an embodiment, each control unit identifies its own substantially random interval. In an embodiment, this random interval is identified by obtaining a substantially random number within a predetermined range, whereafter the control unit converts this substantially random number into a time-based interval. Thus, in this way, statistically, the random intervals will differ, such that the control units will not all attempt to initiate communication at the same time. However, given that the intervals are generated locally, there is no need for interval data to be transferred to the control units and the system remains scalable, allowing the size of the charging station to be increased or for multiple charging stations to be connected together, as described with reference to Figure 27.

Figure 23 Procedures performed by the processor 2201 are shown in Figure 23. At step 2301, the control unit may be identified as being in an operational mode; this essentially being the mode adopted in the units described with reference to Figure 'I to Figure 4. The control unit is then removed from a wiring loom, as described with reference to Figure 5, whereafter it is inserted within a charging station as described with reference to Figure 19. This results in the control unit receiving charging current, a condition that is detected at step 2302. Thus, thereafter, the control unit enters its charging mode at step 2303, resulting in the battery 2203 receiving charging current from the charging station, as shown at step 2304.

At step 2305, the control unit attempts to communicate with a support station, while continuing to receive charge. After being charged, removal from the charging station is detected at step 2306 and the control unit re-enters its operational mode, as shown at step 2307. Before deployment, association procedures are performed as described with reference to Figure 28 to Figure 30.

Figure 24 Procedures 2305 for communicating with a support station are shown in Figure 24. At step 2401 a delay interval is determined and at step 2402 the processor 2201 enters a wait state set by the delay interval determined at step After waiting for the delay interval, the control unit attempts to communicate at step 2403 and a question is then asked at step 2404 as to whether communication has been established. If the question asked at step 2404 is answered in the negative, control is returned to step 2401 and a new delay interval is determined. Thus, the process is repeated in that the control unit again waits for the duration of the delay interval at step 2402 and again attempts to communicate at step 2403. Thus, the processor 2201 will continue to execute this loop until communication has been established during the charging period. As previously stated, given the relatively short time (typically two minutes) required for a data transfer to take place and the relatively long time (typically six hours) for a charging cycle to complete, the procedures shown in Figure 24 should ensure that all of the charging units within the charging station are provided with an opportunity to achieve data communication. Consequently, for every charging unit under charge, the question asked at step 2404 will eventually be answered in the affirmative, and well before a control unit is removed from the charging station.

Following the question asked at step 2404 being answered in the affirmative, a question is asked at step 2405 as to whether an update is available. If answered in the affirmative, instructions for the update are downloaded and installed within the storage device 2202 at step 2406. Charging then continues at step 2407. If the question asked at step 2405 is answered in the negative, the downloading step 2406 is bypassed.

Figure 25 Procedures 2401 for determining the delay interval are detailed in Figure 25. A function call made at step 2501 returns and eight-bit pseudorandom number which therefore ranges from 00 to FF when represented in hexadecimal.

At step 2502, the random eight-bit number is converted to a representation of time, specifying minutes and seconds from 00:00 to 04 minutes 15 seconds. At step 2503, the time value calculated at step 2502 is set as the delay interval.

Examples of conversions are shown at 2511. Thus, for example, the hexadecimal number 10 is translated to sixteen seconds; and the seconds increment up to hexadecimal FF, which translates to 04 minutes 15 seconds.

In alternative embodiments, alternative conversions could be adopted such that, for example, increments occur in two or more second intervals. The value FF could therefore be converted to 08 minutes 30 seconds for example. In alternative embodiments, larger random numbers could be returned consisting of, say, 16 bits. However, in the embodiment, additional delay intervals will be selected if the question asked at step 2404 is answered in the negative and the procedure will continue to loop until communication has been achieved.

Figure 26 As shown in Figure 26, the power supply units, including power supply unit 1601, receive mains electricity via a mains socket 2601. In addition, a physical ethernet connection is made possible via an ethernet socket 2602.

Figure 27 The embodiment may be considered as a system for updating a plurality of control units, wherein each control unit is deployable within an industrial garment, of the type shown in Figure 1, having a wiring loom of the type described with reference to Figure 6. A plurality of control units are retained within a charging apparatus 2701 and the charging apparatus 2701 charges the control units and supplies updated executable instructions to the control units.

Upon retention of a first control unit within the charging apparatus, the first control unit identifies a first delay interval and after waiting for this first delay interval, the first control unit attempts to make a data connection for receiving updated executable instructions from a support station 2702, via the Internet 2703. Similarly, upon retention of a second control unit within the charging apparatus, the second control unit identifies a second delay interval and after waiting for the second delay interval, the second control unit also attempts to make a data connection for receiving the updated executable instructions. If a retained control unit cannot make a data connection, the unsuccessful control unit identifies a third delay interval and makes a further attempt to make a data connection for receiving the updated executable instructions.

In the specific example described herein, the charging apparatus is arranged to support and charge one hundred control units and typically it may charge between fifty and one hundred and twenty control units. The charging apparatus includes a power supply that receives power from a mains supply to 2704. The charging apparatus also includes a communication device 1603 for communicating with the support station 2702, such that the updated executable instructions are received from this support station.

In an embodiment, it is possible for the charging apparatus 2701 to be connected via a first umbilical 2711 to a first slave charging unit 2721. In a further embodiment, a second umbilical 2712 connects to a second slave charging apparatus 2722. All of the control units, retained within the main charging apparatus 2701, the first slave charging apparatus 2721 or the second slave charging apparatus 2722, operate independently as previously described, with the first umbilical 2711 and the second umbilical 2712 allowing charging power to be received and data communications to be established via the Internet 2703.

Figure 28 At the start of the next operational period, the control units will have been fully charged and may have communicated with the support station. Upon initiating the charging process, any specific data relating to a particular operative or to a particular item of equipment will have been deleted, therefore all of the control units will be in a substantially similar state, awaiting new deployment. Consequently, upon starting an operational period, any operative may select any of the available control units.

In an embodiment, after being selected, the control unit receives data identifying the particular operative who has made the selection and then goes on to receive data relating to any peripheral equipment that may be selected. The side cabinet 1203 is opened and an operative takes out their own allocated RFID tag. Thus, the embodiment supports a method of removing an identification tag from a cabinet extending from the side of the plenum chamber, detaching a charged control unit from a respective mechanical support and pairing the removed tag with the detached control unit by bringing the tag and the control unit into close proximity.

Figure 29 In this example, an operative has selected, possibly at random, the third control unit 1903. In addition, as previously described, the operative has taken their allocated identity tag and upon removing the third control unit 1903, this control unit is activated, effectively taking it from its charging mode, to set up procedures at the start of an operational mode.

An RFID reader within the control unit becomes active, such that it is in a position to activate the RFID transponder. As a consequence of this, as an REID transponder 2901 is brought into close proximity with the third control unit 1903, as shown in Figure 29, an association is performed and the third control unit retains details of the operative with whom the control unit will be working.

Figure 30 In addition to associating the control unit with the identification tag, the control unit may also be associated with a peripheral device, possibly of the type shown in Figure 30. In an embodiment, this further associating step comprises pairing the control unit with the peripheral device in accordance with Bluetooth protocols. It is then possible for wireless communication to take place between the control unit and the peripheral device, in addition to or as an alternative to communication via the loom. Alternatively, other approaches may be taken to achieve this association, possibly involving an identification of alphanumeric characters or the scanning of a barcode or a QR code etc. The peripheral device 2401 shown in Figure 30 is configured to measure ambient sound levels. Similar devices are known for detecting gases and radiation etc. In addition, other types of peripheral device made be deployed, such as cameras for recording still images or moving video material. It is possible for peripheral devices to receive power from the loom described with reference to Figure 6. Alternatively, or in addition, peripheral devices may be provided with local power supplies. These local power supplies may also receive charging current from the loom. Furthermore, as described in GB 2 553 777, assigned to the present applicant, it is possible for the functionality of a peripheral device to change after detachment from the loom.

After all necessary associations have taken place, the control unit is attached to a wiring loom within an industrial garment, effectively reversing the procedure described with reference to Figure 5. In addition, the peripheral device 2401 is also attached to a peripheral-device connector extending from an external surface of an industrial garment, such as peripheral-device connector 1104.

After attachment to the loom, the connected control unit may be returned to an internal pocket, effectively performing the reverse process to that described with reference to Figure 3 or it may be returned to an external pouch, of the type described with reference to Figure 2.

Claims (20)

1. CLAIMSThe invention claimed is: 1. A method of updating executable instructions stored by a plurality of mobile devices, comprising the steps of: retaining a mobile device within a charging apparatus configured to charge a set of mobile devices and simultaneously update a proportion of said set of mobile devices; wherein, upon detecting said locating step, said mobile device is configured to: determine a delay interval; wait for said delay interval; attempt communication with a support station; download updated instructions upon successfully establishing communication; and repeating said steps of determining a delay interval, waiting for said delay interval and attempting to communicate if communication cannot be established.
2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said mobile device is a control unit connected to a loom within an industrial garment, further comprising the step of disconnecting said control unit from the loom prior to said locating step.
3. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising the step of removing said control unit from a pocket or pouch prior to said disconnecting step. 25
4. 4. The method of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein said charging apparatus defines a plenum chamber, further comprising the steps of: directing air from an upper position downwards into the plenum chamber; further-directing air from a lower position upwards into said plenum chamber; and supplying cooling air from said plenum chamber towards the retained mobile device.
5. 5. A system for updating a plurality of control units, wherein each said control unit is deployable within an industrial garment having a wiring loom, comprising: a plurality of control units; and a charging apparatus configured to retain said control units; electrically charge said control units; and supply updated executable instructions to said control units, wherein: upon deployment of a first control unit within said charging apparatus, said first control unit identifies a first delay interval; after waiting for said first delay interval, said first control unit attempts to make a data connection for receiving said updated executable instructions; upon deployment of a second control unit within said charging apparatus, said second control unit identifies a second delay interval; after waiting for said second delay interval, said second control unit attempts to make a data connection for receiving said updated executable instructions; and if a said deployed control unit cannot make a said data connection, the unsuccessful control unit identifies a third delay interval and makes a further attempt to make a data connection for receiving said updated executable instructions.
6. 6. The system of claim 5, further comprising a plurality of industrial garments, wherein: each said industrial garment includes a wiring loom; one of said control units is connected to an end of a respective one of said wiring looms; and each connected control unit supplies power and data to a connected wiring loom.
7. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein said wiring loom includes peripheral device connectors for receiving a peripheral device.
8. 8. The system of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein said wiring loom includes light emitting devices supported on circuit boards, wherein said circuit boards receive power and data from said connected control unit.
9. 9. The system of any of claims 5 to 8, wherein said charging apparatus is arranged to support and charge between fifty and one-hundred-and-twenty control units.
10. 10. The system of any of claims 5 to 9, wherein said charging apparatus includes: a power supply; and a communication device for communicating with a support station, wherein said updated executable instructions are received from said central server.
11. 11. The system of claim 10, further comprising a slave charging apparatus connected to said first charging apparatus, wherein said slave charging rack: receives power from said first charging apparatus; and communicates with said support station via the communication device of the first charging station.
12. 12. The system of claim 10 or claim 11, wherein said communication device is limited in terms of the number of possible simultaneous communication channels available for supplying said updated instructions to a charging control unit.
13. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein said communication device is configured to support less than thirty simultaneous communication channels for supplying said updated instructions.
14. 14. The system of any of claims 5 to 13, wherein each deployed control unit independently identifies a delay interval.
15. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein a delay interval is identified in a way that includes a substantially random element.
16. 16. The system of claim 14 or claim 15, wherein each said delay interval has a predetermined maximum duration.
17. 17. A control unit for attachment to a wiring loom included within an industrial garment during an operational period and for reception within a charging apparatus during a charging period, comprising: a processor; a storage device for storing instructions executable by said processor; a rechargeable battery; and a communication device, wherein said processor is configured to: detect retention of the control unit within a charging apparatus; identify a delay interval; attempt to establish communication after said delay interval; repeating said step to identify and said step to attempt until data communication has been established; and receive updated executable instructions upon establishing communication.
18. 18. The control unit of claim 17, wherein said identifying step identifies a substantially random interval.
19. 19. The control unit of claim 18, wherein said identifying step identifies a random interval by obtaining a substantially random number within a predetermined range.
20. 20. The control unit of claim 19, wherein said identifying step converts said substantially random number into a time-base interval.