WO2014202878A1

WO2014202878A1 - Device for checking the presence of an alerting device

Info

Publication number: WO2014202878A1
Application number: PCT/FR2014/051456
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bernard TSCHIRHART
Original assignee: Tschirhart Bernard
Priority date: 2013-06-17
Filing date: 2014-06-13
Publication date: 2014-12-24
Also published as: FR3007178B1; FR3007178A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for checking the presence on a lone worker of a lone worker DATI alarm device (4), intended to be installed in a vehicle likely to be used by said lone worker, and comprising a detector (5, 6) of the presence of said DATI (4), a detector of the use of said vehicle corresponding for example to the ignition of said vehicle being in a switched-on state, and a logic means comprising an alarm configured to be activated if the detector of the presence of said DATI is activated and the detector of the use of the vehicle is not. The present invention also relates to a method for checking the presence of a DATI (4) on a loan worker using a device according to the invention and involving the following steps: - detecting use of said vehicle, - detecting presence of the DATI (4), - generating an alarm if one and only one of the two conditions hereinabove is met, by setting off a buzzer (7).

Description

DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING THE PRESENCE OF AN ALERT DEVICE

The present invention is in the field of the safety of persons, more particularly the isolated worker.

In recent years we have developed Isolated Worker Alert Devices (DATI), a device that can send an alarm in the event of prolonged absence of movement, loss of verticality, or voluntary call. Such a DATI can operate on the principle of a walkie talkie, or so in Gsm. Thus in case of accident of a single worker, help can go on site very quickly to help him.

Nevertheless such a device can only work if it is lit, and if it is actually worn by the isolated worker. If he forgets it in his car, there may be an immediate alarm due to the prolonged absence of movement, but it will be a false alarm. But false alarms greatly reduce the effectiveness of a security system because people upon receipt of the alarm are tempted to get used to false alarms, and no longer react.

The present invention has the purpose of mitigating at least part of these disadvantages. For this purpose it proposes a device for checking the presence of a DATI on an isolated worker, intended to be installed in a vehicle intended to be used by said isolated worker. This device is particular in that it comprises a presence detector of said DATI, a detector of use of said vehicle corresponding for example to the ignition state of said vehicle, and a logic means comprising an alarm configured to be activated. if the presence detector of said DATI is activated and the vehicle usage detector is not.

Thanks to these provisions, it becomes possible to significantly reduce the risk of forgetting the DATI in the vehicle when the user leaves the vehicle.

According to other characteristics

said logic means may further comprise an activated alarm if the presence detector of a DATI is not activated and the vehicle usage detector is activated, thereby also reducing the risk of forgetting the DATI at home when the user gets into his vehicle, said device may include a sound transmitter adapted to receive the information that said alarm is activated and to emit a sound of a nature to attract the attention of said isolated worker; such a sound may sound like those used to attract the attention of a driver that his belt is not attached for example, which makes him do what it takes to stop the sound,

said logic means may comprise a first alarm configured to be activated immediately when the conditions are met, and connected to a first sound transmitter configured to attract attention discreetly, and a second alarm activated after a predetermined time of activation of the first alarm to allow the isolated worker time to take his DATI, and connected to a second transmitter sound configured to emit a stronger signal, able to attract the attention of the isolated worker even if it has already left the vehicle; such a provision allows discrete inducement, followed in case of forgetfulness or negligence of a more muscular reminder, which eliminates any risk of unintentional forgetting,

said device may comprise a receptacle provided with a means for holding a DATI in place in a position detectable by the DATI detection means, thus allowing a satisfactory storage of the DATI during a journey of the vehicle,

said holding means in place may comprise a suction foam strip, allowing easy insertion and removal by the user, said detection means of a DATI may be an RFID antenna, and said DATI may be equipped with an RFID tag, constituting a simple solution and for which only the part attached to the vehicle requires a power supply, the addition of an RFID tag on a DATI then being extremely simple,

said DATI detecting means may be a Bluetooth transceiver configured to detect said DATI, enabling operation of the device without precise location of the DATI in the vehicle.

The present invention also relates to a method for controlling the presence of a DATI on an isolated worker, by a device according to the invention, and comprising the following steps:

- detection of use of said vehicle, - presence detection of the DATI,

- generating an alarm if one and only one of the two conditions above is true.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, said method may further comprise a step of generating a second alarm in the case where the alarm remains activated beyond a predetermined duration.

The advantage of the present invention lies mainly in that it becomes very unlikely that the user forgets his DATI. His personal security is improved. In addition, if it is an employee, the employer has with the invention a tool to improve the safety of his employee, as well as in particular embodiments, evidence recorded that he made every effort to ensure that the employee had his DATI on him.

The present invention will be better understood on reading the detailed description which follows with reference to the appended figures in which

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a receptacle of a device according to the invention,

FIG. 2 is a side view of a device according to the invention with the receptacle of FIG. 1.

With reference to these figures, the control device according to this embodiment of the invention comprises a receptacle 1 with a holding means 2, 3 of the DATI 4. The holding means 2, 3 may consist of one or two strips 2 in a suction foam having the property of adhering to the plastic of the DATI shell while allowing it to take off without excessive effort.

According to another embodiment, or in combination, such a holding means may be a cover 3 covering the opening of the lower part of the receptacle, sufficient to maintain the DATI 4, but leaving enough open space to allow the setting in place or withdrawal of DATI 4.

An RFID antenna 5 is disposed for example under the deposition face of the receptacle 1, and an RFID tag 6 is disposed on the DATI 4. The antenna 5 is configured to detect the tag 6, which is pressed against the depositing face of the receptacle 1, or on another face of the DATI 4; thus the DATI 4 can be detected even if it is placed upside down in the receptacle 1. The detection of the DATI 4 can also be done by bluetooth, in which case it is not essential to provide a receptacle.

An induction battery charging device can be provided on the receptacle 1, and the DATI 4 can be provided for induction charging. In this case, this provision can also be used for detecting the presence or absence of the DATI 4, as well as its identification.

A buzzer 7 and a speaker 8 are arranged on the receptacle 1. Optionally, said buzzer 7 and / or speaker 8 can also be replaced by an output connected to the buzzer and horn of the vehicle.

The device finally comprises an electronic card, provided with logic means able to process the information received, and to activate either the buzzer 7 or the speaker 8 according to the information received.

An indentation 9 may be arranged on the sides of the receptacle 1 to facilitate the entry of the DATI 4.

Furthermore, a tilt adjustment mechanism 10 may be arranged under the receptacle, consisting for example of an upper hinge 1 1 fixed under the receptacle 1, and provided with two fixing holes 12, and a lower hinge 13 fixed on a carrier 15 of the vehicle, and provided with a fixing hole 12 and a circular groove 14 for tilting adjustment.

The operation of the device is then as follows:

The worker arrives at his vehicle and unlocks the doors. He puts his DATI 4 in the receptacle 1. At this time the buzzer 7 is started, such as a buzzer signaling the forgetting of a light on or ignition key in the vehicles. As soon as the worker puts the ignition on the vehicle, the buzzer 7 stops. He can then go to the place of his work. As soon as it stops the vehicle contact, the buzzer 7 starts again, until it removes the DATI 4 receptacle.

If the worker forgets to remove the DATI 4 when leaving his vehicle, it is first reported by the buzzer 7. If it still does not remove after a delay of a few seconds, for example ten seconds, the top speaker 8 is activated, with a loud and annoying sound for the ear. You can also replace such noisy sound with a blinking of the headlights of the car. The skilled person will adapt the manifestation of such an alarm circumstances. In any case it must be such that it is not possible for the worker not to notice it. The worker has of course the possibility of not obeying, or to withdraw the DATI 4 and put it elsewhere in the car. The device is not a guarantee that the worker has his DATI 4 on him, but rather a weapon against forgetfulness and distraction. In the event of a worker's accident, if the DATI 4 is then far from him in his vehicle, the employer will be able to note that the alarm worked well, and thus prove that he did all that was possible to ensure the worker's safety. Such proof is more and more sought after by employers, so that they can be exculpated in the event of an accident. Moreover, the worker who is aware of such evidence, will be very strongly encouraged to respect the safety rule, and take the DATI with him, under penalty of being caught at fault. Its security will be really improved.

For this purpose, the electronic card also comprises means for storing event information, such as starting the car contact, placing the DATI 4 in the receptacle 1, the duration of the buzzer 7, and triggering. 8. The device may, if considered desirable, further comprise a transmitter capable of sending a message to a central or a predetermined telephone in the case where the speaker 8 is triggered.

According to another embodiment, the device can furthermore record the dates and times of putting the vehicle in contact and stopping the contact by a time-stamping system, and may even include a geolocation, making it possible to record the place of the vehicle at the start and at the end of the contact on a logbook. It can then be an indication of the worker's actual working time during a period of on-call. It is also possible to configure the antenna 5 or the control means to recognize a well-identified group of DATI, for example those of the workers likely to use the vehicle, or qualified to use it. The device can then be coupled to an anti-start, which makes it possible to use the device as an anti-theft device for the vehicle.

Although the invention has been described according to a particular embodiment, it is not limited thereto, and variants can be made thereto, as well as combinations of the variants described, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Presence control device on a worker isolated from an isolated worker warning device (4), intended to be installed in a vehicle that can be used by said isolated worker, characterized in that it comprises a detector of the presence (5, 6) of said isolated worker warning device (4), a usage detector of said vehicle corresponding for example to the ignition on state of said vehicle, and a logic means comprising an alarm configured to be activated if the presence detector of said isolated worker warning device is activated and the vehicle usage detector is not activated.

Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said logic means further comprises an activated alarm if the presence detector of an isolated worker warning device (4) is not activated and the detector of use of the vehicle is activated.

Device according to the preceding claim, comprising a sound transmitter (7, 8) adapted to receive the information that said alarm is activated and to emit a sound likely to attract the attention of said isolated worker.

Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said logic means comprises a first alarm configured to be activated immediately when conditions are met, and connected to a first sound transmitter (7) configured to draw attention discretely, and a second alarm activated after a predetermined time of activation of the first alarm to allow time for the isolated worker to pick up his isolated worker warning device (4), and connected to a second transmitter (8) or light, configured to emit a stronger signal, able to attract the attention of the isolated worker even if he has already left the vehicle.

Device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a receptacle (1) provided with a holding means (2, 3) in place of an isolated worker warning device (4) in a position detectable by the means of detection (5, 6) of isolated worker warning device (4).

Device according to the preceding claim, wherein said means for holding in place comprises a strip (2) of suction foam.

7. Device according to one of claims 5 or 6, wherein said means for detecting an isolated worker warning device (4) is an RFID antenna (5), and said isolated worker alert device ( 4) is provided with an RFID tag (6).

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4 wherein said means for detecting an isolated worker warning device (4) is a Bluetooth transceiver configured to detect said isolated worker alert device (4) .

9. A method for controlling the presence on a worker isolated from an isolated worker warning device (4), by a device according to one of the preceding claims, and comprising the following steps:

- detection of use of said vehicle,

- presence detection of the isolated worker warning device (4),

- generating an alarm if one and only one of the two conditions above is true, with startup of a buzzer (7).

10. Method according to the preceding claim, further comprising a step of generating a second alarm, with startup of a speaker (8) or flashing lights in the case where the alarm remains activated beyond of a predetermined duration.