WO2020236660A1

WO2020236660A1 - Safety course tracking system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2020236660A1
Application number: PCT/US2020/033287
Authority: WO
Inventors: John VENETIS; Peter Venetis; Nikolaos KOUROUPAKIS; Peter FILEAS; Spiro MUTAFOPULOS
Original assignee: Safeworx, Inc.
Priority date: 2019-05-17
Filing date: 2020-05-15
Publication date: 2020-11-26

Abstract

At least one embodiment comprises a system for obtaining training and certification for work on a construction site comprising a central repository for content. There is also a display for displaying the content. In addition, there is a tracking system to track a viewing of the content as well as a tracking system to track a progress of each user, the tracking system utilizing at least one microprocessor. Furthermore, there is a tracking system for tracking a location of each user, wherein the system tracks the location of each user, the progress that each user has made and notifies the system whether the user is authorized to work on the site or in a particular location in the site.

Description

TITLE

SAFETY COURSE TRACKING SYSTEM AND METHOD BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a safety course tracking system and method to train different workers at different job sites to certify these workers for work on a particular site. In the past the time that it took to certify workers, track their training and to verify that they had proper training in order to obtain sufficient insurance for covering a work site has been a costly and intricate process. Therefore, there is a need for a system and process for tracking user certification and training for work on a job site.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

At least one embodiment comprises a system for obtaining training and certification for work on a construction site comprising a central repository for content. There is also a display for displaying the content. In addition, there is a tracking system to track a viewing of the content as well as a tracking system to track a progress of each user, the tracking system utilizing at least one microprocessor. Furthermore, there is a tracking system for tracking a location of each user, wherein the system tracks the location of each user, the progress that each user has made, and notifies the system whether the user is authorized to work on the site or in a particular location in the site.

Other embodiments may include any one of the following modifications to the embodiment described above. For example, in one embodiment the central repository is a content server. In this or another embodiment the display is a screen to display the content to be reviewed by the user. In this or another embodiment the tracking system to track the location of the user comprises at least one WIFI system to track the location of the user. In this or another embodiment the tracking system comprises at least three WIFI emitters and at least one mobile WIFI receiver, wherein the at least three WIFI emitters and the at least one WIFI receiver are all in communication with each other and with the system. In this or another embodiment the tracking system to track the location of the user comprises at least three cellular towers and at least one mobile cellular receiver, wherein the at least one cellular receiver is in communication with the system. In this or another embodiment the tracking system to track the location of the user comprises at least one mobile GPS transceiver, and at least one GPS satellite, wherein the at least one mobile GPS transceiver is in communication with the system. In this or another embodiment the tracking system to track the progress of each user comprises at least one database server having at least one database configured to track and chart the progress of the user with respect to safety training. In this or another embodiment the tracking system to track the viewing of the content comprises at least one database server having a database. In this or another embodiment the system comprises at least one application server having at least one microprocessor configured to selectively feed content to a user, at least one content server having a microprocessor configured to serve content to the user, at least one database server having a microprocessor configured to track the progress of the user, the location of the user, the viewing of the content of the user, a mobile phone having at least one microprocessor, and at least one transceiver, the mobile phone being in communication with said at least one application server to relay information to the at least one application server to indicate the progress of the user.

In addition, there is also a process for tracking the progress of a user in obtaining safety training for a work site comprising the following steps: registering a user;

registering an employer; registering a construction site; registering tools to be used on the site; and creating a certification program by creating a series of questions to be answered by the user.

In at least one embodiment, the step of registering the user comprises inputting a profile of the user including a profile of the credentials of the using including degrees, certifications, and tests passed as well as past employment roles. In this or another embodiment the step of inputting the profile of the employer includes inputting the size in terms of employees of the employer, the type of construction projects in the past, as well as the type of construction projects currently undertaken. In this or another embodiment the step of registering a construction site includes providing the location of the site, the layout of the site and the goal for construction of the site. In this or another embodiment the step of registering tools to be used on the site includes registering different individual tools for the site to be used by the user and any safety requirements to be complied with when using the tools. In this or another embodiment the step of creating a certification program includes creating a series of questions for each user based upon the profile of the user, the profile of the site and the profile of the tools to be used by the user.

In addition there is also a process for tracking a user on a worksite to determine whether the user is authorized to work on a worksite comprising the following steps: confirming a level of authorization of a user; setting forth different regions on a worksite; setting forth permissions for each region on the worksite; tracking a location of each user on a worksite; determining whether a user is authorized to be in a particular region of a worksite; and presenting additional information to the user for training access to a region on a worksite.

In the above embodiment or in at least one other embodiment the step of confirming a user profile comprises determining whether the user is authorized to use a particular tool. In this embodiment or in another embodiment there is an additional step of tracking a location of tools at a worksite and determining the party that is using a particular tool. In this embodiment or in another embodiment there is the step of denying a user access to a particular location or use of a particular tool if the user is not authorized or trained to be in a particular area or to use a particular tool.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings which disclose at least one embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood, however, that the drawings are designed for the purpose of illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention.

In the drawings, wherein similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the computer network for the safety system;

FIG. 2A is a plan view of the servers;

FIG. 2B is a plan view of a portable electronic device;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a job site;

FIG. 4 is a screen shot of a safety course catalog;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a first process;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a second process; and FIG. 7 is a further flow chart for authenticating a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Turning in detail to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a plan view of the computer network for the safety system. There is shown a plurality of different computers or computing devices comprising any one of a remote computer 1 10, a tablet 1 12, and a phone or other portable device 114. Each of these devices is configured to deliver instructional materials and quizzes to certify a user in the process of being trained for safety and/or certification in a subject. Each of these devices can be coupled to a computer network such as the internet 100. In addition, through the computer network such as the internet, at least one server such as an application server 120, a content server 121 , and/or a database server 130 can be in communication with the computer network and thereby in communication with these devices 1 10, 1 12 and 1 14. In addition, while the system can comprise these separate servers, each of these servers can be embodied on a single server such as a general server 122. Furthermore, these devices, such as remote computer, and/or tablet 1 12 or phone 1 14 is in communication with separate location devices such as GPS satellite 131 and or WIFI and/or Cellular towers 142, 144 or 146. The GPS satellite is configured to communicate with portable devices so that the portable devices can be tracked based upon their location. In addition, or alternatively towers or emitters 142, 144, and 146 are also configured to work with devices 1 10, 1 12 and/or 114 to triangulate or locate the devices in a space such as in a worksite as well. A plurality of different WIFI terminals 147, 148 and 149 can also be connected around the worksite to determine the position of each users as well. For example, three different WIFI terminals can be used to triangulate the position of the user.

There is also at least one remote control lock such as lock 1 1 1 which is configured to communicate through the network such as the internet 100. These remote control locks 1 1 1 can be alternatively opened or closed to selectively grant access to a user to either a room, a location, to a storage closet, or to a lock locking tools therein. For example, the storage closet can contain these tools, wherein when the system determines that a user is not authorized to access the storage closet, the user would not be able to unlock the remote control lock. Alternatively if the user is authorized to access the storage closet (such as if the user had received the proper training), then the system such as an application server can send instructions through the computer network such as the internet to remote control lock 1 1 1 to unlock remote control lock 1 1 1 thereby granting access to the user to the storage closet.

FIG. 2A shows the plan layout for the components of any one of the servers such as application server 120, content server 121 , database server and/or a general server 122. For each of these servers they have a set of components 20 that include a motherboard 29, and any one of the following components coupled to the motherboard 29: a microprocessor 21 a memory 22, a mass storage 23 which is actually a hard drive such as a solid state drive, a power supply 24 configured to provide power to the components, a communications device 25 or element configured to convey information into and out of the server, and a video output 26 (if necessary) configured to provide video output from the device. The microprocessor 21 is configured to be program to perform a series of steps such as the steps outlined in FIGS. 5 and 6. In at least one embodiment, the microprocessor 21 is configured to perform these functions on application server 120.

FIG. 2B is a plan view of components of a portable electronic device. For example, with this view there are a plurality of components 30 such as a motherboard 39 which is in communication with a plurality of different components such as a microprocessor 31 , a memory 32, a mass storage or hard drive 33, a power supply 34, an SIM/CMDA or cellular card 35, a GPS transceiver 36, a video output 37, and a WIFI transceiver 38 as well as a video screen 30a. A camera 39a which is coupled to a lens 39b is also coupled to the device as well as sensors 40 and 41 which are configured to detect air quality, temperature and/or humidity as well. For example sensor 40 can be a noxious or harmful gas sensor, while sensor 41 can be a weather sensor such that it detects both ambient temperature and/or humidity in that particular region. These sensors are optional add-ons to the base mobile device such as a cellular telephone. This portable device is configured to communicate with the servers such as any one of servers 120, 121 ,122, and/or 130 as well as the cellular towers 142, 144, 146, WIFI terminals 147, 148, 149 as well as the satellite such as GPS satellite 131 to provide a location for the device as well as for the user. In addition, the video screen 30a is configured to deliver the content that is provided by the servers so that a user handling the device can receive the content as well as take any certification test as well.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a job site 50. On this job site 50 is a computer 51 which can be a computer that forms a central hub and is used for input of data into the system This computer 51 is similar or the same as remote computer 110. In addition, there are a plurality of users each with associated electronic devices. For example, user 54 has an associated electronic device 55. User 56 has an associated electronic device 57. User 58 has an associated electronic device 59. User 62 has an associated electronic device 63. Each of these electronic devices 55, 57, 59 and 63 are configured to be similar to phone 1 14 and/or tablet 1 12 and to operate with the components shown in FIG. 2B.

In addition, at this work site are a plurality of separate stations 52, 60, 64, 66, 68, and 70, wherein these stations can comprise different work activities, levels of hazard, tools, or tool cabinets. In addition, for these stations there are different areas 71 , 72,

73, 74, 75 and 76 which are shown by dashed lines. In each of these areas, they are defined by the activity or tools that are used in each of these areas. Each of these stations 52, 64, 66, 68, and 70 and areas 71 , 72, 73, 74, 75 and 76 are registered with the system and recorded in a database in the database server 130. The information that is recorded includes the associated company, worksite, sub area or station 52, 60, 64, 66, 68, and 70 and location. Depending on the user’s level of authorization or credentials, the user may be able to enter an area 71 , 72, 73, 74, 75 and 76 or interact with different stations 52, 60, 64, 66, 68 and 70. The system is configured so that before the user is able to gain access to the station or area the user must pass at least one test such as a safety test or course. Thus, for example FIG. 4 shows a screen layout of a plurality of different courses that the user or employee must complete in order to be certified or allowed to work on a job or worksite, work in specified areas such as areas 71 , 72, 73, 74, 75 and 76 or work at particular stations 52, 60, 64, 66, 68 and 70. These courses are transmitted via the application server 120 pulling content from content server 121 and sending this information through a computer network such as the internet 100 to deliver this content to any one of a remote computer 1 10, a tablet 1 12 or to a phone. The employee/user that seeks to be certified can then take these courses and any associated tests to confirm that they are certified to work in any one of these areas or stations.

For example, there is shown a first safety course 80, with an authorization indicator 82, a second safety course 84 with an authorization indicator 86, a third safety course 88, a fourth safety course 92, a fifth safety course 96 and a sixth safety course 95. When the user completes any one of these courses the corresponding indicator including any one of indicators 82, 86, 90, 94, 98 and 97 corresponding to associated courses 80, 84, 88, 92, 96, and 95 respectively. Once the course is completed the indicator is checked or indicated in the user’s profile so that the user is then granted access to certain areas/stations upon completing the pre-set requirements or regulations for the user.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a first process for registering a user and enrolling a user. For example, this process starts with step S201 wherein the user is registered. This registration is through a registration on an app or through a web page. The application server 120 controls the presentation of this web page or app on the user’s phone.

Thus, once the date is taken in and processed using microprocessor 21 it is then sent and stored in a database server such as database server 130. This user could be an employee of a company or employer. Next, the profile of the user is input in step S202. The profile of the user could include the credentials or academic degrees of the user, the past employment or certifications of the user and general work experience. Next, in step S203, the profile of the employer is input into the system. The employer would be the party sponsoring the employee and setting forth the requirements for the employee to complete with respect to safety and training manuals. Next in step S204 a user can input a profile of a job site or work site. This profile can include a plot of the area of the job site, the location of the job site, the associated rules and regulations for the job site as well as sub areas such as areas 71 , 72, 73, 74, 75 and 76 as well as stations 52, 60, 64, 66, and 70, and tools located at the job site. The area and the sub areas of the job site can be detailed either through GPS coordinates or cellular or WIFI readings such as triangulation readings to set forth boundaries for the worksite or job site and the sub areas as well. Next, in step S205 a user can input profiles of the tools used on the worksite. The profile can include the level of training or safety instructions for each tool the dangers associated with each tool the safety precautions needed for each tool such as googles, gloves, fireproof clothing, protective gear that is necessary etc. In addition the location of these tools can also be input into the system. Next, in step S206, the user working with the system can create a certification program which sets forth for each user and their role the level of safety programs or education that each employee/ user must achieve before that user is granted access to a worksite or to a sub area, station or tool use. An example of a certification program can be shown in FIG. 4 which sets forth the level of courses that each user must take. Next, in step S207, once the courses are set forth, the system/ user creates, generates and/or sets forth questions and material that an employee/user must answer to confirm that the user has reviewed the associated safety material as well as has any required knowledge to be certified to be on a worksite, in a sub area, to use a station or an associated tool.

FIG. 6 shows a flow chart for enforcing the access that users may seek to a particular location. For example, the process starts in step S210 wherein the system can track the certifications of the users to determine whether a user/employee should be allowed access to a particular location. Next, in step S212 the system can then track the location of a user at a job or worksite. This tracking is through either GPS tracking of the user or through triangular or triangulation tracking using either WIFI/Bluetooth sensors to interact with the user’s electronic device such as a cell/portable phone 1 14. Thus, the system would always know where each user is located and then coordinate with the credentials of the user to determine whether the user should have access to that area. If a user is not authorized to be an area, the system can deny access to that user by keeping doors/gates locked or by indicating that the user is not authorized to be in that area either by notifying the user via email or text message.

Next, in step S214 the system would track the location of the tools at the job site. These tools can be stored in the respective stations such as stations 52, 60, 64, 66, 68 and 70 which are housed in respective areas or sub areas 71 , 72, 73, 74, 75 and 76.

Next, in step S216 the system can determine whether the user is authorized to be in a certain location on a job or work site. As described above this can be either through GPS readings on the user’s electronic device such as any one of devices 55, 57, 59, or 63, or via triangulation readings via WIFI emitters or cellular emitters such as emitters 142, 144 or 146 shown in FIG. 1.

If a user is identified and located in a worksite and that user is identified as lacking in any training or safety certification, then the system can deny entrance to the user to that area as indicated in step 218a. As indicated above, methods of

enforcement can include locking doors, gates, having supervisors denying access to a particular area, reporting the location and identity of a user in an unauthorized location to a supervisor, and/or notifying the user/employee that they have crossed into an unauthorized area. Alternatively, if the user is located in an authorized area, the system can grant access to the user and indicate to the user that they have the training, authorization and credentials to be in that area, in step S218b.

Alternatively, the system can also via GPS video tracking or wireless

triangulation determine whether the user has access to tools or is authorized to use these tools via the certification course. Thus, if the user is not authorized to use the tools the system can deny the user access to the tools in step 220a or grant access to the tools in step 220b. The denial or granting of access to the tools can be via remotely locking a cabinet door via a signal sent from the application server to a remote control lock.

However, if the user is not granted access to a particular worksite or area on the worksite, as indicated in step S218a, the system can prompt the user for more certification so that the user could be granted access to that worksite, or to that area on the worksite in steps S218b, or 220b. Then the user while even on the worksite can receive the necessary training that would be required to enter a certain area.

The more in depth process for determining whether a user is authorized to enter an area as well as the process for prompting for more certification is shown in FIG. 7. For example, in FIG. 7 the system can track the user’s profile in step 230 with the application server 120 through microprocessor 21 periodically tracking the status of each user, particularly their credentials as stored in their profile in database server 130, which houses a respective database. This step 230 is essentially an ongoing poll of each active user wherein this step is essentially a combination of steps 210 and 212. Next, in step 231 , this step is a combination of the steps associated with steps 204, 205, and 214. Next in step 232 the system determines the credentials of the user vs. the credentials of the area or tools in step S232. This step is essentially a combination of continuous monitoring of the information input from steps 204, 205, and 206. Thus, each area or tool would have a required list of credentials that would be required to enter an area or use a set of tools. The credentials of each user would be matched against the credential requirements for each area or tool. If the user did not have the appropriate credentials, then the system could deny the user entry either by locking or keeping locked a gate, a door or a closet via remote control lock 1 1 1. Alternatively if the system determined that an unauthorized user entered a predetermined area or was in the vicinity of an area with unauthorized tools, a supervisor could be notified to remove the user from an unauthorized area (see steps 218a, 220a).

In this step, S233 the system also compares which credentials are lacking with the user vs. the credentials required by the area / tools, and then the system can then prompt the user to receive more certification such as in step S222. In at least one embodiment, the term“system” comprises application server such as server 120 working in combination with other servers such as database server 130 as well as the remote devices such as tablet 1 12 or phone 114.

Once the user received this additional training, the system could then test or prompt the user to confirm that the user received the necessary training in step S224. Once the user has passed all of the required tests, and has confirmed that they have received the necessary training, the system can then certify the user for access to a particular worksite 50, to a particular station 52, 60, 64, 66, 68, 70 or to a particular area 71 , 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, or to particular tools or activities. After each certification, the system still monitors the user for his/her location and whether they are still authorized to enter a certain location or whether they are authorized to use certain tools.

While worksite safety is a tremendous concern for employers, this system is configured to allow an employer to track a particular employee/user on the worksite so that the employee/user is not located in an unauthorized area performing unauthorized tasks. The system is configured to aid each employee/ user to obtain the necessary training before entering the worksite. This additional safety instruction and training can then be cataloged so that it provides additional verification to insurance companies. Thus, if an employee is injured on a worksite, the system can retain records of the associated training by the user and the safety precautions presented to the user so that the employer can be certified as having provided these materials to the user. This may then further insulate the employer from further liability related to any injuries on the worksite. Accordingly, while at least one embodiment of the present invention have been shown and described, it is to be understood that many changes and modifications may be made thereunto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A system for obtaining training and certification for work on a construction site comprising:

a central repository for content;

a display for displaying the content;

a tracking system to track a viewing of the content;

a tracking system to track a progress of each user, the tracking system utilizing at least one microprocessor; and

a tracking system for tracking a location of each user, wherein the system tracks the location of each user, the progress that each user has made and notifies the system whether the user is authorized to work on the site or in a particular location in the site.

2. The system as in claim 1 , wherein the central repository is a content server.

3. The system as in claim 1 , wherein the display is a screen to display the content to be reviewed by the user.

4. The system as in claim 1 , wherein the tracking system to track the location of the user comprises at least one WIFI system to track the location of the user.

5. The system as in claim 4, wherein the tracking system comprises at least three WIFI emitters and at least one mobile WIFI receiver, wherein the at least three WIFI emitters and the at least one WIFI receiver are all in communication with each other and with the system.

6. The system as in claim 1 , wherein the tracking system to track the location of the user comprises at least three cellular towers and at least one mobile cellular receiver, wherein the at least one cellular receiver is in communication with the system.

7. The system as in claim 1 , wherein the tracking system to track the location of the user comprises at least one mobile GPS transceiver, and at least one GPS satellite, wherein the at least one mobile GPS transceiver is in communication with the system.

8. The system as in claim 1 , wherein the tracking system to track the progress of each user comprises at least one database server having at least one database configured to track and chart the progress of the user with respect to safety training.

9. The system as in claim 1 , wherein the tracking system to track the viewing of the content comprises at least one database server having a database.

10. The system as in claim 1 , wherein the system comprises at least one application server having at least one microprocessor configured to selectively feed content to a user, at least one content server having a microprocessor configured to serve content to the user, at least one database server having a microprocessor configured to track the progress of the user, the location of the user, the viewing of the content of the user, a mobile phone having at least one microprocessor, and at least one transceiver, said mobile phone being in communication with said at least one application server to relay information to said at least one application server to indicate the progress of the user.

11. A process for tracking the progress of a user in obtaining safety training for a work site comprising the following steps:

registering a user;

registering an employer;

registering a construction site;

registering tools to be used on the site;

creating a certification program by creating a series of questions to be answered by the user.

12. The process as in claim 11 , wherein the step of registering the user comprises inputting a profile of the user including a profile of the credentials of the using including degrees, certifications, and tests passed as well as past employment roles.

13. The process as in claim 11 , wherein the step of inputting the profile of the employer includes inputting the size in terms of employees of the employer, the type of construction projects in the past, as well as the type of construction projects currently undertaken.

14. The process as in claim 11 , wherein the step of registering a construction site includes providing the location of the site, the layout of the site and the goal for construction of the site.

15. The process as in claim 11 , wherein the step of registering tools to be used on the site includes registering different individual tools for the site to be used by the user and any safety requirements to be complied with when using said tools.

16. The process as in claim 11 , wherein the step of creating a certification program includes creating a series of questions for each user based upon the profile of the user, the profile of the site and the profile of the tools to be used by the user.

17. A process for tracking a user on a worksite to determine whether the user is authorized to work on a worksite comprising the following steps: confirming a level of authorization of a user; setting forth different regions on a worksite; setting forth permissions for each region on the worksite; tracking a location of each user on a worksite; determining whether a user is authorized to be in a particular region of a worksite; presenting additional information to the user for training access to a region on a worksite.

18. The process as in claim 17, wherein the step of confirming a user profile comprises determining whether the user is authorized to use a particular tool.

19. The process as in claim 17, further comprising tracking a location of tools at a worksite and determining the party that is using a particular tool.

20. The process as in claim 19, further comprising the step of denying a user access to a particular location or use of a particular tool if the user is not authorized or trained to be in a particular area or to use a particular tool.