Work personnel safety system

Abstract

The invention relates to a worker safety system. A tangible manufactured article having stored thereon instructions that, when executed, cause a machine to perform operations to track an operator and operator status using a secure device, the operations including programming a plurality of NFC tags with assignment information, the assignment information is at least one of a location assignment of the NFC tag placed at the specific location and an instrument operator assignment of the NFC tag assigned to the security device operator; receiving assignment information at the secure device while the NFC radio of the secure device is brought into proximity to at least one of the plurality of NFC tags; triggering one or more of an alarm and a message upon detection of the security event, where the triggered alarm or message is filtered by the temporary assignment information; and passing the triggered alarm or message to at least one other security device in the mesh network for presentation on a second security device.

Description

This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with national application number 201780038089.2, the application date of which is April 19, 2017, and the name of the invention is “Staff Safety System”.

[0001] priority This application claims the benefit of the following provisional applications, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety: U.S. Serial No. 62 / 324,573, filed April 19, 2016 (ISCI-0026-P01); U.S. Serial No. 62 / 364,935, filed July 21, 2016 (ISCI-0027-P01); and U.S. Serial No. 62 / 385,688, filed September 9, 2016 (ISCI-0037-P01).

[0002] This application is also related to the following U.S. patents and patent applications, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety: U.S. Patent No. 9,000,910, filed June 24, 2011 (ISCI-0020-U01), U.S. Patent No. 9,575,043, filed April 1, 2015 (ISCI-0020-U01-C01), U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 376,823, filed December 13, 2016 (ISCI-0020-U01-C01-C01), U.S. Patent No. 6,338,266, filed April 5, 2000 (ISCI-0005-U01), U.S. Patent No. 6,435,003, filed April 200 U.S. Patent No. 6,888,467, filed on November 8, 2001 (ISCI-0005-U01-V01), U.S. Patent No. 6,888,467, filed on December 10, 2002 (ISCI-0014-U01), U.S. Patent No. 6,742,382, filed on December 24, 2002 (ISCI-0015-U01), U.S. Patent No. 6,442,639, filed on April 19, 2000 (ISCI-0006-U01), U.S. Patent No. 7,007,542, filed on June 16, 2003 (ISCI-0009-U01-V01), and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 2016 / 0209386, entitled “MODULAR GAS MONITORING SYSTEM,” filed on January 15, 2016 (ISCI-0023-U01). Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an ad hoc mesh wireless network for securely connecting instruments, a means of communicating from the instruments to remote locations, and end-use applications that utilize data from the instruments. Summary of the invention

[0004] In one aspect, a tangible manufactured product having instructions stored thereon that, when executed, cause a machine to perform operations for tracking operators and operator status using a safety device, the operations comprising: programming a plurality of NFC tags with assignment information, wherein the assignment information is at least one of a location assignment of an NFC tag placed at a particular location and an instrument operator assignment of a tag assigned to an operator of a multi-gas detection instrument; receiving temporary assignment information at the safety device when the NFC radio unit of the safety device is brought into proximity with at least one of the plurality of NFC tags; and marking safety device data with the temporary assignment information. In this aspect and other aspects disclosed herein, programming of a plurality of NFC tags is not required. In fact, pre-programmed NFC tags can be purchased for use in the systems and methods disclosed herein. The operations also include storing the marked safety device data in a safety device data log. The operations also include wirelessly transmitting the marked safety device data to at least one of a cloud-based or another remote log and a second device. The operations also include eliminating the temporary assignment by bringing the safety device into proximity with at least one NFC tag again. The safety device is at least one of a multi-gas detection instrument, a gas detection instrument or a respirator, a harness, a lighting device, a fall protection device, a heat detector, a flame detector, and a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive (CBRNE) detector.

[0005] In one aspect, a tangible article of manufacture having instructions stored thereon that, when executed, cause a machine to perform operations for tracking operators and operator status using a safety device, the operations comprising: programming a plurality of NFC tags with assignment information, wherein the assignment information is at least one of a location assignment of an NFC tag placed at a particular location and an instrument operator assignment of a tag assigned to an operator of the safety device; receiving the assignment information at the safety device upon bringing an NFC radio unit of the safety device into proximity with at least one of the plurality of NFC tags; and triggering one or more of an alarm and a message upon detection of a safety event, wherein the trigger is filtered by the temporary assignment information. An assignment tag for identifying an individual is programmed with information including one or more of name, size, weight, typical work location, job function, typical instruments used, pre-existing problems, known languages, priority alarms, priority gas events, priority safety events, and priority messages. An assignment tag for identifying a location is programmed with information including one or more of location within a space, GPS location, equipment at the location, fuel source at the location, known hazards at the location, typical gas concentrations at the location, environmental conditions at the location, recent gas events, recent personnel falls, recent alarms, and recent messages. The triggering also includes applying a filter based on programmed information of the assigned tag. The safety device is at least one of a multi-gas detection instrument, a gas detection instrument, a respirator, a harness, a lighting device, a fall protection device, a heat detector, a flame detector, and a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) detector. The safety event is a gas event.

[0006] In one aspect, an industrial safety monitoring system includes: a personal NFC tag assigned to a worker, wherein the tag assigned to the worker includes information about the worker's identity; a plurality of location NFC tags assigned to locations, wherein each location tag placed in the location includes information about the location where the location tag is placed; at least one portable environment sensing device that detects data of environmental parameters, wherein the at least one portable environment sensing device is configured to (i) read the personal NFC tag and transmit information about the identity of the worker using the sensing device, and (ii) read at least one of the plurality of location NFC tags and transmit information about the location of the location tag read by the at least one portable environment sensing device; and at least one processor that communicates with the at least one portable environment sensing device and receives (i) detected data of environmental parameters, (ii) information about the identity of the worker using the at least one portable environment sensing device, and (iii) information about the location of the location tag read by the at least one portable environment sensing device from the at least one portable environment sensing device, wherein the at least one processor is programmed to determine the environmental parameters of the worker using the sensing device and the location of the determined environmental parameters. The system also includes a memory that communicates with the at least one portable environment sensing device (which stores the detected data and information in a portable environment sensing device data log). The system also includes a wireless transmitter that transmits the detected data and information to at least one of a cloud-based or another remote log and a second portable environmental sensing device. The assigned tag for identifying the worker is programmed with information including one or more of name, size, weight, typical work position, job function, typical instruments used, pre-existing problems, known languages, priority alarms, priority gas events, priority safety events, and priority messages. The assigned tag for identifying the location is programmed with information including one or more of location within the space, GPS location, equipment at the location, fuel source at the location, known hazards at the location, typical gas concentrations at the location, environmental conditions at the location, recent gas events, recent personnel falls, recent alarms, and recent messages. At least one portable environmental sensing device is at least one of a multi-gas detection instrument, a gas detection instrument, a respirator, a harness, a lighting device, a fall protection device, a heat detector, a flame detector, and a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) detector.

[0007] In one aspect, a tangible article of manufacture having instructions stored thereon that, when executed, cause a machine to perform operations for tracking an operator and operator status using a safety device, the operations comprising: programming a plurality of NFC tags with assignment information, wherein the assignment information is at least one of a location assignment of NFC tags placed at a particular location and an instrument operator assignment of a tag assigned to an operator of the safety device; receiving the assignment information at the safety device when an NFC radio unit of the safety device is brought into proximity with at least one of the plurality of NFC tags; and triggering activation of a function of the safety device based on the temporary assignment information.

[0008] In one aspect, a tangible article of manufacture having instructions stored thereon that, when executed, cause a machine to perform operations for tracking an operator and operator status using a safety device, the operations comprising: programming a plurality of NFC tags with assignment information, wherein the assignment information is at least one of a location assignment of NFC tags placed at a particular location and an instrument operator assignment of a tag assigned to an operator of the safety device; receiving the assignment information at the safety device when an NFC radio unit of the safety device is brought into proximity with at least one of the plurality of NFC tags; and triggering modification of a setting of the safety device based on the temporary assignment information.

[0009] In one aspect, a tangible article of manufacture having instructions stored thereon that, when executed, cause a machine to perform operations for tracking operators and operator status using a safety device, the operations comprising: programming a plurality of NFC tags with assignment information, wherein the assignment information is at least one of a location assignment of an NFC tag placed at a particular location and an instrument operator assignment of a tag assigned to an operator of the safety device; receiving the assignment information at the safety device upon bringing an NFC radio unit of the safety device into proximity with at least one of the plurality of NFC tags; triggering one or more of an alarm and a message upon detection of a safety event, wherein the triggered alarm or message is filtered by the temporary assignment information; and passing the triggered alarm or message to at least one other safety device in a mesh network having features as described herein for presentation on the second safety device. The assignment tag for identifying an individual is programmed with information including one or more of name, size, weight, typical work position, job function, typical instruments used, pre-existing problems, known languages, priority alarms, priority gas events, priority safety events, and priority messages. An assigned tag for identifying a location is programmed with information including one or more of a location within a space, a GPS location, equipment at the location, a fuel source at the location, a known hazard at the location, a typical gas concentration at the location, an environmental condition at the location, a recent gas event, a recent personnel fall, a recent alarm, and a recent message. Triggering also includes applying a filter based on the programmed information of the assigned tag. The safety device is at least one of a multi-gas detection instrument and a gas detection instrument. The safety device is at least one of a respirator, a harness, a lighting device, a fall protection device, a heat detector, a flame detector, and a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) detector. The safety event is a gas event.

[0010] In one aspect, a tangible manufactured product having instructions stored thereon that, when executed, causes a machine to perform operations for tracking operators and operator status using a security device, the operations comprising: programming a plurality of NFC tags with assignment information, wherein the assignment information is at least one of a location assignment of NFC tags placed at specific locations and an instrument operator assignment of tags assigned to security device operators; receiving the assignment information at the security device when an NFC radio unit of the security device is brought into proximity with at least one of the plurality of NFC tags; triggering modification of settings of the security device based on the temporary assignment information; and transmitting the modified settings to at least one other security device in a mesh network having the features described herein for modification of settings of the second security device.

[0011] In one aspect, an alert system includes a safety device (which includes a GPS system) and an interface, the interface being configured to: transmit the location of the safety device to a remote server based on data from the GPS system; receive alert information from the remote server in response to the remote server determining that the location of the safety device corresponds to a hazardous location, wherein the remote server determines the hazardous location based on conditions detected from one or more of the safety device, a second safety device in an area within a predefined distance from the safety device, an area monitor, and third-party data; and pass the alert information to one or more devices in a mesh network having features as described herein that are engaged by the safety device. The interface is a component of the safety device, a network gateway, or a smart phone.

[0012] In one aspect, an alarm system includes a security device configured to read at least one of a plurality of location NFC tags containing information about a location where the tag is placed and an interface configured to: transmit the location of the security device to a remote server based on information from the location NFC tag; and receive alarm information from the remote server in response to the remote server determining that the location of the security device corresponds to a hazardous location, wherein the remote server determines the hazardous location based on conditions detected from one or more of the security device, a second security device in the location, an area monitor in the location, and third-party data related to the location. The interface is a component of the security device, a network gateway, or a smart phone. The interface is also configured to pass the alarm information to one or more devices in a mesh network to which the security device is engaged.

[0013] In one aspect, a computer-implemented method for providing real-time positioning and gas exposure monitoring includes: receiving, by a computer processor, a first gas reading and a first location from a first device; receiving, by a computer processor, a second location from a second device; and transmitting one or more of an alarm and the gas reading to the second device when the second location is within a predetermined distance from the first location and the gas reading exceeds a threshold, wherein the second device forwards the alarm and / or the gas reading to at least one peer device in a mesh network having the features described herein to which the second device is joined.

[0014] In one aspect, a computer-implemented method for providing real-time location and gas exposure monitoring includes: receiving, by a computer processor, a first gas reading and a first location from a first device, wherein the first location is read by the first device from a location NFC tag in a location; receiving, by the computer processor, a second location from a second device; and transmitting, by the computer processor, one or more of an alarm and a gas reading to the second device when the second location is within a predetermined distance from the first location and the gas reading exceeds a threshold. The second device forwards the alarm and / or the gas reading to at least one peer device in a mesh network having features as described herein joined by the second device.

[0015] In one aspect, a computer-implemented method for providing real-time positioning and gas exposure monitoring includes: receiving, by a computer processor, a first safety event and a first location from a first device; receiving, by a computer processor, a second location from a second device; and transmitting an alarm and a safety event to the second device when the second location is within a predetermined distance from the first location, wherein the second device forwards the alarm and / or gas readings to at least one peer device in a mesh network having the features described herein to which the second device is joined.

[0016] In one aspect, a computer-implemented method for providing real-time location and gas exposure monitoring includes: receiving, by a computer processor, a first security event and a first location from a first device, wherein the first location is read by the first device from a location NFC tag in a location; receiving, by the computer processor, a second location from a second device; and transmitting an alarm and a security event to the second device when the second location is within a predetermined distance from the first location. The second device forwards the alarm and / or gas reading to at least one peer device in a mesh network having features as described herein that is joined by the second device.

[0017] In one aspect, a system includes: a plurality of portable environment sensing devices in a work area, adapted to communicate with each other in a mesh network having features as described herein; and a communication facility to transmit data from at least one of the plurality of portable environment sensing devices to a remote computer, the remote computer configured to monitor at least one of a hazardous condition and activation of a panic button in the work area based on data from at least one of the plurality of portable environment sensing devices, wherein the remote computer is configured to receive an alarm related to the hazardous condition or activation of the panic button from the at least one portable environment sensing device, and transmit instructions to any of the portable environment sensing devices to be propagated throughout the mesh network. The instructions are requests to check the safety of users of the at least one portable environment sensing device, evacuation instructions, risk mitigation instructions, etc. The remote computer is further configured to display the locations of the portable environment sensing devices in a map of the work area, wherein the remote computer transmits the map for display on any of the portable environment sensing devices. The data is sensed gas data, wherein the hazardous condition is based on the sensed gas data exceeding a threshold, and the remote computer is further configured to display the sensed gas data in the map of the work area. The size of the representation of the gas data is proportional to the gas level. The remote computer is also configured to request an emergency response at a location of the at least one portable environment sensing device.

[0018] In one aspect, a system for providing an ad hoc mesh network of eyewash stations having the features described herein includes: sensors disposed within the eyewash stations to monitor conditions, the sensors adapted to communicate with nodes in the mesh network; and digital signs adapted to receive data related to the conditions from the sensors via the mesh network for presentation.

[0019] In one aspect, a system for providing an ad hoc mesh network of eyewash stations having features as described herein includes: a sensor disposed within the eyewash station to monitor a condition, the sensor being adapted to communicate with a node in the mesh network; and a device in the mesh network configured to receive communications related to the condition from the sensor and to generate an alarm based on the condition satisfying a threshold or standard. The system also includes a digital sign in the mesh network, wherein the digital sign is adapted to receive an alarm from the device via the mesh network for presentation. The device in the mesh network is further configured to obtain one or more of biometric data of a worker and environmental data of an area. The device in the mesh network is further configured to transmit the alarm to a remote computer. The device in the mesh network is further configured to obtain an inventory of potential hazards from an NFC tag in an area near the eyewash station when an NFC radio unit of the device is brought into proximity with the NFC tag. An auxiliary alarm is generated based on at least one item in the inventory.

[0020] In one aspect, a method for sensing a root cause or symptom of a death or injury of a worker on a worksite includes: obtaining sensor data from one or more body-worn sensors attached to the worker's body, wherein the sensor data relates to one or more physiological and behavioral influences of the root cause of the worker's death or injury; analyzing the sensor data to identify a safety issue; and modifying an authorization level of the worker when the analyzed sensor data identifies the presence of a safety issue, wherein the authorization level is stored on a device of the worker.

[0021] In one aspect, a method of sensing a root cause or symptom of a death or injury of a worker on a worksite includes: obtaining sensor data from one or more body-worn sensors attached to the worker's body, wherein the sensor data relates to one or more physiological and behavioral effects of a root cause of the worker's death or injury; analyzing the sensor data to identify a safety issue; and when the analyzed sensor data identifies the presence of a safety issue, transmitting the safety issue to a safety device of the worker for presentation on the safety device. The method also includes transmitting the safety issue to a second safety device of a second worker for presentation, wherein the safety device and the second safety device are peers in a mesh network.

[0022] In one aspect, a method for sensing a root cause or symptom of a death or injury of a worker on a worksite includes: obtaining sensor data from one or more body-worn sensors attached to the worker's body, wherein the sensor data relates to one or more physiological and behavioral influences of the root cause of the worker's death or injury; analyzing the sensor data to identify a safety issue; and transmitting a request to report to the worker to a safety device of a second worker when the analyzed sensor data identifies the presence of a safety issue.

[0023] In one aspect, a system for providing a low power self-organizing mesh network having the features described herein for a remote work location includes: a plurality of network devices, including one or more staff monitoring devices and one or more regional monitoring devices, wherein the network devices monitor at least one of peer alarms, staff biometric data, or regional environmental data; and network devices suitable for communicating with each other in a mesh network without the need for a central network controller; wherein a first network device of the plurality of network devices transmits the peer alarms, staff biometric data, or regional environmental data to a second network device of the plurality of network devices for presentation on the second network device.

[0024] In one aspect, a system includes: a plurality of network devices, including one or more staff monitoring devices and one or more regional monitoring devices, wherein the network devices monitor at least one of peer alarms, staff biometric data, or regional environmental data; network devices suitable for communicating with each other in a grid network having the characteristics as described herein; and a network gateway, wherein the plurality of network devices transmit the peer alarms, staff biometric data, or regional environmental data to a remote computer via the gateway.

[0025] In one aspect, a system includes: a plurality of network devices, including one or more staff monitoring devices and one or more regional monitoring devices, wherein the network devices monitor at least one of peer alarms, staff biometric data, or regional environmental data; network devices suitable for communicating with each other in a mesh network having the characteristics as described herein; and a device interface of a remote networked device, wherein the plurality of network devices transmit peer alarms, staff biometric data, or regional environmental data to the remote networked device, and the remote networked device is configured to further transmit the peer alarms, staff biometric data, or regional environmental data to a remote computer.

[0026] In one aspect, a method for sensing a root cause or symptom of a death or injury of a worker on a worksite includes: obtaining sensor data from one or more body-worn sensors attached to the worker's body, wherein the sensor data relates to one or more physiological and behavioral effects of a root cause of a death or injury of the worker; analyzing the sensor data to identify a safety issue; and providing an alert to the worker or a third party when the analyzed sensor data identifies the existence of a safety issue. The alert is transmitted from the one or more body-worn sensors to a remote location via a network connection. The alert is transmitted directly from the one or more body-worn sensors to one or more workers located at the worksite. The step of analyzing the sensor data is performed within the body-worn sensor. The sensor data is transmitted from the body-worn sensor to the remote location via a wireless network for analysis of the sensor data. The remote location communicates with the body-worn sensor to notify the worker wearing the body-worn sensor when the analyzed sensor data identifies the existence of a safety issue. The remote location communicates with a third party on the worksite to notify the third party about the existence of a safety issue indicated by the analyzed sensor data related to the worker wearing the body-worn sensor. Physiological effects include effects on at least one of ECG, heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, skin temperature, posture, activity, accelerometer, blood pressure, pulse, body odor, blood alcohol content, blood glucose level, and oxygen saturation. Behavioral effects include effects on at least one of gait, walking pattern, posture, eye movement, pupil size, movement pattern, noise, and removal of sensors from the human body before a specified time. Body-worn sensors include one or more of heart rate sensors, blood pressure sensors, gait detection sensors, olfactory sensors, skin galvanic response sensors, proximity sensors, accelerometers, eye tracking sensors, image sensors, microphones, infrared sensors, gas sensors, capacitive sensors, fingerprint sensors, networked signal detectors, and position detectors. The method also includes a step of storing sensor data and comparing current sensor data with stored sensor data to determine a variance indicating a safety issue. The method also includes typical sensor data from multiple staff members and comparing current sensor data of a staff member with stored sensor data of multiple staff members to determine a variance indicating a safety issue. The method also includes a step of preventing staff members from accessing the system after identifying a safety issue. The method also includes a step of suggesting behavioral changes to staff members to avoid safety issues.

[0027] In one aspect, a system for providing a low-power ad hoc mesh network for a remote work location includes: a plurality of network devices, including one or more sensing devices and one or more regional monitoring devices, wherein the network devices monitor at least one of peer alarms, staff biometric data, or regional environmental data; network devices suitable for communicating with each other in a mesh network having the characteristics described herein; wherein a first network device of the plurality of network devices transmits the peer alarms, staff biometric data, or regional environmental data to a second network device of the plurality of network devices for presentation on the second network device.

[0028] In one aspect, a network for connecting a plurality of network nodes having features as described herein comprises: a leader node; and a plurality of follower nodes, wherein the leader node transmits a synchronization message indicating the start of a network interval to the plurality of follower nodes, wherein the leader node and the plurality of follower nodes transmit information during a transmission period of the network interval and do not transmit information during a sleep period of the network interval, the leader node and the plurality of follower nodes use less power during the sleep period than during the transmission period, and the plurality of follower nodes each include a timer, the timer being adapted to time the transmission period and the sleep period of the plurality of future network intervals without continuously receiving a synchronization message from the leader node during the plurality of future network intervals. When any of the plurality of follower nodes receives the synchronization message, the follower node transmits a message announcing one or more properties of the leader node during a predetermined period of the network interval. The one or more properties of the leader node include at least one of a channel hopping sequence and a total number of network nodes on the network. When any of the plurality of follower nodes cannot receive a synchronization message from the leader node, the follower node refrains from transmitting a message announcing the properties of the leader node during the network interval. The follower nodes each include a counter for tracking the receipt of a synchronization message from the leader. The counter is incremented when a synchronization message is received and decremented when a synchronization message is not received. When the counter of any of the follower nodes reaches a predetermined value, the follower node initiates a process of finding a new leader node. When the timer is also suitable for timing the expected reception of future synchronization messages for future network intervals, and when the actual reception of future synchronization messages deviates from the expected reception of future synchronization messages by a predetermined amount of time for a predetermined number of network intervals, the follower node adjusts the timer to correspond more closely to the actual reception of future synchronization messages. The synchronization message contains data indicating the number of network nodes in the network. The length of the transmission cycle is determined by the number of network nodes in the network. The network node is an environmental sensing device. Information is assigned by reading an NFC tag. The information relates to the concentration of a gas or an environmental attribute. The network node is an environmental sensing device, and one or more properties are assigned by reading an NFC tag.

[0029] In one aspect, a network for connecting a plurality of network nodes having features as described herein comprises: a leader node; and a plurality of follower nodes, wherein the leader node transmits a synchronization message indicating the start of a network interval to the plurality of follower nodes, wherein the leader node and the plurality of follower nodes transmit information during a transmission period and do not transmit information during a sleep period of the network interval, and during a predetermined time of the transmission period of the network interval, each of the follower nodes that receive the synchronization message transmits a message announcing one or more properties of the leader node. The one or more properties of the leader node include at least one of a channel hopping sequence and a total number of network nodes on the network. When any of the plurality of follower nodes cannot receive the synchronization message from the leader node, the follower node refrains from transmitting a message announcing the properties of the leader node during the network interval. The message announcing the properties of the leader node is broadcast on a predetermined subset of channels. A new follower node attempting to join the network listens to the predetermined subset of channels to receive the message announcing at least one property of the leader node so as to learn at least one property of the leader node to facilitate the new follower node to join the network. The at least one property includes the total number of network nodes already on the network, and the new follower node will refrain from attempting to join the network when the total number of network nodes exceeds a predetermined value. After a predetermined interval, the leader node stops sending synchronization messages for at least one network interval and enters a sleep cycle, and listens for messages announcing at least one property of different leader nodes. The leader node is a gas sensor. If the leader node receives a message announcing at least one property of a different leader node, the leader node begins to stop the process of functioning as a leader node, and begins to function as a follower node of a different leader node. If the leader node does not receive a message announcing at least one property of another leader node, the leader node continues to function as a leader node. The leader node and multiple follower nodes use less power in the sleep cycle than in the transmission cycle, and each of the multiple follower nodes includes a timer, which is suitable for timing the transmission cycle and sleep cycle of multiple future network intervals without continuously receiving synchronization messages from the leader node during multiple future network intervals. When the follower node transmits a message announcing one or more properties of the leader node, the message is transmitted using a single hop so that the node receiving the message does not retransmit the message.

[0030] In one aspect, a method of operating a wireless mesh network having features as described herein, comprising the steps of providing a plurality of nodes, wherein each node is operable to function as a leader node or a follower node, wherein one node functions to identify itself as a leader node and one or more other nodes operate as follower nodes; the leader node transmits a synchronization message to the follower nodes indicating the start of a network interval, the leader node and the follower nodes transmit information during a transmission period and do not transmit information during a sleep period of the network interval, and during a predetermined time of the transmission period of the network interval, the follower nodes receiving the synchronization message transmit a message announcing one or more properties of the leader node. The one or more properties of the leader node include at least one of a channel hopping sequence and a total number of network nodes on the network. When any of the plurality of follower nodes cannot receive the synchronization message from the leader node, the follower node refrains from transmitting a message announcing the properties of the leader node during the network interval. The message announcing the properties of the leader node is broadcast on a predetermined subset of channels. A new follower node attempting to join the network listens to the predetermined subset of channels to receive the message announcing at least one property of the leader node so as to learn at least one property of the leader node to facilitate the new follower node to join the network. At least one property includes the total number of network nodes already on the network, and new follower nodes will be blocked from attempting to join the network when the total number of network nodes exceeds a predetermined value. After a predetermined interval, the leader node blocks sending synchronization messages for at least one network interval and enters a sleep cycle, and listens for messages announcing at least one property of a different leader node. The leader node is a gas sensor. If the leader node receives a message announcing at least one property of a different leader node, the leader node begins a process of stopping functioning as a leader node and begins functioning as a follower node of a different leader node. If the leader node does not receive a message announcing at least one property of another leader node, the leader node continues to function as a leader node. The leader node and multiple follower nodes use less power in the sleep cycle than in the transmission cycle, and each of the multiple follower nodes includes a timer, and the timer is suitable for timing the transmission cycle and the sleep cycle of multiple future network intervals without continuously receiving synchronization messages from the leader node during multiple future network intervals. When the follower node transmits a message announcing one or more properties of the leader node, the message is transmitted using a single hop so that the node receiving the message does not retransmit the message.

[0031] In one aspect, a network for connecting a plurality of network nodes having features as described herein comprises: a first leader node; and a plurality of follower nodes, wherein the first leader node transmits a synchronization message indicating the start of a network interval to the plurality of follower nodes, wherein the plurality of follower nodes transmit information during a transmission period and do not transmit information during a sleep period of the network interval, and during a predetermined time of the transmission period of the network interval, each of the follower nodes that receive the synchronization message transmits a message announcing one or more properties of the first leader node; and during the transmission period, the first leader node listens for information announcing one or more properties of a second leader node. The message announcing the properties of the second leader node is transmitted on a predetermined channel. The first leader node listens to the predetermined channel. The message announcing the properties of the second leader node is also transmitted on a second predetermined channel. The first leader node also listens to the second predetermined channel. The first leader node listens for a time period greater than the length of the network interval. When the first leader node receives the information announcing the one or more properties of the second leader node, the first leader node ceases to function as a leader node and is adapted to begin a sequence of joining the second leader node as a follower node. The plurality of follower nodes are adapted to detect the absence of the first leader node and begin a sequence of joining a new leader node. The leader node and the plurality of follower nodes use less power in a sleep cycle than in a transmission cycle, and the plurality of follower nodes each include a timer adapted to time transmission cycles and sleep cycles for a plurality of future network intervals without continuously receiving synchronization messages from the leader node during a plurality of future network intervals. The network node is an environment sensing device. Information is assigned by reading an NFC tag. Information relates to a concentration of a gas. Information relates to an environmental attribute. One or more properties are assigned by reading an NFC tag.

[0032] In one aspect, a network for connecting a plurality of network nodes having features as described herein comprises: a leader node; and a plurality of follower nodes, wherein the leader node transmits a synchronization message indicating the start of a network interval to the plurality of follower nodes, the plurality of follower nodes each comprising a counter for tracking the receipt of synchronization messages received from the leader node, and the counter increments when a synchronization message is received and decrements when a synchronization message is not received, wherein any of the plurality of follower nodes will begin a process of selecting a new leader node when the counter is decremented to a predetermined value. The leader node and the plurality of follower nodes transmit information during a transmission period and do not transmit information during a sleep period of the network interval. The follower node whose counter has decremented to the predetermined value transmits a first appointment message to begin the process of selecting a new leader node. The first appointment message is transmitted on a predetermined channel. The first appointment message is also transmitted on a second predetermined channel. The first appointment message contains data related to the suitability of the follower node to send the first appointment message to act as a leader node. The data is calculated from the strength and reliability of signals received from other network nodes on the network. The data is calculated by utilizing at least one of the instrument type, battery charge state, and past signal quality of the follower node. The first appointment message and the data are received by other network nodes, and the data are compared by the receiving network node with data relating to the suitability of the receiving network node to act as a leader node, wherein the receiving network node responds with a reply appointment message (with data indicating a higher suitability to act as a leader node) or a relinquish message (when the receiving network node does not have a higher suitability to act as a leader node). When the follower node that sent the first appointment message receives only a relinquish message, that follower node assumes the role of the leader node and announces at least one property of itself to make other network nodes become follower nodes. When the follower node that sent the first appointment message receives an appointment message with data indicating a higher suitability to act as a leader node, that follower node sends a relinquish message. The relinquish message is transmitted on a predetermined channel. The relinquish message is also transmitted on a second predetermined channel.

[0033] In one aspect, a network for connecting a plurality of network nodes having features as described herein comprises: a leader node; and a plurality of follower nodes, wherein the leader node transmits a synchronization message indicating the start of a consecutive network interval to the plurality of follower nodes, wherein upon non-reception of a predetermined number of synchronization messages by a follower node, that follower node initiates a process of selecting a new leader node by sending a first appointment message (which contains data related to the suitability of the follower node to act as the leader node). The plurality of follower nodes each include a counter for tracking the receipt of synchronization messages received from the leader node, and the counter increments when a synchronization message is received and decrements when a synchronization message is not received, wherein any of the plurality of follower nodes will initiate a process of selecting a new leader node when the counter decreases to a predetermined value. The first appointment message is transmitted on a predetermined channel. The first appointment message is also transmitted on a second predetermined channel. The data is calculated from the strength and reliability of signals received from other network nodes on the network. The data is calculated by utilizing at least one of the instrument type, battery charge state, and past signal quality of the follower node. The first appointment message and the data are received by other network nodes, and the data are compared by the receiving network node with data relating to the suitability of the receiving network node to act as a leader node, wherein the receiving network node responds with a reply appointment message (with data indicating a higher suitability to act as a leader node) or a relinquishment message (when the receiving network node does not have a higher suitability to act as a leader node). When the follower node that sent the first appointment message receives only a relinquishment message, that follower node assumes the role of the leader node and announces at least one property of itself to make other network nodes become follower nodes. When the follower node that sent the first appointment message receives an appointment message with data indicating a higher suitability to act as a leader node, that follower node sends a relinquishment message. The relinquishment message is transmitted on a predetermined channel. The relinquishment message is also transmitted on a second predetermined channel. The network node is an environment sensing device. Information is assigned to the node by reading an NFC tag. The information relates to the concentration of a gas. The information relates to an environmental attribute. The network node is an environment sensing device.

[0034] In one aspect, a method of providing information about a leader node to a plurality of follower nodes in a wireless mesh communication network having features as described herein includes: designating a leader node; designating a plurality of follower nodes; designating one or more predetermined frequency ranges as common channels; transmitting a synchronization message from the leader node and during a plurality of network intervals having a predetermined time length to the plurality of follower nodes at the beginning of each network interval; and during each network interval in which a synchronization message is received by any of the follower nodes, transmitting a message announcing at least one property of the leader node from any of the plurality of follower nodes receiving the synchronization message on at least one common channel after receipt of the synchronization message. The leader node also sends a message announcing at least one property of the leader node in any network interval in which the synchronization message is transmitted. The method may also include: providing a new follower node that has not yet been configured to receive synchronization messages; listening to the common channel by the new follower node until at least one property of the leader node is broadcast; and from the at least one property, causing the new follower node to configure itself to communicate with the leader node in the next network cycle to join the network. The at least one property of the leader node includes at least one of a frequency hopping parameter and a total number of leader and follower nodes on the network. At least one property of the lead node includes a frequency hopping parameter including a multiplier, an intercept and a seed of a linear congruential generator. The frequency hopping parameter also includes a channel mask parameter defining a predetermined channel as either used or unused. The frequency hopping parameter also includes a time length of a network interval. At least one property of the lead node includes a total number of lead and follower nodes on the network, and wherein a new follower node will not attempt to join the network when the total number exceeds a predetermined value. The lead node and the follower node are environment sensing devices.

[0035] In one aspect, a method of adding a new device to a mesh wireless network having features as described herein includes: providing a mesh wireless network including a lead node and a plurality of follower nodes; designating at least one predetermined frequency range as a common channel; transmitting information on the common channel announcing at least one property of the lead node; listening, by the new device of the mesh wireless network, to the common channel for the transmitted information announcing at least one property of the lead node; configuring the new device as a follower of the lead device using the at least one announced property describing the lead node; receiving, by the new device of the mesh wireless network, a synchronization message transmitted from the lead node; and requesting the lead node to join the mesh wireless network. The step of transmitting on the common channel the information announcing at least one property of the lead node is performed by at least one of the follower nodes responding to the receipt of the synchronization message. The step of transmitting on the common channel the information announcing at least one property of the lead node is performed by the lead node after the transmission of the synchronization message. The at least one property of the lead node includes at least one of a frequency hopping parameter and a total number of lead and follower nodes on the network. The at least one property of the lead node includes a frequency hopping parameter including a multiplier, an intercept, and a seed of a linear congruential generator. The frequency hopping parameters also include a channel mask parameter that defines a predetermined channel as either used or unused. The frequency hopping parameters also include a time length of a network interval. At least one property of the leader node includes a total number of leader and follower nodes on the network, and wherein a new follower node will not attempt to join the network when the total number exceeds a predetermined value.

[0036] In one aspect, a method of joining a follower node to a leader node in a wireless mesh communication network having features as described herein includes: designating a leader node; designating a plurality of follower nodes; designating one or more predetermined frequency ranges as common channels; transmitting a synchronization message from the leader node and during a plurality of network intervals having a predetermined time length to a plurality of follower nodes at the beginning of each network interval; during each network interval in which a synchronization message is received by any of the follower nodes, transmitting a message announcing at least one property of the leader node from any of the plurality of follower nodes receiving the synchronization message on at least one common channel after receipt of the synchronization message; providing a new follower node that has not yet been configured to receive the synchronization message; listening to the common channel by the new follower node until at least one property of the leader node is broadcast and received by the new follower node; and, from the at least one property, causing the new follower node to configure itself to communicate with the leader node in the next network cycle to join the network. The method also includes: providing a new follower node that has not yet been configured to receive the synchronization message; listening to the common channel by the new follower node until at least one property of the leader node is broadcast; and, from the at least one property, causing the new follower node to configure itself to communicate with the leader node in the next network cycle to join the network. At least one property of the lead node includes at least one of a frequency hopping parameter and a total number of lead and follower nodes on the network. At least one property of the lead node includes a frequency hopping parameter, which includes a multiplier, an intercept, and a seed of a linear congruential generator. The frequency hopping parameter also includes a channel mask parameter, which defines a predetermined channel as either used or unused. The frequency hopping parameter also includes a time length of a network interval. At least one property of the lead node includes a total number of lead and follower nodes on the network, and wherein a new follower node will not attempt to join the network when the total number exceeds a predetermined value. The lead node is an environment sensing device. The device is an environment sensing device. The lead node and the follower node are environment sensing devices.

[0037] In one aspect, a network for connecting a plurality of network nodes having features as described herein comprises: a leader node; and a plurality of follower nodes, wherein the leader node transmits a synchronization message indicating the start of a network interval to the plurality of follower nodes, wherein the synchronization message includes data indicating the number of network nodes in the network, the leader node and the plurality of follower nodes transmit information during a transmission period of the network interval and do not transmit information during a sleep period of the network interval, wherein the network interval has a fixed time length, the transmission period has a variable time length based on the number of network nodes in the network, and the sleep period includes the remaining time of the network interval after the transmission period. The transmission time is divided between a first transmission time for transmitting high priority data and a second transmission time for lower priority data. The first transmission time and the second transmission time are equal length time periods. The leader node and the plurality of follower nodes use less power in the sleep period than in the transmission period, and the plurality of follower nodes each include a timer, the timer being suitable for timing the transmission period and the sleep period of the plurality of future network intervals without continuously receiving the synchronization message from the leader node during the plurality of future network intervals. When any of a plurality of follower nodes receives a synchronization message, the follower node transmits a message announcing one or more properties of the lead node during a predetermined period of a network interval. The one or more properties of the lead node include at least one of a channel hopping sequence and a total number of network nodes on the network. When the timer is also suitable for timing the expected reception of future synchronization messages for future network intervals, and when the actual reception of the future synchronization message deviates from the expected reception of the future synchronization message by a predetermined amount of time for a predetermined number of network intervals, the follower node adjusts the timer to more closely correspond to the actual reception of the future synchronization message. The network node is an environmental sensing device. Information is assigned to the node by reading an NFC tag. The information relates to the concentration of a gas. The information relates to an environmental attribute.

[0038] In one aspect, a network for connecting a plurality of network nodes having features as described herein comprises: a leader node; and a plurality of follower nodes, wherein the leader node transmits a plurality of consecutive synchronization messages indicating the start of consecutive network intervals to the plurality of follower nodes, wherein the leader node and the plurality of follower nodes transmit information during a transmission period of each network interval, the leader node changes a channel for synchronization messages in a subsequent network interval in accordance with a channel change schedule, the plurality of follower nodes change channels in accordance with the same channel change schedule to receive synchronization messages of consecutive network intervals, and the leader node does not change a channel for transmission during a transmission period of a network interval. The channel change schedule changes the channel for each consecutive network interval. The channel change schedule changes the channel after a plurality of network intervals. The channel change schedule changes in accordance with a linear congruential generator. When any of the plurality of follower nodes receives a synchronization message, the follower node transmits a message announcing one or more properties of the channel change schedule. The channel change schedule changes in accordance with a linear congruential generator. The one or more properties of the channel change schedule include a seed, a multiplier, and an intercept of the linear congruential generator. The channel change schedule also indicates channels where broadcast synchronization messages are unavailable. The channel change schedule also indicates the channels available for broadcasting synchronization messages. The network nodes are environment sensing devices. Information is assigned to the nodes by reading NFC tags. Information relates to the concentration of gases. Information relates to environmental attributes.

[0039] In one aspect, a static memory device comprises: an instrument including at least one of an environmental sensing device, a hazard detection device, and an industrial safety device, the instrument operating in a first sleep cycle, wherein the instrument generates data associated with the instrument type; a wireless radio unit for sending and receiving information on a wireless mesh network having the features described herein, the radio unit operating in a second cycle (which is different from the first sleep cycle in at least one aspect of period and phase); and a shared memory operatively connected to the instrument and the radio unit, the shared memory comprising a static message memory containing static messages associated with the instrument; an outbound memory portion that receives outbound information from the instrument and transmits the outbound information to the radio unit for transmission on the wireless mesh network, an inbound memory portion that receives inbound information from the radio unit and transmits the inbound information to the instrument, the shared memory also comprising request and grant lines for the radio unit and the instrument to allow the radio unit and the instrument to request and grant data to the inbound memory or the outbound memory, wherein the shared memory is adapted to not allow the radio unit and the instrument to generate grant lines and grant data to the inbound or outbound memory at the same time. The device also comprises a radio internal buffer for providing additional memory space to the radio unit. The first and second sleep cycles differ in period and phase. The shared memory also includes an emergency line that provides an indicator to an instrument or radio unit that information in the outgoing or incoming memory portion should be accessed immediately. The information is assigned to the node by reading the NFC tag. The information relates to the concentration of the gas. The information relates to an environmental attribute.

[0040] In one aspect, a network for connecting multiple network nodes includes: a static memory device, which includes: an instrument, including at least one of an environmental sensing device, a hazard detection device, and an industrial safety device, the instrument operating in a first sleep cycle, wherein the instrument generates data related to the instrument type; a wireless radio unit for sending and receiving information on a wireless mesh network having the characteristics described herein, the radio unit operating in a second sleep cycle (which is different from the first sleep cycle in at least one aspect of period and phase); and a shared memory, operatively connected to the instrument and the radio unit, the shared memory including a static message memory, which contains static messages related to the instrument; an outbound memory portion, which receives outbound information from the instrument and transmits the outbound information to the radio unit for transmission on the wireless mesh network, an inbound memory portion, which receives inbound information from the radio unit and transmits the inbound information to the instrument, and the shared memory also A wireless mesh network comprising request and grant lines for a radio unit and an instrument to allow the radio unit and the instrument to request and grant data to an incoming memory or an outgoing memory, wherein the shared memory is adapted to not allow the radio unit and the instrument to generate grant lines and grant data to the incoming or outgoing memory at the same time; and a wireless mesh network in communication with the radio unit, comprising: a leader node; and a plurality of follower nodes, wherein the leader node transmits a synchronization message indicating the start of a network interval to the plurality of follower nodes, the leader node and the plurality of follower nodes transmit information during a transmission period of the network interval and do not transmit information during a sleep period of the network interval, the leader node and the plurality of follower nodes use less power during the sleep period than during the transmission period, and the plurality of follower nodes each include a timer, the timer being adapted to time the transmission period and the sleep period of a plurality of future network intervals without continuously receiving a synchronization message from the leader node during a plurality of future network intervals. The network also includes a radio internal buffer for providing additional memory space to the radio unit. The first and second sleep cycles differ in period and phase. The shared memory also includes an emergency line, which provides an indicator to the instrument or radio unit that information in the outgoing or incoming memory portion should be accessed immediately. Information is assigned to the node by reading the NFC tag. Information is about the concentration of the gas. Information is about the environment.

[0041] In one aspect, a mesh network device for connecting to a mesh wireless network having features as described herein and sending and receiving information thereon comprises: an instrument including at least one of an environmental sensing device, a hazard detection device, and an industrial safety device, a radio unit for transmitting and receiving information on the mesh wireless network; and a display for presenting a signal quality indicator of the connection of the radio unit to other nodes of the mesh wireless network, the signal quality indicator being derived from a combination of the received signal strength (RSS) and the packet reception ratio (PRR) of all instruments in the mesh wireless network. The instrument multiplies the RSS of the most recent message received from each node in the mesh network by the PRR (which is the ratio of the number of packets received from each device in the mesh wireless network to the number of expected packets from each corresponding device in the mesh wireless network). The RSS represents the most recent network hop taken by the packet. The PRR is a counter that starts at a predetermined value and increments and decrements when an expected packet is received or not received, respectively. The increment and decrement values ​​are 3 and 2, respectively. The signal quality indicator is based on the product of the RSS×PRR of each node, summed and divided by the number of nodes in the network. When the signal quality indicator drops below a predetermined level, an alarm is issued. Information is assigned to the node by reading the NFC tag. Information is about the concentration of the gas. Information is about the environmental properties.

[0042] In one aspect, a network for connecting a plurality of network nodes having features as described herein comprises: a leader node; and a plurality of follower nodes, wherein the leader node transmits a synchronization message indicating the start of a network interval to the plurality of follower nodes, wherein the synchronization message contains data indicating the number of network nodes in the network, the leader node and the plurality of follower nodes transmit information during a transmission period of the network interval and do not transmit information during a sleep period of the network interval, wherein each of the plurality of follower nodes randomly selects an interval during the transmission period to transmit data without regard to a time selected by any of the other follower nodes. The randomly selected time is referenced to the start of the transmission period. The network interval has a fixed time length, the transmission period has a variable time length based on the number of network nodes in the network, and the sleep period includes the remaining time of the network interval after the transmission period. The transmission period is divided between a first transmission time for transmitting high priority data and a second transmission time for lower priority data, and wherein the time randomly selected to transmit data is referenced to the start of the first transmission time and the second transmission time. The first transmission time and the second transmission time are equal length time periods. The leader node and the plurality of follower nodes use less power in the sleep cycle than in the transmission cycle, and the plurality of follower nodes each include a timer, and the timer is suitable for timing the transmission cycle and the sleep cycle of the plurality of future network intervals without continuously receiving the synchronization message from the leader node during the plurality of future network intervals. When any of the plurality of follower nodes receives the synchronization message, the follower node transmits a message announcing one or more properties of the leader node during the predetermined period of the network interval. The one or more properties of the leader node include at least one of the channel hopping sequence and the total number of network nodes on the network. When the timer is also suitable for timing the expected reception of future synchronization messages for the future network interval, and when the actual reception of the future synchronization message deviates from the expected reception of the future synchronization message by a predetermined amount of time for the predetermined number of network intervals, the follower node adjusts the timer to correspond more closely to the actual reception of the future synchronization message. The network node is an environmental sensing device. The information is assigned to the node by reading the NFC tag. The information relates to the concentration of the gas. The information relates to the environmental attribute.

[0043] In one aspect, a network for connecting a plurality of network nodes having features as described herein comprises: a leader node; and a plurality of follower nodes, wherein the leader node transmits a synchronization message indicating the start of a network interval to the plurality of follower nodes, wherein the synchronization message contains data indicating the number of network nodes in the network, the leader node and the plurality of follower nodes transmit information during a transmission period of the network interval and do not transmit information during a sleep period of the network interval, wherein the transmission period is divided between a first transmission time for transmitting high priority data and a second transmission time for transmitting lower priority data. Each of the plurality of follower nodes randomly selects an interval during the transmission period to transmit data without regard to the time selected by any of the other follower nodes, and wherein the random selection is referenced to the start of the first transmission time and the second transmission time with respect to the time to transmit data. The network interval has a fixed time length, the transmission period has a variable time length based on the number of network nodes in the network, and the sleep period includes the remaining time of the network interval after the transmission period. The first transmission time and the second transmission time are equal length time periods. The leader node and the plurality of follower nodes use less power in the sleep cycle than in the transmission cycle, and the plurality of follower nodes each include a timer, and the timer is suitable for timing the transmission cycle and the sleep cycle of the plurality of future network intervals without continuously receiving the synchronization message from the leader node during the plurality of future network intervals. When any of the plurality of follower nodes receives the synchronization message, the follower node transmits a message announcing one or more properties of the leader node during the predetermined period of the network interval. The one or more properties of the leader node include at least one of the channel hopping sequence and the total number of network nodes on the network. When the timer is also suitable for timing the expected reception of future synchronization messages for the future network interval, and when the actual reception of the future synchronization message deviates from the expected reception of the future synchronization message by a predetermined amount of time for the predetermined number of network intervals, the follower node adjusts the timer to correspond more closely to the actual reception of the future synchronization message. The network node is an environmental sensing device. The information is assigned to the node by reading the NFC tag. The information relates to the concentration of the gas. The information relates to the environmental attribute.

[0044] These and other systems, methods, objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

[0045] All documents described herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. References to singular items should be understood to include the plural items, and vice versa, unless otherwise specified or obvious from the context. Grammatical conjunctions are intended to express any disjunctive and conjunctive combination of associated clauses, sentences, words, etc., unless otherwise specified or obvious from the context. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] The following detailed description of the disclosure and certain embodiments thereof can be understood by referring to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] Figure 1 Shows an overview of the worker safety system.

[0048] Figure 2 Shows a complex environment for networking.

[0049] Figure 3 A system for propagating alarms in a mesh network is shown.

[0050] Figure 4 The frequency channels are shown to overlap.

[0051] Figure 5 Shows the shared memory interface.

[0052] Fig. 6A Shows a list of instruments on the display.

[0053] Figure 6B A shadow gas display is shown.

[0054] Figure 7 Shows the script process for a wireless network.

[0055] Figure 8 shows the synchronization scheme, and Fig. 8A A method for selecting a leader from among the members of a network is shown.

[0056] Fig. 9 The leader selection process is shown.

[0057] Fig.10 The sleep cycle process is shown.

[0058] Fig.11 A wireless network mesh architecture is shown.

[0059] Fig.12 Shows how hardware enabling wireless network compatibility can be extended to the platform using a gateway to the Internet.

[0060] Fig.13 Shows the fitting of wireless networks into the 7-layer OSI model.

[0061] Fig.14 The method of the present disclosure is shown.

[0062] Fig.15 A block diagram showing an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0063] Fig.16 A method of providing a security alert is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] Reference Figure 1 In order to provide various services and monitoring for portable environmental sensing devices, hazard detection devices and other safety instruments and devices in real time or near real time, the instruments and devices (such systems) need reliable methods to communicate with each other and / or with remote locations, all while in a complex environment. The present disclosure describes various aspects of a worker safety system, the general components of which are described in Figure 1 This disclosure describes various communication strategies and techniques for implementing various applications and services related to worker safety. In addition to illustrating the general components of such a system, Figure 1 and accompanying descriptions provide an overview of communication methods and strategies, some useful accessories, and the various applications enabled by the worker safety system.

[0065] Figure 1Certain portable environmental sensing devices 108 and area monitors 110 are shown, but it should be noted that other safety devices may be used in conjunction with the system, such as multi-gas detection instruments, gas detection instruments, portable electrochemical gas sensing devices, respirators, harnesses, lighting devices, fall protection devices, heat detectors, flame detectors, or chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive (CBRNE) detectors. In an embodiment, the environmental sensing device may be as described in U.S. Patent Nos. 9000910, 9575043, 6338266, 6435003, 6888467 and 6742382 for "VENTIS PRO", which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In an embodiment, the area monitor, such as described herein and described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0209386 (titled "MODULARGAS MONITORING SYSTEM", filed on January 15, 2016), is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In the present disclosure, the terms environment sensing device (or instrument) 108, area monitor 110, and it should be understood that any of the methods, systems, applications, interfaces, etc. described herein can be used by any of the environment sensing device (or instrument) 108 and the area monitor 110. In addition, the present disclosure can collectively refer to the environment sensing device and the area monitor as "instruments". In an embodiment, the environment sensing device 108 and the area monitor 110 can communicate with each other using a mobile ad hoc wireless network (MANET) 104. The term "MANET" as used herein is a continuous self-configuring, infrastructure-free network of wirelessly connected mobile devices. One such MANET that can be implemented is a mesh network. As used herein, a mesh network is a network topology in which each node forwards the data of the network, and all mesh nodes cooperate in the distribution of the data of the network. An embodiment of a mesh network between the environment sensing device 108 and the area monitor 110 will be further described herein. In an embodiment, the mesh network enables communication between components of the system without other conventional communication technologies (such as WiFi, satellite or cellular technologies) for wireless communication. Because mesh wireless networks overcome the challenges of operating computer networks where devices communicate only with centralized devices such as hubs, switches, or routers, the networks operate better in complex environments where obstacles or distances prevent wireless communication from the devices to the hub. By utilizing a mesh network, devices are able to communicate with each other to transmit messages from the device to other devices to communicate with each other or pass information between devices or ultimately transmit messages to devices on the perimeter of the network for forwarding to another network such as devices in the cloud. Industrial environments also generally represent complex environments because sensors may be constantly moving or regularly changing locations, the environment can be large or far from public wireless infrastructure, large obstacles such as metal boxes may block signals, and the environment may be underground.The present disclosure may also include devices, nodes, etc., that communicate on a peer-to-peer (P2P) network (which may be a component of a mesh network). It should be understood that the embodiments described herein may operate on a mesh network, a P2P network, or a similar type of network. Figure 1 Also shown are various ways of ultimately passing data from the instrument to a cloud or remote server, such as via an API 114 , a smart device 118 , or another mobile gateway 131 , a gateway 112 , and a docking station 122 .

[0066] In an embodiment, the mesh network 104 of the present disclosure distributes "ready to use" wireless functionality to instrument platforms. When equipped with hardware and embedded firmware compatible with the mesh network 104, instruments are able to communicate wirelessly with each other. Mesh wireless networking provides instrument features such as peer alarms or "shadow" readings from one instrument on the screen of another instrument - all within the complex environment typical of industrial safety. The mesh networking feature set is available for area monitors and portable instruments, and enables intercommunication, allowing a mixed network of portable and area monitor instruments to share readings and alarms.

[0067] The instrument 108 also communicates with other mesh network-enabled infrastructure devices (which further enable real-time monitoring, automated messaging, and location awareness) via the mesh network, such other mesh network-enabled infrastructure devices including a network gateway device (also referred to herein as a "gateway") 112 and a docking station 122. For example, the network gateway device 112 can be placed in a location close to an instrument, device, computer, vehicle, equipment, etc. to enable communication with the network infrastructure. The instrument can communicate with the network gateway device 112 via the mesh network 104, and in an embodiment, the data can ultimately be passed to a cloud server via a networking technology (e.g., WiFi, cellular, satellite, etc.) for downstream use by a remote server as described herein, for example. There can be two-way communication through the gateway 112, so that a remote server or application running in the cloud can be used to control, configure, or otherwise communicate with the instrument 108, 110 through the gateway 112.

[0068] In an embodiment, a docking station 122 or docking station may be used with the instrument to provide predictive diagnostic information as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,442,639 (entitled "Docking Station for Environmental Monitoring Instruments"), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The docking station or gateway 112 (or API 114 / smart device 118 / mobile gateway 131 as described herein) may be connected to a remote server 130, typically via the Internet, and exposure data, calibration data, and diagnostic data are communicated from the instrument to the docking station and from the docking station to the remote server 130. Mathematical analysis of the collected data from all available sources is performed by the remote server 130 to generate predictive warnings, etc. that inform users about potential instrument failures, thereby allowing for proactive maintenance, incident management, etc. Analysis methods include principal component analysis and other statistical methods, fuzzy logic, and neural networks. In an embodiment, the worker safety system is capable of acquiring data from components of the system, storing such data, generating reports to classify based on the data, and communicating the data to the user. Such data communicated to the user can include, for example, events, the need for calibration / bump testing, maintenance records, warnings that settings are incorrect or suboptimal, and error codes. The remote server 130 can also generate alerts to send to the user, can remotely change settings, can notify the user if another user has an alarm and provide information about the response location, and other end-use applications as described herein.

[0069] Mesh networks can accommodate the unique needs of worker-to-worker communications. In an embodiment, wireless networks can be applied to the difficult problem of hazardous gas detection—forwarding alarms and readings between a group of gas detection instruments in a complex environment as described herein. Figure 2 , showing a particularly complex environment. Instruments 108 and 110 communicate with beacons 102, tags 132, wearables 134, and gateway 112 via external cellular, satellite, or WiFi network 136 to cloud 138. A large metal box 140 is present in the environment, through which the signal will not pass. Figure 2 Instruments 108 and 110 are shown communicating with nearby instruments 108 and / or 110, but not with remote instruments or instruments blocked by obstacles, such as box 200. Instruments 108 and 110 cooperate to create a pathway for data between instruments 108 and 110 that are not directly connected.

[0070] True mesh communications that allow sensors to communicate directly with each other are new in portable gas detection. Daisy chain alarms for area monitoring (e.g., perimeter or fence lines) exist, but current wireless implementations of portable devices 108 only forward information to a central display or "controller" (e.g., a laptop or dedicated display device).

[0071] This disclosure describes the features of wireless networks and how these features work together to address the challenges of worker-to-worker communications. These challenges include ease of use, difficult environments, dynamic network topologies, and power consumption.

[0072] The mesh wireless network 104 can forward alarm notifications from one instrument to another. A "peer" might be, for example, two portable instruments worn by two members of a crew, three area monitors surrounding a work area, or some combination thereof. Peers are equal in the network, and information can be exchanged in both directions.

[0073] The points in the network are called nodes. The nodes in the mesh wireless network 104 may include instruments 108 and 110, devices 118, beacons 102 (which are further described herein), gateways 131 and 112, docking stations 122, etc. Most wireless networks have a coordinator node, that is, a single entity that coordinates the activities of other nodes in the network. In a star network topology (such as WiFi), the coordinator node is an access point. In Bluetooth, the coordinator node is a master (smart phone or PC). In other mesh protocols (such as Zigbee and WirelessHART), dedicated coordinator nodes are used. ZigBee is a registered trademark of Philips Electronics NorthAmerican Corporation. WirelessHART is a registered trademark of Hart Communication Foundation. In all these cases, the coordinator role is required for the network to operate and is a dedicated device for performing the coordinator function. The coordinator manages the routing table, sets the time division multiple access (TDMA) time slot, coordinates frequency hopping, etc. The coordinator can be line-powered to obtain reliability and availability of communication. For example, in WirelessHART, the role of the coordinator is critical, and the backup coordinator remains as a backup only in case the primary coordinator fails.

[0074] There is no requirement for the coordinator node to have a mesh wireless network 104, as it is a truly ad hoc network. Any collection of two or more instruments can form a network without any infrastructure. The mesh network 104 can tolerate the loss of any member at any time without warning, as each device communicates with all other devices within range and maintains a database of devices from which communications are received. When a message from a device has not been received within a predetermined time period, the device is eliminated from the database.

[0075] For security, each node has a default private encryption key that can be changed. By changing the encryption key, the network can remain secure, but can also be changed to keep operations that are expected to be separate from each other in the same space, such as preventing networks of different contractors in an industrial environment from contacting each other. The network is blind to nodes working with different encryption keys. For security again, dynamic frequency hopping (as described below) is implemented so that the channel (on which the network will communicate) is pseudo-random and constantly changing. Finally, security can be achieved by bringing the node into contact or near contact with a near field communication device ("NFC") to identify and authorize that node on the network, as described below.

[0076] High bandwidth, low latency MANETs, ​​such as those used on battlefields, are extremely complex. They involve multiple radio units and active communication processing hardware, but wireless environmental sensing (e.g., gas detection) may not require this level of performance. Mesh networks 104 excel at sharing small amounts of information with multiple other instruments at low (e.g., seconds) latency without the complexity of existing high bandwidth, low latency MANETs. One feature that eliminates the complexity of other MANETs is that mesh networks 104 assume that messages reach their destination.

[0077] In an embodiment, the mesh network 104 emphasizes energy efficiency using power efficient broadcasting of information. The network 104 operates at a constant network interval (e.g., 1 second). Within the network interval are broadcast periods and sleep cycle periods. In addition, the length of the broadcast period varies in the mesh network 104 based on the number of devices currently joining the network, so that a network with very few devices can be even more power efficient by increasing the sleep cycle period within each network interval, as further described below.

[0078] In an embodiment, the mesh network 104 may not be a long-range link. The mesh network 104 may typically operate at a distance of 100-200m between individual nodes and is not intended for remote monitoring of distant locations. The mesh network 104 feature set is intended for communication between workers and notification of workers within the same formation and working in the same area. It provides acceptable range and coverage by balancing the mesh topology.

[0079] The mesh network 104 shares information and alarms with other instruments without the need for a dedicated coordinator node, or any fixed nodes for that matter.

[0080] In an embodiment, the mesh network 104 provides a setup-free, self-forming, self-healing, resilient wireless network without a dedicated coordinator node. As described below, no user setup is required, no channel selection, and no PAN ids to enter. In one embodiment, the network can be formed by the intuitive act of touching two instruments together. Touching another instrument to an existing member of the network joins the new instrument to the network (if the instrument is not already in the network itself). Touching the instruments can be a tap, a double tap, a bump, shaking both together, a touch on the top of the instrument, a touch on the bottom of the instrument, etc. In an embodiment, if when tapping the instruments it is determined that they are each already members of different networks, each instrument can be prompted to leave its network, and if one leaves, the network join can be successful when re-tapping. In a distributed manner, the network is maintained and adapted as the member instruments come and go and move around the complex RF environment typical of industrial settings.

[0081] The adaptability and resilience of wireless networks is a result of the emphasis on wireless diversity. This diversity takes three forms: spatial diversity, frequency diversity, and time diversity. Spatial diversity involves transmitting wireless signals through several different propagation paths, understanding that different paths encounter completely different RF obstacles. Spatial diversity is the reason why most WiFi access points have more than one antenna—even separating two antennas by a few inches significantly reduces the "dead spots" of coverage caused by reflections from walls or other objects. Instruments operating on mesh networks 104 are too small to benefit from multiple antennas; but mesh networks (such as 104, where messages can take alternative paths through the network) provide the same effect, even with as few as three nodes—as shown in the above example.

[0082] Frequency diversity (also known as frequency hopping) is a scheme in which a communication system regularly changes the frequency (channel) used for communication. Frequency diversity helps overcome some sources of dead zones because areas of destructive interference (called multipath fading or multipath interference) caused by RF reflections occur at different frequencies in different locations. Frequency diversity also helps avoid interference with other users of the wireless spectrum. If a nearby device only uses a portion of the spectrum, only a portion of the transmission is affected. In an embodiment, the mesh network 104 may implement a slow hopping scheme. At each network interval (e.g., approximately once per second), the network may preferably use a pseudo-random sequence to switch frequencies. This is in contrast to a "fast hopping" system (e.g., Bluetooth, which changes frequency 1600 times per second). Fast hopping is appropriate when only a few milliseconds of interruption matter—such as from a phone call to stereo streaming audio. Slow hopping requires less computing horsepower (saving power) and simplifies the process of locating and joining a network.

[0083] Time diversity involves transmitting the same information at different times. The chance of a message being blocked multiple times is much lower than when the message is sent only once. In the mesh network 104, time diversity can be achieved by at least two means. First, the instruments on the mesh network 104 can transmit their information quite frequently - at least once every few seconds. Second, each regular transmission from an instrument on the mesh network 104 can be a complete (but compact) snapshot of the current condition of the instrument (called state-based communication). For example, an instrument on the network 104 can be a gas sensor, which transmits its current state to the network, including information identifying it as a gas sensor, gas readings, alarm status, whether the emergency has been pressed, instrument status, etc. In an embodiment, it does not matter to send it only once (event-based communication), such as in a gas sensor, a snapshot of the current condition of the device can be sent, for example, at every network cycle. If one transmission is lost, for example, due to a collision with another instrument's transmission, the next message may make it through. When combined with frequency diversity, time diversity is particularly effective because the next transmission will use a different part of the RF spectrum (which has different RF obstacles).

[0084] In embodiments utilizing mesh networking (which is a collection of wireless nodes that communicate with each other, either directly or through one or more intermediate nodes), the nodes may operate in concert to cooperatively pass information from point A to point B by making forwarding (routing) decisions based on their knowledge of the network. Through this cooperation, a mesh network is able to extend and operate over long distances despite extremely poor RF "line of sight" conditions between portions of the network's nodes.

[0085] Through a process called bonding, which involves placing two or more nodes into the same network, the wireless network 104 can automatically correct for mismatches in settings between the instruments, such as the timing and frequency hopping sequences of the network intervals. In this way, any errors made in the network settings entered by a user, such as an industrial hygienist or administrator, can be automatically corrected when the two instruments are bonded.

[0086] The wireless network may implement a radio unit incorporating mesh networking technology. The radio unit uses a more common IEEE 802.15.4 radio unit similar to that used in ZigBee. The radio unit adds a network operating system layer that implements a self-forming mesh routing layer. The networking functions are distributed with the network and it does not require a central coordinator node for operation. All nodes are able to forward packets, thereby creating and updating their own routing tables.

[0087] In an embodiment, the end application (e.g., gas detection instrument 110 or 108) interacts with the networking layer using a new way. The radio module implements a virtual machine with access to nearly all radio module and networking functions. The behavior of the radio unit and the network can be designed and highly optimized through the application layer to operate the mesh network of the present invention to the specific needs of the application using custom scripts. The wireless network behavior can be highly adapted to the unique needs of gas detection.

[0088] In an embodiment, a wireless network may be implemented by a script (referred to herein as a "radio script" or "script"). The wireless network script runs within a network operating system (also referred to as "radio firmware" or "firmware").

[0089] The network operating system platform also includes a hardware abstraction layer (HAL) that isolates applications from radio hardware specifics. This allows the same script to run unmodified on different supported radio hardware.

[0090] The radio module uses IEEE 802.15.4 compliant radios. These radios are capable of operating at different frequencies. Wireless networks use the 2.4 GHz band for its almost universal global acceptance (no end-user license required) and improved performance in industrial environments with a large number of metal obstacles. In an embodiment, there may be 16 available channels in a 2.4 Ghz 802.15.4 system, each 2 MHz wide.

[0091] Reference Figure 4 , channels can overlap with the same spectrum used by Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other consumer and industrial systems, so wireless networks can be designed to coexist with other wireless systems through the diversity schemes introduced in this article (especially frequency diversity). Regarding power conservation, sleep cycling is a process in which the entire mesh network communicates with each other during regular small time windows. It is important to understand that the entire network wakes up and sleeps at the same time. The advantage of sleep cycling is reduced power consumption. By allowing nodes to sleep while off-air, the average current consumption is reduced. The ratio of communication time to sleep time can be proportional to the average current consumption. If a radio unit only spends 10% of its time in a communication cycle, its average current consumption will be approximately 10% of the on-state current (the sleep current is negligible). The advantage of sleep cycling in a mesh network is its simplicity—when it comes to talk time, the mesh network behaves as if it is always on. There is no need to plan time slots for each pair of nodes or understand the physical topology of the network, which is easier to do with a dedicated coordinator. The difficulty in a sleep cycle network is to get everyone to continue with the same schedule, but it can be overcome using synchronization techniques as described in this article.

[0092] Both the instrument itself (e.g., gas detector) and the wireless network radio unit may employ sleep cycles. Most instruments wake up once per second (or in some cases two seconds) to measure an environmental parameter (e.g., a gas) and perform housekeeping functions before going back to sleep to reduce average power consumption. As described herein, the wireless network also sleeps under the direction of the network leader. In an embodiment, these two sleep cycles cannot be synchronized. Different instruments have different wakeup / sleep schedules, and the rate at which gas concentrations are measured is subject to considerable regulation. Systems in which the gas measurement rate is not critical are difficult to verify. Communication between these two sleeping systems is difficult.

[0093] To address the difficulty of radio units and instruments operating in different wake-up and sleep cycles, the nodes of the mesh network 104 can use a shared memory interface between the radio and the instruments. Functionally described, the shared memory interface can be similar to a mailbox. Anyone can stop at the mailbox and insert someone else's items while checking whether any incoming mail has arrived. The second person can do the same. Two people do not need to be in the mailbox at the same time to exchange information. If there is an emergency for another person in the mailbox, an indicator flag can be generated to ensure that they pick it up at the next opportunity. If two people arrive at the same time and try to check / deliver mail at the same time, they may end up dropping some mail on the ground in the hustle and bustle. The shared memory interface uses "request" and "grant" lines, one for the radio unit and the instrument, to ensure that two people do not enter the "mailbox" at the same time. An arbitrator is a special circuit that prevents two "grants" from being active at any time. The shared memory also implements an "emergency" line, which is equivalent to the indicator flag on the mailbox.

[0094] Reference Figure 5 , describing the shared memory in structure. The shared memory is a simple 32kB static RAM chip 502. Within this memory space, the wireless network implements different storage locations for different types of information. Messages that are normally sent have dedicated memory locations (static messages 504). An example of a static message is a message indicating the type of instrument attached to the node. The configuration and status of the radio unit 520 can be passed using register group 508. Incoming 510 and outgoing 512 mailbox manipulations are not passed through all messages covered by static message types. Finally, some memory is allocated to the radio module, the radio internal buffer 514, for its internal use, because the memory structure available within the network OS can be limited.

[0095] Additionally, each node (eg, portable environment sensing device 108 and region monitor 110 in mesh network 104) includes a precision timer integrated circuit 522, as described below.

[0096] In an embodiment, the master instrument 518 can control almost every aspect related to the wireless network radio unit. Configuration messages can be provided to modify the vast majority of radio settings. In several cases, the instrument 518 can also modify settings through registers. The instrument 518 can also control the state of the wireless network radio unit 520 and can put the radio unit 520 into sleep or off-air mode at will.

[0097] In an embodiment, an instrument compatible with the mesh network 104 may send a very small number of messages. The most common message is instUpdt(). The payload of this message is a snapshot of the instrument state.

[0098] To keep network traffic to a minimum, wireless networks may implement two different flavors of the instUpdt() message. If all is well with the instrument, and all sensor readings are close to "zero," a short ("concise") version of the instUpdt() message is sent. The concise version basically says, "I'm Ok." If the instrument detects gas or encounters any alarms, a more detailed "long" format is sent that includes all sensor readings and alarm details.

[0099] In an embodiment, a verbose message with 6 sensors may be approximately 40 bytes. A condensed form of the message may be only 10 bytes long. An instrument may send status messages in the condensed format unless: another instrument requests it to become condensed (for example, if it wants to display real-time gas readings for confined space entry), the gas reading is above the wireless deadband (currently set at 25% of the low alarm level), or the instrument is in alarm for any reason (including emergency and man down).

[0100] When an instrument wants to see all the information from another instrument (such as when a watchman wants to display real-time readings from a confined space entrant), even near zero readings, it can request the instrument to send the verbose format by issuing a setVerbose() message. For example, an instrument may be requested to enter verbose mode when it is obscured, such as when the instrument wearer enters a confined space. The payload of this message may include the number of seconds that the sender requests that verbose messages be sent.

[0101] A set of messages called "Identity" can provide relatively static information to correctly interpret the payload of an instUpdt() message. These messages can contain configuration details about the instrument, including the number and type of sensors, instrument type, serial number, current user, and current location. When an instrument first joins the network, it can broadcast this information for other instruments already in the network to retain. Instruments that join later, or that need to fill in details about another instrument for any reason, can request that the instrument resend this data (broadcast or unicast) using an idReq() message.

[0102] Using the information present in instUpdt() and the identity message, a more complete picture is generated to reflect the current status of any instrument in the network.

[0103] Reference Fig. 6A , when an instUpdt() message arrives, the receiving instrument is expected to extract the relevant information, correlate it to the correct instrument, and update its internal peer status list accordingly. When messages arrive from a new instrument, the instrument is added to the peer list, as indicated by the new media access control ("MAC") address, and the missing information is filled in from the identity message. A MAC address is a unique identifier assigned to a network interface for communications at the data link layer of a network segment, which uniquely identifies a device on the network. When an instrument leaves the network (for example, the user selects "disconnect" or powers off the instrument), it sends a special "disconnect" message (which can be sent repeatedly) and should be eliminated from the peer lists of other nodes on the network. The instrument is expected to receive an instUpdt() message from each peer in each network cycle. If these messages stop after a predetermined number of network cycles have expired, the peer instrument can be marked "lost" and a warning can be issued (if enabled).

[0104] Reference Figure 6B , Shadow Gas is a term used to describe an instrument feature where one instrument is able to remotely display the real-time readings of another instrument, which is particularly helpful for confined space use cases. The Shadow Gas feature is activated by selecting the peer instrument from the Instrument List, such as Fig. 6A As shown. A screen representing the remote instrument may be displayed and updated in near real time. In this case, even gas readings close to zero may need to be displayed in order to provide the user with confidence that the reading is actually being forwarded to the viewer. In addition to the shadow gas readings, the locations of other instruments may also be displayed, for example on a map.

[0105] To implement this functionality, some combination of identity messaging and setVerbose() is used. When a remote instrument is selected, the instrument will collect information (such as user name, sensor details, etc.) to load the shadow gas display. The remote instrument will be set to transmit verbose readings.

[0106] One way to improve the robustness of a wireless network is to obtain assistance from the end user, for example by displaying a relevant signal quality indicator on the user's screen (similar to the "4 bars" displayed on most cell phones). The signal quality indicator helps the user diagnose the connection problem itself, thereby reducing support calls. It also warns the user about an impending loss of communication so they can resolve it. Preferably, the signal quality indicator displays an indicator of the quality of the connection to all nodes on the network. Alternatively, the signal quality indicator displays the quality of the connection between the instrument and a predefined node on the network. Alternatively, the signal quality indicator displays the quality of the connection between the instrument and the strongest direct connection to another node.

[0107] For mesh networks 104, the signal quality indicator may be derived from a combination of the received signal strength (RSS) and packet reception ratio (PRR, or “health counter”) of all instruments in a given network. This is different from a cellular phone, which only displays the signal quality between the phone and the nearest tower.

[0108] The RSS is available from the MAC layer of each radio unit that receives a packet. The instrument records the RSS from the last message received from each peer instrument. The signal strength indicates the last hop in the network taken by the message. The PRR or health counter is a measure of the recent number of messages received compared to the number of expected messages (based on the network interval). The PRR or health counter is tracked for each peer. The PRR or health counter is a counter that starts with a predetermined value (for example 10) and increments and decrements when an expected packet is received or not received, respectively. The increment and decrement values ​​can be different, for example increment by 3 and decrement by 2. When the health counter reaches zero, the node assumes that it is lost from the network.

[0109] The signal quality indicator is based on the product of RSS x PRR for each node, summed and divided by the number of instruments in the network. Alarms can be set for one or more remote nodes to monitor signal strength, and warnings can occur when the strength drops below a threshold, and alarms can be issued when the signal is lost. Critical alarms can be set when the monitored signal is a safety monitoring point.

[0110] The wireless network feature set may be implemented in several components or layers of the instrument, including instrument firmware, radio scripts, and radio firmware. As features evolve, each component of the system may need to be updated. A robust system may be required to allow field updates while ensuring that all segments remain compatible.

[0111] Reference Figure 7, wireless network scripts can be written using a scripting language developed using the portal IDE 703. The script 702 (Script.py) can then be "compiled" into bytecode for a specific radio module (or "platform"), compiled into a .spy file 704 (e.g., a SM200 radio module and a SM220 radio module have different .spy files). The portal IDE also provides a checksum of the compiled script (for later use). A converter application 708 (e.g., the Windows-based PC application SpyConverter) can be used to convert the .spy file type 704 to a .bin file 710. The .bin file 710 is converted to a .hex file using a programming utility (e.g., JFLASH) and merged with the rest of the instrument firmware. The script's checksum (from the portal IDE), the radio hardware version (e.g., SM200 = 0x01...), and the script version (3 bytes Major.Minor.Build) can again be appended to the script file using the programming utility for use by the instrument in programming the calibration radio. The checksum and version (both hardware and script) should match what the radio module reports, or an error may be generated. The complete .hex file may be loaded into the instrument memory by the instrument bootloader (like any other part of the instrument firmware). The accessory software, iNet, servers, worker safety systems, and docking stations have no knowledge that the instrument firmware image actually also contains the firmware for the radio unit.

[0112] At power up, the instrument can check the radio module's script version, which can be displayed on the startup screen and available via Modbus. When the instrument detects an outdated script, it can start the script update process. This process uses a special communication port between the radio unit and the instrument. The instrument uses an embedded script uploader utility (similar to a bootloader) to transfer the file (in blocks) from the instrument memory to the radio memory. When complete, the new script is checked for validity before the radio module is rebooted and normal operation begins.

[0113] Once the wireless network script runs, the instrument may also check the radio module firmware version (which is pre-loaded on the radio module to begin with). It is displayed on the startup screen and is available via Modbus. The instrument checks that the radio module firmware version is the same or newer than the instrument firmware and the version expected by the script (this value is hard-coded in the instrument's firmware). This approach is based on the understanding that in embodiments, features may be added but not removed from the radio network operating system. If the radio module version is out of date (not supported), the instrument may disable the wireless network functionality (the instrument continues to operate) and instruct the user to have the radio module firmware updated.

[0114] Once the wireless network script is run, the radio module type (or platform, e.g., SM200, etc.) can be read by the radio module, converted to a single byte value (e.g., SM200 = 0x01...), and published to the host interface as the radio hardware version. The instrument can publish this value to modbus. At power-up, the instrument can compare the radio hardware version to the value appended to the programmer hex file. This can allow the instrument to confirm that any future instrument firmware or radio script updates are compatible with the installed radio hardware.

[0115] Instruments compatible with the grid network include any of those described herein and a barometer, which may be operable in an indoor location. The reading may be available using a master interface. The barometer reading may be saved to a Modbus register to enable factory testing. Using the barometer, the elevation of the instrument may be detected. This feature can, for example, be used to determine the lowest level of the instrument (e.g., in an underground facility). A compensated barometer implemented as an instrument located on a network, such as at ground level, can be used to determine the atmospheric pressure of a reference level. Using the detected atmospheric pressure and the reference atmospheric pressure, the lowest level of the instrument can be determined. This information may be forwarded through the network and possibly through a gateway, and forwarded to an external network, where the location of the instrument can be displayed on a computer to show the location of the instrument in terms of latitude, longitude, and altitude.

[0116] While the wireless network is operating normally, it is a sleep cycle, frequency hopping and encryption. In this mode, it may be difficult to perform certain activities, such as testing the radio unit in manufacturing or performing an over-the-air update of the radio module firmware. For this reason, a test mode can be implemented. In the test mode, the radio stops sleeping and frequency hopping, and the encryption key is switched to an encryption key that can be shared with a service center, manufacturing applications, etc. In the test mode, the radio unit can respond to several external wireless commands, which allow factory testing of the radio unit and over-the-air updates to the radio firmware. In an embodiment, the test mode can be accessible by writing a special password to a test mode Modbus register (e.g., using software, such as DUSS or manufacturing applications).

[0117] In an embodiment, each node in the mesh network 104 (eg, the portable environment sensing device 108 and the region monitor 110) includes a precision timer integrated circuit 522. This timer 522 should be a stable timer, for example, stable to within a few milliseconds for an hour or more.

[0118] In most networks, synchronization is handled by a dedicated coordinator node. In a mesh network 104, this job is performed by one of the members of the network, called the leader. The leader's most important job is to synchronize the mesh. The leader periodically broadcasts wireless synchronization messages to the members of the network, which mark the beginning of the period in which the network can actively communicate, originally called "synchronization messages" or sync() messages. Follower nodes adopt the instructions of the leader to stay synchronized. The leader node becomes the "master timer", and all other nodes adjust the interval and phase of their internal timers to match the leader's timer.

[0119] These sync messages sent by the leader may also contain a value representing the number of nodes that the leader believes are currently in the network. The leader bases this value on the number of instruments reporting messages (e.g., status messages or reading messages, such as gas status readings). The amount of time the network remains awake preferably depends on the size of the network to save power. Each node calculates its wakeup time based on the value in the last sync message it received. For example, a network with only 3 instruments will take much less time to wake up than a network with 20 instruments, thereby saving power.

[0120] In an embodiment, if a follower node does not receive a sync() message, it can still wake up at the specified time and exchange messages with other nodes. Because the hardware timer is so stable, the node continues to wake up at the correct time even if several sync messages are missing or corrupted. The follower does not depend on the leader for second-to-second transmissions, but if the sync messages stop completely, the follower may eventually determine that it has lost the leader and will begin the process of rejoining the network as described herein. Each time the network wakes up, it uses the next channel in the frequency hopping sequence, as described herein for frequency diversity.

[0121] In summary, by synchronizing the clocks of the mesh, a wireless network can have sleep-cycle and frequency-hopping capabilities even without a dedicated coordinator.

[0122] Because mesh network 104 performs sleep cycles and frequency hopping, it only operates on a given channel approximately once every 14 seconds, and there is little certainty about which set of channels a given wireless network uses. Therefore, it may be difficult to add new equipment to an existing network without considerable delay.

[0123] The mesh network 104 solves this problem by using announcement messages on common channels. Members of the network allow other members to join (or rejoin) the network by "announcement" on predefined common channels. New (or lost) nodes can locate existing networks by listening to these channels. During each network cycle, the leader and all followers use messages (an example of which is called boPeep()) on two common channels to announce current network parameters. The boPeep() message may include all the information required to synchronize with the existing network, including synchronization of timers, the number of devices on the network, and the identification code of the hopping sequence. New members or members who have lost synchronization with the network can use these network parameters to join the network and resynchronize with the leader. The boPeep() message (unlike most other wireless network messages) can be sent using only a single hop of the network. This is done to prevent the network from being flooded with retransmissions. In addition, the follower can only send boPeep() messages in the network interval when receiving a sync() message from its leader. Therefore, each follower helps to identify only the current network leader.

[0124] Now refer to Figure 8 , most routine wireless messages are broadcast without collision avoidance or collision detection measures enabled, which is a byproduct of the synchronization scheme of the mesh network 104. During a first time interval (T0 to T1), the follower listens to the leader to broadcast a sync() message. When a sync() is received, the follower calculates the time of the next expected network interval. If the sync() message is not received and has not been received for a predetermined number of network intervals, the node determines that it has lost the network and begins a network rejoin sequence, as described below.

[0125] In an embodiment, to compensate for the disadvantages of lack of conflict avoidance or detection, the wake-up time during the network interval is divided into segments (S0, S1, S2, ..., Sm) during which nodes choose to turn to broadcasting to help carry out network services during the time when the network is active (thus reducing the possibility of conflicts). The highest priority messages (such as instrument status messages) are sent first during the period T1 to T2. All other messages are sent after each instrument is given the opportunity to send its status message (T2 to T4). The transmission will stop and then leave an appropriate time to allow all messages to propagate the network (T4 to T5). Finally, if a sync() message is heard in that network cycle, the node goes to each common channel and sends a boPeep() message to announce the network parameters of the lost node or the new node that wants to join (T5 to T6). After T6, the node goes to sleep until the next network interval.

[0126] In an embodiment, the number of time slots (S0-Sm) may be proportional to the number of instruments (n) in the network, and when the number of time slots is proportional to the number of instruments in the network, the leader broadcasts (n) in each sync() message. Each node calculates the network timing and randomly selects a time slot for broadcasting. Although this does not guarantee a dedicated time slot, this mechanism can still be effective in expanding network services. It is also considered that the clock of each node may be slightly out of phase with other nodes - clock synchronization allows nodes to be up to 10mS out of phase with the leader. A typical wireless transmission may take less than 4mS. Another key point is that the time slot of each node used for broadcasting is randomly reselected for each network interval. Even if a node happens to transmit at the same time as another node, it is extremely unlikely that the two nodes will select the same time slot in the next network interval. Even for large networks, most messages pass through, and it is unlikely that any one node will be blocked for several back-to-back messages. In addition, by increasing the number of time slots available for transmission and the number of devices in the network, the chance of conflict is reduced.

[0127] In the examples and with reference to Fig. 8A , a wireless network selects a "leader" from among the members of the network. Any node must be prepared to take on the job of leader. In the event that the current leader suddenly disappears, a different node performs the job of leader. The process of selecting a leader consists of appointment, selection, and ongoing monitoring.

[0128] In an embodiment, in a first step 800, when the new node goes to a public channel to search for a network, it listens (e.g., for 4 seconds) to a boPeep() message on the first public channel, which indicates that an active leader already exists. In step 802, if boPeep() is heard, the node assumes the follow-up role of the node (from which boPeep() is received). In step 804, if boPeep() is not heard, the new node switches to an auxiliary public channel and listens again (e.g., for another 4 seconds). If boPeep() is heard, the node assumes the follow-up role of the node (from which boPeep() is received in step 804). If boPeep() is not heard on any public channel, the node returns to the main public channel and starts the selection process in step 806.

[0129] In an embodiment, at step 806, the node sends a nominate() message, which may include a leader qualification score. The leader qualification score may be calculated based on the instrument type, battery charge state, and past signal quality. The instrument type may be a relative measure of suitability as a leader—for example, a fixed area monitor makes a better leader than a portable instrument. These parameters determine which radio unit will ultimately be selected for the lead role. As another example, instrument types with large battery capacities make the best leaders because leaders consume more power than followers, and large batteries cause fewer leader interruptions. Some instrument types may be larger and have a greater range due to power and antenna size. Some instruments (e.g., fixed area monitors) make good leaders because they do not move, may have higher power, and are typically located near the center of the grid.

[0130] In an embodiment, at step 808, the nominating node may listen to the common channel for a certain period of time (e.g., for 1 second). Any other nodes listening may compare the nominating messages and send either a concede() or a nominate() message depending on how the node's own leader qualification score compares to the nominating node's leader qualification score. Subsequently, one of the following occurs: 1) at step 810, if the nominating node hears a concede() message but no nominate() message, it declares itself the leader by issuing a boPeep(); or 2) if the nominating node hears any nominate() message, it compares the sender's leader qualification score to its own, and at step 812, if the sender's score is better, it sends a concede() message, or 3) at step 814, if the sender's score is worse, it sends another nominate() message and waits an additional period of time (e.g., for another 1 second). If the qualification scores are the same, the lower MAC address is considered better. At step 816, if the appointing node does not hear a message after 1 second, it sends another nominate() message at step 806, which may be repeated (e.g., 4 more times if the appointing node does not hear a message). If, for example, after 5 seconds or a predetermined number of nominate() messages, the appointing node does not hear a message, it switches back to listening to the common channel at step 800 for an additional period of time (e.g., another 8 seconds) before repeating the selection process.

[0131] After being elected as the leader of the network, the leader will start frequency hopping by changing the advertising channel in each consecutive network interval. By broadcasting boPeep() on a common channel, it will allow the missing nodes to join its network of choice and follow its frequency hopping sequence.

[0132] In an embodiment, some area monitors on a wireless network may continue this process indefinitely, so that whenever a second area monitor is powered up (and on the same channel), they will automatically connect. It is expected that some portable gas detectors will only stay in this search mode for a limited time (e.g., a few minutes) before the radio unit powers down to save power.

[0133] In addition to synchronizing the network, the leader has several other important jobs. One can be the process of preventing multiple leaders for a given network. This step is important in resolving situations where the leader becomes separated from the network or half of the network becomes separated from another (for example, when the leader leaves multiple devices). In this case, the device that separated from the leader will appoint a new leader. However, if two leaders begin to approach devices that previously followed different leaders, confusion can arise from the presence of two network leaders with the same network ID. These situations can cause multiple leaders for the same network, which in turn can lead to erroneous behavior. Therefore, it is necessary for the leader to occasionally stop to listen to other leaders in the network.

[0134] In that regard and now with reference to Fig. 9 and Fig.10, at regular intervals (e.g., every 60 seconds), just after the network wake-up cycle ends, instead of going to sleep, the leader remains awake (step 902), and goes to the public channel, and listens to announcement messages to determine whether other nodes are leaders of other networks in range (step 904). During this time, the leader intentionally skips sending sync() messages for the next network cycle. This causes the leader's own followers to not send boPeep() messages in that cycle. During this time, the leader listens to any boPeep() messages on the public channel. If the leader hears one, it means that there is another leader operating with the same network name in range. The leader gives up leadership and starts to follow another leader (step 906). The old follower of the leader (through leader health monitoring) will recognize that its leader disappears, and will also go to listening to the public channel, and will look for new networks. In order to maintain leader health monitoring, the leader health counter is maintained and incremented by one when the leader is heard in the network interval and decremented by one in the network interval where the leader is not heard. When the leader health counter reaches zero, the node assumes that it has lost its leader and begins the process of finding a new leader. This thus handles the difficult situation of a network split in two. Each half selects its own leader, but still operates under the old network name. The above behavior causes the two groups to rejoin when they reenter each other's range. The new leader also sets a new wake-up interval for the network by including the network size n=#peers+1 in the payload of the sync() message. The leading radio adds 1 (leader) to the network size based on the number of peer instruments reported by its instrument software (active or lost). The network size (peers+1) is also sent in each boPeep() to prevent more than the allowed number of instruments from joining a network.

[0135] If a new leader is not elected (step 908), the leader continues its role as leader and resumes sending sync() messages at the beginning of the network interval.

[0136] The leader also needs to be aware of a special situation called a "lone leader". Considering the situation where all peers have left the network (no activity or lost peers), the leader should not continue to operate the network without followers. Instead, the instrument will relinquish leadership and will return to listening to the common channel, ready to form a new network when another instrument is detected.

[0137] In an embodiment, the wireless network may use frequency hopping, wherein each network interval occurs on a different channel or frequency. An exemplary process and architecture for frequency hopping are described herein. In an embodiment, channels (16 channels in the case of IEEE 802.15.4 networks) may be divided between active channels and common channels. Preferably, there are two common channels, and the remainder of the available channels are active channels. Active channels may be used in a frequency hopping sequence, while common channels are used to form / join / rejoin a network, as described above. Preferably, common channels will be non-adjacent, and frequencies that are not heavily utilized (e.g., between WiFi bands, managed spectrum, etc.) should be utilized.

[0138] Active channels may be all channels except common channels by default; however channels can be "blacklisted" by using an active channel mask. Some active channels may be blacklisted due to local regulation or due to known high traffic levels on the channel. For example, a wireless camera operating on a channel will create heavy traffic on that channel, and therefore it may be desirable to avoid that channel.

[0139] During operation, a different active channel may be used for each network cycle, known as frequency hopping. The frequency hopping sequence may be a repeating non-random sequence or a pseudo-random sequence, such as one using a linear congruential generator (LCG).

[0140] The inputs to the generator ("hopping parameters") are the multiplier, intercept and seed. At power up, each node randomly selects a valid set of hopping parameters, if it was ever assigned to lead the network, and saves them. In an embodiment, using the recommended settings with common channels 4 and 9 in a 16-channel environment and no channels being blacklisted, the algorithm generates a hopping sequence where the next channel is always at least 2 channels away from the current channel (non-adjacent). This is not necessarily the case if the common channels or the mask are modified.

[0141] When a node wins the leader election, it sends its frequency hopping parameters in an announcement message (boPeep). Followers use the leader's parameters to calculate the sequence and proceed to the next channel, waiting to hear the leader's sync() message. With each network interval, the leader and all followers make one step in the sequence.

[0142] The leader and followers transmit frequency hopping parameters on two common channels in an announcement message (boPeep) near the end of each network cycle to allow other instruments to find the network. An instrument that wants to join a given network only needs to listen to one of the common channels to calculate the appropriate sequence and next channel. The node proceeds to the next channel and waits for the leader's sync() message to begin frequency hopping.

[0143] LCG calculates the next channel using the following formula: X n+1 =(aX n +c) mod m where X is a sequence of pseudorandom values, and m,m>0 "modulus" a,m>a>0 "multiplier" c,m>c≥0 "intercept" X0,m>X0≥0 "seed crystal" These values ​​are all integers that define a sequence. In a sequence where the modulus is known (e.g. a network with 16 channels total), the modulus can be taken by all nodes instead of being transmitted in a sync() message. Additionally, when a common channel or a blacklisted channel is the result of a sequence, the node can select the next non-reserved channel or the next channel in the sequence.

[0144] The use of wireless technology introduces certain information security risks. The system may include measures to prevent unauthorized eavesdropping on instrument readings and status, to prevent the injection of erroneous / misinterpreted information (e.g., false alarms) into the network, and to prevent jamming or other denial of service attacks that would prevent effective use of the wireless feature set.

[0145] Wireless message content can be encrypted by default. Encryption means that the content of the wireless message is coded and unrecognizable unless the recipient knows a secret password (called a "key"). Wireless networks can use Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption with a 128-bit key length for messages sent wirelessly. This encryption is standard for the 802.15.4 radios used. These radios may have built-in hardware encryption engines, so using encryption has minimal impact on throughput or power consumption.

[0146] Multiple approaches to wireless network security may be possible. In one approach, each wireless network compatible device may leave the factory with a default key. The key remains confidential and it is not visible to the end user in any device or software - it is embedded (and hidden in an embodiment) within the instrument source code. Since all instruments have the same default key, there is no need to transfer it between devices, only to agree to use the default key. In another approach, if the user wishes, they can enter the customer key into their device using the instrument UI, iNet, or another maintenance tool - once entered this key is never displayed again. To ensure that new instruments can be added to the network using customized keys, the key can be shared as part of the binding process.

[0147] The binding system of wireless networks also helps prevent unauthorized access to a given network. To participate in a given network, a user first learns the unique name of the network (via IR or near field communication) by close contact with an instrument that is already a member of the group.

[0148] Binding is the process of joining two or more wireless devices to the same wireless network. Implicit in binding is the understanding that the devices want to share alarms and / or information—that is, there is no network without the intention of sharing information. The binding process of the present disclosure does not include the concept of being connected for future use. If a node is connected to a network, it shares and broadcasts. If a device uses a contact process to bind to a network, no further authentication is required, which is further described below. Trust anyone in the network by allowing new entry. Binding is similar to the process of "group pairing" used in point-to-point networks (including Bluetooth). However, network 104 is a mesh network, so binding is likely to actually allow a new device to enter an existing network including several other devices, so "group pairing" is not completely accurate because it only implies that two devices are involved. That is, any reference to "pair" or "group pairing" herein can include the binding described herein. In some embodiments, mesh network 104 can be established in instrument 110 and / or 108 and / or gateway through an NFC binding process, where network parameters are passed, and a peer-to-peer network in an area monitor can be established by selecting the same named network.

[0149] Wireless networks can have multiple bonding methods, such as named networks and secure simple bonding.

[0150] Named networks are implemented in wireless networks as a list of predefined networks, say "A" through "J", which in this example will be called "channels", but they may have nothing to do with the frequencies used. Each wireless network compatible device may be pre-programmed with these channels when it leaves the factory. Connecting two devices may simply ensure that they are both set to the same channel (letter). Two instruments set to the same channel may automatically connect at power up when they are within range of each other.

[0151] With named networks, the selected channel is set as the default at the factory and is remembered through power cycles. At power up, a device can pick up and connect to any other device in range and set to the same channel. Since its primary wireless network use case is the replacement of daisy chain cables, the Area Monitor can use named networks as its primary binding mechanism. The Area Monitor can be shipped with default network settings and connect "out of the box". More sophisticated users can set up different groups of Area Monitors by using different channels for different groups.

[0152] The area monitor may remember its network settings and try to reconnect each time it is powered up. This means that the area monitor may accidentally connect to an existing network. Given the smaller number of these devices and the generally higher level of user expertise, instruction and training, this problem should be manageable.

[0153] Secure Simple Binding (SSB) can be implemented in wireless networks by passing a network "secret" (such as a PIN in Bluetooth). SSB uses a second simple short-range communication technology (called an out-of-band (OOB) link) to pass the network's credentials to the joining member. In the case of wireless networks, infrared (such as IrDAA) of instruments and near field communication (NFC) of OOB links can be used.

[0154] Portable instruments with wireless network compatibility can use Simple Secure Binding (SSB) as their primary mechanism. Near Field Communication (NFC) can be used for out-of-band (OOB) links. Portable binding implementations can be biased to 1) prevent accidental connections and null alarms, and 2) ease of connection. In an embodiment, a portable can forget its network association when powered off. When the instruments are powered on, they are in a disconnected state, but always look at the NFC interface of the other instrument. When two portables are placed together, they connect to the same network, without requiring other user intervention. The simple act of touching the instruments together ensures that the connection is intentional.

[0155] There are three scenarios to consider: 1. If no device is currently in the network, the two devices can form a new network and connect; 2. If one device is already participating in the network, it passes the existing network credentials to the new instrument and allows it to join the existing network; and 3. On the other hand, if both devices are already part of different networks, the binding process fails and both instruments display a screen asking the user if they want to leave their old network. After at least one of the users leaves their existing network, the binding process can be successfully repeated.

[0156] The Area Monitors also implement Simple Secure Bonding (SSB) as a secondary mechanism. This is a robust method for connecting any two Area Monitors. Regardless of how their configurations may have changed (custom encryption, different channel settings, etc.), implementing SSB will arbitrate those settings so they connect. In the same manner, rental or replacement monitors can be added to the network without the need for expert users, specialized software (such as ISAS software or iNET), etc. SSB on the Area Monitors can also be used to connect portable instruments to join an existing Area Monitor network.

[0157] The following information may be passed during the secure simple binding process: the lower 3 bytes of the MAC address, the proposed network name, the active channel to use, the primary public channel, the secondary public channel, and a custom encryption key (if used).

[0158] Once this information is exchanged, the instruments may have all the information they need to complete the connection. A confirmation tone (and / or vibration signal) may be emitted to indicate that the instruments no longer need to be held together.

[0159] After the two instruments have exchanged binding information, they must decide which instrument's settings will be used in the network. If one instrument is already part of the network (i.e., it sent an "allow" message), its settings are used. If no instrument is part of the network, the settings of the instrument with the lower MAC address are used, except in the case where one instrument has custom encryption enabled and the other has default encryption enabled. In this case, custom encryption is considered more robust and will be used.

[0160] After arbitration, the instrument applies the appropriate settings to the radio module and attempts to connect. When the connection is successful (indicated by the receipt of a status message from at least one other instrument), a confirmation tone may sound and the wireless icon may illuminate. The connection process is expected to complete within a few seconds.

[0161] Regarding performance, range is a function of link budget minus path loss. Link budget is the difference between transmitter output power (including antenna gain / loss) and receiver sensitivity. Output power is limited by regulation and / or battery life, while receive sensitivity is a function of electronic design quality and data rate.

[0162] Shown below is the free space path loss equation, which predicts the range (d) of an RF signal.

[0163] -P t is the transmitted power, P r is the power accepted -G t is the transmitter, G r is the receiver antenna gain -d is the distance or range between the transmitter and the receiver -Lambda is the wavelength λ = c / f = speed of light / frequency Equation 1 Using the radio module as an example :P t =3dbm; P r = -100dbm; and d = 250m, including a conservative fade margin of 15db. The fade margin captures the actual sensitivity of the receiver and includes antenna polarization, reflections, multipath interference, etc. A fade margin of 6dB represents ideal conditions (clear weather, aligned antennas, etc.); a more conservative value is 15dB.

[0164] The actual range in an industrial setting is different from a free space environment. Through a typical warehouse environment, the actual range of a radio module may be about 75m. Through the high and low lines of a large factory may be about 100m. The actual range may vary widely depending on the environment, and the mesh topology may significantly extend the effective range. Height above the ground may also affect the range.

[0165] In an embodiment, mesh network 104 may be designed to operate with between 2 and 25 instruments in a given network. If there are too few nodes, the network may not have enough paths to be effective. When the network grows too large, individual nodes must compete for the shared resource of network bandwidth. Therefore, in an embodiment, the optimal network size is generally between 8 and 15 instruments.

[0166] Due to the frequency hopping and short transmission times of 802.15.4 radios, hundreds of instruments can operate in the same area without interference as long as they operate on different networks, as described herein. This article provides details on how to control the size of the network with respect to the discussion of joining / rejoining a network.

[0167] Hardware to enable wireless network compatibility may include: an 802.15.4 radio system-on-chip ("SoC") supported by a network operating system (usually a pre-certified module); memory ICs and circuits that implement a shared memory interface; and precise timers to maintain network synchronization. In some embodiments, a barometer may also be included.

[0168] The hardware to achieve wireless network compatibility can be implemented directly on the portable gas detection instrument motherboard. For models of portable gas detection instruments without wireless functionality, these components are reduced. In other embodiments, such as for area monitors, the hardware to achieve wireless network compatibility can be implemented in a pluggable PCB (module), such as for area monitors. The module can also add a GPS receiver (which may or may not be loaded). Although not a technical part of the feature set, the GPS feature can be implemented as an integral part of the script running on the radio SoC. Although a slightly different radio module can be used on the area monitor, the other circuits can be the same as the hardware implementation of the portable instrument (except for GPS).

[0169] Fig.11 Shown is a wireless network architecture. Fig.11 , the structure of two instruments 108, 110 with radio modules (which interact in a wireless mesh network) is shown. Each of the instruments is shown to be similar, but the instruments can be different instruments and their structure can be that of a portable device, an area monitor, etc. Each instrument can have one or more end applications, such as gas detection, peer alarm, shadow gas, etc. Each instrument can be involved in network management activities such as peer instrument lists, signal quality, connect / disconnect, identification, etc. The instrument-radio interface 1114 (e.g., serial digital I / O) is shown to operate to connect the instrument application components with the radio module 1118 and its wireless network protocol. The wireless interface 1120, the wireless mesh network is shown between the radio modules 1118. Fig.13Shows the fitting of wireless networks into the 7-layer OSI model.

[0170] In an embodiment, the same wireless radio unit useful in a wireless network can be used between the instrument and its accessories in a master-slave relationship. In this case, each accessory device may include a radio unit similar to the instrument. Possible accessories include auxiliary alarm devices, smart sample aspiration pumps, or even bridges to smart phones or other mobile gateways or computing devices. The bridge uses wireless network technology to communicate with the instrument, but converts the communication into another format. Another format may be Bluetooth connected to a smart phone 118, or an industrial protocol (such as HART) or WirelessHART or WiFi. Accessories may also include additional sensing devices (gases, worker vital signs, etc.) that share displays, data logs, and alarms already present in gas detectors. Another example is an adapter that maintains an online benzene filter and communicates with the instrument to indicate the filter status (engaged / bypassed) or filter age.

[0171] In some embodiments, the components of the gas detector (sensor, display, alarm, etc.) can actually be independent devices that are wirelessly connected. Through this model, the sensor can communicate with the smart phone 118.

[0172] Fig.12 Shows how hardware that implements wireless network compatibility can be extended to the platform using a gateway 112 to the Internet for end applications such as remote monitoring. For example, the gateway device 112 can receive data from instruments 118, 110 over the mesh network 104 and transmit it to the cloud via cell, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or satellite. The gateway device 112 can be inherently secure, extended battery power (e.g., 7 days), rugged and wall mountable, or transportable. Fig.12 Shown with Fig.11 104, but the instruments 108, 110 in this case communicate with a gateway 112 via a wireless mesh network (e.g., mesh network 104). The gateway 112 may include a radio module 1118 with a serial connection to a single board computer 1214. The single board computer 1214 may include a gateway application 1218 that communicates with a database and communicates with a network (e.g., Internet, Ethernet, cellular, WiFi, satellite, etc.) via a communication protocol. The network may ultimately allow an end user to use a PC / mobile device 1220 to connect to the worker safety system. The gateway 112 may be configured to communicate with a wireless network such as a mesh network 104. Figure 1, where wireless network compatibility is extended to the platform using a gateway to the Internet. Data can be transmitted between devices using the mesh network 104, and data can be transmitted to the gateway 112 using the mesh network 104. The gateway 112 can transmit the data to the cloud via cellular technology, WiFi and / or satellite, where it can be used in a variety of applications, as further described herein. For example, when a gas detector goes into alarm and data is transmitted back to the cloud, a remotely located supervisor can deploy a response team, send a message back to the gas detector, call a staff member accompanying the gas detector on a separate phone or on the gas detector itself (if it has remote communication functionality), request another nearby staff member to report to the staff member, and so on. Data related to alarms and other safety-related data can be aggregated over time to identify risks or safety-related issues in an area, as described herein.

[0173] Continue to refer to Figure 1 , data can be transferred from the instruments 108 , 110 to other devices (e.g., mobile devices, tablet computers, local computers, beacons, etc.) using a communication protocol (e.g., NFC, Bluetooth, etc.). Figure 1 In the illustrative example shown, the API 114 can be used to transfer data between the instrument 108, 110 and the smart device 118 / mobile gateway 131, where the smart device can use the data itself or transfer the data to the remote server 130 or cloud via WiFi, cellular, satellite, etc. In some embodiments, the instrument 108, 110 can transmit data directly to the remote location, for example, by having integrated WiFi, cellular or satellite technology. There can be two-way communication through the device 118 or mobile gateway 131, so that a remote computer or application running in the cloud can be used to control, configure or otherwise communicate with the instrument 108, 110 through the device 118 or mobile gateway 131. For example, a report from a gas detector or a group of gas detectors (which has reached a gas threshold) can be sent to a remotely located supervisor. The supervisor can be enabled to take many actions through the staff safety system, such as re-transmitting to the instrument, changing the display on the real-time sign, controlling a local device (such as a drone mounted gas detector or camera), etc. In an embodiment, the staff safety system can automatically control the local device or instrument based on the report from the instrument.

[0174] Now refer to Figure 3 , showing a plurality of portable environment sensing devices 108 , 110 in a work area adapted to communicate with each other in a mesh network 104 . Figure 31, some devices 108, 110 are shown as communicating with a remote server 130 or computer via a communication facility (e.g., docking station 122, gateway 112, mobile gateway 131, or smart phone 118). Other devices in the mesh network 104 may not communicate directly with the remote server 130 or computer, but rely on receiving data or instructions from other devices 108, 110 (which communicate with the remote server 130 and computer) through the mesh network 104. The communication facility transmits data from at least one of the plurality of portable environment sensing devices to a remote computer, wherein the remote computer is configured to monitor at least one of a hazardous condition and the activation of a panic button in a work area based on data from at least one of the plurality of portable environment sensing devices. The remote computer is configured to receive an alarm associated with a hazardous condition or the activation of a panic button from at least one portable environment sensing device, and transmit instructions to any of the portable environment sensing devices to be propagated throughout the mesh network. The instructions may be a request to check the safety of a user of the at least one portable environment sensing device, an evacuation instruction, a risk mitigation instruction, etc. The remote computer may also be configured to display the locations of the portable environment sensing devices in a map of the workspace and transmit the map for display on any of the portable environment sensing devices. The data transmitted by the communication facility can be sensed gas data, wherein the hazardous condition is based on the sensed gas data exceeding a threshold. The remote computer may also be configured to display the sensed gas data in a map of the workspace, wherein the size of the representation of the gas data is proportional to the gas level. The remote computer may also be configured to request an emergency response at the location of at least one of the portable environment sensing devices.

[0175] In an illustrative example, an application resident on a smart device can send data to the cloud. Applications served by the cloud or another remote server 130 can receive data sent by the smart device or from the gateway 112 and provide a web interface for various end-use applications (e.g., monitoring, mapping of workers and alarms / events, notifications, alarms, e-permits, compliance, emergency response, safety inspections, accountability, risk management, compliance, independent worker solutions, third-party integration, device / instrument control, etc.), as will be further described herein.

[0176] Continue watching Figure 1 , an instrument 108 is shown in communication with a beacon 102. The beacon 102 allows information to be broadcast to the instrument 108. In an embodiment, the data broadcast by the beacon 102 may be stored by the instrument 108.

[0177] Figure 1NFC tags are also shown in relation to instrument 108 and thus other components of the system. For example, data collected by instrument 108 from NFC tags can be used to tag gas detection data to enable rapid identification of gas detection instrument operators and locations to make gas detection information more actionable.

[0178] Gas detection instruments, portable environmental sensing devices, and other safety devices with integrated technology that collect temporary assignment and location information can provide valuable insights into gas exposure data, safety events, and user behavior, while being useful in managing assets and investigating potential problems. Tagging gas detection data and other collected data allows anyone to review the data to easily see who has the instrument and where the operator is using it, making the information more actionable. The present disclosure may refer to gas detection instruments and area monitors in descriptions and examples of systems and methods. Such references are intended to apply to components of the systems described herein, such as environmental sensing devices 108, area monitors 110, gateways 112, API 114 / smart devices 118, or mobile gateways 131, and it should be understood that other environmental sensing devices, area monitors, and components may be used in conjunction with the embodiments described below.

[0179] NFC tags are short-range, small, non-powered tags with a small memory and a radio chip attached to an antenna. There is no power supply, and due to magnetic induction, they draw power from the device that reads them. When the reader is close enough to the tag, it is energized and data is transferred from that tag. Assignment tags can be smaller, lighter, do not require batteries, and can withstand harsh outdoor environments. Assignment tags can take a variety of styles, such as adhesive tags, waterproof adhesive tags, outdoor tags, keychain tags, etc. Assignment tags can be continuously rewritten or locked as needed so that they cannot be reprogrammed.

[0180] Gas detection instruments using NFC technology can support multiple assignment types, such as repeated and temporary assignments. Repeated assignments can be retained with the instrument when the instrument is restarted. Repeated assignments can be performed using applications or software, such as iNet control, DSSAC (docking station software management console), or accessory software resident on another component of the instrument or system that communicates with the instrument. Temporary assignments can be performed via an application or through instrument settings. Temporary assignments can overwrite repeated assignments and remain with the instrument until it is restarted. Upon restart, an instrument with a temporary assignment can revert to a repeated assignment (if the assignment is available). If there is no repeated assignment, the instrument can be unassigned. Alternatively, in order to eliminate the temporary assignment, the assignment tag can be re-contacted with the instrument when the assignment is no longer needed.

[0181] In the examples and with reference to Fig.14To utilize the NFC assignment capability of the gas detection instrument, the assignment tag 1402 may be programmed with the assignment using the assignment application 1404 or another assignment software. The tag may need to be programmed only once. The tag may then be distributed to the instrument operator or installed at a location. The instrument user may then touch the gas detection instrument 108 to the assignment tag so that the NFC radio unit in the instrument may sense the assignment tag.

[0182] An assigned tag used to identify an individual may be programmed with a variety of identification data, such as name, size and weight (e.g., to enable calculation of individual-specific gas hazard thresholds), typical work location, job function, safety and / or authorization information (which may include whether the user is authorized to use a particular instrument or is in a particular location), typical instruments used by the user, pre-existing events caused or encountered by the user (e.g., priority alarms or gas events), languages ​​known to the user, priority alarms, etc. An assigned tag used to identify a location may be programmed with a variety of data, such as location in space, GPS location, equipment at the location, fuel sources at the location, known hazards at the location, typical gas concentrations at the location, other environmental conditions at the location, recent gas events at the location, recent person-down alarms triggered at the location, recent alarms triggered at the location, recent messages triggered at the location, etc.

[0183] Now refer to Fig.15 As described herein, a worker or industrial safety monitoring system may include a personal NFC tag 1502 assigned to a worker, wherein the tag assigned to the worker contains the worker's identification information, such as name, size, weight, title / job function, company, languages ​​spoken, certifications / licenses, residence, approved tasks, approved positions, approved equipment, work hours, typical work positions, typical instruments / equipment used, pre-existing issues, priority alarms, priority gases or safety events, any priority radiation exposure levels, priority messages, safety clearances, etc. NFC assigned tags 1502 may be carried by a worker or attached to a name tag, employee ID, hard hat, tool belt, or another personal item. The system may also include and / or interact with multiple location NFC tags 1504 assigned to a location, each location tag placed in a location containing information about the location where the location tag is placed. Certain parameters associated with a location may be programmed into the NFC tag, such as the location name, elevation / longitude / GPS coordinates, typical temperature, typical humidity, authorization level required to enter / serve the location, type of equipment in the location, certificate / license required to operate the equipment at the location, required personnel protection or safety devices, instructions to be followed, instructions for field equipment, fuel sources at nearby gas detection instrument docking station locations, known hazards at the location, typical gas concentrations at the location, environmental conditions at the location, recent gas events, recent personnel fall alarms, recent alarms, recent messages, etc.

[0184] The portable environment sensing device 1508 for detecting data of environmental parameters can be configured to (i) read a personnel NFC tag and store the identity information of the staff using the sensing device, (ii) read at least one of a plurality of location NFC tags and store information about the location of the location tag read by at least one portable environment sensing device, (iii) associate location information, identification information and / or any parameters detected by the sensing device, and store such associated information, and (iv) transmit any of the above information to other components of the system. It should be noted that the transmission of data can be accomplished in accordance with the methods described herein, for example, via a P2P network, a mesh network and / or sent to and / or through the cloud in the manner described herein. The components for receiving and operating the data can be as described herein. According to the description herein, at least one processor 1510 (which can be located in another instrument 108 / 110 or as a component of a remote server 130, for example) can communicate with at least one portable environment sensing device 1508 and can receive any of the above (i)-(iv) information from at least one portable environment sensing device 1508. In an embodiment, at least one processor 1510 itself can be programmed to determine the environmental parameters of the worker using the sensing device 1508 and the location of the determined environmental parameters based on the data it receives from the sensing device 1508. The system also includes a remote server 1512, which includes a memory 1514 that communicates with at least one portable environmental sensing device 1508 (which stores the detected data and information in a data log). The system can also include a wireless transmitter 1514 that transmits (including in the manner described herein) the detected data and information to a cloud-based or another remote server 130 or log. The transmitter can be as described herein in conjunction with Figure 1 The gateway 112, API 114 / smart device 118 or mobile gateway 131 described above. In an embodiment, the wireless transmitter 1514 transmits the detected data and information to another portable environment sensing device 1508 or another security device. For example, the detected event on the first portable environment sensing device can be transmitted in the form of a message, an alarm or raw data to one or more other portable environment sensing devices, gas detection instruments, security devices, servers, computers, smart phones, etc., where the transmission can include information derived from the NFC tag.

[0185] In one aspect, a worker may wirelessly enter a name and location into a device 1508 or instrument 108 / 110 simply by tapping an NFC assignment tag to the instrument. Alternatively, location information may be automatically collected via GPS or another location sensing technology. Once the user and / or location information is transferred from the assignment tag to the instrument, data recorded by the device 1508 or instrument 108 / 110 may be tagged with the user and location information and saved in an instrument data log or wirelessly transmitted to a cloud-based or another remote server 130.

[0186] In another example, each staff member may receive his or her own assigned tag that identifies them, which can be attached to a name tag, staff ID, or another personal item. The staff member can then pick instruments from a shared pool or toolbox each day, where the instruments can be compliant, calibrated, and / or bump tested at the beginning of his or her shift. The assignment is complete when the instrument contacts the assigned tag. The device can also be configured to user needs and / or specifications, and can also include data related to the user. This can be an example of a temporary assignment. In another example of a temporary assignment, an assignment application can be used to assign the location "Tank 1" to an assigned tag. The tag can then be installed at the entrance to Tank 1. When the instrument operator enters Tank 1, they can contact their instrument to the tag, and the location assignment will be saved to the instrument. These examples can describe independent situations or single situations. For example, an instrument operator can temporarily assign an instrument from a toolbox and then assign the 'Tank 1' location when arriving at Tank 1. Therefore, the data will be tagged with the user identification and the location where other data is collected.

[0187] In an embodiment, using NFC tags, a permission based perimeter fence may be established. For example, if only certain users are allowed access to 'Tank 1', only those users may be able to assign their instruments the 'Tank 1' location, which may then be used for electronic entry to 'Tank 1', for example.

[0188] In an embodiment, Fig.15 The system includes a beacon 102 that can repeatedly transmit an information message, a payload of the beacon.

[0189] In an embodiment, a custom on-screen message can provide specific information or instructions to a gas detection instrument, such as an instruction text that helps the user understand how to react correctly in the event of an instrument alarm. The message can be programmed into the instrument itself or any system component that communicates with the instrument, and is automatically triggered, for example, by the detection of one or more specific gases or the detection of a threshold amount of gas. In other embodiments, the message can be manually transmitted, for example, from a supervisor, another instrument user, a facility manager, an instrument manager, a control center, etc. Some messages can be displayed during the instrument startup sequence. Some messages can be displayed during gas or other safety events. In an embodiment, a unique instruction message can be set for each of these events for each sensor: the presence of gas (alarm, low alarm and high alarm), STEL (short-term exposure limit) and TWA (time weighted average). For example, an alarm action message can be programmed for each of all alarm / alarm set points of each sensor of a gas detection instrument to notify the user (in their native language) about whether they should wear a respirator, leave the area, seek shelter or take whatever action specified in the company's emergency response plan. Alarm action messages mean that instrument users do not need to be trained to interpret and understand the meaning of all gas readings, instead users only need to read the display and pay attention to the instructions. Alarm action messages can vary based on the assigned user or location.

[0190] In an embodiment, the gas detection instrument may include an auditory, visual and / or vibrating alarm indicator, which may be used in a variety of modes. For example, an auditory indicator may be capable of transmitting a signal tone at a programmed decibel level (95 dB in an embodiment) at a preset distance. In another embodiment, the output may be visual, such as the flashing action of four ultra-bright LEDs of changing colors (e.g., red and two blue) to attract the attention of the user and others around. In yet another embodiment, a vibrating alarm may provide a tactile warning to the user in the highest noise environment.

[0191] In an embodiment, the device 1508 or instrument 108 / 110 may run an application that is programmed to trigger an alarm and / or message or filter trigger using assigned data (e.g., user identification and location or other information programmed into the assigned tag). The application may be periodically updated by the server 130, for example, to modify variables that will cause triggers at specific locations or in relationships related to staff variables and alarm triggers. For example, at a specific location, the detection of a specific gas may not be a cause of alarm, but at another location where conditions may be different, the same gas at the same detected concentration may be relevant or dangerous. For example, methane detected at a specific level may trigger an alarm and / or message at a location where an ignition source exists, but does not cause a trigger at a location where it is known that no ignition source exists. In another example, a gas detection instrument may trigger a high carbon monoxide alarm only when the assigned user is above a certain weight.

[0192] As described herein, data transmitted to a remote location via gateway 112 or devices may be used in a variety of end applications alone or in combination with other data, other devices, other information, etc. Any number of applications for the worker safety system are contemplated, and a number of exemplary applications are described herein.

[0193] In one example, data from instruments 108, 110 or other nodes can be used for continuous safety checks. Limits for specific measured variables can be set for individuals and / or groups in automated real-time monitoring of safety parameters. Worker safety systems can issue warnings when limits are approaching to appropriate audiences.

[0194] In one example, data from instruments 108, 110 or other nodes can be used for independent worker monitoring. For example, if an independent worker's device triggers an alarm (e.g., a gas alarm), the connectivity of the instrument to the smart device, such as via API 114, allows that alarm to be detected remotely. Remote detection of the alarm can allow a supervisor, such as to check in with the independent worker or be able to send help as needed.

[0195] In an example, data transmitted to the cloud from instruments 108, 110 can be used for electronic permits. Certain confined spaces cannot be entered without first sampling the environment in the confined space, so a sampling device may need to be present. Typically, permission to enter a confined space is performed using manual data entry to apply for permission. The present disclosure herein enables the same device that collects data on the environment of a confined space to transmit that data to an electronic permit application for use in applying for permission to enter a confined space. In an embodiment, device 118 can be a seismic-resistant flat panel with an integrated gas sensor or with a connection to instruments 108, 110 (which provides gas sensing), wherein the sensed data is automatically provided to automatically populate an onboard application or transmitted to the cloud for use in an application, and in an embodiment automatically submitted to the relevant permitting agency.

[0196] In an example, data transmitted from the instruments 108, 110 to the cloud may be coordinated with third-party data. For example, additional hazards may be alerted via the instruments 108, 110 by overlaying location data derived from the device 118 or instruments 108, 110 with third-party data (e.g., NOAA data, news / threat / terrorist data, or other external / third-party data). This capability may be particularly important to independent workers.

[0197] In an example, data transmitted from instruments 108, 110 to the cloud can be used by fire responders and other first responders. In addition to SCBA data, data from environmental monitoring (e.g., gas data) can also be automatically transmitted to fire responders (or other first responders) to provide location / integrated safety. The staff safety system can support automatic configuration of emergency nodes for first responders. For example, automatic configuration / grouping can occur for emergency responders in a monitoring group. In an embodiment, a separate indicator can be used for responder-worn nodes.

[0198] In an example, data transmitted to the cloud from instruments 108, 110 and various safety devices can be used by the staff safety system for personnel monitoring of various physiological and / or behavioral attributes of individuals, so as to obtain information related to workplace safety, or to notify nearby users about workplace safety conditions. Therefore, the staff safety system provides remote and local biometric monitoring interfaces with nodes in a self-organizing P2P or grid network. The user wears a node with an interface to the staff to monitor physiological and / or behavioral attributes. The measured biometric level is used for remote monitoring and alarming. The goal of this monitoring can be to determine the root causes and acute symptoms of death and injury in the workplace, and to mitigate the risk of death or major accidents or exposures in the workplace (such as injuries from fire or explosion, exposure to hazardous substances or environments, falls, slips, trips, contact with objects and equipment, transportation accidents, excessive force, repetitive movements, etc.). Another goal can be to determine and understand the physiological and behavioral effects of the root causes and the acute symptoms of death and injury in the workplace. Worker safety systems may be useful in a variety of industries, such as in mines, diesel / fuel plants, refrigeration, fertilizer plants, catering, firefighting, chemical processing and manufacturing, hazardous materials, medical, law enforcement, insurance, etc.

[0199] Illustrative physiological markers may include ECG, heart rate, respiration rate, skin temperature, posture, activity, accelerometery, blood pressure, pulse, body odor, blood alcohol content, blood glucose level, oxygen saturation, etc. Illustrative behavioral markers may include gait, walking pattern, eye movement, movement pattern, noise, removal of sensor from the body before a specified time, etc.

[0200] Physiological and / or behavioral attributes may be measured by sensors (e.g., sensors integrated with instruments 108, 110, sensors located on the individual's body, clothing, and / or devices worn by the individual). In embodiments, various sensors may be used to measure the individual's physiology and behavior, such as one or more of a heart rate sensor, a blood pressure sensor, a gait detection sensor, an olfactory sensor, a galvanic skin response sensor, a proximity sensor, an accelerometer, an eye tracking sensor, a camera / image sensor, a microphone, an infrared sensor, a gas sensor, a capacitive sensor, a fingerprint sensor, a signal detector (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, mobile phone, etc.), a location detector (e.g., a GPS sensor), etc.

[0201] Physiological and / or behavioral attribute information may be used to gain insights into characteristics of individuals, departments, or categories of employees that may have an impact on safety and working conditions. For example, a worker safety system may obtain data for an individual to obtain a daily baseline and may compare current information to the baseline information. In another example, a worker safety system may compare an individual's information to a pool of data or to co-workers in similar situations. A worker safety system may obtain and analyze physiological and / or behavioral data to determine an individual's physiological state (e.g., when stressed, fatigued, etc.), causes of accidents in the workplace, or to make predictions related to workplace accidents. Worker safety systems can utilize the sensed data and algorithm outputs to provide interventions to individuals or other parties of interest (e.g., after two "near misses," a supervisor is notified and retraining can be scheduled), to block users from being able to access certain systems (e.g., after detecting a change in gait combined with a change in temperature, a signal is sent to nearby heavy machinery to block access to the individual), allow users to access systems (e.g., this individual is blocked due to the flu, but their temperature is normal at this time), recommend behavioral changes to avoid accidents (e.g., when eye tracking indicates fatigue, signal the user with a recommendation to take a break), etc. The collected data can go into a data pool, which can be used for subsequent comparisons.

[0202] The worker safety system can use the human body (e.g., human physiology and human behavior) as a safety sensor or monitor to detect danger, including various sensors that measure human physiology and behavior, and then use the (physiological and behavioral) data from a person or a group of people, use data algorithms to identify safety issues, and use data from a person or a group of people to use certain physiological or behavioral markers to prevent accidents or fatigue. In an embodiment, sensors deployed to obtain human physiology and human behavior can form a body area network.

[0203] In an embodiment, the use of (physiological and behavioral) data from a person or a group of people can be used to predict accidents, workplace injuries, incidents, "near misses", etc.; determine whether a person is in danger; determine whether an environment is dangerous; identify a hazard or series of hazards; make judgments related to the safety of a person, a group of people, or the environment; make judgments related to the safety of a person, a group of people, or the environment; notify a person, a group of people, or someone who will intervene via visual, auditory, tactile alarms, etc.; determine whether the person is at risk of future accidents (including the use of near miss data); look for known patterns or identify new patterns related to personnel safety, etc.

[0204] In an embodiment, the use of data algorithms can be used to identify security issues in the following ways: comparing a person to themselves at a recent or historical time; comparing a person to data from a group; comparing data from one person to others working with them at that point in time, etc.

[0205] In an embodiment, the use of data from a person or a group of people can be used to prevent accidents or fatigue using physiological or behavioral markers. For example, heart rate, eyelid closure, pupil size, blood pressure, posture, jaw drop, respiratory rate, ECG, skin temperature and sweating can be used as a marker to prevent accidents or fatigue in the field of transportation. In another example, at least one of gait, acceleration, blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate and posture can be used as a marker to prevent accidents or fatigue in the field of contact with an object or device. In another example, at least one of gait, acceleration, blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, posture, ECG, sweating and skin temperature can be used as a marker to prevent accidents or fatigue in the field of slipping, stumbling or falling. In another example, at least one of gait, acceleration, blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, posture, ECG, sweating and skin temperature can be used as a marker to prevent accidents or fatigue in the field of exposure to harmful substances. In another example, at least one of blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, posture, ECG, sweating and skin temperature can be used as a marker to prevent accidents or fatigue in the field of attack or violence. In yet another example, at least one of gait, acceleration, blood pressure, heart rate, respiration rate, posture, ECG, perspiration, and skin temperature may be used as a marker for accidents or fatigue in the field of fire or explosion prevention.

[0206] In an embodiment, a database of sensor readings can be used to determine appropriate predictions or identification of safety issues and appropriate responses. The sensor readings can be wirelessly transmitted to a computer, instrument 108 / 110 or device 118 and processed in near real time or real time to provide information and understanding related to safety and hazard issues. The database can be consulted for matching sensor readings and matching combinations of sensor readings. Each combination of sensor readings can be associated with one or more specific safety issues and can be associated with one or more specific responses. Safety issues and / or responses can be further limited by additional factors (e.g., supervisor or administrator preferences, facility preferences, location, user, context, season, or business rules). In one aspect, a method of the present disclosure may include obtaining sensor data (1602) from one or more physiological and behavioral sensors worn by a user, analyzing the sensor data to identify safety issues (1604), and providing an alert (1608) related to the identified safety issues to the user or concerned party. The analysis may include matching the sensor data with known combinations of sensor readings in a database of sensor reading combinations. In an embodiment, an application resident on the instrument 108 / 110 or device 118 may determine a condition that is hazardous to safety based on sensor readings and algorithms to determine whether the readings indicate a root cause or acute symptom of an incident. If a root cause or acute symptom is identified, an alert may be generated and sent through the instrument / device via the wireless network 104 to notify other users and ultimately to the server 130. In an embodiment, the transmitted information may be used to revoke authorization for a user from an area or device, deploy personnel, remotely shut down an area, request a check-in to a user, and the like.

[0207] In an embodiment, when certain physiological markers are combined with certain behavioral markers in a known pattern, a condition may be determined and an alert or response may be elicited. In one example, when a person falls or nearly falls, physiological markers of the condition may include an increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, sweating, faster breathing in the lungs, and a decrease in the temperature of the limbs. Behavioral markers of the condition may include making noises, periods of sudden acceleration followed by no movement, etc. These markers, taken together, may form a pattern that indicates a fall or nearly fall.

[0208] In another example, when an individual is sleep deprived, physiological markers of the condition may include increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, and decreased leptin levels. Behavioral markers of the condition may include increased eyelid closure, eye rolling, and yawning.

[0209] Table 1 shows various accidents and their possible root causes or acute symptoms. When text is present in a cell, it is an indication that there is a correlation between the accident and the possible root cause or acute symptom. In some embodiments, there may be a time aspect to the correlation, such as when the root cause or symptom can be before the accident (Before), after the accident (After), or both (Both). In some cases, a simple correlation (Interrelated) is indicated. If no correlation is currently known, the cell in Table 1 is empty.

[0210] Table 1. Root causes or acute symptoms of incidents For fatigue, markers including heart rate, blood pressure, eyelid closure (slow closure, frequency of closure), pupil size, head position, and jaw drop, as well as other cardiovascular perturbations and sympathetic activity can be used to identify the condition.

[0211] For stress, markers including heart rate (e.g., increased heart rate), sweating, dilated pupils, shallow breathing, increased blood pressure, changes in a person's voice (pitch, rate, volume), odor, and tight scalp may be used to identify the condition.

[0212] For those affected, markers including breathing rate, increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, gait, and voice changes can be used to identify the condition.

[0213] For anger, markers including clenching / grinding of teeth, headaches / stomach aches, increased blood pressure, increased breathing rate, increased heart rate, sweating (especially hands), feeling hot in the neck / face, shaking / trembling, and dizziness can be used to identify the condition.

[0214] For slips, trips, and falls, markers including respiration rate, blood pressure, heart rate, and clumsy gait may be used to predict or identify a slip, trip, or fall. For example, a pattern of acrophobia (which is an indicator of a potential fall) may be increased heart rate, decreased stress temperature, and increased systolic BP. However, if the condition includes activity, such as climbing stairs (which may increase heart rate alone), adding gait measurements may be necessary to determine whether the individual is exercising.

[0215] For CO exposure, markers including nausea, vomiting, restlessness, euphoria, rapid heart rate, hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias, hallucinations and delusions, dizziness, unsteady gait / staggering, confusion, convulsions, central nervous system depression, unconsciousness, changes in respiratory rate, and respiratory arrest can be used to identify the condition.

[0216] Table 2 shows how various physiological markers are associated with specific underlying causes or symptoms.

[0217] Table 2, Part 1. Physiological markers of underlying causes or symptoms Table 2, Part 2. Physiological markers of underlying causes or symptoms In an embodiment, systems and methods for monitoring physiology and behavior to identify or predict safety issues and mitigate risks may be embodied through a wearable device. In an embodiment, the wearable device may include multiple physiological or behavioral sensors, such as those described herein. In an embodiment, the wearable device may be clothing, a watch, a portable device, a badge, glasses, a ring, etc., with one or more embedded sensors. The wearable device may include a wireless transmitter to transmit data in the manner described herein and ultimately to a server for analysis. The device may include a display to present content from a server based on the analyzed data. The content may be information or an alert. The clothing may be a sweatshirt, a helmet, a jumpsuit, a belt, a strap, etc.

[0218] In an embodiment, the simulation software may be constructed from a data model developed after a period of data collection for personnel monitoring. The simulation software may have input variables (e.g., behavioral, mechanical, environmental, and physical) and may identify risks. In one example, the input variable may be a personal protection device, and the simulated work environment and risk factors may be identified.

[0219] In an embodiment, a software application resident on a device (eg, instruments 108 and 110, a safety device, a mobile device, etc.) may overlay safety issues onto a real-time view of the surrounding environment using augmented reality.

[0220] Security issues can be identified in advance or also in real time.

[0221] In an embodiment, certain behaviors may be rewards and incentives provided to staff members who operate correctly in terms of safety / compliance based on analysis of the collected data. For example, if the data set indicates that a staff member has fallen and then checks in to the medical office within a set time period, they may be rewarded with meal coupons, etc. Other compliant behaviors may be rewarded (e.g., returning instruments to tool boxes, tagging instrument data with location-based NFC tags, wearing PPE correctly, checking in with another staff member, etc.).

[0222] Commercially available wearable devices useful in the disclosed systems and methods include devices such as Zephyr BioHarness™, Aframe Digital MobileCare Monitor, BodyMedia FIT, Nonin, Valencell Performtek, Gaitometer, Wahoo Strap Monitor, Stress Thermometer, and the like.

[0223] Continuing with another example of application of a worker safety system, an application (which may be run on an instrument 108 / 110, device 118, server 130, or a third party device) may prepare a dynamic map view of node locations in an ad hoc P2P or mesh network to monitor and display one or more node locations. The map may display relative locations without reference to an area map, absolute locations with reference to an area map, or 3D locations on a topographic map or tunnel system. The map view may present an alarm location. In an embodiment, a plurality of instruments 108 / 110 (which may be enabled to communicate in a wireless network 104 or may be NFC enabled) may transmit (at least in part transmitted via the wireless network 104) data (e.g., sensed data, assigned data, location data, calibration status, etc.) to a server 130, where the data may be further displayed in a map view.

[0224] Continuing with another example of the application of the worker safety system, a real-time information sign may be used in conjunction with data collected from instruments 108, 110. For example, a real-time sign may electronically communicate with one or more instruments 108 / 110, devices 118, servers 130, or third-party devices, such as via WiFi, Bluetooth, RFID, etc. A real-time sign may be located in an area and may display data based on alarms from nearby instruments 108, 110, and may be used as a remote alarm. The data may be transmitted directly to the sign using the wireless network 104, or may be transmitted to the cloud, where it is processed to determine whether it should be displayed on the real-time information sign. In an embodiment, multiple instruments 108 / 110 (which may be enabled to communicate in the wireless network 104 or may be NFC-enabled) may transmit data (e.g., sensed data, assigned data, location data, calibration status, etc.) to a server 130 (at least partially via the wireless network 104), where the data may be displayed via a real-time sign.

[0225] In another example of application of a worker safety system, data collected from instruments 108, 110 (e.g., noise meters) can be used to alert workers. For example, if a gas detector crosses a detection threshold but the noise meter indicates noise above a certain decibel range, the gas detector instrument will be signaled to forward its alarm via tactile and illuminated messaging as well as an audible alarm. In addition, the alarm message can also be displayed on a nearby real-time information sign.

[0226] In another example of application of a worker safety system, data collected from the instruments 108, 110 can determine the amount of oxygen in the environment. Under certain oxygen concentration conditions, the catalytic bead sensor may not work, so the instrument can provide a warning. A remotely located supervisor can be notified of the condition and additional resources (e.g., personnel or different sensors) can be deployed to the area to ensure safe and accurate monitoring.

[0227] In another example of application of a worker safety system, the data collected from the instruments 108, 110 can be combined to trigger various levels of warnings / alarms. For example, if an instrument reads a high carbon monoxide level, an alarm can be issued, but it can only be issued at the instrument that made the reading. If the instrument's accelerometer determines that a person has fallen, an alarm can be issued on that instrument and several nearby instruments (as determined by presence in the same wireless network 104 or proximity (e.g., GPS location, same NFC registration of location, manual identification of location)). If the instrument determines that carbon monoxide is high and a person has fallen, a critical alarm can be issued on the instrument to nearby workers and in a large area.

[0228] In yet another example of an application of a worker safety system, the system may be used for leak detection / pipeline monitoring. For example, sensors for pipeline leak inspection for safety and compliance monitoring (e.g., vehicle or drone mounted gas detectors, thermal conductivity or IR sensors, optical sensors, underground sensors, gas company instruments, etc., used to detect leaks) may transmit data to the cloud or another remote location directly or via device 118 or gateway 131, 112. In this example, the drone may be remotely operated in a two-way manner so that control can be done locally, or if the area needs to be evacuated, control can be remote. The application may use the data to remotely configure the sensor and maintain the state of the sensor.

[0229] In yet another example of the application of a worker safety system, the system may obtain data from an eyewash station, a chemical shower, an ambulance station, an AED / defibrillator, a fire extinguisher, an adsorption station, or other fixed assets 124. In one example of an eyewash station or a chemical shower, a sensor may be placed at the station / drain to detect the danger / toxin washed off from the user, wherein the sensor may transmit the data back to the cloud or remote location directly or through the device 118 or gateway 131, 112 via any communication method described herein. In an embodiment, the sensor may be an independent sensor with remote communication capabilities, or may have local communication capabilities at a nearby docking station or instrument (which further transmits data). In any case, such information may be used by first responders in an application to determine which equipment / personnel to deploy. The data may be combined with other data collected by a worker safety system (which may be located in the same area by using a shared assignment (e.g., an NFC tag) or a known location (e.g., a GPS or a known fixed asset 124 fixed location)). Continuing with this example, drain sensors can determine specific toxins, and sensors in smoke detectors can indicate the characteristics of airborne particles from a fire in addition to temperature and visibility data. Images can also be captured from nearby cameras. Combined, these data can inform first responders that not only is there a fire, but that it is a chemical fire and which specific chemical caused the fire. Second responders can also be informed as to what the specific cleanup needs will be. Thus, first and second responders can have unprecedented situation awareness without any on-site personnel calling an emergency number and explaining the situation.

[0230] Continuing with this example, a secondary alarm may be generated from an eyewash / shower pull. An inventory of items in the area may be required in order to generate a secondary alarm, where the inventory is known at a remote location so that it is displayed to first and second responders at the eyewash / shower pull, or the inventory is collected by nearby instruments and transmitted remotely. The inventory may include information such as strong acid present, phosphine tank present, gas present, chemical present, a combination of gas and chemical present, or any information that would be on a posted hazard placard.

[0231] Continuing with the example of fixed assets 124 contributing to a worker safety system, a nearby sensor or integrated sensor may be able to transmit data regarding the type of fire extinguisher used during a fire (e.g., water, foam, dry powder, carbon monoxide, ABC, potash aqueous solution fire extinguisher, metal, etc.) or which sorbent was used for a spill. Such information may be useful to a first or second responder in determining which equipment and personnel to deploy.

[0232] Continuing with the example of fixed assets 124 that contribute to the worker safety system, sensors in an area that senses an acid spill or other similar hazard may transmit data back to a remote location for processing. Depending on the type of hazard detected, instructions or information may be transmitted to a device in the area, displayed on a real-time information sign, transmitted to a responder, and the like. For example, guidance for the nearest eyewash / shower may be transmitted to an instrument or real-time sign in the area when an acid spill or another hazard is sensed. If there are multiple hazards, instructions about which station to go to may be specific when one or more have not been maintained or are already in use. Nearby instruments may also be notified of the activation of a hazard, a nearby eyewash / shower station, or requested to report to a user of a nearby instrument, or warned to stay away from a certain area. When a first staff member is requested to report to a second staff member, they may receive a reminder of the request until the staff safety system detects that the staff are close to each other or whether another proof of contact has been transmitted. For example, a voiceprint from a second staff member or an image of a second staff member may be recorded using an instrument or device of the first staff member performing the inspection.

[0233] Continuing with the example of fixed assets 124 contributing to a worker safety system, integrated sensors with eyewash stations or showers can be used to automate and expedite relative safety checks, periodic testing of flow rate, total volume, water temperature, salinity, pH, etc. for compliance with local or federal requirements, and predict the need for maintenance. Through integrated sensors communicating with the worker safety system, automated maintenance reminders can be delivered, automated records of test results can be created, and technicians performing tests, automated certificates of compliance can be generated, performance statistics can be collected, etc.

[0234] In an embodiment, a component of a worker safety system performs a job hazard analysis (JHA) and then applies a hierarchy of hazard controls. A specific job is analyzed to understand various safety-related aspects, such as identification of tasks, identification of potential hazards (e.g., gas, electrical, chemical, thermal, noise, etc.), etc. The worker safety system may have information about various tasks and known potential hazards, and may perform an analysis to determine whether the hazard can be eliminated from the task. If not, the worker safety system may recommend ways to mitigate the hazard. For example, certain controls may be used to minimize the hazard, such as engineering / mechanical controls. For example, changes in behavior through training, real-time signs as described herein, instruction messages, etc. may be used to minimize the hazard. Management (e.g., scheduling) may also be useful in minimizing the hazard. In an embodiment, the worker safety system can determine the appropriate PPE or another protective technology (e.g., foam protection, hearing protection, falls, etc.) used to minimize the hazard based on the identified hazard and task. The worker safety system can determine whether the correct subtype of PPE is ultimately selected by the worker, whether the selected PPE has been maintained, whether the selected PPE has been worn or is in use, whether the selected PPE is used correctly, and the like by using the connected instruments and devices. For example, a job may require the use of an air-purifying respirator that is filtered chemically or mechanically to block dust, smoke, or gas. The worker safety system can recommend disposable and reusable / refillable respirators based on the task, the worker safety system can determine whether the reusable respirator is properly maintained, and based on the pressure readings from the respirator, the worker safety system can determine that the respirator is being used correctly. In addition, the air-purifying respirator can be equipped with a sensor (e.g., RFID). If the worker safety system detects that the worker is in an area requiring PPE or indicates that a task requiring PPE has begun but the RFID is not detected by the worker's instrument, an alarm can be issued.

[0235] In another example, the worker safety system can determine the need for a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) based on the identified hazard and task. Sensors on the provided oxygen cylinders can be used to determine quality, efficacy (e.g., filter mounted sensors), pressure (e.g., hose or microphone mounted sensors), operating status, etc. The sensors can communicate with beacons, devices, instruments, gateways, or directly with the cloud or another remote location. Based on the sensor readings, the worker safety system can anticipate or predict maintenance based on usage and operating status rather than on a schedule. The worker safety system can store pressure test results for annual certification. The worker safety system can help set up replacement boxes when necessary.

[0236] In an embodiment, the worker safety system may determine that fall protection (e.g., harness, automatic retracting lifeline, rails / protection, retrieval equipment, etc.) is required based on the identified hazard and task. Sensors attached to the worker or integrated into an instrument accompanying the user may be used to determine if the worker is airborne. Furthermore, knowing that data, the worker safety system can determine if appropriate fall protection equipment is verified by the worker, if fall protection has been maintained, if they have put it on, if the protection equipment is worn, and if they are using it correctly.

[0237] Various gas monitors that may be used in a worker safety system may include gas sensors (e.g., IR, (LED), LEL, catalytic beads, electrochemical, redundant gas sensors), humidity sensors, temperature sensors (e.g., to determine thermal stress), wind speed sensors, microphones, accelerometers (e.g., to measure the absence of motion to further determine that a person has fallen, acceleration / deceleration to determine a fall), particle sensors, barometers, biometric sensors, phase, time of flight, signal strength, GPS or another location sensing technology, panic buttons (e.g., to sound a loud alarm to remotely transmit a signal), NFC, Bluetooth, radio modules, WiFi, integrated cellular technology, etc.

[0238] In one mode, the alarm may be triggered based on a set threshold value (e.g., detection of one or more specific gases or detection of a threshold amount of gas). In another mode, the gas detection instrument may include a dedicated emergency button. For example, when the emergency button is pressed and held for 3 seconds, an alarm may be sounded. This allows the user to notify others when the button is pressed in the event of distress. In another mode, the gas detection instrument may be programmed with a personnel fall alarm. For example, if the instrument does not detect movement via a built-in accelerometer for a predetermined number of seconds, an alarm may be triggered and teammates may be notified. In yet another mode, the alarm may provide an early warning below a low alarm set point. For example, when the gas concentration exceeds a confirmable gas alarm set point, the instrument may activate an alarm indicator to notify the user that she may be approaching a dangerous condition. The user may need to take preliminary or mitigating actions, but be able to confirm and disable the alarm while she continues to work. If the condition persists for more than 30 minutes, the alarm may be reactivated.

[0239] The portable environmental sensing device or gas detection instrument may include a rugged housing design incorporating a field-replaceable external dust filter to prevent clogging, plastic edges to prevent overmolding peeling, plastic rails to reduce overmolding tearing, plastic ridges to protect the external sensor filter when facing downward, and a recessed display to prevent scratching.

[0240] Gas monitors useful in worker safety systems may be portable, standalone, fixed, battery powered, wall mounted with fixed line power, modular, etc. In embodiments, each form factor may implement a different function or capability of the gas monitor. In embodiments, a modular gas monitor may take the form of a central sensing unit that is capable of engaging with a variety of form factors. For example, a modular gas monitor may be capable of engaging with a standalone substrate, a slot in a wall that engages with line power, a robotic unit, a piece of heavy equipment (e.g., a bulldozer, a crane, etc.), etc.

[0241] In engagement with the independent substrate, the central sensing unit can be arranged in the substrate in a face-down manner, which protects it from the environment and allows essentially 360 degree access to the environment. The independent substrate can have a horn that sounds an alarm in the area. The horn can be a piezoelectric based horn, which can be electronically designed for inherent safety. The central sensing unit can be designed with protrusions or other engagement features on the surface of the module to prevent them from sliding out of the substrate. The receiving portion of the substrate can be designed to interact with the engagement feature.

[0242] In an embodiment, the central sensing unit may emit a loud sound (e.g., 108 dB) during calibration and during setup. There may be no electronic way to control the sound, either by operation or by adjustment. An accessory component may be provided for placement over the audio output to dampen the sound. The geometry of the interior of the accessory component may provide additional surface area to absorb the sound.

[0243] In embodiments, monitors useful in worker safety systems may be area monitors, such as perimeter monitors (e.g., at the edge of a refinery), dust / particle monitoring, noise / sound levels, gas / volatile emissions, chemicals / toxins, fence line monitoring (e.g., cordoning of an area), etc. In embodiments, the mere placement of area monitors and establishment of a peer-to-peer network as described herein may result in the automatic establishment of fence lines and perimeters.

[0244] While the area monitor 110 itself may sense environmental parameters (which may trigger an alarm, the sending of a communication, control another device or system, etc.), the area monitor 110 may receive reports from the device 108, e.g., via the wireless network 104, and issue an alarm, which may be widely audible. The area monitor 110 may receive reports from the device 108 or another network node, e.g., via the wireless network 104, and issue communications to other devices 108 and the monitor 110. The area monitor 110 may receive reports from the device 108, e.g., via the wireless network 104, and control another device or system in response to the reports.

[0245] Additional Statements of the Disclosure In some implementations, the following clauses may be described or described herein and as Figure 1 and Figure 14-16 shown.

[0246] Clause Set A Clause 1. A tangible article of manufacture having instructions stored thereon that, when executed, cause a machine to perform operations for tracking operators and operator status using a safety device, the operations comprising: programming a plurality of NFC tags with assignment information, wherein the assignment information is at least one of a location assignment of NFC tags placed at specific locations and an instrument operator assignment of tags assigned to operators of a multi-gas detection instrument; receiving temporary assignment information at the safety device upon bringing an NFC radio unit of the safety device into proximity with at least one of the plurality of NFC tags; and tagging safety device data with the temporary assignment information.

[0247] Clause 2. The article of manufacture of clause 1, further comprising storing the tagged safety device data in a safety device data log.

[0248] Clause 3. The article of manufacture of clause 1, further comprising wirelessly transmitting the tagged security device data to at least one of a cloud-based or another remote log and a second device.

[0249] Clause 4. The article of manufacture of clause 1, further comprising removing the temporary assignment by bringing the security device into proximity with the at least one NFC tag again.

[0250] Clause 5. The article of manufacture of clause 1, wherein the safety device is a multi-gas detection instrument.

[0251] Clause 6. The article of manufacture of clause 1, wherein the safety device is a gas detection instrument.

[0252] Clause 7. The article of manufacture of clause 1, wherein the safety device is at least one of a respirator, a harness, a lighting device, a fall arrest device, a heat detector, a flame detector, and a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) detector.

[0253] Clause 8. A tangible article of manufacture having instructions stored thereon that, when executed, cause a machine to perform operations for tracking operators and operator status using a safety device, the operations comprising: programming a plurality of NFC tags with assignment information, wherein the assignment information is at least one of a location assignment of NFC tags placed at specific locations and an instrument operator assignment of tags assigned to safety device operators; receiving the assignment information at the safety device upon bringing an NFC radio unit of the safety device into proximity with at least one of the plurality of NFC tags; and triggering one or more of an alarm and a message upon detection of a safety event, wherein the trigger is filtered by the temporary assignment information.

[0254] Clause 9. The article of manufacture of clause 8, wherein an assigned tag for identifying an individual is programmed with information including one or more of name, size, weight, typical work position, job function, typical instruments used, pre-existing problems, known languages, priority alarms, priority gas events, priority safety events, and priority messages.

[0255] Clause 10. The article of manufacture of clause 8, wherein the assigned tag for identifying the location is programmed with information including one or more of location within the space, GPS location, equipment at the location, fuel sources at the location, known hazards at the location, typical gas concentrations at the location, environmental conditions at the location, recent gas events, recent human falls, recent alarms, and recent messages.

[0256] Clause 11. The article of manufacture of clause 8, wherein triggering further comprises applying a filter based on programmed information of the assigned tag.

[0257] Clause 12. The article of manufacture of clause 8, wherein the safety device is at least one of a multi-gas detection instrument and a gas detection instrument.

[0258] Clause 13. The article of manufacture of clause 8, wherein the safety device is at least one of a respirator, a harness, a lighting device, a fall arrest device, a heat detector, a flame detector, and a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) detector.

[0259] Clause 14. The manufactured product of clause 8, wherein the safety incident is a gas incident.

[0260] Clause 15. An industrial safety monitoring system comprises: a personal NFC tag assigned to a worker, wherein the tag assigned to the worker includes information about the worker's identity; a plurality of location NFC tags assigned to locations, each location tag placed in the location including information about the location where the location tag is placed; at least one portable environment sensing device that detects data about environmental parameters, the at least one portable environment sensing device being configured to (i) read the personal NFC tag and transmit information about the identity of the worker using the sensing device, and (ii) read at least one of the plurality of location NFC tags and transmit information about the location of the location tag read by the at least one portable environment sensing device; and at least one processor that communicates with the at least one portable environment sensing device and receives from the at least one portable environment sensing device (i) the detected data about the environmental parameters, (ii) the information about the identity of the worker using the at least one portable environment sensing device, and (iii) the information about the location of the location tag read by the at least one portable environment sensing device, wherein the at least one processor is programmed to determine the environmental parameters of the worker using the sensing device and the location of the determined environmental parameters.

[0261] Clause 16. The system of Clause 15, further comprising a memory in communication with the at least one portable environment sensing device that stores the sensed data and information in a portable environment sensing device data log.

[0262] Clause 17. The system of clause 15, further comprising a wireless transmitter that transmits the detected data and information to at least one of a cloud-based or another remote log and a second portable environment sensing device.

[0263] Clause 18. The system of clause 15, wherein the assigned tag used to identify the worker is programmed with information including one or more of name, size, weight, typical work position, job function, typical equipment used, pre-existing problems, known languages, priority alarms, priority gas events, priority safety events, and priority messages.

[0264] Clause 19. The system of clause 15, wherein the assigned tag for identifying the location is programmed with information including one or more of location within the space, GPS location, equipment at the location, fuel sources at the location, known hazards at the location, typical gas concentrations at the location, environmental conditions at the location, recent gas events, recent human falls, recent alarms, and recent messages.

[0265] Clause 20. The system of clause 15, wherein the at least one portable environmental sensing device is at least one of a multi-gas detection instrument, a gas detection instrument, a respirator, a harness, a lighting device, a fall protection device, a heat detector, a flame detector, and a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) detector.

[0266] Clause 21. A tangible article of manufacture having instructions stored thereon that, when executed, cause a machine to perform operations for tracking an operator and operator status using a security device, the operations comprising: programming a plurality of NFC tags with assignment information, wherein the assignment information is at least one of a location assignment of NFC tags placed at specific locations and an instrument operator assignment of tags assigned to security device operators; receiving the assignment information at the security device upon bringing an NFC radio unit of the security device into proximity with at least one of the plurality of NFC tags; and triggering activation of a function of the security device based on the temporary assignment information.

[0267] Clause 22. A tangible article of manufacture having instructions stored thereon that, when executed, cause a machine to perform operations for tracking an operator and operator status using a security device, the operations comprising: programming a plurality of NFC tags with assignment information, wherein the assignment information is at least one of a location assignment of NFC tags placed at specific locations and an instrument operator assignment of tags assigned to security device operators; receiving the assignment information at the security device upon bringing an NFC radio unit of the security device into proximity with at least one of the plurality of NFC tags; and triggering modification of a setting of the security device based on the temporary assignment information.

[0268] In some implementations, the following clauses may be described or described herein and as Figure 1 and Figure 14-15 shown.

[0269] Clause Set B Clause 1. A tangible article of manufacture having instructions stored thereon that, when executed, cause a machine to perform operations for tracking operators and operator status using a security device, the operations comprising: programming a plurality of NFC tags with assignment information, wherein the assignment information is at least one of a location assignment of NFC tags placed at specific locations and an instrument operator assignment of tags assigned to security device operators; receiving the assignment information at the security device upon bringing an NFC radio unit of the security device into proximity with at least one of the plurality of NFC tags; triggering one or more of an alarm and a message upon detection of a security event, wherein the triggered alarm or message is filtered by the temporary assignment information; and communicating the triggered alarm or message to at least one other security device in a mesh network for presentation on the second security device.

[0270] Clause 2. The article of manufacture of clause 1, wherein an assigned tag for identifying an individual is programmed with information including one or more of name, size, weight, typical work position, job function, typical instruments used, pre-existing problems, known languages, priority alarms, priority gas events, priority safety events, and priority messages.

[0271] Clause 3. The article of manufacture of clause 1, wherein the assigned tag for identifying the location is programmed with information including one or more of location within the space, GPS location, equipment at the location, fuel sources at the location, known hazards at the location, typical gas concentrations at the location, environmental conditions at the location, recent gas events, recent human falls, recent alarms, and recent messages.

[0272] Clause 4. The article of manufacture of clause 1, wherein triggering further comprises applying a filter based on programmed information of the assigned tag.

[0273] Clause 5. The article of manufacture of clause 1, wherein the safety device is at least one of a multi-gas detection instrument and a gas detection instrument.

[0274] Clause 6. The article of manufacture of clause 1, wherein the safety device is at least one of a respirator, a harness, a lighting device, a fall arrest device, a heat detector, a flame detector, and a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) detector.

[0275] Clause 7. The product of manufacture of clause 1, wherein the safety event is a gas event.

[0276] In some implementations, the following clauses may be described or described herein and as Figure 1 and Figure 14-15 shown.

[0277] Clause Set C Clause 1. A tangible article of manufacture having instructions stored thereon that, when executed, cause a machine to perform operations for tracking an operator and operator status using a security device, the operations comprising: programming a plurality of NFC tags with assignment information, wherein the assignment information is at least one of a location assignment of NFC tags placed at a particular location and an instrument operator assignment of tags assigned to security device operators; receiving the assignment information at the security device upon bringing an NFC radio unit of the security device into proximity with at least one of the plurality of NFC tags; triggering modification of a setting of the security device based on the temporary assignment information; and communicating the modified setting to at least one other security device in a mesh network for modification of the setting of the second security device.

[0278] In some implementations, the following clauses may be described or described herein and as Figure 1 shown.

[0279] Clause Set D Clause 1. An alert system includes a safety device (which includes a GPS system) and an interface configured to: transmit a location of the safety device to a remote server based on data from the GPS system; receive an alert message from the remote server in response to the remote server determining that the location of the safety device corresponds to a hazardous location, wherein the remote server determines the hazardous location based on conditions detected from one or more of the safety device, a second safety device in an area within a predefined distance from the safety device, an area monitor, and third-party data; and pass the alert message to one or more devices in a mesh network joined by the safety device.

[0280] Clause 2. The system of clause 1, wherein the interface is a component of the security device.

[0281] Clause 3. The system of clause 1, wherein the interface is a component of a network gateway.

[0282] Clause 4. The system of clause 1, wherein the interface is a component of a smartphone.

[0283] Clause 5. An alert system includes a safety device configured to read at least one of a plurality of location NFC tags containing information about a location at which the tags are placed and an interface configured to: transmit the location of the safety device to a remote server based on information from the location NFC tags; and receive alert information from the remote server in response to the remote server determining that the location of the safety device corresponds to a hazardous location, wherein the remote server determines the hazardous location based on conditions detected from one or more of the safety device, a second safety device in the location, an area monitor in the location, and third-party data associated with the location.

[0284] Clause 6. The system of clause 5, wherein the interface is a component of the security device.

[0285] Clause 7. The system of clause 5, wherein the interface is a component of a network gateway.

[0286] Clause 8. The system of clause 5, wherein the interface is a component of a smartphone.

[0287] Clause 9. The system of clause 5, wherein the interface is further configured to communicate the alarm information to one or more devices in the mesh network in which the security device is engaged.

[0288] In some implementations, the following clauses may be described or described herein and as Figure 1 shown.

[0289] Clause Set E Clause 1. A computer-implemented method for providing real-time location and gas exposure monitoring, the method comprising: receiving, by a computer processor, a first gas reading and a first location from a first device; receiving, by the computer processor, a second location from a second device; and transmitting one or more of an alarm and the gas reading to the second device when the second location is within a predetermined distance from the first location and the gas reading exceeds a threshold, wherein the second device forwards the alarm and / or the gas reading to at least one peer device in a mesh network joined by the second device.

[0290] Clause 2. A computer-implemented method for providing real-time location and gas exposure monitoring, the method comprising: receiving, by a computer processor, a first gas reading and a first location from a first device, wherein the first location is read by the first device from a location NFC tag in a location; receiving, by the computer processor, a second location from a second device; and transmitting, to the second device, one or more of an alert and the gas reading when the second location is within a predetermined distance from the first location and the gas reading exceeds a threshold.

[0291] Clause 3. The method of clause 2, wherein the second device forwards the alarm and / or the gas reading to at least one peer device in a mesh network joined by the second device.

[0292] In some implementations, the following clauses may be described or described herein and as Figure 1 shown.

[0293] Clause Set F Clause 1. A computer-implemented method for providing real-time location and gas exposure monitoring, the method comprising: receiving, by a computer processor, a first safety event and a first location from a first device; receiving, by the computer processor, a second location from a second device; and transmitting an alarm and the safety event to the second device when the second location is within a predetermined distance from the first location, wherein the second device forwards the alarm and / or gas reading to at least one peer device in a mesh network joined by the second device.

[0294] Clause 2. A computer-implemented method for providing real-time location and gas exposure monitoring, the method comprising: receiving, by a computer processor, a first security event and a first location from a first device, wherein the first location is read by the first device from a location NFC tag in a location; receiving, by the computer processor, a second location from a second device; and transmitting an alert and the security event to the second device when the second location is within a predetermined distance from the first location.

[0295] Clause 3. The method of clause 2, wherein the second device forwards the alarm and / or the gas reading to at least one peer device in a mesh network joined by the second device.

[0296] In some implementations, the following clauses may be described or described herein and as Figure 1 and Figure 3 shown.

[0297] Clause Set G Clause 1. A system includes: a plurality of portable environmental sensing devices in a workspace adapted to communicate with each other in a mesh network; and a communication facility to transmit data from at least one of the plurality of portable environmental sensing devices to a remote computer, the remote computer configured to monitor at least one of a hazardous condition and activation of a panic button in the workspace based on the data from at least one of the plurality of portable environmental sensing devices, wherein the remote computer is configured to receive an alarm associated with the hazardous condition or activation of the panic button from the at least one portable environmental sensing device and transmit instructions to any of the portable environmental sensing devices to be propagated throughout the mesh network.

[0298] Clause 2. The system of clause 1, wherein the instruction is a request to check the safety of a user of the at least one portable environment sensing device.

[0299] Clause 3. The system of clause 1, wherein the instruction is an evacuation instruction.

[0300] Clause 4. The system of clause 1, wherein the instruction is a risk mitigation instruction.

[0301] Clause 5. The system of clause 1, wherein the remote computer is further configured to display the location of the portable environment sensing device in a map of the workspace.

[0302] Clause 6. The system of clause 5, wherein the remote computer transmits the map for display on any of the portable environment sensing devices.

[0303] Clause 7. The system of clause 1, wherein the data is sensed gas data.

[0304] Clause 8. The system of clause 7, wherein the hazardous condition is based on the sensed gas data exceeding a threshold value.

[0305] Clause 9. The system of clause 7, wherein the remote computer is further configured to display the sensed gas data in a map of the workspace.

[0306] Clause 10. The system of clause 9, wherein the size of the representation of the gas data is proportional to the gas level.

[0307] Clause 11. The system of clause 1, wherein the remote computer is further configured to request an emergency response at a location of the at least one portable environment sensing device.

[0308] In some implementations, the following clauses may be described or described herein and as Figure 1 shown.

[0309] Term Set H Clause 1. A system for providing an ad hoc mesh network of eyewash stations comprising: sensors disposed within the eyewash stations to monitor conditions, the sensors adapted to communicate with nodes in the mesh network; and digital signs adapted to receive data related to the conditions from the sensors via the mesh network for presentation.

[0310] Clause 2. A system for providing an ad hoc mesh network of eyewash stations comprising: a sensor disposed within the eyewash station to monitor a condition, the sensor adapted to communicate with a node in the mesh network; and a device in the mesh network configured to receive communications from the sensor related to the condition and to generate an alarm based on the condition satisfying a threshold or standard.

[0311] Clause 3. The system of clause 2, further comprising a digital sign in the mesh network, wherein the digital sign is adapted to receive an alert from a device via the mesh network for presentation.

[0312] Clause 4. The system of clause 2, wherein the devices in the mesh network are further configured to obtain one or more of worker biometric data and regional environmental data.

[0313] Clause 5. The system of clause 2, wherein the devices in the mesh network are further configured to transmit the alarm to the remote computer.

[0314] Clause 6. The system of clause 2, wherein the devices in the mesh network are further configured to obtain an inventory of potential hazards from NFC tags in an area near the eyewash station upon bringing an NFC radio unit of the device into proximity with the NFC tag.

[0315] Clause 7. The system of clause 6, wherein the secondary alert is generated based on at least one item in the inventory.

[0316] In some implementations, the following clauses may be described or described herein and as Fig.16 shown.

[0317] Article Set I Clause 1. A method of sensing a root cause or symptom of a death or injury of a worker on a worksite comprises: obtaining sensor data from one or more body-worn sensors attached to the worker's body, wherein the sensor data relates to one or more physiological and behavioral effects of a root cause of the death or injury of the worker; analyzing the sensor data to identify a safety issue; and modifying an authorization level of the worker when the analyzed sensor data identifies the presence of a safety issue, wherein the authorization level is stored on a device of the worker.

[0318] Clause 2. A method of sensing a root cause or symptom of a death or injury of a worker on a worksite comprises: obtaining sensor data from one or more body-worn sensors attached to the worker's body, wherein the sensor data relates to one or more physiological and behavioral effects of a root cause of the death or injury of the worker; analyzing the sensor data to identify a safety issue; and when the analyzed sensor data identifies the presence of a safety issue, communicating the safety issue to a safety device of the worker for presentation on the safety device.

[0319] Clause 3. The method of clause 2, further comprising communicating the security question to a second security device of a second worker for presentation, wherein the security device and the second security device are peers in the mesh network.

[0320] Clause 4. A method of sensing a root cause or symptom of a death or injury of a worker on a worksite comprises: obtaining sensor data from one or more body-worn sensors attached to the worker's body, wherein the sensor data relates to one or more physiological and behavioral effects of a root cause of the death or injury of the worker; analyzing the sensor data to identify a safety issue; and transmitting a request to a safety device of a second worker to report to the worker when the analyzed sensor data identifies the presence of a safety issue.

[0321] In some implementations, the following clauses may be described or described herein and as Figure 1-13 shown.

[0322] Clause Set J Clause 1. A system for providing a low power ad hoc mesh network for a remote work location comprises: a plurality of network devices including one or more worker monitoring devices and one or more area monitoring devices, wherein the network devices monitor at least one of peer alarms, worker biometric data, or area environmental data; and network devices adapted to communicate with each other in the mesh network without a central network controller; wherein a first network device of the plurality of network devices transmits the peer alarms, the worker biometric data, or the area environmental data to a second network device of the plurality of network devices for presentation on the second network device.

[0323] In some implementations, the following clauses may be described or described herein and as Figure 1-13 shown.

[0324] Term Set K Clause 1. A system comprises: a plurality of network devices, including one or more worker monitoring devices and one or more zone monitoring devices, wherein the network devices monitor at least one of peer alarms, worker biometric data, or zone environmental data; network devices adapted to communicate with each other in a mesh network without a central network controller; and a network gateway, wherein the plurality of network devices transmit the peer alarms, worker biometric data, or zone environmental data to a remote computer via the gateway.

[0325] Clause 2. A system comprises: a plurality of network devices, including one or more staff monitoring devices and one or more zone monitoring devices, wherein the network devices monitor at least one of peer alarms, staff biometric data, or zone environmental data; network devices adapted to communicate with each other in a mesh network without a central network controller; and a device interface of a remote networked device, wherein the plurality of network devices transmit the peer alarms, staff biometric data, or zone environmental data to the remote networked device, and the remote networked device is configured to further transmit the peer alarms, staff biometric data, or zone environmental data to a remote computer.

[0326] In some implementations, the following clauses may be described or described herein and as Fig.16 shown.

[0327] Clause set L Clause 1. A method of sensing a root cause or symptom of a death or injury of a worker on a worksite comprises: obtaining sensor data from one or more body-worn sensors attached to the worker's body, wherein the sensor data relates to one or more physiological and behavioral effects of the root cause of the death or injury of the worker; analyzing the sensor data to identify a safety issue; and providing an alert to the worker or a third party when the analyzed sensor data identifies the presence of a safety issue.

[0328] Clause 2. The method of clause 1, wherein the alert is transmitted from the one or more body worn sensors to the remote location via a network connection.

[0329] Clause 3. The method of clause 1, wherein the alert is transmitted directly from the one or more body worn sensors to one or more workers located at the worksite.

[0330] Clause 4. The method of clause 1, wherein the step of analyzing the sensor data is performed within the body-worn sensor.

[0331] Clause 5. The method of clause 1, wherein the sensor data is transmitted from the body worn sensor to a remote location via a wireless network for analysis of the sensor data.

[0332] Clause 6. The method of clause 5, wherein the remote location communicates with the body worn sensor to notify a worker wearing the body worn sensor when the analyzed sensor data identifies the presence of a safety issue.

[0333] Clause 7. The method of clause 5, wherein the remote location communicates with a third party at the worksite to notify the third party that the analyzed sensor data indicates the presence of a safety issue associated with the worker wearing the body worn sensor.

[0334] Clause 8. The method of clause 1, wherein the physiological effect comprises an effect on at least one of ECG, heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, skin temperature, posture, activity, accelerometery, blood pressure, pulse, body odor, blood alcohol content, blood glucose level, and oxygen saturation.

[0335] Clause 9. The method of clause 1, wherein the behavioral impact includes an impact on at least one of gait, walking pattern, posture, eye movement, pupil size, motion pattern, noise, and removal of the sensor from the person before a specified time.

[0336] Clause 10. The method of clause 1, wherein the body-worn sensor comprises one or more of a heart rate sensor, a blood pressure sensor, a gait detection sensor, an olfactory sensor, a galvanic skin response sensor, a proximity sensor, an accelerometer, an eye tracking sensor, an image sensor, a microphone, an infrared sensor, a gas sensor, a capacitive sensor, a fingerprint sensor, a networking signal detector, and a location detector.

[0337] Clause 11. The method of clause 1, further comprising the steps of storing the sensor data and comparing the current sensor data to the stored sensor data to determine a variance indicative of a safety issue.

[0338] Clause 12. The method of clause 1, further comprising the step of representative sensor data from a plurality of workers and comparing the worker's current sensor data to the stored sensor data for the plurality of workers to determine a variance indicative of a safety issue.

[0339] Clause 13. The method of clause 12, further comprising the step of preventing the staff member from accessing the system after identifying the security issue.

[0340] Clause 14. The method of clause 12, further comprising the step of recommending behavioral changes to personnel to avoid safety issues.

[0341] In some implementations, the following clauses may be described or described herein and as Figure 1-13 and Fig.16 shown.

[0342] Term Set M Clause 1. A system for providing a low power ad hoc mesh network for a remote work location comprises: a plurality of network devices including one or more sensing devices and one or more area monitoring devices, wherein the network devices monitor at least one of peer alarms, worker biometric data, or area environmental data; network devices adapted to communicate with each other in the mesh network without a central network controller; wherein a first network device of the plurality of network devices transmits the peer alarms, worker biometric data, or area environmental data to a second network device of the plurality of network devices for presentation on the second network device.

[0343] In some implementations, the following clauses may be described or described herein and as Figure 8-10 shown.

[0344] Clause Set N Clause 1. A network for connecting a plurality of network nodes comprising: a leader node; and a plurality of follower nodes, wherein the leader node transmits a synchronization message indicating the start of a network interval to the plurality of follower nodes, wherein the leader node and the plurality of follower nodes transmit information during a transmission period of the network interval and do not transmit information during a sleep period of the network interval, the leader node and the plurality of follower nodes use less power during the sleep period than during the transmission period, and the plurality of follower nodes each include a timer, the timer being adapted to time the transmission period and the sleep period of a plurality of future network intervals without continuously receiving the synchronization message from the leader node during a plurality of future network intervals.

[0345] Clause 2. The wireless mesh network of clause 1, wherein when any one of the plurality of follower nodes receives the synchronization message, the follower node transmits a message advertising one or more properties of the leader node during a predetermined period of the network interval.

[0346] Clause 3. The wireless mesh network of Clause 2, wherein the one or more properties of the lead node include at least one of a channel hopping sequence and a total number of network nodes on the network.

[0347] Clause 4. The wireless mesh network of clause 1, wherein when any of the plurality of follower nodes is unable to receive a synchronization message from the leader node, the follower node refrains from transmitting messages announcing properties of the leader node during a network interval.

[0348] Clause 5. The wireless mesh network of clause 1, wherein the follower nodes each include a counter for tracking receipt of synchronization messages from the leader.

[0349] Clause 6. The wireless mesh network of clause 5, wherein the counter is incremented when a synchronization message is received and decremented when a synchronization message is not received.

[0350] Clause 7. The wireless mesh network of Clause 6, wherein when a counter of any one of the follower nodes reaches a predetermined value, the follower node initiates a process of finding a new leader node.

[0351] Clause 8. The wireless mesh network of clause 1, wherein when the timer is also adapted to time expected receipt of a future synchronization message for a future network interval, and when actual receipt of the future synchronization message deviates from the expected receipt of the future synchronization message by a predetermined amount of time for a predetermined number of network intervals, the follower node adjusts the timer to more closely correspond to the actual receipt of the future synchronization message.

[0352] Clause 9. The wireless mesh network of clause 1, wherein the synchronization message includes data indicating a number of network nodes in the network.

[0353] Clause 10. The wireless mesh network of clause 9, wherein the length of the transmission period is determined by the number of network nodes in the network.

[0354] Clause 11. The wireless mesh network of clause 1, wherein the network nodes are environment sensing devices.

[0355] Clause 12. The wireless mesh network of clause 11, wherein the information is assigned by reading an NFC tag.

[0356] Clause 13. The wireless mesh network of clause 11, wherein the information relates to a concentration of a gas.

[0357] Clause 14. The wireless mesh network of clause 11, wherein the information relates to an environmental attribute.

[0358] Clause 15. The wireless mesh network of clause 2, wherein the network nodes are environment sensing devices, and the one or more properties are assigned by reading an NFC tag.

[0359] In some implementations, the following clauses may be described or described herein and as Figure 8-10 shown.

[0360] Clause Set O Clause 1. A network for connecting a plurality of network nodes comprising: a leader node; and a plurality of follower nodes, wherein the leader node transmits a synchronization message indicating the start of a network interval to the plurality of follower nodes, wherein the leader node and the plurality of follower nodes transmit information during a transmission period and do not transmit information during a sleep period of the network interval, and during a predetermined time of the transmission period of the network interval, each of the follower nodes that receives the synchronization message transmits a message announcing one or more properties of the leader node.

[0361] Clause 2. The wireless mesh network of Clause 1, wherein the one or more properties of the lead node include at least one of a channel hopping sequence and a total number of network nodes on the network.

[0362] Clause 3. The wireless mesh network of clause 1, wherein when any of the plurality of follower nodes is unable to receive a synchronization message from the leader node, the follower node refrains from transmitting messages announcing properties of the leader node during a network interval.

[0363] Clause 4. The wireless mesh network of clause 1, wherein the message announcing the nature of the leader node is broadcast on a predetermined subset of the channels.

[0364] Clause 5. The wireless mesh network of clause 4, wherein a new follower node attempting to join the network listens to a predetermined subset of the channels to receive messages advertising at least one property of the leader node to learn the at least one property of the leader node to facilitate the new follower node joining the network.

[0365] Clause 6. The wireless mesh network of clause 5, wherein the at least one property includes a total number of network nodes already on the network, and new follower nodes will be prevented from attempting to join the network if the total number of network nodes exceeds a predetermined value.

[0366] Clause 7. The wireless mesh network of clause 1, wherein after a predetermined interval, the leader node refrains from sending synchronization messages for at least one network interval and enters a sleep cycle and listens for messages announcing at least one property of a different leader node.

[0367] Clause 8. The wireless mesh network of clause 7, wherein the lead node is a gas sensor.

[0368] Clause 9. The wireless mesh network of clause 7, wherein if the lead node receives a message advertising at least one property of a different lead node, the lead node begins a process of ceasing to function as a leader node and begins functioning as a follower node of the different leader node.

[0369] Clause 10. The wireless mesh network of clause 7, wherein the leader node continues to function as a leader node if the leader node does not receive a message announcing at least one property of another leader node.

[0370] Clause 11. The wireless mesh network of clause 1, wherein the lead node and the plurality of follower nodes use less power during sleep periods than during transmit periods, and the plurality of follower nodes each include a timer adapted to time transmit periods and sleep periods for a plurality of future network intervals in the absence of continued receipt of synchronization messages from the lead node during the plurality of future network intervals.

[0371] Clause 12. The wireless mesh network of clause 1, wherein when a follower node transmits a message advertising one or more properties of a leader node, the message is transmitted using a single hop such that a node receiving the message does not retransmit the message.

[0372] Clause 13. A method of operating a wireless mesh network, comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of nodes, wherein each node is operable to function as a leader node or a follower node, wherein one node functions to identify itself as a leader node and one or more other nodes operate as follower nodes; the leader node transmits a synchronization message to the follower nodes indicating the start of a network interval, the leader node and the follower nodes transmit information during a transmission period and do not transmit information during a sleep period of the network interval, and during a predetermined time of the transmission period of the network interval, the follower nodes that receive the synchronization message transmit a message announcing one or more properties of the leader node.

[0373] Clause 14. The method of clause 13, wherein the one or more properties of the lead node include at least one of a channel hopping sequence and a total number of network nodes on the network.

[0374] Clause 15. The method of clause 13, wherein when any of the plurality of follower nodes is unable to receive a synchronization message from the leader node, the follower node refrains from transmitting messages announcing properties of the leader node during the network interval.

[0375] Clause 16. The method of clause 13, wherein the message announcing the nature of the leader node is broadcast on a predetermined subset of the channels.

[0376] Clause 17. The method of clause 16, wherein a new follower node attempting to join the network listens to a predetermined subset of the channels to receive messages advertising at least one property of the leader node so as to learn the at least one property of the leader node to facilitate the new follower node joining the network.

[0377] Clause 18. The method of clause 17, wherein the at least one property includes a total number of network nodes already on the network, and a new follower node will be prevented from attempting to join the network if the total number of network nodes exceeds a predetermined value.

[0378] Clause 19. The method of clause 13, wherein after a predetermined interval, the leader node refrains from sending synchronization messages for at least one network interval and enters a sleep cycle and listens for messages announcing at least one property of a different leader node.

[0379] Clause 20. The method of clause 19, wherein the lead node is a gas sensor.

[0380] Clause 21. The method of clause 19, wherein if the leader node receives a message advertising at least one property of a different leader node, the leader node begins a process of ceasing to function as a leader node and begins functioning as a follower node of the different leader node.

[0381] Clause 22. The method of clause 19, wherein the leader node continues to function as a leader node if the leader node does not receive a message advertising at least one property of another leader node.

[0382] Clause 23. The method of clause 13, wherein the lead node and the plurality of follower nodes use less power during sleep periods than during transmit periods, and the plurality of follower nodes each include a timer adapted to time transmit periods and sleep periods for a plurality of future network intervals in the absence of continued receipt of synchronization messages from the lead node during the plurality of future network intervals.

[0383] Clause 24. The method of clause 13, wherein when the follower node transmits a message advertising one or more properties of the leader node, the message is transmitted using a single hop such that a node receiving the message does not retransmit the message.

[0384] Clause 25. A network for connecting a plurality of network nodes comprising: a first leader node; and a plurality of follower nodes, wherein the first leader node transmits a synchronization message indicating the start of a network interval to the plurality of follower nodes, wherein the plurality of follower nodes transmit information during a transmission period and do not transmit information during a sleep period of the network interval, and during a predetermined time of the transmission period of the network interval, each of the follower nodes that receives the synchronization message transmits a message announcing one or more properties of the first leader node; and during the transmission period, the first leader node listens for information announcing one or more properties of a second leader node.

[0385] Clause 26. The wireless mesh network of clause 25, wherein the message announcing the nature of the second leader node is transmitted on a predetermined channel.

[0386] Clause 27. The wireless mesh network of clause 26, wherein the first leader node listens to a predetermined channel.

[0387] Clause 28. The wireless mesh network of Clause 26, wherein the message announcing the nature of the second lead node is also transmitted on the second predetermined channel.

[0388] Clause 29. The wireless mesh network of clause 28, wherein the first lead node further listens to a second predetermined channel.

[0389] Clause 30. The wireless mesh network of clause 25, wherein the first leader node listens for a time period greater than a length of the network interval.

[0390] Clause 31. The wireless mesh network of clause 25, wherein when the first lead node receives information advertising one or more properties of the second lead node, the first lead node ceases to function as a leader node and is adapted to begin a sequence of engaging the second lead node as a follower node.

[0391] Clause 32. The wireless mesh network of clause 31, wherein the plurality of follower nodes are adapted to detect an absence of the first leader node and begin a sequence of joining a new leader node.

[0392] Clause 33. The wireless mesh network of clause 25, wherein the lead node and the plurality of follower nodes use less power during sleep periods than during transmit periods, and the plurality of follower nodes each include a timer adapted to time transmit periods and sleep periods for a plurality of future network intervals in the absence of continued receipt of synchronization messages from the lead node during the plurality of future network intervals.

[0393] Clause 34. The wireless mesh network of clause 1, wherein the network nodes are environment sensing devices.

[0394] Clause 35. The wireless mesh network of clause 34, wherein the information is assigned by reading an NFC tag.

[0395] Clause 36. The wireless mesh network of clause 34, wherein the information relates to a concentration of a gas.

[0396] Clause 37. The wireless mesh network of clause 34, wherein the information relates to an environmental attribute.

[0397] Clause 38. The wireless mesh network of clause 34, wherein the one or more properties are assigned by reading an NFC tag.

[0398] In some implementations, the following clauses may be described or described herein and as Figure 8-10 shown.

[0399] Clause Set P Clause 1. A network for connecting a plurality of network nodes comprising: a leader node; and a plurality of follower nodes, wherein the leader node transmits a synchronization message indicating the start of a network interval to the plurality of follower nodes, the plurality of follower nodes each comprising a counter for tracking receipt of synchronization messages received from the leader node, and the counter increments when a synchronization message is received and decrements when no synchronization message is received, wherein any one of the plurality of follower nodes will begin a process of selecting a new leader node when the counter is decremented to a predetermined value.

[0400] Clause 2. The wireless mesh network of clause 1, wherein the leader node and the plurality of follower nodes transmit information during a transmission period and do not transmit information during a sleep period of a network interval.

[0401] Clause 3. The wireless mesh network of clause 1, wherein a follower node whose counter has been decremented to a predetermined value transmits a first appointment message to start a process of selecting a new leader node.

[0402] Clause 4. The wireless mesh network of clause 3, wherein the first appointment message is transmitted on a predetermined channel.

[0403] Clause 5. The wireless mesh network of Clause 4, wherein the first appointment message is also transmitted on a second predetermined channel.

[0404] Clause 6. The wireless mesh network of clause 4, wherein the first appointment message includes data related to suitability of the follower node sending the first appointment message to act as a leader node.

[0405] Clause 7. The wireless mesh network of clause 6, wherein the data is calculated from the strength and reliability of signals received from other network nodes on the network.

[0406] Clause 8. The wireless mesh network of clause 6, wherein the data is calculated by utilizing at least one of an instrument type, a battery charge state, and a past signal quality of the follower node.

[0407] Clause 9. The wireless mesh network of clause 6, wherein the first appointment message and the data are received by the other network nodes and the data are compared by the receiving network node with data relating to the suitability of the receiving network node to act as a lead node, wherein the receiving network node responds with either a reply appointment message (with data indicating a higher suitability to act as a lead node) or a relinquish message (when the receiving network node does not have a higher suitability to act as a lead node).

[0408] Clause 10. The wireless mesh network of clause 9, wherein when the follower node that sent the first appoint message receives only abort messages, that follower node assumes the role of the leader node and advertises at least one property of itself to cause other network nodes to become follower nodes.

[0409] Clause 11. The wireless mesh network of clause 9, wherein when a follower node that sent the first appointment message receives an appointment message with data indicating a higher suitability to act as the lead node, the follower node sends a relinquish message.

[0410] Clause 12. The wireless mesh network of clause 11, wherein the abandon message is transmitted on a predetermined channel.

[0411] Clause 13. The wireless mesh network of clause 12, wherein the abandon message is also transmitted on a second predetermined channel.

[0412] Clause 14. A network for connecting a plurality of network nodes comprising: a leader node; and a plurality of follower nodes, wherein the leader node transmits synchronization messages to the plurality of follower nodes indicating the start of consecutive network intervals, wherein upon non-receipt of a predetermined number of synchronization messages by a follower node, that follower node initiates a process of selecting a new leader node by sending a first appointment message containing data relating to the suitability of the follower node to act as the leader node.

[0413] Clause 15. The wireless mesh network of clause 14, wherein each of the plurality of follower nodes includes a counter for tracking receipt of synchronization messages received from the leader node, and the counter is incremented when a synchronization message is received and decremented when a synchronization message is not received, wherein any one of the plurality of follower nodes will begin the process of selecting a new leader node when the counter is decremented to a predetermined value.

[0414] Clause 16. The wireless mesh network of clause 14, wherein the first appointment message is transmitted on a predetermined channel.

[0415] Clause 17. The wireless mesh network of Clause 16, wherein the first appointment message is also transmitted on a second predetermined channel.

[0416] Clause 18. The wireless mesh network of clause 14, wherein the data is calculated from the strength and reliability of signals received from other network nodes on the network.

[0417] Clause 19. The wireless mesh network of clause 14, wherein the data is calculated by utilizing at least one of an instrument type, a battery charge state, and a past signal quality of the follower node.

[0418] Clause 20. The wireless mesh network of clause 14, wherein the first appointment message and the data are received by the other network nodes and the data are compared by the receiving network node with data relating to the suitability of the receiving network node to act as a lead node, wherein the receiving network node responds with either a reply appointment message (with data indicating a higher suitability to act as a lead node) or a relinquish message (when the receiving network node does not have a higher suitability to act as a lead node).

[0419] Clause 21. The wireless mesh network of clause 20, wherein when the follower node that sent the first appoint message receives only abort messages, that follower node assumes the role of the leader node and advertises at least one property of itself to cause other network nodes to become follower nodes.

[0420] Clause 22. The wireless mesh network of clause 20, wherein when a follower node that sent the first appointment message receives an appointment message with data indicating a higher suitability to act as the lead node, the follower node sends a relinquish message.

[0421] Clause 23. The wireless mesh network of clause 22, wherein the abandon message is transmitted on a predetermined channel.

[0422] Clause 24. The wireless mesh network of clause 23, wherein the abandon message is also transmitted on a second predetermined channel.

[0423] Clause 25. The wireless mesh network of clause 1, wherein the network nodes are environment sensing devices.

[0424] Clause 26. The wireless mesh network of clause 2, wherein the information is assigned to the node by reading the NFC tag.

[0425] Clause 27. The wireless mesh network of clause 2, wherein the information relates to a concentration of a gas.

[0426] Clause 28. The wireless mesh network of clause 2, wherein the information relates to an environmental attribute.

[0427] Clause 29. The wireless mesh network of clause 14, wherein the network nodes are environment sensing devices.

[0428] In some implementations, the following clauses may be described or described herein and as Figure 8-10 shown.

[0429] Term Set Q Clause 1. A method of providing information related to a lead node to a plurality of follower nodes in a wireless mesh communication network comprises: designating a lead node; designating a plurality of follower nodes; designating one or more predetermined frequency ranges as common channels; transmitting, from the lead node and during a plurality of network intervals having a predetermined time length, a synchronization message to the plurality of follower nodes at the beginning of each network interval; and during each network interval in which a synchronization message is received by any one of the follower nodes, transmitting, after receipt of the synchronization message, on at least one common channel a message announcing at least one property of the lead node from any one of the plurality of follower nodes that received the synchronization message.

[0430] Clause 2. The method of clause 1, wherein the leader node further transmits a message announcing at least one property of the leader node in any network interval in which synchronization messages are transmitted.

[0431] Clause 3. The method of clause 1 further includes: providing a new follower node that is not yet configured to receive synchronization messages; monitoring, by the new follower node, the common channel until at least one property of the leader node is broadcast; and configuring the new follower node to communicate with the leader node in the next network cycle to join the network based on the at least one property.

[0432] Clause 4. The method of clause 1, wherein the at least one property of the lead node comprises at least one of a frequency hopping parameter and a total number of lead and follower nodes on the network.

[0433] Clause 5. The method of clause 1, wherein the at least one property of the lead node comprises frequency hopping parameters including a multiplier, an intercept, and a seed of a linear congruential generator.

[0434] Clause 6. The method of clause 5, wherein the frequency hopping parameters further include a channel mask parameter that defines a predetermined channel as either used or unused.

[0435] Clause 7. The method of clause 5, wherein the frequency hopping parameter further comprises a time length of a network interval.

[0436] Clause 8. The method of clause 1, wherein the at least one property of the leader node comprises a total number of leader and follower nodes on the network, and wherein new follower nodes will not attempt to join the network if the total number exceeds a predetermined value.

[0437] Clause 9. The method of clause 1, wherein the leader node and the follower nodes are environment sensing devices.

[0438] In some implementations, the following clauses may be described or described herein and as Figure 8-10 shown.

[0439] Term Set R Clause 1. A method for adding a new device to a mesh wireless network comprises: providing a mesh wireless network including a lead node and a plurality of follower nodes; designating at least one predetermined frequency range as a common channel; transmitting information on the common channel announcing at least one property of the lead node; listening, by the new device of the mesh wireless network, to the transmitted information on the common channel announcing at least one property of the lead node; configuring the new device to follow the lead device using the at least one announced property describing the lead node; receiving, by the new device of the mesh wireless network, a synchronization message transmitted from the lead node; and requesting the lead node to join the mesh wireless network.

[0440] Clause 2. The method of clause 1, wherein the step of transmitting on the common channel information announcing at least one property of the leader node is performed by receipt of at least one responsive synchronization message by the follower node.

[0441] Clause 3. The method of clause 1, wherein the step of transmitting on the common channel information announcing at least one property of the leader node is performed by the leader node after transmission of the synchronization message.

[0442] Clause 4. The method of clause 1, wherein the at least one property of the lead node comprises at least one of a frequency hopping parameter and a total number of lead and follower nodes on the network.

[0443] Clause 5. The method of clause 1, wherein the at least one property of the lead node comprises frequency hopping parameters including a multiplier, an intercept, and a seed of a linear congruential generator.

[0444] Clause 6. The method of clause 5, wherein the frequency hopping parameters further include a channel mask parameter that defines a predetermined channel as either used or unused.

[0445] Clause 7. The method of clause 5, wherein the frequency hopping parameter further comprises a time length of a network interval.

[0446] Clause 8. The method of clause 1, wherein the at least one property of the leader node comprises a total number of leader and follower nodes on the network, and wherein new follower nodes will not attempt to join the network if the total number exceeds a predetermined value.

[0447] Clause 9. A method of joining a follower node to a leader node in a wireless mesh communication network comprises: designating a leader node; designating a plurality of follower nodes; designating one or more predetermined frequency ranges as common channels; transmitting a synchronization message from the leader node and during a plurality of network intervals having a predetermined time length to the plurality of follower nodes at the beginning of each network interval; during each network interval in which the synchronization message is received by any of the follower nodes, transmitting a message announcing at least one property of the leader node on at least one common channel from any of the plurality of follower nodes receiving the synchronization message after receipt of the synchronization message; providing a new follower node that has not yet been configured to receive the synchronization message; listening to the common channel by the new follower node until at least one property of the leader node is broadcast and received by the new follower node; and, from the at least one property, causing the new follower node to configure itself to communicate with the leader node in the next network cycle to join the network.

[0448] Clause 10. The method of clause 9 further comprises: providing a new follower node that is not yet configured to receive synchronization messages; monitoring, by the new follower node, the common channel until at least one property of the leader node is broadcast; and configuring the new follower node to communicate with the leader node in the next network cycle to join the network based on the at least one property.

[0449] Clause 11. The method of clause 9, wherein the at least one property of the lead node comprises at least one of a frequency hopping parameter and a total number of lead and follower nodes on the network.

[0450] Clause 12. The method of clause 9, wherein the at least one property of the lead node comprises frequency hopping parameters including a multiplier, an intercept, and a seed of a linear congruential generator.

[0451] Clause 13. The method of clause 12, wherein the frequency hopping parameters further include a channel mask parameter that defines a predetermined channel as either used or unused.

[0452] Clause 14. The method of clause 12, wherein the frequency hopping parameters further include a time length of a network interval.

[0453] Clause 15. The method of clause 9, wherein the at least one property of the leader node comprises a total number of leader and follower nodes on the network, and wherein new follower nodes will not attempt to join the network if the total number exceeds a predetermined value.

[0454] Clause 16. The method of clause 1, wherein the lead node is an environment sensing device.

[0455] Clause 17. The method of clause 1, wherein the device is an environment sensing device.

[0456] Clause 18. The method of clause 9, wherein the leader node and the follower nodes are environment sensing devices.

[0457] In some implementations, the following clauses may be described or described herein and as Figure 8-10 shown.

[0458] Clause Set S Clause 1. A network for connecting a plurality of network nodes comprising: a leader node; and a plurality of follower nodes, wherein the leader node transmits a synchronization message indicating the start of a network interval to the plurality of follower nodes, wherein the synchronization message includes data indicating the number of network nodes in the network, the leader node and the plurality of follower nodes transmit information during a transmission period of the network interval and do not transmit information during a sleep period of the network interval, wherein the network interval has a fixed time length, the transmission period has a variable time length based on the number of network nodes in the network, and the sleep period includes a remaining time of the network interval after the transmission period.

[0459] Clause 2. The network of clause 1, wherein the transmission time is divided between a first transmission time for transmitting high priority data and a second transmission time for lower priority data.

[0460] Clause 3. The network of clause 2, wherein the first transmission time and the second transmission time are equal length time periods.

[0461] Clause 4. The network of clause 1, wherein the lead node and the plurality of follower nodes use less power during sleep periods than during transmit periods, and the plurality of follower nodes each include a timer adapted to time transmit periods and sleep periods for a plurality of future network intervals in the absence of continued receipt of synchronization messages from the lead node during the plurality of future network intervals.

[0462] Clause 5. The wireless mesh network of clause 1, wherein when any one of the plurality of follower nodes receives the synchronization message, the follower node transmits a message advertising one or more properties of the leader node during a predetermined period of the network interval.

[0463] Clause 6. The wireless mesh network of Clause 4, wherein the one or more properties of the lead node include at least one of a channel hopping sequence and a total number of network nodes on the network.

[0464] Clause 7. The wireless mesh network of clause 3, wherein when the timer is also adapted to time expected receipt of a future synchronization message for a future network interval, and when actual receipt of the future synchronization message deviates from the expected receipt of the future synchronization message by a predetermined amount of time for a predetermined number of network intervals, the follower node adjusts the timer to more closely correspond to actual receipt of the future synchronization message.

[0465] Clause 8. The network of clause 1, wherein the network nodes are environment sensing devices.

[0466] Clause 9. The network of clause 1, wherein the information is assigned to the node by reading an NFC tag.

[0467] Clause 10. The network of clause 1, wherein the information relates to concentration of a gas.

[0468] Clause 11. The network of clause 1, wherein the information relates to an attribute of the environment.

[0469] In some implementations, the following clauses may be described or described herein and as Figure 8-10 shown.

[0470] Term Set T Clause 1. A network for connecting a plurality of network nodes comprising: a leader node; and a plurality of follower nodes, wherein the leader node transmits to the plurality of follower nodes a plurality of consecutive synchronization messages indicating the start of consecutive network intervals, wherein the leader node and the plurality of follower nodes transmit information during a transmission period of each network interval, the leader node changes a channel of the synchronization message in a subsequent network interval in accordance with a channel change schedule, the plurality of follower nodes change channels in accordance with the same channel change schedule to receive the synchronization messages of consecutive network intervals, and the leader node does not change a channel of transmission during a transmission period of the network interval.

[0471] Clause 2. The network of clause 1, wherein the channel change schedule changes the channel for each consecutive network interval.

[0472] Clause 3. The network of clause 1, wherein the channel change schedule changes the channel after a plurality of network intervals.

[0473] Clause 4. The network of clause 1, wherein the channel change schedule is changed according to a linear congruential generator.

[0474] Clause 5. The network of clause 1, wherein when any one of the plurality of follower nodes receives the synchronization message, the follower node transmits a message announcing one or more properties of the channel change schedule.

[0475] Clause 6. The network of clause 5, wherein the channel change schedule is changed according to a linear congruential generator.

[0476] Clause 7. The network of clause 6, wherein the one or more properties of the channel change plan include a seed, a multiplier, and an intercept of a linear congruential generator.

[0477] Clause 8. The network of clause 7, wherein the channel change schedule further indicates channels for which broadcast synchronization messages are unavailable.

[0478] Clause 9. The network of clause 7, wherein the channel change schedule further indicates channels on which broadcast synchronization messages are available.

[0479] Clause 10. The network of clause 1, wherein the network nodes are environment sensing devices.

[0480] Clause 11. The network of clause 1, wherein the information is assigned to the node by reading an NFC tag.

[0481] Clause 12. The network of clause 1, wherein the information relates to concentration of a gas.

[0482] Clause 13. The network of clause 1, wherein the information relates to an attribute of the environment.

[0483] In some implementations, the following clauses may be described or described herein and as Figure 5 shown.

[0484] Term Set U Clause 1. A static memory device comprises: an instrument including at least one of an environmental sensing device, a hazard detection device, and an industrial safety device, the instrument operating in a first sleep cycle, wherein the instrument generates data associated with the instrument type; a wireless radio unit for sending and receiving information on a wireless mesh network, the radio unit operating in a second cycle (which is different from the first sleep cycle in at least one aspect of period and phase); and a shared memory operatively connected to the instrument and the radio unit, the shared memory comprising a static message memory containing static messages associated with the instrument; an outgoing memory portion that receives outgoing information from the instrument and transmits the outgoing information to the radio unit for transmission on the wireless mesh network, an incoming memory portion that receives incoming information from the radio unit and transmits the incoming information to the instrument, the shared memory also comprising request and grant lines for the radio unit and the instrument to allow the radio unit and the instrument to request and grant data to the incoming memory or the outgoing memory, wherein the shared memory is adapted to not allow the radio unit and the instrument to generate grant lines and grant data to the incoming or outgoing memory at the same time.

[0485] Clause 2. The apparatus of clause 1, further comprising a radio internal buffer for providing additional memory space to the radio unit.

[0486] Clause 3. The apparatus of clause 1, wherein the first and second sleep cycles differ in period and phase.

[0487] Clause 4. The apparatus of clause 1, wherein the shared memory further comprises an emergency line that provides an indicator to the instrument or radio unit that information in the outgoing or incoming memory portion should be accessed immediately.

[0488] Clause 5. The network of clause 1, wherein the information is assigned to the node by reading an NFC tag.

[0489] Clause 6. The network of clause 1, wherein the information relates to concentration of a gas.

[0490] Clause 7. The network of clause 1, wherein the information relates to an attribute of the environment.

[0491] Clause 8. A network for connecting a plurality of network nodes comprises: a static memory device including: an instrument including at least one of an environmental sensing device, a hazard detection device, and an industrial safety device, the instrument operating in a first sleep cycle, wherein the instrument generates data associated with the instrument type; a wireless radio unit for sending and receiving information on a wireless mesh network, the radio unit operating in a second sleep cycle (which differs from the first sleep cycle in at least one aspect of period and phase); and a shared memory operatively connected to the instrument and the radio unit, the shared memory including a static message memory containing static messages associated with the instrument; an outbound memory portion that receives outbound information from the instrument and transmits the outbound information to the radio unit for transmission on the wireless mesh network, an inbound memory portion that receives inbound information from the radio unit and transmits the inbound information to the instrument, the shared memory also including the radio unit and The invention relates to a wireless mesh network for communicating with the radio unit, comprising: a leader node; and a plurality of follower nodes, wherein the leader node transmits a synchronization message indicating the start of a network interval to the plurality of follower nodes, the leader node and the plurality of follower nodes transmit information during a transmission period of the network interval and do not transmit information during a sleep period of the network interval, the leader node and the plurality of follower nodes use less power in the sleep period than in the transmission period, and the plurality of follower nodes each include a timer, the timer being suitable for timing the transmission period and the sleep period of the plurality of future network intervals without continuously receiving a synchronization message from the leader node during the plurality of future network intervals.

[0492] Clause 6. The network of clause 8, further comprising a radio internal buffer for providing additional memory space to the radio unit.

[0493] Clause 7. The network of clause 8, wherein the first and second sleep cycles differ in period and phase.

[0494] Clause 8. The network of clause 8, wherein the shared memory further comprises an emergency line that provides an indicator to an instrument or radio unit that information in the outgoing or incoming memory portion should be accessed immediately.

[0495] Clause 9. The network of clause 8, wherein the information is assigned to the node by reading an NFC tag.

[0496] Clause 10. The network of clause 8, wherein the information relates to concentration of a gas.

[0497] Clause 11. The network of Clause 8, wherein the information relates to the environment.

[0498] In some implementations, the following clauses may be described or described herein and as Figure 1-13 shown.

[0499] Clause Set V Clause 1. A mesh network device for connecting to a mesh wireless network and sending and receiving information thereon comprises: an instrument including at least one of an environmental sensing device, a hazard detection device, and an industrial safety device, a radio unit for transmitting and receiving information on the mesh wireless network; and a display for presenting a signal quality indicator of a connection of the radio unit to other nodes of the mesh wireless network, the signal quality indicator being derived from a combination of received signal strength (RSS) and packet reception ratio (PRR) of all instruments in the mesh wireless network.

[0500] Clause 2. The mesh network device of clause 1, wherein the instrument multiplies the RSS of the most recent message received from each node in the mesh network by the PRR (which is the ratio of packets received from each device in the mesh wireless network to the number of expected packets from each corresponding device in the mesh wireless network).

[0501] Clause 3. The mesh network device of clause 1, wherein the RSS represents a most recent network hop taken by the packet.

[0502] Clause 4. The mesh wireless device of clause 1, wherein the PRR is a counter that starts at a predetermined value and is incremented and decremented upon reception or non-reception of an expected packet, respectively.

[0503] Clause 5. The mesh wireless device of clause 4, wherein the increment and decrement values ​​are 3 and 2, respectively.

[0504] Clause 6. The mesh wireless device of clause 1, wherein the signal quality indicator is based on the product of RSS x PRR for each node, summed and divided by the number of nodes in the network.

[0505] Clause 7. The mesh wireless device of clause 1, wherein an alarm is sounded when the signal quality indicator drops below a predetermined level.

[0506] Clause 8. The network of clause 1, wherein the information is assigned to the node by reading an NFC tag.

[0507] Clause 9. The network of clause 1, wherein the information relates to concentration of a gas.

[0508] Clause 10. The network of clause 1, wherein the information relates to an attribute of the environment.

[0509] In some implementations, the following clauses may be described or described herein and as Figure 1-13 shown.

[0510] The set of terms W Clause 1. A network for connecting a plurality of network nodes comprising: a leader node; and a plurality of follower nodes, wherein the leader node transmits a synchronization message indicating the start of a network interval to the plurality of follower nodes, wherein the synchronization message includes data indicating the number of network nodes in the network, the leader node and the plurality of follower nodes transmit information during a transmission period of the network interval and do not transmit information during a sleep period of the network interval, wherein each of the plurality of follower nodes randomly selects an interval during the transmission period to transmit data without regard to a time selected by any of the other follower nodes.

[0511] Clause 2. The network of clause 1, wherein the randomly selected time is referenced to the start of a transmission period.

[0512] Clause 3. The network of clause 1, wherein the network interval has a fixed time length, the transmission period has a variable time length based on the number of network nodes in the network, and the sleep period includes a remaining time of the network interval after the transmission period.

[0513] Clause 4. The network of clause 1, wherein the transmission period is divided between a first transmission time for transmitting high priority data and a second transmission time for lower priority data, and wherein the time randomly selected to transmit the data is referenced to the beginning of the first transmission time and the second transmission time.

[0514] Clause 5. The network of clause 4, wherein the first transmission time and the second transmission time are equal length time periods.

[0515] Clause 6. The network of clause 1, wherein the lead node and the plurality of follower nodes use less power during sleep periods than during transmit periods, and the plurality of follower nodes each include a timer adapted to time transmit periods and sleep periods for a plurality of future network intervals in the absence of continued receipt of synchronization messages from the lead node during the plurality of future network intervals.

[0516] Clause 7. The wireless mesh network of clause 1, wherein when any one of the plurality of follower nodes receives the synchronization message, the follower node transmits a message advertising one or more properties of the leader node during a predetermined period of the network interval.

[0517] Clause 8. The wireless mesh network of Clause 7, wherein the one or more properties of the lead node include at least one of a channel hopping sequence and a total number of network nodes on the network.

[0518] Clause 9. The wireless mesh network of clause 8, wherein when the timer is also adapted to time expected receipt of a future synchronization message for a future network interval, and when actual receipt of the future synchronization message deviates from the expected receipt of the future synchronization message by a predetermined amount of time for a predetermined number of network intervals, the follower node adjusts the timer to more closely correspond to the actual receipt of the future synchronization message.

[0519] Clause 10. The network of clause 1, wherein the network nodes are environment sensing devices.

[0520] Clause 11. The network of clause 1, wherein the information is assigned to the node by reading an NFC tag.

[0521] Clause 12. The network of clause 1, wherein the information relates to concentration of a gas.

[0522] Clause 13. The network of clause 1, wherein the information relates to an attribute of the environment.

[0523] In some implementations, the following clauses may be described or described herein and as Figure 1-13 shown.

[0524] Clause Set X Clause 1. A network for connecting a plurality of network nodes comprising: a leader node; and a plurality of follower nodes, wherein the leader node transmits a synchronization message indicating the start of a network interval to the plurality of follower nodes, wherein the synchronization message includes data indicating the number of network nodes in the network, the leader node and the plurality of follower nodes transmit information during a transmission period of the network interval and do not transmit information during a sleep period of the network interval, wherein the transmission period is divided between a first transmission time for transmitting high priority data and a second transmission time for transmitting lower priority data.

[0525] Clause 2. The network of clause 1, wherein each of the plurality of follower nodes randomly selects an interval during a transmission period at which to transmit data without regard to times selected by any of the other follower nodes, and wherein the randomly selected times at which to transmit data are referenced to the beginning of the first transmission time and the second transmission time.

[0526] Clause 3. The network of clause 2, wherein the network interval has a fixed time length, the transmission period has a variable time length based on the number of network nodes in the network, and the sleep period includes a remaining time of the network interval after the transmission period.

[0527] Clause 4. The network of clause 3, wherein the first transmission time and the second transmission time are equal length time periods.

[0528] Clause 5. The network of clause 1, wherein the lead node and the plurality of follower nodes use less power during sleep periods than during transmit periods, and the plurality of follower nodes each include a timer adapted to time transmit periods and sleep periods for a plurality of future network intervals in the absence of continued receipt of synchronization messages from the lead node during the plurality of future network intervals.

[0529] Clause 6. The wireless mesh network of clause 1, wherein when any one of the plurality of follower nodes receives the synchronization message, the follower node transmits a message advertising one or more properties of the leader node during a predetermined period of the network interval.

[0530] Clause 7. The wireless mesh network of Clause 6, wherein the one or more properties of the lead node include at least one of a channel hopping sequence and a total number of network nodes on the network.

[0531] Clause 8. The wireless mesh network of clause 7, wherein when the timer is also adapted to time expected receipt of a future synchronization message for a future network interval, and when actual receipt of the future synchronization message deviates from the expected receipt of the future synchronization message by a predetermined amount of time for a predetermined number of network intervals, the follower node adjusts the timer to more closely correspond to actual receipt of the future synchronization message.

[0532] Clause 9. The network of clause 1, wherein the network nodes are environment sensing devices.

[0533] Clause 10. The network of clause 1, wherein the information is assigned to the node by reading an NFC tag.

[0534] Clause 11. The network of clause 1, wherein the information relates to concentration of a gas.

[0535] Clause 12. The network of clause 1, wherein the information relates to an attribute of the environment.

[0536] The methods and systems described herein may be deployed partially or completely through a machine (which runs computer software, program code and / or instructions on a processor). The processor may be a component of a server, client, network infrastructure, mobile computing platform, fixed computing platform or other computing platform. The processor may be any kind of computing or processing device that is capable of running program instructions, codes, binary instructions, etc. The processor may be or include a signal processor, a digital processor, an embedded processor, a microprocessor or any variant, such as a coprocessor (mathematical coprocessor, graphics coprocessor, communication coprocessor, etc.), etc., which may directly or indirectly facilitate the execution of program codes or program instructions stored thereon. In addition, the processor may implement the execution of multiple programs, threads and codes. Threads may run simultaneously to enhance the performance of the processor and facilitate the simultaneous operation of applications. By implementation, the methods, program codes, program instructions, etc. described herein may be implemented in one or more threads. A thread may generate other threads (which may have assigned priorities associated therewith); the processor may run these threads based on priority or in any other order of instructions provided in the program code. The processor may include a memory that stores the methods, codes, instructions and programs as described herein or elsewhere. The processor can access the storage medium through the interface, which can store the methods, codes and instructions as described herein and elsewhere. The storage medium associated with the processor for storing methods, programs, codes, program instructions or other types of instructions (which can be run by a computing or processing device) may include but is not limited to one or more of CD-ROM, DVD, memory, hard disk, flash drive, RAM, ROM, cache, etc.

[0537] The processor may include one or more cores, which may enhance the speed and performance of the multiprocessor. In embodiments, the process may be a dual-core processor, a quad-core processor, other chip-level multiprocessors, etc., which combine two or more individual cores (referred to as dies).

[0538] The methods and systems described herein may be deployed in part or in full through a machine (which runs computer software on a server, client, firewall, gateway, hub, router or other such computer and / or network hardware). The software program may be associated with a server (which may include a file server, a print server, a domain server, an Internet server, an intranet server and other variants (e.g., an auxiliary server, a main server, a distributed server, etc.). The server may include one or more of a memory, a processor, a computer-readable temporary and / or non-temporary medium, a storage medium, a port (physical and virtual), a communication device and an interface (which can access other servers, clients, machines and devices via a wired or wireless medium), etc. The methods, programs or codes described herein and elsewhere may be run by a server. In addition, other devices required for the execution of the methods described in the present application may be understood as part of the infrastructure associated with the server.

[0539] The server can provide an interface to other devices (including, without limitation, clients, other servers, printers, database servers, print servers, file servers, communication servers, distributed servers, etc.). In addition, this coupling and / or connection can facilitate the remote execution of programs across networks. The networking of some or all of these devices can facilitate the parallel processing of programs or methods at one or more locations without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In addition, all devices attached to the server through the interface may include at least one storage medium that can store methods, programs, codes, and / or instructions. The central repository can provide program instructions to run on different devices. In this implementation, the remote repository can serve as a storage medium for program codes, instructions, and programs.

[0540] The software program may be associated with a client (which may include a file client, a print client, a domain client, an Internet client, an intranet client, and other variants (e.g., an auxiliary client, a master client, a distributed client, etc.). The client may include one or more of a memory, a processor, a computer-readable temporary and / or non-temporary medium, a storage medium, a port (physical and virtual), a communication device, and an interface (which can access other clients, servers, machines, and devices via a wired or wireless medium), etc. The methods, programs, or codes described herein and elsewhere may be executed by the client. In addition, other devices required for the execution of the methods described in the present application may be understood as part of the infrastructure associated with the client.

[0541] The client may provide an interface to other devices (including, without limitation, servers, other clients, printers, database servers, print servers, file servers, communication servers, distributed servers, etc.). In addition, this coupling and / or connection may facilitate remote execution of programs across networks. Part or all of the networking of these devices may facilitate parallel processing of programs or methods at one or more locations without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In addition, all devices attached to the client via an interface may include at least one storage medium that is capable of storing methods, programs, applications, codes, and / or instructions. The central repository may provide program instructions for operation on different devices. In this implementation, the remote repository may serve as a storage medium for program codes, instructions, and programs.

[0542] The methods and systems described herein may be deployed partially or completely through a network infrastructure. The network infrastructure may include elements such as computing devices, servers, routers, hubs, firewalls, clients, personal computers, communication devices, routing devices, and other active and passive devices, modules, and / or components known in the art. In addition to other components, the computing and / or non-computing devices associated with the network infrastructure may also include storage media such as flash memory, buffers, stacks, RAM, ROM, etc. The processes, methods, program codes, instructions described herein and elsewhere may be run by one or more of the network infrastructure elements.

[0543] The methods, program codes, and instructions described herein and elsewhere may be implemented on a cellular network having multiple cells. The cellular network may be a frequency division multiple access (FDMA) network or a code division multiple access (CDMA) network. The cellular network may include mobile devices, cell sites, base stations, repeaters, antennas, towers, etc.

[0544] The methods, program codes and instructions described herein and in other parts may be implemented on or through a mobile device. The mobile device may include a navigation device, a cellular phone, a mobile phone, a mobile personal digital assistant, a laptop, a palmtop, a netbook, a pager, an e-book reader, a music player, etc. In addition to other components, these devices may also include storage media, such as flash memory, a buffer, a RAM, a ROM and one or more computing devices. A computing device associated with the mobile device may be implemented to run the program code, method and instructions stored thereon. Alternatively, the mobile device may be configured to run instructions in collaboration with other devices. The mobile device may communicate with a base station (which interfaces with a server and is configured to run the program code). The mobile device may communicate on a peer-to-peer network, a mesh network or other communication network. The program code may be stored on a storage medium associated with a server and run by a computing device embedded in the server. The base station may include a computing device and a storage medium. The storage device may store program codes and instructions run by a computing device associated with the base station.

[0545] Computer software, program code and / or instructions may be stored and / or accessed on machine-readable transitory and / or non-transitory media, which may include: computer components, devices and recording media that retain digital data used for calculations for some time interval; semiconductor storage devices, called random access memory (RAM); mass storage devices commonly used for more permanent storage, such as optical disks, magnetic storage forms (such as hard disks, tapes, drums, cards and other types); processor registers, cache memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory; optical storage devices, such as CDs, DVDs; removable media, such as flash memory (such as USB sticks or USB keys), floppy disks, magnetic tape, paper tape, punch cards, stand-alone RAM disks, Zip drives, removable mass storage devices, off-...

Claims

1. A tangible article of manufacture having instructions stored thereon that, when executed, cause a machine to perform operations to track an operator and operator status using a safety device, the operations comprising: programming a plurality of NFC tags with assignment information, wherein the assignment information is at least one of a location assignment of NFC tags placed at specific locations and an instrument operator assignment of tags assigned to safety device operators; receiving assignment information at the security device upon bringing an NFC radio of the security device into proximity with at least one of the plurality of NFC tags; triggering one or more of an alarm and a message upon detecting a security event, wherein the triggered alarm or message is filtered through the temporary assignment information; and The triggered alarm or message is communicated to at least one other security device in the mesh network for presentation on the second security device.

2. A tangible article of manufacture having instructions stored thereon that, when executed, cause a machine to perform operations for tracking an operator and operator status using a safety device, the operations comprising: programming a plurality of NFC tags with assignment information, wherein the assignment information is at least one of a location assignment of NFC tags placed at specific locations and an instrument operator assignment of tags assigned to safety device operators; receiving assignment information at the security device upon bringing an NFC radio of the security device into proximity with at least one of a plurality of NFC tags; triggering a modification of the settings of the security device based on the temporary assignment information; and The modified settings are communicated to at least one other security device in the mesh network to modify the settings of the second security device.

3. An alarm system, comprising: safety devices, including GPS systems; and The interface is configured as: transmitting the location of the security device to a remote server based on data from a GPS system; receiving an alert message from a remote server in response to the remote server determining that the position of the safety device corresponds to a hazardous location, wherein the remote server determines the hazardous location based on conditions detected from one or more of the safety device, a second safety device in an area within a predetermined distance from the safety device, an area monitor, and third party data; and The alarm information is transmitted to one or more devices in a mesh network joined by the security device.

4. An alarm system, comprising: a security device configured to read at least one of a plurality of location NFC tags, the location NFC tags comprising information about a location where the location NFC tags are placed; as well as The interface is configured as: sending the location of the security device to a remote server based on information from the location NFC tag; as well as Receiving an alert message from the remote server in response to the remote server determining that the location of the safety device corresponds to a hazardous location, wherein the remote server determines the hazardous location based on conditions detected from one or more of the safety device, a second safety device located at the location, an area monitor located at the location, and third-party data related to the location.

5. A computer-implemented method for providing real-time positioning and gas exposure monitoring, the method comprising: receiving, by a computer processor, a first gas reading and a first position from a first device; receiving, by the computer processor, a second position from a second device; as well as When the second location is within a predetermined distance from the first location and the gas reading exceeds a threshold, one or more of an alarm and a gas reading are sent to a second device, wherein the second device forwards the alarm and / or the gas reading to at least one peer device in a mesh network joined by the second device.

6. A computer-implemented method for providing real-time location and gas exposure monitoring, the method comprising: receiving, by a computer processor, a first gas reading and a first location from a first device, wherein the first location is read by the first device from a location NFC tag of the location; receiving, by the computer processor, a second position from a second device; and When the second location is within a predetermined distance from the first location and the gas reading exceeds a threshold, one or more of an alarm and the gas reading is sent to a second device.

7. A computer-implemented method for providing real-time positioning and gas exposure monitoring, the method comprising: receiving, by a computer processor, a first security event and a first location from a first device; receiving, by the computer processor, a second position from a second device; as well as When the second location is within a predetermined distance from the first location, alarms and safety events are sent to a second device, wherein the second device forwards the alarms and / or gas readings to at least one peer device in a mesh network joined by the second device.

8. A system comprising: a plurality of portable environment sensing devices in the workspace adapted to communicate with each other in a mesh network; as well as a communication facility for transmitting data from at least one of the plurality of portable environment sensing devices to a remote computer, the remote computer being configured to monitor at least one of a hazardous condition and activation of a panic button in a work area based on the data from at least one of the plurality of portable environment sensing devices, wherein the remote computer is configured to: receiving an alert associated with a hazardous condition or activation of a panic button from at least one portable environmental sensing device, and A command is sent to any of the portable environment sensing devices to be propagated throughout the mesh network.

9. A system for providing an ad hoc mesh network for eyewash stations, comprising: a sensor disposed within the eyewash station for monitoring conditions, the sensor being adapted to communicate with a node in the mesh network; as well as A digital sign, wherein the digital sign is adapted to receive data related to a condition from the sensor via the mesh network for presentation.

10. A system for providing an ad hoc mesh network for eyewash stations, comprising: a sensor disposed within the eyewash station for monitoring conditions, the sensor being adapted to communicate with a node in the mesh network; as well as A device in the mesh network is configured to receive communications from the sensor related to the condition and generate an alarm when the condition meets a threshold or standard.

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