Panel monitoring system

Abstract

A panel monitoring system (10) for a wall assembly (100) which comprises a panel (200) and a panel support post (300). The panel (200) is configured to be located at a mount position on the panel support post (300). The panel monitoring system (10) comprises a panel position sensor unit (400) operable to generate panel status indicator information (410). The panel status indicator information (410) may comprise a disengagement signal (412) in response to the panel (200) of the wall assembly (100) being disengaged from its mount position on the panel support post (300) and / or an engagement signal (414) in response to the panel (200) of the wall assembly (100) being located in its mount position on the panel support post (300).

Description

[0001] PANEL MONITORING SYSTEM

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a panel monitoring system.

[0003] In particular the present disclosure relates to a panel monitoring system for a wall assembly.

[0004] Background

[0005] Panel walls (e.g. walls fabricated from a series of panels which are connected together) are used in many ways, for example to create barriers around equipment, define pathways through a particular space and to divide a working space into different areas. Doors may be provided in the panel wall to allow passage therethrough, which may be lockable to control access. The doors may even be fitted with an alarm to indicate if it is has been opened.

[0006] In an example in which the wall surrounds equipment or a storage area, it may be that a panel becomes damaged, for example if a vehicle should reverse into the panel, or debris from the equipment strikes the panel. This may then be removed and replaced. However, removal of the panel may be problematic, for example because passing through the wall may pose a risk to the user (for example if the wall surrounds dangerous equipment) or removal of the panel may cause a security risk (for example if the wall surrounds a goods storage area). Additionally, if a panel has been replaced after being removed, then there will be no indication that the integrity of the wall assembly has been compromised.

[0007] Hence a system which enables monitoring of the panels of a wall assembly to indicate if they have been removed and / or replaced is highly desirable.

[0008] Summary

[0009] According to the present disclosure there is provided a panel monitoring system and a wall assembly as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

[0010] Accordingly there may be provided a panel monitoring system (10) for a wall assembly (100). The wall assembly (100) may comprise a panel (200) and a panel support post (300), the panel (200) configured to be located at a mount position on the panel support post (300). The panel monitoring system (10) may comprise a panel position sensor unit (400) operable to generate panel status indicator information (410) comprising one or more of: a disengagement signal (412) in response to the panel (200) of the wall assembly (100) being disengaged from its mount position on the panel support post (300); and an engagement signal (414) in response to the panel (200) of the wall assembly (100) being engaged in its mount position on the panel support post (300).

[0011] The panel position sensor unit (400) may be configured to generate the disengagement signal (412) in response to detecting relative movement between the panel (200) and panel support post (300) which is indicative of the panel (200) being removed from the panel support post (300).

[0012] The panel position sensor unit (400) may be configured to generate the engagement signal (414) in response to detecting relative movement between the panel (200) and panel support post (300) which is indicative of the panel (200) being located in its mount position on the panel support post (300).

[0013] The panel monitoring system (10) may further comprise a signal processor unit (500) operable to receive and process the panel status indicator information (410).

[0014] The panel monitoring system (10) may be operable to record the panel status indicator information (410) in a panel status indicator information data set (416).

[0015] The panel monitoring system (10) may be operable to generate a report of the panel status indicator information data set (416).

[0016] The panel monitoring system (10) may be operable to record time (T) and date (D) of the disengagement signal (412) and / or engagement signal (414) in the panel status indicator information data set (416).

[0017] The panel monitoring system (10) may be operable to register a panel identification indicator (12) provided on the panel (200), generate a panel identification signal (14), and record the panel identification signal (14) in the panel status indicator information data set (416). The panel monitoring system (10) may further comprise an alert signal generator (600) operable to receive the panel status indicator information (410) from the panel position sensor unit (400) and to generate an alert signal (602) in response to the panel status indicator information (410).

[0018] The alert signal generator (600) may be operable to generate alert signals (602) comprising one or more of: a. a removal alert signal (604) in response to the disengagement signal (412); b. a missing panel alert signal (606) if the engagement signal (414) is not received after a predetermined amount of time; and c. a repeating missing panel alert signal (608) until the engagement signal (414) is received.

[0019] The panel monitoring system (10) may further comprise an audible alarm (700) and / or an electronic visual indicator (702) operable in response to receiving an alert signal (602) from the alert signal generator (600).

[0020] The audible alarm (700) and / or the electronic visual indicator (702) may be operable to produce a different output for each alert signal (602) type.

[0021] The panel monitoring system (10) may be operable to record the or each alert signal (602) in the panel status indicator information data set (416).

[0022] A panel monitoring system (10) as claimed in claim 13 wherein the panel monitoring system (10) is operable to record time (T) and date (D) of the or each alert signal (602) in the panel status indicator information data set (416).

[0023] The panel position sensor unit (400) may comprise a switch unit (420) which is operable to generate panel status indicator information (410) in response to movement of the panel (200) relative to its mount position.

[0024] The panel position sensor unit (400) may comprise a proximity sensor (422) which is operable to generate panel status indicator information (410) in response to a change in proximity of the panel (200) relative to its mount position. The panel position sensor unit (400) may comprise an accelerometer (424) which is operable to generate panel status indicator information (410) in response to movement of the panel (200) in a predetermined direction.

[0025] The panel position sensor unit (400) may comprise a light sensor (426) which is operable to generate panel status indicator information (410) in response to detecting a change in light intensity received by the light sensor (426).

[0026] The panel monitoring system (10) may comprise a housing unit (20), wherein the signal processor unit (500) and alert signal generator (600) are provided in the housing unit (20); the housing unit (20) configured to be mounted to the panel support post (300) and spaced apart from the panel position sensor unit (400).

[0027] The signal processor unit (500) may be operable to generate a shutdown signal (502) in response to receiving the disengagement signal (412)

[0028] The panel monitoring system (10) may be operable to monitor a plurality of panels (200) of the wall assembly (100).

[0029] There may be provided a wall assembly (100) comprising a panel (200) and panel support post (300) wherein the wall assembly (100) comprises a panel monitoring system (10) according to the present disclosure.

[0030] The panel monitoring system (10) housing unit (20) may be fitted to a first location (310) on the panel support post (300) and the panel position sensor unit (400) may be fitted to a second location (320) on the panel support post (300) and / or to the panel (200), the first location (310) being spaced apart from the second location (320).

[0031] The signal processor unit (500) may be fitted to a first location (310) on the panel support post (300) and the panel position sensor unit (400) may be fitted to a second location (320) on the panel support post (300) and / orto the panel (200), the first location (310) being spaced apart from the second location (320). The audible alarm (700) and / or electronic visual indicator (702) may be fitted to the panel support post (300).

[0032] Hence there is provided a system which enables monitoring of the panels of a wall assembly to indicate if they have been removed and / or replaced.

[0033] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0034] Examples of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0035] Figure 1 shows a plan view of an example wall assembly 100 including a panel monitoring system 10 according to the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a wall assembly 100 (or part thereof) including a panel monitoring system 10 according to the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 3 is a front view of a wall assembly 100 (or part thereof) including a panel monitoring system 10 according to the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 4 is a diagrammatic representation of the elements of the panel monitoring system 10, the signals that may be generated and the data that may be stored / reported;

[0039] Figures 5 to 7 illustrate an example process of removal of a panel from the wall assembly 100;

[0040] Figures 8 to 10 illustrate an example process of locating / fitting a panel to the wall assembly 100; and

[0041] Figures 11 , 12 show a front view of the removal / fitting of a panel of the wall assembly 100.

[0042] For the avoidance of doubt, the figures provide schematic representations of examples of the present disclosure.

[0043] Detailed Description

[0044] The present disclosure relates to a panel monitoring system 10 for a wall assembly 100. The present disclosure also relates to a wall assembly 100 having a wall panel monitoring system 10. Figure 1 shows a plan view of an example wall assembly 100 including the wall panel monitoring system 10 according to the present disclosure. The wall assembly 100 comprises a panel 200 and a panel support post 300. In the example shown, the wall assembly 100 comprises a plurality of panels 200 and a plurality of panel support posts 300. The panel support posts 300 are spaced apart from one another, with the panel 200 spanning the gap between each pair of adjacent posts 300. In the example shown in figure 1 , the wall assembly 100 extends from a fixed wall 1000 (for example a fixed / structural part of a building) around an apparatus 900. For example, the wall assembly 100 may be provided to limit access to apparatus 900, or to provide protection from the apparatus 900 within the region defined by the wall assembly 100. That is to say the wall assembly 100 comprises a plurality of panels 200 and panel support posts 300 which are arranged to define a wall 800 which may be configured to provide controlled access to an area, for example an area which houses an apparatus 900. For example, the apparatus 900 may be a welding unit or machining equipment, and the wall assembly 100 acts as a barrier between the apparatus 900 and anyone and anything passing the wall assembly 100. However, the wall assembly 100 may be provided to define any shape or configuration - for example to define a walkway through an area, or to extend all of the way around a region (for example a work area in a warehouse).

[0045] Figures 2, 3 and figures 5 to 12 illustrate part of the wall assembly 100, namely the wall panel 200 spanning the space between two panel support posts 300. The wall assembly 100 may comprise at least one panel support post 300 and one wall panel 200. The wall assembly 100 may comprise a plurality of panel support posts 300 and a plurality of wall panels 200. The panel monitoring system 10 may be operable to monitor one or more panels 200 of the wall assembly 100. That is to say, features of the panel monitoring system 10 may be duplicated / repeated for each panel 200 and post 300 assembly 100, with a panel status indicator information data set 416 comprising data for some or all of the panel 200 and post 300 assemblies.

[0046] In the figures the wall panel 200 is shown as being rectangular, but in practice may have any suitable shape and / or configuration.

[0047] As illustrated in figures 2, 3, 5, 10, 11 the panel 200 is configured to be located at a mount position on the panel support post 300. That is to say the panel 200 is configured to be mounted I fixed to (i.e. located on) the panel support post 300. In the example shown in figures 2, 3 and figures 5 to 10 the wall panel 200 is mounted (e.g. fixed) to two panel support posts 300. In other examples (as shown in figure 11 , 12), the wall panel 200 may be mounted to only one support post 300.

[0048] In the examples shown the status of a panel 200 of the panel monitoring system 10 is monitored by key elements of the panel monitoring system 10 located in one of the posts 300. Hence although posts 300 to either side of the panel 200 may be substantially identical, and both posts 300 may support the panel 200, only one post 300 may be utilised with regard to the monitoring of the or each panel 200 (which is illustrated by one of the posts 300 in Figure 3 being dashed out indicating it is relevant to mounting the panel 200, but not to the monitoring of the panel 200).

[0049] In other examples, elements of the panel monitoring system 10 may be located in the post 300 or to either side of the panel 200.

[0050] In other examples, elements of the panel monitoring system 10 may be provided in a region away from the panel 200 and / or posts 300 of the wall assembly 100. For example, a signal processor unit 500 and an alert signal generator 600 (as described below) which form part of the panel monitoring system 10 may be provided in a control room for remote monitoring.

[0051] Figure 4 illustrates the features of the panel monitoring system 10, the signals that may be generated and the data that may be stored / reported, as will be described below.

[0052] As shown in figures 2, 3, 4, the panel monitoring system 10 comprises a panel position sensor unit 400. In the example shown the panel position sensor unit 400 is located on / in the panel support post 300. The panel monitoring system 10 may further comprise a signal processor unit 500. As illustrated in figure 2, the panel position sensor unit 400 is operable to generate panel status indicator information 410. As indicated by the dashed line in figure 2, the signal processor unit 500 is operable to receive the panel status indicator information 410. The panel status indicator information 410 may be transmitted by cable (e.g. wired or fibre) and / or wirelessly between the panel position sensor unit 400 and signal processor unit 500.

[0053] The panel position sensor unit 400 may be operable to generate panel status indicator information 410 comprising a disengagement signal 412 in response to a panel 200 of the wall assembly 100 being disengaged from its mount position on the panel support post 300. The panel position sensor unit 400 is configured to generate the disengagement signal 412 in response to detecting relative movement between the panel 200 and panel support post 300 which is indicative of the panel 200 being removed from the panel support post 300. Relative movement between the panel 200 and panel support post 300 which is indicative of the panel 200 being removed from the panel support post 300 may include the panel 200 being moved along (e.g. lifted relative to) the post 300 (for example as illustrated in figures 5, 6 and figures 11 , 12). Relative movement between the panel 200 and panel support post 300 which is indicative of the panel 200 being removed from the panel support post 300 may include the panel 200 being detached and spaced apart from the post 300 (for example as illustrated in figure 7). Additionally, or alternatively the panel position sensor unit 400 is operable to generate panel status indicator information 410 comprising an engagement signal 414 in response to a panel 200 of the wall assembly 100 being located (i.e. engaged, mounted, positioned) in its mount position on the panel support post 300. The panel position sensor unit 400 is configured to generate the engagement signal 414 in response to detecting relative movement between the panel 200 and panel support post 300 which is indicative of the panel 200 being located in its mount position on the panel support post 300. Relative movement between the panel 200 and panel support post 300 which is indicative of the panel 200 being located (i.e. engaged, mounted, positioned) in its mount position on the panel support post 300 may include the panel 200 being moved along (e.g. lowered relative to) the post 300 (for example as illustrated in figures 9, 10 and figures 12, 11). Relative movement between the panel 200 and panel support post 300 which is indicative of the panel 200 being located in its mount position on the panel support post 300 may include the panel 200 being brought close to and / or into contact with the post 300 (for example as illustrated in figure 8).

[0054] The signal processor unit 500 may be operable to process the panel status indicator information 410. That is to say, the signal processor unit 500 may be operable to execute an act / instruction based on the panel status indicator information 410.

[0055] The panel monitoring system 10 may be operable to record the panel status indicator information 410 in the panel status indicator information data set 416. That is to say the panel monitoring system 10 may comprise, or be in communication with, a memory storage device in which the panel status indicator information 410 is recorded as the panel status indicator information data set 416.

[0056] The panel monitoring system 10 may be operable to generate a report of the panel status indicator information data set 416. For example, the panel monitoring system 10 may be configured to display and / or communicate the panel status indicator information data set 416 for review by a user and / or further monitoring system. For example, the panel monitoring system 10 may be configured to communicate the panel status indicator information data set 416 to a remote station (e.g. computer, server, mobile device) for review and attention of a user.

[0057] As illustrated in figure 4, the panel monitoring system 10 is operable to record the time (T) and date (D) of the disengagement signal 412 and / or engagement signal 414 in the panel status indicator information data set 416. That is to say, the panel monitoring system 10 is operable to record the time (T) and date (D) of the occurrence / generation of the disengagement signal 412 and / or engagement signal 414 in the panel status indicator information data set 416. The panel 200 may comprise a panel identification indicator 12, for example a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. The panel identification indicator 12 may be fitted to or provided in the panel 200. The panel identification indicator 12 is configured to contain information (e.g. unique identification number, part number and / or serial number) which identifies the type of panel 200 and / or the specific panel 200. The panel monitoring system 10 may be operable to register the panel identification indicator 12 provided on the panel 200, generate a panel identification signal 14, and record the panel identification signal 14 in the panel status indicator information data set 416. Hence the panel identification indicator 12 and panel identification signal 14 enables a record to be created of which panel 200 in the wall assembly 100 has been moved, whether the re-inserted panel 200 is the same panel 200 as the one which was removed.

[0058] The panel monitoring system 10 may further comprise an alert signal generator 600 operable to receive the panel status indicator information 410 from the panel position sensor unit 400 and to generate an alert signal 602 in response to the panel status indicator information 410. The alert signal generator 600 may be operable to receive the panel status indicator information 410 from the panel position sensor unit 400 via the signal processor unit 500 and to generate the alert signal 602 in response to the panel status indicator information 410.

[0059] The alert signal generator 600 may be operable to generate alert signals 602 comprising a removal alert signal 604 in response to the disengagement signal 412, a missing panel alert signal 606 if the engagement signal 414 is not received after a predetermined amount of time, and / or a repeating missing panel alert signal 608 until an engagement signal 414 is received.

[0060] The alert signal generator 600 may be operable to generate a missing panel alert signal 606 if the engagement signal 414 is not received after a predetermined amount of time from the time the disengagement signal 412 was generated.

[0061] The alert signal generator 600 may be operable to generate a repeating missing panel alert signal 608 after the disengagement signal 412 has been generated until an engagement signal 414 is received.

[0062] The panel monitoring system 10 may further comprise an audible alarm 700 and / or an electronic visual indicator 702 (for example a light source, for example an LED (light-emitting diode) or array of LEDs) operable in response to receiving an alert signal 602 from the alert signal generator 600.

[0063] The audible alarm 700 and / or the electronic visual indicator 702 are operable to produce a different output for each alert signal 602 type. For example, the audible alarm 700 may produce a different sound for each alert signal 602 type. For example, the electronic visual indicator 702 may produce a different light pattern (e.g. using LEDs) for each alert signal 602 type.

[0064] The panel monitoring system 10 is operable to record the or each alert signal 602 (e.g. the removal alert signal 604 signal, missing panel alert signal 606 and / or repeating missing panel alert signal 608 in the panel status indicator information data set 416. That is to say, the panel monitoring system 10 is operable to record the or each occurrence of alert signals 602 (e g. the removal alert signal 604 signal, missing panel alert signal 606 and / or repeating missing panel alert signal 608) in the panel status indicator information data set 416.

[0065] As illustrated in figure 4, the panel monitoring system 10 is operable to record the time (T) and date (D) of the occurrence of the or each alert signal 602 in the panel status indicator information data set 416.

[0066] The signal processor unit 500 may be operable to generate a shutdown signal 502 in response to receiving the disengagement signal 412. For example, the shutdown signal 502 may be a command to the apparatus 900 to be turned off if the panel 200 is at least in part moved relative to its support post 300. The shutdown signal 502 may comprise an alert to a user to shut down the apparatus 900.

[0067] As illustrated in figure 2, the panel position sensor unit 400 comprises a switch unit 420 which is operable to generate panel status indicator information 410 in response to movement of the panel 200 relative to its mount position. That is to say, the panel position sensor unit 400 comprises the switch unit 420 which is operable to generate panel status indicator information 410 in response to movement of the panel 200, for example movement relative to its mount position along the length L of the panel support post 300 as illustrated by the change in position between figures 5 to 6, and as illustrated by the change in position between figures 9 to 10 and figures 11 , 12 (e.g. relative longitudinal motion in the length L direction). The switch unit 420 may be a physical switch 420 (e.g. requiring contact between the switch 420 and the panel 200), a magnetic switch 420 (e.g. responding to a magnetic connection between magnetic elements in the post 300 and panel 200) or electronic (e.g. responding to a change in a circuit provided between electrically conductive elements in the post 300 and panel 200).

[0068] As illustrated in figure 2, the panel position sensor unit 400 may comprise a proximity sensor 422 which is operable to generate panel status indicator information 410 in response to a change in proximity of the panel 200 relative to its mount position. For example, if the sensor senses an increase in distance between the proximity sensor 422 and the panel 200 this may be inferred to mean the panel 200 has been removed (or is in the act of being removed) from the panel support post 300. Conversely, if the proximity sensor 422 senses a decrease in distance between the proximity sensor 422 and the panel 200 this may be inferred to mean the panel 200 has been installed on (or is in the act of being installed on) the panel support post 300.

[0069] As illustrated in figure 2, the panel position sensor unit 400 may comprise an accelerometer 424 which is operable to generate panel status indicator information 410 in response to movement of the panel 200 in a predetermined direction. For example, if the accelerometer 424 senses a motion “upwards” (e.g. in the length direction L) this may be inferred to mean the panel 200 has been removed (or is in the act of being removed) from the panel support post 300. Conversely, if the accelerometer 424 senses motion “downwards” (e.g. in the length direction L) this may be inferred to mean the panel 200 has been installed on (or is in the act of being installed on) the panel support post 300.

[0070] As illustrated in figure 2, the panel position sensor unit 400 may comprise a light sensor 426 which is operable to generate panel status indicator information 410 in response to detecting a change in light intensity received by the light sensor 426. For example, a detected increase in light may be inferred to mean the panel 200 has been removed (or is in the act of being removed) from the panel support post 300. Conversely, a detected decrease in light may be inferred to mean the panel 200 has been installed on (or is in the act of being installed on) the panel support post 300.

[0071] As shown in the figures, the panel monitoring system 10 may comprise a housing unit 20. The signal processor unit 500 and alert signal generator 600 may be provided in the housing unit 20. The audible alarm 700 and / or an electronic visual indicator 702 may be provided in the housing unit 20. Alternatively, the audible alarm 700 and / or an electronic visual indicator 702 may be provided distal to the housing unit 20, for example adjacent to the wall assembly 100, on the wall panel 200 or on a display unit remote from the wall assembly 100.

[0072] As shown in the figures, the housing unit 20 may be configured to be mounted to the panel support post 300 and spaced apart from the panel position sensor unit 400. That is to say, the housing unit 20 may be configured to be mounted to the panel support post 300 and spaced apart from the panel position sensor unit 400 along the length L of the panel support post 300. The housing unit 20 may be located at one end of the support post 300. Hence when the post 300 is vertical (as shown in the figures) the housing unit 20 may be located at the top of the support post 300. There may be provided one housing unit 20 for each post 300, with each housing unit 20 being dedicated to an adjacent panel 200.

[0073] Hence the housing unit 20 of the panel monitoring system 10 may be fitted to a first location 310 on the panel support post 300 and the panel position sensor unit 400 may be fitted to a second location 320 on the panel support post 300 and / or to the panel 200, the first location 310 being spaced apart from the second location 320.

[0074] In an alternative example (not shown) the signal processor unit 500 is fitted to the first location 310 on the panel support post 300 and the panel position sensor unit 400 is fitted to the second location 320 on the panel support post 300 and / or to the panel 200, the first location 310 being spaced apart from the second location 320. The audible alarm 700 and / or electronic visual indicator 702 may be fitted to the panel support post 300, rather than being integral with the signal processor unit 500 in the housing unit 20.

[0075] When in use, the panel position sensor unit 400 will generate panel status indicator information 410 comprising a disengagement signal 412 in response to a panel 200 of the wall assembly 100 being disengaged from its mount position on the panel support post 300. Additionally, or alternatively the panel position sensor unit 400 will generate panel status indicator information 410 comprising an engagement signal 414 in response to a panel 200 of the wall assembly 100 being located (i.e. positioned, mounted, engaged) in its mount position on the panel support post 300.

[0076] The signal processor unit 500 may receive and process the panel status indicator information 410 (for example to generate the output of the panel monitoring system 10 as herein described, including the recording and reporting of the panel status indicator information 410 and / or control of the alert signal generator 600).

[0077] That is to say the signal processor unit 500 may be operable to record the panel status indicator information 410 in a panel status indicator information data set 416. The signal processor unit 500 may be operable to generate a report of the panel status indicator information data set 416. The signal processor unit 500 may be operable to record time (T) and date (D) of the disengagement signal 412 and / or engagement signal 414 in the panel status indicator information data set 416. The signal processor unit 500 may be operable to register a panel identification indicator 12 provided on the panel 200, generate a panel identification signal 14, and record the panel identification signal 14 in the panel status indicator information data set 416. The signal processor unit 500 may be operable to record the or each alert signal 602 in the panel status indicator information data set 416. The signal processor unit 500 may be operable to record time (T) and date (D) of the or each alert signal 602 in the panel status indicator information data set 416. The alert signal generator 600 may generate alert signals 602 (as described above) in response to the engagement signal 414 and / or disengagement signal 412.

[0078] The audible alarm 700 and / or the electronic visual indicator 702 may then respond to receiving an alert signal 602 from the alert signal generator 600 to alert a user to the status of the panel 200 (for example using the audible alarm 700 and / or the electronic visual indicator 702).

[0079] Hence there is provided a system 10 which enables monitoring of the panels 200 of a wall assembly 100 to indicate if they have been removed and / or replaced. The system 10 enables a user to monitor whether a panel 200 has been in part or totally removed, whether it has been replaced, and may generate alerts accordingly. Each panel 200 in the system 10 has a dedicated unit 400 to ensure that, on inspection, it is unambiguous which panel 200 needs to be inspected for signs of removal and / or replacement.

[0080] Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0081] All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive.

[0082] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0083] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A panel monitoring system (10) for a wall assembly (100) comprising a panel (200) and a panel support post (300), the panel (200) configured to be located at a mount position on the panel support post (300); wherein the panel monitoring system (10) comprises a panel position sensor unit (400) operable to generate panel status indicator information (410) comprising: a disengagement signal (412) in response to the panel (200) of the wall assembly (100) being disengaged from its mount position on the panel support post (300); and an engagement signal (414) in response to the panel (200) of the wall assembly (100) being engaged in its mount position on the panel support post (300).

2. A panel monitoring system (10) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the panel position sensor unit (400) is configured to generate the disengagement signal (412) in response to detecting relative movement between the panel (200) and panel support post (300) which is indicative of the panel (200) being removed from the panel support post (300).

3. A panel monitoring system (10) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the panel position sensor unit (400) is configured to generate the engagement signal (414) in response to detecting relative movement between the panel (200) and panel support post (300) which is indicative of the panel (200) being located in its mount position on the panel support post (300).

4. A panel monitoring system (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a signal processor unit (500) operable to receive and process the panel status indicator information (410).

5. A panel monitoring system (10) as claimed in claim 4 operable to record the panel status indicator information (410) in a panel status indicator information data set (416).

6. A panel monitoring system (10) as claimed in claim 5 operable to generate a report of the panel status indicator information data set (416).

7. A panel monitoring system (10) as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6 wherein the panel monitoring system (10) is operable to record time (T) and date (D) of the disengagement signal (412) and / or engagement signal (414) in the panel status indicator information data set (416).

8. A panel monitoring system (10) as claimed in any one of clams 5 to 7 wherein the panel monitoring system (10) is operable to register a panel identification indicator (12) provided on the panel (200), generate a panel identification signal (14), and record the panel identification signal (14) in the panel status indicator information data set (416).

9. A panel monitoring system (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising an alert signal generator (600) operable to receive the panel status indicator information (410) from the panel position sensor unit (400) and to generate an alert signal (602) in response to the panel status indicator information (410).

10. A panel monitoring system (10) as claimed in claim 9 wherein the alert signal generator (600) is operable to generate alert signals (602) comprising one or more of: a. a removal alert signal (604) in response to the disengagement signal (412); b. a missing panel alert signal (606) if the engagement signal (414) is not received after a predetermined amount of time; and c. a repeating missing panel alert signal (608) until the engagement signal (414) is received.

11. A panel monitoring system (10) as claimed in claim 10 further comprising an audible alarm (700) and / or an electronic visual indicator (702) operable in response to receiving an alert signal (602) from the alert signal generator (600).

12. A panel monitoring system (10) as claimed in claim 11 wherein the audible alarm (700) and / or the electronic visual indicator (702) are operable to produce a different output for each alert signal (602) type.

13. A panel monitoring system (10) as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 12 wherein the panel monitoring system (10) is operable to record the or each alert signal (602) in the panel status indicator information data set (416).

14. A panel monitoring system (10) as claimed in claim 13 wherein the panel monitoring system (10) is operable to record time (T) and date (D) of the or each alert signal (602) in the panel status indicator information data set (416).

15. A panel monitoring system (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein the panel position sensor unit (400) comprises a switch unit (420) which is operable to generate panel status indicator information (410) in response to movement of the panel (200) relative to its mount position.

16. A panel monitoring system (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein the panel position sensor unit (400) comprises a proximity sensor (422) which is operable to generate panel status indicator information (410) in response to a change in proximity of the panel (200) relative to its mount position.

17. A panel monitoring system (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein the panel position sensor unit (400) comprises an accelerometer (424) which is operable to generate panel status indicator information (410) in response to movement of the panel (200) in a predetermined direction.

18. A panel monitoring system (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein the panel position sensor unit (400) comprises a light sensor (426) which is operable to generate panel status indicator information (410) in response to detecting a change in light intensity received by the light sensor (426).

19. A panel monitoring system (10) as claimed in claim 9 when dependent on claim 4 comprising a housing unit (20), wherein the signal processor unit (500) and alert signal generator (600) are provided in the housing unit (20); the housing unit (20) configured to be mounted to the panel support post (300) and spaced apart from the panel position sensor unit (400).

20. A panel monitoring system (10) as claimed any one of the preceding claims wherein the signal processor unit (500) is operable to generate a shutdown signal (502) in response to receiving the disengagement signal (412)21. A panel monitoring system (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims operable to monitor a plurality of panels (200) of the wall assembly (100).

22. A wall assembly (100) comprising a panel (200) and panel support post (300) wherein the wall assembly (100) comprises a panel monitoring system (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21 .

23. A wall assembly (100) as claimed in claim 22 when dependent on claim 19 wherein the panel monitoring system (10) housing unit (20) is fitted to a first location (310) on the panel support post (300) and the panel position sensor unit (400) is fitted to a second location(320) on the panel support post (300) and / or to the panel (200), the first location (310) being spaced apart from the second location (320).

24. A wall assembly (100) as claimed in claim 22 when dependent on claim 4 wherein the signal processor unit (500) is fitted to a first location (310) on the panel support post (300) and the panel position sensor unit (400) is fitted to a second location (320) on the panel support post (300) and / or to the panel (200), the first location (310) being spaced apart from the second location (320).

25. A wall assembly (100) as claimed in claim 24 when dependent on claim 12 wherein the audible alarm (700) and / or electronic visual indicator (702) are fitted to the panel support post (300).

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