Vibration monitoring system and device

Abstract

A vibration monitoring system and device is provided for monitoring worker exposure to vibration from power tools. The vibration monitoring system includes: one or more vibrational sensors, configured to detect vibration in a worker's hands and / or arms from use of a power tool; one or more microphones, configured to detect sound from a power tool; and at least one processor, configured to analyse data of the one or more vibrational sensors and the one or more microphones, and determine use of a power tool based thereon.

Description

VIBRATION MONITORING SYSTEM AND DEVICETECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to safety monitoring. In particular, although not exclusively, the present invention relates to monitoring exposure to vibration.BACKGROUND

[0002] Power tools, such as impact drivers, drills and jackhammers, are commonly used on worksites and in workplaces. A problem with the use of such power tools is that vibration is transmitted from the power tool to a person’s hand and arm. Overexposure to this vibration can result in neurological damage such as tingling and loss of circulation in the fingers and hands, musculoskeletal injuries such as damage to bones, joints and tendons and specific disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome or vibration white finger.

[0003] As a result, standards exist to limit the amount of time workers are exposed to vibration. These generally require an assessment of the vibration emitted by the power tool, as well as how the tool is used, to determine maximum exposure levels.

[0004] A problem with such limits is that it is difficult to measure exposure to vibration. As a result, empirical rules are often used, such as time limits for using particular types of tools. This is problematic when use of power tools does not follow a regular pattern, or when workers are constantly moving between different types of tools based on need.

[0005] Furthermore, in many workplaces, such limits are self-monitored by workers, and it is not easy for workplaces to monitor exposure of individual workers, particularly when there are multiple workers, and tools are shared among workers. This is further problematic as different tools may emit different levels of vibration, and as a result, it may be difficult or inaccurate to use empirical rules in such circumstances.

[0006] Furthermore, even if a worker is using a single tool, and accurate emissions information is available relating to the tool, emissions may vary significantly based on how the tool is used, or as the tool ages or becomes damaged (e.g. out of balance).

[0007] As such, there is clearly a need for a vibration monitoring system.

[0008] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention provide a vibration monitoring device and system, which may at least partially address one or more of the problems or deficiencies mentioned above or which may provide the public with a useful or commercial choice.

[0010] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in a first form, resides broadly in a vibration monitoring system including: one or more vibrational sensors, configured to detect vibration in a worker’s hands and / or arms from use of a power tool; one or more microphones, configured to detect sound from a power tool; at least one processor, configured to analyse data of the one or more vibrational sensors and the one or more microphones, and determine use of a power tool based thereon.

[0011] Advantageously, the system enables automatic detection of use of a power tool by a worker, which is more reliable than self-reporting. This in turn enables accurate monitoring of tool usage, and thereby provides effective monitoring of exposure to hand arm vibration to assist in limiting a worker’s exposure to harmful levels of hand arm vibration from tools and equipment (such as rattle guns, drills or jackhammers). This may in turn enable a reduction in (or avoidance of) neurological damage such as tingling and loss of circulation in the fingers and hands, musculoskeletal injuries such as damage to bones, joints and tendons and specific disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome or vibration white finger.

[0012] By using sound from the microphone, in addition to vibration data from the sensors, more accurate detection of power tool usage may be performed, and false determination of power tool usage with walking or preparing for work may be reduced or avoided.

[0013] Preferably, the one or more vibrational sensors and microphones are housed in a single device.

[0014] Preferably, the system includes a wearable device, configured to be worn by the worker. The one or more vibrational sensors and microphones may be housed in the wearable device.

[0015] The wearable device may include a strap. The wearable device may be configured to be worn on a wrist of the worker.

[0016] The wearable device may include a display. The display may be configured to display tool usage data to the worker. The display may be configured to display vibration data to the worker. The display may be configured to display a user interface, with which the usermay interact. The display may comprise a touch screen display.

[0017] The wearable device may include an actuator, such as a vibration actuator, or similar device, for issuing notifications (e.g. haptic) to the worker.

[0018] The wearable device may include sensors for sensing data of the worker, such as heart rate, temperature or the like.

[0019] Preferably, the system includes a remote server. Preferably, a processor of the at least one processor is provided in the remote server.

[0020] Preferably, the wearable device is configured to process captured data, and upload the processed data to the remote server. Alternatively, the wearable device may be configured to upload captured data to the server, for processing at the server.

[0021] The server may provide processed data back to the wearable device for display thereon. The processed data may include whether a tool is detected as being used or not.

[0022] Preferably, the data of the one or more vibrational sensors and the one or more microphones is associated with a worker. The system may be configured to work with a plurality of workers, and allocate data to each of the workers based upon usage.

[0023] Preferably, the server is configured to determine a vibration exposure for a worker. Preferably, the vibration exposure is cumulative across multiple activities. The multiple activities may relate to the same or different tools.

[0024] Preferably, the system is configured to determine whether a user is operating the tool according to sensor and microphone data, and determine a vibration exposure at least in part according to a duration the user is operating the tool.

[0025] Preferably, the system is configured to determine a magnitude of vibration from the user is operating the tool. The system may determine the magnitude of vibration at least in part according to pre-defined vibration data associated with an identified or known tool. The system may determine the magnitude of vibration at least in part according to sensor data.

[0026] The vibration exposure A(8) may be determined, at least in part, according to: F71(8) = ahv— where: ahvis a magnitude of vibration;T is a duration of vibration; andTo is a reference duration (e.g. 8h).

[0027] The system may be configured to determine whether the vibration exposure is above one or more thresholds. The thresholds may be pre-defined. The thresholds may be defined according to one or more standards.

[0028] The vibration exposure and / or thresholds may be determined according to ISO 5349- 2-2013.

[0029] The thresholds may be user configurable, e.g. by an administrator or workplace health and safety officer.

[0030] The thresholds may be set according to previous injury, or user history. As an illustrative example, lower threshold may be allocated to a user returning to work.

[0031] The system may be configured to alert the worker when at or near the one or more thresholds.

[0032] The alert may comprise a vibrational alert to the user. The alert may comprise a visual alert to the user.

[0033] Preferably, the vibration data comprises vibration in at least two axes. Preferably, the vibration data includes tri-axial vibration data.

[0034] The sound data may include frequency data. The sound data may include magnitude data.

[0035] Preferably, the system is configured to automatically detect a tool type of a plurality of tool types.

[0036] The system may compare the sound and / or vibration data to data from a database of reference tools, and detect the tool type based on a similarity with the database.

[0037] The system may compare various sensor data elements individually, and assign weights to the different data elements.

[0038] The system may determine that vibration exposure is above one or more thresholds, and issue an alert to a third party based thereon. The alert may comprise a notification, a message (e.g. SMS), or any other suitable alert.

[0039] The system may be configurable to send alerts to users (e.g. supervisors) accordingto an associated worker to which the alert relates.

[0040] The system may be configured to generate reports. The reports may include vibrational exposure data. The reports may include tool usage data.

[0041] The reports may be interactive.

[0042] The system may be configured to determine exposure trends.

[0043] In another form, the invention resides broadly in a vibration monitoring device including: one or more vibrational sensors, configured to detect vibration in a worker’s hands and / or arms from use of a power tool; one or more microphones, configured to detect sound from a power tool; at least one processor, configured to analyse data of the one or more vibrational sensors and the one or more microphones, and determine use of a power tool based thereon.

[0044] In yet another form, the invention resides broadly in a vibration monitoring system including: one or more vibrational sensors, configured to detect vibration in a worker’s hands and / or arms from use of a power tool; and at least one processor, configured to analyse data of the one or more vibrational sensors, and determine use of a type of power tool of a plurality of power tools based thereon.

[0045] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0046] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0047] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0048] Figure 1 illustrates a vibration monitoring system, according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

[0049] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic of a monitoring device of the system of Figure 1 , according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 3 illustrates a simplified illustration of the monitoring device of Figure 2, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 4 illustrates a screenshot of a workplace dashboard of the system of Figure 1 , according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 5 illustrates a screenshot of a worker report of the system of Figure 1 , according to an embodiment of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] Embodiments of vibration monitoring systems and devices are provided that include vibrational sensors, configured to detect vibration in a worker’s hands and / or arms from use of a power tool, and microphones, configured to detect sound from a power tool. Data of the one or more vibrational sensors and the one or more microphones is analysed to determine use of a power tool, which can be logged for health and safety purposes and to avoid overexposure to vibrations.

[0054] Figure 1 illustrates a vibration monitoring system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] The vibration monitoring system 100 is configured to monitor a vibration on a worker 105 using a power tool 110, such as a jackhammer. The worker 105 wears a monitoring device 115, which monitors sound and vibrations from the power tool 110.

[0056] While the power tool 110 is illustrated in the form of a jackhammer, any suitable power tool 110 may be used. As outlined in further detail below, the system 100 is configured to distinguish between different power tools 110, and log data according to the identified power tool.

[0057] In use, the worker 105 wears the monitoring device 115 much like a watch. In fact, in some embodiments, the monitoring device 115 also functions as a smartwatch with a wide range of functions. Such configuration alleviates the need for the worker 105 to remember to wear the device before operating power tools 110, as the device may be worn throughout the workday.

[0058] The monitoring device 115 includes a range of sensors, including a microphone and accelerometer, to detect exposure to vibrations from the power tools 110, as outlined in further detail below. Captured data from the sensors is then provided to a server 120 for logging and / or analysis. In particular, the monitoring device 115 may process the captured data and upload the processed data for logging, or upload raw data for processing on the server 120 and subsequent logging. The server 120 is associated with one or more data stores 120a for storing / logging such data.

[0059] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic of the monitoring device 115, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] The monitoring device 115 includes a processor 205, and a memory 210 coupled to the processor 205. The memory 210 includes instruction code, executable by the processor, for performing the various functions of the monitoring device 115.

[0061] An accelerometer 215 and microphone 220 are also coupled to the processor 205, and are configured to capture data used to identify whether the worker 105 is operating a power tool 1 10. Further details of the methods used to detect operation of the power tool are provided below, but use of multiple sensors of different types (both the accelerometer 215 and microphone 220) provides improved detection of power tools, including type.

[0062] A data interface 225 is coupled to the processor 205, and is configured to communicate with the server 120.

[0063] The data interface 225 may capture the data and upload it with no (or minimal) processing, such that the server 120 (or a computing device associated with the server 120) processes it and determines whether the worker 105 is operating a power tool 1 10.

[0064] In alternative embodiments, however, the processor 205 may process the captured data, and upload processed data to the server 120. The data may be processed to determine whether the worker 105 is operating a power tool 1 10, or be processed to reduce an amount of data.

[0065] Upon determining that the worker 105 is operating a power tool 110, an indication of same is displayed to the worker 105 on a display 230 of the monitoring device 1 15. The indication may comprise text or graphic elements indicating that the power tool 1 10 is being used.

[0066] A timer is also started, to monitor how long the worker 105 is using the power tool 110.

[0067] The server may determine the presence of a power tool in any suitable manner.

[0068] In some embodiments, a combination of amplitude and frequency of vibration are used to determine the operation of a vibration causing power tool. This enables the system to filter out vibration producing activities that should be disregarded, such as walking or preparing for a job. As an illustrative example, walking may result in hand movements that appear as vibration. However, the frequency of the vibration may be much lower than when operating a vibrating power tool, and as such, can be disregarded.

[0069] In other embodiments, a combination of sound and vibration data is used to determine the operation of a vibration causing power tool. In particular, operation of a power tool may be determined based on both an increase in noise levels (compared to ambient), and the presence of vibration data.

[0070] In other embodiments, a combination of the above may be used, such that both a combination of amplitude and frequency are used, and a combination of sound and vibration data.

[0071] In yet other embodiments, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or pattern recognition may be used to identify the usage of a tool.

[0072] The server 120 and / or monitoring device 115 may determine a type of the power tool 110, and display same on the display 230. The type of the power tool 110 may comprise one of a plurality of pre-defined types, such as a jackhammer, drill, impact driver. The type many be determined according to sound or movement frequency or amplitude data, or any other suitable means.

[0073] In some embodiments, the system includes a database of data from reference tools, wherein a comparison is made between measured data and the data of the database. This comparison may include comparing different captured data (e.g .sound, vibration) individually, and placing different weights on different data.

[0074] As an illustrative example, a particular tool may have a distinctive sound. Such distinctive sounds may be given a high weight. Similarly, another tool may have a distinctive vibration profile, and detection of such profile may be given high weight.

[0075] In case a particular tool is detected, vibrational data relating to the tool may be used to at least partly measure exposure. In particular, a database of vibrational emissions may be provided with reference to particular tools, wherein such data is used instead of or in addition to captured vibrational data. Alternatively, custom vibrational data may be input and used.

[0076] The time the tool is used, an identifier of the worker, such as a user ID, and a type of power tool 1 10 is also logged for later reference.

[0077] The server 120 and / or monitoring device 115 monitors usage of the power tools 110 with reference to one or more pre-defined parameters. When a user is approaching a usage threshold, an indication may be provided to the worker using an actuator 235 (e.g. buzzer or vibrating actuator) and / or using the display 230. The indication may include a prompt indicating that the worker should take a rest from using the power tool 110.

[0078] As outlined in further detail below, different tools may be associated with different worker vibrational loads, and therefore use of different tools may be associated with different weights when considering the thresholds. As an illustrative example, a jackhammer may be used for up to about 30-40 minutes per day, whereas a drill may be used safely for a longer period.

[0079] In short, the system may determine whether exposure levels reach harmful / dangerous according to any suitable criteria, including Safe Work Australia guidelines (e.g. Safe Work Australia: GUIDE TO MEASURING AND ASSESSING WORKPLACE EXPOSURE TO HAND-ARM VIBRATION) and ISO 5349-2-2013, or similar standards or guidelines in other jurisdictions.

[0080] In particular, daily exposure (A(8)) may be determined according towhere: ahvis the vibration magnitude (in m / s2)T is the actual duration of exposure in hours - trigger time to the vibration magnitude ahv, and To is the reference duration of eight hours.

[0081] If a person is exposed to more than one source of HAV, then partial vibration exposures may be calculated from the magnitude and duration for each source. The overall daily vibration exposure can be calculated from the partial vibration exposure values using the equation:where A1 (8), A2(8) etc. are the partial vibration exposure values for the different vibration sources.

[0082] Finally, the monitoring device includes a heart rate sensor 240 and a temperaturesensor 245. Data from the heart rate sensor 240 and the temperature sensor 245 may be used to both assist in detecting usage of a tool and to calculate fatigue, exertion, productivity or any other suitable worker metrics.

[0083] In some embodiments, the monitoring device 115 may comprise a suitable smartwatch including software (an application) installed thereon for monitoring vibrations.

[0084] Figure 3 illustrates a simplified illustration of the monitoring device 115, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] The monitoring device 115 includes a body 305, including a display 230 on which data is displayed, and a strap 310, extending from the body 305, and for extending around a wrist of the worker 105.

[0086] Electronic components, including the sensors, interface, processor and memory, are all housed in the body 305.

[0087] The monitoring device 115 is illustrated in a use configuration, and the display 230 displays a worker user interface. The worker user interface illustrates a tool identifier 315 (in this case the words “Impact Driver”), and a timer 320, indicating how long the user is using the tool.

[0088] The worker 105 user interface further includes a number of virtual buttons 325, with which the worker 105 interacts. The buttons 325 may include buttons to manually stop the timer, go back in the system (e.g. when a tool is incorrectly identified), or to perform various other functions of the monitoring device.

[0089] The user interface may also visualise the data, such as how much longer the worker can operate the tool, e.g. using graphics, colours or the like.

[0090] In addition to logging data from individual work instances, the server 120 is configured to combine data from different work instances (e.g. a single worker 105 using power tools 1 10 at different times, or different power tools). From this, the server 120 may generate daily exposure data and issue notifications, alerts and / or warnings based thereon.

[0091] The server 120 may provide such information to the monitoring device 115, to indicate to the worker 105 how much longer the worker 105 is able to use the power tool 1 10 before reaching a daily threshold, for example.

[0092] The server 120 also issues alerts to other users, such as supervisors, particularlywhen thresholds are passed. In particular, the server 120 is configured to issue alerts to a portable computing device 125 of a supervisor 130.

[0093] The alerts may comprise notifications, emails, text messages, or any other suitable form of alert or communication to the supervisor 130. The alert may also identify the worker(s) 105, tools 110, or any other information in relation to which the passed threshold relates.

[0094] The alert may also include a link (e.g. URL) to a dashboard, or one or more reports relating to power tool usage in one or more workplaces.

[0095] The server 120 may also function as a web server, and provide a user interface to the supervisor 130 using the portable computing device 125. The user interface may allow various data from the system 100 to be viewed and analysed.

[0096] Figure 4 illustrates a screenshot 400 of a workplace dashboard of the system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] The workplace dashboard includes a plurality of dashboard elements 405, each relating to an aspect of tool usage in the workplace. The dashboard elements 405 include a number of exposure alerts element, a trigger time per tool element, and a risk exposure trend. The skilled addressee will, however, readily appreciate that any suitable data may be reported in the dashboard, and that the dashboard may even be customisable.

[0098] The dashboard may be refined or filtered according to one or more criteria. As an illustrative example, the dashboard may be configured to display data relating to a particular time period (e.g. user definable), to a particular site or a group of tools.

[0099] The dashboard may be interactive, enabling users to drill down on particular data. This may enable a user to see if a particular worker or tool is over-represented in alerts, or similar. Similarly, the dashboard may enable viewing of data relating to individual users, or groups of users.

[0100] In addition to providing general dashboards, the system 100 is further configured to generate a plurality of reports. These reports may relate to a number of tools or workers, or a single tool or worker.

[0101] Figure 5 illustrates a screenshot 500 of a worker report of the system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] The worker report includes a heading 505, axes 510, and data 515. In the reportillustrated in Figure 5, the data 515 includes X, Y, Z axis velocity, noise, tool usage, vibration data, and cumulative vibration data. The skilled addressee will, however, readily appreciate that any suitable data may be illustrated.

[0103] The report is also interactive, and enables the user to select time periods, data types, workers, etc. As an illustrative example, the report may relate to a single or multiple users.

[0104] While the report is illustrated in black and white, the skilled addressee will readily appreciate that colour coding may be used for the different types of data, etc.

[0105] While the above embodiments illustrate a single worker and tool, the skilled addressee will readily appreciate that a worksite will generally include multiple workers and tools, including tools of different types. Furthermore, the system may be used across multiple worksites, where data is segregated (not shared) between worksites, to maintain confidentiality.

[0106] Similarly, while the above embodiments illustrate a single monitoring device, in other embodiments, a plurality of monitoring devices may be used. As an illustrative example, peripheral monitoring devices, such as body temperature sensors, sweat sensors, ambient wind speed sensors, ambient air temperature sensors, equipment use sensors, or the like, may be connected to the monitoring device, where data is collated and analysed and / or uploaded for analysis. These peripheral monitoring devices may be connected to the monitoring device using Bluetooth, or any suitable interface, including mesh interfaces.

[0107] Finally, in addition to monitoring vibrational exposure, the methods described above may be adapted for a range of monitoring, including fatigue monitoring, exertion monitoring, productivity management, or the detection of accidents, such as falls, being trapped, or the like.

[0108] Advantageously, the systems and devices described above enable simple and effective monitoring of exposure to hand arm vibration, and thereby assist in limiting a worker’s exposure to harmful levels of hand arm vibration from tools and equipment (such as rattle guns, drills or jackhammers). This may in turn reduce or avoid neurological damage such as tingling and loss of circulation in the fingers and hands, musculoskeletal injuries such as damage to bones, joints and tendons and specific disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome or vibration white finger.

[0109] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0110] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0111] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A vibration monitoring system including: one or more vibrational sensors, configured to detect vibration in a worker’s hands and / or arms from use of a power tool; one or more microphones, configured to detect sound from a power tool; at least one processor, configured to analyse data of the one or more vibrational sensors and the one or more microphones, and determine use of a power tool based thereon.

2. The vibration monitoring system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more vibrational sensors and microphones are housed in a single device.

3. The vibration monitoring system of claim 1 , wherein the system includes a wearable device, configured to be worn by the worker.

4. The vibration monitoring system of claim 3, wherein the one or more vibrational sensors and microphones are housed in the wearable device.

5. The vibration monitoring system of claim 3, wherein the wearable device includes a strap.

6. The vibration monitoring system of claim 5, wherein the wearable device is configured to be worn on a wrist of the worker.

7. The vibration monitoring system of claim 3, wherein the wearable device includes a display.

8. The vibration monitoring system of claim 7, wherein the display is configured to display tool usage data to the worker.

9. The vibration monitoring system of claim 7, wherein the display is configured to display vibration data to the worker.

10. The vibration monitoring system of claim 7, wherein the display is configured to display a user interface, with which the user may interact.

11. The vibration monitoring system of claim 10, wherein the display comprises a touch screen display, with which the user interacts with the user interface.

12. The vibration monitoring system of claim 3, wherein the wearable device includes an actuator, for issuing notifications to the worker.

13. The vibration monitoring system of claim 3, wherein the wearable device includessensors for sensing data of the worker, such as heart rate, temperature or the like.

14. The vibration monitoring system of claim 1 , further including a remote server, wherein a processor of the at least one processor is provided in the remote server.

15. The vibration monitoring system of claim 3, further including a remote server, wherein a processor of the at least one processor is provided in the remote server, wherein the wearable device is configured to process captured data, and upload the processed data to the remote server.

16. The vibration monitoring system of claim 3, further including a remote server, wherein a processor of the at least one processor is provided in the remote server, wherein the wearable device is configured to upload captured data to the server, for processing at the server, and wherein the server is configured to provide processed data back to the wearable device for display thereon.

17. The vibration monitoring system of claim 16, wherein the processed data includes data indicating whether a tool is detected as being used or not.

18. The vibration monitoring system of claim 1 , wherein the data of the one or more vibrational sensors and the one or more microphones is associated with a worker.

19. The vibration monitoring system of claim 1 , wherein the system is configured to determine a vibration exposure for a worker, wherein the vibration exposure is cumulative across multiple activities.

20. The vibration monitoring system of claim 19, wherein the vibration exposure (A(8)) is determined, at least in part, according to:where: ahvis a magnitude of vibration;T is a duration of vibration; andTo is a reference duration.21 . The vibration monitoring system of claim 19, further configured to determine whether the vibration exposure is above one or more thresholds.

22. The vibration monitoring system of claim 21 , further configured to alert the worker whenat or near the one or more thresholds.

23. The vibration monitoring system of claim 22, wherein the alert comprises a vibrational or visual alert to the user.

24. The vibration monitoring system of claim 1 , wherein the vibration data comprises tri-axial vibration data.

25. The vibration monitoring system of claim 1 , configured to automatically detect a tool type of a plurality of tool types.

26. The vibration monitoring system of claim 25, configured compare the sound and / or vibration data to data from a database of reference tools, and detect the tool type based on a similarity with the database.

27. The vibration monitoring system of claim 1 , configured to determine that vibration exposure is above one or more thresholds, and issue an alert to a third party based thereon.

28. The vibration monitoring system of claim 1 , configured to generate reports including vibrational exposure data and tool usage data.

29. A vibration monitoring device including: one or more vibrational sensors, configured to detect vibration in a worker’s hands and / or arms from use of a power tool; one or more microphones, configured to detect sound from a power tool; at least one processor, configured to analyse data of the one or more vibrational sensors and the one or more microphones, and determine use of a power tool based thereon.

30. A vibration monitoring system including: one or more vibrational sensors, configured to detect vibration in a worker’s hands and / or arms from use of a power tool; and at least one processor, configured to analyse data of the one or more vibrational sensors, and determine use of a type of power tool of a plurality of power tools based thereon.

Images