Worker Safety Monitoring via NFC Assignment and Mesh Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack efficient methods for tracking operator status and safety in industrial environments using wireless communication networks, particularly in ad hoc mesh networks, and do not effectively utilize NFC tags for real-time monitoring and alerting.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that uses NFC tags to program safety devices with assignment information for operators and locations, enabling real-time tracking, alerting, and modifying device settings based on proximity interactions, and forming mesh networks for data transmission and alert dissemination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If NFC tags are used for operator and location assignment, then real-time tracking and identification capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional NFC hardware and programming requirements
Solution Approach 1:
NFC tags are pre-programmed with operator and location assignment information before deployment. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for complex real-time programming during operation, reducing the operational complexity burden on the safety device while maintaining accurate operator tracking capabilities.
2Reliability
If mesh networks are implemented for data transmission, then communication reliability in industrial environments is improved, but network management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh network automatically establishes and manages its own topology without requiring centralized configuration. Devices autonomously discover available network nodes, establish connections based on proximity and signal strength, and dynamically adapt to network changes, thereby achieving reliable communication while minimizing network management complexity.
3Loss of time
If real-time monitoring and alerting is implemented, then safety response time is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety device monitors environmental conditions and operator status at periodic intervals rather than continuously. During normal conditions, the device performs brief status checks at predetermined time intervals. When anomalies are detected or alert conditions occur, the monitoring frequency increases automatically, enabling timely safety responses while minimizing energy consumption during normal operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables real-time tracking and alerting of operator status and safety events, enhancing safety monitoring in industrial environments through efficient use of NFC tags and mesh networks, improving response to hazardous conditions.
Implementation Method 1
receiving temporary assignment information at the safety device when an NFC radio of the safety device is brought in proximity to at least one of the plurality of NFC tags
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for providing locating and exposure monitoring includes receiving data indicating a safety event and a first location from a first device and receiving a second location from a second device. The method includes transmitting an alert and the data indicating the safety event to the second device when the second location is within a predetermined distance from the first location, wherein the second device relays the alert and/or a gas reading to at least one peer device in a mesh network joined by the second device.