GB2581207A

GB2581207A - Portable demarcation system

Info

Publication number: GB2581207A
Application number: GB1901834.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Victor Thomas Robert; Jeremy Thomas David
Original assignee: AVONWOOD DEV Ltd
Current assignee: AVONWOOD DEV Ltd
Priority date: 2019-02-11
Filing date: 2019-02-11
Publication date: 2020-08-12
Also published as: GB201901834D0

Abstract

A portable demarcation system has an RFID reader 10 configured to detect a transponder 2 within a detection zone 3 having a boundary 5. When detected an alert is issued from the reader 10 or transponder 2. The alert may be an audible, visual or tactile warning. A repeater 6 may be provided to re-issue the warning signal. The transponder 2 may be an active RFID tag. The area of detection 3 may be configured via a user input means at the reader 10. The antenna may be integral to the reader 10 or external thereto (8,fig.2). The reader 10 may be battery powered such that it is portable / re-deployable allowing it to be moved between hazardous areas, e.g. below personnel working in elevated positions.

Description

Portable Demarcation System The present invention relates to a portable demarcation system, particularly of a type suited for electronic proximity detection to demarcate hazardous areas. In one example of operation the system may be used to alert ground workers such that they avoid being struck from above by falling objects/equipment whilst personnel are working overhead.

Background to the invention

Proximity detection systems for operation in hazardous workplaces are known, e.g. detection of a person carrying a transponder in dangerous proximity to a vehicle or item of industrial machinery. However, such systems are fixed in place in relation to the hazard. There is presently no simple to use and portable/re-deployable means of proximity detection, e.g. in relation to a temporarily hazardous area. Such a scenario exists when work is undertaken above ground and at height because materials, equipment or tools can be accidentally dropped, causing a significant risk to personnel working on the ground below. This situation is a common at a building site or when servicing other tall structures like an antenna for telecommunications.

Summary of the invention

The present invention seeks to provide a portable demarcation system capable of proximity detection relative to a hazardous area for improving safety in and around such areas, e.g. a drop zone.

In a broad aspect of the invention a portable demarcation system is provided according to claim 1. A corresponding use of the system, demarcation method and kit are outlined according to claims 14, 16 and 20 respectively.

The system is configured for electronic proximity detection and demarcation, e.g. by utilising an RFID based apparatus preferably comprised of active RFID transponders and a reader (which may generally be termed a 'control unit', 'controller' or the like with the same or further functionality). In an embodiment, the system consists of an integrated reader antenna, one or more transponders and also, optionally, one or more repeaters. The system is configured to alert personnel by raising an alarm when a person wearing a transponder is identified within a detection zone. Preferably, the detection zone can be user set to detect transponders; e.g. up to a 10 meter, but potentially any suitable, radius. In an alternative embodiment the antenna may extend is an external component from the reader. Such an antenna could be brightly coloured and itself serve as a visual warning.

A particularly noteworthy aspect is portability of the system, i.e. so it can be easily deployed in any hazardous location using its own power source; e.g. a battery which could be tethered or integrated into the unit. By way of example in use, a portable reader could be located in a hazardous area such as under a scaffold where there is a danger of falling tools or the like, but then easily moved to a next location when work in the first area is complete and no longer hazardous.

Another example includes deployment of the system at the base of electricity pylons/towers, either on a tripod or clamped to the structure. In this case a team of people on the ground, working near to the hazardous area (i.e. 'the drop zone'), would carry transponder tags while the team working on the pylon would have a repeater. When a transponder is detected in the hazardous area the reader will alarm and/or the tag would vibrate. Additionally the repeater would trigger an alarm (audible) visual and/or tactile) to warn the team on the tower that the hazardous zone has been entered. When the work is complete on tower/location 'A' the system can then be packed into a case and moved to tower/location 'B' and set up again.

As suggested, key advantages of the invention include system portability, ease of deployment, self-containment (integral or tethered rechargeable battery) and having an optional repeater unit (for notification to personnel inside or outside of the hazardous area).

In an embodiment the system includes, or has integrated with the reader, a transponder tester capable of checking function of a transponder.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 illustrates a first embodiment of portable demarcation system according to the invention; and Figure 2 illustrates a second embodiment of portable demarcation system according to the invention.

Detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention The following description presents exemplary embodiments and, together with the drawings, serves to explain principles of the present invention. However, the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to the precise details of the embodiments, with variations apparent to a skilled person deemed also to be covered by the description. Terms for components used herein should be given a broad interpretation that also encompasses equivalent functions and features. Descriptive terms should also be given the broadest possible interpretation; e.g. the term "comprising" as used in this specification means "consisting at least in part of" such that interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term "comprising", features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner. Directional terms such as "vertical", "horizontal", "up", "down", "upper" and "lower" are used for convenience of explanation usually with reference to the illustrations and are not intended to be ultimately limiting if an equivalent function can be achieved with an alternative dimension and/or direction.

The present description refers to embodiments with particular combinations of features, however, it is envisaged that further combinations and cross-combinations of compatible features between embodiments will be possible. Indeed, isolated features may function independently from other features and not necessarily be implemented as a complete combination.

One form of the invention is exemplified by Figure 1. Particularly, a reader 10, e.g. with an integral antenna, is deployed proximate a hazardous area and generates, by radio frequency transmissions 4, a demarcation zone around itself, the boundary of which is denoted by numeral 5; e.g. up to 20 meters in diameter, but any shape or size being possible within the capabilities of the equipment and current or future design requirements. The hazardous area, generally denoted by reference numeral 3, may be situated in a drop zone underneath a tall structure or any potential hazard.

In practice the reader 10 continuously monitors the hazardous area 3 up to boundary 5 for the presence of a transponder 2. According to safety guidelines for the workplace, all personnel must wear a transponder 2 such that these can be detected upon entering the hazardous area 3.

When transponder 2 crosses boundary 5 (as illustrated), and is therefore in range of the reader 10, a response signal 9 is sent from the transponder 2, e.g. including identification. As a consequence, an audible and/or visual alert from the reader 10 is activated to warn all personnel that a transponder 2 has been identified in the hazardous area 3. Alternatively, or in addition, the transponder 2 may give an audible, tactile (vibration) or visual warning upon its detection, indicating to the wearer that the transponder has been identified in a hazardous area and there is a personal risk.

Figure 1 exemplifies two-way communication between the reader 10 and transponder 2. The antenna/control unit has a built-in receiver to receive communication back from the transponder tag. By way of example, the operational frequency of the transponder can use sub 1GHz UHF (depending on licensing, e.g. 868.3MHz in Europe), however other frequencies could be used such as WIFI and UWB.

In a form of the invention with extended functionality, a repeater 6 may be positioned at a distance from the reader, either within or without the area 3. Communication between the reader 10 and repeater 6 is via a separate signal 7 to that of detection of transponder 2 via signal 4 such that the range (7) may be further. In practice a repeater 6 may be in the possession of personnel performing work in an elevated position above the area 3, i.e. the source of the hazard. In this way personnel are made aware that there is a heightened risk of injury to a colleague that has just entered the drop zone 3. Preferably the repeater 6 also provides an audible, tactile (vibration) and/or visual warning when a transponder 2 has been identified within the hazardous area 3 by reader 10.

It will be apparent that the proximity detection and electronic demarcation system of the invention creates a detection zone below the point of work, known as the 'drop zone', and alerts both ground workers and personnel working at height when the drop zone is breached and there is a risk of being struck by a falling object. Alternatively, other working environments may require demarcation of a hazardous area; for example but not limited to: civil engineering, quarrying and tree felling. The proximity detection and electronic demarcation system is a portable apparatus suitable as a temporary or mobile means of replacing the need to demarcate a zone using physical barriers. The system preferably utilises radio frequency (RF) communication to determine whether a pedestrian/other worker wearing a transponder is in a dangerous position relative to the hazard.

An alternative embodiment, but with similar functionality, is illustrated by Figure 2. In this form an external antenna 8 of wire construction extends from a reader 20 to determine the extent of the demarcation zone 3 from reader 20, e.g. up to preferably 10m in length, but potentially any suitable distance. The antenna 8 can be used to demarcate a hazardous area or demarcation line where one side is safe and the other has a hazard. The antenna or a material covering the antenna may be visible (e.g. brightly coloured) to approaching personnel or not, depending on requirements. Furthermore, the antenna may be formed into a box, circle or any other geometric shape around and relative to the hazard. In any case, transponders 2 will be detected near the antenna line and trigger an alarm analogous to that described above with reference to Figure 1. Such a configuration is particularly useful for operation in a quarry or comparable situations where an antenna could be laid out at the edge of a sharp drop, hole or blasting area to warn personnel of danger.

Referring to Figure 2, wire antenna 8 transmits a signal 4 that, in correspondence with its strength, sets a boundary or detection range 5. Analogous with the embodiment of Figure 1, when a transponder 2 crosses the threshold of boundary 5 a return signal 9 is detected by reader 20 and/or via antenna 8. A warning is issued which can be repeated by repeater 6 at a further location via a separate RF transmission/signal 7.

It will be apparent that the primary intention of both embodiments and the invention more generally is to demarcate a hazardous area, identify when a transponder is identified within the hazardous area and provide a warning of the identified transponder through audible, visual and/or tactile/vibration means.

A preferred use situation for the invention is to identify and warn personnel where work is being carried out overhead and there is a risk of falling materials, equipment and tools within a hazardous area, often referred to as a drop zone. The proximity detection and electronic demarcation system creates a transponder detection zone below the point of work. Personnel wearing a transponder will be identified through radio frequency (RE) communications within the detection zone which will trigger an audible, visual and/or vibration alert at preferably each of the reader, transponder and repeater; but potentially any combination thereof.

A preferred arrangement of the invention is comprised of a reader (10/20) with an integral antenna or external antenna (8) positioned within a hazardous area (3). A limit of the reader's detection area is determined by the power of the transmission (4), defining a boundary (5) and generally minimum safe distance In use, according to a practical implementation, the antenna of the reader (10/20) transmits short-range radio frequency (RF) communication transmission (4) for the purpose of communicating with any number of transponders (2) that may happen to enter the detection area, i.e. cross line (5). The transmission may typically have a relatively low frequency, e.g. 125kHz, for up to a 10m operational radius. A person (not shown) working near to a demarcated hazardous area and wearing a transponder (2) upon their person is able to be detected since the transponder communicates, via RF transported messages, with the reader by either an integral or external antenna, allowing it to indicate its presence in the detection area (3), over line (5). The transponder (2) may be configured to provide an audible, vibration/tactile or visual warning upon detection indicating to the wearer the transponder has been identified in the hazardous area and there is a risk. Upon receiving communications (9) from a transponder, the reader can determine the presence or absence thereof (and therefore the person) to the hazardous area. This may result in an instruction for the reader (10/20) to perform at least sound or visibly activate a warning.

The reader (10/20) may transmit a separate radio frequency (RF) communication transmission (7) for the purpose of communicating with any number of repeaters (6) that may happen to be within transmission range. By way of example, the repeater may be configured to receive signals at a high frequency or ultra-high frequency range, compared to the operational range of the detection field. A repeater (6) may be positioned at any distance from the reader. Preferably the repeater (6) provides an audible, vibration/tactile or visual warning when a transponder (2) has been identified within the hazardous area.

The system may be configurable for user control over the detection range and hence boundary area (5) of demarcation. Signal strength (4) can be adjusted to broaden the area of detection or narrow it if the hazard is relatively localised, e.g. by simple + or -control panel buttons or other suitable means.

Preferably the system is powered by a battery which is portable with the reader, either tethered thereto or incorporated in the same housing. Such a battery is preferably rechargeable. Alternatively or in addition a solar cell may be associated with the unit for improved self-sufficiency and reduced reliance on batteries or any external power source. Setting a smaller demarcation area will reduce power consumption which can be explained to a user in a manual or by visual display on the unit itself.

The system may have a transponder tester capable of checking the functionality of a transponder, e.g. incorporating an active RFID tag.

The control unit/reader could be optionally or further configured to communicate with an internet based service using long range wireless communication such as GPRS or WiFi. In this way, event data can be sent to a cloud hosted software as part of a monitoring/diagnostic service.

The invention can be realised by use of available components/technology in the associated field of proximity detection, yet results in a new use and apparatus kit with benefits not found in the prior art.

Claims

Claims: 1. A portable demarcation system comprising: a control unit; an antenna associated with the control unit; a transponder; and a detection zone having a detection range determined by a transmission of the antenna; wherein the control unit is configured to detect the transponder or a plurality of transponders entering into and/or within the detection zone; and wherein the control unit is configured to activate a warning upon detection of a transponder.
2. The portable demarcation system of claim 1, further comprising a repeater configured to receive a transmission associated with activation of the warning and repeat said warning.
3. The portable demarcation system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the warning is audible, tactile and/or visual.
4. The portable demarcation system of any preceding claim, wherein the control unit is comprised of an RFID reader configured to transmit short-range radio frequency (RF) communication transmissions via the antenna and receive reply signals from the transponder within the detection range.
5. The portable demarcation system of claim 4, wherein the transponder, detectable by the RFID reader, is an active RFID tag.
6. The portable demarcation system of any preceding claim, wherein the detection range is configurable by a user input means of the control unit.
7. The portable demarcation system of any preceding claim, including or integrated with the control unit, a transponder tester capable of checking function of a transponder.
8. The portable demarcation system of any preceding claim, wherein the antenna is integrated with the control unit. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16.
The portable demarcation system of any preceding claim 1 to 7, wherein the antenna comprises a wire, external to and extending from the control unit.
The portable demarcation system of any preceding claim, comprising a portable power supply.
The portable demarcation system of claim 10, wherein the power supply is an integrated or tethered battery, relative to the control unit, and/or a solar cell.
The portable demarcation system of claim 10, wherein the power source is a rechargeable integrated or tethered battery, relative to the control unit.
The portable demarcation system of any preceding claim, wherein the control unit is further configured to communicate with an internet based service using long range wireless communication.
Use of the portable demarcation system of any preceding claim, wherein the detection zone is associated with a hazard.
Use of the portable demarcation system according to claim 13, wherein the hazard is located: at the base of a tall structure where personnel may be working at height; at the edge of a hole, cliff or blasting zone.
A method of installing a portable demarcation system, including: creating, from a portable RFID control unit, a radio frequency detection zone associated with a hazardous area; optionally adjusting a strength of the radio frequency to change the coverage area of the detection zone; providing one or more persons with a wearable RFID tag; monitoring, at the portable RFID control unit, the detection zone for the presence of an RFID tag; activating an alert when an RFID tag enters the detection zone.
17. The method of installing a portable demarcation system of claim 15, further including provision of a repeater unit, remote from the control unit, for receiving transmissions from the control unit such that, upon the alert being activated, a repeated alert is activated by the repeater.
18. The method of installing a portable demarcation system of claim 15 or 16, wherein the alert is audible, visual and/or tactile.
19. The method of installing a portable demarcation system of any of claims 15 to 17, wherein the control unit is battery and/or solar powered.
20. A portable electronic demarcation kit for deployment in hazardous areas, comprising: at least one wearable RFID tag; an RFID reader having an external and/or internal antenna, configured for: generating a detection zone corresponding to the hazardous area; and activating a warning upon detection of the at least one RFID tag within the detection zone; a portable power supply, either integral with or tethered to the RFID reader;
21. The portable electronic demarcation kit of claim 19, further comprising at least one repeater, configured for repeating the warning of the reader.