FR2648257A1 - System for monitoring isolated persons - Google Patents

Abstract

System for monitoring isolated persons, comprising, for each person to be monitored, a transmitter 20 of radio-frequency signals triggered automatically in the event of prolonged immobility of the carrier, a plurality of receivers 10 each able to pick up and analyse the radio- frequency signals transmitted by the transmitters 20 and to deliver an alarm signal; the transmitters 20 are equipped with means 30 for testing their operation and send out, at regular intervals, a coded radio-frequency identification and correct operation signal; the receivers 10 are linked into various sections S, each receiver 10 being linked to analysis and a processing means comprising one microprocessor per section S and a central computer 50 to which the microcomputers 40 are connected.

Description

MONITORING SYSTEM FOR ISOLATED PERSONS
Description
The present invention relates to a system for monitoring isolated persons. It applies in particular to the surveillance of isolated workers and to the triggering of alarms aimed at allowing the possible intervention of rescue teams in the event of an accident.

 In order to act effectively in the event of an accident, it is common to monitor people performing dangerous work on their own: maintenance in a hostile environment, laboratory manipulations.

As is known, these workers are provided with a device commonly designated by the acronym DATI (Detection Alarme Travailleur Isolated). Usually this DATI comprises a vibration sensor connected to a system for transmitting an electromagnetic radio frequency wave. The detection of vibrations by the sensor inhibits the emission system. If the DATI is in the reoos for more than 2 s (which theoretically means that the worker is no longer active), an audible pre-alarm, then the emission of the electromagnetic wave are triggered.

 A receiving system captures the electromagnetic wave emitted and triggers an alarm alerting a rescue team (doctor, firefighter, etc.).

 In many cases, triggering the alarm by receiving a single electromagnetic wave is not sufficient. We cannot in fact determine by this means the degree of urgency of the intervention, nor the exact location of the incident. In addition, such a system cannot manage the surveillance of a large number of isolated workers, and does not have the flexibility to follow their distribution in the event that it changes often, in an area or a building.

 A first object of the present invention is to provide a monitoring device making it possible, when the alarm is triggered, to distinguish several degrees of urgency. In addition, the device according to the invention allows easy localization of the person being monitored and requiring assistance.

 A second object of the present invention is to reduce the reaction times after the triggering of an alarm.

 A third object of the present invention is to allow the simultaneous monitoring of a large number of isolated workers, while distinguishing them from one another.

 A fourth object of the present invention is to control installations and automatically carry out control and safety tasks in order to prevent accidents.

 Another object of the present invention is to allow archiving and classification of the various accidents occurring on a given site, which then authorizes statistical studies and the easy drafting of reports.

 Specifically, the present invention relates to a system for monitoring isolated persons comprising, for each person to be monitored, a means for detecting prolonged immobility of the person to be monitored and then transmitting an alarm radiofrequency signal, this means being suitable for being worn by the person to be monitored.

 The system further comprises a plurality of receivers capable of picking up and analyzing the radiofrequency signals emitted by at least one means carried by a person to be monitored, these receivers emitting, where appropriate, an alarm signal.

 Said means for detecting an immobility and then for emitting an alarm radio frequency signal are provided with means for testing their operation.

They emit, at regular intervals, a radio frequency signal identifying and functioning.

 This signal received by a receiver makes it possible to monitor the movement of each worker in particular since the signals emitted permanently are individualized. In addition, the proper functioning tests make it possible to avoid any alarm triggering due to a malfunction.

 The receivers are brought together in different sections, each receiver being linked to analysis and processing means. The latter comprise a microcomputer per section and a central computer to which the microcomputers are connected.

From the point of view of security, the section module, which contains the transmitters, the receivers, the local processing unit by microcomputer, is a unit which can be autonomous.

 Thus, the signals emitted by a transmitter carried by the worker to be monitored moving in a section are picked up by a receiver. The sending at regular intervals to an analysis and processing center of indications concerning the identity of the sender but also of the receiver allows the permanent location of the different people working alone in a section. The eventual alarm provided with its identification code is immediately transmitted with the identification and location of the receiver to the microcomputer of the section from which the receiver is located, then to the central computer located in a center from which can be alerted. rescue.

 A lot of information concerning the location, the type of installation or the possible dangers of a section can be contained in the memory of the central computer and allow rapid and efficient intervention.

 Inside a section, the microcomputer makes it possible to centralize commands that may possibly be useful during a disaster: electrical emergency stop, beaconing for example.

 In addition, an internal clock in the microcomputer makes it possible to precisely date the triggering of the alarm. Archiving of all alarms can be carried out and makes it possible to improve and control the procedures followed in the event of an accident.

 Preferably, for each section, the receivers are linked to the microcomputer by a rearing network of optical fibers or the like.

 The large capacity for transporting information of this type of connection allows the surveillance of a large number of people simultaneously. The different computers carry out information processing in real time. In an alternative embodiment, each receiver is able to control emergency devices (emergency stop, etc.). Thus, the monitoring system according to the invention makes it possible to prevent accidents and therefore plays an active role.

 Preferably, each receiver is provided with means for testing installations (the system proper, the emergency devices), and the analysis and processing means detects any operating anomaly and informs the local post and the isolated worker.

 The system allows you to combine different calling modes. Automatic call, by immobility detector, which triggers the emission of a first radiofrequency alarm signal (example: automatic, immediate call for help).

 According to an alternative embodiment of a monitoring system, according to the invention, the means for transmitting another radiofrequency signal by pulling out a pin (example: immediate manual call for help).

 According to an alternative embodiment of a monitoring system, according to the invention, the means for transmitting another radio frequency signal comprises a push button. This emits a pre-alarm, followed by an alarm if this is not inhibited by a second action on said push button (pre-accident situation information).

 The alarm signals, triggered manually, are coded so as to be distinguished from the signal triggered automatically (in case of prolonged immobility). This makes it possible to introduce different degrees of emergency and to provide special assistance in each case.

 According to an alternative embodiment, the means for detecting an immobility and then transmitting a radiofrequency signal is provided with a speech recognition system capable of triggering by keywords the emission of a radiofrequency alarm signal and, consequently, , an adapted local intervention.

The characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear better after the description which follows, given by way of explanation and in no way limiting. This description refers to the accompanying drawings in which - Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a
surveillance system of isolated people according to
the invention; - Figure 2 shows schematically a transmitter
DATI type according to the invention.

 In FIG. 1, the place (which may be a factory for example) where the isolated persons to be monitored are going to be moved is divided into sections referenced S (only two sections are represented in FIG. 1). In each of the sections S (a section can correspond to a building for example) are distributed receivers 10 (they can be in different rooms of the building for example).

 Each receiver 10 is paired with at least one means 20 for detecting immobility, then in the event of prolonged immobility, transmitting an alarm radio frequency signal. Each means 20 is carried by an isolated person to be monitored who moves in a section S. These means 20 are transmitters of the DATI type.

 A transmitter (means 20) according to the invention is shown in Figure 2. This transmitter of course includes a motion detection (not shown), connected to a system for transmitting a first radio frequency signal which ends in an antenna 22. This motion detection can be a vibration sensor device.

Other radiofrequency alarm signals can be triggered manually, by pulling out a pin 26, or by push-button 24. The different triggering modes are interwoven
The emission of radio frequency alarm signals codes in different ways so that they can be distinguished. At least two information priority levels are achieved
Priority 1, when the trip is
automatic, or obtained by uprooting
the pin for example, (situation
accidental)
Priority 2, when triggering occurs
done by push button for example,
(pre-accident situation).

 The speech recognition system 28 makes it possible to trigger, with keywords, the radiofrequency alarm signals by prioritizing the priorities according to the keywords.

 The devices 20 are electrically powered by rechargeable batteries, for example.

 Each device 20 comprises electronic means 30, to test its correct operation, for example the state of charge of the batteries. In the event of a malfunction, a digital display 32 normally displaying the identification number of the device 20, starts to flash for example.

It can also display a number corresponding to a specific cause of malfunction.

 The device 20 also includes an audible warning device 34 which is triggered automatically in the event of an alarm.

 Out of operation, the device 20 is fixed on a support (not shown) which recharges the batteries. As soon as it is removed from its support, the apparatus 20 transmits to a receiver 10 to which it corresponds a radio frequency signal code which delivers its identification and the result of the tests of good functioning. This code signal is then transmitted at regular intervals as long as the device 20 is out of its support. A light-emitting diode 36 on confirms that the identification code and correct functioning signal has been transmitted correctly.

 It can also be seen in FIG. 1 that the receivers 10 are connected, for each section S, to a microcomputer 40.

The receivers 10 are connected to the microcomputer 40 of their section S by a wired network of optical fibers Ri (an RS 232 link for example) or other wired electrical network (a link
RS422 or RS232 for example). The radiofrequency signals captured are digitized and then transformed into signals able to be transported by the optical fiber network, for example
A receiver 10 may correspond to a single device 20 or, on the contrary, be capable of receiving the signals of several devices 20. Each receiver 10 formats the signals picked up and sends them to the microcomputer accomDa3nes ee coded identification messages. A device 20 is able to be received by all of the receivers 10 (pre-selection of the device code 20 by programming). This is useful for example when moving a maintenance operator throughout the section.

 Preferably, each receiver 10 is provided with means 42 for testing installations 44. These installations 44 can be electrical, for example. Cyclically, the receivers 10 test the correct operation of these installations 44 and then deliver a coded message of correct operation.

 In order to ensure greater security, the receivers 10 are able to control emergency devices 46: these devices can be odes e s elDe-circuits or else auxiliary lighting devices for example, or beaconing. The implementation of these backup devices can take place when an alarm is triggered or when the tests of correct operation of the installations 44 are not satisfactory.

 Each receiver 10 can be provided with audible and light alarms (not shown) which are put into operation by the triggering of an alarm for example. These beacons allow rapid intervention by rescue teams.

 The microcomputer 40 of a section S must be placed in the most protected place possible and electrically powered independently.

 As soon as an alarm signal is received, the map of the zone from which this alarm originates is displayed on the microcomputer 40 monitor.

 By means of a microcomputer 40, it is possible optionally to include the devices 46, or else to inhibit the operation of a receiver 10.

The information arriving at the microcomputers 40 is saved. They are dated by an internal clock (not shown> in microcomputers 40. Historical archiving is therefore established which facilitates the drafting of reports concerning claims and possibly makes it possible to improve emergency procedures. This information includes, for example: date and time of alarms, date and time of end of interventions (this information is obviously delivered to the microcomputer 40 by an outside operator), place of the incident, identification number
The various microcomputers 40 can be connected to a central computer 50. They are for example connected by a rearing network of optical fibers R2 (of RS 232 type for example). It is through this computer 50 that the rescue teams are informed in the event of an accident. Thanks to the identification numbers of the devices 20 and of the receivers 10, the place of the disaster is located and displayed on display means (not shown) with possibly the access and distribution of various emergency devices.

 The management of events by the central computer 50 is more global than that of the microcomputers 40 implanted in the various sections S. The central computer 50 makes it possible to perform statistical processing on all the information delivered by the microcomputers 40 This information and the results of the statistics can also be archived by the central computer 50.

 A system for monitoring isolated people according to the invention therefore makes it possible to monitor a large number of people at a time.

Thanks to the processing and analysis means used and the identification of the apparatuses 20 and of the receivers 10, the rescue operations are facilitated.

This monitoring system also makes it possible to prevent certain accidents by means of functional tests carried out on the installations surrounding isolated workers.

 In addition, the system allows immediate inhibition of the nuisance, if necessary. This, freed by the continuous test of the entire system, all risks of non-information. It allows a wide variety of hierarchical and simultaneous calls.

This monitoring system also allows the configuration of workers to be changed and the movements made by some of them.

Claims (8)

Claims  1. Monitoring system for isolated persons comprising - for each person to be monitored means (20)  to detect prolonged immobility of the person  to monitor and then issue a radio frequency signal  alarm, this means (20) being able to be worn  by the person to be monitored, - a plurality of receivers (10) each capable of  capture and analyze radio frequency signals  emitted by at least one means (20) carried by a  person to monitor, these receivers (10) transmitting  if necessary an alarm signal, characterized in that - each means (20) for detecting immobility  then issue a radio frequency alarm signal  is provided with means (30) for testing Them  operates and emits, at regular intervals,  a coded identification radio frequency signal  and functioning, and that the receivers  (10) are grouped into different sections (S), each  receiver (10) being connected to analysis means  and signal processing comprising a  microcomputer (40) per section (S) and one  central computer (50) to which the  microcomputers (40).  2. Monitoring system for isolated persons according to claim 1, characterized in that for each section (S), the receivers (10) are connected to the microcomputer (40) by a wired network of optical fibers (R1).  3. Monitoring system for isolated persons according to claim 1, characterized in that the microcomputers (40) of the different sections (S) are connected to the central computer (50) by a wired network of optical fibers (R2) .  4. Monitoring system for isolated persons according to claim 1, characterized in that each receiver (10) is provided with means (42) for testing installations (44) and deliver to the analysis and processing means coded signals d identification and proper functioning of these installations (44).  5. Monitoring system for isolated persons according to claim 4, characterized in that each receiver (10) is able to control emergency devices (46).  6. Ae surveillance system for isolated persons according to claim 1, characterized in that the means (20) for detecting immobility and then emitting a radio frequency signal comprise a pin (26) whose tearing off triggers the emission by said means (20 ) a second alarm radio signal.  7. Monitoring system for isolated persons according to claim 1, characterized in that the means (20) for detecting immobility and then emitting an alarm radio frequency signal comprise a push button (24) capable of triggering a transmission by said means (20) of a third radiofrequency alarm signal.  8. Monitoring system for isolated persons according to claim 1, characterized in that the means (20) for detecting immobility and then emitting a radiofrequency alarm signal are provided with a speech recognition system (28) capable of trigger an emission of an alarm radio frequency signal.