NO342210B1

NO342210B1 - Offshore health and safety wristband

Info

Publication number: NO342210B1
Application number: NO20160840A
Authority: NO
Inventors: Ronny Bakke
Original assignee: Ronny Bakke
Priority date: 2016-05-19
Filing date: 2016-05-19
Publication date: 2018-04-16
Also published as: NO20160840A1

Abstract

System and method for supervising a person aboard a vessel 24/7 with Health, Security and Envoronment (HSE) related issues. The person wearing e.g. a wristband with tags for radio triangulation, for unlocking locks and with HSE related componentscommunicatingwith a controller.System and method for supervising a person aboard a vessel 24/7 with Health, Security and Envoronment (HSE) related issues. The person wearing e.g. a wristband with tags for radio triangulation, for unlocking locks and with HSE related componentscommunicatingwith a controller.

Description

TITLE: OFFSHORE HEALTH AND SAFETY WRISTBAND

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a system for supervising personnel in a vessel. More particularly, the invention relates to a system to supervising issues with a person to achieve security and good Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) in a vessel.

Background of the invention.

The offshore industry has a very serious approach to Health, Safety and Environment (HSE). In the latest years HSE has become one of the most important issues for the major offshore companies and their clients. Many important contracts within the oil and gas industry have been lost or cancelled due to poor HSE statistics. The intention of the present invention is to have a significant impact on improving the personnel safety, in particular on offshore vessels, but also on all offshore installations, including merchant and passenger vessels.

Tools and equipment have improved significantly the last 15 years when it comes to health and safety on all offshore units, in particular for companies operating in the oil and gas market where accidents may have a huge public impact, environmental damage and economic losses.

However, the improvements seen overall in the industry have not grown in the same way as the technologies and software capabilities have.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is conventionally only related to work. This means that the equipment given to employees is only to be worn during working hours, or in working spaces, giving only a maximum coverage approx. 50% of an employees working period. In the offshore industry some companies may have working periods for their employees of 1, 3, 6 or even 12 months in some cases.

The employee does normally not wear PPE half of the time during his/her service period on-board a vessel or platform. All offshore units have implemented HSE policy, safe working policy and so forth, which is mandatory for each individual employee to understand and follow. When and where to wear PPE is also part of each employees working procedure.

There are some equipment like the S3-ID system from S3 ID available on e.g. offshore platforms. This is a comprehensive system but they don’t cover/control the complete period of time (on and off duty) for each individual employee.

Existing systems being used have expensive hardware and complex installations, without being able to cover the all requirements for improved safety for offshore personnel.

The present invention provides improvements, low cost, easy to install and can be used on any floating unit, even smaller private yachts. It can even be extended to more general use not restricted to offshore. Furthermore the invention is high tech, easy to wear and user friendly compared to systems being available in the offshore industry as of today.

Prior art

NO 20074546 presents a muster apparatus for registering the arrival of a person at a position. A detector assembly detects the arrival of a person at one place and a controller communicates information of the arrival of the person to an operator.

NO20072717 presents a tracking assembly that identifies an identity tag with an identification code being worn by a user at a position. A registering device is in signal communication with a controller and the controller presents to an operator when a user moves from one position to a second position. The presented position depends on the most recently registered position.

CN202842494 describes an intelligent safety helmet with functions of monitoring and personnel location. Active RFID terminal equipment is used to communicate wearing correctness, position, body temperature, and alarms.

Positioning systems using Bluetooth and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) are known in the art. E.g.: http://www.infsoft.com/blog/2015/indoor-navigation-and-indoorpositioning-using-bluetooth. Such applications typically use Bluetooth beacons to triangulate a mobile telephone within the range of the beacons and using an app in the telephone to calculate where the user of the telephone is, related to the known positions of the beacons.

US 2012/0242481 A1 describes an apparatus and a method for locating, tracking, controlling and recognizing tagged objects using RFID technology. The object is provided with an RFID tag which is configured to be intermittently active so as to be tracked by a controller. A tagged object, like an ID badge, can amongst others be used to track individuals, allow or deny access, and operate objects like doors and lights.

US 2014/0361875 A1 describes a system for monitoring the health and fitness of an individual by correlating a radio frequency tag and a sensor to the individual, receiving data from the tag indicative of a location and data from the sensor indicative of a health function for the individual, and associating these data outputs to determine information concerning the health, fitness, operation, and performance of the individual.

Objects of the present invention

The present invention regards providing an administrator of a closed area e.g. an offshore vessel to monitor and track the location of all persons that are positioned on the vessel at all times.

The present invention further regards doing this cost effectively by utilizing standardized communication platforms and simple and light weight personal tags that are to be worn by a person practically 24/7 when the person is on the vessel.

The present invention also regards monitoring health related issues with the monitored person. This may comprise personal conditions like body temperature, heart conditions e.g. hart rate, breathing frequency, speed of movement, etc.

Summary of the invention

The present invention seeks to provide improved and cost effective surveillance of personnel on a vessel at all times. The surveillance includes surveillance of the health of a person being surveilled as well as his safety and the related environment. The system further provides lock control to allow only personnel with approved access to an area in a convenient way.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a system is provided for supervising a person aboard a vessel, the system comprising a mobile base, e.g. a wristband. The mobile base comprises a radio frequency tag prepared for radio frequency triangulation for deciding a position of the person and for communicating health, safety and environment (HSE) related components. The system comprises a controller in communication with Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) related components on the mobile base. The system further comprises lock control, a computer being prepared to unlock a lock. The lock, if unlocked, gives access to an area when detecting the mobile base being proximate to the lock, a fixed position of the lock in the area being prearranged in the computer.

Furthermore, the invention involves proximity and identity verification of the mobile base to the lock prepared to be decided with an NFC reader in communication with and positioned proximate to the lock. The NFC reader detecting an NFC tag on the mobile base being proximate to the NFC reader and communicating this to the computer, the computer being prepared to unlock the lock on this condition. Using NFC is regarded as a more secure way of verifying the presence of a tag than just with normal radio triangulation. The NFC reader may be prepared to read the NFC tag at a distance smaller than 15cm. The radio frequency used and the radio frequency tag may for example be Bluetooth components or Blue tooth Low Energy (BLE) components. In one embodiment, the system may be prepared for receiving and collecting information from sensors related to health, safety and environtment (HSE), the sensors being integrated with the mobile base and detecting signals from sensors e.g. from bio electric sensors e.g. a heart rate sensor, a temperature sensor or an acceleration sensor. The system may comprise means for transmitting information from a server to a radio frequency receiver to e.g. a vibration motor or a display integrated with the mobile base and intended to prompt the person being monitored with information.

Another aspect of the invention involves a method for supervising a person using the system. The method comprises steps of the NFC reader registering the entrance to a vessel of a person wearing a mobile base by presenting the NFC tag to the NFC reader. The NFC reader transmits information regarding the entrance from the NFC reader to the controller. The controls initiates supervision by of the person wearing the mobile base by radio frequency. The controller supervises the person wearing the mobile base by radio frequency. The user presents the NFC tag to the NFC reader and the controller terminates supervision of the person wearing the mobile base.

Description of the diagrams

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:

Fig. 1 presents an physical map of a system according to the invention

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a wristband used with the invention

Fig. 3 is a cross sectional view of the wristband in Fig.2

Description of preferred embodiments of the invention

One preferred embodiment of the invention is a system for supervising a person aboard a vessel e.g. a ship. This person must wear a mobile base 100 that is registered with this person. This mobile base 100 may e.g. be a wristband 110 that is convenient to carry. It is important that this mobile base 100 is fixed to the person to be monitored and not connected to clothing or equipment that is not permanently attached to the person. In a vessel, it is important to know where all persons aboard are all the time, even when in bed or walking around. The mobile base 100 comprises a radio frequency tag 11 that is prepared for being triangulated for deciding a position of the tag.

The mobile base 100 is a small, lightweight unit that is easy to attach unattended with a person and comprises electronic circuits. It is small, lightweight and consumes very little power. In one example it is realized in the form of a wristband 110. Even if it is small, it preferably holds enough power to work continuously for 24 hours, one week or even a month or more without charging or replacing batteries.

The mobile base 100 preferably comprises sensors e.g. a temperature sensor 23, a bio electric sensor 22 e.g. a heart rate monitor, an accelerometer, a push button or a switch. These sensors may be related to HSE intended to ensure a good security, good health and a safe environment.

The mobile base 100 preferably comprises output units e.g. an indicator, an LCD-display 21 or a vibration motor 24.

The temperature sensor 23 may detect a body temperature being above or below a normal body temperature of a healthy person indicating that this person is ill. If the thermometer senses the temperature of the surrounding air, it may detect if the temperature is outside a recommended temperature range. The heart rate monitor may be used to detect if the person is calm or not and may also indicate health related issues. The accelerometer may be used to detect the person falling on the ground or falling overboard.

The sensors and output units are in communication with a controller via radio frequency, preferably the same as used for radio frequency triangulation. The controller comprises a computer that may be prepared for giving alarms to different outputs e.g. wristbands 110, sirens, loudspeakers and transmitting alarms and other communication systems. The alarms may be selective and on different levels, alarming rescue personnel when a person has fallen off the vessel, health people when a health issue is detected with the person. The person may also initiate a request for assistance by pushing a button on his wristband 110.

The present invention may comprise a security feature where a user is detected as being proximate to a lock 300, the controller of the system for supervising a person comprising information that this particular person is allowed to unlock this lock 300 and the controller issues a command unlocking this lock 300. The command unlocking the lock 300 is transferred from the controller to the lock 300 either by wire or by radio. The proximity of the person to the position lock 300 is detected by the controller triangulating the person and positioning the result on a map of the vessel. The lock 300 is also positioned on this map. If the lock 300 is in a fixed position, this may be registered in advance and the lock 300 does not necessarily need a radio frequency tag 11 of its own.

In this way access to doors and devices may be done both securely and user friendly.

As an option, particularly for unlocking locks 300 and other communication tasks, e.g. debiting a bank account, that require even more secure and accurate detection of a mobile base 100 can be done by utilizing Near Field Communication (NFC). This is known in the art for e.g. short hold secure bank transactions at tellers and is regarded as safe. The mobile base 100 then comprises a passive NFC tag 13 and the lock 300 comprises an NFC reader 200 that can read the NFC tag 13 at a distance of less than 20 cm. Depending on the security requirements in some implementations using the present invention, BLE communication may be regarded as sufficiently secure to be used as a replacement of NFC. In the present invention, NFC therefore is intended to comprise BLE.

An example of how to use the invention is as follows. A person wearing a wristband 110 according to the present invention enters the vessel, gets recognized and his position is registered by triangulation or by proximity of a passive NFC tag 13 to an NFC reader 200. From then and until he leaves the vessel, this person is supervised by updating his position on a map.

An added feature with a wristband 110 having an NFC tag 13 is to use this NFC tag 13 for payment. The NFC tag on the wrist of a person may then be linked to a bank account that the same person has disposal of. This is particularly convenient on a cruise ship when paying for articles bought in shops or when paying for a meal in an on board restaurant.

A temperature sensor 23 sends a registered body temperature to the controller. A program in the controller detects if this temperature gets lower than e.g.30 degrees centigrade, indicating that the wristband 110 is no longer correctly fastened to a body. An indicator e.g. a vibration motor 24 may then prompt the person or a supervisor is summoned to solve the problem.

An accelerometer communicates acceleration to the controller. A program in the controller detects if the person falls off the vessel. A GPS position of the vessel is registered immediately following this accident and actions are taken by rescue personnel. Said GPS position may be used as an indication of the position where the person fell off the vessel. In addition he still may be triangulated if the wristband 110 is within the range of the radio frequency triangulation.

An accelerometer communicates acceleration to the controller. A program in the controller detects if the person falls on the floor. If little movement is detected afterwards, a paramedic may be summoned. The person may initiate an alarm himself by pushing a push button on the wristband 110. By pushing another push button the person may withdraw an alarm himself.

The person intends to enter an area that he is allowed access to. He approaches a locked door, but the system for supervising detects this and unlocks the lock 300 as the person is about to open the door. After passing, the door gets again locked.

Higher security is achieved if a passive NFC tag 13 is used for recognizing the person who approaches the locked door. The tag, attached to the wristband 110, is then detected by an NFC reader 200 by the door and the reader communicates with the controller that then may accept access for the person through the door by unlocking the lock 300 of the door.

In operation, the present invention may supervise a person at all times as well as safeguarding the person and allow access control.

The invention comprises a personal tag as presented in Figs.1 to 3. The radio frequency tag 11 is typically integrated in a mobile base 100, 110, typically a wristband 110 which is designed to be worn by a person who is registered and to be worn all the time he is present on the vessel.

This person being undisturbed when not actively prompted. It is further designed to be worn around the clock during all normal human activities. Said tag comprising at least one radio transceiver 12, that may be a Bluetooth transceiver 12, preferably a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) transceiver 12.

The system further has more than one radio triangulation beacon, not indicated in the drawings, positioned at fixed positions in order to triangulate to track the location of the radio frequency tag 11 and thus a person carrying this tag 11 within a closed area such as in a vessel. A preferable way to carry the radio frequency tag 11 is to integrate it with a mobile base 100 such as a wristband 110. The number and positions of the radio frequency beacons depend on the actual implementation.

More tags may be implemented on the same mobile base 100, 110 e.g. a passive NFC tag 13. Security and confidential information is ensured by utilizing the short range of passive NFC communication. This range is typically less than about 10 or 15 cm. In the present invention, an NFC tag 13 may be used to calibrate the tracking of a personal BLE tag 11 connected on the same mobile base 100, e.g. a wristband 110.

For the present invention, the mobile base 100, 110 including its integrated components is regarded as a personal component to be kept under surveillance by the person, preferably by wearing it directly on the body of the person, at all times.

In the present document, Bluetooth and BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) are used examples of communication systems that may be used in locating a tag within a vessel by using radio frequency triangulation but it is not intended to be limited to Bluetooth.

Likewise, NFC is used as an example of a secure way of short hold communication but it is not the intention to limit the invention to NFC for secure short hold communication.

In the present document, the wording 'a mobile base 100' is intended to comprise a wristband 110.

Triangulating the mobile base 100, 110 is in the present paper equivalent to triangulating the person carrying the mobile base 100, 110.

Reference signs

Claims

1. System for supervising a person aboard a vessel, the system comprising a mobile base (100, 110), e.g. a wristband (110), the mobile base (100, 110) comprising a radio frequency tag (11) prepared for radio frequency triangulation for deciding a position of the person and for communicating Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) related components, the system comprising a controller in communication with HSE related components on the mobile base (100, 110), characterized in

the system further comprising lock control, a computer being prepared to unlock a lock (300), the lock (300), if unlocked, giving access to an area, when detecting the mobile base (100, 110) being proximate to the lock (300), a fixed position of the lock (300) being prearranged in the computer; and

proximity and identity verification of the mobile base (100, 110) to the lock (300) prepared to be decided with an NFC reader (200) in communication with and positioned proximate to the lock (300); the NFC reader (200) detecting an NFC tag (13) on the mobile base (100, 110) being proximate to the NFC reader (200) and communicating this to the computer, the computer being prepared to unlock the lock (300) on this condition.

2. System as in claim 1, further characterized in the NFC reader (200) being prepared to read the NFC tag (13) at a distance smaller than 15 cm.

3. System as in claim 1, or 2, further characterized in the radio frequency and the radio frequency tag (11) being Bluetooth components.

4. System as in one of claims 1 to 3, further characterized in the radio frequency and the radio frequency tag (11) being Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) components.

5. System as in one of claims 1 to 4, further characterized in the system being prepared for receiving and collecting information from sensors related to Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), the sensors being integrated with the mobile base (100, 110) and detecting signals from sensors e.g. from bio electric sensors e.g. a heart rate sensor (22), a temperature sensor (23) or an acceleration sensor.

6. System as in one of claims 1 to 5, further characterized in that the system comprising means for transmitting information from the server to a radio frequency receiver to e.g. a vibration motor (24) or a display (21) integrated with the mobile base (100, 110) intended to prompt the person being monitored with information.

7. Method for supervising a person using the system in claim 1, the method comprising the steps of:

the NFC reader (200) registering the entrance to a vessel of a person wearing a mobile base (100, 110) by presenting the NFC tag (13) to the NFC reader (200); the NFC reader (200) transmitting information regarding the entrance from the NFC reader (200) to the controller;

the controller initiating supervision by of the person wearing the mobile base (100, 110) by radio frequency;

the controller supervising the person wearing the mobile base (100, 110) by radio frequency;

the user presenting the NFC tag (13) to the NFC reader (200); and

the controller terminating supervision of the person wearing the mobile base (100, 110).