U.S. patent application number 15/258898 was filed with the patent office on 2017-03-02 for worksite monitoring and management systems and platforms.
The applicant listed for this patent is SAFETY KEY SOLUTIONS FZ-LLC. Invention is credited to Severin Kezeu.
Application Number | 20170061337 15/258898 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53882570 |
Filed Date | 2017-03-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170061337 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kezeu; Severin |
March 2, 2017 |
WORKSITE MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND PLATFORMS
Abstract
A platform comprising sensing devices, servers and mobile
devices for monitoring conditions of objects on worksites.
Potential violations of operation rules are alarmed to avoid
damage, collision, and disaster. Emergency is detected and
responded to operating staff members in charge.
Inventors: |
Kezeu; Severin; (Dubai,
AE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SAFETY KEY SOLUTIONS FZ-LLC |
Dubai |
|
AE |
|
|
Family ID: |
53882570 |
Appl. No.: |
15/258898 |
Filed: |
September 7, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14628036 |
Feb 20, 2015 |
9466038 |
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15258898 |
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61943115 |
Feb 21, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G08G 1/164 20130101;
G06Q 10/063 20130101; G08G 1/16 20130101; G06Q 10/063112 20130101;
G08G 1/20 20130101; G06Q 10/06314 20130101; G06Q 50/265
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 10/06 20060101
G06Q010/06 |
Claims
1.-24. (canceled)
25. A computing system for automatic prevention of collisions on
working areas, the computing system comprising: a) one or more
sensing devices installed on one or more objects on a worksite to
read sensing signals, wherein at least one of the one or more
sensing devices comprises: an embedded processor, a memory, an
embedded operating system, one or more sensors, and an embedded
anti-collision module comprising an anti-balancing system; and b)
at least one server comprising at least one processor, a memory,
and an operating system configured to create a server application,
wherein the server application comprises a server anti-collision
module for: i) integrating and analyzing at least a motion signal
of the sensing signals received from the one or more sensing
devices, ii) predicting a potential collision between two objects,
and iii) sending instructions to the embedded anti-collision module
comprising the anti-balancing system, wherein the instructions
override an operator command with a machine control to
automatically avoid the potential collision.
26. The system of claim 25, wherein the one or more sensors
comprise one or more of the following: one or more position
sensors, one or more RF tags, one or more GPS tracking units, one
or more wind speed sensors, wind direction sensors, one or more
temperature sensors, one or more rain sensors, one or more snow
sensors, one or more liquid sensors, one or more gas sensors, one
or more carbon dioxide sensors, one or more carbon monoxide
sensors, one or more oxygen sensors, one or more motion sensors,
one or more speed sensors, one or more acceleration sensors, one or
more pressure sensors, one or more torque sensors, one or more
force sensors, one or more load sensors, one or more electric
current sensors, one or more electric voltage sensors, one or more
stability sensors, and one or more balance sensors.
27. The system of claim 25, wherein the sensing signals comprise
one or more of the following: a location, a direction, a speed, a
rotation angle, a rotation speed, an acceleration, an angular
acceleration, a lifting angle, a pressure, a temperature, a
concentration, a force, a torque, a stability, and a balance.
28. The system of claim 25, wherein the server anti-collision
module further performs one or more of the following: a)
identifying and tracking the locations of workers on the worksite,
and b) monitoring a pedestrian collision.
29. The system of claim 25, wherein the server application further
comprises an in-memory contextual data engine performing one or
more of the following: a) inferring operational context of the one
or more objects, b) inferring operational context of the worksite,
c) analyzing the sensing signals to track locations of the one or
more objects, d) recording operation logs of the one or more
objects, and e) recording maintenance performed on the one or more
objects.
30. The system of claim 25, wherein the server application further
comprises an operation resources planning module performing one or
more of the following: a) recording skills of workers on the
worksite, b) tracking materials or products in a logistic chain, c)
monitoring a status of a task, d) evaluating a status or
performance of a project, and e) monitoring a usage of an
asset.
31. The system of claim 25, wherein the server application further
comprises a risk management module performing one or more of the
following: a) avoiding a risk, b) allowing a server user to set up
one or more operation rules of the worksite, c) producing an alert
when one of the one or more operation rules is violated, d)
monitoring a health condition of workers on the worksite, and e)
contacting a health care provider when a risk occurs.
32. The system of claim 31, wherein the one or more operation rules
comprise one or more of the following: a risk management rule, a
rescue rule, a compliance rule, a law, a safety rule, a security
rule, a health rule, a traffic rule, a transportation rule, a
collision rule, and an object movement rule.
33. The system of claim 25, wherein the server application further
comprises an interface performing one or more the following: a)
navigating the worksite, and b) displaying a real-time condition of
the worksite, wherein the interface is accessible by a computing
device.
34. The system of claim 33, wherein the real-time condition
comprises one or more of the following: a scene of the worksite, a
predicted movement of the one or more objects, a predicted location
of the one or more objects, a map of the worksite, an operation
zone of the one or more objects, a weather condition, a workforce
condition, and a supply chain condition.
35. The system of claim 25, wherein the server further comprises a
cloud storage performing one or more of the following: a)
replicating the sensing signals in the cloud storage, and b)
synchronizing the sensing signals across the one or more sensing
devices and the at least one server.
36. A computer-implemented method for automatic prevention of
collisions on working areas, the method comprising: a) reading, by
one or more sensing devices, sensing signals, wherein the one or
more sensing devices are installed on one or more objects on a
worksite, and wherein at least one of the one or more sensing
devices comprises: an embedded processor, a memory, an embedded
operating system, one or more sensors, and an embedded
anti-collision module comprising an anti-balancing system; b)
integrating and analyzing, by a server anti-collision module of at
least one server, at least a motion signal of the sensing signals
received from the one or more sensing devices, wherein the at least
one server comprises at least one processor, a memory and a server
operating system to create a server application comprising the
server anti-collision module; c) predicting, by the server
anti-collision module of the at least one server, a potential
collision between two objects, and d) sending, by the server
anti-collision module of the at least one server, instructions to
the embedded anti-collision module comprising the anti-balancing
system, wherein the instructions override an operator command with
a machine control to automatically avoid the potential
collision.
37. The method of claim 36, wherein the one or more sensors
comprise one or more of the following: one or more position
sensors, one or more RF tags, one or more GPS tracking units, one
or more wind speed sensors, wind direction sensors, one or more
temperature sensors, one or more rain sensors, one or more snow
sensors, one or more liquid sensors, one or more gas sensors, one
or more carbon dioxide sensors, one or more carbon monoxide
sensors, one or more oxygen sensors, one or more motion sensors,
one or more speed sensors, one or more acceleration sensors, one or
more pressure sensors, one or more torque sensors, one or more
force sensors, one or more load sensors, one or more electric
current sensors, one or more electric voltage sensors, one or more
stability sensors, and one or more balance sensors.
38. The method of claim 36, wherein the sensing signals comprising
one or more of the following: a location, a direction, a speed, a
rotation angle, a rotation speed, an acceleration, an angular
acceleration, a lifting angle, a pressure, a temperature, a
concentration, a force, a torque, a stability, and a balance.
39. The method of claim 36, further comprising using the server
anti-collision module to perform one or more of the following: a)
identifying and tracking the locations of workers on the worksite,
and b) monitoring a pedestrian collision.
40. The method of claim 36, further comprising using an in-memory
contextual data engine of the at least one server to perform one or
more of the following: a) inferring operational context of the one
or more objects, b) inferring operational context of the worksite,
c) analyzing the sensing signals to track locations of the one or
more objects, d) recording operation logs of the one or more
objects, and e) recording maintenance performed on the one or more
objects.
41. The method of claim 36, further comprising using an operation
resources planning module of the at least one server to perform one
or more of the following: a) recording skills of workers on the
worksite, b) tracking materials or products in a logistic chain, c)
monitoring a status of a task, d) evaluating a status or
performance of a project, and e) monitoring a usage of an
asset.
42. The method of claim 36, further comprising using a risk
management module of the at least one server to perform one or more
of the following: a) avoiding a risk, b) allowing a server user to
set up one or more operation rules of the worksite, c) producing an
alert when one of the one or more operation rules is violated, d)
monitoring a health condition of workers on the worksite, and e)
contacting a health care provider when a risk occurs.
43. The method of claim 42, wherein the one or more operation rules
comprise one or more of the following: a risk management rule, a
rescue rule, a compliance rule, a law, a safety rule, a security
rule, a health rule, a traffic rule, a transportation rule, a
collision rule, and an object movement rule.
44. The method of claim 36, further comprising an interface of the
at least one server to perform one or more the following: a)
navigating the worksite, and b) displaying a real-time condition of
the worksite, wherein the interface is accessible by a computing
device.
45. The method of claim 44, wherein the real-time condition
comprises one or more of the following: a scene of the worksite, a
predicted movement of the one or more objects, a predicted location
of the one or more objects, a map of the worksite, an operation
zone of the one or more objects, a weather condition, a workforce
condition, and a supply chain condition.
46. The method of claim 36, further comprising a cloud storage of
the at least one server to perform one or more of the following: a)
replicating the sensing signals in the cloud storage, and b)
synchronizing the sensing signals across the one or more sensing
devices and the at least one server.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/628,036 filed on Feb. 20, 2015, which
claims the benefit of U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/943,115, filed
Feb. 21, 2014, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in
its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Safety, security, health, maintenance, and supply chain on
worksites, e.g., constructions, airports, shipyards, factories, and
mines, are important issues to achieve service-level-agreements
(SLA) and quality and to control costs. Existing systems of
monitoring worksites merely focus on a single aspect of safety,
security or health, rather than integrating all pieces of
information on a single platform. Furthermore, the lack of the
integration cannot predict the potential damages and collisions,
leading to disasters taking place. Therefore, a new system is
necessary to avoid the damages, and it in turn hopefully can
enhance the quality of working environment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Described herein, in some embodiments, are platforms and
systems for monitoring and managing worksites. In further
embodiments, the worksite monitoring and management includes
standards compliance, risk mitigation (e.g., risks to safety,
security, health, breakdown, SLA, quality, costs, etc.), and
emergency response coordination (including automated or manually
coordinated response).
[0004] Advantages of the systems and platforms described herein
allow worksite managers to monitor the real time condition of the
working environment. The platform comprising various modules to
monitor all the aspects of the worksite can predict the potential
damages and risks (e.g., risks to safety, security, health,
breakdown, SLA, quality, costs, etc.). With an alarm and alerting
system on the platform, key personnel (such as managers, operators,
workers, administrators, government officers, etc) and automated
devices can respond to the potential damages in a shortest time
frame. Moreover, the platform can provide feedbacks on quality
control, resource allocation and performance indication. The
enterprises using the platform can reduce costs and enhance
operating performance.
[0005] In one aspect, disclosed herein is a computing platform for
worksite monitoring, the platform comprising: (a) one or more
sensing devices installed on one or more objects on a worksite,
wherein each of the one or more sensing devices comprises one or
more sensors and a signal acquisition module configured to read
sensing signals from the one or more sensors; (b) a server with a
server processor configured to provide a server user with a server
application, wherein the server application comprises a contextual
data engine, an anti-collision module, a risk management module,
and an operation resources planning module; and (c) a mobile device
with a mobile processor configured to provide a mobile user with a
mobile application. In some embodiments, each of the one or more
sensing devices further comprises: an embedded processor and an
embedded operating system comprising an embedded multi-application
platform. In some embodiments, each of the one or more sensing
devices further comprises a data storage storing the sensing
signals. In some embodiments, each of the one or more sensing
devices further comprises a command and control module configured
to control the one or more objects. In some embodiments, each of
the sensing devices further comprises an embedded
human-machine-interface (HMI). In some embodiments, each of the one
or more sensing devices further comprises an embedded actionable
data server. In some embodiments, each of the one or more sensing
devices further comprises a communication module configured to (1)
transmit the sensing signals to the server and (b) receive
instruction signals from the server. In some embodiments, each of
the instruction signals comprises a control on an object. In some
embodiments, each of the sensing signals comprises information of
an object on the worksite, the information comprising one or more
of: a location, a direction, a rotation angle, a rotation speed, a
speed, an acceleration, an angular acceleration, a lifting angle, a
pressure, a temperature, a concentration, a force, a torque, a
stability, and a balance. In some embodiments, the one or more
sensing devices comprise one or more of: one or more video cameras,
one or more sound recorders, one or more global positioning
systems, and one or more weather stations. In some embodiments, the
one or more sensors comprise one or more of the following: one or
more position sensors, one or more RF tags, one or more GPS
tracking units, one or more wind speed sensors, wind direction
sensors, one or more temperature sensors, one or more rain sensors,
one or more snow sensors, one or more liquid sensors, one or more
gas sensors, one or more carbon dioxide sensors, one or more carbon
monoxide sensors, one or more oxygen sensors, one or more motion
sensors, one or more speed sensors, one or more acceleration
sensors, one or more pressure sensors, one or more torque sensors,
one or more force sensors, one or more load sensors, one or more
electric current sensors, one or more electric voltage sensors, one
or more stability sensor, and one or more balance sensors. In some
embodiments, the contextual data engine is configured to analyze
the sensing signals to track locations of the one or more objects.
In some embodiments, the contextual data engine is configured to
record operation logs of the one or more objects. In some
embodiments, the contextual data engine is configured to record
maintenance performed on the one or more objects. In some
embodiments, the contextual data engine is configured to infer
operational context of the one or more objects and of the worksite.
In some embodiments, the anti-collision module is configured to
predict a collision between two or more objects. In some
embodiments, the anti-collision module is configured to identify
and track the locations of workers on the worksite. In some
embodiments, the anti-collision module is configured to monitor a
pediatrician collision. In some embodiments, the operation
resources planning module is configured to record skills of workers
on the worksite. In some embodiments, the operation resources
planning module is configured to track materials or products in a
logistic chain. In some embodiments, the operation resources
planning module is configured to control access to one or more of
the following: the worksite, the one or more objects, the one or
more sensing devices. In some embodiments, the operation resources
planning module is configured to monitor a status of a task. In
some embodiments, the operation resources planning module is
configured to evaluate a status or performance of a project. In
some embodiments, the operation resources planning module is
configured to recommend resource allocation. In some embodiments,
the operation resources planning module is configured to monitor
energy consumption. In some embodiments, the operation resources
planning module is configured to monitor a usage of an asset. In
some embodiments, the operation resources planning module is
configured to allow the server user to set up one or more operation
rules of the worksite. In some embodiments, the one or more
operation rules comprise one or more of the following: a compliance
with a law, a safety rule, a security rule, a health rule, a
traffic rule, a transportation rule, a collision rule, an object
movement rule, a risk management rule, and a rescue rule. In some
embodiments, the risk management module is configured to produce an
alert when an operation rule is violated. In some embodiments, the
risk management module is configured to monitor a health condition
of workers on the worksite. In some embodiments, the risk
management module is configured to contact a health care provider
when a risk occurs. In some embodiments, the server application
further comprises an interface to allow the server user to navigate
the worksite on a display of the server. In some embodiments, the
mobile application comprises a software module configured to
display a real-time condition of the worksite. In some embodiments,
the real-time condition comprises one or more of: a map of the
worksite, a scene of the worksite, an operation zone of the one or
more objects, a predicted movement of the one or more objects, a
predicted location of the one or more objects, a weather condition,
a workforce condition, and a supply chain condition. In some
embodiments, the mobile application comprises a software module
configured to receive an alert from the server application and
generate an alarm to the mobile user. In some embodiments, the
platform further comprises a cloud storage comprising (a) a
software module configured to synchronize the sensing signals
across the one or more sensing devices, the server, and the mobile
device; and (b) a software module configured to replicate the
sensing signals in the cloud storage. In some embodiments, the
worksite comprises one or more of: a construction site, an airport,
a factory, a port, a mining site, a nuclear plant, a power plant, a
shipyard, a building, an air craft, a battle zone, a freeway, a
road, a school, a disaster area, and an aerospace. In some
embodiments, the one or more objects comprise one or more of: one
or more vehicles, one or more cranes, one or more aircrafts, one or
more cargo, one or more machines, one or more freights, one or more
assets, one or more raw materials, one or more gates, one or more
heavy equipments, one or more power plants, one or more buildings,
and one or more tractors.
[0006] In another aspect, disclosed herein is a computing system
for worksite monitoring comprising: (a) one or more sensing devices
installed on one or more objects on a worksite; (b) a server
comprising a server processor and an operating system, wherein the
server is coupled to the one or more sensing devices and is
configured to provide a server application, the server application
comprising a contextual data engine, an anti-collision module, a
risk management module, and an operation resources planning module.
In some embodiments, the one or more sensing devices comprise one
or more of: one or more video cameras, one or more sound recorders,
one or more global positioning systems, and one or more weather
stations. In some embodiments, the one or more sensing devices
comprise one or more of the following: one or more position
sensors, one or more RF tags, one or more GPS tracking units, one
or more wind speed sensors, wind direction sensors, one or more
temperature sensors, one or more rain sensors, one or more snow
sensors, one or more liquid sensors, one or more gas sensors, one
or more carbon dioxide sensors, one or more carbon monoxide
sensors, one or more oxygen sensors, one or more motion sensors,
one or more speed sensors, one or more acceleration sensors, one or
more pressure sensors, one or more torque sensors, one or more
force sensors, one or more load sensors, one or more electric
current sensors, one or more electric voltage sensors, one or more
stability sensor, and one or more balance sensors. In some
embodiments, the contextual data engine is configured to receive
sensing signals from the one or more sensing devices and analyze
the sensing signals to track locations of the one or more objects.
In some embodiments, the contextual data engine is configured to
record operation logs of the one or more objects. In some
embodiments, the contextual data engine is configured to record
maintenance performed on the one or more objects. In some
embodiments, the contextual data engine is configured to infer
operational context of the one or more objects and of the worksite.
In some embodiments, the anti-collision module is configured to
predict a collision between two or more objects. In some
embodiments, the anti-collision module is configured to identify
and track the locations of workers on the worksite. In some
embodiments, the anti-collision module is configured to monitor a
pediatrician collision. In some embodiments, the operation
resources planning module is configured to record skills of workers
on the worksite. In some embodiments, the operation resources
planning module is configured to track materials or products in a
logistic chain. In some embodiments, the operation resources
planning module is configured to control access to one or more of
the following: the worksite, the one or more objects, the one or
more sensing devices. In some embodiments, the operation resources
planning module is configured to monitor a status of a task. In
some embodiments, the operation resources planning module is
configured to evaluate a status or performance of a project. In
some embodiments, the operation resources planning module is
configured to recommend resource allocation. In some embodiments,
the operation resources planning module is configured to monitor
energy consumption. In some embodiments, the operation resources
planning module is configured to monitor a usage of an asset. In
some embodiments, the operation resources planning module is
configured to allow the server user to set up one or more operation
rules of the worksite. In some embodiments, the one or more
operation rules comprise one or more of the following: a compliance
with a law, a safety rule, a security rule, a health rule, a
traffic rule, a transportation rule, a collision rule, an object
movement rule, a risk management rule, and a rescue rule. In some
embodiments, the risk management module is configured to produce an
alert when an operation rule is violated. In some embodiments, the
risk management module is configured to monitor a health condition
of workers on the worksite. In some embodiments, the risk
management module is configured to contact a health care provider
when a risk occurs. In some embodiments, the server application
further comprises an interface to allow a server user to navigate
the worksite on a display of the server.
[0007] In another aspect, described herein are one or more sensing
and control devices installed on one or more objects on a worksite,
wherein each sensing device comprises: a computing processor; an
embedded operating system; one or more sensors; one or more
controllers (e.g., actioners, actuators, etc.); a data storage; a
command and control module; an embedded human-machine-interface
(HMI) for operators and workers (e.g., a LCD, touchscreen, audio
interface, voice command system, etc.); an embedded actionable data
server (for real time data collection, remote control, and/or
remote applications services); an embedded multi-application
platform; a signal acquisition module configured to read and store
signals from the sensors, wherein the signals comprise a location;
a data synchronization module for replication of data to a worksite
server (and re-synchronization in the event of power loss); and a
communication module configured to transmit and/or receive signals
to and/or from a server application, the sensors, and/or the
controllers.
[0008] In another aspect, described herein are servers including
one or more server processors configured to provide a server user
with the server application comprising: a software module
configured to allow the server user to set up a plurality of
operation rules of the worksite; a software module configured to
receive the signals from the sensing devices and track the
locations of the objects on the worksite; a software module
configured to predict a collision between two or more objects; and
a software module configured to produce an alert when an operation
rule is violated.
[0009] In another aspect, described herein are mobile devices with
one or more mobile processors configured to provide a mobile user
with a mobile application comprising: a software module configured
to display a predicted collision and/or a violation on the
worksite, and a software module configured to receive the alert
from the server application and generate an alarm;
[0010] In another aspect, described herein is cloud storage
comprising: a software module configured to synchronize the signals
and data among the sensing devices, the server, and the mobile
device; and a software module configured to replicate the signals
and data in the cloud storage.
[0011] In some embodiments, the systems and platforms described
herein comprise a plurality of server levels. In a particular
embodiment, the systems and platforms described herein comprise
three server levels. For example, in various embodiments, the
server levels include: embedded servers in the objects, site
servers, and cloud servers. In further embodiments, each modular
application described herein optionally runs at different levels
(exclusive, collaborative or simultaneous).
[0012] In some embodiments, the systems and platforms described
herein comprise a plurality of storage levels. In a particular
embodiment, the systems and platforms described herein comprise
three storage levels. For example, in various embodiments, the
storage levels include, embedded storage, site server storage, and
cloud storage. In further embodiments, embedded data are replicated
in the site server, and all worksite data are replicated on the
cloud storage. An advantage of this arrangement is that at the main
time the worksite instance in the cloud storage is replicated in
the site storage, then if there is a loss of the internet
connectivity between the site and the cloud, the local operations
modules continue to work without stopping the production line.
Another advantage of this arrangement is that the embedded object
instance in the worksite storage is replicated in the embedded
storage as well, then if there is a loss of the connectivity
between the object and the site server, the embedded operations
applications continue to work.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 shows a non-limiting example of a schematic diagram
of an embodied platform; in this case, the server application
(called 360 Middleware) was linked to worksites where vehicles were
installed with sensing devices and GPS navigator, allowing the
server application to receive the operation data of the vehicles
and to monitor the movement of the vehicles.
[0014] FIG. 2 shows a non-limiting example of functions embodied on
a server application; in this case, the server application
comprised logistics, health & safety, task management,
supervisory, fleet management and tracking, anti-collision
compliances enforcement, project management, key performance
indicators, maintenance, security access control, quality control,
business intelligence, human resources, staff protection, unified
communication, voice over IP, energy saving, and reporting.
[0015] FIG. 3 shows a non-limiting example of real time monitoring
of worksites; in this case, the platform visualized the countries
(Tanzania, Albania, and United Arab Emirates) with construction
sites on a global map.
[0016] FIG. 4 shows a non-limiting example of real time monitoring
of worksites; in this case, the platform visualized two worksites
in the United Arab Emirates
[0017] FIG. 5 shows a non-limiting example of real time monitoring
of worksites; in this case, the platform visualized the working
sites in Dubai and reported the crane operations.
[0018] FIG. 6 shows a non-limiting example of real time monitoring
of worksites; in this case, the platform displayed a 3-D view of
the scene of the working site.
[0019] FIG. 7 shows a non-limiting example of monitoring an
operation of a crane; in this case, the platform reported the
working zone of a crane
[0020] FIG. 8 shows a non-limiting example of displaying object
deployment on a worksite; in this case, the platform displayed the
deployment of 10 cranes on a construction site and evaluated the
risk factor of the current deployment was 44%.
[0021] FIG. 9 shows a non-limiting example of displaying object
operation on a worksite; in this case, the crane operator and the
worksite manager were able to zoom into the load that a crane was
carrying.
[0022] FIG. 10 shows a non-limiting example of operation resource
planning; in this case, a platform integrates various components
associated with the worksite.
[0023] FIG. 11 shows a non-limiting example of an operation
resource planning in conjunction with a contextual data engine.
[0024] FIG. 12 shows a non-limiting example of the components of a
contextual data engine.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] Safety, security and health on a worksite (e.g.,
constructions, airports, shipyards, factories, and mines) are
critical factors to maintain a quality working environment.
Existing systems of monitoring worksites largely focus on a single
aspect of safety, security or health, rather than integrating all
pieces of information on a single platform. Furthermore, the lack
of the integration cannot predict the potential damages and
collisions, leading to disasters taking place. Therefore, a new
system is necessary to avoid the damages, and it in turn hopefully
can enhance the quality of working environment.
[0026] Advantages of the systems and platforms allow worksite
managers to monitor the real time condition of the working
environment. The platform comprising various modules to monitor all
the aspects of the worksite can predict the potential damages. With
an alarm system on the platform, the managers and workers can
respond to the potential damages in a shortest time frame.
Moreover, the platform can provide feedbacks on quality control,
resource allocation and performance indication. The enterprises
using the platform can reduce costs and enhance operating
performance.
[0027] Described herein, in various embodiments, is a platform
comprising: (a) one or more sensing devices installed on one or
more objects on a worksite, wherein each sensing device comprises a
computing processor, an embedded operating system, one or more
sensors, a data storage, a signal acquisition module configured to
read and store signals from the sensors wherein the signals
comprise a location, and a communication module configured to
transmit the signals to a server application; (b) a server with a
server processor configured to provide a server user with the
server application comprising: (i) a module to allow the server
user to set up a plurality of operation rules of the worksite; (ii)
a module to receive the signals from the sensing devices and track
the locations of the objects on the worksite; (iii) a module to
predict a collision between two or more objects; and (iv) a module
to produce an alert when an operation rule is violated; (c) a
mobile device with a mobile processor configured to provide a
mobile user with a mobile application comprising: a module to
display a real time condition of the worksite, and a module to
receive the alert from the server application and generate an
alarm; (d) a cloud storage comprising (i) a module to synchronize
the signals and data among the sensing devices, the server, and the
mobile device; and (ii) a module to replicate the signals and data
in the cloud storage. The modules in the platform may be
implemented by software, hardware, or combination of them.
[0028] Also described herein, in various embodiments, is a
collision prediction system comprising: (a) one or more sensing
devices installed on one or more objects on a worksite, wherein
each sensing device includes a computing processor, an embedded
operating system, one or more sensors, a data storage, a signal
acquisition module configured to read and store signals from the
sensors wherein the signals comprise a location, and a
communication module configured to transmit the signals to a server
application; (b) a server with a server processor configured to
provide a server user with the server application comprising: (i) a
module to allow the server user to set up a plurality of operation
rules of the worksite; (ii) a module to receive the signals from
the sensing devices and track the locations of the objects on the
worksite; (iii) a module to predict a collision between two or more
objects; and (iv) a module to produce an alert when an operation
rule is violated; (c) a mobile device with a mobile processor
configured to provide a mobile user with a mobile application
comprising: (i) a module to display the predicted collision of the
worksite, and (ii) a module to receive the alert from the server
application and generate an alarm. The modules in the platform may
be implemented by software, hardware, or combination of them.
[0029] Also described herein, in various embodiments, is a
collision emergency response system comprising: (a) one or more
sensing devices installed on one or more objects on a worksite,
wherein each sensing device comprises a computing processor, an
embedded operating system, one or more sensors, a data storage, a
signal acquisition module configured to read and store signals from
the sensors wherein the signals comprise a location, and a
communication module configured to transmit the signals to a server
application; (b) a server with a server processor configured to
provide a server user with the server application comprising: (i) a
module to allow the server user to set up a plurality of operation
rules of the worksite, and (ii) a module to detect a violation in
one or more of the operation rules and produce an alert; (c) a
mobile device with a mobile processor configured to provide a
mobile user with a mobile application comprising: (i) a module to
display the violation on the worksite, and (ii) a module to receive
the alert from the server application and generate an alarm; and
(d) a cloud storage comprising (i) a module to synchronize the
signals and data among the sensing devices, the server, and the
mobile device; and (ii) a module to replicate the signals and data
in the cloud storage. The modules in the platform may be
implemented by software, hardware, or combination of them.
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
[0030] Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein
have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary
skill in the art to which this invention belongs. As used in this
specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a,"
"an," and "the" include plural references unless the context
clearly dictates otherwise. Any reference to "or" herein is
intended to encompass "and/or" unless otherwise stated.
Worksite
[0031] In some embodiments, the platforms, systems, software
applications, media, and methods described herein include a
worksite. Non-limiting examples of worksites include construction
sites, airports, factories, ports, mining sites, nuclear plants,
power plant, shipyards, buildings, aircrafts, battle zones,
freeways, roads, schools, disaster areas, and aerospace. In some
embodiments, the platform monitors a single worksite. In some
cases, the platform monitors two or more worksites. When there are
two or more worksites monitored by the platform, the worksites may
be in the same type or in different types. For example, a
construction company simultaneously monitors two constructions
sites in different cities; a government agency may simultaneously
monitor the maintenance progresses on a freeway and on a city
road.
Sensing Device
[0032] In some embodiments, the platforms, systems, software
applications, media, and methods described herein include a sensing
device, or use of the same. A sensing device may be installed in an
object on a worksite, wherein each sensing device comprises one or
more of the following: a computing processor, an embedded operating
system, one or more sensors, a data storage, a signal acquisition
module configured to read and store signals from the sensors, and a
communication module configured to transmit the signals to a server
application. The signals recorded by a sensor may comprise a
location. In some cases, the signals may comprise a physical
quantity and/or a chemical quantity. Non-limiting examples of
sensing devices include cameras, video cameras, global positioning
systems, weather stations, carbon monoxide detectors, smoke
detectors, light detectors, and pressure sensing systems.
[0033] A sensing device is coupled to one or more sensors. Two or
more sensors coupled with a sensing device may be a single type, or
different types. Non-limiting examples of sensors include: RF tags,
light sensors, electromagnetic wave sensors, wind sensors, rain
sensors, snow sensors, soil sensors, water sensors, liquid sensors,
gas sensors, carbon dioxide sensors, carbon monoxide sensors,
oxygen sensors, chemical sensors, toxicity sensors, acid sensors,
alkaline sensors, speed sensors, temperature sensors, pressure
sensors, load sensors, weight sensors, torque sensors, force
sensors, electric current sensors, and voltage sensors.
[0034] In some embodiments, one or more sensing devices are coupled
with one or more other modules in the platforms, systems, software
applications, media, and methods. The sensing devices transmit the
collected signals to the other modules, and the modules analyze the
signals to control the objects on the worksites to achieve
anti-collision. More details are described below.
Operation Rules
[0035] In some embodiments, the platforms, systems, software
applications, media, and methods described herein include an
operation rule, setting up an operation rule, and/or use of the
same. An operation rule may be a rule in compliance with a law or
multiple laws. Operation rules may cover different aspects of a
worksite; non-limiting examples include safety, security, health,
traffic, transportation, collision, and movement. An operation rule
may contain a description associated with one or more quantities.
By way of non-limiting examples, a heavy truck should keep a
distance of at least 10 meters away the previous vehicle; a worker
should take a one hour break after working for four hours in a row;
a concentration of carbon monoxide should be lower than 1 ppm; the
operating zone of a crane should not overlap with that of another
crane.
Objects on Worksite
[0036] In some embodiments, the platforms, systems, software
applications, media, and methods described herein include one or
more objects present on the worksite. Non-limiting examples of
objects include people, animals, vehicles, ships, cranes,
aircrafts, cargos, machines, freights, assets, materials, gates,
heavy equipments, tractors, power plants, factories, and buildings.
In further embodiments, an object on a worksite is installed, or
attached, with one or more sensing devices. Coupling an object with
one or more sensing devices allows the sensing devices to reveal
the condition (based on physical/chemical measurements, such as
locations, latitude, altitude, temperature, speed, velocity,
acceleration, pressure, electrical properties, current, voltage,
torque, force, etc) of the object. For example, a sensing device
determines the location of the object, another can measure the load
of the object, and another can reveal the operating temperature of
the object.
Worksite Condition
[0037] In some embodiments, the platforms, systems, software
applications, media, and methods described herein include
displaying a worksite condition. Displaying the worksite condition
is made on a digital screen. The screen is coupled to any kinds of
digital processing devices, e.g., mobile phones, wearable
electronics devices, portable computers, and servers. In some
embodiments, the display of the worksite condition shows one or
more of the following non-limiting examples: a map of the worksite,
a scene of the worksite, an operation zone of an object, a
predicted movement of an object, a predicted location of an object,
a predicted event, a weather condition, a workforce condition, an
objects condition (e.g., asset maintenance, etc.), supply chain,
and a job or task condition (e.g., status, quality level, SLA,
costs, etc.).
[0038] In some embodiments, the display comprises an interactive
interface to view various types of information. The interactive
interface allows the user to use finger touch or a computer
peripheral (e.g., mouse, keyboard, microphone, touch pen, etc) to
interact with the display. In further embodiments, the interactive
interface allows the user to locally or remotely control a worksite
object.
Predictive Anti-Collision Module
[0039] In a particular example, operation rules are configured in a
predictive anti-collision module. In another particular example, a
worksite condition is collision potential, which is monitored and
displayed by a predictive anti-collision module.
[0040] A predictive anti-collision module, for example, monitors
objects such as equipment and vehicles on a worksite to predict
collisions. In some embodiments, the predictive anti-collision
module is operates dynamically by integrating motion sensors
(sensing e.g., positions, speeds, acceleration, stability, balance,
etc.), weather conditions (e.g., wind speed, wind direction, etc.),
and equipment loads and torques. In further embodiments, the
predictive anti-collision module includes an anti-balancing
system.
[0041] In some embodiments, the predictive anti-collision module
described herein integrates an auto-pilot feature, which over rides
operator commands and takes control to avoid automatically the
collision in case of critical risk. In further embodiments, the
auto-pilot uses the embedded controller interface for this purpose.
In some embodiments, the anti-collision module optionally run in
the embedded level, at the site server, or cloud level. In further
embodiments, multiple anti-collision modules optionally run in
parallel for redundancy purpose in view to match high safety
standards.
Server Application
[0042] In some embodiments, the platforms, systems, software
applications, media, and methods described herein include a server
hosting a server application, or use of the same. The server
application may contain one or more of the following modules: a
module to allow the server user to set up a plurality of operation
rules of the worksite; a module to receive the signals from the
sensing devices and track the locations of the objects on the
worksite; a module to predict a collision between two or more
objects; a module to produce an alert when an operation rule is
violated; a module to identify and track the locations of people on
the worksite; a module to record the skills of people on the
worksite; a module to monitor the health condition of people on the
worksite; a module to record the operation logs of the objects; a
module to record the maintenance performed on the objects; a module
to track materials in a logistics chain; a module to track products
in a logistics chain; a module to control access to the worksite; a
module to control access to a part of the worksite; a module to
monitor the status of a task; a module to evaluate the performance
of a project; a module to monitor the status of a project; a module
to evaluate the performance of a project; a module to recommend
resource allocation; a module to monitor energy consumption; a
module to monitor pediatrician collision; a module to navigate the
worksite; a module to monitor the usage of an asset; a module to
integrate enterprise resource planning.
[0043] The embodied modules on a platform may further allow real
time access to the data associated with the modules. The data may
be password protected, or may be encrypted. The access may be
limited to the users of the platforms. Sometimes the access may be
allowed for a third party. The access to the data may be made
through a wireless communication network.
Cloud Storage
[0044] In some embodiments, the platforms, systems, software
applications, media, and methods include a cloud storage, or use of
the same. The cloud storage may be on the same as the server
hosting the server application, or it may be on another independent
server. The cloud storage may be associated with a module to
synchronize the signals and data among the sensing devices, the
server, and the mobile device. Another possible module associated
with the cloud storage is to replicate the signals and data in the
cloud storage. The server application may comprise these modules
associated with cloud storage, or these modules are independent of
the server application.
Operation Resource Planning
[0045] In some embodiments, the platforms, systems, software
applications, media, and methods include a module for operation
resource planning, or use of the same. The operation resource
planning module is coupled with sensing devices to collect the
signals measured by the sensing devices. Once the signals are
collected, the module analyzes the signals to identify a resource
need. Non-limiting examples of the resource comprises staffing
human workforce, allocating communication channel, arranging
wireless networking among sensing devices and worksite objects,
allocating health/medical resources, monitoring worksite assets,
enhancing security, controlling access to assets, and providing
real-time customer services.
[0046] In some embodiments, the resource is across different
industries, e.g., construction, oil & gas, mining, airports,
transportation, ports, health care, financial, banking, recycling,
and waste management. For instance, when a construction site is
predicted to be short of concrete, the resource planning module can
measure the demand and automate contacting a supplier in the mining
industry to deliver more concrete to the construction site.
Contextual Data Engine
[0047] In some embodiments, the platforms, systems, software
applications, media, and methods include a contextual data engine,
or use of the same. The contextual data engine is built and
operated on an operating system. The contextual data engine
converges database and application platform capabilities in-memory
to transform transactions, analytics, text analysis, predictive and
spatial processing so businesses can operate in real-time.
[0048] In some embodiments, the contextual data engine comprises an
interface coupled to sensing devices to facilitate sensing and
control.
[0049] In some embodiments, the contextual data engine comprises
safety integrity level to enhance data exchange security.
[0050] In some embodiments, the contextual data engine comprises
complex even processing (CEP). The contextual data engine is
coupled to sensing devices to receive and analyze streams of
signals. When the signals are received by the contextual data
engine, the engine infers what events are happening and derives a
conclusion from the signals. In some embodiments, the contextual
data engine combines signals from multiple sources (e.g., multiple
temporal signals from a single sensing device, and signals from
multiple sensing devices) to infer events or patterns, which are
then concluded with a more meaningful event (e.g., a potential
collision, a weather impact, a possible disaster, a resource
shortage, an opportunity, a threat, etc). The merit of the
contextual data engine allows the worksite to respond to the events
as fast as possible.
[0051] In some embodiments, the contextual data engine comprises a
synchronization module. The synchronization module synchronizes all
the events across the objects and sensing devices on the worksite,
or even across the resource providers. For instance, a collision is
predicted to take place, and the collision alarm is synchronized to
cloud storage, server application, police office, fire station, and
hospital. Meanwhile, synchronization module configures some other
objects to stop working in order to allow fire trucks and
ambulances to enter the worksite and access the assets.
[0052] In some embodiments, the contextual data engine comprises a
communication module. The communication module relies on various
protocols, such as peer-to-peer (P2P). Alternatively, the
communication module comprises mobile device management (MDM), as
sensing device and objects on the worksite exchange signals via
wireless networking. By controlling and protecting the signals/data
and configuration settings for all mobile devices in the network,
MDM reduces costs induced by human support and business risks.
Digital Processing Device
[0053] In some embodiments, the platforms, systems, software
applications, media, and methods described herein include a digital
processing device, or use of the same. In further embodiments, the
digital processing device includes one or more hardware central
processing units (CPU) that carry out the device's functions. In
still further embodiments, the digital processing device further
comprises an operating system configured to perform executable
instructions. In some embodiments, the digital processing device is
optionally connected a computer network. In further embodiments,
the digital processing device is optionally connected to the
Internet such that it accesses the World Wide Web. In still further
embodiments, the digital processing device is optionally connected
to a cloud computing infrastructure. In other embodiments, the
digital processing device is optionally connected to an intranet.
In other embodiments, the digital processing device is optionally
connected to a data storage device.
[0054] In accordance with the description herein, suitable digital
processing devices include, by way of non-limiting examples, server
computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, notebook computers,
sub-notebook computers, netbook computers, netpad computers,
set-top computers, handheld computers, Internet appliances, mobile
smartphones, tablet computers, personal digital assistants, video
game consoles, and vehicles. Those of skill in the art will
recognize that many smartphones are suitable for use in the system
described herein. Those of skill in the art will also recognize
that select televisions, video players, and digital music players
with optional computer network connectivity are suitable for use in
the system described herein. Suitable tablet computers include
those with booklet, slate, and convertible configurations, known to
those of skill in the art.
[0055] In some embodiments, the digital processing device includes
an operating system configured to perform executable instructions.
The operating system is, for example, software, including programs
and data, which manages the device's hardware and provides services
for execution of applications. Those of skill in the art will
recognize that suitable server operating systems include, by way of
non-limiting examples, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, NetBSD.RTM., Linux,
Apple.RTM. Mac OS X Server.RTM., Oracle.RTM. Solaris.RTM., Windows
Server.RTM., and Novell.RTM. NetWare.RTM.. Those of skill in the
art will recognize that suitable personal computer operating
systems include, by way of non-limiting examples, Microsoft.RTM.
Windows.RTM., Apple.RTM. Mac OS X.RTM., UNIX.RTM., and UNIX-like
operating systems such as GNU/Linux.RTM.. In some embodiments, the
operating system is provided by cloud computing. Those of skill in
the art will also recognize that suitable mobile smart phone
operating systems include, by way of non-limiting examples,
Nokia.RTM. Symbian.RTM. OS, Apple.RTM. iOS.RTM., Research In
Motion.RTM. BlackBerry OS.RTM., Google.RTM. Android.RTM.,
Microsoft.RTM. Windows Phone.RTM. OS, Microsoft.RTM. Windows
Mobile.RTM. OS, Linux.RTM., and Palm.RTM. WebOS.RTM..
[0056] In some embodiments, the device includes a storage and/or
memory device. The storage and/or memory device is one or more
physical apparatuses used to store data or programs on a temporary
or permanent basis. In some embodiments, the device is volatile
memory and requires power to maintain stored information. In some
embodiments, the device is non-volatile memory and retains stored
information when the digital processing device is not powered. In
further embodiments, the non-volatile memory comprises flash
memory. In some embodiments, the non-volatile memory comprises
dynamic random-access memory (DRAM). In some embodiments, the
non-volatile memory comprises ferroelectric random access memory
(FRAM). In some embodiments, the non-volatile memory comprises
phase-change random access memory (PRAM). In other embodiments, the
device is a storage device including, by way of non-limiting
examples, CD-ROMs, DVDs, flash memory devices, magnetic disk
drives, magnetic tapes drives, optical disk drives, and cloud
computing based storage. In further embodiments, the storage and/or
memory device is a combination of devices such as those disclosed
herein.
[0057] In some embodiments, the digital processing device includes
a display to send visual information to a user. In some
embodiments, the display is a cathode ray tube (CRT). In some
embodiments, the display is a liquid crystal display (LCD). In
further embodiments, the display is a thin film transistor liquid
crystal display (TFT-LCD). In some embodiments, the display is an
organic light emitting diode (OLED) display. In various further
embodiments, on OLED display is a passive-matrix OLED (PMOLED) or
active-matrix OLED (AMOLED) display. In some embodiments, the
display is a plasma display. In other embodiments, the display is a
video projector. In still further embodiments, the display is a
combination of devices such as those disclosed herein.
[0058] In some embodiments, the digital processing device includes
an input device to receive information from a user. In some
embodiments, the input device is a keyboard. In some embodiments,
the input device is a pointing device including, by way of
non-limiting examples, a mouse, trackball, track pad, joystick,
game controller, or stylus. In some embodiments, the input device
is a touch screen or a multi-touch screen. In other embodiments,
the input device is a microphone to capture voice or other sound
input. In other embodiments, the input device is a video camera to
capture motion or visual input. In still further embodiments, the
input device is a combination of devices such as those disclosed
herein.
Non-Transitory Computer Readable Storage Medium
[0059] In some embodiments, the platforms, systems, software
applications, media, and methods disclosed herein include one or
more non-transitory computer readable storage media encoded with a
program including instructions executable by the operating system
of an optionally networked digital processing device. In further
embodiments, a computer readable storage medium is a tangible
component of a digital processing device. In still further
embodiments, a computer readable storage medium is optionally
removable from a digital processing device. In some embodiments, a
computer readable storage medium includes, by way of non-limiting
examples, CD-ROMs, DVDs, flash memory devices, solid state memory,
magnetic disk drives, magnetic tape drives, optical disk drives,
cloud computing systems and services, and the like. In some cases,
the program and instructions are permanently, substantially
permanently, semi-permanently, or non-transitorily encoded on the
media.
Computer Program
[0060] In some embodiments, the platforms, systems, software
applications, media, and methods disclosed herein include at least
one computer program, or use of the same. A computer program
includes a sequence of instructions, executable in the digital
processing device's CPU, written to perform a specified task.
Computer readable instructions may be implemented as program
modules, such as functions, objects, Application Programming
Interfaces (APIs), data structures, and the like, that perform
particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. In
light of the disclosure provided herein, those of skill in the art
will recognize that a computer program may be written in various
versions of various languages.
[0061] The functionality of the computer readable instructions may
be combined or distributed as desired in various environments. In
some embodiments, a computer program comprises one sequence of
instructions. In some embodiments, a computer program comprises a
plurality of sequences of instructions. In some embodiments, a
computer program is provided from one location. In other
embodiments, a computer program is provided from a plurality of
locations. In various embodiments, a computer program includes one
or more software modules. In various embodiments, a computer
program includes, in part or in whole, one or more web
applications, one or more mobile applications, one or more
standalone applications, one or more web browser plug-ins,
extensions, add-ins, or add-ons, or combinations thereof.
Web Application
[0062] In some embodiments, a computer program includes a web
application. In light of the disclosure provided herein, those of
skill in the art will recognize that a web application, in various
embodiments, utilizes one or more software frameworks and one or
more database systems. In some embodiments, a web application is
created upon a software framework such as Microsoft.RTM. NET or
Ruby on Rails (RoR). In some embodiments, a web application
utilizes one or more database systems including, by way of
non-limiting examples, relational, non-relational, object oriented,
associative, and XML database systems. In further embodiments,
suitable relational database systems include, by way of
non-limiting examples, Microsoft.RTM. SQL Server, mySQL.TM., and
Oracle.RTM.. Those of skill in the art will also recognize that a
web application, in various embodiments, is written in one or more
versions of one or more languages. A web application may be written
in one or more markup languages, presentation definition languages,
client-side scripting languages, server-side coding languages,
database query languages, or combinations thereof. In some
embodiments, a web application is written to some extent in a
markup language such as Hypertext Markup Language (HTML),
Extensible Hypertext Markup Language (XHTML), or eXtensible Markup
Language (XML). In some embodiments, a web application is written
to some extent in a presentation definition language such as
Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). In some embodiments, a web
application is written to some extent in a client-side scripting
language such as Asynchronous Javascript and XML (AJAX), Flash.RTM.
Actionscript, Javascript, or Silverlight.RTM.. In some embodiments,
a web application is written to some extent in a server-side coding
language such as Active Server Pages (ASP), ColdFusion, Perl,
Java.TM., JavaServer Pages (JSP), Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP),
Python.TM., Ruby, Tcl, Smalltalk, WebDNA.RTM., or Groovy. In some
embodiments, a web application is written to some extent in a
database query language such as Structured Query Language (SQL). In
some embodiments, a web application integrates enterprise server
products such as IBM.RTM. Lotus Domino.RTM.. In some embodiments, a
web application includes a media player element. In various further
embodiments, a media player element utilizes one or more of many
suitable multimedia technologies including, by way of non-limiting
examples, Adobe.RTM. Flash.RTM., HTML 5, Apple.RTM. QuickTime.RTM.,
Microsoft.RTM. Silverlight.RTM., Java.TM., and Unity.RTM..
Standalone Application
[0063] In some embodiments, a computer program includes a
standalone application, which is a program that is run as an
independent computer process, not an add-on to an existing process,
e.g., not a plug-in. Those of skill in the art will recognize that
standalone applications are often compiled. A compiler is a
computer program(s) that transforms source code written in a
programming language into binary object code such as assembly
language or machine code. Suitable compiled programming languages
include, by way of non-limiting examples, C, C++, Objective-C,
COBOL, Delphi, Eiffel, Java.TM., Lisp, Python.TM., Visual Basic,
and VB .NET, or combinations thereof. Compilation is often
performed, at least in part, to create an executable program. In
some embodiments, a computer program includes one or more
executable complied applications.
Software Modules
[0064] In some embodiments, the platforms, systems, software
applications, media, and methods disclosed herein include software,
server, and/or database modules, or use of the same. In view of the
disclosure provided herein, software modules are created by
techniques known to those of skill in the art using machines,
software, and languages known to the art. The software modules
disclosed herein are implemented in a multitude of ways. In various
embodiments, a software module comprises a file, a section of code,
a programming object, a programming structure, or combinations
thereof. In further various embodiments, a software module
comprises a plurality of files, a plurality of sections of code, a
plurality of programming objects, a plurality of programming
structures, or combinations thereof. In various embodiments, the
one or more software modules comprise, by way of non-limiting
examples, a web application, a mobile application, and a standalone
application. In some embodiments, software modules are in one
computer program or application. In other embodiments, software
modules are in more than one computer program or application. In
some embodiments, software modules are hosted on one machine. In
other embodiments, software modules are hosted on more than one
machine. In further embodiments, software modules are hosted on
cloud computing platforms. In some embodiments, software modules
are hosted on one or more machines in one location. In other
embodiments, software modules are hosted on one or more machines in
more than one location.
Databases
[0065] In some embodiments, the platforms, systems, software
applications, media, and methods disclosed herein include one or
more databases, or use of the same. In view of the disclosure
provided herein, those of skill in the art will recognize that many
databases are suitable for storage and retrieval of sensing
signals, operation rules, and worksite operation data. In various
embodiments, suitable databases include, by way of non-limiting
examples, relational databases, non-relational databases, object
oriented databases, object databases, entity-relationship model
databases, associative databases, and XML databases. In some
embodiments, a database is internet-based. In further embodiments,
a database is web-based. In still further embodiments, a database
is cloud computing-based. In other embodiments, a database is based
on one or more local computer storage devices.
EXAMPLES
[0066] The following illustrative examples are representative of
embodiments of the software applications, systems, and methods
described herein and are not meant to be limiting in any way. While
preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and
described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art
that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous
variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those
skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should
be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the
invention described herein may be employed in practicing the
invention.
Example 1
Diagram of an Embodied Platform
[0067] FIG. 1 illustrates a non-limiting example of a schematic
diagram of an embodied platform to monitor potential collisions on
a construction site. With reference to FIG. 1, the server
application (called 360 Middleware) was linked to worksites where
vehicles were installed with sensing devices and GPS navigator, so
the server application can receive the operation data of the
vehicles to monitor the movement of the vehicles. Besides the
vehicles, the enterprise resource planning (ERP) software of the
construction site was linked to the server application, so the
worksite manager was able to monitor the real time status of the
supply chain and the fleet. On the other hand, the server
application can share the data with individual mobile devices or
the remote computers installed with ERP software.
Example 2
Server Application Functionalities
[0068] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodied server application comprising
various types of software modules to monitor different aspects of a
worksite. The modules included in the server application were
logistics, health & safety, task management, supervisory, fleet
management and tracking, anti-collision compliances enforcement,
project management, key performance indicators, maintenance,
security access control, quality control, business intelligence,
human resources, staff protection, unified communication, voice
over IP, energy saving, and reporting.
Example 3
Navigation of Multiple Worksites
[0069] FIG. 3 to FIG. 6 illustrates a real time monitoring system
installed on a server application. The user of the monitoring
platform was a manager of a multi-national construction company. In
FIG. 3, the manager was able to view the countries (Tanzania,
Albania, and United Arab Emirates) with construction sites on a
global map. In FIG. 4, the manager zoomed into the United Arab
Emirates, and the map showed two working sites in the country. In
FIG. 5, the manager selected one of the working sites in Dubai, and
saw the report of the crane operations. One of the cranes was
reported broken. In FIG. 6, the manager was able to see the 3D view
of the scene of the working site, and visualization gave him the
real time status of the construction equipments.
Example 4
Monitoring Operation of an Object
[0070] FIG. 7 shows a non-limiting example of monitoring an
operation of a crane. Through the platform, the manager was able to
see the working zone of a crane. In addition, the sensing devices
installed on the crane transmitted the signals (load, weight,
torque, length, height, safety distance, temperature, wind
direction, wind speed) to the server application, which enabled the
manager to see real time operation of the crane.
Example 5
Displaying Current Condition of Worksite
[0071] FIG. 8 shows a mobile application that displayed the
deployment of 10 cranes on a construction site. The platform
collected the sensing signal from every crane, and assembled the
signals on a map to visualize the deployment of 10 cranes. The
visualization enabled a user to see operation parameters of the
cranes. The platform further evaluated that the risk factor of the
current deployment was 44%.
[0072] In FIG. 9, the crane operator and the worksite manager were
able to zoom into the load that a crane was carrying. With the
video camera installed on the crane, the monitor platform allowed
the crane operator and the worksite manager to monitor the
dimensions of the crane, the location of the crane, and the load
carried by the crane.
Example 6
Operation Resource Planning
[0073] FIG. 10 shows example architecture of the platform for
operation resource planning. The platform integrated various
components associated with the worksite. The back-end included real
time customer services, machine OEMs, corporate, and remote control
center; the front-end includes people vehicles, machineries, yards,
building, sensing devices, mobile devices, and wireless network.
The platform was centered at cloud storage, where the platform
synchronized all the resources information. Furthermore, the cloud
interacted with the front-end via an edge, which comprised site
operations, health & safety, asset monitoring, security, access
control, etc.
[0074] FIG. 11 shows an example design of operation resource
planning in conjunction with contextual data engine. The core of
the platform is a contextual data engine, which was coupled with
sensing devices via action API to acquire signals and data to infer
actions and events happening on worksites. Based on the events and
actions, the platform could predict anti-collision, manage risks,
and perform operation resource planning. Furthermore, there was an
app store allowing users to download applications on the sensing
devices or mobile devices. The platform also comprised a 3.sup.rd
party API, which allowed third parties to create specific services
on top of the platform.
[0075] FIG. 12 shows more detailed components of the contextual
data engine. The core of the engine was an operation system. The
contextual data engine comprised an input/output interface coupled
to sensing devices to facilitate sensing and control. Moreover, a
safety integrity level was built along with the core I/O and
operation system. The engine further comprised a SAP HANA which
converged database and application platform capabilities in-memory
to transform transactions, analytics, text analysis, predictive and
spatial processing so businesses can operate in real-time. The
engine also included a complex even processing (CEP) module, which
analyzed the signals from sensing devices and inferred what events
were happening and derived a conclusion from the signals.
[0076] In this example, the contextual data engine comprises a
synchronization (SYNC) module to synchronize all the events across
the objects and sensing devices on the worksite, or even across the
resource providers. In addition, the communication module comprised
a mobile device management (MDM) module, which managed, scheduled,
controlled and protected the signals/data and configuration
settings for all mobile devices in the network. Last, the engine
comprised a communication module based on P2P protocol for
exchanging signals and data between sensing devices and any
platform components.
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