TRACKER Tagging
TRACKER is an underground tracking system developed specifically for use in underground mines and tunnelling applications. The system tracks active Tags, carried by personnel or attached to vehicles and other equipment.
The core components of the TRACKER Mine Tagging system are:
- RFID Tags that transmit a unique ID, and Readers/Beacons that record those IDs.
- Readers/Beacons then communicate that data to a PC at a Central Office or Control/Communications Room. Readers can be either Wi-Fi Access Points or dedicated UHF Readers depending on what version of TRACKER is chosen.
- TRACKER software that keeps a record of all Tag logins and known locations in real time. The software provides users with powerful sorting, filtering, and searching tools to allow for the realization of data, comprehensive logging, as well as extensive report generating tools.
The TRACKER system was developed to meet the stringent requirements needed in the underground industry; it's rugged, simple to use, highly reliable, and compliant with all underground safety standards.
TRACKER is an essential component to improve both safety and efficiency in the modern underground work environment.
RFID Tags
TRACKER Tags transmit their unique ID (and battery status) to a Reader/Access Point over a range of up to 100meters. They use a tunable matched loop antenna printed on the circuit board. The Tags use two frequencies, depending on the version of TRACKER installed, being either 433 MHz UHF Tags or 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi Tags.
These RFID Tags are designed to be carried by personnel, or mounted on vehicles and other equipment.
The Figures right show the two types of RFID Tags. The top Figure shows the small, self contained versions of the Tag that may be worn on the belt, or attached to equipment. This version of Tag contains a 4.5V battery pack with a lifespan of 9 to 11 months.
The bottom Figure shows the ICCL Cap Lamp that can have the Tag incorporated inside, and is powered by the cap lamp's rechargeable battery. Drain on the battery is negligible, even on a 12 hour working shift.
Readers/Access Points
Readers receive Tag ID's, transmitted by UHF or Wi-Fi signal, and then transmit that data back to the PC at Central Office via the mine's Ethernet or RS485 serial protocol data highway. The data can be transmitted by a range of data links, such as conventional copper data cable (twisted pairs), fiber optic cable and radio modems. A combination of links may be integrated to carry both up-stream and down-stream data.
The Reader/Beacon enclosure (top right) is made of 1.6mm stainless steel and protected against water and dust (IP66). Beacons require a 12 - 28V DC supply, and use a stubby quarter wave monopole antenna, attached by TNC connector in the 433 MHz version or a range of antenna types for the 802.11 Wi-Fi version. Three LED indicators, clearly visible from the front panel, display operational status.
A flashing red light (1 flash per sec.) indicates a HEARTBEAT, the presence of oscillations of the crystal oscillator on the beacon's PCB (i.e. the Beacon is 'alive'). Flashing yellow light represents a TAG READ, indicating that the beacon has received a signal from one or more Tags. And the flashing green light for COMMUNICATION indicates that the beacon’s stored data has been transmitted to the Central Office PC on its request.
TRACKER Readers can, as a minimum, reliably record 10 tags moving past in a vehicle at 35 km/h, and significantly more moving at lesser speeds.
Zone Display Units
Zone Display Units (ZDU's) are large LED displays, mounted in stainless steel enclosures, that allow tagging information to be displayed at specific locations if required (e.g. at Beacon location, mine entrances/exits, etc). The use of these displays streamlines personnel and vehicle access control. Typical applications are:
Maintain a Count of Personnel Past (Inbye) a Certain Point
For example a count can be kept of personnel entering a mining section and an alarm raised if the number exceeds a preset limit (e.g. the limit imposed by the availability of SCSR's, CABA Fill Points, or Refuge Bay Capacity).
Maintain a Count of Vehicles (and Vehicle Type) Past a Certain Point
Similarly to the personnel count, an alarm can be raised if a preset number is reached (e.g. when the amount of diesel horsepower exceeds the limit for the ventilation preset in that district or zone). See picture of ZDU below.
Monitor Personnel In & Out of Blasting Zones
TRACKER can streamline the tagging of personnel into safe areas as blast time approaches. For example, ZDU's can be used by people to confirm they have been correctly logged into, or out of, the blast zone. Refer to pictures above.
A range of display sizes can be used, though our two standard sizes are:
- Large ZDU is 1300mm long x 200mm high x 170mm deep (51" x 8 " x 7")
- Small ZDU is 780mm long x 150mm high x 110mm deep (31" x 6" x 4.5"), this is ZDU in the pictures above.
Display Software
TRACKER maintains continually updated lists of tag locations that can be viewed, searched and edited using a user friendly interface. The TRACKER database compares tag and beacon data against its records of who, or what, is carrying each tag to build information on its location and movements within the system
The primary display includes a listing of all tags currently logged into the system. Each record clearly displays a tag number, the name of the tag holder, and the time and location they were last in vicinity of a beacon. This listing can be filtered or sorted on any of the following attributes:
- Tag ID
- Staff Number / Vehicle Number / Equipment ID
- First Name / Last Name
- Last Beacon Passed
- Time of Last Read
- Occupation / Responsibilities
From the primary display screen users can also see the total number of tags and their location in the system, as well as a list of the most recent log outs. The Viewer Software has various screen options to look at the TRACKER data, such as the Map or Plan View shown below.
Sorting and filtering on multiple fields simultaneously allows users to quickly view only the data they need.
From the primary display screen users can also see the total number of tags and their location in the system, as well as a list of the most recent log outs (as shown in the Screen shot below).
Selecting a record from the primary display brings up the individuals, or vehicles, details. Along with staff numbers and contact details, the user can see how long the Tag wearer has been in the system, and which beacons they have passed. This information is all easily edited and maintained.
Further software features and API options are available by using the AeroScout MobileView software suite - see Wi-Fi RFID Tracking Solutions sections in this web site for more details.
More Information
- Tags
- Beacons
- Zone Display Units
- System Interconnect and Planning
- Recording Data
- Interface
- Software Requirements
- Enhancements
- Tracker Installations
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