Patent ID: 7688196
Filing Date: 2010-03-30
Classification: H04W

Abstract:
1. An intrinsically safe communication and tracking system for the use of a miner comprising: a TAG module being worn by a user, wherein the TAG transmits a location signal; an overlapping series of intrinsically safe WIFI units able to track the location and movement of a TAG, wherein each WIFI unit is housed in an explosion proof enclosure and containing one or more radio cards wherein the radio cards can transmit and receive data for peer-to-peer communication with other WIFI units and to a remote location and an intrinsically safe external power supply running though the enclosure one or more client devices at least one client device chosen from a gas detector, a digital camera, a thermal imaging device, and a temperature sensor to transmit a hazard signal in response to a hazard condition detected from the gas detector, digital camera, thermal imaging device, or temperature sensor; and a monitoring unit, located at the remote location, for receiving hazard signals, communications from radio cards, and location signals transmitted from the TAG or the WIFI unit, wherein the monitoring unit is able to patch into an external communication system after the notification from a user WIFI communication or the loss of a TAG signal wherein the monitoring unit is able to patch into an external communication system after the indication of a hazard condition change detected from a client device.