Patent Publication Number: US-2017358194-A1

Title: Systems, Methods, and Apparatus for Sensing Environmental Conditions and Alerting a User in Response

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to workplace monitoring and, more particularly, to systems, methods, and apparatus for location-based monitoring of environmental conditions associated with a workplace. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Working environments often include a variety of activities occurring simultaneously, which can expose individuals to undesired conditions. Such working environments (e.g., a manufacturing environment) can present unique challenges for monitoring these conditions due to simultaneous existence of complex operations, workers and/or bystanders present in the environment, equipment within the environment, products within the environment, and processes within the environment, among other things, within the same working environment. Additional environmental factors, such as weather, terrain, ventilation, chemical and material presence, among other things, may also alter conditions of the working environment and introduce additional challenges. 
     These environmental factors of a working environment can create various effects on the environment, materials therein, and workers themselves. For efficiency and/or safety concerns, it is desired to effectively monitor such environmental conditions, as they relate to one or more workers within the working environment. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with one example, a system for monitoring one or more environmental conditions associated with a working environment is disclosed. The system includes a wearable device configured to be worn by a worker within the working environment and to move with the worker within the working environment. The system further includes one or more environmental sampling sensors operatively associated with the wearable device, each of the one or more environmental sampling sensors configured to monitor the one or more environmental conditions associated with the working environment and determine environmental sampling information based on the monitoring of the one or more environmental conditions. The system further includes a positioning sensor operatively associated with the wearable device and configured to determine positioning information for the worker, the positioning information for the worker including information regarding positioning of the worker relative to the working environment. The system further includes a controller, which includes a processor. The controller is configured to receive the environmental sampling information from the one or more environmental sampling sensors, receive the positioning information from the positioning sensor, and determine, based on the environmental sampling information and the positioning information, if the one or more environmental conditions necessitates an alert to be presented to the worker. 
     In accordance with another example, a wearable device for monitoring environmental conditions associated with a working environment is disclosed. The wearable device includes a wearable article configured to be worn by a worker and to move with the worker. The wearable device further includes one or more modular environmental sampling sensors operatively associated with the wearable article, each of the one or more modular environment sensors configured to monitor the one or more environmental conditions associated with the working environment and determine environmental sampling information based on the monitoring of the one or more environmental conditions. The wearable device further includes a positioning sensor operatively affixed to the wearable article and configured to determine positioning information for the worker, the positioning information for the worker including information regarding positioning of the worker relative to the working environment. The wearable device further includes one or more output devices operatively associated with the wearable article and configured to receive an output signal and present a notification to the worker based on the output signal. The wearable device further includes a controller, which includes a processor, and is operatively associated with the modular environmental sampling sensors, the positioning sensor, and the one or more output devices. The controller is configured to receive the environmental sampling information from the one or more environmental sampling sensors, receive the positioning information from the positioning sensor, determine, based on the environmental sampling information and the positioning information, if the one or more environmental conditions necessitates an alert to be presented to the worker, and provide the output signal to the one or more output devices if the one or more environmental conditions necessitates the alert be presented to the worker. 
     In accordance with yet another example, a method for monitoring environmental conditions associated with a working environment in relation to a worker within the working environment is disclosed. The method includes monitoring the one or more environmental conditions using one or more environmental sampling sensors, each of the one or more environmental sampling sensors being operatively associated with a wearable device configured to be worn by the worker within the working environment. The method further includes determining environmental sampling information based on the monitoring of the one or more environmental conditions using the one or more environmental sampling sensors. The method further includes determining positioning information for the worker using a positioning sensor operatively associated with the wearable device, the positioning information including information regarding positioning of the worker relative to the working environment. The method further includes receiving, by a controller having a processor, the environmental sampling information from the environmental sampling sensors and receiving the positioning information from the positioning sensor. The method further includes determining, by the controller, if the one or more environmental conditions necessitates an alert be presented to the worker, based on the environmental sampling information and the positioning information and providing an alert to the worker if the one or more environmental conditions necessitates an alert be presented to the worker. 
     These and other aspects and features will become more readily apparent upon reading the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In addition, although various features are disclosed in relation to specific examples, it is understood that the various features may be combined with each other, or used alone, with any of the various examples without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of a system for monitoring one or more environmental conditions associated with a working environment, in accordance with the disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic block diagram depicting elements of, or associated with, a wearable device used by the system of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with  FIG. 1  and the disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a diagrammatic depiction of a wrist band for use as a wearable device, in accordance with the disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a diagrammatic depiction of a belt for use as a wearable device, in accordance with the disclosure; 
         FIG. 5 , is a diagrammatic depiction of a modular sleeve for use as a wearable device, in accordance with the disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a diagrammatic depiction of headwear for use as a wearable device, in accordance with the disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic diagram of a system for monitoring one or more environmental conditions associated with a working environment, in which multiple workers inhabit the working environment, in accordance with the disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is an exemplary flowchart for a method for monitoring environmental conditions associated with a working environment in relation to a worker within the working environment, in accordance with the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic diagram for an exemplary computer that may execute instructions for providing the exemplary systems and methods of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     While the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrative examples thereof will be shown and described below in detail. The disclosure is not limited to the specific examples disclosed, but instead includes all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents thereof. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to specific examples or features, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Generally, corresponding reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary system  10  for monitoring environmental conditions of a working environment  12 , with respect to a worker  14 . The worker  14 , as defined herein, is any human within the working environment  12  in any capacity (e.g., working, manufacturing, managing, observing, reporting, monitoring, resting, or any other active or passive activity). As defined herein, an “environmental condition with respect to the worker” may be any condition or occurrence within the working environment  12  that can affect the worker  14  in any way, be it a health related condition, a safety related condition, a proximity related condition, or any other condition. In one non-limiting example, environmental conditions include electrical feedback generated by operation of, or operation in service of, a machine  16 . Another example environmental condition is proximity of the worker  14  to a mobile working machine  18 . Further, in some examples, environmental conditions with respect to the user include environmental factors which can affect the health of the worker  14 . 
     To participate in monitoring such environmental conditions within the working environment  12 , the system  10  includes a wearable device  20 . The wearable device  20  is configured to be worn by the human worker  14 , while the worker  14  is within the working environment  12 . As the wearable device  20  is to be worn by the worker  14  when performing any active or passive task within the working environment  12 , positioning of the wearable device  20  is associated with positioning of the worker  14  within the working environment  12 . The wearable device  20  can take the form of, or be affixed to, various wearable articles (jewelry, bracelets, headwear, accessories, eyewear, functional attire, etc.), as discussed in more detail below. Additionally, in some examples, the wearable device  20  is configured and/or configurable to communicate with other elements of the system  10  via any wired or wireless means, as discussed in more detail below. 
     Turning to  FIG. 2  and with continued reference to  FIG. 1 , a schematic diagram of the wearable device  20  is shown. While the elements of  FIG. 2  are depicted as schematically encompassed by the wearable device  20 , in some examples, some elements in the schematic depiction of the wearable device  20  are not physically located on or implemented as a part of the wearable device  20 , but are, instead, operatively associated with the wearable device  20  and/or the worker  14  who is using the wearable device  20 . As such, the schematic depiction of the wearable device  20  of  FIG. 2  is intended to illustrate elements of or elements associated with the wearable device  20 , which are used in conjunction to embody the systems and to perform the methods of the present disclosure. 
     The wearable device  20  includes, at least, positioning sensor(s)  22 , environmental sampling sensor(s)  24 , a controller  26 , and output device(s)  28 . In some examples, the wearable device  20  includes one or more of user sensor(s)  30 , input device(s)  32 , wireless transceiver(s)  34 , and a memory  36 . By utilizing the elements of the wearable device  20 , the system  10  is capable of determining existence of one or more environmental conditions and positioning of the worker  14 . In some examples, by using said information, the system  10  generates an output signal, if at least one of the one or more environmental conditions exists and it is deemed necessary to issue an alert to the worker  14 , in response to the one or more environmental conditions. 
     The environmental sampling sensors  24  are operatively associated with the wearable device  20 . The environmental sampling sensors  24  include one or more modular sensors configured to be added or removed from the system  10 , based on system  10  need (e.g., “plug-and-play” type sensors). Utilizing modular sensors for environmental sampling sensors  24  may allow customizability for environmental condition monitoring performed by the system  10 . Additionally or alternatively, the environmental sampling sensors  24  may include one or more sensors permanently affixed to the wearable device  20  and/or one or more of the environmental sampling sensors  24  may not be affixed to the wearable device  20  and may communicate with the wearable device  20 , as he/she exists in the working environment  12 . Further, in some examples, one or more of the environmental sampling sensors  24  may be sensors classified as “Internet of Things” (IoT) sensors. 
     Each of the environmental sampling sensors  24  are configured to monitor one or more environmental conditions associated with the working environment  12  and determine environmental sampling information based on such monitoring of the one or more environmental conditions. The environmental sampling sensors may operate independently, cooperatively, or both. For example, a temperature sensor  38  of the environmental sampling sensors  24  may monitor temperature-related environmental conditions (e.g., heat proximate to the worker  14 ), and said conditions may be indicative of a temperature-related environmental state within the working environment  12  that necessitates an alert be presented to the worker  14  (e.g., excessive heat or cold within the working environment  12  that may be harmful to the worker  14  and/or equipment within the working environment  12 ). 
     In some examples, the environmental sampling sensors  24  may also additionally or alternatively include chemical sensor(s)  40 , which are configured to detect chemicals within the work environment and conditions related to chemicals as chemical-based environmental conditions that necessitate an alert be presented to the worker  14  (e.g., excessive parts per square inch of a chemical within the environment, excessive levels of chemicals in the atmosphere or ground, lack of oxygen, presence of carbon monoxide, excess of carbon dioxide, or any other chemical condition within the working environment  12 ). 
     In addition to or alternatively to the environmental sampling sensors described above, other example environmental sampling sensors  24  include, but are not limited to, electrical sensors  42 , radiation sensors  44 , biological sensors  46 , and/or any other sensors  48 . Electrical sensors  42  are configured to determine the presence of electrical conditions within the working environment  12  (e.g., electrical fields, electrical currents, at the like). Accordingly, electrical sensors  42  are configured to detect electric currents/fields within the work environment and conditions related to electricity and electrical-based environmental conditions that necessitate an alert be presented to the worker  14  (e.g. elevated electrical currents or fields in an environment, presence of exposed electrical wiring causing increases in electrical properties, and the like). In one example, the machine  16  of the working environment  12  may produce high electrical currents that are undesirable when in the presence of the worker  14 . In such examples, the electrical sensor  42  may detect excessive electrical current in the working environment  12 , or portions thereof, and alert the worker  14  to keep his/her distance from the machine  16 . 
     In addition to or alternatively the environmental sampling sensors  24  may include the radiation sensor  44 , the radiation sensor  44  is configured to determine the presence of radiation and/or radioactive materials and evaluate conditions associated with radiation and/or radioactive materials. Accordingly, the radiation sensor  44  determines one or both of immediate presence of radiation, with respect to the user, and cumulative presence of radiation, with respect to the worker  14 . If either immediate or cumulative presence of radiation is at an unacceptable level, with respect to the worker  14 , then such presence is an environmental condition that necessitates an alert be presented to the worker  14 . 
     To determine positioning information associated with the worker  14 , the system  10  includes the positioning sensor(s)  22 . The positioning sensors  22  sense the position of the worker  14  relative to the associated working environment  12 . The positioning sensors  22  include one or more of individual sensors that cooperate to provide signals to the controller  26  to indicate the position of the worker  14  and/or determine characteristics of a motion of the worker  14 , within the working environment  12 . In some examples, the positioning sensor(s)  22  include one or more global positioning system (GPS) sensors  50  for detecting positioning of the worker  14  relative to the working environment  12 . In some examples, the positioning sensors  22  include one or both of an accelerometer  52  and a pedometer  54 . Of course, other elements aiding in detecting positioning of the worker  14  relative to the working environment  12  may be included. 
     To gather information associated with the worker  14  and, particularly, health of the worker  14 , the system  10 , in some examples, includes the user sensors  30 . The user sensors  30  are any sensors configured for monitoring conditions directly associated with the worker  14 , such as, but not limited to, health information associated with the worker  14 . As such, the user sensors  30  are configured to generate health information associated with the worker  14 . 
     In the non-limiting example presented herein, the user sensors  30  include a heart rate monitor  56 , a galvanic skin response sensor (GSR)  58 , and a sleep monitor  60 , among other things. All such user sensors  30  are configured to capture data which is indicative of health conditions associated with the worker  14  (e.g., heart rate information from the heart rate monitor  56 , electrodermal activity from the GSR sensor  58 , sleep duration and/or sleep quality data from the sleep monitor  60 , among other things). Of course, the health information gathered by the user sensors  30  is capable of including body temperature information for the worker  14 , blood alcohol content (BAC) information of the worker  14 , blood pressure of the worker  14 , and any other health condition associated with the worker  14 . 
     The controller  26 , which includes a processor  27 , receives as signals, at least, the environmental sampling information determined by the environmental sampling sensors  24  and the positioning information determined by the positioning sensors  22 . Optionally, in some examples, the controller  26  receives the health information determined by the user sensors  30  or receives health information stored on a health information database. Based on the environmental sampling information, the positioning information, and, optionally, the health information, the controller  26  determines if the one or more environmental conditions necessitates an alert to be presented to the user via, for example, the output device(s)  28 . For example, the environmental sampling information received by the controller  26  may indicate that the worker  14  is experiencing a high level of electrical current at his/her person and, based on the positioning information provided in conjunction with the environmental conditions, the controller  26  determines that the worker  14  is too close to the machine  16 . Therefore, the controller  26  determines that the environmental conditions necessitate an alert for the worker  14 . In some examples, the an output signal is provided by the controller  26  to the output devices  28 , to provide the worker  14  with an alert regarding the environmental conditions (e.g., in the case of the electrical current, the controller, for example, indicates that the worker  14  is too close to the machine  16 ). In some examples, once the output device(s)  28  have issued the alert, the controller  26  receives an input signal, in response to the output signal, from the input device(s)  32 , indicating that the worker  14  has received and/or acknowledged the alert. 
     The controller  26  is any electronic controller or computing system including a processor (e.g., the processor  27 ) which performs operations, executes control algorithms, stores data, retrieves data, gathers data, and/or performs any other computing or controlling task desired. The controller  26  may be a single controller or may include more than one controller disposed to control various functions and/or features of the system  10 . Functionality of the controller  26  may be implemented in hardware and/or software and may rely on one or more data maps relating to functions of the system  10 . To that end, the controller  26  may include internal memory  36  and/or the controller  26  may be otherwise connected to external memory, such as a database or server, via any wired or wireless networks. The memory  36  may include, but is not limited to including, one or more of read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a portable memory, and the like. Such memory media are examples of nontransitory memory media. 
     The controller  26  is capable of registering a location of the worker  14 , using the positioning data and, optionally, time stamping said location data. The controller  26 , in some examples, also can register the worker  14  in accordance with a current task. Further, the controller  26 , in some examples, is configured to perform one or more of the following functions: authenticating the worker  14  for a task, clock the worker  14  on or off the working environment  12  or a task, check training records for the worker  14 , and/or certifying the worker&#39;s qualifications for performing a task in the working environment  12 . In such examples, such tasks are either performed at the controller  26 , in communication with the memory  36 , or the tasks are performed by the controller  26  in conjunction with one or more other controllers, databases, servers, and the like, which are in communication with the controller  26  via a network. 
     As discussed above, in some examples, if one or more environmental conditions are monitored and the controller  26  determines that said condition(s) necessitate an alert be presented to the worker  14 , the alert is presented to the worker  14  via one or more output devices  28 . The output devices  28  include one or more of an audio output device  62 , a visual output device  64 , a tactile output device  66 , or a combination thereof. The audio output device  62  is any audio device capable of providing an audible signal to the worker  14  like, for example, a speaker. Such audible signals may be any audible noise of any amplitude, configured to alert the worker  14 , in response to an output signal from the controller  26 . The visual output device  64  is any light, screen, or visual device which may be configured to provide the worker  14  with any form of visual stimuli, in response to an output signal from the controller  26 . 
     Further, the tactile output device  66  is any vibratory and/or haptic device configured to alert the worker  14  via one or more vibrations, in response to an operator alert signal. The tactile output device  66  is embedded in the wearable device  20 , such that the tactile output device  66  will provide a vibratory alert to the worker  14  via the wearable device  20 . Of course, additionally or alternatively, the tactile output device  66  may located anywhere within the working environment  12 , wherein vibratory signals from the device will reach the worker  14 . Additionally, output of the tactile output device  66  may be any vibration pattern, increasing or decreasing level of vibration, rhythmic vibration, or any other signifying vibration indicative of one or more environmental conditions. 
     In some examples of the system  10 , it is desired that the worker  14  respond to the notification provided by the output device(s)  28 . In such examples, the system  10  may further include one or more input device  32 , configured to generate an input signal from the worker  14  in response to recognition, by the worker  14 , of the notification signal. For example, the audio output device  62  may produce an audible signal telling the user “Stop,” and, in response, an input device  32 , such as a microphone  68 , generates an input signal from spoken words by the worker  14 , confirming he/she has stopped (e.g., the worker  14  responding to “Stop,” from the audio output device  62 , with “okay”). In some examples, the input devices  32  include one or more of the microphone  68 , a touch screen  70 , and tactile input sensor  72 , among other possible input devices. 
     As discussed above, the wearable device  20  can take the form of, or be affixed to, various wearable articles. Examples of such wearable articles are illustrated in  FIGS. 3-6  and described in more detail below. While the examples of  FIGS. 3-6  illustrate examples directed towards four different wearable articles, it is certainly possible that the systems and methods of the present disclosure can be accomplished by utilizing any wearable article, on which the wearable device  20  is capable of being implemented. 
     Beginning with  FIG. 3 , a wrist band  80  is depicted, in which the wrist band  80  is implemented to embody, house, encase, or otherwise be functionally associated with the wearable device  20 . The wearable device  20  is mounted to, attached to, embedded within, or otherwise affixed to the wrist band  80 . As shown, the wrist band  80  is configured to be worn by the worker  14  on a wrist  82 , or other portion, of an arm  84  of the worker  14 . 
     Accordingly, the wrist band  80  is operatively associated with the position sensor(s)  22  of the wearable device  20 , as to accurately track positioning of the worker  14  who is wearing the wrist band  80 . Additionally, the wrist band  80  is operatively associated with one or more environmental sampling sensors  24 . The environmental sampling sensors  24  may include modular sensors  86 . In some examples, the modular sensors  86  are plugged into and taken out of modular sensor ports  88 , enabling a “plug and play” aspect to the environmental sampling sensors  24 . Additionally, output device(s)  28  of the wearable device  20  are operatively associated with the wrist band  80  and, for example, include a visual output device  64  and audio output device  62 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 4 , a belt  100  is depicted, in which the belt  100  is implemented to embody, house, encase, or be otherwise functionally associated with the wearable device  20 . The wearable device  20  is mounted to, attached to, embedded within, or otherwise affixed to the belt. As shown, the belt  100  is configured to be worn by the worker  14  on a mid-section  102  (e.g., a waist, a natural waist, a chest, or any portion thereof). In some examples, the belt  100  is worn in conjunction with pants  104  that are worn by the worker  14  and the belt  100  is, optionally, supported by belt loops  106 . 
     To track the positioning of the worker  14  who is wearing the belt  100 , the belt  100  is operatively associated with the position sensor(s)  22  of the wearable device  20 . Additionally, the belt  100  is operatively associated with one or more environmental sampling sensors  24 . In some examples, the environmental sampling sensors  24  include modular sensors  86 . In some examples, the modular sensors  86  are plugged into and taken out of modular sensor ports  88 , enabling a “plug and play” aspect to the environmental sampling sensors  24 . Additionally, output device(s)  28  of the wearable device  20  are operatively associated with the wrist band  80  and, for example, include a visual output device  64  and audio output device  62 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates yet another example of a wearable article for use with, or as, the wearable device  20 , in which a modular sleeve  110  is depicted. The modular sleeve  110  is implemented to embody, house, encase, or otherwise be functionally associated with the wearable device  20 . In some examples, the wearable device  20  is mounted to, attached to, embedded within, or otherwise affixed to the modular sleeve  110 . As shown, the modular sleeve  110  is configured to be worn by the worker  14  on the arm  84  of the worker  14 . The modular sleeve  110  is configured to expand or retract, in response to size of the arm  84  and/or changes in movement of the arm  84 . 
     Accordingly, the modular sleeve  110  is operatively associated with the position sensor(s)  22  of the wearable device  20 , as to accurately track positioning of the worker  14  who is wearing the modular sleeve  110 . Additionally, the modular sleeve  110  is operatively associated with one or more environmental sampling sensors  24  (not shown). Further, output device(s)  28  of the wearable device  20  are operatively associated with the modular sleeve  110  and, for example, include a visual output device  64 . The modular sleeve  110  may include input device(s)  32 , such as a touch screen  112 . The touch screen  112  is used to respond to and/or acknowledge alerts presented via the output device(s)  28 , such as the visual output device  64 . 
     In  FIG. 6 , headwear  120 , such as a hardhat, bump-cap, or any other headwear, is depicted, in which the headwear  120  is implemented to embody, house, encase, or otherwise functionally associate with the wearable device  20 . The wearable device  20  is mounted to, attached to, embedded within, or otherwise affixed to the headwear  120 . As shown, the headwear  120  is configured to be worn by the worker  14  on a head  122  of the worker  14 . 
     Accordingly, the headwear  120  is operatively associated with the position sensor(s)  22  of the wearable device  20 , as to accurately track positioning of the worker  14  who is wearing the headwear  120 . Additionally, the headwear  120  is operatively associated with one or more environmental sampling sensors  24 . In some examples, the environmental sampling sensors  24  include modular sensors  86 . In some examples, the modular sensors  86  are plugged into and taken out of modular sensor ports  88 , enabling a “plug and play” aspect to the environmental sampling sensors  24 . Further, the headwear  120 , in some examples, is operatively associated with output devices  28 . Some example output devices  28  for implementation with the headwear  120  include, but are not limited to including, an audio output device  62  positioned in proximity to an ear of the worker  14  when the worker  14  wears the headwear  120  on his/her head  122 , a tactile output device  66  embedded within the headwear  120 , and a visual output device  64 , such as a light  124 , configured to present visual stimuli to the worker  14  in response to an alert from the controller  26 . 
     Returning now to  FIG. 1 , the wearable device  20  and/or the controller  26  are connected to other elements of the system  10  via a wireless network  130 . The wireless network  130  is configured to connect the worker  14 , via the wearable device  20 , to any other workers  14  having their own wearable devices  20 , to any databases, such as a user information database  132  and a user health information database  134 , and to a worker kiosk  136 , among other things. The worker kiosk is  136  is configured to check the worker  14  into the working environment  12  via the wearable device  20  and configured to store and transmit data via the wireless network  130 . 
     As discussed above, the working environment  12  often includes multiple workers  14  performing the same or different tasks. In such examples, like the example working environment  12  employing the system  10  of  FIG. 7 , multiple workers  14   a ,  14   b ,  14   c  are connected via their respective wearable devices  20   a ,  20   b ,  20   c  over the wireless network  130 . Each of the wearable devices  20   a ,  20   b ,  20   c  are functionally embodied by the teachings of the wearable device  20 , as detailed above. In such scenarios wherein multiple workers  14  are present at the working environment  12 , each wearable device  20  can receive positioning information associated with other wearable devices  20 . For example, the second worker  14   b  is wearing a second wearable device  20   b  and the second wearable device  20   b  provides positioning information to the controller  26  of the first wearable device  20 . By receiving and utilizing such positioning information from the second wearable device  20   b  via the wireless network  130 , the controller  26  of the first wearable device  20   a  determines positioning information associated with the second worker  14   b . Additionally, the controller  26  can receive environmental sampling information from the second wearable device  20   b , determined from environmental sampling sensors  24  of the second wearable device  20   b . Utilizing positioning information and environmental sampling information from the second wearable device  20   b , the controller  26  of the first wearable device  20   a  determines if environmental conditions affecting the second worker  14   b  necessitates that an aid alert be presented to the first worker  14   a . The aid alert indicates that the second worker  14   b  is in need of aid (e.g., the second worker  14   b  is immobile, the second worker  14   b  is too close to a hazardous condition, etc.). 
     Turning now to  FIG. 8 , an example flowchart for a method  200  for monitoring environmental conditions associated with a working environment is shown. The method  200  will be described herein with reference to elements of the system  10  and their respective functions; however, the method  200  is certainly not limited to being implemented via the system  10  and its included elements. 
     The method  200  begins at blocks  210 - 230 . At block  210 , the environmental sampling sensors  24  monitor one or more environmental conditions and, based on said monitoring, determine environmental sampling information. At block  220 , positioning information for the worker  14  is determined using the positioning sensor(s)  22 , wherein the positioning information includes information regarding positioning of the worker  14  relative to the working environment  12 . At the optional block  230 , the method  200  includes determining health information for the worker  14  using one or more user sensors  30 . Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, health information is provided from a database. 
     At block  240 , the controller  26  receives the environmental sampling information, the positioning information and, optionally, the health information. Using the information received, the controller  26  determines if the one or more environmental conditions necessitates an alert be presented to the worker  14 , as shown in block  250 . If it is determined that the one or more environmental conditions necessitates an alert be presented to the worker  14 , then an alert is provided to the worker  14  via, for example, one or more output devices  28 , as shown in block  260 . In some examples, the method  200  further includes receiving input in response to the alert from the worker  14  to, for example, acknowledge the alert was received, as shown in block  270 . 
     It is to be understood that the flowchart of  FIG. 8  is shown and described as an example only to assist in disclosing the features of the disclosed system and techniques, and that more or less steps than that shown may be included in the process corresponding to the various features described above for the disclosed system without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
       FIG. 9  schematically illustrates a combination of example elements which may be used to implement the controller  26  of the system  10 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . The exemplary controller  26  is capable of executing instructions to realize the functions of the system  10  and/or execute instructions to perform the method  200 , discussed above in reference to  FIG. 8 . The controller  26  may be, for example, a server, a personal computer, or any other type of computing device. The controller  26  of the instant example includes the processor  27 . For example, the processor  27  may be implemented by one or more microprocessors or controllers from any desired family or manufacturer. 
     The processor  27  is associated with a memory  36  and is in communication with other memory including a read only memory  222  and a random access memory  224  via a bus  226 . The random access memory  224  may be implemented by Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), RAMBUS Dynamic Random Access Memory (RDRAM) and/or any other type of random access memory device. The read only memory  222  may be implemented by a hard drive, flash memory and/or any other desired type of memory device. 
     In some examples, the controller  26  includes an interface circuit  228 . The interface circuit  128  may be implemented by any type of interface standard, such as, for example, an Ethernet interface, a universal serial bus (USB), and/or a PCI express interface. One or more input devices  227  are connected to the interface circuit  128 . The input device(s)  227  permit a user to enter data and commands into the processor  27 . The input device(s)  227  can be implemented by, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touchscreen, a track-pad, a trackball, and/or a voice recognition system. For example, the input device(s)  227  may include any wired or wireless device for connecting inputting data in to the controller  26  in response to an alert, as described above. 
     The output devices  229  are also connected to the interface circuit  228 . The output devices  229  are implemented by any example output device (e.g., the output device(s)  28 ), as discussed above 
     Further, in some examples, the controller  26  includes one or more wireless transceivers  34  for connecting to a network  130 , such as the Internet, a WLAN, a LAN, a personal network, or any other network for connecting the controller  26  to one or more other controllers or network capable devices. As such, the controller  26  may be embodied by a plurality of controllers  26  for controlling various elements of the system  10 . 
     As mentioned above the controller  26  may be used to execute machine readable instructions. For example, the controller  26  executes machine readable instructions to perform the method  200  shown in the block diagrams of  FIG. 8 . In such examples, the machine readable instructions comprise a program for execution by a processor, such as the processor  27 , shown in the example controller  26 . The program may be embodied in software stored on a tangible computer readable medium such as a CD-ROM, a floppy disk, a hard drive, a digital versatile disk (DVD), a Blu-ray disk, or a memory associated with controller  26 , but the entire program and/or parts thereof could alternatively be executed by a device other than the processor  27  and/or embodied in firmware or dedicated hardware. Further, although the example programs are described with reference to the flowcharts illustrated in  FIG. 8 , many other methods of implementing examples of the present disclosure may alternatively be used. For example, the order of execution of the blocks may be changed, and/or some of the blocks described may be changed, eliminated, or combined.