RFID and sensor network technologies for safety managing in hazardous environments

A novel approach to implement an Active Safety System in dangerous working environments is described. The new system is based on the fusion of well assessed wireless technologies as ad hoc sensor networks and body area networks with a "Dual Active" RFID proprietary technology that allows drastically reducing power consumption and locally implementing identification, tracking and distance measurements between moving machinery and people. Individual activation fields or "safety bubbles" are established for the purpose of awaking the incoming personnel active TAGs and initializing safety procedures. In the new system a compact microwave Illuminator operating in the 2.45 GHz ISM frequency band generates a well defined wake-up footprint. In addition, the tag implement an IEEE 802.15.4 transceiver to build a body area network and communicate with radio infrastructure. An Ambient Intelligence approach is then used to create a digital environment in the workspace and to enforce lawful safety regulation.