Tracking & Communications
Leading product design consultancy, Triteq, has just completed another successful project for a personal safety product. Triteq designed and developed a product called MyZone, which is a high tech solution for staff safety in the construction industry; protecting people from harm by dangerous machinery.
MyZone is fitted to workers’ safety hats and alerts people when machinery is moving within their workspace. The system works by vibration within the hat when it picks up signals from transmitters placed on machinery, and alerts the worker that machinery is coming into their workspace.
Construction Robotics approached Triteq with an initial concept and Triteq developed this further to design a device with electronics that met all safety standards. Triteq secured patents for the new technology; supporting the customer throughout the design process and into manufacturing.
MyZone is an innovative safety system which has proved effective in trials. It has many benefits over existing safety systems. Traditional audio devices can be ineffective as warning devices, since the environments can be noisy and ear defenders are often worn. Continuous tracking of staff and machinery is another approach often taken, but equipment is expensive and can be inaccurate. This meant that Triteq had to develop an innovative solution that was highly accurate and resulted in an effective response from workers.
Triteq have an impressive proven track record of work for the aviation industry. Air traffic across Europe is at an all-time high and consequently, the aviation industry is running short of radio spectrum for communications. Additionally, on-board security has presented a new challenge to airlines. To help find a solution to this, the European Commission and Eurocontrol, the organisation in charge of air navigation in Europe, has explored the potential of 3G wideband technology as an alternative medium for communications intended for security. Having had successful results with previous trials of 3G communications in various aeronautical spectrum bands, Eurocontrol has recently been looking at 3G as a potential solution for Air Traffic Management (ATM) security.
System Components and Technical Challenges
Triteq became involved in the project in 2006, after initial equipment concept trials had been carried out by Eurocontrol. There was a requirement to develop a working test system based on a commercially available 3G modem, enclose this in an avionics box and conduct flight trials. Triteq provided electronics design support to the project, which meant overcoming several technical challenges in selecting the right components. A key aspect of the project was to adapt a commercially available modem and ensure the system would operate at aircraft speeds.
Canine Tracking Device
When ex-investment banker, Jon Bryan, encountered problems with his dogs straying each time he took them for a walk, he decided to do some research to see what ‘dog tracking’ devices were available. He was amazed to find that none of the devices offered were ideal for his dogs or his lifestyle. As a result of this research he jointly started a new company, Retrieva, to develop a new product that would be compatible with the everyday needs of dog owners. Retrieva’s first port of call was leading medical and electronic product design consultancy, Triteq, which was briefed to design a purpose built canine tracking device to meet the rigours of dog life while fitting the lifestyle of the user.
Every year in the UK approximately 120,000 dogs go missing; 10% of these are stolen and 10% never reunited with their owner. Dogs are an important part of people’s lives and have a far greater emotional value to their owners than cash value, so the issue of missing dogs cannot be addressed by insurance companies alone. By working with dog welfare organisations, Retrieva was able to learn more about the issues of missing dogs and where a tracking device might fit into an owner’s lifestyle. Currently owners can protect their dogs by microchipping them (a microchip containing owners’ contact details is inserted under the dog’s skin) but this only provides information about who the dog belongs to and not where they are. It can also only be read by using a microchip scanner (usually by vets), so the animal would have to be brought in.
Retrieva undertook market research to understand the pros and cons of existing dog tracking devices. The major downfall of competitor products was that they all used a generic GPS box that was clipped onto a collar, rather than a purpose built all-in-one dog collar device. The GPS boxes were not waterproof and prone to poor signal (as the device hung under the dog’s neck blocking GPS/GSM signals) and had a battery life of only one to two days. This technology required access to a computer or a call centre, and used standard firmware, not designed for animals – all things that would inconvenience the owner. Triteq’s aim was to develop a dog collar device that would overcome all the technical issues that had been identified in the product research, while suiting the lifestyle of dog owners for practicality, design and ease of use.
When Retrieva came to Triteq, they had a basic prototype of the product, but the tracking device was just comprised of off-the-shelf parts and not designed for manufacture. Retrieva took this initial prototype to Crufts in 2006 and had an extremely positive response from consumers, animal organisations and the media. With this and Retrieva’s own research, they saw the market potential for a device that was specifically designed for dogs.
For Triteq, there were two key elements to consider in designing the product. Firstly the ‘owner’ factors to produce a device that was practical and user friendly, and secondly the ‘dog’ issues affecting the collar itself, such as behaviour while wearing the collar and standing up to the rigours of different environments.
Triteq’s experience in electronic devices and communications systems was invaluable in producing a solution that met the needs of dog owners. First and foremost, the owners were looking for a product that would protect the dog from theft or from getting lost when outside. They wanted a device that would fit in with their own lifestyle and therefore a product which used tracking technology that was compatible with a common consumer electronic device, such as a mobile phone.
Triteq also had to consider the complex tracking problems that dogs create. Dogs run close to the ground in remote areas, often in woodland, and some even dig underground, all of which seriously deteriorate the GPS and GSM mobile phone signals that the device would use. Triteq therefore developed a three-layer solution that would guarantee reliable coverage in all eventualities. The technology used mobile phone communications in the form of GPRS and GSM text messaging, as well as radio frequency tracking, making it possible to locate a dog virtually anywhere. Retrieva partnered with Orange to ensure that the mobile phone element of the device would provide an almost unlimited range, while the radio receiver would cover up to 1km. By using mobile technology, the owners could also benefit from live and interactive tracking through a map on their mobile phone, rather than having to track by computer.
Triteq had to consider the fact that dogs may go into water, so they ensured that waterproofing to IP67 was included in the design. Dog size can be extremely variable and dogs can move very quickly and unpredictably; all affecting the fit and positioning of the collar on the dog. In order to ensure optimal mobile signal, it was important that the device was always positioned on the top of the dog’s neck. The collar was therefore ergonomically designed for shape and size so that it would lock in the same position on the dog’s neck without the device swinging round. Collar materials were carefully selected to be ‘anti-cut’ to protect against theft. In addition, Triteq developed a theft-deterrent feature which meant that any attempt to cut or force the lock would transmit a text message alert to the owner with details of the current location.
We always welcome an opportunity to discuss about our work and new ideas - talk to us today on 01488 684554, email angela.hobbs@triteq.com or visit our website for more information.
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