User Manual

Confidential
Patent #’s 7,420,471
5,939,986 and 6,810,353
Patent Pending
Page 3 of 6
Strata Proximity Systems Surface Proximity Module Users Manual v1.0
Confidential and Proprietary
October 6, 2011
1 Overview
The Surface Proximity Module is part of a complete HazardAvert proximity warning system
from Strata Proximity Systems which provides warnings to both individuals and to machinery to
alert them that the individual has entered too close to an operating piece of equipment and is
in a dangerous situation or that vehicles or machinery are getting close enough that a collision
possibility exists. The Surface Proximity Module is mounted on a vehicle or piece of machinery
and is connected to a central control unit. The Surface Proximity Module interfaces to a central
control unit, other modules (dual) or as a stand alone (single) unit which interfaces directly to a
vehicle or piece of machinery.
1.1 Theory of Operation
The functions of the Surface Proximity Module are:
 To transmit a 73kHz field around a vehicle or piece of machinery to act as a protection zone for
collision avoidance and for proximity detection for the protection of individuals.
 To receive a 916.48MHz RF signal from other vehicles or Personal Alarm Devices (PAD).
 To receive a 73 kHz field that might be transmitted by other vehicles.
 To generate a 916.48MHz RF signal to alert other vehicles or machinery that a collision
possibility exists.
The Surface Proximity Module has an internal 73 kHz generator and wire wrapped ferrite
radiator that create a field which creates a protection zone around the vehicle or machine.
When certain other devices, either vehicle mounted or worn by individuals, are brought too
close to the Surface Proximity Module they will detect this 73 kHz field and will analyze its field
strength. If the 73 kHz field strength received by the other devices is above a certain threshold,
indicating that the distance between the Surface Proximity Module and the device is close
enough to indicate a Warning or Danger condition, then they will reply to the Surface Proximity
Module with a 916.48MHz transmission. The Surface Proximity Module has its 916.48MHz
receiver on when it is transmitting the 73 kHz field and is “listening” to receive any 916.48MHz
transmissions from another vehicle, machine or individual equipped with the HazardAvert
system that would indicate the individual or other piece of machinery is too close and warrants
a warning or danger condition. During the time that the Surface Proximity Module’s 73 kHz
generator is not transmitting, the Surface Proximity Module’s 73 kHz receiver is on. This 73 kHz
receiver is attempting to detect the field that may be emitted by another vehicle or piece of
machinery in close proximity. If during this time the Surface Proximity Module receives a 73 kHz
transmission, who’s field strength is above a level determined to represent a possible collision
or individual in too close of proximity, the Surface Proximity Module will turn off its 916.48MHz
receiver and will transmit its own 916.48MHz signal to alert other vehicles or machinery of its
close proximity to them. If the Surface Proximity Module receives indication that a Warning or
Danger condition exists, it will turn on that appropriate LED indicators and will communicate
this information to the central controller or other modules (duals) and singles.