Beacon Apparatus Network Defect Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nurse call systems in hospitals face significant impairment when localized network defects occur, forcing them to fall back to a completely local operation mode, which compromises their ability to function effectively in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a beacon apparatus with a radio frequency transceiver to detect critical defects in the wired backbone network and switch to wireless communication with a server, allowing continued operation without falling back to local mode, using a series of beacon relays if necessary, and adjusting transmission intervals to minimize impact on normal operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the nurse call system operates in networked mode using wired backbone network, then communication efficiency and system performance are improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to network defects that can seriously impair operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the communication parameter from wired backbone network to wireless RF transceiver based on detected network defects. The beacon apparatus monitors the wired network and switches transmission medium when defects are detected, maintaining system operation despite network failures
Solution Approach 2:
The beacon apparatus acts as an intermediary between identification tags and the server. It receives messages from tags via RF, detects wired network status, and selectively forwards messages through either wired backbone or wireless RF path, mediating between the two communication modes
2Reliability
If the system falls back to local operation mode upon network defect, then system independence and safety are improved, but the ability to relay information to central server is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon apparatus performs multiple functions: it serves as a local identification tag receiver via RF, a network defect detector for wired backbone, and an information relay through either wired or wireless paths. This multi-functionality allows it to maintain information relay capability regardless of network status
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its operation mode based on network conditions. Rather than statically falling back to local mode, the beacon apparatus continuously monitors wired network health and dynamically switches between wired and wireless transmission paths to maintain server communication
3Device complexity
If the radio frequency transceiver is used for both receiving identification messages and transmitting information to server, then device complexity is reduced, but communication reliability may be impacted by channel conflicts
Solution Approach 1:
The RF transceiver is designed to perform dual functions: receiving identification messages from tags and transmitting beacon information to the server. This single device handles both communication directions, reducing hardware complexity while maintaining reliability through intelligent protocol management
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the nurse call system to maintain communication with the server even during wired backbone network failures, ensuring continuous operation and immediate alerting of personnel or the server about defects, thus preventing system failure and ensuring timely intervention.
Implementation Method 1
using the radio frequency transceiver to transmit the information to the server
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
The invention pertains to a method for distributing information in a nurse call localization system, the method comprising at a first beacon apparatus (200) adapted to receive identification messages originating from an identification tag (100) via a first radio frequency transceiver and connected to a wired backbone network (250): detecting (710) a need to relay said information to a server (300); testing (720) said wired backbone network (250) for the presence of certain critical defects; if (730) none of said critical defects are found to be present, transmitting (740) said information to said server (300) over said wired backbone network (250); and otherwise, using (750) said radio frequency transceiver to transmit said information to said server (300). The invention also pertains to a computer program product and a beacon apparatus.