BLE Beacon Patient Tracking for Actual Healthcare Wait Times

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile applications for healthcare providers fail to accurately measure and report patient wait times due to manual estimations and lack of real-time location tracking, leading to inefficiencies and patient dissatisfaction.

Innovation Solution

A mobile application using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons to track the location of patients and providers within a healthcare facility, integrating with an algorithm to predict actual wait times and automate check-in/check-out processes, and provide real-time updates and notifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual estimations and manual inputs are used to determine wait times, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of wait times deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewait time measurement accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual estimation and manual input processes with an automated system using mobile devices, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons, and algorithms to track patient location and calculate wait times. This substitution of manual mechanical processes with automated electronic systems resolves the contradiction by achieving precise wait time measurement without requiring complex manual tracking systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables patients to automatically track and report their own wait times through mobile applications that utilize BLE beacon technology. The algorithm automatically processes location data and calculates wait times without requiring staff intervention, allowing the system to self-measure and self-report wait times with high precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If real-time location tracking using BLE beacons is implemented, then the productivity of patient flow management is improved, but the use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient flow management efficiencyVSAvoidmobile device energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic BLE beacon transmissions and intermittent location updates rather than continuous tracking. The mobile application checks for beacon presence at regular intervals and updates wait time information periodically, which maintains productive real-time monitoring while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous location tracking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Loss of time

If automated check-in and check-out processes are implemented, then the loss of time for administrative tasks is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadministrative processing timeVSAvoidautomation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables patients to automatically check in and check out through the mobile application by detecting their presence at the facility via BLE beacons. The algorithm automatically processes check-in/check-out events, updates wait times, and manages appointment schedules without staff intervention, eliminating administrative time loss while keeping the automation relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors patient location through BLE beacons and provides real-time feedback to both patients and providers about wait times and appointment status. This feedback loop enables automated check-in/check-out processes to function efficiently, reducing administrative time while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized feedback mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Accurately measures and reports actual wait times, enhances operational efficiency, and improves patient satisfaction by reducing wait times through automated tracking and communication features.

Implementation Method 1

the mobile application feeds this information into an algorithm that predicts the actual wait time for future patients. Utilizing the location of patients and providers, as well as open exam rooms and other components

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBluetooth Low Energy (BLE):

Data Source

PatentUS20250308682A1System and method for determining customer / patient wait time

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 HAPPY PATIENT LLC

AI summary

The present disclosure is directed to the field of Bluetooth Low Energy (“BLE”) enabled mobile device applications and, specifically, to a mobile device application that allows a customer or patient to view their actual wait time to see a doctor or other service provider. The present disclosure determines actual wait times based on the patients and providers within range of BLE beacons that are located in every room of an office space or other indoor area. An algorithm analyzes the real-time location data of in-office staff and patients to notify incoming patients of actual wait times.