Dual-Range Wireless Proximity Detection for Healthcare Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current location tracking and proximity detection systems rely on single-range transmitting devices, which limit the accuracy and range of contact tracing and proximity monitoring, especially in applications requiring precise tracking of individuals and assets in healthcare settings.
Innovation Solution
A dual-range system comprising a primary device that transmits both near-range and medium-range wireless signals, allowing secondary devices to determine their proximity and location within specific transmission ranges, enabling more precise contact tracing and monitoring by distinguishing between different signal reception periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If single-range transmitting devices are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and tracking accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitting device is segmented to transmit multiple wireless signals with different transmission ranges (first wireless signals with first transmission range, second wireless signals with second transmission range). This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between different proximity zones, thereby improving tracking accuracy without requiring a single complex device to handle all ranges simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the transmission range parameter of wireless signals by transmitting different types of signals (first wireless signals with shorter range, second wireless signals with longer range). This parameter variation enables the receiving device to determine precise proximity levels and location information, enhancing measurement precision while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
2Measurement precision
If multiple transmission ranges are implemented, then tracking accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitting device is designed with multi-functionality to transmit both first wireless signals (with first transmission range) and second wireless signals (with second transmission range) through the same device. This universal approach allows a single device to perform multiple proximity detection functions, improving tracking accuracy while avoiding the need for separate devices for each range.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a dimensional aspect to proximity detection by introducing different transmission range dimensions (first transmission range vs. second transmission range). This dimensional expansion allows the receiving device to calculate more precise location information and proximity levels without requiring physically separate detection systems for each range.
3Measurement precision
If shorter transmission range is used, then proximity detection precision is improved, but coverage area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coverage area is segmented into different zones corresponding to different transmission ranges. First wireless signals cover a first transmission range for precise close-proximity detection, while second wireless signals cover a second transmission range for broader area coverage. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high precision in close proximity while extending overall coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the transmission range parameter by transmitting different types of wireless signals with different range characteristics. First wireless signals use a shorter transmission range parameter for high-precision close proximity detection, while second wireless signals use a longer transmission range parameter for extended coverage, thereby resolving the trade-off between precision and coverage area.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to devices, systems, and methods for location tracking and proximity detection. The invention uses transmitting devices with more than one transmission range. In various embodiments, the invention uses a primary device to transmit a near-range signal and a medium-range signal. In other embodiments, the invention uses a secondary device to receive these signals and, on the basis of the received signals, generate alerts, transmit signals, or do both. In further embodiments, the invention uses another device to provide the location of the secondary device, the primary device, or both devices. This invention may be used for contact tracing, hand hygiene compliance monitoring, and location tracking.