Dynamic Geo-Fence Sizing for Hospital Room Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing location tracking systems in hospitals face inaccuracies in determining patient location due to signal interference and building composition, leading to 'drifting' between possible rooms and incorrect identification of patient room.

Innovation Solution

A system that adjusts signal strengths based on the likely location of transmitters by using expected visitation areas, incorporating processors to receive and adjust signal measurements, and potentially expand or contract geo-fenced zones to improve accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If signal strength measurements are used to determine patient location, then automated tracking is achieved, but location accuracy deteriorates due to signal interference and building composition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated patient trackingVSAvoidlocation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system adjusts signal strength parameters by applying correction factors based on building characteristics and signal propagation models. Instead of using raw signal strength values, the system transforms these parameters to account for wall composition, room configurations, and other environmental factors, thereby improving location accuracy while maintaining automated tracking

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where location data is continuously validated and corrected based on observed patterns and building architecture. The system learns from historical data and adjusts its location determinations accordingly, refining accuracy over time while preserving the automated tracking capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If geo-fence size is fixed, then system simplicity is maintained, but location identification accuracy deteriorates due to signal drift between rooms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidroom identification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static fixed-size geo-fences to dynamic geo-fence regions that automatically adjust their boundaries based on signal strength patterns and building characteristics. The geo-fence size and shape are continuously optimized to match actual patient movement patterns and signal propagation characteristics, improving room identification accuracy without requiring complex manual configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12445801B2Expansion of geo-fence size based on a tag's likely location

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORP

AI summary

Techniques for adjusting the sizes of geo-fences based on an individual's likely location are disclosed herein. An example method includes determining one or more geo-fenced zones corresponding to one or more respective areas; receiving location information indicative of the one or more areas expected to be visited by the individual, of the one or more respective areas; and adjusting the one or more geo-fenced zones based on the one or more respective areas expected to be visited by the individual.