Smart Carrier Tracking via IoT Telemetry in Pneumatic Tube Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pneumatic tube delivery systems (PTS) face challenges in monitoring the physical position and conditions of carriers and their contents, especially in large healthcare facilities, where traditional methods like barcode or RFID scanners are cumbersome and limit carrier placement, and fail to track carriers continuously between stations.
Innovation Solution
Integration of low-power Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and WiFi-enabled smart carriers that transmit a universally unique identifier (UUID) and telemetry data, enabling continuous tracking and monitoring of carrier location, speed, and contents within the PTS network, including two-way communication and secure Chain of Custody (CoC) delivery systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional barcode or RFID scanners are used to track carriers, then carrier identification is achieved, but the tracking is cumbersome and interferes with seamless delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is equipped with an active transceiver that automatically transmits its own identification signal (UUID) and telemetry data without requiring external scanners. This self-service approach eliminates the need for cumbersome scanning operations while maintaining continuous tracking accuracy throughout the pneumatic tube system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical scanning system (barcode or RFID scanners) with an electromagnetic communication system (active transceiver using Bluetooth Low Energy). This substitution allows the carrier to continuously broadcast its identity and status, enabling seamless tracking without physical interception or line-of-sight requirements.
2Device complexity
If carriers are tracked only at discrete locations using inline identifying tag readers, then system infrastructure is simplified, but continuous position tracking between stations is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The active transceiver on the carrier continuously transmits its identification signal and telemetry data throughout its entire journey, providing uninterrupted tracking information. This continuous transmission allows the system to monitor carrier position, speed, and status at all times rather than only at discrete checkpoint locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces Bluetooth Low Energy technology as an intermediary communication layer between the carrier and the tracking system. This intermediary enables continuous wireless communication without requiring physical infrastructure at every location, as any device with BLE capability can receive and forward the carrier's signals.
3Ease of operation
If carriers must be removed from the PTS for payload placement or removal, then payload access is enabled, but monitoring of the carrier or payloads cannot continue without cumbersome methods
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier's active transceiver continuously transmits its own identification signal and status data, maintaining tracking continuity whether the carrier is inside the pneumatic tube system or removed for payload operations. This eliminates the need for external scanning equipment to resume tracking after carrier removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking system using Bluetooth Low Energy is vendor-agnostic and can track carriers from any manufacturer, as well as track payloads outside the pneumatic tube system. This universal approach maintains tracking continuity across different operational contexts without being tied to specific system manufacturers or locations.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for tracking carriers and other critical path items are provided. The systems and methods comprise structure and functionality to allow for the real-time tracking of pneumatic tube smart carriers and other devices including the use of an IoT capable device, a computer, and an IoT access point. The present disclosure also provides monitoring and analytics capabilities to allow for complex information to be tracked. Such information includes, but is not limited to carrier velocity, air flow, and latch status of the carrier's door.