Medical Facility Tags With Button Messaging and Tamper Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locating systems for medical facilities lack efficient methods to track the movement and location of caregivers and equipment in real-time, while also enabling communication of messages and preventing unauthorized removal of assets.
Innovation Solution
A locating system comprising tags with buttons that measure predefined types of button presses, motion sensors, and transmitters to communicate with receivers, allowing for real-time tracking and message transmission, along with tamper sensors to prevent unauthorized removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional locating systems are used in medical facilities, then basic location tracking is provided, but real-time tracking efficiency and communication capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The tag device is designed to perform multiple functions: location tracking via motion sensors, message communication via buttons and transmitter, and security monitoring via tamper sensor. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by enabling both efficient real-time tracking and effective communication within a single integrated system.
2Ease of operation
If assets are made easily movable for operational flexibility, then operational efficiency is improved, but unauthorized removal becomes more difficult to prevent
Solution Approach 1:
The tamper sensor automatically detects attempts to remove or tamper with the tag and triggers an alert to the central system without requiring human intervention. This self-monitoring capability provides continuous security while maintaining operational flexibility, as legitimate movements are unaffected while unauthorized removals are automatically detected and reported.
3Reliability
If multiple sensors and communication components are added to tags, then tracking and communication capabilities are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional components (motion sensor, buttons, transmitter, tamper sensor, battery) are integrated into a single compact tag device. This merging approach enhances tracking and communication capabilities while minimizing the increase in device complexity through unified design and compact arrangement of components.
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 efficient real-time tracking and communication of caregivers and equipment, while preventing unauthorized removal of assets, enhancing operational efficiency and security in medical facilities.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter configured to communicate a tag signal
Data Source
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AI summary
A locating system (10) includes a tag (12, 42, 44) with a body (14) that has a first button (16, 80, 156) and a second button (18, 82, 156), a driver (20, 94, 230) configured to determine a type of button press of at least one of the first button (16, 80, 156) and the second button (18, 82, 156), and a control unit (22, 84, 210) in communication with the driver (20, 94, 230). The control unit (22, 84, 210) is configured to communicate the type of button press determined by the driver (20, 94, 230). The tag (12, 42, 44) also includes a transmitter (24, 74, 264) in communication with the control unit (22, 84, 210). At least one receiver (26) is configured to selectively communicate with the transmitter (24, 74, 264). A controller (28) is in communication with the at least one receiver (26). The controller (28) is configured to determine a location of the at least one tag (12, 42, 44) within a predefined area based on information from the at least one receiver (26), correlate the type of button press from the at least one tag (12, 42, 44) with a message (30), and generate a notification (32) to communicate the message (30).