Mobile Reader Self-Localization for Sterilization Target Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sterilization management systems struggle to efficiently track and manage sterilization targets that move within a space, as they often rely on fixed reader locations, making it difficult to determine if a target requires sterilization and where it is located.
Innovation Solution
A sterilization management system that includes a first wireless device installed at a known position, a second wireless device attached to the sterilization target, a mobile reading apparatus capable of self-localization, and a database that estimates the target's position based on relative movement, allowing for notification of the target's estimated location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed readers are placed at restricted locations to manage sterilization targets, then the system structure is simple, but the detection capability is limited and cannot track moving targets effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from fixed readers to mobile reading apparatuses that move together with mobile objects (such as robots or autonomous vehicles). This dynamic approach enables continuous tracking of sterilization targets as they move through the space, significantly improving detection capability while the mobile platform integrates multiple functions to manage system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile reading apparatus serves multiple functions: it reads identification information from wireless devices, measures relative movement using self-localization techniques, estimates positions of targets, and communicates with the management server. This multi-functionality allows a single mobile platform to replace multiple fixed readers, improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity
2Loss of information
If fixed readers are used at specific locations, then the device complexity is low, but the loss of information occurs when targets move to locations without readers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of fixed readers with a mobile reading apparatus that uses self-localization techniques (such as SLAM - Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) to determine its own position and track targets continuously throughout the space, eliminating information loss when targets move between traditional reader locations
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile reading apparatus acts as an intermediary between the management server and sterilization targets, collecting identification information and position data as it moves through the space and relaying this information to the server, thereby preventing information loss without requiring dense deployment of fixed readers
3Productivity
If mobile reading apparatus with self-localization is used, then the tracking efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reading function and self-localization function into a single integrated mobile reading apparatus. The apparatus simultaneously performs identification information reading and position estimation using sensors and self-localization algorithms, improving tracking efficiency while consolidating functions to manage complexity
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
This system enables continuous tracking and efficient location of sterilization targets, optimizing management and reducing the risk of infection by expanding the detection range beyond fixed locations, ensuring timely sterilization and maintaining a hygienic environment.
Implementation Method 1
a reading apparatus that moves together with a mobile object, the reading apparatus being capable of reading, from a wireless device, identification information stored in the wireless device, and capable of measuring a relative amount of movement from a reference position using a self-localization technique
Data Source
AI summary
A first wireless device (WD) is installed at a known position, and a second WD is attached to a target of a sterilization process. A reading apparatus attempts reading identification information from WDs, and measures a relative amount of movement from a reference position using a self-localization technique. An estimation unit of a system estimates a position of the target based on the relative amount of movement of the reading apparatus from a time point when the first identification information has been read from the first WD to a time point when the second identification information has been read from the second WD. A database stores position information representing an estimated position of the target and sterilization-related information. The estimated position of the target selected based on the sterilization-related information is notified to a user based on the position information.