Mobile Wireless Bridge for BLE Asset Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
In healthcare and retail environments, existing systems face challenges in efficiently tracking assets and monitoring interactions due to non-adherence to protocols, leading to adverse events and reduced profitability, respectively.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a mobile wireless bridge system using beacon tags and badges that transmit and receive low-power Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) messages, facilitating real-time location services (RTLS) through a wireless network, enabling proximity detection and location tracking of assets and personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If RFID tags and readers are used to track assets and monitor interactions, then location tracking and proximity detection capability is improved, but system complexity and infrastructure requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile wireless bridge as an intermediary device that combines RFID reader functionality with mobile computing capabilities. This bridge acts as a mediator between RFID tags and the central processing system, enabling location tracking without requiring a fixed complex infrastructure. The mobile bridge processes RFID data locally and communicates with remote servers through wireless networks, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining precise tracking capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile wireless bridge is designed as a multi-functional device that integrates RFID reading, wireless communication, processing, and location services in a single portable unit. This universal device can operate in various environments (healthcare, retail, industrial) and performs multiple functions including asset tracking, proximity detection, and data communication, thereby reducing the need for separate specialized equipment and simplifying system deployment.
2Productivity
If real-time location services are implemented to enhance workflow and detect interactions, then operational efficiency is improved, but energy consumption and infrastructure costs worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic location updates rather than continuous monitoring. The mobile wireless bridge queries RFID tag locations at scheduled intervals rather than maintaining constant communication, significantly reducing energy consumption. The beacon tags transmit location information periodically, and the mobile bridge processes these updates at predetermined time intervals, maintaining operational efficiency while minimizing power usage across the distributed network.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile wireless bridge is designed to operate autonomously with battery power, enabling it to function independently without constant external power supply or complex infrastructure support. The device self-manages its operations by processing RFID data locally and communicating with remote servers only when necessary, reducing overall system energy consumption and infrastructure requirements while maintaining high operational efficiency in various environments.
3Reliability
If mobile wireless bridge system is deployed for asset tracking and interaction monitoring, then protocol adherence and workflow efficiency are improved, but implementation cost and system complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the tracking network into distributed mobile wireless bridge units that can be independently deployed and managed. Each mobile bridge operates as an autonomous node in the network, handling local RFID data processing and communication separately from central servers. This segmentation allows for easier implementation and reduced complexity compared to a centralized system, while maintaining reliable protocol enforcement through distributed validation and monitoring capabilities.
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
Improves operational efficiency by enhancing patient workflow, reducing adverse events, and optimizing inventory placement and customer interaction, thereby enhancing hospital operational efficiency and retail profitability.
Implementation Method 1
The integration of a mobile wireless bridge system using beacon tags and badges that transmit and receive low-power Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) messages, facilitating real-time location services (RTLS) through a wireless network
Data Source
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AI summary
In various example embodiments, a system and method for facilitating proximity detection and location tracking using a mobile wireless bridge are provided. The system includes a beacon badge, a beacon tag, and a real-time location services ("RTLS") server communicatively coupled to the beacon badge, such as via a wireless network or the like. The beacon tag broadcasts a beacon message receivable by the beacon badge. The beacon badge determines whether it is proximate to the beacon badge based on the signal strength of the received beacon message. The beacon badge further communicates identifying information contained with the received beacon message to the RTLS server. The RTLS server uses the identifying information to determine the proximate location of the beacon badge.