Passive Sensor Wristband Power Derivation for Patient Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional active sensor technologies in patient identification systems require circuitry for power, making them expensive and necessitating the return of wristbands, which can lead to issues when patients forget or choose not to return them, and complicates patient tracking between facilities within a healthcare enterprise.
Innovation Solution
Implementing passive sensor technology in wearable identification devices that derive power from a reader signal, allowing for cost-effective, widespread configuration of discharge and gateway locations, enabling efficient patient status updates without the need for wristband return and facilitating seamless transfers between facilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If active sensor technology is used in patient identification devices, then the device can provide identification and location tracking functions, but the device requires power circuitry which increases cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The passive sensor system allows the reader device to provide power to the sensor through the signal transmission itself. The sensor derives power from the request signal received from the reader, eliminating the need for separate power circuitry in the wearable device while maintaining identification functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a reader device as an intermediary that provides both the identification signal and power to the passive sensor. This mediator enables the sensor to function without its own power source by receiving energy through the communication signal from the reader.
2Reliability
If active sensor technology is used in patient identification devices, then the device can provide identification and location tracking functions, but the device requires power circuitry which increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The passive sensor system allows the reader device to provide power to the sensor through the signal transmission itself. The sensor derives power from the request signal received from the reader, eliminating the need for separate power circuitry in the wearable device while maintaining identification functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive sensor wristband can be manufactured at lower cost without power circuitry, making it suitable for disposable or single-use applications. The system accepts that the sensor is temporary and does not require the durability and power management features of reusable active sensors.
3Productivity
If wristbands with active sensors are used, then patient tracking is enabled, but wristbands must be returned which causes issues when patients forget or choose not to return them
Solution Approach 1:
The passive sensor wristband is designed as a disposable item that does not need to be returned. Since it lacks power circuitry and is lower cost, it can be discarded after use or left with the patient without impacting the system's financial or operational integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects the passive sensor when the patient arrives at a discharge location or gateway, eliminating the need for manual wristband collection or return processes. The sensor self-identifies its location through automatic detection by readers at key points in the facility.
4Productivity
If active sensor technology is used, then patient location can be tracked, but the system requires complex power management and circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The passive sensor system allows the reader device to provide power to the sensor through the signal transmission itself. The sensor derives power from the request signal received from the reader, eliminating the need for separate power circuitry in the wearable device while maintaining identification functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical/electrical power delivery system (batteries, power management circuitry) with an electromagnetic field-based power transfer. Power is delivered wirelessly through the request signal from the reader, eliminating moving parts and power management hardware in the wearable device.
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 solution reduces costs, eliminates the need for wristband return, and enhances patient tracking efficiency across healthcare facilities by allowing any location to be configured as a discharge or gateway, ensuring accurate and automatic patient status updates and reducing scheduling conflicts.
Implementation Method 1
derive power for the passive sensor from the request signal
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment provides a method, including: receiving, at a passive sensor of a wearable identification device associated with a patient within a healthcare enterprise from a receiver of a patient status system and corresponding to a predetermined location within the healthcare enterprise, a request signal when the wearable identification device is detected at the predetermined location; deriving power for the passive sensor from the request signal and not from power circuitry within the wearable device; generating, at the passive sensor using the derived power, a transmission from the request signal, wherein the transmission includes identifying information associated with the wristband; and transmitting, from the passive sensor, the transmission to the receiver, wherein the transmission is utilized to update a status of the patient within the patient status system based upon detection of the passive sensor at the predetermined location. Other aspects are described and claimed.