Patient Bed Location Learning Using WiFi Signal Strength Profiles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless locating systems for patient care equipment in healthcare facilities require dedicated infrastructure beyond the existing computer network, leading to inefficiencies and increased installation costs.
Innovation Solution
A wireless locating method that utilizes signal strength profiles from wireless access points to determine the location of patient care equipment by comparing signal strength data from multiple access points, without the need for additional infrastructure, and includes features like manual entry of location data and caster brake status to enhance accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If RF communication is used for locating tags, then wireless communication capability is improved, but location accuracy deteriorates due to signal passing through walls and floors causing ambiguity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary process of building signal strength profiles that mediate between the RF communication and location determination. Instead of directly using RF signals for location, the system first establishes reference profiles of signal strengths from multiple access points at known locations, then uses these profiles as intermediaries to accurately determine equipment locations by comparing current signal patterns against the reference profiles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-building signal strength profiles for various locations in the facility before actual location tracking begins. These profiles are created by having equipment stationary at known locations and recording the signal strength patterns from all accessible wireless access points, establishing a reference database that enables accurate location determination without requiring additional infrastructure during operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated locating system infrastructure is installed, then location tracking capability is improved, but system complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the existing wireless access points serve dual functions: their primary function for network connectivity and their secondary function as location sensing elements. The same access points that provide WiFi service also collect signal strength data for location tracking, eliminating the need for separate dedicated locating infrastructure and reducing system complexity while maintaining location tracking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the location tracking function with the existing wireless network infrastructure. Instead of maintaining separate locating systems, the patent combines location sensing capabilities into the existing access points and integrates location data with network operations, thereby reducing overall system complexity and eliminating redundant infrastructure.
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 accurate determination of equipment location within a healthcare facility using existing network infrastructure, reducing installation costs and complexity while maintaining high precision.
Implementation Method 1
RF signals pass through walls, floors, and ceilings and therefore, can be received by multiple location units
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless locating system and method include receiving first messages at a server. The first messages include bed location data entered manually on a user interface of a first patient bed. The first messages also include signal strength data from a plurality of wireless access points in communication with the first patient bed. A first signal strength profile for the first patient bed at a first location is built by the server. The first patient bed is removed from the first location and a second bed is moved into the first location. The second patient bed does not have manual location data entry capability. A second signal strength profile is built by the server for the second patient bed. The server compares the second signal strength profile with the first signal strength profile and determines that the second patient bed is at the first location if the second signal strength profile matches the first signal strength profile.