Patient Support Apparatus Location Tracking via Wireless Signal Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current location detection systems in healthcare facilities are inefficient in tracking person support apparatuses like beds and stretchers, as they often require extensive infrastructure and do not allow for seamless communication and location sharing among devices.
Innovation Solution
A system that utilizes existing wireless access points and infrared locators to determine the location of person support apparatuses, enabling them to communicate and share location information, and combines multiple technologies for accurate positioning, including signal strength analysis and triangulation techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional location detection systems are used to track person support apparatuses, then location tracking is achieved, but extensive infrastructure is required and device communication is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables person support apparatuses to perform multiple functions: they not only provide patient support but also act as location tracking devices and communication nodes. The apparatuses use existing wireless infrastructure (Wi-Fi access points) for both network communication and location determination, eliminating the need for separate dedicated tracking infrastructure. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the tracking system less complex while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The person support apparatuses autonomously determine their own locations by measuring signal strengths from surrounding access points and processing this data through onboard controllers. The system enables self-tracking without requiring external dedicated tracking infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable location monitoring.
2Measurement precision
If multiple technologies are combined for location determination, then location accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple location determination technologies (signal strength-based triangulation using wireless access points, infrared locator signals, and ultrasonic positioning) into a unified system. The controller integrates data from multiple sources and uses algorithms to determine the most accurate location, achieving high measurement precision while managing complexity through centralized processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that receives data from multiple different technologies (wireless transceivers, infrared receivers, ultrasonic sensors) and processes this information to determine location. This intermediary approach allows the system to leverage multiple technologies for improved accuracy while the controller manages the complexity of integrating these diverse sources.
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 tracking and communication of person support apparatuses within healthcare facilities, reducing the need for extensive infrastructure and improving location accuracy, allowing for better resource management and patient care coordination.
Implementation Method 1
The controller generates a location estimate of the person support apparatus within a facility based upon signal strength data of the messages from the plurality of access points
Implementation Method 2
The location detection system further includes an infrared receiver adapted to receive an infrared signal from a fixed locator positioned off of the person support apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A location detection system for person support apparatuses includes multiple network wireless access points that communicate with a plurality of mobile transceivers positioned on board the person support apparatuses. Based upon signal strength data (e.g. RSSI or RCPI) of messages from the access points to the transceivers, the locations of the person support apparatuses are determined. In some embodiments, the person support apparatuses include an additional location detection system that utilizes fixed locators having short range transceivers to generate a second location determination of the person support apparatuses. In still other embodiments, the person support apparatuses utilize the second location detection system to determine the location of the wireless access points. The person support apparatuses may also broadcast their location to other devices that then utilize the received signal strengths of those messages to determine their own location.