Patient Support Mesh Network Communication Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In healthcare settings, patient support apparatuses lack effective communication systems to efficiently transmit and receive location and patient information across the facility, often relying on infrastructure-dependent wireless networks with limited range and reliability.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a mesh network system using patient support apparatuses equipped with dual transceivers operating on IEEE 802.15.4 and IEEE 802.11 standards, allowing for triangulation-based location determination and seamless data transfer between apparatuses, expanding communication range without relying on facility infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a direct wireless connection to healthcare network access points is used, then infrastructure-dependent communication is achieved, but communication range is limited and reliability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces patient support apparatuses as intermediary nodes that relay communication between other apparatuses and the healthcare network. Each apparatus acts as a mesh network node, forwarding data packets to extend communication range and improve reliability without requiring direct connection to access points for all devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The healthcare facility communication system is segmented into multiple independent patient support apparatus nodes, each capable of autonomous communication. This segmentation allows the network to function even if individual nodes fail or access points are unavailable, improving overall system reliability.
2Length of stationary object
If mesh network communication between patient support apparatuses is implemented, then communication range is expanded, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Patient support apparatuses are equipped with dual transceivers that can operate in multiple modes: direct communication with access points, mesh network communication with other apparatuses, and triangulation-based location determination. This multi-functionality allows a single device to handle various communication scenarios without requiring separate specialized systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh network nodes automatically perform triangulation calculations and route data packets without requiring centralized control or manual configuration. Each apparatus independently determines its location and communicates with the most appropriate next hop based on current network conditions, reducing overall system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If triangulation-based location determination is used, then location accuracy is improved, but communication overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
Patient support apparatuses continuously broadcast their location and identification information before actual triangulation is needed. This preliminary action allows receiving apparatuses to already have location data cached, reducing the need for repeated high-volume data transmissions when location determination is required.
Data Source
AI summary
Patient support apparatuses, such as beds, cots, stretchers, recliners, operating tables, and the like include wireless mesh network transceivers that enable them to communicate with each other, and other devices, via mesh networks and/or ad hoc networks. One or more additional wireless transceivers are included, such as WiFi transceivers that enable direct communication with a healthcare facility network, such as an Ethernet. The mesh network communication between patient support apparatuses and other devices is used for any one or more of: extending the communication range of the existing IT infrastructure, efficiently routing data to the healthcare facility network, determining location of the patient support apparatuses and devices, transporting patient data from one patient support to the next as the patient moves, and for other aspects.