Plug Antenna NFC Device Location Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
In healthcare facilities, locating medical devices such as hospital beds within large buildings is challenging due to their dispersed nature and the lack of efficient tracking systems, which can delay patient attention and management.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a plug with a coil-shaped near-field communication antenna and a power outlet adapter with embedded antennas, which wirelessly transfers a device ID and power outlet ID to a computer server to determine the device's location within the facility, enabling automatic tracking and association of measured parameters with the device's location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If manual tracking methods are used for medical devices, then device location information is available, but the time to locate devices is excessive and tracking efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking methods with an automated electromagnetic field-based detection system. NFC antennas in power outlets automatically detect devices when plugged in, and RFID readers in hallways continuously track device locations without human intervention, eliminating the time loss associated with manual tracking while significantly improving tracking efficiency through automated data collection and processing
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables devices to self-report their locations automatically. When a device is plugged into a power outlet, the NFC antenna automatically detects the device ID and reports it to the central server. The device无需 manual intervention to update its location, achieving self-service tracking that reduces time loss and improves overall tracking productivity
2Measurement precision
If no automated tracking system is implemented, then device location data is not automatically collected, but manual tracking processes are time-consuming and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces error-prone manual data collection with automated electromagnetic detection systems. NFC antennas provide precise device identification through wireless communication protocols, while RFID readers continuously monitor device locations with high accuracy. This automated approach eliminates human error in data collection and significantly reduces the time required to gather accurate location information
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous automated tracking through RFID readers positioned in hallways that constantly monitor device movements. Combined with NFC detection at power outlets, the system maintains uninterrupted location data collection, ensuring high measurement precision while eliminating the time delays associated with periodic manual checks
3Measurement precision
If a comprehensive tracking system is deployed throughout the facility, then device location can be determined accurately, but the system complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tracking system into modular segments: NFC antennas embedded in individual power outlets, RFID readers positioned at hallway locations, and a central server that processes data. This segmentation allows the system to achieve comprehensive coverage and high location precision while reducing overall complexity through standardized, interchangeable components that can be deployed incrementally throughout the facility
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses universal communication protocols (NFC and RFID) that can be implemented across multiple devices and locations using the same hardware architecture. The central server provides a unified interface for processing location data from all sources, enabling accurate device location determination while reducing complexity through standardized multi-functional components
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 system allows for efficient and automatic tracking of medical devices within a facility, reducing the time to locate them and ensuring accurate association of patient data with the correct device, thereby enhancing patient care and reducing errors in data management.
Implementation Method 1
The first antenna is a near-field communication antenna having a memory that stores a device ID transferable to a second antenna when the first antenna is proximate the second antenna
Data Source
AI summary
A system for identifying a location of a device includes a first antenna mounted to a plug. The first antenna surrounds one or more prongs of the plug, and the plug has a memory that stores a device ID. A second antenna receives the device ID from the first antenna when the plug is coupled to a power outlet. A controller uses a communication module to wirelessly transfer the device ID and a power outlet ID to a computer server. The computer server uses the device ID and the power outlet ID to determine the location of the device within a building.