Wireless Node Array for Healthcare Position Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Healthcare facilities lack efficient systems for coordinating team members and tracking variables to optimize treatment protocols, with existing geolocation technologies being inaccurate and limited in range, and lacking the capability to determine orientation.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses wireless communications between transceivers and smart devices to track the position and orientation of healthcare providers and equipment, enabling dynamic coordination and data-driven decision-making through a self-verifying array of Nodes, which enhances accuracy and penetrates obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing geolocation technologies are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and tracking accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the tracking infrastructure into multiple distributed transceivers deployed throughout the healthcare facility. Each transceiver independently measures wireless signal characteristics, and the collective data from multiple segments (transceivers) is aggregated to achieve high-precision location and orientation determination without requiring a single complex centralized system.
2Area of stationary object
If wireless communication systems are deployed throughout the facility, then tracking coverage area increases, but device complexity and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transceivers are designed to perform multiple functions: they serve as both wireless communication access points for healthcare operations and as location/orientation measurement sensors. This multi-functionality allows the same infrastructure to provide both operational connectivity and tracking capabilities, eliminating the need for separate dedicated tracking hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes existing wireless communication signals and infrastructure to provide location tracking services. The transceivers leverage the same wireless signals used for operational communications to determine position and orientation, eliminating the need for separate signaling systems and reducing installation complexity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple transceivers are deployed for accurate positioning, then measurement precision improves, but loss of time for system setup and calibration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transceivers are pre-configured with unique identifiers and operational parameters before deployment. The system performs preliminary calibration by having each transceiver determine the location of known reference points during installation, establishing baseline data that enables immediate high-precision tracking without requiring extensive post-installation calibration of the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors and adjusts position calculations based on real-time wireless signal measurements from multiple transceivers. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically compensate for environmental variations and maintain high measurement precision without requiring manual recalibration, significantly reducing setup and maintenance time.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for improving the provision of a procedure based upon automated determination of a location of agents and equipment during a procedure and quantifying conditions in an environment via automated sensors. The present invention provides apparatus and methods for wireless designation of a position of health care providers and equipment relative to each other based upon wireless communications amongst multiple wireless transceivers combined with ongoing monitoring of conditions present in a facility. The transceivers may be portions of nodes and nodes may form self-verifying arrays. A user interface may provide a augmented reality view of positions of all or some the providers and equipment and condition quantifying sensors.