Radio target locator

The present invention relates to wirelessly identifying the location of an object of interest.

Currently, there is no efficient way to track where a doctor is located in a medical facility. Other staff often need to know where the doctor is for planning purposes, such as knowing when the doctor will arrive, in order to plan and alleviate the patient's concerns. Sometimes. Knowing where the doctor is also allows you to contact the doctor, which allows for the quickest response. Such a system can also provide the ability to efficiently determine which physician is most available for consultation. A system that allows other staff to locate the doctor in the hospital is an effective means of providing patient care.

In addition, the fastest way to find a doctor is to call them or pager to get a reply, but those who use these methods should want the doctor to respond immediately. is there. A graphical user interface that not only allows you to show where your doctor is, but also allows instant communication via internet communication or other communication methods such as paging, instant messaging, voice over IP, etc. Enables improved hospital communication and ultimately improves the quality of care for patients.<patcit num="1"><text>U.S. Pat. No. 6,616,606</text></patcit>

<p> Moreover, contacting a doctor is virtually difficult, as the best way to contact a doctor is not always clear. The best way to reach a doctor changes during the day, depending on what appointments have already been made. There is a need for a system that can identify the best way to contact a doctor, especially if there are unexpected changes in the doctor's schedule.</p><p> Also, selecting and finding a doctor who can handle it is a difficult task. A person in need of a doctor's service must go through a number of steps before finding a doctor's schedule, and as a result realize that the doctor's schedule has been blocked very recently or that the doctor is far away. become. A system that is responsive and can identify nearby doctors is desirable. Also, a system that can track unexpected changes in the doctor's schedule is desirable.</p>

<p> One embodiment relates to a system for tracking an object of interest. This system is used with an identification device that has a unique signal identifier. The system includes a wireless proximity detector capable of detecting the identification signal. The system also includes a monitoring unit that monitors the proximity detector, which monitors which signal identifier was detected by the proximity detector. The monitoring unit also generates a data signal that indicates which signal identifier was detected by the proximity detector. The system further comprises a data output unit that generates position data based on the data signal.</p><p> Another embodiment provides a method for tracking an object of interest. This method involves assigning a unique signal identifier to the subject. The method also includes the step of detecting the signal identifier using a wireless proximity detector and monitoring the proximity detector for the detection of a unique signal identifier. In addition, the method includes displaying output data representing the location of the object of interest based on the monitoring results.</p><p> Another embodiment relates to a display to indicate the location of a healthcare worker to another person. This display is designed to function in response to the receipt of position data from the proximity detector. The display includes a medical worker identifier and real-time location information about the medical worker.</p>

FIG. 1A shows a system for detecting the position of an object of interest according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A shows the subject 10 of interest associated with the radio frequency identification device 12. Also shown are a wireless proximity detector 14, a monitor 16, and a data output unit 18.

The radio proximity detector 14 detects a unique signal identifier associated with the discriminator 12 physically associated with the subject 10 of interest. The monitor 16 wirelessly monitors the proximity detector 14 and determines which unique signal identifier has been identified by the wireless proximity detector 14. Next, the monitor generates a data signal indicating which signal identifier is detected by the proximity detector, and wirelessly transmits the data signal to the display device 18. As a result, the display device 18 can display the position information in response to the data signal.

FIG. 1B shows a monitor 16 monitoring two proximity detectors 14a and 14b. The monitor 16 is connected to the proximity detectors 14a and 14b via a data connection. The monitor 16 can be integrated with one of the proximity detectors 14a and 14b, or it can be a separate unit. The monitor 16 then generates a data signal and sends the data to a printer 18b that can output it as a printed display. In this figure, the unique signal identifier is detected by both proximity detectors 14a and 14b.

FIG. 2 shows the arrangement of proximity detectors 14a-14d and monitors 16a and 16b according to one embodiment of the present invention. Proximity detectors are placed over the entire area of the building. Monitor 16a monitors proximity detectors 14a and 14b, and monitor 16b monitors proximity detectors 14c and 14d.

Monitors 16a and 16b can be combined together to generate information, each sending a data signal to a data output device, or each sending a data signal to a separate unit that processes and / or stores the information. be able to. For example, the monitor 16 can be connected to the data output unit 18 via a network (wired, wireless, etc.) and the system can have a central server 50 that facilitates the storage of location information. The data output unit 18 can output data in which position information based on the data signal generated by the monitor 16 is stored and / or processed in other parts of the system.

The radio proximity detector 14a-14d in this embodiment will detect a signal generated outside the room in which the detector is located. That is, the proximity detector preferably can detect signals in all directions and is not always eliminated by the inner wall of the building (even if it may be obstructed).

In addition, one or more proximity detectors 14a-14d can detect a given signal identifier. Based on which one or more proximity detectors have detected a unique signal identifier, the position of the object associated with that signal identifier can be determined. Also, in some cases, the strength of the detected signal and the time it takes for the signal to reach the proximity detector can help determine the location of the object of interest. Further, in order to determine the moving direction of the target, a technique such as the use of the Doppler effect can be used.

FIG. 3 shows an on-screen output display 20 in which doctors are listed by position according to one embodiment of the invention. This display 20 includes wide area location information 21a and 21b. This wide area location information 21 can be used to improve physician classification in a non-obtrusive way. Indication 20 also includes a list of doctor names under wide area location information 21 to indicate which doctor is in each position in relation to the unique signal detected. In addition, narrow area location information 22 is provided to inform the user well of the listed doctor's concept of the exact location.

Similarly, current availability information 26 listing the current availability of each physician is provided. Correspondence information can also be based on calendar information 32. For example, a link can be generated between a doctor and a doctor's schedule. Click the link to see the schedule. Calendar information 32 is useful for identifying times when doctors are later available for consultation or visits. The schedule can also include features that allow the user to book a visit with a doctor. The availability status can also be displayed as a chart and / or visual indicator of the status. For example, red if not available, yellow if "pager only", and green if available, with a different color for the doctor's name if available. It may be displayed. Also, if the doctor is not available or does not want to be contacted, the doctor's name may not appear in the list. In addition, a cross may be displayed above the unsupported doctor, and the patient's icon may be displayed next to the doctor looking at the patient. Other visual indications of supportability may include indented names if not supportable, bold names if supportable, and the like.

Contact information 24 is also provided, listing how to contact the doctor. The contact information 24 to be displayed can be configured to display a particular type of contact, which depends on the physician's availability status. In addition, contact information 24 can be handled differently for each doctor, depending on the doctor's preference or specialty (some specialties may not respond very favorably to being called or interrupted). It can be configured to display contact methods based on sexual status. In addition, contact information 24 can be connected to a device that contacts a doctor. For example, clicking "email" launches an email application pre-addressed to the doctor, or clicking the "phone" button launches a connection between the user and the doctor (such as a network or telephone system). Voice communication can be easily performed (via).

In addition, a preset message 28 is shown. These preset messages 28 can be useful if the user is viewing the display 20 on a device that does not have a simple text input means, such as a personal digital assistant or mobile phone. There will be. By selecting the preset message 28 and then connecting to the contact, the user can send a short reason for contact to the doctor. If the doctor receives the message on a device with a small screen, such as a pager or cell phone screen, this short reason for contact is also preferable. This allows the doctor to read the preset message 28 and determine if further contact is desirable.

In addition, there are 30 classification options that can display information by category, allowing the user to narrow down the number of doctors displayed by listing the doctors that best suit the user's needs. The classification options 30 listed include "specialty", "display by availability", and "position". Professional classification can narrow the search based on the services the user needs or the areas in which the person the user is looking for is open. Showing on the basis of responsiveness is most useful for those who need to find a responsive doctor in the near future. It is possible to classify the current responsiveness and future responsiveness. Position-based presentation allows the user to find a doctor who meets the user's criteria in the area. It can also be categorized by job title, job title, status, team, patient, alphabetical order, name, and some other criteria, and it also provides an optimal target indicator 39 that indicates the best target for the user to contact. The program can find the closest doctor, the closest available doctor, and so on. This allows the user to successfully select the doctor who can provide the quickest service. Optimal Target Indicator 39 can list one or more doctors, and can also list all doctors who meet specific criteria (such as team, position, experience, training, etc.). The optimal target indicator 39 may be graphical, visual, audible, or some other indicator, and does not need to be displayed with the doctor's name (eg, optimal doctor). Although FIG. 3 is described for a doctor, this embodiment can be applied to any subject of interest 10. For example, in nurse-placed medicine, track and / or swiftly track physiotherapists, wheelchair pushers, social workers, health insurance and accounting staff, and many other people in various positions. It is desirable to get in touch.

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the data output display 20 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Display 20 is a chart-type display, and more specifically, a map of a hospital. The object 10 of interest is represented by an icon on the map placed at the position where the object 10 of interest is detected to be located.

If the user selects a floor or area of the map to be displayed, display 20 includes wide area location information 21. Such selection can be made by using the expandable classification option 30. If the department area is displayed in the map, display 20 also includes narrow area location information 22.

Classification option 30 can also be configured to allow the user to connect to one or more separate locations being monitored. For example, a physician in a private clinic who needs to contact an endocrine physician can first see which hospital can accommodate the patient, but if there is no endocrine physician available at the hospital to be admitted, then another hospital's You can log in to the location system to determine if there is an endocrine physician in a location that is accessible to other hospitals and can be contacted by the physician. Also, by identifying the staff members of the file room, a doctor in a private clinic who uses the resources of the hospital can send the results obtained using the resources of the hospital to the appropriate person. You will be able to get in touch.

The classification option 30 thus constructed can be used to identify separate units within the hospital premises, especially if the hospital premises are fairly large and have a large number of departments. Hospitals can configure individual discrete units as a way to gradually incorporate location systems into the hospital by region, without the significant upfront investment. Hospitals, for example, may first configure location detection systems in areas such as the emergency room department where knowing which staff are available and how far they are located is a very useful tool. it can. The hospital can then decide to expand its scope, but the technology may change. Hospitals can therefore keep the old ER surveillance system separate from the new technology system added. Using a display 20 that works with both systems is advantageous because it saves hospital funding and removes some of the impediments to expanding hospital coverage. Large hospitals can also use individual systems if a single system is very difficult or cumbersome to track across the premises. In this way, hospitals can construct discrete systems for each of the separate areas. By having the display 20 that can conveniently move between discrete systems, it is possible to improve the responsiveness and usability of the tracking system.

Also shown is an action item 36 that allows the user to initiate a particular action without having to search for the item. Some examples of common action item 36 include chat, phone, note, email, print, home page, and many other items that allow you to perform some actions.

In addition, calendar information 32 is shown. The calendar information 32 is initially the user's schedule, but by clicking the link, it becomes possible to display the schedule of the target 10 of interest. The schedule of the 10 objects of interest can be replaced with the user's schedule, displayed side by side with the user's schedule, superimposed on the user's schedule in a different font or color, and other on the screen. It can be displayed in place, in another window or in any other position. The schedule of the subject 10 of interest can only show full details, partial details, or availability. Interested subjects and / or users can customize which schedule information is displayed.

In addition, additional information about the subject of interest can be displayed along with its location. For example, it may display subject availability information 26, contact information 24, time information 38, or any other information that may be useful or necessary. Additional information can be made to appear automatically, only if the target meets certain criteria (such as availability), and the user scrolls over the icon representing the target. It can only appear if it responds to any other form that allows it to be displayed, tapped, or displayed.

5A-5C show some examples of the identification device 12 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The identification device 12 can also be any number of devices having a unique identification signal associated with the device that can be detected by the wireless proximity detector. As can be seen in Figure 5a, the identification device can be a mobile phone. The mobile phone 12a can be programmed to have many other options associated with it. For example, the mobile phone 12a can be connected to the data output unit 18 so that the user of the data output unit 18 can directly contact the target 10. You can also receive text messages on your mobile phone 12a. Further, the subject 10 may have the option of sending signals representing various information from the mobile phone 12a, including a correspondence signal (a signal representing the correspondence of the subject). It is also possible to generate other types of non-positional signals (signals indicating information other than position) by the mobile phone, including work information (information listing the work undertaken by the target 10). Positional and non-positional signals can be one integrated signal that serves two purposes (one for position and the other for non-position), separate signals, or some other combination. Good.

As seen in FIG. 5B, the identification device 12 can be a simple device 12b whose only feature is that it has a unique signal. The simple device 12b can be made slightly more useful by adding some additional features. One feature illustrated is the switch 42, which can switch between various availability settings. Various availability signals can be sent in response to the position of switch 42. Another possible feature illustrated is a headphone / microphone jack 44 into which the subject can plug in headphones, a microphone, or a combination thereof, which jack 44 allows a doctor to receive a message, send a message, Allows you to request information, communicate with someone (such as the user in the display), and so on.

As can be seen in FIG. 5C, the identification device 12 can be a pager 12c. The illustrated pager 12c includes an input device 46 that allows the user to select various availability settings, which appear on the screen of the pager 12c. The pager 12c can also receive text messages and can be used as a prompt for someone to contact subject 10.

Other typical devices that will be used as the identification device 12 include personal digital assistants and portable personal computers (such as tablet PCs, pocket PCs, and notebook PCs). Also, a communication device such as a headphone / microphone combination having a unique identification signal is an excellent identification device. Identification features can be attached to clothespins, buttons, pins, tags, adhesive strips, fasteners, or any other fixture to make the fixture useful as an identification device 12.

These particular examples are just a few examples of devices that can act as discriminating devices. The identification device 12 may have a unique signal associated thereto and may include any other subject 10 portable device or subject 10 carrier device capable of identifying the signal by the radio proximity detector 14. it can.

FIG. 6 shows some devices that can act as display devices according to one embodiment of the present invention. There are numerous devices of this type that can act as display devices 16. Some of the preferred devices are portable display devices such as personal digital assistants (see Figure 6A), tablet PCs (see Figure 6B), and screened telephones (see Figure 6C), as well as computers (see Figure 6D). ), Non-portable display devices such as printers (see Figure 6E). As the processing power and memory of the display device becomes smaller and smaller, the program must become smaller and less complex. Also, such devices often rely heavily on a central server to run control programs. On the other hand, a computing device having a large amount of memory and processing power can operate a larger number of control programs by the device itself, but it is not necessary. Also, such devices can display more information, have more choices, and perform more sophisticated operations. With the evolution of technology, devices capable of executing large and complex programs will surely become smaller and more portable.

FIG. 7 is a system layout according to one embodiment of the present invention. The system includes a wireless proximity detector 14, a monitor 16, a data output unit 18, a data storage 48, and a server 50. The wireless proximity detector 14 detects a unique identification signal. The monitoring unit 16 monitors the radio proximity detector 14, and monitors which signal identifier is detected by the radio proximity detector 14 monitored by the monitoring unit 16. The monitoring unit 16 generates a data signal indicating which signal identifier was detected by the radio proximity detector 14. The information then goes to server 50, which is shown as the central server that receives signals from all monitors. The monitor 16 itself can perform the same function as the server 50, but it is preferable that it does not. The server 50 can then supply information to various data output units 18 such as display devices or printers. Some systems often do not continuously update information due to processing power and the size of the network being monitored. Such a system would include a data storage unit 48 capable of storing information sent to the central processor. Such a system further provides real-time location information of the subject 10 of interest, and by constantly monitoring it, if the subject must be based on its schedule, etc., it is not based on the location indicated by the subject. , Position information based on the location where the object was actually detected is given.

It is also preferred that the system not only track the subject in a particular situation, such as an emergency, but also the system continuously track the subject. If the subject is not continuously tracked, the information given to the user is likely to be useless for planning or other activities.

In addition, it is preferred that the system track the location of the subject extensively, i.e., the system should track the exact location of the subject, not just when the subject passes a particular checkpoint. Although not preferred, the system can be activated by determining when an object passes a set point, or can include a combination of set points and a wide range of tracking.

The data storage unit 48 can also receive information directly from the monitor 16 or can give information directly to the data output unit 18. If the data storage unit 48 performs both functions, they essentially act as the server 50, and in each case the server 50 and the data storage unit 48 are considered to be both the data storage unit 48 and the server 50. It is a single unit that can be. These two functions, one unit considered to be two units for the interpretation of the claims, can be applied to any combination of devices.

FIG. 8 is a method that can be used according to one embodiment of the present invention. At step 100, the method can include assigning a unique signal identifier to the object of interest. This makes it possible to identify the object 10 based on the detected signal. This can be achieved by obtaining a signal scanned at a point where the device can recognize the object to which it will be assigned. This can also be achieved by using a code transducer that converts a particular signal to request a particular display, such as "10110010" meaning display "Bob Smith". This step can also be performed in a number of other ways, including sending the information to be assigned as part of the detected signal. The method also includes a step of detecting a signal identifier using a radio proximity detector in step 104 and a step of detecting a non-location information signal in step 102. In addition, the method comprises monitoring the radio proximity detector in step 106 for the detection of a unique signal identifier. The method also includes displaying output data representing the location of the subject 10 of interest in step 108. The display at step 108 can be performed by displaying the object 10 of interest as an icon on the map. The method can also include displaying non-positional data associated with the output data, as well as output data such as informational data, i.e. data that provides information about an object of interest other than location. The information data can include contact data, calendar data, availability data, or parts of other types of information data. Information data can be displayed as a chart representing the data, as described above for non-location information (ie, colors, symbols, etc.). This method is particularly useful in the medical setting to monitor healthcare professionals such as hospital psychoanalysts, doctors, nurses, technicians, and administrators.

Tracking of a person can be done by tracking the signal directly assigned to that person, or by tracking the signal indirectly assigned to that person. Examples of indirectly assigned signals are the wheelchair to which the signal is assigned and the person assigned to the wheelchair. The signal of a wheelchair on which a person is pushed can be used to track the person, and if the person is assigned to the wheelchair, tracking the wheelchair effectively tracks the person. It is the same as that. Therefore, the signal is indirectly assigned to a person.

Any radio technology can be used for the signal of the identification device 12, but it is preferable to use a radio frequency (RF) signal for identification, such as a passive RF identification signal. More specifically, it is more preferable to use Bluetooth technology, which is a Bluetooth trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Bluetooth wireless technology provides wireless connectivity, allowing links between mobile computers, cell phones, portable handheld devices, and interconnection to the Internet. Bluetooth tends to have low power consumption and low cost.

The Bluetooth radio specification contains definitions for both the link layer and the application layer that support data, voice, and content-centric applications for product developers. Radio communications in accordance with the Bluetooth radio specifications operate in the radio frequency spectrum of the unlicensed 2.4 GHz ISM (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical) band. These radio communications use spread spectrum, frequency hopping, and full-duplex signals at up to 1600 hops / sec. The signal hops in 79 frequencies at 1MHz intervals, resulting in a high degree of interference immunity. The Bluetooth sync band is adapted to deliver relatively high quality voice, but asynchronous communication will support data slightly larger than 700Kbps.

The distance in standard equipment is limited to about 10 meters, but can be extended to much longer distances (such as 100 meters) if desired. Once the device is within the distance boundary, the device can be connected automatically. The device can also reliably transmit voice and data at high speed even when the device is not in the field of view.

Advanced error correction methods, encryption, and authentication routines are used to protect user privacy data. In addition, this technique provides high transmission rates. Bluetooth wireless technology supports both point-to-point and point-to-multipoint connections. Bluetooth radio protocols are currently preferred, but other radio systems and technologies can be used.

Although a unique signal may have a unique wavelength and a unique reference may be used, or other methods of radio identification using the signal may be used, it is preferred to use a means having a unique code coupled to the radio signal. The unique identifier can be an invariant identifier for each device, or a variable identifier, and the unique signal can be changed if different users have the device.

The present invention has been described for a variety of specific and exemplary embodiments and techniques. However, it should be understood that many modifications and modifications can be made while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, we have described much about tracking doctors, but it should be understood that in a medical facility, any person or object can also be tracked. For example, location information about a patient may be useful to reception staff, especially if the patient is not in the room assigned at that time. Nurses will also want to know where the people who give food are and when they give food to patients. In addition, the physician may want to contact the technician about the tests that have been performed or will be performed. In addition, many medical facilities have transfer staff to transfer patients from one location to another. Knowing the location of transfer staff will be of great help in tracking and planning patients.

The various health care workers who will be tracked into five major categories: healthcare providers (such as nurses, doctors, technicians, etc.) who actually provide treatment and diagnostic services, and treatment. Auxiliary health care providers (such as social workers) providing unrelated care, administrative staff providing administrative services such as accounting, rules, and decision-making services, providing security services and medical facilities It can be assigned to security personnel to ensure the safety of the patient and to support staff who provide all other services such as patient transfer, reception, and kitchen staff.

This system is most useful in tracking health care providers, especially doctors and nurses, in healthcare facilities. Other staff that may be important to track are ancillary health care providers, some administrative staff who need to approve care, and in some situations support staff (meal-delivering staff and wheelchair-carrying staff). If knowing the location of the staff) facilitates planning, it is the support staff.

<figref num="1A">A system for detecting the position of an object of interest according to one embodiment of the present invention using a wireless proximity detector.</figref><figref num="1B">A system for detecting the position of an object of interest according to one embodiment of the present invention using a wireless proximity detector.</figref><figref num="2">The figure which shows the arrangement of the proximity detector and the monitor in one embodiment.</figref><figref num="3">The figure which shows the data output display as a list which has a lot of choices and information.</figref><figref num="4">A diagram showing a data output display as a map in which an object of interest is represented as an icon on the map.</figref><figref num="5A">The figure which shows a part of the apparatus which can be used as an identification apparatus.</figref><figref num="5B">The figure which shows a part of the apparatus which can be used as an identification apparatus.</figref><figref num="5C">The figure which shows a part of the apparatus which can be used as an identification apparatus.</figref><figref num="6A">The figure which shows a part of the device which can act as a data output display device.</figref><figref num="6B">The figure which shows a part of the device which can act as a data output display device.</figref><figref num="6C">The figure which shows a part of the device which can act as a data output display device.</figref><figref num="6D">The figure which shows a part of the device which can act as a data output display device.</figref><figref num="6E">The figure which shows a part of the device which can act as a data output display device.</figref><figref num="7">The figure which shows the structure of the system for wireless monitoring by one Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="8">A flowchart according to one embodiment of the present invention.</figref>

Code description

10 Targets of interest 12 Identification device 14 Proximity detector 16 Monitoring unit 18 Data output unit 21 Position data 48 data storage unit 50 servers