Wireless Tracking System And Method Utilizing Near-Field Communication Devices
First Claim
1. A system for monitoring interaction data for multiple users and objects utilizing near-field communication devices in an indoor healthcare environment through a medium range wireless communication format and a short range wireless communication format, the system comprising:
- a mesh network comprising a plurality of sensors utilized for location determination of objects and users in the indoor healthcare environment, each sensor of the plurality of sensors communicating with other sensors of the plurality of sensors utilizing a medium range wireless communication format;
a plurality of near-field communication devices, each of the plurality of near-field communication devices transmitting a beacon signal using a short range wireless communication format receivable by another near-field communication device when the near-field communication devices are within physical proximity of each other, and at least one of the plurality of near-field communication devices transmitting interaction data to the mesh network using the medium range wireless communication format of the mesh network; and
an information engine in communication with the mesh network, the information engine processing the interaction data, wherein the interaction data comprises location of the interaction, identification of each of the plurality of near-field communication devices, duration of the interaction and if mobile a previous location of each of the plurality of near-field communication devices.
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Abstract
The present invention provides a method and system for determining a near-field communication interaction in a wireless tracking mesh network. The present invention preferably utilizes near-field communication devices in conjunction with tracking tags to transmit signals for reception by sensors stationed throughout a facility which form a mesh network and forward the signals to an information engine for analysis. Bearers of the near-field communication devices preferably include individuals, objects, assets and rooms of the facility.
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Citations
4 Claims
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1. A system for monitoring interaction data for multiple users and objects utilizing near-field communication devices in an indoor healthcare environment through a medium range wireless communication format and a short range wireless communication format, the system comprising:
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a mesh network comprising a plurality of sensors utilized for location determination of objects and users in the indoor healthcare environment, each sensor of the plurality of sensors communicating with other sensors of the plurality of sensors utilizing a medium range wireless communication format; a plurality of near-field communication devices, each of the plurality of near-field communication devices transmitting a beacon signal using a short range wireless communication format receivable by another near-field communication device when the near-field communication devices are within physical proximity of each other, and at least one of the plurality of near-field communication devices transmitting interaction data to the mesh network using the medium range wireless communication format of the mesh network; and an information engine in communication with the mesh network, the information engine processing the interaction data, wherein the interaction data comprises location of the interaction, identification of each of the plurality of near-field communication devices, duration of the interaction and if mobile a previous location of each of the plurality of near-field communication devices. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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Specification