Patient support apparatus communication systems
First Claim
1. A patient handling device comprising:
- a frame;
a support surface adapted to support a person thereon; and
a wireless transceiver adapted to wirelessly communicate with a plurality of access points of a computer network, the wireless transceiver adapted to receive signal strength messages from both the plurality of access points and a set of other patient handling devices and to send signal strength data from the signal strength messages to both a remote processing station and at least one of the patient handling devices in the set of other patient handling devices, the remote processing station adapted to determine a location of the patient handling device based on the signal strength data.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
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.
123 Citations
25 Claims
-
1. A patient handling device comprising:
-
a frame; a support surface adapted to support a person thereon; and a wireless transceiver adapted to wirelessly communicate with a plurality of access points of a computer network, the wireless transceiver adapted to receive signal strength messages from both the plurality of access points and a set of other patient handling devices and to send signal strength data from the signal strength messages to both a remote processing station and at least one of the patient handling devices in the set of other patient handling devices, the remote processing station adapted to determine a location of the patient handling device based on the signal strength data. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
-
Specification