Wireless Tracking System And Method Utilizing Near-Field Communication Devices

Abstract

The present invention provides a method and system to 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.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 244,053, filed Sep. 20, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]1. Field of the Invention[0004]The present invention is related to wireless tracking systems and methods utilizing near-field communication devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system and method utilizing near-field communication devices for analyzing near-field communication interactions.[0005]2. Description of the Related Art[0006]Real-time knowledge of resources, whether the resources are assets or people, is becoming a necessary tool of many businesses. Real-time knowledge of the location, status and movement of crucial resources can allow a business to operate more efficiently and with fewer errors. However, many businesse...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0034]Each communication device preferably has a low-power, short-range (<1 foot) communication feature that can detect the presence, or absence, of a signal from another device. Short bits of information are preferably exchanged (<256 bits) between devices but such an exchange is not mandatory. RFID systems operating at frequencies of sub-125 kHz, 125 kHz, 433 MHz, 900 MHz, or 2.4 GHz are used with the present invention. The communication devices alternatively transmit at frequencies as low as 5 kiloHertz (“kHz”) and as high as 900 MegaHertz (“MHz”). Other frequencies utilized by the tags for a low-power short-range communication system include 9 kHz, <125 kHz, 433 MHz, and 900 MHz.

[0035]Each device preferably contains a low-power, medium-range (1 foot to 30 feet) wireless communication system. Such wireless communication systems include ZIGBEE, BLUETOOTH, Low-Power BLUETOOTH, WiFi or Low-Power WiFi, Ultra Wide Band (“UWB”), Ultrasound and Infrared communication systems. The wireless communication system is used to exchange device specific information after the low-power short-range system has indicated that an interaction has occurred. Those skilled in the pertinent art will recognize that the wireless communication system can also be used independent of the low-power short-range system for other wireless communication applications such as location and tracking, sense and control, building automation, smart energy, telecom applications, consumer building automation, remote control applications, home health care, personal fitness, personal wellness, and many other applications.

[0036]Each communication device preferably continuously transmits a beacon signal using the short-range communication protocol. When a beacon signal is received by another communication device, the receiving communication device can respond using the low-power communication circuit and / or it can respond using the medium-power protocol. The medium-power communication system can transfer larger data packets at a higher transmission rate. Data that might be included in a medium-power transmission include device ID, time stamp, location information, user information, software version, and / or protocol version. A medium-power transmission is preferably acknowledged when received by the receiving communication device. Further, at this point either communication device, or both communication devices, can transmit the information from the interaction to the medium-power infrastructure or to a neighboring communication device. Additionally, the communication devices may also elect to store the interaction information and download / transmit the interaction information at a later time.

Problems solved by technology

As stated above, the problem is inadequate resource visibility in a business.

Specific problems for hospitals include tracking infections in a hospital to determine a source and other areas or individuals that may be infected.

Other problems include spotting emerging patterns of infection and outbreaks to mitigate those affected.

The prior art has failed to provide an adequate solution to these problems.

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