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How RTLS Works
TAGS
Small tags are clipped onto staff, residents, and patients that allow the receivers to identify their location. Tags for locating people generally use either ultrasound or dual technology tags - RFID and infrared (IR). The ultrasound and infrared (similar to a television remote control signal) technologies both provide for room-level accuracy, or even sub-room level accuracy, which is important for InSites workflow applications. These tags also include one or two buttons that, when pressed, sends a signal to issue a notification that assistance is needed.
Assets, such as IV pumps and wheelchairs, are tagged with small IR, ultrasound, or Wi-Fi (802.11) tags. Ultrasound or IR tags are used when room level accuracy is needed. Wi-Fi tags may be used when accuracy requirements of within 10 meters is sufficient. The primary advantage of Wi-Fi tags is they can often use the same wireless network that may already be installed in your facility.
Smaller items, such as pharmaceuticals or implantable items, may be automatically inventoried and their location tracked through smaller "passive RFID" tags that are adhered to the item much like a sticker. Passive RFID tags are typically very inexpensive ($0.25 cents each) and disposable. For some people locating applications, passive RFID wristbands may be an appropriate choice.
RECEIVERS
The receivers (sensors) work together with the tags to identify the location of a person or item and then send that information back to a central transaction server for processing. The receivers are typically mounted in ceilings or high on walls, but can also be mounted near specific doors ("choke points") or in mobile devices such as PDAs or laptops. The Intelligent InSites solution is very flexible and can work with a variety of different tag and receiver technologies. The data from the receivers may or may not use the same data network in the facility; however, the amount of bandwidth consumed by the system is very small.
TRANSATION SERVER
Within the facility, the data is initially collected at a central "transaction server". This server is usually placed in a cabling room or closet, but may be located in an IT hosting area. The server provides the logic that determines the location of the tagged items, as well as some simple logic via a location rules engine that is then passed along to the hosting center where the majority of the advanced workflow and rules processing logic takes place.
In addition to providing the initial processing of the data, the transaction server integrates the location data with other building systems, such as corridor lights, door locks, security systems, audible alarms, temperature sensors, and more.
HEALTHCARE PROVIDER TOOLS
Staff can interact with the solution through a variety of tools – desktop/laptop systems, PDAs, tablet PCs, email, pagers, and more. Patients can interact through their badge buttons,
traditional nurse call pull cords, or wall mounted push buttons or pull strings.
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