Abstract:
The present invention provides a solution to determining an interaction between objects through wireless tracking The present invention utilizes communication devices attached to objects that transmit signals for reception by sensors stationed throughout a facility which forward the signals to an information engine for analysis.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The Present Application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/484,236, filed on Jun. 14, 2009, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/166,755, filed on Apr. 5, 2009, now abandoned. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0004]    The present invention is related to wireless tracking systems and methods. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system and method for analyzing an interaction between objects such as people. 
         [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 businesses employ hundreds if not thousands of resources in a single facility, and these resources need to be accounted for by a central system that is user friendly. 
         [0007]    For example, in a typical hospital there are numerous shifts of employees that utilize the same equipment. When a new shift arrives, the ability to quickly locate medical equipment not only results in a more efficient use of resources, but also can result in averting a medical emergency. Thus, the tracking of medical equipment in a hospital is becoming a standard practice. 
         [0008]    The tracking of objects in other facilities is rapidly becoming a means of achieving greater efficiency. A typical radio frequency identification system includes at least multiple tagged objects, each of which transmits a signal, multiple receivers for receiving the transmissions from the tagged objects, and a processing means for analyzing the transmissions to determine the locations of the tagged objects within a predetermined environment. 
         [0009]    Several prior art references discloses various tracking systems. 
         [0010]    McKee et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,915,135 discloses a system for determining presence, identity and duration of presence in a given area (a table in a restaurant) of an object (tag attached to a waiter). 
         [0011]    Lester, U.S. Pat. No. 3,805,265 discloses a location system that uses line-of-sight radiant wave energy for signal transmission. 
         [0012]    Schwengler U.S. Pat. No. 7,050,819, is directed at the problem of adequate power for a mobile telephone for a two-way communication function or a regeneration function as a node of a mesh network. 
         [0013]    Christ, U.S. Pat. No. 5,977,913, discloses a radiofrequency system that is utilized within a prison and allows for an individual to be located after an alarm is triggered by the individual. 
         [0014]    Zodnik, U.S. Patent Publication Number 2004/0147232, discloses wall-mounted (RJ-11 or RJ-45) wireless transceivers configured to only track the location of a self-identified wireless communication device in order to communicate the location of the self-identified wireless communication device to an emergency service such as 911. 
         [0015]    Welch et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,382,247 for a Personal Status Physiologic Monitor System And Architecture And Related Monitoring Methods, discloses a systems for monitoring a patient that uses a personal status monitoring device, such as a ECG electrode assembly, which transmits a signal to an intermediary device, such as a PDA, which transmits to a server using a WLAN. 
         [0016]    Tessier et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,403,111 for a Location System Using A First Signal To Gate A Second Signal, discloses an object identifier that transmits both an IR signal and a RF signal for location determination. 
         [0017]    Dempsey et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,053,831 for a Location System, discloses a system which allows for a location to be determined without requiring precise calculations through use of an object identifier that transmits one identifier corresponding to an object identifier and a second identifier which is a group identifier. 
         [0018]    Dempsey, U.S. Pat. No. 7,099,895 for a System And Method For Performing Object Association Using A Location Tracking System, discloses a system for recording object associations based on signals for object identifiers. 
         [0019]    Eagle et al., U.S. Patent Publication Number 2005/0250552, for a Combined Short Range Radio Network And Cellular Telephone Network For Interpersonal Communications, discloses a system that uses BLUETOOTH technology integrated in a cellular telephone to provide interpersonal communications between individuals. 
         [0020]    As stated above, the problem is inadequate resource visibility in a business. Businesses such as hospitals, need to locate resources (assets and people), know the status of the resources, and understand the usage history of the resources to enable business improvement. 
         [0021]    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. Further, for MEDICARE and other insurance providers, hospitals and other medical facilities need to demonstrate that patients received their required care in order to receive payment for such care. The prior art has failed to provide an adequate solution to these problems. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0022]    The present invention provides a solution to determining an interaction between objects through wireless tracking The present invention utilizes communication devices attached to objects that transmit signals for reception by sensors stationed throughout a facility which forward the signals to an information engine for analysis. 
         [0023]    One aspect of the present invention is a system for determining a business relationship between individuals within a facility. The system includes multiple first tags, multiple second tags, a mesh network and an information engine. The mesh network is preferably a 802.15.4 ZIGBEE wireless sensor network. Each of the first tags represents a first object. Each of the second tags represents a second object. The mesh network includes multiple plug-in sensors located within the facility. The information engine is in communication with the mesh network. The information engine determines a business relationship between a first object and a second object having an interaction based on at least two of multiple factors which include a position location of the interaction, a duration of the interaction, a previous location of the first object, a previous location of the second object and the number of other objects located near the interaction. 
         [0024]    In a preferred embodiment, the first object is a first person and the second object is a second person and the plurality of factors further includes a position designation of the first person and a position designation of the second person and a number of previous interactions between the first person and the second person within a predetermined time period. Alternatively, the first object is fixed or mobile and the second object is mobile. Alternatively, the first object is a group of objects and the second object is a group of objects. Alternatively, the first object is fixed and the second object is a group of objects. Alternatively, the first object is mobile and the second object is a group of objects. Alternatively, the first object is a group of mobile objects and the second object is a group of mobile objects. Each of the first tags can be mounted on a corresponding identification card, or can be an identification card. 
         [0025]    Another aspect of the present invention is a method for determining a business relationship between individuals within a facility. The method includes transmitting a signal from a first tag associated with a first person. The method also includes transmitting a signal from a second tag associated with a second person. The method also includes receiving the signal from the first tag and the signal from the second tag at a mesh network established within the facility. The method also includes determining that an interaction is occurring between the first person and the second person. The method also includes determining a business relationship between the first person and the second person based on multiple factors. The multiple factors can include a position location of the interaction, a duration of the interaction, a previous location of the first person prior to the interaction, a previous location of the second person prior to the interaction, a position designation of the first person and a position designation of the second person, a number of previous interactions between the first person and the second person within a predetermined time period, and the number of other persons at the interaction. 
         [0026]    Yet another aspect of the present invention is a system for determining a business relationship between individuals within a facility. The system includes multiple peer-to-peer communication devices, multiple tags, a mesh network and an information engine. Each of the peer-to-peer communication devices is associated with an individual person. Each of the tags represents a first object. The mesh network includes multiple plug-in sensors located within the facility. The information engine is in communication with the mesh network. The information engine analyzes an interaction between a first object and a second object based on multiple factors. The multiple factors include a position location of the interaction, a duration of the interaction, a previous location of the first person prior to the interaction, and information for a mobile object within a predetermined distance of the location of the interaction. 
         [0027]    In one example, the information engine analyzes the interaction to determine a billing charge for services of the first person. In another example, the facility is a hospital and the information engine analyzes the interaction to determine medical services provided to a patient. 
         [0028]    Yet another aspect of the present invention is a system for analyzing an action of an individual. The system includes tracking devices, tags, a mesh network and an information engine. Each of the tracking devices is associated with an individual person. Each of the tags is associated with a mobile object. The mesh network includes multiple sensors positioned within a facility. The mesh network receives transmissions from each tags and each of the tracking devices. The information engine is in communication with the mesh network. The information engine analyzes an action of a first person based on a plurality of factors including a position location of the action, a duration of the action, a previous location of the first person prior to the action, and information for a mobile object within a predetermined distance of the location of the action. 
         [0029]    Having briefly described the present invention, the above and further objects, features and advantages thereof will be recognized by those skilled in the pertinent art from the following detailed description of the invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0030]      FIG. 1  is schematic view of a system for analyzing an interaction between objects. 
           [0031]      FIG. 2  is a multi-floor view of a facility employing a system for analyzing an interaction between objects. 
           [0032]      FIG. 3  is a floor plan view of a single floor in a facility employing the system for analyzing an interaction between objects. 
           [0033]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram of a flow of information utilizing a system for analyzing an interaction between objects. 
           [0034]      FIG. 5  is a flow chart of a method for analyzing an interaction between objects. 
           [0035]      FIG. 6  is a flow chart of a method for analyzing an interaction between objects. 
           [0036]      FIG. 7  is a block diagram of a tag. 
           [0037]      FIG. 8  is a plan view of an identification badge containing a communication device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0038]    As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , a system for tracking objects within a facility is generally designated  50 . The system  50  is capable of analyzing an interaction between objects, individuals  58  and/or devices  100 . The system  50  preferably includes a plurality of sensors  55 , a plurality of bridges  56 , a plurality of communication devices  59 , a plurality of tags  60 , and at least one information engine  65 . The sensors  55  form a mesh network for receiving signals from the communication devices  59  and tags  60 . One example of the components of the system  50  is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,197,326, for a Wireless Position Location And Tracking System, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. A more specific example of the sensors  55  is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,324,824, for a Plug-In Network Appliance, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
         [0039]    The system  50  is preferably employed at a facility  70  such as a business office, factory, home, hospital and/or government agency building. The system  50  is preferably utilized to track and locate various objects positioned throughout the facility  70  in order to analyze interactions between objects. The communication devices  59  and tags  60  preferably continuously transmit signals on a predetermined time cycle, and these signals are received by sensors  55  positioned throughout the facility  70 . Alternatively, the tags  60  and communication devices  59  transmit signals in a random, ad-hoc or dynamic manner, and these signals are received by the sensors  55  positioned throughout the facility  70 . The sensors  55  transmit the data from the communication devices  59  and tags  60  to a bridge  56  for transmission to the information engine  65 . If a sensor  55  is unable to transmit to a bridge  56 , the sensor  55  may transmit to another sensor  55  in a mesh network for eventual transmission to a bridge  56 . In a preferred embodiment, a transmission may be sent from a transmission distance of six sensors  55  from a bridge  56 . Alternatively, a transmission is sent from a transmission distance ranging from ten to twenty sensors  55  from a bridge  56 . The information engine  65  preferably continuously receives transmissions from the mesh network formed by the sensors  55  via the bridges  56  concerning the movement of persons  58  bearing a communication device  59  and/or devices  100  bearing a tag  60  within the facility  70 . The information engine  65  processes the transmissions from the sensors  55  and calculates a real-time position for each of the objects, persons  58  bearing a communication device  59  or devices  100  bearing a tag  60 , within the facility  70 . The real-time location information for each of the objects is preferably displayed on an image of a floor plan of the facility  70 , or if the facility  70  has multiple floors, then on the floor plan images of the floors of the facility  70 . The floor plan image may be used with a graphical user interface of a computer, personal digital assistant, or the like so that an individual of the facility  70  is able to quickly locate objects  100  within the facility  70 . 
         [0040]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the system  50  utilizes sensors  55  to monitor and identify the real-time position of non-stationary objects bearing or integrated with communication devices  59 . The sensors  55   a - f  preferably wirelessly communicate with each other (shown as double arrow lines) and with an information engine  65  through a wired connection  66  via at least one bridge  56 , such as disclosed in the above-mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 7,324,824 for a Plug-In Network Appliance. The communication devices  59  and tags  60  transmit wireless signals  57  which are received by the sensors  55   a - e , which then transmit signals to bridges  56  for eventual transmission to the information engine  65 . The information engine  65  is preferably located on-site at the facility  70 . However, the system  50  may also include an off-site information engine  65 , not shown. 
         [0041]    In a preferred embodiment, each communication device  59  and tag  60  preferably transmits a radio frequency signal of approximately 2.48 GigaHertz (“GHz”). The communication format is preferably IEEE Standard 802.15.4. Alternatively, each communication device  59  and tag  60  transmits an infrared signal or an ultrasound signal. The transmission range is preferably between 1 and 3 meters. The tags  60  may be constructed with an asset theft protection system such as disclosed in Baranowski et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,443,297 for a Wireless Tracking System And Method With Optical Tag Removal Detection, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The tags  60  and communication devices  59  may be designed to avoid multipath errors such as disclosed in Nierenberg et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,504,928 for a Wireless Tracking System And Method Utilizing Tags With Variable Power Level Transmissions, and Caliri et al., U.S. Patent Publication Number 2008/0012767 for a Wireless Tracking System And Method With Multipath Error Mitigation, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
         [0042]    As shown in  FIGS. 2-3 , the facility  70  is depicted as a hospital. The facility  70  has multiple floors  75   a - c . Each floor  75   a,    75   b  and  75   c  has multiple rooms  90   a - i , with each room  90  accessible through a door  85 . Positioned throughout the facility  70  are sensors  55   a - o  for obtaining readings from communication devices  59  and tags  60  attached to people or devices. A bridge  56  is also shown for receiving transmissions from the sensors  55  for forwarding to the information engine  65 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the system  50  determines that individuals  58   a,    58   b  and  58   c  are located in a surgery room and are using device  100   c,  which is a surgical kit. The information engine  65  analyzes the interaction by monitoring the duration of the interaction, the devices  100  utilized, the location of the interaction (surgery), the previous location of the individuals  58  (possibly a surgical prep room) and additional factors. In another example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the system  50  determines that individuals  58   a,    58   b  and  58   c  are located in a patient&#39;s room and are using device with an attached tag  60   c , which is a patient monitoring device. In this example, individual  58   a  is a patient, individual  58   b  is a physician, and individual  58   c  is a nurse. The information engine  65  analyzes the interaction by monitoring the duration of the interaction, the devices  100  utilized, the location of the interaction (patient&#39;s room), the previous location of the individuals  58  and additional factors. The information engine  65  uses this data to generate billing information for the patient. 
         [0043]      FIG. 4  illustrates a preferred architecture of the system  50 . For description purposes, the information providers are set forth on one side of the network and the operations is set forth on the other side of the network. However, those skilled in the pertinent art will recognize that the illustrated architecture of the system  50  is not meant to limit any physical relationship between information providers and operations. In fact, an individual  58  could be tracked while accessing information from a device  100  such as a computer  66  in operations. The information providers include individuals  58  that wear communication devices  59 , equipment  100   a  bearing tags  60 , sterilizable equipment  100   b  bearing sterilizable tags  60 , and the like. A description of sterilizable tags  60  is found in Caliri et al., U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/325,030 for Wireless Tracking System And Method With Extreme Temperature Resistant Tag, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. A bridge  56  acts as an intermediary between the information providers and operations. The bridge  56  communicates information to the information engine  65  which analyzes the information to determine an interaction between objects for access through an enterprise local area network for display on computers  66  or other graphical user interface devices. 
         [0044]    A method  1000  for analyzing an interaction between objects within a facility is illustrated in  FIG. 5 . At block  1001 , a first wireless signal is transmitted from a communication device associated with an object, in this case a first person. At block  1002 , a second wireless signal is transmitted from the communication device associated with the object, in this case a second person. At block  1003 , the first and second wireless signals are received at at least one of a plurality of sensors positioned within a facility. At block  1004 , the signals are forwarded to an information engine. At block  1005 , the information engine determines that an interaction is occurring between the persons. At block  1006 , the information engine determines a business relationship between the persons based on multiple factors. As used herein, a business relationship involves more than just a commercial transaction between individuals, and could be an interaction between colleagues, an interactions between patients in a hospital, an interactions between employers during non-business hours, and the like. The multiple factors include a position location of the interaction, a duration of the interaction, a previous location of the first person prior to the interaction, and information for a mobile object within a predetermined distance of the location of the interaction. At block  1007 , the interaction and business relationship information is communicated to a graphical user interface. 
         [0045]    Another method  2000  for analyzing an interaction between objects within a facility is illustrated in  FIG. 6 . At block  2001 , a first person is tracked within a hospital using a mesh network that receives signals intermittingly transmitted from a communication device  59  associated with the first person. At block  2002 , a second person is tracked within a hospital using a mesh network that receives signals intermittingly transmitted from a communication device  59  associated with the second person. At block  2003 , a device is tracked within a hospital using a mesh network that receives signals intermittingly transmitted from a tag  60  associated with the device. At block  2004 , the signals are forwarded to an information engine. At block  2005 , the information engine determines that an interaction is occurring between the persons and device. At block  2006 , the information engine through the mesh network monitors the interaction. At block  2007 , the interaction information is communicated to a graphical user interface. 
         [0046]    A tag  60  utilized with a device  100  is illustrated in  FIG. 7 . The tag  60  preferably includes a microcontroller  101 , a transceiver  103 , a power supply  104  and a sensor  106 . Alternatively, the tag  60  includes a motion sensor  105 . The transmissions are transmitted through transceiver  103 . A power supply  104  provides power to the tag  60 . All of the components are preferably contained within a housing  107 . A communication device  59  preferably has the same components and structure of the tag  60  illustrated in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0047]    As shown in  FIG. 8 , an identification badge  141  is preferably utilized as a support for a communication device  59  for a person  58 . Alternatively, the identification badge  141  is the communication device  59 . 
         [0048]    From the foregoing it is believed that those skilled in the pertinent art will recognize the meritorious advancement of this invention and will readily understand that while the present invention has been described in association with a preferred embodiment thereof, and other embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, numerous changes modification and substitutions of equivalents may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention which is intended to be unlimited by the foregoing except as may appear in the following appended claim. Therefore, the embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined in the following appended claims.