RTLS Applications in Use

RTLS Applications in Use What is RTLS? RTLS - Real Time Locating System - can be defined as follows: Locating systems are used for continuous tracking, identifying and defining the momentary location of persons, moving objects in space and time. A great number of locating technologies for detection of persons, moving and static objects are widespread nowadays. Well known GPS (Global Positioning System) devices are easily available for everyday use predominantly for outdoor applications. In the case of most used GPS applications the travelling person is supported with positioning coordinates generated by a combination of global satellite infrastructures and a mobile GPS unit, while other known applications track moving objects: in these cases the identifying data and current position of a moving object are transmitted through wireless systems, as GSM, GPRS, into the center. These GPS systems however - which are available for the public operate for positioning of persons or objects with a limited accuracy and they are first of all for outdoor use, because as known, GPS devices can not be used in areas, where satellites are not visible, and the majority of the buildings are like these. They are completely sufficient for a navigation on the streets or on public roads,...... but for indoor use with accurate locating an other solution is needed! Date: 2011.06.06 10:48 1. oldal, összesen: 22

RTLS the Indoor Application In following chapters we investigate the so called Local Positioning Systems, in a different approach Real Time Locating Systems, which are independent of GPS and build on local infrastructures. For RTLS applications the defined area can be a multi-storey building, a complex of buildings or a large area with more multi-storey buildings. Tracking means in general identification, locating of an object or person, real time recording and visualizing their coordinates out of a center or a distant position. To the above mentioned basic functions additional functions can be attached, e.g. data transfer, display functions, diagnostic functions, telemetric functions etc. New perspectives with RTLS! Where can I use RTLS? Preliminary surveys and our previous experience on the market showed that, as for customers from industrial branches, commerce and health care, there is a considerable demand for RTLS applications, presented below with a few examples on next page: Date: 2011.06.06 10:48 2. oldal, összesen: 22

E x a m p l e s f o r R T L S A p p l i c a t i o n s Healthcare Patient tracking/monitoring systems of health institutes Staff/nurse locating systems from multy-storey campus level to bed level Emergency call system Clinical equipment Locating of high value medical equipments and instruments a (IUPUI*) study indicated RTLS technology can save a lots of money, improve clinical outcomes and boost staff morale. Society Child tracking system for schools, kindergartens, amusement parks, zoos, lidos Child TAG as emergency indicator Industries Permitting use for machines, PC-s, vehicles and automatic prohibiting modes Tracking of work pieces, products, semi products in the industry Goverment Military Time-Space-Position Information, to locate and orient humans, ground vehicles, ground robots, and low flying air vehicles Fire brigade orientation in smoke/darkness *Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis Study published in Journal of Clinical Engineering http://www.healthcarefinancenews.com/news/study-rtls-systems-can-save-hospitals-750k-year Date: 2011.06.06 10:48 3. oldal, összesen: 22

Airports, Malls City guide - visitor tracking and automatic sending of information in museums, expos Tracking of lugages, trolleys, personnel Indoor Maps on airports and malls Logistics, Marketing Tracking and registering of containers, pallets in logistic systems Identifying of vehicles in motorway toll systems, traffic supervising Vehicle tracking in multi-storey car parks Security Burglary alarm, supervision Selective access Evacuation measures Worktime Access control systems, selective entry gates Attendance recorder systems Locating persons in offices Retail Purchaser and trolley tracking system for detecting of customers demands and shopping paths Check-in advertisement SMS/pop ups The applications listed above are of course independent systems that should be developed for the particular purpose. Date: 2011.06.06 10:48 4. oldal, összesen: 22

Systems In recent years several researches were launched for optimizing RTLS information technologies. The term itself is new as well and is in permanent formation. Following descriptions and abbreviations can be found: LPS - Local Positioning System WLPS - Wireless Local Positioning System RTLPS - Real Time Local Positioning System RTLS - Real Time Locating System Hereinafter we use the abbreviation RTLS because the norm ISO 24730 added it to its terminology as well. For developing of information technology in our area of expertise we took following ISO/IEC norms into consideration as guidelines in order to carry out future-proof projects: ISO/IEC NORMS Guarantee for Quality and Reliability ISO/IEC 24730-1, Information technology Real-time locating systems (RTLS) Part 1: Application program interface (API) ISO/IEC 24730-1, Information technology Real-time locating systems (RTLS) Part 2: 2.4 GHz air interface protocol ISO/IEC 18000-4, Information technology - Radio frequency identification for item management Part 4: Parameters for air interface communications at 2,45 GHz ISO/IEC 19762-1, Information technology Automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) techniques Harmonized vocabulary Part 1: General terms relating to AIDC ISO/IEC 19762-3, Information technology Automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) techniques Harmonized vocabulary Part 3: Radio frequency identification (RFID) ISO/IEC 15963, Information technology Radio frequency identification for item management Unique identification for RF tags Innovations Procontrol Electronics Ltd. started recently a significant R+D project on the field of RTLS aided by GOP (National Economic Operative Program) supports for proposal. As a result of innovation prototypes of RTSL modules were developed by system designers, system integrators for different applications in practice. We present a few examples of applications below: Date: 2011.06.06 10:48 5. oldal, összesen: 22

Examples for Developed Modules in Line with the RTLS Project When life is endangered! HiCall - Wireless Nurse Call and Patient Tracking System When the patient feels bad, loses himself, forgets his location, collapses; he needs urgent aid! Pressing the button on his bracelet device he calls the nurse. Wherever the nurse is, she/he will receive the call to her/his own bracelet. The nurse will realise, WHO called him/her FROM WHERE exactly. The Nurse Call System is an application of RTLS that goes far beyond the traditional wired technologies and provides freedom of movement for the patient. RTLS works either as an integrated system embedded into the comprehensive supervising system of the concerned health institute, or it can be independent of it. The patient wears the transmitter device on his/her wrist as a wristlet watch. The transmitter has an individual code and actuates the call for help by pressing the button on it. Date: 2011.06.06 10:48 6. oldal, összesen: 22

Features of the Tags When a patient is admitted, a transmitter is registered, handed over and the corresponding data will be saved in the system.the patient wears the transmitter device on his wrist, so he can leave his room freely and send signals from the covered area. The system receives the signal transmission and keeps records of it. It sends the code (name), location and switches on a signaling lamp in the nurses room, sends a message to the nurse about what happened. The nurse establishes contact through her own special wrist watch (with her ID) with the patients transmitter. This confirmation is transmitted from the patients device to the nurse call center (PC) and will be saved. In particular rooms a ROUTER secures the reception. The receptor device has an individual code as well. The signal arrives at the Nurses Client PC through the network of ROUTERS and/or through the wired system. On the display appears a text message, that informs the nurse who sent it and from where. An alarm signal draws the attention to the message. A calling light appears on the corridor above the room s door. The nurse confirms the signal from her location. The data are saved and collected into a database in the background system. All important parameters of the occurrence can be recalled here in case: Protection of transmitters is IP67 that allows taking a shower or even a sterilization process too. Bracelets of transmitters are exchangeable and can be disinfected. The system can imply special RF transmitters but also wired connections. These are first of all bathrooms, obstacle cleared rooms, special sickrooms, where e.g. conventional pull cords can be installed. All important information of the calling transactions are visualized on computer network: Who is where, when and what happens to him? The system saves all data about the arrival of the nurse to the patient as well: Who was the nurse who provided the patient? When did the nurse arrive? Was there a confirmation? Date: 2011.06.06 10:48 7. oldal, összesen: 22

Who sent the emergency alarm? Name, ID Where did the patient send the emergency alarm from? Restroom, ID When did the patient send the emergency alarm? System time (hh:mm:ss) What kind of signal was received? Panic, normal, technical (battery discharged, tamper) Nurses do not always stay in the nurse room, that s why alarm reception should be maintained in this case as well. The nurses RF wrist watch suits this purpose, it visualizes the SMS on its LCD display. This solution allows the nurse spatial mobility. This is an extraordinary advantageous situation. A contact between the one who gives and the one who receives aid can be maintained in the entire covered area, while the patients enjoy the freedom of movement. The system is suitable for tracking persons, objects, instruments. Question: What happenes if the patient or the nurse leaves the building and so the covered area? Answer: Protocol s RTLS devices can be combined with GPS devices and Mobile phones too that provides a high level of freedom of moving. There is no easier solution for calling for help then by a single pressing an alarm button which sends your message or starts your call both from indoor and outdoor enviroment! Date: 2011.06.06 10:48 8. oldal, összesen: 22

Brief Summary: RTLS - Real Time Locating System as Wireless Nurse Call and Patient Tracking System Features: Prompt location, wireless emergency call system In time of calling the nurse knows already exactly, WHO called her and FROM WHERE! It can be integrated into supervising systems Central logging of data records and every call Tracking of patients Verifiable work of the nurses Offers the opportunity for creating statistics Real time location Panic bracelet: patient can call a nurse with the panic button Types of panic buttons: o The durable bracelet is waterproof, washable, tolerates disinfections o Cord switch fixed on wall Wireless system Applications of RTLS (Real Time Location System) Areas of Applications Healthcare institutes Hospitals Polyclinics Clinics Nursing homes We have the means for expanding the system with clinic management in order to save money and time by tracking medical equipment, furthermore to increase work moral and efficiency. Date: 2011.06.06 10:48 9. oldal, összesen: 22

How does the system work? Real Time Location where Hi-Tech innovations operate in the background The system knows who is where. The position of particular patient transmitter devices and nurse bracelets within the scope of Zigbee routers can be defined on principle of triangulation, RSSI transmitter field intensity measurement and TDOA (Time Difference Of Arrival) distance measure-ment. Different demands of accuracy can be met between some meters and some centimeters. Date: 2011.06.06 10:48 10. oldal, összesen: 22

What is needed for a nurse call system? We place a certain number of 1241-10 Zigbee routers in the building for covering of the whole territory. In each router are call alert LEDs. The routers will be numbered from 1 to n, e.g. installed above the doors of the patients rooms. (In larger halls several routers are necessary, in a ca. 10 x 10 m grid.) We position a coordinator in the coverage of the routers, which is connected to the Ethernet. An available server of the buildings IT system and PC workstations form the base for installation of Hi-Call programs that means, the infrastructural part of our system is completed. The patients receive bracelets of type TAG1, while the nurses receive type TAG2. We registrate the routers and the personal bracelets into the system and in this way we established a well working Hi-Call system. Date: 2011.06.06 10:48 11. oldal, összesen: 22

Components of the Nurse Call System Date: 2011.06.06 10:48 12. oldal, összesen: 22

SERVER CLIENT PC CLIENT PC WLAN Internet COORDINATOR ROUTERS 1 ROUTERS 3 ROUTERS 2 Date: 2011.06.06 10:48 13. oldal, összesen: 22

WLPS Customer Tracking System RTLS for Applications in Supermarkets WHAT IS A WLPS? WLPS a Wireless Local Positioning System compounds active RFID transponders (TAG) mounted on trolleys and shopping baskets, which help to track and record the path they went in real time. In this way you can gather new and objective information about shopping customs. Structure and Operation of the System 1. WAY80 identification transponder data tablets are mounted on every shopping trolley and basket through clicking and screwing, that works as a number plate and contains the proprietor s name and name of the supermarket. A possible design for data tablets demonstrates the image besides. Interior in the tablets is placed an active RFID transponder safely, which transmits its own identification, the visible number plate, on high frequency. Tolerance threshold of environmental temperature: between -20 and +60 C. Protection IP65. 2. The covered field is advantageously the entire territory of the supermarket which is included into a coordinate plane along the axes x and y. E.g. The trolley s momentary position is marked with coordinates X 26.5 m and Y 39.8 m from point O (origo). For marking points of the coordinate plane are placed routers of every 50 m2 as an allover grid, functionally on the ceiling or hanging lights. The grid placed readers maintain a permanent connection with the TAG-s on the trolleys and the baskets. In this way several readers see one trolley. Date: 2011.06.06 10:48 14. oldal, összesen: 22

Radio frequency communication does not need any permission in ISM band 2.4 GHz frequency range. Disturbing reflexions are reduced through DSSS (Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum) method. Micro controlling units (DSP) in every reader communicate with each other. They communicate also with the server and the so called coordinator as well. Through mediation of the coordinating units is the server PC s database continually updated. The current coordinates of the trolleys are defined by the system through mathematical calculations on the base of known and fixed positioning coordinates of routers, the transmitter field intensity, time, direction angle and LPS code of signals of particular readers that will be recorded in a central database. Measuring accuracy of coordinates are +/- 1.5-2m The database is permanently updated real time in second interval cycles. Date: 2011.06.06 10:48 15. oldal, összesen: 22

This database supports a data processing program that provides a number of information, e.g. - the number of shopping trolleys in the detected area - the most intensively visited areas, corners, shelves - the path of customers trolleys - intensity of visits of particular test products Information about particular trolleys, paths can be compared and processed with the sales data provided by the cash registers. After a further developing the transponders will be enabled to read and transmit the customers identification also apart from the number plates of shopping trolleys. Placing of Routers (readers) The readers shall be placed in the detected area with fix coordinates on equal height at every 50m2. An outstanding opportunity for this purpose is the lighting system of the market (Figure 01), where a horizontal hollow section stucture on a height of 4.5 m create a hanging suspended ceiling, an illuminated ceiling. We only need to enter the local coordinates and fix the readers clamped to the hollow structures in the proper positions, which are marked on the project plan, and connect the power cord into the terminal block 230V of the light tubes armature. In this way each reader needs only some centimeters of wire and a screw for the installation. Date: 2011.06.06 10:48 16. oldal, összesen: 22

The Central Server Elements of Local Positioning System Elements of the Customer Tracking System Where are You Pictogram Type Description Remarks Power supply SERVER Architecture Client/server Center of WLPS Customer Tracking System The software of WLPS Customer Tracking System supervises the data communication and provides data into the markets information system. Server 230V CLIENT PC Customer Tracking System Client Workstations Client PC 230V COORDINATOR Connection between the computer network (TCP/IP) and the Zigbee Mesh network In general 1 pc. is necessary 230V Active tracking RFID TAG (tablet) mounted on shopping trolleys RF+UH RFID TAG Battery TAG Establishing of RF Router Zigbee network for covered area RF transponder / receiver 230V / Battery Date: 2011.06.06 10:48 17. oldal, összesen: 22

Procontrol s Local Positioning System has a Pentium MultiCare PC as its central server that runs the installed software Where Are You, where the coordinating stations are connected. The place of the central server PC is not definite, it can be placed wherever you like and can be integrated into the local IT network too. The network can give space also for clients. Sleep Option INCREASED LIFETIME OF TAGS AND BATTERIES The lifetime of TAGs are significantly increased by mode Sleep, which works as described. After paying at the cash desk the trolleys are moved by shoppers through one of the exit gates in order to put the goods into their cars. The central server system receives the information about this act, switches off the transponder and notes that a trolley has left the detected area. From now the electronic device is powered off, so it stops any current drain and battery discharge. It remains off even when the trolleys are collected and stored. When the next shopper takes the particular trolley and it crosses the entry zone, a hidden installed induction loop reactivates the TAG, checks it into the system, the system notes the time of checking and from now the TAG is active. The system automatically cares for powering off the TAGs of shopping trolleys and baskets which left the cash desk and get into the empty trolley or basket stores indoors, shall be off until the next use. Operation time and maintenance The TAGs of trolleys and baskets operate with reliable, long life Lithium-ion-Cobalt batteries with a durability of 3-5 years depending on the daily operating time. For changing the batteries you don t need any special equipment or education. After some essential instructions the markets technicians are enabled to perform this activity. A battery change doesn t cause any software or memory damages. Date: 2011.06.06 10:48 18. oldal, összesen: 22

(RTLS) Guard - A Guarding System for Tracking Guards and Attack Alarm Staffs who are responsible for patients in mental hospitals or imprisoned persons, can be attacked. They often are at risk of their life and physical integrity, if they don t receive help immediately. In a RTLS Guard system are the buildings, rooms and courts covered by routers, the staff wear break-proof watch equipped with active RF TAG and LCD display and the central supervision knows about each staff where he is at the moment. When the attendant notices signs or risk of a possible attack, gives an attention signal to the supervisor on his staff watch and can be observed with a special attention via surveillance cameras. When attacked he triggers an alarm with the simple push of a button. In this moment the identifying data and the exact location of the concerned attendant are displayed on the watches of the other staff members in the center and the surrounding and those who are the nearest can help him. Every workflow event is recorded. RTLS system modules from Procontrol Ltd. Mobile transponders: active RFID TAGs Person tracking transponder watch/bracelet. Person tracking transponder watch/bracelet with alarm button. Person tracking transponder watch/bracelet with optic and audio feed-back. Person tracking transponder watch/bracelet with alarm button and voice phone. Person tracking transponder watch/bracelet with alarm button and voice phone, clock and text messenger. Person tracking transponder badge tag. Person tracking transponder badge tag with alarm button. Person tracking transponder watch/bracelet with optic and audio feed-back. Object tracking transponder module screw-on or stick-on type. Object tracking transponder module magnetic type. Transponders with temperature, humidity, pressure, acceleration etc. sensors. Robot vehicle control wireless module. Fixed measuring units: Routers, coordinators Infrastructural elements of RTLS systems: For covering and networking of buildings and courts where the routers are placed in a form of 5-10 m grid in respective coordinates. The coordinator communicates with routers and connects them to the information network or to the PC. RF Router / RF-UH Router Call alerting router RF-Ethernet coordinator / RF-USB coordinator Date: 2011.06.06 10:48 19. oldal, összesen: 22

Procontrol Electronics Ltd. as innovator for RTLS applications Company Description Procontrol Electronics Ltd. has already - considering its predecessors - a more than three decades history. The company was founded in 1990 as an electronic enterprise Procontrol GMK (industrial-economic producers cooperative), later Procontrol Kisszövetkezet (small size cooperative) were since 1981 active in Szeged. The company developed from the beginning - since 1980s - industrial electronic products, workflow controlling and attendance recording systems. From 1990 due to trade liberalization the main profile was trading with technical articles as telecommunication, office technology, later entertainment electronics. The commercial activity associated with the company's spectacular growth. 1992 to 1998 Procontrol turned out to be the most significant enterprise of consumer electronics, telecommunication technologies and IT asset trade in Szeged. The appearance of multinational trading companies and urban hypermarket chains set an end of this business activity. Market opportunities in segments of consumer electronics and IT assets became significantly constrained, so in 2002 the streamline of the company became again the basic activity of developing and production of electronic systems. In the past 3 years production/developing and associated trading activity became the company s exclusive activity. 2006 was a successful year for Procontrol Ltd. The income of sellings increased by 15% compared to 2005. Reasons for this outstanding tendency can be described as following: The company carried out different product developments successfully and realized a number of high value businesses and investments. Due to improving product quality warranty expenses reduced, range of references expanded and improved. In 2006 two major RFID based projects were realized: At the site of General Motors in Szentgotthárd was build up an access control system and for Tigáz Ltd. (natural gas provider) (ENI) time attendance system for the entire country. The interest in access gates is further on undiminished. In 2006 Procontrol Ltd. realized several reference projects for multinational companies, e.g. installing and mounting full-height glass turnstiles in the office building of SAP Hungary. Date: 2011.06.06 10:48 20. oldal, összesen: 22

We met success in sales and distribution with our Wellness Control System: Constructions, reconstructions of therapeutic baths, fitness and wellness centers provide our company continuously with orders. In most instances of export revenues arose due to a long term innovation contract in 2003 with the German Theis Feinwerktechnik GmbH, manufacturer of measuring instruments for the construction industry. Procontrol Ltd. can be considered as a small size company according to the number of employees, annual turnover and other financial parameters. But regarding the manufacturing-developing activity and selling capacity for industrial electronic systems in a narrower - urban, subregional - market segment Procontrol is market leader, on regional level it can be ranked to the most significant companies of similar profile. Procontrol manufactured products are sold in the entire country. According to the sales volume Procontrol is countrywide in the middle field among trade companies for electronic products, but it is worth mentioning that the company belongs to the small number of national enterprises which are present on markets with predominantly self developed and self manufactured products, systems. International and EU related selling's in the last two fiscal years totaled in 110 Millions HUF, that compounds innovative brainchild export, selling of R+D results. The company s leadership wants to strengthen this course line through innovations of the current project. Innovation, technology development and applications played always an important role among the company s activities. In local level it became a flagship for R+D+I cooperation's. Procontrol Ltd. cooperates and maintains relations with a number of researching workshops, universities, colleges e.g. the University of Szeged - Faculty for Informatics (Szegedi Tudományegyetem), Hungarian Academy of Sciences - Computer and Automation Research Institute (MTA-SZTAKI) or the Budapest University of Technology and Economics - Department of Telecommunications (BME-HIT). Due to these cooperations the product and service portfolio expands permanently, e.g. Procontrol s self developed radio frequency (RF) products, which support a wireless telecommunication in several fields of applications. The company is advanced in developing, realizing and marketing of so called passive and active RFID systems. The key of RF identification is the transponder, which we can detect with an active reader. An RFID-SLR system works even from a distance of 20-30 m, selectively from place and direction [11]. Date: 2011.06.06 10:48 21. oldal, összesen: 22

ProxerNet building management system is a result of R+D cooperation of the last few years - according to customers demands - which actualized the concept of IP based intelligent building. All subsystems of the system is able to communicate with all other subsystems. Every subsystem can be supervised and monitored from the central supervising station of the building or basis. It helps to contract even more buildings under a centralized supervising. Tools, plants, software's according to ProxerNet concept are developed, manufactured and distributed by Procontrol. Procontrol provides assistance for investors, designers and installers in establishing of specific systems. All these experiences from researching, developing, manufacturing and distributing activities create a firm base for product development in the frame of this project. Procontrol Ltd. - as you can learn from the attached financial plan - targets first of all the Hungarian market with new products. Nevertheless an international expansion is expected primarily in EU member states and neighbouring countries. Expectations of the company are in this regard careful. Until now we haven t found yet business rivals in developing and manufacturing of RTLS systems though international competing companies should not be underestimated. Companies which are potential competitors can be found in the USA, Israel and Japan but almost all of them are active on European markets too. Manufacturers who are currently active on the market are certainly not capable of covering the rapidly growing demand of users for a few years. Marketing prognosis indicate unambiguously, that the rapidly expanding market of RTLS products functions for some time as a seller s market. It is especially true in EU and Hungarian markets. That s why Procontrol addresses, in the first instance, Hungarian and European markets where the business competition is not yet strong. Users of the new RTLS system are following target groups: Hospitals, health care institutes Educational institutes: Universities, schools, kindergartens Governmental, administrative institutions Cultural institutions: museums, exhibitions Companies with significant infrastructure from all domains of business life Marketing enterprises, supermarket chains Storehouses, logistic centers, commercial ports Industrial concerns Motorway operating managements Date: 2011.06.06 10:48 22. oldal, összesen: 22