A PROPOSAL

DESIGN TEAM NO. 74

SUBMITTED TO Professor Timothy Kurzweg, Professor Pat B.

Malay,

Professor Andrew J. McCann

AND THE

TDEC 131 PROJECT DESIGN FACULTY OF DREXEL UNIVERSITY

ENTITLED: A Cost-Effective Method of Tracking in

the Healthcare Field

TEAM MEMBERS/HUM SECTION/INSTRUCTORJames Fasoline / 020 / Professor Christine

Qualtieri

Michael Kilgarriff / 009 / Professor Andrew J. McCann

Stephen Miller / 012 / Professor Pat B. Malay

John Mullen / 012 / Professor Pat B. Malay

Danielle Siegel / 013 / Professor Ken Bingham

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Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements forthe Engineering Design and Laboratory, TDEC 131, Design Project

Submitted on 27 Feb 2004

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I. Problem Statement

Tracking important objects and persons within buildings is a necessary service required

in many worldwide operations, especially in the field of healthcare. Many organizations require

the ability to track persons inventory on a daily basis, and they would profit greatly from the

development of an affordable tracking technology that provided precise, constant tracking.

Nursing homes and hospital wards, for example, could monitor residents and patients who

require additional care. With the current state of the art, however, there are no cost-effective

methods of precise, constant tracking within buildings such as hospitals.

II. Introduction and Background

Due to the baby boomer generation entering senior citizen status and beginning to require

extra care, the market for tracking people in areas such as hospitals and nursing homes has

increased dramatically. For example, Brian Hance of the Alzheimer's Association states that over

60% of patients with dementia get lost during the progression of their disease (Kuhn and

Wilson). This statistic illustrates the need for monitoring of patients who are at risk of getting

lost. The topic is discussed as much in popular media as it is in scholarly journals. Many

companies are scrambling to provide affordable methods of tracking, converting existing

tracking technology to meet the demand.

For example, Digital Angel has begun to

convert their tracking devices from object

and animal based to human based

(“Digital Tracking”). These companies use

a variety of methods for their systems,

including wristbands, implants, radio

frequencies, Wi-Fi technology, GSM

technology, and GPS.

Currently, the most precise method

of tracking an object’s location anywhere

in the world is the Department of

Defense’s Global Positioning System, or

GPS. GPS technology generates

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GPS satellites send RF signals to GPS devices on the ground that calculate position based on time

measurements.<http://www.accessscience.com/server-java/Arknoid/science/AS/ResUpdates/2002/YB_020460_frameset.html?searchtext=GPS;>

measurements accurately to one centimeter. However, GPS is a military operated service, and

the accuracy of GPS service available to civil users is intentionally degraded by the Department

of Defense. Furthermore, obstacles like walls and ceilings obstruct GPS satellites’ radio waves

and alter the calculated position of the target. Thus, the technology required to determine one’s

exact location in a multi-layered structure has not yet been developed. Furthermore, it is not

cost-efficient for most organizations to equip personnel with GPS receivers (Dana).

The articles “Wireless interference in healthcare is real but manageable,” and

“Wi-Fi Wireless Networks, Hospitals and the Medical Profession” provided information about

using wirless networks in hospitals and overcoming the interference which they can cause. They

mention that hospitals can use wireless networks and show that interference from radio waves

can be avoided. “Wireless-based location tracking” provided information about one of the

possible tracking systems and the implementation of a similar tracking system in a business to

track employees. Larry Bogan’s Global Positioning System website provides a detailed

description of how global positioning uses satellites and vectors to determine a location. Edgar

H. Callaway Jr.’s “Wireless Sensor Networks: Architectures and Protocols,” available at online

database ENGnetBASE, contained information regarding the specifications of the IEEE 802.11

Wi-Fi standard. “What is a Geometer?” states that this device be easily tracked worldwide,

making it extremely useful in situations where an object must be located. “GPS Solutions”

describes a development of GPS which uses lower signal strengths than normal, making it useful

in confined areas.

III. Proposed Design

A. Criteria

This project will be considered successful if it results in a reliable tracking system for

people and objects. The tracking system will be effective for use in hospitals, and it will not

interfere with the operation of other instruments and devices. Since it is intended for use inside

buildings with multiple levels, the system will be capable of determining locations three

dimensionally. Also the system will be reasonably priced compared with current solutions like

GPS.

Our proposed tracking system will use radio frequency (RF) waves to transmit

information between target tracking devices that are to be tracked and system’s infrastructure.

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Some frequencies and wavelengths of RF waves can interfere with other equipment and

electronic devices. As a result, in environments such as hospitals where equipment failure can be

life threatening, interference from the tracking system must be eliminated. Modern medical

equipment, including most monitoring devices, is shielded to protect it from electromagnetic

radiation, and radio waves do not usually have a significant effect on its operation. However, it

is still necessary to ensure that the tracking system will not interfere with other equipment in any

way (Kleinberg).

Depending on the implementation tracking system, the price will, but it will cost less than

current methods of tracking. The price to initially deploy it might be higher than the prices for

other competing technology; however, its increased accuracy would prevent costly mistakes.

One proposed solution involves using an already installed wireless network. This approach

would only need the tracking devices added to the system, and would be significantly cheaper

than similar technologies (Stone).

To be successful, this project should result in technology or information to create an

accurate and reliable, cost-effective tracking system. The system should be effective inside

buildings and address the weaknesses of current tracking methods, such as the inability of GPS

to determine height. Also, the system should

not cause interference with other electronics

found in hospitals.

B. Alternatives

Our project aims to track objects

cheaply and effectively. Common methods of

tracking that use GPS and GSM technologies

are expensive and cannot be deployed on large

scales. The alternatives that we are

investigating are relatively inexpensive and

are easy to install. A method that we are

investigating uses Wi-Fi access points. Wi-Fi

is the trademark name for 802.11, a wireless standard that is commonly used to provide

computers with wireless internet and network connections. The target that is being tracked

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Demonstration of tringulation using three base stations.

<http://www.accessscience.com/server-java/Arknoid/science/AS/ResUpdates/2000/YB_001541_frameset.html>

receives radio signals from the Wi-Fi access points. The locations of access points are known

and constant, so the receiver on the target associates the strength of the signal with distance from

the access point from which it received the signal. When the receiver knows its approximate

distance from at least three access points, it uses triangulation to determine its location based on

the locations of the access points. This method of tracking can utilize existing hardware because

Wi-Fi technology is very common and inexpensive.

Another alternative that we are investigating involves the use of “leaky” wire antennas

for radio transmissions within a building. “Leaky” wires are antenna wires that are put in place

in buildings to provide distributed radio signals throughout buildings. When the technology is

used in conjunction Wi-Fi, it allows users to receive stronger wireless signals by putting

antennas closer to users and allowing single access points to provide coverage over larger areas

than they would normally cover. This method of signal transmission may be more effective

because it reduces the obstruction of the radio signals by walls and other physical obstacles

(Callaway).

One emerging technology is Radio Frequency Identification, or RFID. RFID involves

two components: a reader and a card or tag. When an RFID tag comes in close proximity of the

reader, it transmits data between the unit and the reader. However, RFID tags are currently

expensive relative to their effective range. Common RFID tags cost as little as $0.05, but are not

effective at ranges greater than three feet. However, more expensive RFID tags can operate at

ranges up to 300 feet. RFID tags are usually read when they are in close proximity with an RFID

reader and therefore are not a reliable method of tracking (RFID Products). However, RFID

technology may be used in conjunction with other tracking technologies to add redundancy to the

tracking system (Solutions – Overview).

In order to locate a target device using signals, the signal must travel to the tracking from

the target device. Upon arrival at the tracking device, such as a wireless access point, the

strength of the RF wave and the time of travel will be translated into an approximate distance

between the target and the tracking device. However, a problem arises because if the speed of

the signal is too fast, the time will be very small and the distance between two devices will be

insignificant. When a relationship between the signal strength and time and the distance between

devices is made, the location of the target device is calculated by triangulation.

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C. Constraints

There are many constraints that face our project, including interference with hospital

technologies, wavelengths of waves to be used, and translating RF signal strength and time into

distance. In hospitals, many different machines operate on different signals. Those machines can

be damaged and the information they read can be altered when RF waves of certain wavelengths

move through them. The wave can change the reading by being absorbed in the machine in place

of a different wave. The difference in reading can mean a difference between life and death

sometimes. We will have to work around that in order to be able to manufacture our product for

hospital use (Kleinberg).

Our design requires RF waves with wavelengths large enough to travel through walls in a

hospital. The wavelength should be large so that signals can be transmitted to any location in a

building. If the signal is not received by the target device, the device cannot be accurately

located. GPS technology suffers the same downfall as RF signals from the GPS satellites are

obstructed when they travel through buildings.

IV. Statement of Work and Method of Solution

In order to complete our research in the field of local tracking and location, one

experiment must be performed in order to test the strength of signal waves transmitted from one

location to another. This experiment will be performed with the aid of Drexel University’s

wireless communications network, DragonFly. It will focus on using Wi-Fi radio signals from

access points at known locations to determine our position on campus. We will determine the

locations of these access points with help from Drexel’s Information Resources and Technology

department (IRT). Using Network Stumbler, a computer program which provides information

regarding local wireless access points, we will be able to locate a given point through

triangulation.

Each of our considered alternatives of local tracking has its own advantages and

drawbacks. However, in a workplace where safety is an extremely high priority, certain

precautions must be taken to ensure that no harm or detriment comes from the use of equipment.

In order to determine which method of global tracking will suit the needs of a hospital best, we

will research several types of signal transmissions and how they affect the human body hospital

instrumentation, such as defibrillators or life support systems negatively. In addition, we will

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continue to research which of our methods will me the most cost effective in a medical

environment to prevent any unnecessary spending.

At this point in our research, it is still unclear whether we will present a working model

of our design or simply the furthering of an idea, but it is safer to assume we will complete a

document outlining what we have accomplished in our research given the fact that few hospitals

would agree to implement such a method of tracking without much more research, testing, and

time.

V. Summary

The state-of-the-art of tracking systems does not provide a cost-effective solution for

deploying an accurate system of tracking assets on a large scale, such as in hospitals. Our

project aims to design a tracking system that meets this goal. We will use Wi-Fi, the trademark

name of a popular wireless communication standard denoted by IEEE as 802.11, in conjunction

with another method of tracking to provide an accurate and redundant method of tracking the

locations of assets within buildings at all times. Our design is intended for use in the healthcare

industry, and technologies developed as a result of this design will not interfere with existing

hospital instrumentation.

VI. Qualifications

Each engineer is qualified to participate in the completion of this proposed design.

Please see Appendix A for detailed resumes from each engineer.

VII. Budget for Engineering Services

Five engineers will work on this project, each at a rate of $28 per hour. It is estimated

that each engineer will work for 40 hours. Therefore, an estimated fee to cover the services

provided by each engineer is $5600. This fee is multiplied by 2.5 to cover expenses of the

engineering firm. Thus, the estimated total cost of the services of these engineers and the

support provide by their firm to plan and install is $14,000.

VIII. Schedule

Please see Appendix B for Gantt Chart outlining our schedule of work.

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IX. References

Bogan, Larry. Global Positioning System – How it Works. 7 Feb. 2004

<http://www.go.ednet.ns.ca/~larry/gps/gps_talk.html>

Callaway, Edgar H., Jr. “Wireless Sensor Networks: Architectures and Protocols.”

ENGnetBASE. Boca Raton: Auerbach Publications, 2004. 2004. 20 Feb 2004.

<http://www.engnetbase.com//books/1107/AU1823_fm.pdf>.

Dana, Peter H. “Global Positioning System Overview.” 01 May 2000. 04 Feb 2004.

<http://www.colorado.edu/geography/gcraft/notes/gps/gps_f.html>.

“GPS Solutions.” www.qinetiq.com. 11 Feb 2004. Qinetiq.

<http://www.qinetiq.com/homepage/markets/telecoms/gps_solutions.html>

Kleinberg, Kenneth. “Wireless interference in healthcare is real but manageable.”

TechRepublic. 21 Feb. 2004 <http://techrepublic.com.com/5100-6265_11-

5034728-1.html>.

Kuhn, Cynthia and Wilson, Wilkie. "'Tagging' Alzheimer's Patients". WebMD (Health). 17

October 2002. WebMD Inc. 2 Feb 2004.

<http://my.webmd.com/content/Article/52/50224.htm>.

“New Digital Tracking Devices.” About.com. 5 August 2001. About Inc. 2 Feb 2004.

<http://portables.about.com/library/weekly/aa050801.htm>

RFID Products. RFID Inc. 4 Feb 2004. <http://www.rfidinc.com/>.

Solutions – Overview. SMARTCODE Corp. 04 Feb 2004.

< http://www.smartcodecorp.com/solutions/rfidi_overview.asp>.

Stone, Adam. “Wi-Fi Wireless Networks, Hospitals and the Medical Profession.” Wi-Fi

Technology. 21 Feb 2004 <http://www.wi-fitechnology.com/printarticle233.html>.

“What is a Geometer?” www,IQObject.se. 9 Feb. 2004. IQObjects.

<http://www.iqobject.se/pagesign/visitor/default.asp?sChain=2,5,76>

X. Appendices

Index of Appendices

Resumes of Project Engineers *Schedule of Work: Gantt Chart

Peer ReviewsAppendix A

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Appendix B Appendix C

* For the privacy of my team members and I, I have removed the contact information from each resume.

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Appendix AResumes of Project Engineers

James Fasoline

EducationDrexel UniversityPhD in Computer Engineering Anticipated Graduation-June 2010Concentration: Computer Engineering

CourseworkMathematical Foundations of Engineering Physical Foundations of EngineeringChemical and Biological Foundations of Engineering Humanities for the Engineering CurriculumPrinciples of Economics I

Computer SkillsHardware: Dell, Gateway, IBM, Hewlett-Packard, ABS, MacintoshSoftware: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, JASC Paint Shop Pro, AutoCAD,

Maple 9, LabVIEWLanguage: Visual Basic 6.0, C, C++, HTML, JavaScriptSkills: Website Design, Computer RepairsOperating Systems: Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Macintosh OS X

Job ExperiencePhiladelphia Traffic Court Philadelphia, PAStaff member for President Judge June 2003 – Present- Handle filing and letter writing duties- Assist Court Officers during court proceedings - Process returned mail for address corrections- Answer public’s inquiries over telephone and in person

Activities/Community Service

Operation Santa Claus: Wrapped and delivered Christmas gifts to families in Philadelphia. 2000 – 2003.

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Michael Kilgarriff

Education

Drexel University Philadelphia, PA 19104Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering Anticipated Graduation-June 2008Concentration: Computer Engineering

Coursework

Engineering Design and LabUniversity 101Mathematical Foundations of Engineering I and IIPhysical Foundations of Engineering I and IIHumanities (Engineering)Chemical Foundations of Engineering I and II

Computer Skills

Hardware: Dell, CompaqSoftware: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Internet Explorer, Maple 9Language: C++Operating Systems: Microsoft Windows

Activities/Community Service

Grade School Tutoring, 2000-2003Grade School Mentoring, 2004National Honors Society, 2001-2003High School Tutoring, 2000-2003

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Stephen Miller

EducationDrexel UniversityBachelor of Science in Computer Engineering Anticipated Graduation-June 2008Concentration: Computer Engineering

CourseworkMathematical Foundations of Engineering Physical Foundations of EngineeringChemical and Biological Foundations of Engineering Humanities for the Engineering CurriculumIntroduction to Entrepreneurship

Computer SkillsHardware: Hewlitt-Packard, Dell, Gateway, Compaq, Packard Bell, IBMSoftware: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, Microsoft PowerPoint, Adobe

Photoshop, JASC Paint Shop Pro, Macromedia Dreamweaver, Macromedia Flash, AutoCAD, Maple 9

Language: Visual Basic 6.0, C++, HTMLSkills: Networking, Web Design, Computer Upgrades/RepairsOperating Systems: Windows XP Professional, Windows 2000 Server, Windows 2000 Professional,

Windows 98, Linux, Macintosh OS X

Job ExperienceDe La Salle in Towne Philadelphia, PANetwork Administrator June 2003 – Present- Manage and maintain school network.- Repair computers as needed.- Assist and train students and faculty using computers.

La Salle College High School Wyndmoor, PANetwork Administrator January 2002 – July 2003- Managed and maintained 1200 user network.- Backuped servers on daily basis.- Assisted students, teachers, and staff with computer problems and questions.- Directed teams of Lab Managers to fix problems and assist teachers.

Maplewood Swim Club Southampton, PALifeguard, Swim Instructor May 2000 – July 2002- Supervised swimmers in pools and enforced rules of the club.- Maintained pools and grounds, and cleaned facilities when necessary.- Taught swim lessons to young swimmers.- Opened and closed facility on scheduled days.

Activities/Community Service

- TechSERV: Refurbish computers to be put in place in impoverished parts of Philadelphia. 2003 – Present.

- Sarnelli House: Served at weekly soup kitchen in Kensington section of Philadelphia. 2002 – 2003.- Project H.O.M.E.: Taught children in after-school program useful computer skills. 2003.

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John Mullen

Education: Drexel University Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering Graduation: June 2008 Concentration: Computer Engineering GPA: 3.78

Coursework: Mathematical Foundations of Engineering Physical Foundations of Engineering

Chemical and Biological Foundations of Engineering Humanities for the Engineering Curriculum Engineering Design Lab

Computer Skills: Hardware: Toshiba, Compaq, Hewlett-Packard Software: Microsoft Office, OpenOffice.org, Autocad, Maple, Maxima, Labview Languages:Perl, html Operating Systems: Windows, Linux, FreeBSD

Employment:Project 2000 Norristown, PA - Volunteered November 2000 - May 2003 - Worked June 2003 – September 2003 - Repaired and built computers - Installed software - Trained other employees

Honors/Awards:AJ Drexel Scolarship 2003-presentMember of Pennoni Honors College

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Danielle P. Siegel

ObjectivesTo obtain real-world work experience in medical and biological research.

EducationDrexel University, Philadelphia, Pa.Bachelor/Masters in Biomedical Engineering, anticipated graduation- June, 2008

Plymouth Whitemarsh high school, Plymouth Meeting, Pa. (2000-2003)Kaduri, Israel (1999-2000)High school diploma- 1999-2003Cumulative GPA: 3.4

HonorsScholastic and distinguished honor roll 2000-2003Honors choirAP CalculusAP BiologyAP Statistics

ActivitiesGirl’s soccer, 2000-2003High school productions, 2001-2003Choir and Tri-county chorus, 2000-2003World Affairs Club and Model UN representative, 2003Currently, Publicity Chair of Biomedical Engineering Society Chapter at Drexel University, Commuter Assistant for Hillel at Drexel University.

SkillsAutoCAD MS Word MS Excel MS Power Point Lab View Maple

ExperienceTeacher’s assistant at Temple Beth El/Beth Hillel as a volunteer, 2000-2003Hebrew teacher at Temple Beth Am, 2003-present

Hobbies/InterestsSoccer, Music.

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Appendix BSchedule of Work: Gantt Chart

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Appendix CPeer Review

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