Agility Develops Infrared and RFID for Asset Tracking

Agility Healthcare Systems developed a system that combines infrared (IR) auto-ID and RFID to address issues with real-time location systems. The company is integrating their solutions with IR technology from RF Code to develop a new asset tracking system that is cost sensitive.

The practical utility of RF-based asset tracking in large healthcare facilities is limited by an organization’s ability to implement a broad Wi-Fi network. Such a system is the best solution to pinpoint asset location, but can become prohibitively expensive to implement access points throughout a large facility.

To address this limitation, Agility modified systems that rely exclusively on RFID technology. They equipped all hospitals room with integrated IR transmitters called A700 Room Locators. The locators receive power from an AC line and are approximately 5 by 3 by 2 inches. The signal from such cannot pass through materials, but it can bounce. The IR signal must be within 20 feet of the transmitter in order to be detected.

The RFID tag attached to each asset is equipped with infrared signal receivers. The tag detects the code for the IR device and transmits that information, along with its own code to an interrogator. The RFID tags include a motion sensor which controls the device’s beacons rate, optimizing battery life. The system uses software to display the location of the asset on a map of the facility.

The system uses the 433 MHz band and utilizes a air-interface protocol for transmission. The range is 1,000 feet.

Beta testing for the new system was already completed. In addition, four other hospitals have adopted the solution. These sites have not been revealed by Agility. Agility expects to see this system design to be launched in other fields outside of healthcare.

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