JAOtech multimedia terminals can form the nodes of hospital Indoor Positioning Systems (IPS) with room level or even sub-room level discrimination, following the signing of a partnership with Sonitor Technologies. Terminals equipped with Sonitor ultrasound receivers can be used to help locate patients, staff and equipment, contributing to hospital efficiency and safety. 

 

Ragnar Bo, CEO of Sonitor Technologies global operations, said, “IPS is a growing priority for hospitals. Integrating Sonitor receiver microphones into JAOtech terminals connected to the hospital network has a very significant impact on installation cost. The integration also opens the potential for additional functions, such as automated log on and log off (ALOLO), a great convenience for busy doctors on their daily ward round.” He added, “Ultrasound signals transmitted by the tags do not penetrate walls and ceilings – allowing Sonitor’s patented technology to provide true, reliable room-level location. This can potentially be extended to sub-room level accuracy by using multiple microphones.” IPS is also known as Real Time Location Solutions (RTLS).

 

According to Philip Corri, Director of JAOtech, “Our partnership with Sonitor provides a further example of how bedside terminals can become the front end of an integrated IT solution that greatly improves the efficiency of hospital operations. IPS has an excellent RoI by reducing the amount of staff time spent locating equipment. Monitoring patient location and staff location brings further benefits, contributing to the safety of both.”

 

The new integrated Sonitor receivers complement the Smart Card, RFID and bar-code technology available on JAOtech terminals, providing a truly comprehensive array of location, identification and access control options. Smart card readers are currently the preferred approach for managing pre-payment for services. The addition of an RFID scanner or Sonitor receiver provides medical staff with a separate and secure location and identification process which does not require the patient to remove their card from the reader. Bar-codes are commonly used for confirming patient identity during records access, confirming the administration of the correct medication and other purposes.

 

Sonitor Technologies, recently named North American RTLS Emerging Company of the Year by Frost & Sullivan, offers a unique ultrasound IPS (Indoor Positioning System) that automatically tracks the real-time location of moveable equipment and/or people in complex environments with 100% room-level, or sub room-level (such as bed-level) accuracy.

 

Due to the unique attributes of ultrasound there is no risk of electromagnetic interference with other equipment. The low quantity of data transmitted from the Tags requires minimal LAN bandwidth so existing wired or wireless LAN can easily be leveraged. The Sonitor^® IPS, now chosen by more than 30 hospitals, is fully, easily and quickly scalable. Sonitor’ IPS technology is designed to be an integral part of value added and integrator reseller end-customer solutions.

 

Specifically designed to UL60601 standards, JAOtech Smart Terminals are ideal for hygienic hospital ward environments, and feature a sealed construction which is suitable for deep cleaning with standard hospital detergents. JAOtech has a flexible design approach and the terminals are built to specification and can be customised to suit individual requirements, including colour. Various mounting options are also available to allow flexible installation in any environment.