Eiris Software

Eiris System Overview

The EIRIS system consists of ceiling mounted network readers (RDRs), personal badges and equipment tags that transmit coded IR and RF signals. These signals are received by the RDRs, and then transmitted over the network to the server. Based on location and identification data, personnel can follow patients and equipment movements at all times through a PC screen in a map view or database format. The EIRIS software is installed on the appropriate workstations and security terminals and can provide different views for the different station needs. This software can allow personnel view, acknowledge and close alerts as well as view the location of tags and badges, their status and battery condition. All alerts and tag operations (such as status changing – requires PIN code) are stored in the software database and can be retrieved as reports at a later time.

IR, RF and LF

The EIRIS system uses the latest technology in IRFID to track and monitor patients, personnel and equipment. The infrared and radio frequency are used to determine the exact room location of a badge or tag. Infrared used independently is not very effective, as it gives exact room location, but does not maintain constant communication with the badge/tag in the area protected by the EIRIS system. Radio frequency on its own is also not very effective, as exact room location cannot be achieved very easily, due to signals penetrating walls. A solution comprising both technologies therefore provides the most cost effective manner of determining a tag/badges' room location in real time, IR readers are used to determine the exact room location of a tag/badge and RF readers are used to maintain constant communication with the tag/badge within the RF grid. LF readers are used at entry/exit points to and from the protected area and constantly send LF signals searching for tags/badges that are not authorized to be present in these areas. The LF low range sensitivity and adjustable radius allows the system to generate alarms only when an unauthorized tag is in the close proximity to an exit point. The LF signals cannot be accidentally blocked causing a security breach.

Badges, Tags and Bracelets

EIRIS badges and tags are small, lightweight and embody digital electronics and miniature, battery powered IR and RF transmitters that send a unique coded signal. These IR and RF signals are received by the RDRs, which are then validated and sent over the LonWorks, network to the EIRIS server. Each badge incorporates a motion sensor which detects every occurrence of a badge in motion. The button is used to indicate a user request. Badges are assigned to each individual and should be worn in a manner that the IR signal is not obscured by any clothing.

Historical and Statistical Report Generation

The EIRIS History Recorder is an EIRIS™ client that records events in a relational database including Microsoft SQL-Server and Microsoft Access. Historical data logged using this tool may be used by either EIRIS™ Report Generator or by other 3rd party database applications. Using the EIRIS™ Report Generator it is possible to customize and generate a variety of reports in XML format and either display them in Microsoft’s Internet Explorer or export the reports directly to Excel. The report generator includes extensive options for filtering, sorting ad grouping.

Alert Types

The system accommodates for a number of different alert types:

• Missing Patient – ELPAS tags continuously transmit IR and RF transmissions. A tag which has not transmitted to the system within a pre defined time will trigger a

missing patient alert.

• Patient in Distress – By simply pressing on the tag button, patients are able to request help. The tag immediately sends IR and RF signals and an event is generated. Personnel are guided in real-time to the exact location.

• Active Tag Approaches Controlled Closed Exit without Authorized Escort – ELPAS LF readers placed near exits trigger a silent alarm once a badge is detected in this area. As a result of this the exit is automatically locked, preventing the patient from leaving the protected area. The exit will unlock when the patient moves away from exit.

• Active Tag Approaches Controlled Open Exit without Authorized Escort - ELPAS LF readers placed near exits trigger an alarm once a badge is detected in this area.

• Device Malfunction Alert – including supervision, low battery.

Locating and Tracking a Patient

The ELPAS EIRIS™ Local Positioning System (LPS) provides real-time tracking of patients, enabling immediate pinpointing of their location down to the exact room location and exit location. The system uses revolutionary IRFID™ triple technology that combines IR, RF (UHF), and LF (RF low frequency transponder) signals. This triple technology combines the advantages of each technology – the exact room location precision of IR, the immense range and constant communication of RF, and the range sensitivity of LF – thus providing a scalable, powerful and cost effective tracking and identification solution. The location of the tag can be displayed on a graphic display map or as an alphanumeric list (including patient details).

Badge Status Flow

As the time passes, the original severity status defined when the patient was admitted may change. The system enables performing changes in the status of the tag. These changes are recorded in the EIRIS database.

Escort Feature

Incorporating the LF technology on all exits from wards, the system is able to identify whether an authorized person is escorting the patient out of the exit. Personnel wearing the ELPAS staff tags are recognized by the system as authorized to leave the monitored area with patients, without activating an alarm. All escort activities are recorded in the EIRIS database and can be referred to at a later time.

Real-Time Information Processing

Using the Report Generator it is possible to generate reports reflecting the current state

Discharging Patient

When the patient is discharged, the tag's state must be changed to Discharge. The status of a tag is managed by authorized personnel and can be changed via the RDU (Remote Display Unit) or using the Nurse Station PC touch screen

Generating History Reports

There are a number of different reports which can be generated, providing vital information. Examples of such reports include: Display of patients present and past whereabouts, the number of patients admitted throughout the event and their severity etc.