Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a visitor management system for health-care environments that is capable of providing a secure authentication and authorization of visitors, ensuring a clean environment to visitors and patient by minimizing infection transmission as well as offering clear guidance and navigation, helping visitors find their way to patient rooms, thereby enhancing security, improving hygiene, increases efficiency, and provides a better experience for users.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The management of visitors in healthcare settings, such as hospitals and clinics, is a critical aspect of ensuring the safety, comfort, and well-being of patients, staff, and visitors. Effective visitor management is essential to prevent the spread of infections, maintain patient confidentiality, and reduce the risk of accidents or violence. Traditionally, visitor management in healthcare settings has relied on manual processes, such as paper-based registration systems, manual temperature checks, and verbal instructions.

[0003] However, these methods have several drawbacks. Manual registration systems are time-consuming, prone to errors, and often result in long wait times for visitors, which leads to frustration and dissatisfaction among visitors, which negatively impact their overall experience. Moreover, manual temperature checks and health screenings are often inconsistent and unreliable, which compromises the safety of patients and staff. Verbal instructions and static signage can be confusing and ineffective in guiding visitors through the healthcare facility, leading to navigation challenges and increased risk of infection transmission. The limitations of traditional visitor management methods in healthcare settings are evident. These methods are often cumbersome, inefficient, and ineffective in ensuring the safety, comfort, and well-being of patients, staff, and visitors.

[0004] US8629755B2 discloses various apparatus, methods, techniques and systems are disclosed for admitting, tracking, monitoring and processing data about visitors and vehicles that visit an access-controlled environment. A network having one or more greeting stations and a number of linked answering stations collects and manages data concerning visitors and/or vehicles in the access-controlled environment, and can manage or assist individuals in managing granting access to the access-controlled environment, monitoring visitors and vehicles present in the access-controlled environment, limiting movement and access to certain areas in the access-controlled environment and generating records and other data about each visit. Some embodiments of the network are also adaptable for use in providing traveler assistance and consular services for various types of individuals.

[0005] US20190108909A1 discloses systems, methods and computer readable media are provided that facilitate managing and optimizing the experience of patients and visitors in association with visiting a medical facility. In an embodiment, as system can include a receiving component that receives arrival data regarding an entity arriving at a healthcare facility. The system can further include a discovery component that determines intent information regarding intent of the entity at the healthcare facility, and analyzes the intent information to determine a destination location for the entity within the healthcare facility, and a wayfinding component that facilitates navigating the entity to the destination location by providing the entity, via a mobile system associated with the entity, with real-time navigation information to the destination location.

[0006] Conventionally, there exists many systems that have been employed in healthcare field, but these existing systems fall short in providing a secure, hygienic, and efficient experience for visitors. Furthermore, these existing solutions also lack real-time monitoring, automated guidance, and personalized support, thereby limiting their effectiveness in ensuring a safe and reassuring environment for patients, staff, and visitors.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a system that requires to be able to provide a secure, hygienic, and efficient visitor experience by adapting to individual healthcare settings and providing real-time monitoring and automated guidance. Additionally, the developed system also needs to be comprehensive enough to enable healthcare facilities to manage visitor flow efficiently, while also providing a personalized and reassuring experience that promotes safety, comfort, and well-being.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of providing secure authentication and authorization of visitors, preventing unauthorized access and ensuring safety of patients and staff, thereby protecting patient data, and reducing the risk of potential threats.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of reducing the risk of infection transmission by providing a clean environment to patient and visitors, minimizing the spread of diseases, thereby promoting a healthy atmosphere, and enhancing overall well-being.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of streamlining the visitor management process, reducing wait times and allowing visitors to quickly and easily access patient rooms, thereby enhancing productivity, saving time and resources, and enabling staff to focus on core responsibilities.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of providing clear guidance, helping users find their way, reducing confusion and anxiety, saving time, and enhancing overall experience.

[0013] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of enabling real-time alerts and notifications, ensuring prompt action are taken, preventing potential issues, enhancing emergency response, and providing peace of mind.

[0014] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The present invention relates to a visitor management system for health-care environments that is capable of ensuring secure access to visitors, preventing infection spread from patient and visitors, ultimately resulting in elevated security, enhanced hygiene, increased productivity, and an improved user experience. In addition, the proposed system is also capable of enabling real-time alerts and notifications, ensuring prompt action are taken.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a visitor management system for health-care environments, comprising an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit associated with the system, captures and processes multiple images of the visitor, comparing their facial features to an integrated database in real-time to authenticate the visitors, then the system grants access to the visitor, opening a first motorized door integrated with a shutter mechanism, the visitor then enters a buffer area between the first and second motorized doors, where they undergo a sanitizing process performed by a sanitizing unit, which uses UV light emitters to ensure thorough disinfection while preventing harm to the visitor, and motorized air blowers to remove dust and debris from the visitor's clothing or body, a chamber stores PPE kits in a stacked arrangement within the buffer area, providing easy access to visitors, a slit on the front face of the chamber opens and closes using a drawer mechanism, allowing a single PPE kit to be dispensed to the visitor, this process is facilitated by a horizontal plate installed inside the chamber via a motorized slider, upon completing the sanitizing process.

[0017] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed system further comprises of a holographic projection unit installed via a motorized ball-and-socket joint to provide guidance and visual boundaries to guide the visitor through the enclosure, ensuring they navigate the space safely and efficiently, a noise detection unit integrated with the enclosure monitors sound levels, triggering a visual alert on the holographic projection unit if noise exceeds a threshold limit, a wearable band equipped with RFID tags is provided to each visitor to track visitor entries and exits, the RFID tag is scanned by an RFID reader positioned at the entrance, maintaining a log of visitor entries and exits and ensuring no additional visitors are allowed to enter until current visitors exit, a touch-interactive display panel mounted on the entrance provides patient-related and visitor guidance information, a thermal sensor associated with the system at the entrance to measure visitors' body temperatures, if a visitor's temperature exceeds a threshold, the processing unit automatically denies access and provides an alert signal on the computing unit and a battery is associated with the system, powering up electrical and electronically operated components.

[0018] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an exterior view of an enclosure associated with a visitor management system for health-care environments; and
Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a buffer area associated with the proposed system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0021] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0022] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0023] The present invention relates to a visitor management system for health-care environments that is capable of securing visitor access, safeguarding patient and visitor health through minimized infection transmission, and providing intuitive wayfinding to patient rooms, collectively enhance security, hygiene, efficiency, and overall user experience.

[0024] Referring to Figure 1 and 2, an exterior view of an enclosure associated with a visitor management system for health-care environments and a perspective view of a buffer area associated with the proposed system are illustrated, respectively, comprising an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 101 associated with the system installed at entrance of an health-care enclosure 102, a first and second motorized door 103, 104 arranged parallel to each other and provided at entrance of the enclosure 102, a buffer area 105 between the first and second door 103, 104, a sanitizing unit 201 provided within the buffer area 105, a chamber 202 provided on the buffer area 105.

[0025] Figure 1 and 2 further illustrates a slit 206 positioned on front face of the chamber 202, a horizontal plate 205 is installed inside the chamber 202 via a motorized slider 203, a holographic projection unit 106 installed inside the enclosure 102 via a motorized ball-and-socket joint 107, a wearable band 110 equipped with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags 111 associated with the system, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader 204 positioned at entrance of the enclosure 102, a touch-interactive display panel 108 mounted on entrance of the enclosure 102 and a microphone 109 is installed on entrance of the enclosure 102.

[0026] The system disclosed herein, comprises of an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 101, which is associated with the system. The imaging unit 101 is specifically designed to be installed at entrance of health-care enclosure 102, such as hospital or clinic. The imaging unit 101 is constructed with a camera lens and a processor, wherein the camera lens is adapted to capture a series of images of the visitors entering inside the enclosure 102. The processor carries out a sequence of image processing operations including pre-processing, feature extraction, and classification by utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning protocols.

[0027] The image captured by the imaging unit 101 is real-time images to analyze the facial features of each visitors. The artificial intelligence based imaging unit 101 in communication with a processing unit. The artificial intelligence based imaging unit 101 transmits the captured image signal in the form of digital bits to the processing unit. The processing unit upon receiving the image signals compares extracted facial features of the visitor with an integrated database, which contains pre-registered facial information of authorized visitors to authenticates the visitor in real-time.

[0028] When an unauthorized entry attempt is detected, the processing unit sends a notification to a computing unit accessed by an authorized caregiver. The notification alerting the caregiver to potential security breaches and enabling them to take prompt action. The system also allows manual override and access authorization, which means that authorized caregiver have the flexibility to grant access to individuals who may not have been previously authorized, but have a legitimate need to access the patient’s information or premises.

[0029] A first and second motorized door 103, 104, arranged in parallel manner, with a shutter mechanism, integrated into each door. The first and second motorized door 103, 104 are installed at the entrance of the enclosure 102, creating a secure environment for patient and staff. Upon successful authentication of the visitor by the imaging unit 101, the processing unit sends a signal to actuate the shutter mechanism for opening and closing the doors, allowing the visitor to enter a buffer area 105 between the first and second door 103, 104.

[0030] The shutter mechanism consists of a motor, gears and a shutter blade. When the processing unit sends a signal of actuation to the shutter mechanism, the motor is activated, causing the gears to rotate. The rotating gears are connected to a shaft, which is linked to the shutter blade. As the gears turn, the shaft rotates, moving the blade along a predetermined path, which is typically linear, with the shutter blade sliding back and forth along a track or guide.

[0031] The shutter blade is designed to seal the aperture when closed, preventing air, light, or other substances from passing through. When the motor is activated, the shutter blade moves away from the aperture, creating an opening that allows visitors to pass through.

[0032] A thermal sensor installed at the entrance to monitor the body temperature of visitors. The thermal sensor is made up of tiny pixels that detects infrared radiation, which is the heat energy emitted by visitors. When the infrared radiation hits the pixels, it causes a change in electrical resistance. The thermal sensor then measures this change in resistance for each pixel and converts it into a temperature value and send it the processing unit.

[0033] The processing unit automatically deny access to visitors by halting opening of the first and second motorized door 103, 104, whose body temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold. This threshold is set based on established health guidelines, ensuring that individuals with elevated temperatures, who is symptomatic of an illness, are prevented from entering the premises.

[0034] Upon detecting an elevated temperature, the system not only denies access but also triggers an alert signal on the computing unit. This alert serves as a notification to authorized personnel, such as caregivers or security staff, informing them of the attempted entry and the reason for denial. The alert enables prompt action to be taken, ensuring the health and safety of individuals within the premises.

[0035] A sanitizing unit 201 located within the buffer area 105, designed to thoroughly clean and sanitize visitors before they enter the premises. The sanitizing unit 201 providing an additional layer of protection against the spread of illnesses and infections. The sanitizing unit 201 incorporates UV light emitters, which are specifically designed to ensure thorough disinfection of the visitor's body and clothing. The UV light has been proven to be highly effective in eliminating bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. The UV light emitters are carefully calibrated to provide the necessary level of disinfection while preventing harm to the visitor.

[0036] In addition to UV light emitters, the sanitizing unit 201 is equipped with motorized air blowers, which removes dust and debris from the visitor's clothing or body. The air blowers gently but effectively remove loose particles, ensuring that the visitor is not only disinfected but also cleaned, thereby ensuring a safe and healthy environment for everyone within the premises. The air blower consists of a motor-driven fan or impeller that generates a high-velocity stream of air. The air blower is typically designed to be compact and energy efficient. The air blower effectively removes dust and debris from the visitor's clothing or body. After completion of sanitization process, the processing unit directs the shutter mechanism to open the second door 104 to allow the visitor to visit a patient inside the enclosure 102.

[0037] A chamber 202 stores PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) kits in a stacked arrangement within the buffer area 105. The chamber’s 202 front portion is crafted with a slit 206, designed to provide easy and efficient access to PPE kits for visitors, ensuring that they are properly equipped to maintain a safe and healthy environment. Upon successful sanitization of the visitors, the processing unit actuates a drawer mechanism integrated with the slit 206 to open and close the slit 206. The slit 206 mentioned herein serves as a dispensing point for the PPE kits.

[0038] The drawer mechanism consists of a drawer that typically slides on the rails inside the slit 206. These rails provide a smooth and stable path for the compression and expansion of the slit 206. When the processing unit actuates the drawer mechanism, the motor starts rotating and the rotational motion is converted into linear motion through the use of gears. As the motor rotates, the drawer moves either outward or inward along the sliding rails to open the slit 206 for easy access of the PPE kits to the visitors.

[0039] A horizontal plate 205 installed within the chamber 202 by means of a motorized slider 203. After opening of the slit 206, the processing unit actuates the slider 203 to translate the PPE kit through the slit 206. The slider 203 consists of a motor, and a rail unit integrated with ball bearings to allow smooth linear movement. As the motor rotates the rotational motion of the motor is converted into linear motion through a pair of belts and linkages. This linear motion provides a stable track and push the PPE kit through the slit 206. For example, when a visitor requires a PPE kit, the processing unit triggers the slider 203 to push a single kit partially through the slit 206, which ensures that the kit is dispensed in a controlled and efficient manner, allowing the visitor to easily access and retrieve the kit.

[0040] A holographic projection unit 106 is installed inside the enclosure 102 via a motorized ball-and-socket joint 107. After retrieving the kit, the processing unit actuates the projection unit 106 to project holographic images and guidance at various angles and positions. The projection unit 106 is designed to provide visual guidance and boundaries to help direct the visitor through the enclosure 102, ensuring a safe and efficient experience.

[0041] In continuation to providing guidance, the system also includes a noise detection unit that is integrated inside the enclosure 102 for monitoring sound levels within the enclosure 102, detecting any noise that exceeds a predetermined threshold limit. The noise detection unit is designed to ensure that the environment within the enclosure 102 remains calm and peaceful, which is particularly important in settings such as healthcare facilities or laboratories.

[0042] When the noise detection unit detects sound levels that exceed the threshold limit, it sends a signal to the processing unit, which then actuates the holographic projection unit 106 to trigger a visual alert. This alert is designed to notify the visitor to maintain silence, ensuring that the environment within the enclosure 102 remains calm and peaceful. The visual alert provides a clear and effective way to communicate with the visitor, helping to maintain a safe and respectful environment.

[0043] A wearable band 110 equipped with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags 111, which are designed to be worn by visitors around their wrist. This wearable band 110 serves as a unique identifier for each visitor, allowing the system to track and monitor their entry and exit from the enclosure 102. The RFID tags 111 embedded in the wearable band 110 contain specific information about the visitor, which are read and processed by the processing unit.

[0044] The RFID reader 204 positioned at the entrance of the enclosure 102, scanning the RFID tags 111 on the wearable bands 110. As visitors enter or exit the enclosure 102, the RFID reader 204 scans their tags 111, updating the processing unit with real-time information about visitor entries and exits. This data is used to maintain a log of visitor activity, ensuring that the system has an accurate record of who is currently inside the enclosure 102.

[0045] One of the primary benefits of this system is its ability to control and manage visitor access. the system prevents additional visitors from entering the enclosure 102 until the current visitors have exited by tracking visitor entries and exits, which ensures that the enclosure 102 does not become overcrowded, maintaining a safe and secure environment for all visitors, thereby makes it an ideal solution for managing entry and exit points in various settings, such as healthcare facilities, laboratories, or secure areas.

[0046] A touch-interactive display panel 108 mounted on the entrance of the enclosure 102, providing a user-friendly interface for visitors to access patient-related and guidance information. The display panel 108 offers a range of features, including patient details, room allocations, and navigation guidance, ensuring that visitors efficiently locate the patient they wish to visit. The processing unit is integrated with a database that stores detailed information about each patient, including their name, medical condition, and room allocation. This database serves as a central repository for patient data, allowing the system to provide accurate and up-to-date information to visitors.

[0047] To further enhance the visitor experience, a microphone 109 is installed on the entrance of the enclosure 102, enabling visitors to issue voice commands to retrieve patient information. The processing unit is equipped with speech recognition capabilities, allowing it to receive and interpret voice commands from visitors. Upon receiving a voice command, the processing unit retrieves and matches the patient's details based on the spoken query, ensuring that visitors are directed to the correct patient room efficiently. The microphone 109 provides a convenient and intuitive way for visitors to navigate the enclosure 102 and locate patients.

[0048] A battery is associated with the system to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrode named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the system.

[0049] The present invention works best in following manner, when the visitor arrives at the healthcare enclosure 102, they are first authenticated through the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 101 that captures and processes multiple images of the visitor to verify their identity in real-time. Once the visitor is authenticated, the processing unit regulates the actuation of the shutter mechanism integrated with the first motorized door 103, allowing the visitor to enter the buffer area 105 between the first and second door 103, 104. Inside the buffer area 105, the visitor undergoes the sanitizing process performed by the sanitizing unit 201. This unit uses UV light emitters to ensure thorough disinfection while preventing harm to the visitor. Motorized air blowers are also used to remove dust and debris from the visitor's clothing or body. Post-sanitization, the visitor is dispensed the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kit from the chamber 202 stored with stacked PPE kits. The chamber 202 is equipped with the slit 206 that opens and closes using the drawer mechanism, allowing the visitor to access the PPE kit. After donning the PPE kit, the visitor proceeds to the second motorized door, which is opened by the processing unit upon completion of the sanitizing process. The visitor then enters the healthcare enclosure 102, where they are guided by the holographic projection unit 106 installed via the motorized ball-and-socket joint 107. This unit provides visual boundaries and guidance to the visitor, ensuring they navigate the enclosure 102 safely and efficiently. The noise detection unit integrated with the enclosure 102 monitors sound levels and triggers the visual alert on the holographic projection unit 106 if the noise exceeds the threshold limit. Throughout the visitor's journey, their entry and exit are tracked using the wearable RFID band equipped with RFID tags 111. This band is scanned by the RFID reader 204 positioned at the entrance, maintaining the log of visitor entries and exits. This ensures that no additional visitors are allowed to enter until current visitors exit. Finally, the touch-interactive display panel 108 mounted on the entrance provides patient-related and visitor guidance information, allowing visitors to query patient details using voice commands.

[0050] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A visitor management system for health-care environments, comprising:

i) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 101 associated with said system developed to be installed at entrance of a health-care enclosure 102, and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of a visitor entering inside said enclosure 102, wherein a processing unit linked with said imaging unit 101 compares facial features of said visitor with an integrated database, to authenticate said visitor in real-time;
ii) a first and second motorized door 103, 104, each integrated with a shutter mechanism arranged parallel to each other and provided at entrance of said enclosure 102, wherein post successful authentication of visitor, said processing unit regulates actuation shutter mechanism integrated with said first door 103 to open, allowing said visitor enter into a buffer area 105 between said first and second door 103, 104;
iii) a sanitizing unit 201 provided within said buffer area 105, configured to perform cleaning and sanitizing process on said visitor, wherein said sanitization unit includes UV light emitters to ensure thorough disinfection while preventing harm to said visitor and motorized air blowers connected to remove dust and debris from visitor's clothing or body;
iv) a chamber 202 stored with PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) kits in a stacked arrangement and provided on said buffer area 105, a slit 206 is positioned on front face of said chamber 202, configured to open and close using a drawer mechanism, wherein a horizontal plate 205 is installed inside said chamber 202 via a motorized slider 203, and said processing unit actuates said slider 203 to push a PPE kit partially through said slit 206, ensuring smooth dispensing of a single PPE kit for visitor's access;
v) a holographic projection unit 106 installed inside said enclosure 102 via a motorized ball-and-socket joint 107, configured to provide guidance and visual boundaries to guide said visitor, wherein a noise detection unit is integrated inside said enclosure 102 to monitor sound levels inside said enclosure 102, and upon detection of noise to be exceeding a threshold limit, said processing unit actuates said projection unit 106 to trigger a visual alert to notify said user to maintain silence;
vi) a wearable band 110 equipped with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags 111 are provided to said visitor(s), adapted to be fit around wrist portion of said visitor, wherein said RFID tag is configured to be scanned by an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader 204 positioned at entrance of said enclosure 102, maintaining a log of visitor entries and exits, ensuring no additional visitors are allowed to enter until current visitors exit; and
vii) a touch-interactive display panel 108 mounted on entrance of said enclosure 102 for providing patient-related and visitor guidance information, said processing unit is integrated with a database stored with patient’s details, including their name, medical condition, and room allocation, wherein a microphone 109 is installed on entrance of said enclosure 102 for receiving voice commands of visitors, said processing unit retrieves and matches patient’s details based on received speech command, to direct visitors to the correct patient room efficiently based on query.

2) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a notification is sent on a computing unit accessed by a caregiver of said patient for alerting authorized caregiver if an unauthorized individual attempts entry, allowing manual override and access authorization.

3) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein post-completion of cleaning and sanitizing process, said processing unit actuates said shutter mechanism for opening said second door 104, allowing said visitor to visit a patient inside said enclosure 102.

4) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a thermal sensor is provided at said entrance to measure body temperature of visitors, said processing unit automatically deny access to visitors when temperature exceeds a threshold, along with providing an alert signal on said computing unit.

5) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said system for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with said system.