Description:DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present invention is realized through a sophisticated multi-layered architecture that synchronizes physical elevator hardware with virtual clinical data streams. In a preferred embodiment, the system comprises a Clinical Priority Identification Module which maintains a persistent bidirectional data link with the Hospital Information System (HIS) and Electronic Medical Records (EMR). This module is configured to parse real-time data regarding patient status, such as emergency admissions or scheduled surgical procedures, and cross-reference this with the identities of the staff members initiating an elevator request. The User Authentication and Detection Module utilizes a combination of RFID transponders, biometric scanners, and QR-based patient transport tags to verify the identity and role of the individual at the elevator landing. For instance, a medical doctor wearing a wearable device with integrated sensors can be detected via the IoT network as they approach the elevator bank.
The core intelligence of the system is housed within the AI-Based Elevator Control Unit, which executes a priority algorithm engine. When a user is detected, the system fetches relevant clinical data to determine if the situation constitutes an emergency. If an emergency is confirmed, the AI assigns the highest priority level—Level 1 (Red)—and immediately commands the nearest available elevator to bypass all other calls and proceed directly to the user's floor. In scenarios where an emergency is not present, the system checks for other priority tiers, such as Level 2 (Orange) for ICU transfers or Level 3 (Yellow) for general medical staff, while routine visitors are assigned Level 4 (Green). The IoT Sensor Network, comprising elevator position sensors and floor occupancy detectors, provides the AI with the necessary spatial awareness to calculate the most efficient routing path.
Furthermore, the system includes a communication interface that provides real-time feedback through a mobile application for healthcare staff and a centralized dashboard for facility managers. Visual and audio alerts are deployed within the elevator cars and at the landings to inform occupants of priority overrides, thereby managing user expectations and reducing confusion. The AI algorithm is further designed to be predictive, analyzing historical traffic patterns and clinical schedules to anticipate periods of high demand, such as shift changes or scheduled rounds, and pre-positioning elevators accordingly. This dynamic allocation ensures that the vertical transportation infrastructure operates at peak efficiency while maintaining a steadfast focus on life-saving clinical priorities.
Advantages of the Invention
The present invention offers a multitude of technical and operational advantages over conventional hospital elevator systems. By automating the priority allocation process, it significantly reduces the response time for emergency interventions and patient transfers, which is critical for life-saving procedures. The system enhances patient safety by providing a dedicated and uninterrupted transport path for critical care cases, thereby minimizing the risks associated with transit delays. Additionally, the removal of manual intervention requirements eliminates potential bottlenecks caused by staff having to manage elevator overrides during crises. From a facility management perspective, the invention optimizes the movement of staff and medical equipment, reduces overall congestion, and improves the general workflow efficiency of the hospital. The scalable nature of the AI and IoT framework ensures that the system is applicable to a wide range of healthcare facilities, from small clinics to large-scale multi-specialty hospitals, while simultaneously supporting adherence to NABH and JCI patient safety standards.
, Claims:CLAIMS:
We Claim:
1. A clinical priority-based intelligent elevator control system for healthcare facilities, the system comprising an AI-based control unit, an IoT sensor network, and an integrated interface with a hospital information system (HIS), characterized in that the AI-based control unit dynamically allocates elevator resources by processing real-time clinical urgency data and user identity parameters.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elevator access is dynamically prioritized based on a multi-tier classification of patient clinical urgency retrieved from the HIS or Electronic Medical Records (EMR).
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a user authentication and detection module configured to automatically recognize staff roles and assign priority levels using RFID, biometrics, or wearable devices.
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the IoT sensor network comprises elevator position sensors, floor occupancy sensors, and equipment movement sensors to provide real-time spatial data for the AI-based control unit.
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the AI-based control unit is configured to execute a priority override function, whereby emergency cases are granted immediate elevator access by bypassing routine elevator calls.
6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the AI-based control unit employs predictive algorithms to analyze historical traffic patterns and clinical schedules to forecast elevator demand and optimize routing.
7. The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a communication interface including a mobile application and a centralized dashboard for providing real-time alerts and facility-wide control of the elevator network.
8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system is configured to operate autonomously to reduce emergency response times without the requirement for manual staff intervention.
9. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the priority classification includes at least four distinct levels, ranging from Level 1 for highest emergency cases to Level 4 for routine visitor traffic .
10. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system is designed to facilitate compliance with hospital accreditation and patient safety standards, including NABH and JCI requirements.