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WO1998018111A1 - Procedes et dispositif pour une identification sure des nourrissons et des parents dans les etablissements de soins - Google Patents

Procedes et dispositif pour une identification sure des nourrissons et des parents dans les etablissements de soins Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1998018111A1
WO1998018111A1 PCT/US1997/018539 US9718539W WO9818111A1 WO 1998018111 A1 WO1998018111 A1 WO 1998018111A1 US 9718539 W US9718539 W US 9718539W WO 9818111 A1 WO9818111 A1 WO 9818111A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
data
identification
parent
button
bracelets
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US1997/018539
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English (en)
Inventor
Nicholas J. Webb
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Talon Medical Ltd
Original Assignee
Talon Medical Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Talon Medical Ltd filed Critical Talon Medical Ltd
Priority to AU49832/97A priority Critical patent/AU4983297A/en
Publication of WO1998018111A1 publication Critical patent/WO1998018111A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
    • G08B21/02—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons

Definitions

  • the invention relates to identification bracelets worn by infants and parents, which are used in hospitals to identify parents and infants as being members of the same family. More particularly, the invention relates to encoded bracelets, methods for encoding the bracelets, apparatus for reading the codes in the bracelets and methods for reading the codes in the bracelets.
  • Identification bracelets are attached to newborn infants almost immediately after birth so that the infant may be identified as the child of a particular mother. Infant identification bracelets are particularly necessary because the infants cannot identify themselves and because newborn infants are not familiar to their parents and are not easily distinguished from each other visually.
  • the typical identification bracelets utilized for both adults and infants in hospitals are clear plastic straps which have a pocket (or opaque straps with a clear pocket) in which a printed paper is inserted.
  • the pockets are not wholly transparent, but usually have a milky translucence which makes it difficult to read the printed paper contained in the strap.
  • the printed paper is often printed poorly which makes reading the information printed thereon difficult, especially in low light conditions.
  • a parent-infant identification system includes a matched set of three bracelets each bearing matching visual indicia and data which cannot be read without the aid of a data reading apparatus, and a data reading apparatus.
  • Two of the three bracelets are sized to fit adult wrists and the third bracelet is sized to fit an infant wrist or ankle.
  • two infant bracelets are provided, one for the wrist and one for the ankle.
  • the matching visual indicia includes a serial number imprinted on the bracelet and preferably also includes a color code.
  • the data which cannot be read without the aid of a data reading apparatus are contained in "data buttons".
  • the data buttons each contain electronically readable data which allows the data buttons to be identified with a data button reader.
  • the data button reader includes matching apparatus for determining whether the data button on one bracelet matches the data button on another bracelet, signal apparatus for signalling whether or not the data buttons match, and recording apparatus for recording the results of each reading transaction.
  • the data which cannot be read without the aid of a data reading apparatus are unique to each bracelet, but are related to each other such that a match determination can be made upon reading the data from two bracelets.
  • the data on the infant bracelet is derived as a function of the data on each of the parent bracelets .
  • the electronically readable data in each data button includes data which identifies whether the button is attached to a parent bracelet or an infant bracelet.
  • the data button on the infant bracelet contains matching data for matching the infant bracelet with the parent bracelets and the matching data is preferably encrypted.
  • the data buttons on the parent bracelets each includes the matching data for matching them with the infant bracelet data button as well as password data needed for reading the encrypted data on the infant data button.
  • the presently preferred embodiment of the data button reading apparatus includes an audible signal apparatus which produces at least three distinctive audible signals: a signal which indicates a successful reading of a data button, a signal which indicates a successful matching of two data buttons, and a signal which indicates that two read data buttons do not match.
  • a fourth audible signal is produced to indicate a reading error.
  • a fifth audible signal is produced upon a 15-30 second time out between button reads.
  • the recording apparatus in the data button reading apparatus preferably includes a time and date stamping apparatus which records the time and date of each button reading and the results of the attempted match of two data buttons.
  • the infant data button contains encrypted information and cannot be read without having obtained the password data from a parent data button.
  • Figure 1 is a plan view of a matched set of parent and infant identification bracelets according to the invention.
  • Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the identification data contained in a parent bracelet data button according to the invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the identification data contained in an infant bracelet data button according to the invention.
  • Figure 4 is a side elevation view of a data button reader and a parent bracelet according to the invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of the functional components of the data button reader of Figure 4.
  • Figure 6 is a schematic flow chart illustrating a method of encoding parent and infant data buttons according to the invention.
  • Figure ⁇ a is a schematic flow chart illustrating an alternative, simpler, method of encoding parent and infant data buttons according to the invention
  • Figure 7 is a schematic flow chart illustrating a method of reading parent and infant data buttons according to the invention.
  • FIGS 8a through 8f illustrate an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein unique bar code data is provided on each of the parent and infant bracelets.
  • Figure 9 is a side elevation view of a bundle of color coded identification bracelet kits according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
  • a parent-infant identification system includes a matched set of two adult bracelets 10, 12, and one infant bracelet 14, each bearing matching visual indicia 10a, 12a, 14a, and an electronically readable data button 10b 12b, 14b.
  • the visual indicia 10a, 12a, 14a includes a serial number, e.g. "1028".
  • the visual indicia also preferably includes a color coding scheme.
  • the infant bracelet 14 includes a micro-magnetic strip 14c such as one available from Knogo, Hauppauge, NY under the trademark SUPERSTRIP.
  • a presently preferred embodiment of the invention may include two infant bracelets, one with a data button and one without.
  • the data button bracelet is preferably attached to the infant's ankle.
  • the electronically readable data buttons 10b 12b, 14b are of the type manufactured by Dallas Semiconductor, Dallas, TX, under the trademarks TOUCH MEMORY and " ⁇ Button".
  • Each data button contains a non-volatile programmable read-only memory (PROM) and an unalterable laser encoded unique 48-bit serial number with a CRC (cyclic redundancy check) code.
  • the 48-bit serial number includes a "family code" which identifies the button as being one of several types available from the manufacturer.
  • the buttons are available with adhesive backing.
  • a suitable strap for making the bracelets according to the invention is available from Precision Dynamics Corp., San Fernando, CA.
  • the buttons 10a, 12a, 14a are attached to the straps with plastic slides lOd, 12d, 14d to which the buttons are adhered with their adhesive backing.
  • buttons 10b, 12b used on the parent bracelets 10, 12 are selected to have the same "family code” 20 and the button 14b used on the infant bracelet 14 is selected to have a different "family code” 22.
  • the 48-bit serial number and the CRC in the parent buttons is left unaltered, but the CRC 24 of each parent button is used as an encryption seed to encrypt the 48-bit serial number (parent button ID) 26.
  • the encrypted parent button IDs 28, 30 ( Figure 3) are stored in a "write once" PROM of the infant data button for use in the identification method according to the invention.
  • the identification system also includes a data button reader 16 which may be of the type available from either Dallas Semiconductor or Texas Instruments, Dallas, TX which is modified as described herein.
  • the reader is a modified TOUCH PROBE available from Videx, Portland, OR.
  • the reader 16 generally includes a probe 16a for reading the data buttons when contacting them, a visual display 16b for displaying data and prompts, and a plurality of operational keys 16c for operating the reader.
  • the reader 16 is also provided with an audio transducer 16d and a download port 16e.
  • the presently preferred modified TOUCH PROBE does not have a keypad or an alphanumeric display, and the download port is via the probe.
  • the reader 16 also includes read/write apparatus 16f, temporary storage 16g, a comparator/processor 16h, a recording apparatus with non-volatile memory 16i, and a clock-calendar 16j for registering a time & date stamp.
  • the read/write apparatus 16f communicates with the probe 16a and the temporary storage 16g during an identification procedure to temporarily store the data read from two data buttons for comparison by the comparator 16h.
  • the identity of the data buttons and the results of the comparison are recorded in non-volatile memory by the recording apparatus 16i which adds a time and date stamp from the clock-calendar 16i.
  • the stored results are downloaded via the download port 16e to a central computer and form an "audit trail" of all attempted matchings of parents and infants.
  • the signalling apparatus 16b, 16d produces different signals depending on whether a button has been successfully read and whether a matching parent and infant have been identified. The functions of the reader 16 are described below with reference to Figure 7 wherein the reading and matching methods of the invention are explained.
  • the identification bracelet set shown in Figure 1 is prepared such that the data button 14b on the infant bracelet 14 contains data relating to the parent buttons 10b, 12b.
  • Figure 6 illustrates a method of the invention for programming the infant data button.
  • the programming operation may be carried out with a standard button reader/writer available from Texas Instruments or Dallas Semiconductor or may be accomplished with a personal computer and data button probe kit which is also available from Dallas Semiconductor.
  • the data buttons are programmed by the manufacturer prior to packaging so that they arrive at a health care facility ready to use without the need for programming.
  • the infant button is read first at 50. It is determined at 52, by reading the "family code", whether the button is one of the two parent buttons or the infant button. If the button is not an infant button, the user (manufacturer) is prompted to read the infant button first and the program returns to 50. If the button is an infant button, the data in the button (ID, CRC, and any data in PROM) is read at 54. The data is analyzed at 56 to determine whether the infant button already contains encrypted parent IDs. If the infant button was already programmed, the user is prompted and the program returns to 50. If the infant button does not contain encrypted parent IDs, the infant button ID and CRC are stored at 58 for use later in the program.
  • the user is then prompted to read a parent button at 60.
  • the "family code” is read and it is determined whether the button is a parent button at 62. If the button is not a parent button, the user is prompted and the program returns to 60. If the button is a parent button, the ID and CRC from the parent button are read at 64 and stored at 66 with an indication that this is the first of two parent buttons. The user is then prompted to read the second parent button at 68.
  • the "family code” is read and it is determined whether the button is a parent button at 70. If the button is not a parent button, the user is prompted and the program returns to 68.
  • the button is a parent button
  • the ID and CRC from the parent button are read at 72 and it is determined at 74 whether this parent button is the previously read "first parent button". If this button is the same previously read button, the user is prompted and the program returns to 68. If it is determined at 74 that this is the second parent button, the ID and CRC for the button are stored at 76 with an indication that this is the second of two parent buttons.
  • the parent IDs are encrypted using the CRC as an encryption seed.
  • the first parent ID is encrypted using the first parent button CRC and the CRC of the infant button.
  • the second parent ID is encrypted using the second parent button CRC an the CRC of the infant button.
  • the encryption takes place at 78 in Figure 6.
  • the user is then prompted to read the infant button at 80.
  • the button data is compared at 82 to the button data stored at 58. If the button is not the same infant button that was read earlier, the user is prompted and the program returns to 80. If it is determined at 82 that the button is the same infant button that was read earlier, the PROM of the infant button is written with the encrypted parent IDs at 84.
  • FIG. 6a An alternative, simpler, programming procedure is illustrated in Figure 6a.
  • the infant data button is read at 150.
  • the data is checked at 152 to determine a successful read. If the read was not successful, an error tone is sounded at 154.
  • the infant data is stored at 156.
  • the first parent button is read at 158, checked at 160, and, if successfully read, stored at 162.
  • the second parent button is read at 164, checked at 166, and, if successfully read, stored at 168.
  • the infant button is encoded with the data from both parent buttons at 170.
  • the data is verified at 174 by comparing it with the data stored at 162 and 168. If it is determined at 176 that the verification failed, an error tone is generated at 154. If the verification was successful, a set of labels may be generated at 178. The labels will be packaged with the bracelet kit and used as additional indicia for matching the bracelets.
  • the above described programming procedure is performed during the manufacture and assembly of the identification bracelet set shown in Figure 1.
  • the identification bracelets 10, 12, and 14 are then packaged together in a sealed package for delivery to a health care facility with a button reader, if needed.
  • the health care facility may already have one or more button readers if they have been using the system according to the invention.
  • the bracelets do not require any programming by the health care facility.
  • a pre-packaged matched set of bracelets is opened and the infant bracelet is attached to the infant's wrist or ankle.
  • One of the parent bracelets is attached to the mother's wrist. If the father is present, the other parent bracelet is attached to the father's wrist. If the father is not present, both parent bracelets are attached to the mother's wrist (s). Once this is accomplished, the button reader will be used every time the infant is brought to the mother or the father.
  • the button reader 16 is placed next to a bracelet 10 and the probe 16a is placed in contact with the data button 10a.
  • the reader is activated and the button (either a parent button or an infant button) is read at 100 in Figure 7.
  • the data and CRC are compared at 102 to determine whether the read was successful. If the CRC does not match the data, an error tone (e.g. "uh-oh") is sounded at 104 and the reader attempts again at 100 to read the button.
  • an error tone e.g. "uh-oh”
  • a success tone (e.g., several notes from Hush Little Baby) is sounded at 106 and the data and CRC is stored at 108.
  • the user hospital or health care practitioner
  • the data and CRC from the second button are compared at 112 and if the data was not correctly read, an error tone is sounded at 114.
  • the family codes of the first and second button are compared and if they are not different (i.e. one parent and one infant) , an error tone is sounded.
  • a success tone is sounded at 116 and the data and CRC from the second button is stored at 118. Referring briefly to Figure 5, all of the above steps are accomplished by the read/write apparatus 16f, the temporary storage 16g, and the signalling apparatus 16b, 16d.
  • the data stored at 108 and 118 is decrypted and compared at 120 and a determination is made at 122 whether the parent and infant buttons match. If the buttons do not match, a mismatch tone (e.g. a siren) is sounded at 124 and the transaction is recorded at 128 indicating the date and time that the mismatch occurred. If the buttons are found at 122 to match, a match tone preferably having a nursery theme (e.g., several notes from Hush Little Baby) is sounded at 126 and the transaction recorded at 128 indicating the date and time that the match was made.
  • a mismatch tone e.g. a siren
  • a match tone preferably having a nursery theme (e.g., several notes from Hush Little Baby) is sounded at 126 and the transaction recorded at 128 indicating the date and time that the match was made.
  • the stored transactions are downloaded from the button reader at regular intervals, such as once a day.
  • the transactions are downloaded to a central computer which maintains an audit trail of each transaction involving the matching of a parent and an infant.
  • FIGS 8a through 8f illustrate how the bracelets can be encoded using the CODE30F9X1 bar code.
  • a first parent bar code 200 represents eight digits, the first of which 202 is an indicator that the code represents a parent bracelet.
  • Figures 8c and 8d show a second parent bar code 300, the first of which 302 is an indicator that the code represents a parent bracelet.
  • the next four digits 304 represent the parent ID, and the last four digits 306 are not used.
  • Figures 8e and 8f show an infant bar code 400.
  • the first digit 402 represented by the bar code 400 indicates that the bar code represents an infant bracelet and the remaining eight digits 404 represent a function of both parent IDs.
  • the digits 404 are a concatenation of the first parent ID 204 and the second parent ID 304.
  • the methods and apparatus of the invention provide a positive identification of parents and infants which will prevent inadvertent or deceptive mismatching of parents and infants.
  • the inventive system is virtually error-free, is easy to use, provides positive feedback in low light conditions, and provides an audit trail in order to confirm that infants have not been misplaced.
  • the bracelet sets according to the invention are provided with multiple indicia as an additional confirmation that the parents and infant are from the same family and to assure that the bracelets are from the same set when they are attached to the parents and the infant.
  • each bracelet set is a distinctive color and a modulus of up to fifty distinctive colors/combinations is provided when shipping boxes of bracelet sets.
  • a first bracelet set having three red bracelets 10, 12, 14 is packaged in a clear sealed container 17.
  • a second bracelet set having three white bracelets 510, 512, 514 is packaged in a clear sealed container 517.
  • a third bracelet set having three green bracelets 610, 612, 614 is packaged in a clear sealed container 617.
  • a fourth bracelet set having three blue bracelets 710, 712, 714 is packaged in a clear sealed container 717.
  • a fifth bracelet set having three yellow bracelets 810, 812, 814 is packaged in a clear sealed container 817.
  • a sixth bracelet set having three red and blue striped bracelets 910, 912, 914 is packaged in a clear sealed container 917.
  • the number of bracelet sets may vary, but according to the invention, they are packed so that no two consecutively packed sets have the same color. Preferably, no two sets in any box have the same color. In this manner, the likelihood that any two mothers in a maternity ward will wear bracelets of the same color is minimized and the positive identification of infants and parents is enhanced.
  • an identification bracelet system for identifying parents and infants in a health care facility. While particular embodiments of the invention have been described, it is not intended that the invention be limited thereto, as it is intended that the invention be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Thus, while particular visual data for the bracelets have been disclosed, it will be appreciated that other visual could also be utilized. In particular, the bracelets may be provided with a conventional label carrying pocket and a printed label may be inserted therein. Also, while plastic slides have been shown for attaching data buttons to straps, it will be recognized that other types of attachments could be used with similar results obtained.
  • buttons have been disclosed as having a display, it will be understood that a button reader having only audible signalling can achieve the same or similar function as disclosed herein.
  • different types of audible 'signalling can be used such as digitized speech signals, e.g. "match”, “no match”, “please re-read”, different types of musical signals, etc. It will therefore be appreciated by those skilled in the art that yet other modifications could be made to the provided invention without deviating from its spirit and scope as so claimed.

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  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Emergency Management (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Measurement Of The Respiration, Hearing Ability, Form, And Blood Characteristics Of Living Organisms (AREA)

Abstract

Système d'identification parent-enfant composé d'un ensemble de deux bracelets adultes assortis (10, 12) et d'un bracelet pour nourrisson (14) assorti, dont chacun porte des indications visuelles communes (10a, 12a, 14a) ainsi qu'une pastille contenant des données pour lecture électronique (10b, 12b, 14b) et d'un dispositif de lecture (16) pour les pastilles de données. Les indications visuelles communes comprennent de préférence un code de couleurs. Les données pour lecture électronique comprise dans chaque pastille renferment des données (20, 22) spécifiant si la pastille est attachée au bracelet d'un parent ou au bracelet d'un nourrisson. La pastille de données du bracelet pour nourrisson contient des données correspondantes (28, 30) permettant d'apparier le bracelet du nourrisson aux bracelets des parents, les données correspondantes étant codées. es pastilles de données sur les bracelets des parents comprennent chacune les données correspondantes (26) permettant de la apparier avec la pastille du bracelet du nourrisson ainsi que les données mot de passe (24) nécessaires pour lire les données codées dans la pastille du nourrisson.
PCT/US1997/018539 1996-10-18 1997-10-15 Procedes et dispositif pour une identification sure des nourrissons et des parents dans les etablissements de soins Ceased WO1998018111A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU49832/97A AU4983297A (en) 1996-10-18 1997-10-15 Methods and apparatus for the secure identification of infants and parents in health care institutions

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US73376396A 1996-10-18 1996-10-18
US08/733,763 1996-10-18

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1998018111A1 true WO1998018111A1 (fr) 1998-04-30

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1997/018539 Ceased WO1998018111A1 (fr) 1996-10-18 1997-10-15 Procedes et dispositif pour une identification sure des nourrissons et des parents dans les etablissements de soins

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AU (1) AU4983297A (fr)
WO (1) WO1998018111A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6187540B1 (en) 1998-11-09 2001-02-13 Identigene, Inc. Method of newborn identification and tracking

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3965589A (en) * 1975-02-12 1976-06-29 Bio-Logics Products, Inc. Identification means
US4628193A (en) * 1980-01-30 1986-12-09 Blum Alvin S Code reading operations supervisor
US5006830A (en) * 1989-10-16 1991-04-09 Rebecca Merritt Method and device for deterring the unauthorized removal of a newborn from a defined area
US5423574A (en) * 1993-12-10 1995-06-13 Forte-Pathroff; Denise Child loss prevention system and method of use

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3965589A (en) * 1975-02-12 1976-06-29 Bio-Logics Products, Inc. Identification means
US4628193A (en) * 1980-01-30 1986-12-09 Blum Alvin S Code reading operations supervisor
US5006830A (en) * 1989-10-16 1991-04-09 Rebecca Merritt Method and device for deterring the unauthorized removal of a newborn from a defined area
US5423574A (en) * 1993-12-10 1995-06-13 Forte-Pathroff; Denise Child loss prevention system and method of use

Non-Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
"Touch Memory Starter Kit", DALLAS SEMICONDUCTER USER'S MANUAL, July 1991, pages 1-11. *
"Touch the Future", DALLAS SEMICONDUCTOR BROCHURE, July 1991, pages 1-10. *

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6187540B1 (en) 1998-11-09 2001-02-13 Identigene, Inc. Method of newborn identification and tracking

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