Beacon-Based Localization Middleware for Tracking in Medical and Healthcare Environments

This research paper proposes a Middleware model for a Localization System that may be applied in Healthcare environments such as Hospitals or Nursing Homes to track staff, patients, visitors and equipment. It investigates literature regarding indoor localization methods and limitations to determine a suitable algorithm that may be implemented in an infrastructure oriented software. The methodology used to build and test the software is explained. It then illustrates the concept of the Localization Middleware and how it might be used when deployed indoor premises, inside such rooms as a hospital wards, In terms of the functional responsibilities, it is expected to offer an effective implementation of the distance measurement algorithm for Received Signal Strength and the Linear Least-Squares localization algorithm. The simulations of the localization algorithm with the given simulation results are looking promising. However, the real-time tests demonstrated that the range measurement was insufficiently precise to be reliable. Given a more accurate and reliable distance measurement, a more precise localization result could be attained.