2. How does VIS differ from RF only locating systems?
Systems that use RF-based technology alone to report location information are hampered by the nature of radio frequency waves, which penetrate walls and ceilings. This makes reporting an exact location using an RF-based system nearly impossible. RF-based systems can only report the general location of a person or piece of equipment. Because VIS uses infrared technology, it offers location information down to the exact room, or even a specific area within a room.

3. How does VIS use RF signals?
Versus badges emit RF signals in addition to standard IR. VIS uses the RF signals in a number of ways including to signal the need for help. They are also used in a supervisory capacity, so that if a badge is moved to an area without an IR sensor, the RF signal (which travels farther than IR) will notify the system that the badge is still functioning. For example, if a badge is blocked from view of an IR sensor and its signal is not received, the RF signal will penetrate the item blocking the IR, enabling VIS to report the badge’s last known IR location. RF signals are also used to send messages to the system. For example, when a room has been cleaned, a housekeeper can push the "Room Ready" button sending an RF signal to the system telling it the room is now available for use. VIS can also use RF signals to secure pieces of equipment by sending a message to the system when, for example, a laptop leaves a designated zone.

4. What is infrared (IR) light and how safe is it?
Infrared is one of the many forms of light on the electromagnetic spectrum that are not visible to the human eye. The electromagnetic spectrum includes gamma rays, X-rays, ultraviolet, visible, infrared, microwaves, and radio waves. Infrared light waves are longer than visible light waves, and shorter than microwaves. An independent study was conducted in August 2000 by the United States Department of Health and Human Services regarding the safety of infrared light. The study found the same kind of IR pulse emitted from a Versus badge “shows no hazards to the eye.” A copy of the two-page report is available upon request. Furthermore, the infrared signal transmitted by the Versus badge is similar in duration and power to the infrared signals transmitted by ordinary remote controls that operate TVs and VCRs, signals which have never demonstrated any danger to humans during decades of use.

5. Will the Versus Information System interfere with other equipment we have?
No. The Versus Information System operates within all FCC compliance rules and does not interfere with hospital equipment, including pacemakers, heart monitors or telemetry equipment. VIS uses infrared light with a modulation frequency slightly higher than the remote controls that operate common TVs and VCRs. The radio frequency component of our system operates at a frequency of almost half that of cell phones, similar to key-fobs used to lock or unlock car doors from a distance.

6. How does your system interface with other systems for example: nurse call, legacy or enterprise systems and 802.11?
VIS interfaces with any system supported by Microsoft® SQL Server. Versus uses the following standards for interfacing:

7. How much bandwidth is required by the system?
The amount of bandwidth VIS uses is directly related to the size of the system. A system that has 100 badges on mobile individuals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week would require 24 KB/sec.

The above estimate is based on personnel tracking applications. In equipment tracking applications, the actual bandwidth requirements would be less.

8. What kind of ongoing preventive maintenance is required for the system?
The most frequent maintenance involved with the Versus Information System is the ongoing assignment of badges to personnel, patients or equipment, and the deletion of former badge assignments from the system. Versus’ Badge Wizard software makes this an easy process. Additionally, badge batteries require periodic replacement and VIS will identify and report low battery badges and tags..

9. What is the average battery life in the badges?
Versus tags emit both IR and RF signals. Typical fire rates for IR are set at every 3 seconds on Badges and 9 seconds for Asset Tags. RF signals are set at every 12 seconds on each type of badge. Firing rates can be customized when tag order is placed. Since Versus tags feature a motion sensor, the tag will go to “sleep” (fire less often to save on battery life) when there is no movement.

Using the new XL technology, asset tag batteries last up to three years, depending on the firing rate selected when ordered. Patient/personnel tags have a shorter battery life because they are in use and “firing” signals more frequently than asset tags; consequently, badge batteries last up to 18 months.