Tablet-Based Contact Tracing with the M8 nP2UE Enclosure

We previously looked at how the M8 nP2UE enclosure for the Lenovo Tab M8 HD (ZA5G0060US or TB-8505F) can be used in a restaurant kitchen. This article will look at how it can be beneficial for contact tracing in schools and businesses.

The M8 nP2UE Enclosure is a custom LAVA enclosure for the Lenovo Tab M8 HD (sold separately) that features an integrated nLTS-P2UE adapter that provides simultaneous tablet charging and access to data (SimulCharge). The built in adapter provides the tablet with Power over Ethernet (PoE), Ethernet and two USB-A ports for attaching peripherals. The Tab M8 HD is a low-cost tablet that features an eight-inch display, which provides a decent resolution (1,280×800) for everyday use, 2 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage.

The M8 nP2UE enclosure and Lenovo tablet can provide a streamlined solution for contact tracing in schools and other locations, which is important as we continue to battle COVID-19. Staff and students can use the tablet’s touchscreen to check in and its database can be updated in real time through the wired Ethernet connection. Then, if anyone reports having contracted the virus, the school can easily contact the students and faculty to warn them of their possible exposure.

The enclosure’s built-in VESA mounts and additional USB-A ports provide great versatility. The VESA mounts allow the enclosure to be placed almost anywhere, both on walls and desktops – creating a high degree of customization for mounting and ease of use. Through the two USB ports located on the enclosure, the system can be further expanded to include a hands-free mode. Using third-party systems such as RFID scanners and card readers (linked to the tablet through the USB ports) contact tracing can be performed through the scanning of ID cards or bracelets. This further increases the safety level of the system by eliminating any high contact zones on or around the tablet and screen.

Leveraging PoE technology, the nP2uE enclosure can be placed up to 328 ft (100 m) from the power source, thus allowing institutions to place their devices in hallways or other convenient locations for easier access (With the VESA mounting holes, you can even screw the enclosure onto the wall.). If the school doesn’t have PoE capabilities, it can be plugged into an AC electrical outlet via a standard 5-volt connector.

The M8 nP2UE with Lenovo Tab M8 HD provides a streamlined contact tracing system for a school or business. People can check in via the tablet’s touchscreen (or through USB peripherals for a hands-free option) and the institution’s internal database can update over the wired Ethernet connection.