Sterilizing system

Abstract

The present invention may be a sterilization processing system, more specifically comprising: a sterilization device body having an opening formed in the middle of the front portion; a receiving portion provided at a distance from the inner rear of the opening of the sterilization device body to receive an object to be processed; a sterilization portion provided within the sterilization device body to create a sterilization environment for the inner side of the receiving portion; a sliding door portion that operates to open and close between the opening and the receiving portion; a driving portion that operates to open and close the sliding door portion within a set range; a reading portion that reads an information storage unit provided on the object to be processed as a module integrally provided at the top of the sliding door portion; and a control portion that analyzes the operation of creating a sterilization environment of the sterilization portion, the operation of opening and closing of the driving portion for the sliding door portion, and the reading timing and reading information of the reading portion, and stores and manages the analysis information.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sterilization treatment system, and more specifically, to a sterilization treatment system that sterilizes a treatment target, including medical waste, in a receiving portion within a chamber so that safe incineration or landfilling can be achieved. Background Technology

[0003] Medical waste is waste generated from hospitals or clinical laboratories, and medical supplies such as gauze, cotton swabs, and syringes, which have a high risk of infection, as well as blood-contaminated materials and excised organs, which have a high possibility of secondary infection, must be separated from general waste and disposed of hygienically in accordance with the Medical Service Act.

[0004] If such infectious waste is sent to sanitation workers or disposal contractors without proper treatment, such as sterilization, there is a risk of injury or infection; furthermore, if it is buried underground or disposed of in rivers or the sea, it contaminates the soil or water quality, affecting the ecosystem.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to immediately sterilize and disinfect medical waste at the medical facility itself and then incinerate it. If post-treatment is entrusted to an external company, it is necessary to package the waste by type and specify the type to prevent the risk of secondary infection or injury.

[0006] Sterilizers used to sterilize and disinfect medical waste such as the above in medical institutions, research institutes, and animal hospitals remove infectious agents using methods such as high temperature and high pressure, plasma, dry heat, or ultraviolet (UV).

[0007] However, in conventional sterilization processes, identification and tracking of objects to be sterilized are often performed by operators using barcode scanning or manual input, which leads to problems such as misrecognition and omission due to human error, reduced safety due to additional work in environments exposed to infectious agents, and the lack of linkage between process data before and after sterilization.

[0008] In particular, the medical waste treatment system relies heavily on linear processing of collection, transportation, and incineration, leading to issues such as increased transportation distances, greenhouse gas emissions, and exposure to infection risks. Consequently, there is a growing demand for technology that integrates sterilization, identification, and recording at the source (wards, operating rooms, etc.).

[0009] Recently, technology for acquiring medical waste treatment data using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) has been introduced, enabling the rapid collection of tag information even in non-contact and non-line-of-sight environments; however, there are problems in ensuring stable reading quality inside the chamber and around the entrance due to metal chamber structures, moisture / vapor, radio wave absorption / reflection by the packaging layer, and blind spots in the antenna radiation pattern. Prior art literature

[0011] Republic of Korea Utility Model Publication No. 20-2000-0000339 (Published: Jan. 15, 2000) The problem to be solved

[0012] The present invention aims to provide a sterilization processing system capable of improving reading reliability by reading an information storage device attached to a processing object from the direction of inflow when a door part that operates to open and close a receiving part of a chamber in which a processing object is loaded is lowered to open the receiving part, and reading the information storage device attached to the processing object again while the recognition direction is switched toward the processing object while the door part is raised to close the receiving part.

[0013] The present invention aims to provide a sterilization processing system that protects the reading unit from high temperature, high pressure, plasma, dry heat, or ultraviolet (UV) rays in a sterilization environment by ensuring that when the door unit is raised to close the receiving unit for a sterilization processing operation on a workpiece, the reading unit that reads the information storage unit is disconnected from the receiving unit. means of solving the problem

[0015] The present invention may comprise: a sterilization device body having an opening formed in the middle of the front portion; a receiving portion provided at a distance from the inner rear of the opening of the body to receive an object to be processed; a sterilization portion provided within the body to create a sterilization environment for the inner side of the receiving portion; a sliding door portion that operates to open and close between the opening and the receiving portion; a driving portion that operates to open and close the door portion within a set range; a reading portion that reads an information storage unit provided on the object to be processed, as a module integrally provided at the top of the door portion; and a control portion that analyzes the operation of creating a sterilization environment of the sterilization portion, the operation of opening and closing of the driving portion for the door portion, and the reading timing and reading information of the reading portion, and stores and manages the analysis information.

[0016] The treatment target of the present invention is at least one of a medical device, medical supplies, or medical waste requiring sterilization or inactivation treatment, and an information storage body is attached to the surface of the treatment target itself or to the packaging material, and

[0017] The above information storage body may include an RFID tag, barcode, or QR code on which information about the object to be processed is recorded.

[0018] The sterilization unit of the present invention may be a sterilization processor provided within the main body and creating a sterilization environment for the inside of the receiving unit according to a control signal of the control unit, and may be a device that processes any one of high-pressure steam sterilization, plasma sterilization, hydrogen peroxide sterilization, micro sterilization, or frictional heat sterilization.

[0019] The door portion of the present invention may include: a door that operates to open and close in a vertical or horizontal direction between the receiving portion and the opening; a movable block that connects both sides of the door so as to be openable and closeable by the driving portion; and a door cover that surrounds and protects the front of the door, the rim, and the reading portion provided on the top of the door.

[0020] The driving unit of the present invention may include: a guide rail provided parallel to both sides of the opening and closing direction of the door unit and providing a path of the door unit coupled to be openable and closable; and an opening and closing driving body that provides an opening and closing driving force according to a control signal of the control unit while connected to both sides of the door unit.

[0021] The reading unit of the present invention is a reader that operates according to a control signal of the control unit to read the information storage body of the object to be processed, and may be at least one of a radio wave reading module including an RFID reader, an X-RAY device, a vision reading module including an ultrasonic device, or an image reading module including a near-infrared (NIR) camera.

[0022] The control unit of the present invention may include a control circuit equipped with an algorithm or program that outputs and controls a control signal for the operation of creating a sterilization environment of the sterilization unit and the opening and closing operation of the driving unit for the door unit according to a value pre-set by operation of an input unit provided outside the main body, analyzes the reading timing and reading information of the reading unit, stores and manages the analysis information in a database, and displays the operating status to the outside through an output unit provided outside the main body.

[0023] The control unit of the present invention may compare information read by the reading unit in a first direction and a second direction, and if the read information is the same, analyze and store the read information, delete and exclude it from the data linkage of the sterilization method.

[0024] The present invention may further include a camera module and a light for capturing an external image of an information storage body of the object to be processed at the top of the door portion, and the control unit may further include a function of determining whether the image transmitted from the camera module is an image that is unidentifiable and outputting an alarm.

[0025] The present invention may further include a direction switching unit that switches the direction of the reading unit to a first direction and a second direction.

[0026] The direction changing unit of the present invention may include a rotating shaft that fixes and supports the reading unit; and a motor that rotates the rotating shaft so that the reading unit switches the reading direction to a first direction or a second direction according to a control signal of the control unit. Effects of the invention

[0028] The present invention enables the minimization of human intervention by automatically identifying information of objects to be sterilized through RFID tag recognition, and even in cases where the radio wave environment is unfavorable or there is a possibility of tag damage, it can be replaced or supplemented through X-ray fluoroscopy-based QR code recognition or ultrasound / near-infrared fluoroscopy-based recognition, thereby achieving the effect of improving the traceability and safety of the sterilization process.

[0029] The present invention achieves the effect of reducing the blind spot range of the chamber interior, entrance, and loading surface, while improving the reading rate and ensuring reading integrity by preventing duplicate omissions of the objects to be treated, by having the direction changing unit switch the reading direction of the reading unit to a first direction, which is the horizontal inlet direction of the object to be sterilized, and a second direction, which is the receiving part direction of the chamber, and by reading and recognizing the object to be treated that is introduced into the receiving part or the object to be treated that has been introduced.

[0030] The present invention reduces exposure to infection by reducing worker intervention through door-scan synchronization, increases regulatory compliance and validation efficiency by automating and documenting verification of sterilization effectiveness through camera / chemical indicator linkage, and achieves the effect of minimizing transport distance and carbon emissions by contributing to a phased sterilization and recycling scenario for medical waste. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0032] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view illustrating the overall configuration of the present invention (door part closed state). FIG. 2 is an external perspective view illustrating the overall configuration of the present invention (door part in open state). FIG. 3 is a plan cross-sectional view illustrating the overall configuration and main structure of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the overall configuration and main structure of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the main parts (receiving part, door part, reading part, direction changing part) of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a device configuration illustrating the schematic configuration of a main part of the present invention. FIGS. 7a) and 7b) are perspective views illustrating an embodiment and operating state of a direction changing unit of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the state in which the door part is lowered by the driving part of the present invention. FIG. 9 is an example diagram of the present invention in which a processing object is introduced into a receiving section while the door section is lowered, and in that state, the reading section is switched to a first direction to scan and read the information storage body of the processing object. FIG. 10 is an example diagram of the present invention in which, during the process of the door part rising, the reading part is switched to a second direction to scan and read the information storage body of the processing target loaded in the receiving part. FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating the state in which the door part is raised by the driving part of the present invention. FIG. 12 is an exemplary diagram of the present invention in which the door part is fully raised and the sterilization part sterilizes the objects to be processed loaded in the receiving part, and the reading part is disconnected from the sterilization environment. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Identical or similar components regardless of drawing symbols are assigned the same reference number, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, in describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of related prior art could obscure the essence of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0034] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0035] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0036] In this application, each step described may be performed regardless of the order listed, except where it must be performed in the order listed by a particular causal relationship.

[0037] In this application, terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0039] The present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0040] As shown in the attached drawings FIGS. 1 to 6, the sterilization processing system (100) of the present invention comprises: a sterilization device body (110) having an opening (111) formed in the middle of the front portion; a receiving portion (120) provided at a distance from the inner rear of the opening (111) of the body (110) to receive a workpiece (10); a sterilization portion (130) provided within the body (110) to create a sterilization environment for the inner side of the receiving portion (120); a sliding door portion (140) that operates to open and close between the opening (111) and the receiving portion (120); a driving portion (150) that operates to open and close the door portion (140) within a set range; and a reading portion (160) which is a module integrally provided at the top of the door portion (140) and reads an information storage body (11) provided on the workpiece (10). It may include a control unit (180) that analyzes the operation of creating a sterilization environment of the sterilization unit (130), the opening and closing operation of the driving unit (150) for the door unit (140), and the reading timing and reading information of the reading unit (160), and stores and manages the analysis information.

[0041] The present invention enables the minimization of human intervention by automatically identifying information of objects to be sterilized through RFID tag recognition, and even in cases where the radio wave environment is unfavorable or there is a possibility of tag damage, it is possible to replace or supplement it through X-ray fluoroscopy-based QR code recognition or ultrasound / near-infrared fluoroscopy-based recognition, thereby improving the traceability and safety of the sterilization process.

[0042] The object to be treated (10) that is sterilized by the present invention may be medical supplies such as gauze, cotton wool, or syringes, or medical waste including blood-contaminated materials or excised organs that have a high possibility of secondary infection, and an information storage body (11) is attached to the surface of the object to be treated (10) itself or to the packaging material, and the information storage body (11) may include an RFID tag, a barcode, or a QR code on which information about the object to be treated (10) is recorded.

[0043] Here, the main body (110) of the present invention may have a shielding means (115) provided on each of the opening (111) and the edge of the receiving portion (120) facing each of the two sides of the door portion (140).

[0044] The main body (110) of the present invention may be equipped with an input / output panel (112) including an input unit such as a keypad for setting operation values ​​of the entire sterilization system including power ON / OFF, operation start / stop, emergency stop, etc., and an output unit for visually and audibly displaying the operation status; a power supply unit (113) that receives commercial power and converts it into operating power to supply it; and a communication unit (communication module) that connects to an external management computer or a manager's mobile terminal via wired or wireless communication.

[0045] Meanwhile, the receiving portion (120) in the present invention may be a receiving space of a front-opening enclosure, i.e., a chamber, formed of metal or a heat-resistant synthetic resin.

[0046] The above-mentioned receiving portion (120) of the present invention is satisfied if it is made of a material having durability suitable for sterilization methods such as high temperature, high pressure, or plasma / UV.

[0047] In addition, the sterilization unit (130) of the present invention may be a sterilization processor that is provided within the main body (110) and creates a sterilization environment within the receiving unit (120) according to a control signal of the control unit (180), and may be any one of sterilization devices that perform high-pressure steam sterilization, plasma sterilization, hydrogen peroxide sterilization, micro sterilization, and frictional heat sterilization.

[0048] Among the above-mentioned sterilization unit (130), the high-temperature and high-pressure steam generator (Autoclave, steam sterilization) may be composed of a steam generator (steam generating device) that injects steam into the receiving unit (120), which is a sterilization chamber, a pressure valve for controlling the pressure of the injected steam, a temperature / pressure sensor that measures the temperature and pressure inside the receiving unit (120), a safety interlock that maintains the door closed state of the receiving unit (120), and a discharge device that discharges steam condensate after sterilization treatment.

[0049] When examining the operation of the above-mentioned high-temperature and high-pressure steam generator, if the receiving portion (120) is sealed and steam is injected under pressure, the high-temperature steam penetrates the surface and interior of the object to be treated (10), causing bacterial protein denaturation and enzyme inactivation, and if maintained for a certain period of time (e.g., 15 to 30 minutes or more), even heat-resistant spores are killed. This is the most traditional and highly reliable method and is widely used for sterilizing medical instruments, textiles, and metal instruments.

[0050] Among the above sterilization unit (130), the plasma generator (low-temperature plasma, H2O2-based) may be connected to the receiving unit (120) and may include a vacuum pump for creating a vacuum environment, a sterilizing agent injection device (hydrogen peroxide solution), an RF or microwave generator (plasma generation), a sensor, and a residual gas removal filter.

[0051] When examining the operation of the above-mentioned plasma generator, the vacuum pump creates a vacuum in the receiving section (120), then injects hydrogen peroxide vapor, and when the hydrogen peroxide is ionized and activated by RF / microwave energy to convert it into a plasma state, the generated radicals (active species such as OH·, O2, etc.) oxidize and decompose the microbial cell membranes, proteins, and DNA of the target object (10). Since this operates at a low temperature (40~60℃), it is suitable for sterilizing heat-sensitive plastics and electronic devices. There is almost no residual toxicity, and it is safe with only periodic ventilation.

[0052] Among the above-mentioned sterilization units (130), the high-temperature hot air generator (dry heat sterilization) may include an electric heater, a hot air circulation fan, a temperature control means, a temperature equalization sensor, and a safety shut-off device that are built into the receiving unit (120).

[0053] The above-mentioned high-temperature hot air generator heats the interior of the receiving section (120) with dry high-temperature air, thereby causing protein oxidation and dehydration and cell structure destruction in the object to be treated (10) in a moisture-free environment, and even highly heat-resistant microorganisms are killed by sufficient exposure time. This has the advantage of being easy to maintain due to its simple structure.

[0054] Among the above-mentioned sterilization unit (130), the ultraviolet (UV) generator may include an ultraviolet (UVC, 254 nm) lamp or LED light source, a reflector and a uniform irradiation device, and a light output and exposure time control means.

[0055] These ultraviolet generators block genetic replication by causing UVC photons to form dimers between pyrimidine bases of microbial DNA / RNA, and damage cell membranes and protein structures, thereby causing a loss of viability.

[0056] In addition, the door portion (140) of the present invention may include: a door (141) that blocks the space between the receiving portion (120) and the opening (111); a moving block (142) that connects both sides of the door (141) to the driving portion (150) so as to be openable and closable; and a door cover (143) that surrounds and protects the reading portion (160) and the direction changing portion (170) provided on the front and edge of the door (141) and the top of the door.

[0057] The door (141) of the present invention slides in a vertical or horizontal direction, and is further equipped with a door opening / closing position / speed sensor and a lock sensor so that the opening / closing state is fed back to the control unit (180) to enable control management and unlocking control.

[0058] At this time, the moving block (142) is provided at the upper and lower sides of both sides of the door (141) (in the case of lifting / lowering opening / closing) or at the upper and lower left and right sides of the door (141) (in the case of left and right movement / opening / closing), and is coupled to a guide rail constituting the driving unit (150) so as to be capable of lifting / lowering opening / closing or left and right movement / opening / closing. At least one of the moving blocks (142) at the upper and lower sides or at the upper and lower left and right sides may be connected to a driving body constituting the driving unit (150), so that the door (141) is opened / closed by the opening / closing driving force of the driving body.

[0059] Additionally, the door cover (143) is a cover that is open only on the side facing the direction of covering the door (141), and may have a transparent window or a perforated window on the upper surface (in the case of lifting / lowering opening / closing) or a transparent window or a perforated window on one of the two sides (in the case of left / right movement opening / closing) to minimize reading interference of the reading unit (160).

[0060] Additionally, a space may be formed on one side of the door cover (143) (either the upper part (in the case of lifting / lowering opening / closing) or one of the two sides (in the case of left / right movement opening / closing)) to accommodate the reading unit (160) provided on the door (141).

[0061] When the door portion (140) of the present invention is opened, the position of the upper portion or one of the two sides of the door cover (143) may be a position that forms the same plane between the opening (111) and the receiving portion (120), and when the door portion (140) is closed, the position of the upper portion or one of the two sides of the door cover (143) may be a position that is received in the space between the opening (111) and the receiving portion (120).

[0062] When the door section (140) is opened, the exposed side of the door cover (143) (either the top or both sides) is positioned on the horizontal line between the opening (111) and the receiving section (120), i.e., forming a flat inlet surface, so that information about the object to be processed (10) being introduced can be read. When the door section (140) is closed, the exposed side of the door cover (143) (either the top or both sides) is received in the inner space between the opening (111) and the receiving section (120), so that when a sterile environment is created in the receiving section (120), the reading section (160) and the direction change section (170) can be protected from the extreme conditions of the sterile environment by being disconnected from the receiving section (120).

[0063] In addition, the driving unit (150) of the present invention may include: a guide rail (151) provided parallel to both sides along the opening and closing direction of the door unit (140) and providing an opening and closing path of the door unit (140) that is connected to be openable and closable; and an opening and closing driving body (152) that provides an opening and closing driving force according to a control signal of the control unit (180) while connected to both sides of the door unit (140).

[0064] The opening and closing drive body (152) of the present invention may be a motor cylinder that operates as a piston by a motor or a lead screw that rotates by a motor.

[0065] In addition, the reading unit (160) of the present invention is a reader that operates according to a control signal of the control unit (180) to read the information storage body (11) of the object to be processed (10), and may be at least one of a radio wave reading module including an RFID reader, an X-RAY device, a viewing reading module including an ultrasonic device, or an image reading module including a near-infrared (NIR) camera.

[0066] In the present invention, the RFID reader, which is the reading unit (160), reads and recognizes the RFID tag, which is the information storage body (11) of the object to be processed (10), and reads the tag while switching the radiation direction in conjunction with the opening and closing state of the sliding door unit (140).

[0067] The above RFID tag is recorded in the control unit (180) as unique identification information of the processing target (10) loaded in the receiving unit (120), and reading reliability is ensured through a scan window setting and a duplicate / omission correction algorithm according to the opening / closing rate of the door unit (140), and this method is advantageous for rapid multiple identification in an environment where radio wave penetration is ensured.

[0068] The above RFID tag is attached to the outer surface of the object to be processed (10).

[0069] To explain the RFID reading method in more detail, the RFID tag (unique ID), which is an information storage body (11) attached to each of the above-mentioned objects (10), is read non-contactually, and the type, serial number, sterilization status, lot information, etc. of the above-mentioned objects (10) are compared with a database based on the read tag ID to perform 'identification' (identification and status verification).

[0070] The user loads the object to be processed (10) into the receiving section (120). Each item is equipped with an RFID tag of an appropriate band, such as UHF / LF / HF.

[0071] When loading is complete, a loading detection sensor (optical, weight, floor-type scanner, etc.) provided inside the receiving section (120) sends a loading completion signal to the control section (180). This signal becomes a "scan trigger."

[0072] The control unit (180) determines when and which antenna to use by utilizing information on the current door status (open / closed / opening rate), the location of the reading unit (160), and the environment (possibility of metal reflection). For example, when the door unit (140) is opened by more than 30%, the internally oriented antenna (facing the chamber) is activated to scan the internal tag, and immediately before and after closing, a reconfirmation scan is performed with the antenna facing the entrance / loading surface (double scan strategy).

[0073] If there are multiple antennas, the control unit (180) reduces blind spots by using antenna switching, parallel reception, and beamforming (when supported).

[0074] The reader (160) supplies power to the selected antenna and initiates transmission and reception. Each tag is activated by the electric field of the reader (160) and responds with a UID (and data in memory if necessary).

[0075] When reading, the reading unit (160) collects the tag's response time, RSSI (signal strength), and payload (tag memory data), and attaches a timestamp and a receiving antenna ID to each response.

[0076] If the same tag is read repeatedly at short intervals, the log is simplified using duplicate filtering rules (e.g., combining into a single event when the same ID, same antenna, and Δt < 0.5 s are used).

[0077] If there is an expected tag not detected in the internal scan (e.g., missing from the shipment list), the control unit (180) immediately triggers a rescan or attempts a retry by performing antenna switching, increasing transmission power, and channel hopping. At this time, if RF interference or multiple reflections (increased CRC error) are detected, it automatically selects a different frequency channel or antenna, stops the operation if necessary, and issues an alarm.

[0078] The read tag ID is compared with the local DB (or central server) of the control unit (180). The aforementioned database has a mapping of tag -> product information (product name, lot, manufacturing date, pre / post-sterilization status, expiration date, etc.).

[0079] Based on the matching result, the identification result (normal / mismatch / unregistered / tag damaged, etc.) of the above-mentioned processing target (10) is determined, and an integrated judgment is performed together with camera / chemical indicator judgment (if any), and the reading result (tag ID, antenna, RSSI, timestamp, judgment result, sterilization cycle ID, camera judgment, etc.) is encrypted and transmitted to a local storage and hospital / process management system.

[0080] Defects (undetected, damaged tags, non-conforming packaging, etc.) are handled through visual alerts, sorting (e.g., moving to isolation trays), and operator notifications.

[0081] In the RFID method described above, frequency bands such as UHF (860-960 MHz (long distance, fast reading), HF (13.56 MHz, short distance, less affected by metal), and LF (125-134 kHz, resistant to liquid / metal environments) are selected as needed. A suitable band is selected according to the screening and environment.

[0082] The antenna design combines directional antennas (to reduce dead zones) and omnidirectional antennas (wide coverage). For door-mounted models, the radiation direction is switched via angle adjustment and rotational drive.

[0083] As a standard for tag attachment, standardization of tag location and orientation is recommended (e.g., attaching to designated locations on packaging corners) to improve readability.

[0084] To improve the radio wave environment, reflection can be reduced by using a radio wave absorbing material / shielding frame and a shielding means around the door part (140).

[0085] In the event of damage to or poor attachment of the above RFID tag, that is, by inspecting the tag attachment status using an image (camera), a manual re-attachment alarm can be output.

[0086] At this time, in the case where the reading unit (160) uses an X-ray fluoroscopy and QR code recognition method, an identification mark in the form of a QR code or barcode is attached to the surface of the object to be processed (10), and the interior of the object to be processed (10) is penetrated and photographed through the X-ray fluoroscopy device.

[0087] The multi-angle X-ray image is analyzed by the image processing algorithm of the control unit (180) after passing through the reading unit (160), and the QR code or barcode area is read through contrast enhancement, noise removal, and binarization processes, at which time the control unit (180) decodes the recognized QR code or barcode data to obtain information about the object to be processed (10).

[0088] In addition, if the reading unit (160) is an ultrasound-based recognition method, an identification mark in the form of a QR code or barcode is printed or laminated on the surface of the object to be processed (10) using ink or a marker with high ultrasonic reflection contrast.

[0089] The above reading unit (160) collects internal reflection signals while passing through the object to be processed (10) through an ultrasonic transceiver module, reconstructs a code pattern from the received ultrasonic image, and the image restoration algorithm extracts an identification tag based on the difference in reflection intensity and decodes a QR code or barcode. This method is useful in environments where electromagnetic interference is severe or the use of radiation is restricted.

[0090] In this case, if the reading unit (160) is a near-infrared (NIR) light-based recognition method (optional), a recognition marker having a near-infrared absorption / transmission contrast can be printed on the object to be processed (10), and the recognition marker can be identified by taking a light image with a near-infrared camera. In this case, no radiation is required, and it can be implemented with a relatively simple sensor module.

[0091] Thus, the present invention is based on RFID tag reading, but provides various imaging-based recognition methods such as X-ray, ultrasound, and near-infrared as auxiliary embodiments, thereby further enhancing the identification accuracy, compatibility, and environmental adaptability of the reading unit (160).

[0092] In addition, the present invention may further include a direction switching unit (170) that switches the direction of the reading unit (160) to a first direction and a second direction.

[0093] The RFID reader, which is the reading unit (160), is mounted on the upper part or on one of the sides of the door cover (143) of the sliding door unit (140), and switches the radiation pattern in the inward direction or the outward direction according to the opening and closing rate of the door unit (140).

[0094] That is, when the door section (140) is opened by more than a certain percentage, the RFID reader scans the RFID tags inside the receiving section (120) to obtain multiple loaded item IDs, and just before closing, corrects for omissions through reading in the inner direction of the receiving section (120), and the read RFID tag information is recorded with a timestamp by the control section (180) and stored as a tracking log of the sterilization process.

[0095] At this time, the direction changing unit (170) of the present invention may include a rotating shaft (171) that fixes and supports the reading unit (160), as shown in FIG. 7 of the attached drawings; and a motor (172) that rotates the rotating shaft (171) so that the reading unit (160) switches the reading direction to a first direction or a second direction according to a control signal of the control unit (180).

[0096] As shown in FIG. 7 a) and b), the direction switching unit (170) of the present invention switches the radial direction of the reading unit (160) between a first reading direction (0°, door closing direction) and a second reading direction (90°, chamber inside direction), and may include an end stop switch or an absolute encoder, and may include brake control to prevent switching overshoot.

[0097] The present invention allows the direction switching unit (170) to switch the reading direction of the reading unit (160) to a first direction, which is the direction of entry of the object to be processed (10), and a second direction, which is the direction of the receiving unit (120), thereby reading and recognizing the object to be processed (10) entering the receiving unit (120) or the object to be processed (10) that has been entered, from multiple angles.

[0098] Thus, the present invention makes it possible to reduce the blind spot range of the chamber interior, entrance, and loading surface, while ensuring improved reading rate and reading integrity by preventing duplicate omissions regarding the processing target (10), by having the direction switching unit (170) switch the reading direction of the reading unit (160) to a first direction, which is the direction of entry of the processing target (10), and a second direction, which is the direction of the receiving unit (120) of the chamber, and by reading and recognizing the processing target (10) that is entered into the receiving unit (120).

[0099] In addition, the control unit (180) of the present invention may include a control circuit equipped with an algorithm or program that outputs and controls a control signal for the operation of creating a sterilization environment of the sterilization unit (130), the opening and closing operation of the driving unit (150) for the door unit (140), the reading direction switching operation of the direction switching unit (170), and the reading timing according to a value pre-set by the operation of an input unit provided outside the main body (110), analyzes the reading information of the reading unit (160), stores and manages the analysis information in a database, and displays the operating status to the outside through an output unit provided outside the main body (110).

[0100] Additionally, the control unit (180) of the present invention controls the direction change unit (170) when the door unit (140) is fully opened as shown in Fig. 8 of the attached drawings, so that the reading unit (160) scans the RFID tag of the object to be processed (10) being introduced into the receiving unit (120) in a state where it is switched to the first direction as shown in Fig. 9 of the attached drawings, and controls the reading unit (160) to perform a double scan mode in which it reconfirms the tag of the object to be processed (10) loaded in the receiving unit (120) in a second reading direction when the door unit (140) is closed or just before closing as shown in Fig. 10 of the attached drawings.

[0101] At this time, the control unit (180) operates the sterilization unit (130) when the door unit (140) is completely closed as shown in the attached drawing Fig. 11 and the reading unit (160) is received in the inner space between the opening (111) and the receiving unit (120), thereby creating a sterilization environment in the receiving unit (120) and performing a sterilization operation on the loaded object to be processed (10). At this time, the reading unit (160) and the direction change unit (170) are disconnected from the receiving unit (120) as shown in the attached drawing Fig. 12, so they can be protected from the sterilization environment under extreme conditions.

[0102] The control unit (180) of the present invention can improve the accuracy of reading and storing duplicate information by comparing the information read by the reading unit (160) in the first direction and the second direction, and deleting and excluding the read information when it is the same, and analyzing and storing it.

[0103] For reference, the simplified control method of the control unit (180) according to the present invention comprises a door status monitoring step, a scan window initiation and direction switching step, a tag reading and matching step, an error / duplication processing and rescan step, and a result storage and transmission step. Optionally, it includes camera-based status authentication and chemical indicator color analysis.

[0104] For reference, the control unit (180) as described above performs the following logic.

[0105] Duplicate Filtering: If the same tag ID is read repeatedly within a single sequence, RSSI / location / time-based deduplication rules are applied to consolidate them into a single event.

[0106] Prevention of omission: If there are tags not detected in the internal scan, supplement by a reconfirmation scan immediately before / after closing, and if still not detected, rescan by switching the antenna pattern or adjusting the output level.

[0107] Interference avoidance: Perform channel hopping or antenna selection when the error rate increases.

[0108] Tag Damage Diagnosis: If RSSI drops, response delays, or CRC errors persist, flag the possibility of tag damage and generate a defect report by capturing the corresponding packaging location with the camera module.

[0109] In addition, the present invention may further include a camera module and a light for capturing an external image of an information storage body (11) of a processing target (10) in a portion facing the top of the door portion (140) or the receiving portion (120) of the direction change portion (170), and the control portion (180) may further include a function of determining whether the image transmitted from the camera module is an image that is unidentifiable and damaging, and outputting a post-action alarm.

[0110] In this way, the present invention can automatically determine whether sterilization is complete by equipping the camera module and lighting, photographing the chemical indicator label on the surface of the packaging material, setting an HSV-based discoloration judgment threshold, and storing it in a log along with the RFID ID, thereby automatically classifying the degree of damage to the object to be processed (10) through damage detection.

[0111] At this time, the camera module captures the chemical indicator label on the packaging surface along with the lighting. The control unit (180) analyzes the change in H / S of the color space (e.g., HSV) through image processing to determine whether it is sterilized (discoloration threshold exceeded) and records it by matching it with an RFID tag ID. If packaging damage (tearing, leakage traces) or label defects are detected, the corresponding tag ID is rejected.

[0112] In addition, the control unit (180) is linked with a hospital information system or a waste disposal platform through a wired / wireless communication unit. For each tag, a record containing (ID, scan time, scan direction, RSSI, camera judgment, chemical indicator result, sterilization cycle ID, device serial number, etc.) is generated and transmitted in a standard format (JSON / HL7, etc.). Storage within the device may include a circular buffer and encrypted storage.

[0113] In summary, the present invention reduces infection exposure by minimizing worker intervention through door-scan synchronization, improves readout rates by reducing blind spots between the receiving portion (120) and the opening (111) through switchable dual-directional radiation and multiple antennas, and increases regulatory compliance and validation efficiency by automating and documenting sterilization validity verification through camera / chemical indicator linkage. Furthermore, it contributes to a phased sterilization and recycling scenario for medical waste, thereby minimizing transport distance and carbon emissions.

[0115] The technical features disclosed in each embodiment of the present invention are not limited to that embodiment only, and as long as they are not mutually incompatible, the technical features disclosed in each embodiment may be combined and applied to different embodiments.

[0116] Therefore, in each embodiment, the technical features are described primarily, but as long as the technical features are not mutually incompatible, they may be combined and applied together.

[0117] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and the attached drawings, and various modifications and variations may be possible from the perspective of those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be defined not only by the claims of this specification but also by equivalents thereof. Explanation of the symbols

[0119] 10: Object to be processed 11: Information storage body 100: Sterilization system 110: Main body 120: Receiving section 130: Sterilization section 140: Door unit 150: Drive unit 160: Reading unit 170: Direction changing unit 180: Control unit

Claims

Claim 1 A sterilization device body having an opening formed in the middle of the front portion; a receiving portion provided at a distance from the inner rear side of the opening of the sterilization device body to receive an object to be processed; a sterilization portion provided within the sterilization device body to create a sterilization environment for the inner side of the receiving portion; a sliding door portion that operates to open and close between the opening and the receiving portion; a driving portion that operates to open and close the sliding door portion within a set range; a reading portion provided at the top of the sliding door portion to be directionally switchable in a first direction and a second direction for multi-directional reading of an information storage body provided on the object to be processed; a control portion that analyzes the operation of creating a sterilization environment of the sterilization portion, the opening and closing operation of the driving portion for the sliding door portion, and the reading timing and reading information of the reading portion, and stores and manages the analysis information; and a direction switching portion including a rotating shaft that fixes and supports the reading portion and a motor that rotates the rotating shaft so that the reading portion switches the reading direction to the first direction or the second direction according to a control signal of the control portion. A sterilization processing system comprising, wherein at the time when the sliding door portion is raised and closed, the reading portion and the direction changing portion are received in the inner space between the opening and the receiving portion and are isolated from the receiving portion, thereby protecting the receiving portion from the extreme sterilization environment of the sterilization portion. Claim 2 In claim 1, the treatment target is at least one of a medical device, medical supplies, or medical waste requiring sterilization or inactivation treatment, and an information storage body is attached to the surface of the treatment target itself or to a packaging material, and the information storage body includes an RFID tag, a barcode, or a QR code on which information about the treatment target is recorded. Claim 3 In claim 1, the sterilization unit is a sterilization processor provided within the main body of the sterilization device and creating a sterilization environment for the inside of the receiving unit according to a control signal of the control unit, and is a sterilization processing system that processes any one of high-pressure steam sterilization, plasma sterilization, hydrogen peroxide sterilization, micro sterilization, or frictional heat sterilization. Claim 4 A sterilization system according to claim 1, wherein the sliding door portion comprises: a door that operates to open and close in a vertical or horizontal direction between the receiving portion and the opening; a movable block that connects both sides of the door so as to be openable and closable by the driving portion; and a door cover that surrounds and protects the front of the door, the rim, and the reading portion provided on the top of the door. Claim 5 A sterilization processing system according to claim 1, wherein the driving unit comprises: a guide rail provided parallel to both sides of the opening and closing direction of the sliding door unit and providing a path for the sliding door unit that is openably coupled; and an opening and closing driving body that provides an opening and closing driving force according to a control signal of the control unit while connected to both sides of the sliding door unit. Claim 6 A sterilization processing system according to claim 1, wherein the reading unit is a reader that operates according to a control signal of the control unit to read an information storage body of the object to be processed, and is at least one of a radio wave reading module including an RFID reader, an X-RAY device, a fluoroscopic reading module including an ultrasound device, or an image reading module including a near-infrared (NIR) camera. Claim 7 A sterilization processing system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit outputs and controls control signals for the operation of creating a sterilization environment of the sterilization unit and the opening and closing operation of the driving unit for the sliding door unit according to a value pre-set by operation of an input unit provided outside the main body of the sterilization device, analyzes the reading timing and reading information of the reading unit, stores and manages the analysis information in a database, and displays the operating status to the outside through an output unit provided outside the main body of the sterilization device. Claim 8 In claim 1, the control unit compares information read by the reading unit in a first direction and a second direction, and if the read information is the same, the read information is linked to, deleted, and excluded from the data of the sterilization method, and analyzes, stores, and manages the sterilization processing system. Claim 9 A sterilization processing system according to claim 1, further comprising a camera module and lighting for capturing an external image of an information storage body of the object to be processed at the top of the sliding door portion, and the control unit further comprising a function to output an alarm by determining whether the image transmitted from the camera module is an image that is unidentifiable and damaged. Claim 10 delete Claim 11 delete

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