Portable Radiological Cassette Barcode Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current radiological cassettes face challenges in patient identification, particularly in mobile radiography, where the risk of confusion between patients and images is high due to the need for multiple cassettes and manual notation, and existing solutions require additional equipment or adherence to a preset order.

Innovation Solution

A portable radiological cassette with a digital detector and a built-in device for selecting and writing patient identification codes, such as barcodes or QR codes, directly into the memory space, allowing for stand-alone operation and eliminating the need for additional readers or preset image orders.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple cassettes are used to radiograph multiple patients, then the capacity to serve multiple patients is improved, but the risk of patient identification confusion increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapacity to serve multiple patientsVSAvoidpatient identification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses barcode labels as copies of patient identification information that can be read optically. Instead of manually tracking multiple cassettes, the system creates optical copies (barcodes) of patient IDs that are automatically scanned and linked to images, eliminating manual notation errors while maintaining multi-patient capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/manual system of writing patient names on cassettes with an optical reading system. Barcode scanners optically capture identification information, substituting manual writing and reading processes with automated optical recognition, thereby reducing human error in patient identification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If barcode labels are manually noted on cassettes and read later at the workstation, then patient identification is improved, but the operational complexity and time required are increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient identification accuracyVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-attaching barcode labels to cassettes before use. The barcode containing patient identification information is prepared in advance and affixed to the cassette, so that when the cassette is used, the identification is already present and ready for automatic scanning, eliminating the need for manual notation during the procedure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by making the cassette itself carry its own identification information through the barcode label. The cassette becomes self-identifying, and the scanning system automatically reads the barcode without requiring operator intervention to manually enter or locate patient information, thereby reducing operational complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Extent of automation

If a barcode reader is integrated into the mobile radiology system, then automatic patient identification is improved, but the equipment complexity and cost are increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic patient identificationVSAvoidequipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a mobile radiology system where the barcode scanning capability is integrated into the existing portable unit. The same device that captures images also reads barcodes, making the system multi-functional. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated barcode reading equipment, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining automatic identification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the barcode reading function with the mobile radiology system. Instead of having separate components for image capture and identification reading, the system combines these functions into a single integrated unit, reducing the number of separate devices needed and simplifying the overall equipment configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution ensures accurate patient identification without confusion, enables standalone operation of the digital cassette, and maintains compatibility with existing structures, reducing the risk of mix-ups and operational burdens.

Implementation Method 1

a digital detector of ionizing radiation allowing an image to be delivered depending on the radiation received

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10722198B2Portable radiological cassette comprising patient identification means

Publication Date: 2020.07.28 TRIXELL S

AI summary

A portable radiological cassette comprises a housing, and a digital detector of incident ionizing radiation, taking the form of a flat panel, the detector being positioned in the housing and comprising a memory space, and being intended to generate a digital image of a patient exposed to the ionizing radiation and with whom an identification code is associated, the digital image being stored in the memory space. The cassette comprises a device for selecting the identification code of the patient, which is intended to write the identification code of the patient in the memory space. The invention also relates to a method for identifying a patient.