Dual Interface Accessory Identification for Radiotherapy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiotherapy devices have limitations in identifying a wide range of accessories due to the limited number of pins on their interfaces, which restricts the number of accessories that can be recognized, potentially leading to inappropriate beam shaping and radiation exposure.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual interface system, where one interface is used for initial identification via a predetermined value and another for detailed identification through a unique identifier, allowing for wireless communication and authentication, enabling the radiotherapy device to recognize a greater variety of accessories without modifying existing hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single interface with limited pins is used for accessory identification, then the interface structure remains simple, but the number of identifiable accessories is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The identification system is segmented into two separate interfaces: a first interface (e.g., Centronics connector) for initial connection and a second interface (e.g., USB connector) for detailed identification. This segmentation allows each interface to have specialized functions, with the second interface providing expanded identification capability without overloading the first interface's pin capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimension identification approach (one interface with limited pins) to a two-dimension approach by adding a second interface. This dimensional expansion enables the system to access additional identification data that cannot be transmitted through the first interface alone, thereby increasing the total number of identifiable accessories.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication is added for authentication, then accessory identification capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second interface is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a wired communication channel for data transmission and as a basis for wireless communication capabilities. This allows the system to implement authentication and identification functions without requiring entirely separate wireless hardware, thereby reducing overall complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An apparatus for enabling a first device (1) to identify a second device (2) comprises a first interface (4) and a second interface (6). Each interface is configured to allow communication between the first device (1) and the second device (2), and the first interface (4) is distinct from the second interface (6). The apparatus further comprises one or more controllers (8, 10) configured to receive a first identifier from the second device (2) via the first interface (4). If the first identifier has a predetermined value, the controllers (8, 10) receive a second identifier from the second device (2) via the second interface (6). The controllers (8, 10) identify the second device (2) using the second identifier.