RFID Probe Verification in Excimer Lasers to Block Unauthorized Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of unauthorized or counterfeit optical fibers with medical laser systems can lead to malfunctions, equipment damage, and potential safety risks during medical procedures, as current systems lack effective authentication methods to ensure compatibility and authenticity.
Innovation Solution
An excimer laser system with an RFID-based authentication mechanism that verifies the authenticity of laser probes by reading data from embedded RFID tags, ensuring only authorized and compatible probes are used, and preventing laser radiation transmission to unauthorized probes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no authentication mechanism is implemented, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but unauthorized or counterfeit probes can be used leading to malfunctions, equipment damage, and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual verification methods with an automated RFID-based authentication system. The RFID reader automatically reads unique identifiers from probes, and the control system automatically verifies compatibility, eliminating the need for manual checking and reducing operational complexity despite adding authentication capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an RFID tag as an intermediary component embedded in the probe and an RFID reader as an intermediary device in the laser unit. These intermediaries facilitate automatic identification and authentication, enabling reliable verification without direct human intervention while maintaining system simplicity
2Reliability
If authentication mechanisms are added to verify probe compatibility, then system reliability and safety are improved, but the device complexity and operational steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication system operates autonomously without requiring user intervention. The RFID reader automatically detects and verifies the probe's unique identifier when connected, and the control system automatically determines compatibility and controls laser output accordingly, making the authentication process transparent to the user
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides automatic feedback through the user interface indicating whether a probe is authentic and compatible. The control system continuously monitors authentication status and provides real-time feedback by enabling or disabling laser operation based on verification results, simplifying user decision-making
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
Ensures only authorized probes are used, maintaining system functionality and patient safety, while preventing the use of counterfeit components and securing revenue streams.
Implementation Method 1
the laser unit includes an RFID reader for reading data embedded in an RFID tag associated with the laser probe upon attachment of the laser probe to the laser unit
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides an excimer laser system including a means for authenticating laser probes to be used with the excimer laser system via radio-frequency identification techniques.