Handwritten Marker Object Identification via Image Comparison

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing object identification methods in clinical environments rely on devices like cameras and printers, and biometric security, which are cumbersome and sensitive, lacking a secure, device-free, and unique identifier solution.

Innovation Solution

A method using a handwritten arbitrary marker as an identifier, where images are compared to determine validity and uniqueness, eliminating the need for code generators and printers, and enhancing security by ensuring the identifier is unique and forgery-proof.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If biometric procedures are used for security, then security against forgery is improved, but usage complexity and sensitivity of personal information increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against forgeryVSAvoidusage complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a photograph of the handwritten marker as a copy representation instead of biometric data. The photograph captures the unique visual pattern of the handwritten marker, which serves as an identifier without requiring complex biometric verification procedures. This simplifies the system while maintaining security through the uniqueness of the handwritten pattern.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex biometric verification systems with a simpler image-based identification system. Instead of using fingerprints, facial recognition, or voice patterns, the system uses a photograph of a handwritten marker that can be easily captured and stored, reducing both complexity and the sensitivity issues associated with biometric data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If printers and code generators are used to create identifiers, then identification reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables users to create their own unique identifiers through handwritten markers without requiring specialized equipment. The handwritten marker is created directly on the object or document, eliminating the need for printers and code generators. The uniqueness and reliability of the identifier are maintained through the human element of handwriting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses simple, inexpensive handwritten markers instead of expensive printed codes. The handwritten marker can be created with any writing instrument and is disposable, eliminating the need for costly printing equipment while maintaining sufficient identification reliability through the uniqueness of the handwritten pattern.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Measurement precision

If printed identifiers are used, then identification accuracy is improved, but transfer errors occur during manual handling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification accuracyVSAvoidtransfer error rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a photograph of the handwritten marker as a digital copy for identification purposes. This photograph can be stored and transmitted electronically without physical handling, eliminating transfer errors that occur with physical printed identifiers. The accuracy of identification is maintained through the unique visual pattern captured in the photograph.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP3982288A1Method for identifying an object, computer program for carrying out the method and system
Publication Date: 2022.04.13 FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
  • EP3982288A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3982288A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3982288A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for identifying an object comprises the following steps (1) to (4) of - determining whether an image of a handwritten arbitrary marker contained in a first image of an identifier being provided on a first object or being supposed to be provided on the first object and containing the image of the handwritten arbitrary marker fulfills a predetermined condition, and outputting an instruction in order to cause an output device to output information that the handwritten arbitrary marker is not valid, if the image of the handwritten arbitrary marker does not fulfill the predetermined condition (S1), - performing a comparison using the first image and a second image of a portion of a second object which contains a marker in order to determine whether the second image contains an image of the identifier (S2), - identifying the second object as the first object, if the second image contains the image of the identifier or determining that the second object is different from the first object, if the second image does not contain the image of the identifier (S3), and outputting an instruction to a device in order to cause the device to perform a specific function, if the second object is identified as the first object, or outputting an instruction to the device in order to cause the device to perform a predetermined function, if it is determined that the second object is different from the first object (S4), wherein the steps (S1) to (S4) are carried out by at least one data processing apparatus.