Implant Cage Structural Encoding for Secure Data Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical implants lack an effective and standardized system for encoding and retrieving valuable information, leading to poor record-keeping and potential medical errors, and existing identification methods are not robust enough to track and manage implants effectively.
Innovation Solution
The development of implants with structurally encoded regions using radiopaque and radio-translucent sub-regions that form visible patterns when viewed with reading illumination, allowing for the encoding and retrieval of data, such as manufacturer information and surgical details, while maintaining confidentiality and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional implant identification methods are used, then implant tracking is possible, but the system lacks robustness and standardization leading to medical errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/barcode identification systems with an optical imaging system that uses radiopaque and radio-translucent materials to create visible patterns readable through standard medical imaging equipment. This substitution enables reliable implant tracking using existing medical infrastructure without requiring separate identification systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the implant serve multiple functions: it provides its primary medical function while simultaneously serving as an identification and tracking device through its encoded optical pattern. The implant body itself becomes the carrier of identification information, eliminating the need for separate tags or markers.
2Loss of information
If implants include encoding regions with radiopaque and radio-translucent sub-regions, then data encoding capability is improved, but implant structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the implant structural elements with the encoding regions. The radiopaque and radio-translucent sub-regions are integrated into the implant body itself rather than being added as separate components. This merging allows the implant to maintain its primary function while incorporating encoding capability without significant complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific radiopaque and radio-translucent regions at particular locations within the implant body. These localized material property variations create the encoding pattern without requiring the entire implant to be complex, allowing simple overall structure with targeted functional regions.
3Measurement precision
If optical encoding patterns are added to implants, then information retrieval capability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates the encoding pattern by forming radiopaque and radio-translucent regions that copy or represent data information in a visual format. The pattern serves as a physical copy of the implant identification data that can be read optically, enabling accurate information retrieval through standard imaging equipment without requiring ultra-precise manufacturing.
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
Enables efficient and secure encoding and retrieval of implant data, improving record-keeping and reducing medical errors by providing a standardized system for tracking and managing implants, and allowing for inventory management in various industries.
Implementation Method 1
Each coded region comprising relatively radiopaque sub-regions of predetermined perceptible shape and relatively radio-translucent sub-regions of predetermined perceptible shape
Data Source
AI summary
An implant containing a structurally encoded region, the implant comprising an implant body defining adjacent first and second encoded regions, the first encoded region comprising a first series of shaped inclusions in a first pattern of relatively differing opacity figures, and the second encoded region comprising a second series of shaped inclusions in a second pattern of relatively differing opacity figures, the first and second encoded regions being disposed such that, when the first encoded region and second encoded regions are viewed by reading illumination from a position wherein the first pattern and second pattern overlap, a third pattern is revealed by the reading illumination, the third pattern being different than the first and second patterns, and comprising shape or surface characteristics representing structurally encoded data. The invention further comprises systems and methods of manufacturing, using and reading the same.