Mat-Based Antenna System for Retained Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transponder-based systems for detecting objects during medical procedures are prone to false negatives and positives, are costly, and require extensive training and time, especially in noisy hospital environments, making them inefficient and error-prone.
Innovation Solution
A mat-based multi-antenna system that automatically interrogates a patient's body using multiple antennas to transmit and receive signals, reducing the need for manual scanning and increasing accuracy by averaging noise over a larger area, while being designed to withstand sterilization and handling conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transponder-based systems are used to detect objects during medical procedures, then detection capability is provided, but false negatives and positives occur and accuracy decreases in noisy hospital environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the detection field into multiple zones using multiple antennas arranged in arrays. Each antenna or antenna group is responsible for a specific spatial segment, allowing the system to process detection signals from different regions independently. This segmentation reduces the impact of noise in any single zone and improves overall detection reliability through distributed sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple antenna elements into integrated mat structures that can be placed on patients. By merging multiple antennas into a unified detection system with combined signal processing, the system achieves better signal-to-noise ratio through signal integration and correlation across multiple antenna elements, thereby improving detection accuracy in noisy environments.
2Productivity
If manual scanning and counting procedures are used to track medical supplies, then object tracking is achieved, but time consumption increases and personnel workload increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system operates autonomously without requiring manual scanning or counting by medical personnel. The mat-based antenna system automatically detects, tracks, and monitors transponder-tagged objects within the detection field, providing real-time information about the presence and location of medical supplies. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual intervention and significantly reduces time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical scanning and counting procedures with an automated electromagnetic detection system. Instead of personnel physically searching and counting objects, the system uses radio frequency signals transmitted by multiple antennas to detect transponders attached to medical supplies, automatically providing detection results without mechanical human intervention.
3Ease of manufacture
If inexpensive transponders are used to reduce cost, then system cost decreases, but frequency variation increases making detection more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs parameter tuning and adaptive signal processing to accommodate the frequency variations of inexpensive transponders. By adjusting detection parameters and using correlation-based signal processing techniques, the system can accurately detect transponder signals even when their resonant frequencies vary, maintaining detection precision while allowing the use of cost-effective transponder components.
Solution Approach 2:
The mat structure uses porous or flexible materials that can accommodate variations in transponder positioning and orientation. This structural flexibility allows the antenna system to maintain effective coupling with transponders regardless of their exact location or frequency characteristics, enabling the use of inexpensive transponders without compromising detection accuracy.
4Measurement precision
If multiple antennas are used to improve detection accuracy, then measurement precision increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mat-based antenna system is designed as a multi-functional platform that performs multiple detection tasks simultaneously. The same array of antennas used for detecting transponder presence also provides localization information and can track multiple objects at once. This universal design approach allows the system to achieve high measurement precision without proportionally increasing complexity, as a single system structure serves multiple detection functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested hierarchical structure where multiple antenna elements are organized in arrays within mat structures that are placed on patients. The signal processing architecture is also nested, with individual antenna signals being combined and processed through multiple levels of correlation and integration algorithms. This nested organization allows the system to manage complexity through structured modularity while maintaining high detection precision.
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 system significantly reduces the risk of retained objects, decreases follow-up procedures, minimizes unnecessary pain and costs, and simplifies the detection process, enhancing accuracy and reducing the workload for medical personnel.
Implementation Method 1
The interrogation and detection system includes a transmitter that emits pulsed wideband wireless signals (e.g., radio or microwave frequency) and a detector for detecting wireless signals returned by the transponders
Data Source
AI summary
A mat based antenna system allows medical personnel to ascertain the presence or absence of objects (e.g., medical implements, medical supplies) tagged with transponders in an environment in which medical procedures (e.g., surgery) are performed, and may allow reading of information from the transponders, writing information to the transponders and/or controlling or commanding the transponders. In use, the mat based antenna system may be positioned beneath a patient, such as during surgery or child birth. A controller is coupled to the antennas to transmit signals (e.g. interrogation signals) to the transponders and to receive signals (e.g., response signals) from the transponders.