Medical Device Tracking Tags Combining Radio and Optical Markers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing RFID-based localization methods for medical products are imprecise, failing to provide accurate location and orientation information, leading to risks in automated handling processes such as collisions and incorrect handling.

Innovation Solution

A tag combining a radio-based tracking unit (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy, NFC) with an optical marker element, allowing precise localization and orientation determination, enhancing process reliability and safety in automated medical product handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If RFID tags are used for localization, then wireless communication capability is achieved, but localization precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless communication capabilityVSAvoidlocalization precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines RFID tags with optical marker elements into a single integrated system. The RFID tag provides wireless communication and rough localization, while the optical marker element adds precise position and orientation detection through optical patterns recognizable by external devices, thereby resolving the contradiction between wireless capability and localization precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The localization function is segmented into two independent components: RFID-based rough localization and optical marker-based precise localization. Each component performs its specialized function, with the RFID tag handling wireless communication and coarse positioning, while the optical marker handles fine-positioning and orientation detection, together achieving both wireless capability and high precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Extent of automation

If RFID tags are used for tracking, then automated handling is enabled, but handling reliability deteriorates due to collision risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated handling capabilityVSAvoidhandling reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The optical marker element provides continuous feedback on the precise position and orientation of medical products during automated handling. This feedback enables the automated handling system to adjust its operations in real-time, avoiding collisions and incorrect handling, thereby maintaining automation while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces purely radio-based detection with an optical detection system for precise positioning. The optical marker element and its detection system provide more accurate spatial information than RFID alone, enabling more reliable automated handling decisions and reducing mechanical collisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If only radio-based tracking is used, then device complexity is reduced, but information completeness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidspatial orientation information

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The optical marker element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides precise position information, determines spatial orientation, and can be detected by external optical devices. This multi-functionality adds comprehensive spatial information without requiring separate systems for each function, balancing information completeness with acceptable complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 combination of radio-based and optical markers significantly improves localization accuracy, ensuring precise handling and reducing the risk of collisions by validating positions and orientations, even in the presence of damage or defects.

Implementation Method 1

at least one radio-based tracking unit which is provided and configured to communicate wirelessly with at least one first external device actively and/or passively

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

at least one optical marker element which is provided and configured to indicate information that is optically detectable by at least one second external device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20250205008A1Tag for tracking and navigation of a medical device

Publication Date: 2025.06.26 AESCULAP AG

AI summary

A tag for determining the location and/or tracking the location and/or determining the orientation of a medical device includes at least one radio-based tracking unit designed to actively and/or passively communicate wirelessly with a first external device, preferably by means of NFC, Bluetooth Low Energy, DECT or WLAN. The tag has at least one optical marker element that conveys information, optically detectable by at least a second external device, regarding its position and orientation in a virtual coordinate system. A medical device can include the tag and a system for location and/or orientation determination.