Medical Instrument Scanning Device With Multi-Angle Code Reading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for inventorying medical instruments during surgical procedures rely on visual identification, leading to human error, inefficiency, and decreased accuracy due to the need for manual orientation and handling of multiple instruments.
Innovation Solution
An automated medical instrument scanning device with a longitudinal and lateral read module system, utilizing multiple image capture units and light sources, captures images of medical instruments from different angles to enhance scanning efficiency and accuracy, even when instruments are not placed flat or tilted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual identification method is used for inventorying medical instruments, then simplicity of operation is maintained, but scanning accuracy and reliability deteriorate due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual identification with an automated scanning system consisting of image capture units, light sources, and processing circuits. This substitution eliminates human error in code recognition while maintaining operational simplicity through automated execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning device performs self-service by automatically capturing images, processing codes, and inventorying instruments without requiring manual intervention. The system independently completes the entire inventorying process, improving reliability while reducing operational complexity.
2Productivity
If manual orientation adjustment is performed during identification, then code recognition capability is improved, but time consumption increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic image capture from multiple angles (front, lateral, top views) to accommodate instruments in various orientations. The system adaptively captures images based on instrument positioning, eliminating the need for manual orientation adjustment and significantly reducing time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from single-angle 2D imaging to multi-angle 3D imaging by incorporating front, lateral, and top view capture units. This dimensional expansion enables code recognition regardless of instrument orientation, dramatically improving productivity without time penalty.
3Adaptability or versatility
If single-angle image capture is used, then device complexity is reduced, but scanning capability deteriorates when instruments are tilted or not placed flat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into separate functional modules: front view image capture unit, lateral view image capture unit, and top view image capture unit. Each module captures images from its specific angle, and the processing circuit integrates these segmented views to achieve comprehensive scanning capability for tilted or non-flat instruments.
4Reliability
If automated scanning system is implemented, then scanning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal scanning system where multiple image capture units (front, lateral, top) and light sources work together to handle various instrument orientations and conditions. This multi-functional approach improves scanning accuracy across diverse scenarios while managing system complexity through integrated design.
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 device improves scanning capability and accuracy by enabling precise reading of codes on medical instruments from various orientations, thereby enhancing the efficiency and reliability of inventory management.
Implementation Method 1
a light source... An optical axis of the at least one image capture unit and a light axis of the light source are parallel to a first reference axis
Data Source
AI summary
A medical instrument scanning device includes a longitudinal read module and at least one lateral read module. The longitudinal read module includes at least one image capture unit and a light source. An optical axis of the at least one image capture unit and a light axis of the light source are parallel to a first reference axis. The at least one lateral read module is disposed next to the longitudinal read module. The at least one lateral read module includes at least one lateral image capture unit and a lateral light source. An optical axis of the at least one lateral image capture unit and a light axis of the lateral light source are parallel to a second reference axis. An angle is provided between the first reference axis and the second reference axis. In this way, the efficiency and the accuracy of medical instrument scanning are enhanced.