NFC-Embedded Radiography Imaging Plate Lifecycle Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computed radiography imaging plates lack an automated method to track the number of uses, leading to potential image quality deterioration without a clear retirement criterion.
Innovation Solution
Embedding a Near Field Communication (NFC) tag in the imaging plate and equipping a scanner with an NFC reader to update a lifecycle counter, allowing automatic tracking and retirement of the plate when the usage threshold is reached.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If imaging plates are used repeatedly without tracking, then operational flexibility is maintained, but image quality deteriorates due to excessive usage
Solution Approach 1:
The NFC tag is embedded within the imaging plate structure, creating a nested configuration where the tracking device resides inside the object being tracked. This integration eliminates the need for separate tracking systems while enabling automated usage monitoring to maintain image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging plate automatically tracks its own usage through the embedded NFC tag and scanner interactions. Each scan operation automatically updates the usage count on the NFC tag, enabling self-monitoring without external intervention. This self-service mechanism ensures image quality maintenance while avoiding complex external tracking infrastructure.
2Measurement precision
If manual tracking of imaging plate usage is implemented, then some usage information can be recorded, but labor intensity increases and tracking accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical process of tracking usage is replaced with an automated electronic system using NFC technology. The scanner's NFC reader automatically communicates with the embedded NFC tag to read and update usage counts, eliminating manual intervention. This substitution ensures precise tracking while maintaining operational simplicity through automated processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated feedback loops where the scanner reads the usage count from the NFC tag, determines whether the threshold has been exceeded, and either continues operation or retires the plate. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures accurate usage tracking and automatic quality control without increasing operational complexity.
3Reliability
If imaging plates are retired based on fixed schedules, then consistent quality control is achieved, but productivity decreases due to premature retirement
Solution Approach 1:
The plate retirement system transitions from a static fixed schedule to a dynamic usage-based approach. The NFC tag continuously tracks actual usage counts, and the system dynamically determines retirement timing based on real-time data. This dynamic approach allows plates to remain in service until their actual capacity is reached, maximizing utilization while maintaining quality consistency through precise threshold monitoring.
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 automated and precise tracking of imaging plate usage, ensuring consistent image quality by retiring the plate before degradation, thus maintaining image fidelity.
Implementation Method 1
imbedding a Near Field Communication (NFC) tag in an imaging plate (IP), equipping a scanner with an NFC reader, scanning the IP with the NFC reader
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed. The methods include imbedding a Near Field Communication (NFC) tag in an imaging plate (IP), equipping a scanner with an NFC reader, scanning the IP with the NFC reader, updating information on the NFC tag with the NFC reader, and determining if a lifecycle threshold of the IP has been exceeded. The methods further include retiring the IP from when the lifecycle threshold of the IP is exceeded.