NFC Reader for Dental Unit Operator Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dental treatment units lack efficient operator recognition and setup processes, leading to increased operational times and potential safety hazards due to the need for manual authentication and configuration of multiple operators in a shared dental practice environment.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an NFC device with an NFC reader on the dental treatment unit and a wearable NFC tag for operators, enabling rapid authentication and automatic configuration of settings, including voice command consent and optional feature activation, while reducing interference and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual authentication and configuration methods are used for multiple operators, then operator recognition can be achieved, but operational time increases and safety hazards arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical authentication processes with an NFC (Near Field Communication) automated recognition system. The NFC reader detects the operator's identity through contactless communication, automatically retrieving pre-stored configuration parameters, thereby eliminating time-consuming manual setup while ensuring reliable operator recognition and enhancing safety.
2Productivity
If multiple operators share a dental treatment unit, then resource utilization improves, but cross-unit command interference and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the NFC reader continuously monitors for active NFC tags in proximity to the dental treatment unit. When multiple operators are present, the system receives feedback about their presence and automatically activates only the configurations corresponding to actively present operators, preventing cross-unit command interference while allowing multiple operators to share the unit safely.
3Ease of operation
If traditional menu interaction methods are used for operator setup, then configuration can be achieved, but interaction time with menus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing each operator's configuration parameters (including voice command consent settings and optional feature preferences) in the system memory before the operator arrives. When the operator approaches the unit, the NFC reader automatically retrieves and applies these pre-configured settings, eliminating the need for time-consuming menu interactions and significantly improving ease of operation.
4Speed
If voice commands are enabled for operational control, then operational speed improves, but safety hazards arise from unauthorized or unintended commands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the NFC authentication system as an intermediary between the operator and voice command functionality. The NFC reader verifies the operator's identity and retrieves their authorized command permissions before enabling voice control. This intermediary layer ensures that only authenticated operators can issue voice commands within their authorized scope, maintaining both operational speed and command safety.
Data Source
AI summary
A dental treatment unit comprising:a dentist's board for interaction with a human operator,a scialytic lamp,a hydrogroup,a plurality of electronic boards connected through a BUS,a patient chair,and provided with an NFC reader configured to automatically activate the communication with at least one NFC tag carried by a human operator, when the NFC tag is close to the NFC reader at a reading range less than 10 cm, the NFC reader is configured for registering a human operator carrying the NFC tag at a first connection with the dental treatment unit.