Optical Identifier Layout for Verifying Substance Measuring Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing home monitoring systems for alcohol and drug addiction lack reliable methods to ensure that the substance measuring device is correctly assigned to the test subject, leading to potential manipulation and inefficiencies in monitoring.

Innovation Solution

A device with an optical identifier, such as a combination of barcodes, QR codes, or reflective foil sections arranged in a triangular pattern, is used to clearly and individually identify the substance measuring device, verifying its assignment to the test subject through image processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual photo review is used to verify device assignment, then verification capability is provided, but time consumption and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveverification reliabilityVSAvoidreview time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual photo review with automated optical character recognition (OCR) technology to extract and verify device identifiers from images. This substitution of mechanical/manual verification with automated optical recognition systems dramatically reduces review time while maintaining verification reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-verification by automatically capturing images of the substance measuring device, extracting identifier information through OCR, and comparing it with registered device data without requiring manual intervention. The device and system work together to automatically verify assignment correctness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If no device identification system is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but manipulation risk and monitoring reliability increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses optical copies (images) of the substance measuring device to verify its identity and assignment. By capturing and analyzing visual representations of the device with its identifier, the system confirms device authenticity without requiring physical possession or complex hardware modifications to the measuring device itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary verification system that captures images of the device, extracts identifier information through OCR, and compares it with registered data. This intermediary layer acts as a mediator between the device and the monitoring system, providing verification without requiring direct physical interaction or complex integration with the substance measuring device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If automated OCR verification is implemented, then verification speed and reliability improve, but system complexity and technical requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveverification speedVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual verification processes with automated optical character recognition technology. The OCR system automatically extracts text from images of the device identifier, enabling rapid verification without manual reading and comparison, thereby significantly increasing verification speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-verification by automatically capturing images, extracting identifier information through OCR, and comparing it with registered device data without requiring manual intervention. This automation enables the system to verify device assignment independently and rapidly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3496968B1Device, substance measuring device, method and computer program for identifying a substance measuring device
Publication Date: 2025.05.14 DRAGER SAFETY AG & CO KAAA
  • EP3496968B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3496968B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3496968B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an apparatus (10), to a substance-measuring device (100), to a method, to a computer program, to a camera (200), and to a mobile radio device for clearly and individually identifying a substance-measuring device (100) of a test subject (300), wherein the apparatus (10) comprises an optical identifier (12).