Combined RFID and Optical Imaging Module for Medical Device Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for combining barcode imaging and RFID technologies in the medical field are rudimentary, lacking advanced image processing capabilities and practical integration with existing medical devices, especially for legacy devices that require sterilization and have complex labeling requirements.
Innovation Solution
A modular and scalable system that integrates an optical imager and RFID reader through a single host interface, utilizing a microcontroller to enable selective RFID reading or writing, optical imaging, and barcode reading, with customizable image analysis and configuration for easy integration into existing or new systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional barcode imaging and RFID systems are used separately, then each system can perform its specific function, but the overall system complexity increases and integration becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines barcode imaging and RFID reading capabilities into a single integrated module that can perform both functions simultaneously or independently. The module includes an optical imager for barcode capture and an RFID reader for wireless communication, unified under a single host interface, eliminating the need for separate systems and reducing overall integration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated module is designed to perform multiple functions through a single device: optical imaging for barcode reading, RFID tag interrogation, and data processing. This multi-functional approach allows one module to replace what would traditionally require separate barcode scanners and RFID readers, improving adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity through unified architecture.
2Measurement precision
If advanced image processing capabilities are added to barcode systems, then data processing capability improves, but the system becomes less suitable for legacy medical devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components including an optical imager subsystem, an RFID subsystem, and a host interface, each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows the module to provide advanced image processing when needed while maintaining the flexibility to operate with simpler legacy devices that may not require full imaging capabilities, thus preserving compatibility across different device generations.
Solution Approach 2:
The module dynamically adjusts its functionality based on the requirements of the host system and the devices being scanned. It can enable or disable advanced image processing capabilities depending on whether the application requires high measurement precision or needs to remain compatible with simpler legacy medical devices, providing adaptability across different technological levels.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interfaces are provided for imager and RFID functions, then functionality is enhanced, but the interface complexity and host control burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple interfaces for the optical imager and RFID reader into a single unified host interface. This single interface handles both imaging and RFID communication protocols, reducing the complexity of host control while maintaining full functional capability. The integrated module manages the complexity of multiple protocols internally, presenting a simplified interface to the host system.
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 advanced data processing and image analysis, allowing for improved tracking and identification of medical devices, reducing human errors and enhancing safety by providing a unified, user-controllable module that can be easily retrofitted or integrated into existing systems without additional hardware or software.
Implementation Method 1
an optical device snaps a digital picture of the barcode
Implementation Method 2
Radiofrequency identification (RFID) is a wireless communication technology that utilizes radiowaves for automatic identification and data capture
Data Source
AI summary
An optical imager, a RFID reader, and a single host interface combined into a single module for use as a stand alone device or OEM product. The module includes a system microcontroller that interconnects an optical image microcontroller and a RFID microcontroller through the single interface to a host device, such as a computer. The system microprocessor is configurable via the host interface to selectively provide RFID reading, optical imaging, or a variety of combinations of both techniques. The module is programmable to allow the host computer trigger the RFID reader and optical imager. In addition, the system microcontroller is programmable via the host computer to provide image analysis, such as shape determination or recognition, prior to relaying data to the host computer through the single interface.