RFID Tray Tracking with Visual Zone Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack a systematic way to maintain serialized identification information for medical items stored in trays, especially after they are separated from their packaging, and do not provide effective traceability for recalls or expiration tracking.
Innovation Solution
A system that acquires and associates medical item identification information with specific locations in a medical item tray using RFID tags and a database, allowing for visual guidance on placement and tracking of items through display images, and includes a process for identifying and removing recalled or expired items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If medical items are separated from their packaging and stored in trays, then ease of access and organization is improved, but traceability and identification capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the identification process by separating the RFID tag reading function from the visual display function. RFID readers automatically capture item identification information while the system simultaneously generates and displays images with location markers, allowing independent optimization of each function without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of RFID readers, a database, and image processing software that acts as a mediator between the physical medical items and their digital records. This intermediary automatically captures RFID tags, retrieves associated images, and displays them with location information, eliminating the need for manual tracking while maintaining traceability.
2Loss of information
If detailed location tracking of each medical item is implemented, then traceability is improved, but device complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-service mechanisms where RFID readers automatically detect and read identification tags on medical items without human intervention. The system then automatically retrieves corresponding images from the database, processes them to add location information, and displays them, eliminating the need for manual item-by-item tracking and reducing both complexity and time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking methods with automated electronic systems. RFID technology substitutes for manual scanning, database automation substitutes for manual record-keeping, and automated image processing substitutes for manual annotation, significantly reducing system complexity while enhancing traceability.
3Productivity
If automated identification and tracking systems are implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves multi-functionality by integrating multiple capabilities into a single unified platform: RFID reading, database querying, image retrieval, image processing with location marking, and display generation all occur within one system. This universal approach improves productivity by eliminating the need for separate manual processes while managing complexity through integration rather than multiplication of components.
Data Source
AI summary
Medical item identification information is stored in association with information indicating locations at which medical items are placed in a medical item tray. An RFID reader acquires tray identification information from an RFID tag on the tray. An RFID reader also acquires item identification information from an RFID tag on the medical item to be placed in the tray. A database stores medical item identification information in association with tray identification information and tray zone information. The tray zone information indicates particular zones of the tray in which particular items are to be placed. A computer processor processes the medical item identification information, the tray identification information and the tray zone information, and executes instructions to generate a first image depicting a type of medical item tray as indicated by the tray identification information, and a second image that depicts a zoomed in portion of the first image as indicated by the tray zone information.