Transponder Detection Device Frequency Sweep Noise Threshold

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transponder detection systems face challenges in accurately detecting inexpensive transponders with varying signal frequencies in noisy environments, leading to potential false negatives and increased costs due to the need for expensive, accurately tuned transponders.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a transponder detection device with a processor that uses subsamples with different delay periods and a signal detection threshold adjustment based on noise levels to determine the presence of transponders, allowing for accurate detection within a defined frequency range and Q value threshold.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If inexpensive transponders are used, then cost is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to large frequency variation

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecostVSAvoidfrequency accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the detection frequency range to match the actual resonant frequency of each transponder. Instead of using a fixed frequency, the system scans through a range of frequencies (e.g., 130-170 kHz) to identify and lock onto the specific frequency at which each individual transponder resonates, thereby accommodating the large frequency variations in inexpensive transponders while maintaining detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the detection parameter from a fixed frequency to a variable frequency range. By implementing a frequency sweep mechanism that tests multiple frequencies within a defined band and identifies the peak response frequency for each transponder, the system adapts to the frequency variations inherent in inexpensive transponders without requiring precise factory tuning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the detection system is made more sensitive to detect inexpensive transponders, then detection capability improves, but false positives increase due to noisy environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidfalse positives
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where the detected signal strength and frequency response are continuously monitored and compared against established thresholds and patterns. The system adjusts its detection criteria based on the actual environmental noise levels and transponder response characteristics, dynamically tuning its sensitivity to distinguish true transponder signals from background noise while maintaining high detection capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts the environmental noise, which initially appears as a harmful factor, into a reference for establishing detection thresholds. By characterizing the noise profile of the surgical environment and using it to set adaptive detection criteria, the system learns to distinguish between random noise fluctuations and genuine transponder signals, thereby reducing false positives while maintaining sensitivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Device complexity

If manual counting procedures are used, then system complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to time consumption and human error

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidefficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic detection, counting, and tracking of transponders without requiring manual intervention. The detection device autonomously scans for transponders, identifies their frequencies, counts them, and provides real-time feedback, thereby eliminating the need for manual counting procedures while significantly improving productivity and reducing human error

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

This approach enables reliable and cost-effective detection of transponders, reducing the risk of false negatives and improving accuracy in noisy surgical environments, ensuring the presence or absence of surgical objects is accurately determined.

Implementation Method 1

The interrogation and detection system includes a transmitter that emits pulsed wideband wireless signals (e.g., radio or microwave frequency) and a detector for detecting wireless signals returned by the transponders

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a detector for detecting wireless signals returned by the transponders in response to the emitted pulsed wideband signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2926730B1Method and device for detection of transponder tagged objects, for example during surgery
Publication Date: 2018.09.05 COVIDIEN LP
  • EP2926730B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2926730B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP2926730B1 patent drawingFigure 2D~2G

AI summary

The presence or absence of objects is determined by interrogating or exciting transponders coupled to the objects using pulsed wide band frequency signals. Interrogation is broken down into a number of subsample scan cycles each having interrogation cycles a start time forward in time by a fraction of a period of an expected transponder response signal. Ambient or background noise is evaluated and a threshold adjusted based on the level of noise. Adjustment may be based on multiple noise measurements or samples. Noise detection may be limited, with emphasis placed on interrogation to increase the signal to noise ratio. Matched filtering may be employed. Presence/absence determination may take into account frequency and/or Q value to limit false detections. Appropriate acts may be taken if detected noise is out of defined limits of operation, for example shutting down interrogation and/or providing an appropriate indication.