Transponder Detection System with Dynamic Frequency Sweeping
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Solution Overview
Problem
In medical facilities, existing wireless transponder systems for detecting objects during procedures face challenges in accuracy due to noisy environments and the need for inexpensive transponders with minimal frequency variation, which are prone to false negatives and require extensive manual verification, leading to inefficiencies and potential adverse medical consequences.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing multiple antennas strategically placed around a patient support structure and a controller that emits interrogation signals and detects responses from transponders, providing wireless communication with medical equipment and capable of transmitting data and control signals, while also monitoring force exerted on the antennas to prevent excessive pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If inexpensive transponders are used, then cost is reduced, but frequency variation increases making detection difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the interrogation signal frequency to match the resonant frequency of each transponder. The controller sweeps through a frequency range to identify the resonant frequency where the transponder responds, then locks onto that frequency for communication. This dynamic frequency adjustment allows the system to work with inexpensive transponders that have wide frequency variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the frequency parameter of the interrogation signal to optimize detection. By sweeping through different frequencies and identifying where transponders resonate and respond, the system adapts to the actual frequency characteristics of each transponder, compensating for manufacturing variations in inexpensive components.
2Reliability
If manual verification procedures are used, then accuracy can be maintained, but time consumption and personnel requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical counting and verification procedures with an automated wireless detection system. The controller automatically emits interrogation signals, detects transponder responses, and tracks objects throughout the procedure, eliminating the need for manual verification while maintaining or improving accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-verification by automatically detecting and tracking transponders throughout the medical procedure. The controller continuously monitors for transponder presence and location without requiring external manual verification, allowing the system to self-correct and maintain accuracy autonomously.
3Reliability
If a single interrogation and detection system is installed in each surgery theater, then detection coverage is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed with universal components that can function in multiple roles. The same antennas and controllers used for transponder detection also provide wireless communication with medical equipment, eliminating the need for separate specialized systems and reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges transponder detection functionality with wireless communication capabilities into a single integrated system. The antennas and controllers serve dual purposes: detecting transponders on medical objects and communicating with medical equipment, thereby reducing the number of separate systems needed in each surgery theater.
4Measurement precision
If multiple antennas are used for detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but communication capability with medical equipment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple antennas are designed to perform multiple functions: detecting transponders by receiving their responses and simultaneously establishing wireless communication links with medical equipment. This multi-functionality allows the system to improve detection accuracy while maintaining communication versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the antenna functions into specialized roles while maintaining overall integration. Different antennas can be optimized for specific functions such as detection versus communication, yet all are coordinated by a single controller that manages both transponder detection and equipment communication seamlessly.
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 system enhances accuracy and efficiency in detecting transponders, reduces the risk of false negatives, and minimizes the need for manual verification, ensuring safer medical procedures by providing real-time data and control communication within a noisy medical environment.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter that emits pulsed wideband wireless signals (e.g., radio or microwave frequency)
Implementation Method 2
a detector for detecting wireless signals returned by the transponders in response to the emitted pulsed wideband signals
Data Source
AI summary
The presence or absence of objects tagged with transponders may be determined in an environment in which medical procedures are performed via an interrogation and detection system which includes a controller and a plurality of antennas positioned along a patient support structure. The antennas may be positioned along an operating table, bed, mattress or pad, sheet, or may be positioned on a drape, or shade. Respective antennas may successively be activated to transmit interrogation signals. Multiple antennas may be monitored for responses from transponders to the interrogation signals. For example, all antennas other than the antenna that transmitted the most recent interrogation signal may be monitored. Antennas may be responsive to force, a signal indicative of such force being produced. A wireless physiological condition monitor may detect patient physiological conditions and wirelessly transmit signals indicative of such.