X-ray Identification Device with Opaque Resin and RFID Chip

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing X-ray object identification methods are vulnerable to falsification by malicious operators, as they rely on manual installation of identifiers by the radio operator, allowing for potential modification of object identification.

Innovation Solution

A device embedding an RFID chip in opaque material with a unique, encrypted identifier that becomes visible on the X-ray film, protected from radiation, ensuring the identifier is only readable after film development, using a combination of opaque materials and removable protection to safeguard the chip from radiation damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual installation of identifiers by radio operator is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential falsification

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of identifier installationVSAvoididentification integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically captures the identifier from the radiograph image and links it to the corresponding object, eliminating the need for manual operator input. The RFID chip stores the identifier and the system automatically retrieves and processes it, making the identification process self-service and preventing operator-induced falsification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of operator-installed identifiers is replaced with an automated electronic system using RFID chips and digital image processing. The identifier is automatically read from the radiograph and processed by a computer system, substituting human manual operations with automated technological processes.

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

2Reliability

If RFID chip is embedded in opaque material, then reliability is improved by preventing falsification, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification integrityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The identifier and RFID chip are merged into a single integrated marking device that is attached to the object. The opaque material containing both the visible identifier and the RFID chip functions as one unified component, simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If removable protection is installed around RFID chip, then reliability is improved by protecting from radiation, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechip protectionVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The marking device is segmented into distinct functional components: the opaque material containing the identifier, the RFID chip, and the removable protective element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while maintaining overall system reliability and enabling easy replacement of the protective element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Prevents falsification of X-ray images by ensuring the identifier is securely linked to the object and only revealed during film development, enhancing the integrity of the identification process.

Implementation Method 1

The RFID chip (3) is raised from the bottom of the box to avoid interference with the object to be x-rayed if the latter is metallic. An opaque resin (4) is poured into the shell (1) so that the identifier (2) and possibly the RFID chip (3) are invisible to the naked eye.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMemory storage:

Implementation Method 2

The identifier, unique and random, is a series of numbers, letters and/or symbols made of a material opaque to the radiation of the radio source (lead for example). The RFID chip can also contain other useful information for the object to be marked. This information can be modifiable or not, encrypted or not according to the need.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

The chip is isolated from X-rays, gamma rays or any other wave used for radiography which could damage it by a protection made of a material opaque to these waves and placed above or around the chip.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadiation shielding: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 4

The operator radio fires the object and the tracking device. The identifier appears on the X-ray image.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray imaging: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentEP2591447B1Device for identifying an objet to be radiographed
Publication Date: 2014.05.14 BEWEIS
  • EP2591447B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2591447B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2591447B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a device that makes it impossible for radiographs to be falsified. The aim of the invention is to provide a visible identifier, unknown to the radiographer, on the radiograph of an object. The solution provided by the invention is a device for identifiably marking an object to be X-rayed, characterised in that it is formed by a shell (1) the base of which is provided with a numerical alpha identifier (2) that is opaque to X- and gamma-rays, an opaque resin being set in the shell (1) so that the identifier (2) is invisible to the naked eye.