X-ray Source Identification Code Verification Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
X-ray emitters from different manufacturers are often not compatible, leading to malfunctions or damage when used in X-ray units, posing risks to personnel and equipment.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray system with an electronically readable data carrier storing an identification code, an interrogation device to verify the code, and a blocking mechanism to prevent operation if the code is invalid, ensuring only compatible emitters are used, integrated into the X-ray emitter and utilizing a license server for time-limited activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an identification code verification system is implemented, then system safety and compatibility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The verification system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a query device for reading identification codes from the X-ray tube, a comparison device for matching codes against predefined values, and a blocking device for preventing operation when mismatches occur. This modular segmentation allows the safety function to be added without overwhelming system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification code verification is performed as a preliminary action before the X-ray tube is allowed to operate. The query device reads the identification code during system initialization or tube installation, and the blocking device is prepared in advance to prevent operation if verification fails, ensuring safety before actual use.
2Reliability
If a blocking mechanism is added to prevent incompatible tubes, then system integrity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The X-ray tube carries its own identification code on an integrated data carrier, enabling the system to automatically verify compatibility without requiring manual intervention. The query device automatically reads the code, and the blocking device automatically prevents operation if the code is invalid, making the safety function self-executing and transparent to users.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual verification process is replaced with an electronic automated system. Instead of requiring users to manually check compatibility, the query device electronically reads the identification code from the data carrier, and the comparison device automatically determines compatibility, replacing mechanical or manual verification with electronic automation.
3Reliability
If electronic signature verification is implemented, then code integrity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The identification code and its electronic signature are merged into a single integrated data carrier that is built into the X-ray tube during manufacturing. This combination ensures that the code and its verification mechanism are produced as one unit, simplifying the manufacturing process compared to adding separate verification components afterward.
Solution Approach 2:
The data carrier serves multiple functions: it stores the identification code for compatibility verification, contains the electronic signature for integrity verification, and acts as an integrated component of the X-ray tube. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to an X-ray system (100) comprising an X-ray source (103) that has an electronically-readable data carrier (105) on which an identification code is stored; a query device (107) for electronically querying the identification code from the data carrier (105) of the X-ray source (103); and a disabling device (109) for disabling operation of the X-ray source (103) in the event of the queried identification code deviating from a predefined identification code.