RFID transducer alignment system
First Claim
1. A radio frequency alignment apparatus, comprising:
- an interrogator configured to emit at least one interrogation signal within an area of alignment;
at least one transponder configured to emit at least one radio frequency signal when excited by the at least one interrogation signal from the interrogator; and
the interrogator configured to receive the at least one radio frequency signal from the at least one transponder and to generate at least one signal that is processed to generate at least one of a visual and an audio indication of the relative orientation of the transponder and the interrogator to each other.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A radio frequency identification (RFID) system having the capacity to detect conditions of alignment, wherein the system may be used with hand-held, fixed-in-place, stationary, and permanently mounted apparatus. The system includes an RF interrogator configured for use with dental x-ray, medical imaging, film, and digital radiography apparatus, and may include a multiplicity of RF transponders or interrogators. An RF interrogator, an RF transponder, and an x-ray sensitive imaging device, and its holder are configured to be critically aligned to a dental x-ray machine head apparatus, rendering repeat imaging unnecessary. The x-ray emitter may be further configured to automatically obtain a desired x-ray image or configured so that the device cannot activate and provide a radiograph until alignment with the transponder and associated x-ray sensitive imaging device has occurred.
47 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A radio frequency alignment apparatus, comprising:
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an interrogator configured to emit at least one interrogation signal within an area of alignment; at least one transponder configured to emit at least one radio frequency signal when excited by the at least one interrogation signal from the interrogator; and the interrogator configured to receive the at least one radio frequency signal from the at least one transponder and to generate at least one signal that is processed to generate at least one of a visual and an audio indication of the relative orientation of the transponder and the interrogator to each other. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for aligning first and second devices, comprising:
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emitting from an interrogator associated with the first device an electromagnetic field of flux; emitting a radio frequency signal from a transponder associated with the second device when the transponder is in proximity to the electromagnetic field of flux from the interrogator; detecting the radio frequency signal from the transponder when the first device is in a condition of alignment with the second device; and indicating when the radio frequency signal from the transponder is detected. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 21, 22)
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15. A system for obtaining a dental x-ray, comprising:
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an x-ray emissions device; an interrogator associated with the x-ray emissions device and configured to emit an electromagnetic field of flux; an imaging device sensitive to x-rays; and a transponder associated with the imaging device and configured to emit a radio frequency signal when excited by the electromagnetic field of flux from the interrogator; wherein the interrogator is configured to detect the radio frequency signal from the transponder and generate an indication of an alignment condition between the an x-ray emissions device and the imaging device sensitive to x-rays. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification