WIRELESS IC TAG-ATTACHED METAL MEDICAL INSTRUMENT

A wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument is provide that includes a metal medical instrument with a metal portion having a recess. The metal medical instrument is configured such that electric field coupling, magnetic field coupling, or electromagnetic field coupling is established between a resonant circuit and the metal portion of the metal medical instrument. The metal portion is configured to emit a transmission signal or receive a reception signal when a wireless IC tag is fixed to the metal portion such that at least a part of the wireless IC tag is positioned closer to a bottom of the recess than an opening of the recess.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument including a wireless IC tag and a metal medical instrument.

BACKGROUND

Conventional wireless IC tags are known, for example, as described in Japanese Patent No. 4069958 (hereinafter “Patent Literature 1”). The wireless IC device disclosed therein includes a wireless IC chip, a resonant circuit, and an antenna. The resonant circuit is connected to the wireless IC chip. The resonant circuit has a predetermined resonant frequency. Moreover, the antenna transmits a transmission signal supplied from the resonant circuit and/or receives a reception signal and supplies the reception signal to the resonant circuit. In the field of such wireless IC devices, various devices have been proposed in order to increase the communication distance.

Meanwhile, it has been proposed to use the wireless IC device described in Patent Literature 1 in the field of metal medical instruments. Specifically, it has been proposed that a wireless IC tag is attached to a metal medical instrument to be used as a wireless IC device. In this case, the metal medical instrument functions as an antenna. As a result, management of the metal medical instrument becomes easy.

However, when the wireless IC tag is attached to the metal medical instrument, the wireless IC tag becomes a protrusion. Thus, when an operator operates the metal medical instrument, the wireless IC tag can in some instances contact with the operator’ hand. As a result, the usability of the metal medical instrument deteriorates in some cases.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to improve the usability of a wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument.

The inventor of the present application has analyzed providing a recess in a metal medical instrument and arranging a wireless IC tag in the recess as a method for improving the usability of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument. As a result, the wireless IC tag is less likely to become a protrusion and, therefore, contact of the wireless IC tag with an operator's hand is reduced.

However, it is known that the communication distance of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument decreases if the wireless IC tag is disposed in the recess. In the field of wireless IC devices, it is an important object to increase the communication distance. Thus, those skilled in the art hesitate to dispose the wireless IC tag in the recess even if the usability of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument is improved.

The inventor has reviewed a use situation of wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instruments, in which the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instruments are disposed side by side on a tray, for example. Then, the operator positions a reader/writer on the tray to cause the reader/writer and the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument to communicate with each other. Thus, the inventor has determined that the distance between the reader/writer and the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument is relatively short. Therefore, the inventor has further determined that improving the usability of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument may be prioritized over increasing the communication distance of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the exemplary embodiment of the present invention adopts the following configuration.

According to an exemplary aspect, a wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument (1) is provided that includes a wireless IC tag including a wireless IC chip and a resonant circuit, with the resonant circuit being electrically connected to the wireless IC chip and having a predetermined resonant frequency; and a metal medical instrument including a metal portion provided with a recess having a shape in which a region, surrounded by an opening having a continuous ring shape, is recessed. Moreover, the metal medical instrument is configured such that electric field coupling, magnetic field coupling, or electromagnetic field coupling is established between the resonant circuit and the metal portion of the metal medical instrument, and the metal portion of the metal medical instrument is configured to perform either of function (A) and/or (B) when the wireless IC tag is fixed to the metal portion of the metal medical instrument such that at least a part of the wireless IC tag is positioned closer to a bottom of the recess than the opening of the recess. Specifically, for function (A), the metal portion of the metal medical instrument emits a transmission signal, which has a frequency equal to the predetermined resonant frequency and is supplied from the resonant circuit, as an electromagnetic wave. Moreover, for function (B), the metal portion of the metal medical instrument receives a reception signal having a frequency equal to the predetermined resonant frequency as an electromagnetic wave, and supplies the reception signal to the resonant circuit.

According to the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument (1), the usability of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument is improved. More specifically, in the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument (1), the electric field coupling, magnetic field coupling, or electromagnetic field coupling is established between the resonant circuit and the metal portion of the metal medical instrument, and the metal portion of the metal medical instrument performs either of function (A) and/or (B) when the wireless IC tag is fixed to the metal portion of the metal medical instrument such that at least a part of the wireless IC tag is positioned closer to the bottom of the recess than the opening of the recess. As a result, the protruding amount of the wireless IC tag from the surface of the metal medical instrument is reduced. Accordingly, when an operator operates the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument, contact of the wireless IC tag with the operator's hand is reduced. As a result, the usability of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument is improved.

Meanwhile, the communication distance of the wireless IC tag becomes shorter if at least a part of the wireless IC tag is positioned closer to the bottom of the recess than the opening of the recess. However, the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instruments are disposed side by side on a tray, for example. Then, the operator positions a reader/writer on the tray to cause the reader/writer and the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument to communicate with each other. Thus, the distance between the reader/writer and the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument is relatively short. Therefore, to increase the communication distance of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument is not more important than to increase the communication distance of another wireless IC tag-attached article. As described above, the improvement of the usability of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument may be prioritized over the increase in the communication distance of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument. That is, the communication distance of the wireless IC tag may be shortened by positioning at least a part of the wireless IC tag to be closer to the bottom of the recess than the opening of the recess.

A wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument (2) is the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument (1) in which the metal medical instrument is a general medical device belonging to Class I in the Japanese Medical Device Nomenclature.

It is recommended to attach the wireless IC tag to a general medical device belonging to Class I in the Japanese medical device name. Therefore, in the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument (2), the metal medical instrument is the general medical device belonging to Class I in the Japanese Medical Device Nomenclature.

A wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument (3) is the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument (1) or (2) in which the metal medical instrument is a small steel article.

It is recommended to attach the wireless IC tag to a small steel article. Therefore, in the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument (3), the metal medical instrument is the small steel article.

A wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument (4) is the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument (1) to (3) in which the wireless IC tag is fixed to the metal portion of the metal medical instrument with a resin adhesive.

According to the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument (4), the wireless IC tag is fixed to the metal portion of the metal medical instrument with the resin adhesive, and thus, a fixing member or the like for fixing the wireless IC tag to the metal portion is unnecessary. Thus, the wireless IC tag can be easily affixed to the metal portion.

A wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument (5) is the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument (1) to (3) in which the wireless IC tag is fixed to the metal portion of the metal medical instrument by welding.

According to the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument (5), the wireless IC tag is fixed to the metal portion of the metal medical instrument by welding, and thus, detachment of the wireless IC tag from the metal portion due to an environmental change, such as a temperature change, is reduced.

A wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument (6) is the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument (1) to (5) in which the wireless IC tag is entirely positioned closer to the bottom of the recess than the opening of the recess.

According to the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument (6), the protruding amount of the wireless IC tag from the surface of the metal medical instrument is reduced. Thus, the usability of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument is further improved.

A wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument (7) is the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument (1) to (6). The wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument further includes a resin portion provided in the recess, and the resin portion covers the wireless IC tag so that the wireless IC tag is not exposed.

In the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument (7), the wireless IC tag is covered with the resin portion. Thus, the wireless IC tag is protected by the resin portion.

A wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument (8) is the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument (1) to (7) in which the predetermined resonant frequency belongs to an ultrahigh frequency (UHF) frequency band.

A wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument (9) is the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument (1) to (8). The wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument communicates with a reader/writer via an electromagnetic wave.

The above-described object and other objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention given with reference to the accompanying drawings.

It is noted that as used in the present specification, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or a plurality of the associated listed items.

Moreover, as used the present this specification, the terms “including”, “comprising” or “having” and variations thereof specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or their equivalents, but may also include one or a plurality of steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the present specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present teaching belongs.

In the description of the exemplary embodiment, it will be understood that the number of techniques and the number of steps are disclosed. Each of these has individual benefit, and each can also be used in conjunction with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques. Therefore, this description refrains from repeating every possible combination of the individual steps in an unnecessary fashion for the sake of clarity.

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be practiced without these specific details. The present disclosure is to be considered as an illustration of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention to the specific embodiments illustrated by the following drawings or description.

According to the present invention, the usability of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument is improved.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary Embodiment

[Configuration of Wireless IC Tag-Attached Metal Medical Instrument]

Hereinafter, a wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10according to an exemplary embodiment will be described with reference toFIG. 1.FIG. 1is a configuration diagram of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10according to the embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 1illustrates a block diagram of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10, a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A, and a block diagram of a wireless IC tag14.

In the present specification, it is noted that an axis or a member extending in a front-back direction does not necessarily indicate only the axis or member parallel to the front-back direction. The axis or member extending in the front-back direction is the axis or member inclined within a range of ±45° with respect to the front-back direction. Similarly, an axis or a member extending in an up-down direction is the axis or member inclined within a range of ±45° with respect to the up-down direction. An axis or a member extending in a left-right direction is the axis or member inclined within a range of ±45° with respect to the left-right direction.

In the present specification, a case where a first member is supported by a second member includes a case where the first member is attached to the second member so as to be immovable with respect to the second member (i.e., fixed) and a case where the first member is attached to the second member so as to be movable with respect to the second member. The case where the first member is supported by the second member further includes both of a case where the first member is directly attached to the second member and a case where the first member is attached to the second member with a third member interposed therebetween. Note that the first member, the second member, and the third member are included in the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10.

In the present specification, the first member and the second member arrayed in the front-back direction indicate the following state. Both the first member and the second member are in the state of being disposed on an arbitrary straight line indicating the front-back direction when the first member and the second member are viewed in a direction perpendicular to the front-back direction. In the present specification, the first member and the second member arrayed in the front-back direction when viewed in the up-down direction indicate the following state. Both the first member and the second member are disposed on an arbitrary straight line indicating the front-back direction when the first member and the second member are viewed in the up-down direction. In this case, anyone of the first member and the second member is not necessarily disposed on an arbitrary straight line indicating the front-back direction when the first member and the second member are viewed from the left-right direction different from the up-down direction. Note that the first member and the second member may be in contact with each other. The first member and the second member may be separated from each other. The third member may be present between the first member and the second member. It should be appreciated that this definition also applies to directions other than the front-back direction.

In the present specification, the first member disposed in front of the second member indicates the following state. At least a part of the first member is disposed in a region through which the second member passes at the time of moving in parallel in the forward direction. Accordingly, the first member may be accommodated in the region through which the second member passes at the time of moving in parallel in the forward direction, or may protrude from the region through which the second member passes at the time of moving in parallel in the forward direction. In this case, the first member and the second member are arrayed in the front-back direction. This definition also applies to directions other than the front-back direction.

In the present specification, the first member being disposed in front of the second member when viewed in the left-right direction indicates the following state. The first member and the second member are arrayed in the front-back direction when viewed in the left-right direction, and a portion of the first member facing the second member is disposed in front of the second member when viewed in the left-right direction. In this definition, the first member and the second member are not necessarily arrayed in the front-back direction in three dimensions. This definition also applies to directions other than the front-back direction.

In the present specification, the first member disposed more frontward than the second member indicates the following state. The first member is disposed in front of a plane which passes through a front end of the second member and is orthogonal to the front-back direction. In this case, the first member and the second member may be arrayed or are not necessarily arrayed in the front-back direction. It should be appreciated that this definition also applies to directions other than the front-back direction.

In the present specification, each portion of the first member is defined as follows unless otherwise specified. A front portion of the first member means the front half of the first member. A back portion of the first member means the back half of the first member. A left portion of the first member means the left half of the first member. A right portion of the first member means the right half of the first member. An upper portion of the first member means the upper half of the first member. A lower portion of the first member means the lower half of the first member. A front end of the first member means an end of the first member in the forward direction. A back end of the first member means an end of the first member in the backward direction. A left end of the first member means an end of the first member in the leftward direction. A right end of the first member means an end of the first member in the rightward direction. An upper end of the first member means an end of the first member in the upward direction. The lower end of the first member means an end of the first member in the downward direction. A front end portion of the first member means the front end of the first member and the vicinity thereof. A back end portion of the first member means the back end of the first member and the vicinity thereof. A left end portion of the first member means the left end of the first member and the vicinity thereof. A right end portion of the first member means the right end of the first member and the vicinity thereof. An upper end portion of the first member means the upper end of the first member and the vicinity thereof. A lower end portion of the first member means the lower end of the first member and the vicinity thereof.

The wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10includes a metal medical instrument12and the wireless IC tag14. It is noted that the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10may further include a configuration other than the metal medical instrument12and the wireless IC tag14.

The wireless IC tag14includes a wireless IC chip18and a resonant circuit20. Note that the wireless IC tag14may further include a configuration other than the wireless IC chip18and the resonant circuit20.

In the exemplary aspect, the resonant circuit20is electrically connected to the wireless IC chip18. Moreover, the resonant circuit20has a predetermined resonant frequency f0. The resonant circuit20is, for example, an LC resonant circuit including a capacitor and an inductor. The LC resonant circuit is an LC parallel resonant circuit in which the capacitor and the inductor are connected in parallel, or an LC series resonant circuit in which the capacitor and the inductor are connected in series. The resonant frequency f0 is determined by a capacitance value of the capacitor and an inductance value of the inductor. When a high-frequency signal having a frequency equal to the resonant frequency f0 is input to the LC parallel resonant circuit, the impedance of the LC parallel resonant circuit is maximized. When the high-frequency signal having the frequency equal to the resonant frequency f0 is input to the LC series resonant circuit, the impedance of the LC series resonant circuit is minimized.

According to an exemplary aspect, the resonant frequency f0 belongs to, for example, an ultrahigh frequency (UHF) frequency band. The UHF frequency band is a band to which a frequency of 300 MHz or more and 3 GHz or less belongs.

In one aspect, the wireless IC tag14is preferably attached to a general medical device belonging to Class I in the Japanese medical device nomenclature. Therefore, the metal medical instrument12is, for example, a general medical device belonging to Class I in the Japanese medical device nomenclature. In addition, it is recommended to attach the wireless IC tag14to a small steel article. Therefore, the metal medical instrument12is, for example, a small steel article. Examples of the small steel article include a gag, a retractor, forceps, an elevator, a peeler, a needle holder, a scalpel, scissors, a chisel, a curette, tweezers, a saw, a file, and a hook.

As further shown, the metal medical instrument12includes a metal portion16. The metal medical instrument12may include only the metal portion16. In addition, the metal medical instrument12may include a configuration other than the metal portion16. Therefore, the metal medical instrument12may include, for example, a resin portion, a rubber portion, and the like.

Preferably, the metal portion16is made of metal. Therefore, the metal portion16may be made of, for example, steel, iron, copper, or another metal or an alloy in various exemplary aspects.

Moreover, the metal portion16is provided with a recess30. The recess30has a shape in which a region A0, surrounded by an opening Op having a continuous ring shape, is recessed. For purposes of this disclosure, the continuous ring shape means, for example, a ring that makes one round without interruption. The continuous ring shape divides a predetermined region from a region existing around the predetermined region by surrounding the predetermined region, for example. The continuous ring shape may be, for example, a circle or an ellipse. In alternative aspects, the continuous ring shape may be, for example, a polygon having a corner such as a triangle and a quadrangle. The opening Op indicates, for example, a line of the continuous ring shape. Therefore, the opening Op divides, for example, the region A0from a region existing around the region A0.

Next, the definition of the recess30will be described. The fact that the region A0is recessed means, for example, that a hole having a bottom30bis formed in the region A0. Hereinafter, a direction in which the region A0is recessed is defined as a depth direction. The bottom30bis, for example, a portion positioned at the innermost side in the depth direction on an inner surface of the recess30. Further, the inner surface of the recess30has, for example, a side surface surrounding the bottom30bwhen viewed in a recessed direction.

In the present specification, the recess30is different from a notch according to the exemplary embodiment. The recess30is formed, for example, by recessing the region A0surrounded by the opening Op formed in one flat surface or one curved surface. Thus, for example, the inside of the recess30is not visible when viewed in a direction parallel to the surface on which the recess is formed (i.e., a direction orthogonal to the recessed direction). The notch is formed, for example, by removing a region surrounded by an opening formed across two or more surfaces. A case where the opening is formed on a first surface and a second surface will be described as an example. In this case, the inside of the notch is sometimes visible when viewed in a direction parallel to the first surface on which the opening is formed.

In addition, an inner surface of the recess30has, for example, the bottom30band the side surface surrounding the bottom30bwhen viewed in the recessed direction. On the other hand, it is difficult to define a recessed direction in the notch. In addition, it is difficult to define a bottom in the notch. Thus, the recess30is different from the notch.

When the wireless IC tag14is fixed to the metal portion16of the metal medical instrument12such that at least a part of the wireless IC tag14is positioned closer to the bottom30bof the recess30than the opening Op of the recess30, electric field coupling, magnetic field coupling, or electromagnetic field coupling is established between the resonant circuit20and the metal portion16of the metal medical instrument12so that the metal portion16of the metal medical instrument12performs either of functions (A) and/or (B) to be described later.

The fact that at least a part of the wireless IC tag14is positioned closer to the bottom30bof the recess30than the opening Op of the recess30means that, for example, a part of the wireless IC tag14is positioned in the recess30. When at least a part of the wireless IC tag14is positioned closer to the bottom30bof the recess30than the opening Op of the recess30, for example, a distance between the wireless IC tag14and the bottom30bin the recessed direction becomes shorter than a distance between the opening Op and the bottom30bin the recessed direction. It is noted that the entire wireless IC tag14may be positioned closer to the bottom30bof the recess30than the opening Op of the recess30in an exemplary aspect.

In addition, the wireless IC tag14may be fixed to the metal portion16on the inner surface of the recess30, or may be fixed to the metal portion16in a portion other than the recess30. InFIG. 1, the wireless IC tag14is fixed to the metal portion16at the bottom30bof the recess30. For example, the wireless IC tag14may be fixed to the metal portion16of the metal medical instrument12with a resin adhesive. In addition, the wireless IC tag14may be fixed to the metal portion16of the metal medical instrument12by welding, for example.

In addition, the fact that the electric field coupling is established between the resonant circuit20and the metal portion16means, for example, that a transmission signal is supplied from the resonant circuit20to the metal portion16by an electric field and/or that a reception signal is supplied from the metal portion16to the resonant circuit20by an electric field. The fact that the magnetic field coupling is established between the resonant circuit20and the metal portion16means, for example, that a transmission signal is supplied from the resonant circuit20to the metal portion16by a magnetic field and/or that a reception signal is supplied from the metal portion16to the resonant circuit20by a magnetic field. The fact that the electromagnetic field coupling is established between the resonant circuit20and the metal portion16means, for example, that a transmission signal is supplied from the resonant circuit20to the metal portion16by an electromagnetic field and/or that a reception signal is supplied from the metal portion16to the resonant circuit20by an electromagnetic field.

The metal portion16of the metal medical instrument12is configured to emit the transmission signal, which has a frequency equal to the resonant frequency f0 and supplied from the resonant circuit20, as an electromagnetic wave.

More specifically, the wireless IC chip18generates a transmission signal obtained by modulating a carrier wave having a frequency equal to the resonant frequency f0 with transmission data. The resonant circuit20resonates by the transmission signal supplied from the wireless IC chip18. The resonant circuit20supplies the transmission signal having the frequency equal to the resonant frequency f0 to the metal portion16. At this time, the strength of a signal having a frequency other than the resonant frequency f0, supplied from the resonant circuit20to the metal portion16, is lower than the strength of the transmission signal having the frequency equal to the resonant frequency f0 supplied from the resonant circuit20to the metal portion16. The metal portion16emits the transmission signal supplied from the resonant circuit20as the electromagnetic wave. That is, the metal portion is configured to function as an antenna that emits the electromagnetic wave. At this time, the metal portion16emits the electromagnetic wave from the entire metal portion16. A reader/writer (not illustrated) receives the electromagnetic wave, thereby receiving the transmission signal. In the present specification, the transmission signal having the frequency equal to the resonant frequency f0 includes a case where the frequency of the transmission signal completely coincides with the resonant frequency f0 and a case where the frequency of the transmission signal is a frequency slightly deviated from the resonant frequency f0. The slight deviation from the resonant frequency f0 means, for example, a deviation of about several tens of MHz.

Moreover, the metal portion16of the metal medical instrument12is configured to receive a reception signal having a frequency equal to the resonant frequency f0 as an electromagnetic wave, and supplies the reception signal to the resonant circuit20.

More specifically, the reader/writer emits a reception signal, obtained by modulating a carrier wave having a frequency equal to the resonant frequency f0 with reception data, as an electromagnetic wave. The metal portion16receives the reception signal, obtained by modulating the carrier wave having the frequency equal to the resonant frequency f0 with reception data, as the electromagnetic wave. That is, the metal portion16is configured to function as an antenna that receives the electromagnetic wave. The metal portion16supplies the reception signal having the frequency equal to the resonant frequency f0 to the resonant circuit20. At this time, the strength of a signal having a frequency other than the resonant frequency f0, supplied from the metal portion16to the resonant circuit20, is lower than the strength of the reception signal having the frequency equal to the resonant frequency f0 supplied from the metal portion16to the resonant circuit20. The resonant circuit20resonates by the reception signal supplied from the metal portion16. The resonant circuit20supplies the reception signal having the frequency equal to the resonant frequency f0 to the wireless IC chip18. The wireless IC chip18demodulates the reception signal to acquire the reception data. In the present specification, the reception signal having the frequency equal to the resonant frequency f0 includes a case where the frequency of the reception signal completely coincides with the resonant frequency f0 and a case where the frequency of the reception signal is a frequency slightly deviating from the resonant frequency f0. The slight deviation from the resonant frequency f0 means, for example, a deviation of about several tens of MHz.

It is noted that the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10receives, for example, the reception signal transmitted from the reader/writer, and reflects a part of the reception signal to transmit the transmission signal. Specifically, function (B) is performed by the metal portion16of the metal medical instrument12in the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10. As a result, the wireless IC chip18demodulates the reception signal to acquire the reception data. In response, the wireless IC chip18generates a transmission signal obtained by modulating a carrier wave of the reception signal, received by the metal portion16of the metal medical instrument12, with transmission data. The resonant circuit20resonates by the transmission signal supplied from the wireless IC chip18. The resonant circuit20supplies the transmission signal having the frequency equal to the resonant frequency f0 to the metal portion16. Thereafter, the metal portion16of the metal medical instrument12performs function (A).

Meanwhile, there is a case where a wireless IC tag-attached article and a reader/writer communicate with each other via a magnetic field. In such communication via the magnetic field, a high-frequency signal belonging to a HF frequency band is used. Therefore, a coil antenna is connected to a wireless IC tag. Then, magnetic field coupling is established between the reader/writer and the coil antenna so that the reader/writer and the wireless IC tag-attached article communicate with each other. On the other hand, the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10communicates with the reader/writer via the electromagnetic wave. That is, the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10communicates with the reader/writer via a high-frequency signal belonging to the UHF frequency band. Therefore, the metal portion16of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10emits the electromagnetic wave instead of the magnetic field. According to the exemplary aspect, the metal portion16is not a coil antenna, and, therefore, the metal portion16does not have a coil shape. That is, the metal portion16does not have a spiral shape.

In addition, the metal portion16may have or does not necessarily have an electrical length equal to an integral multiple of a half wavelength of the resonant frequency f0. When the metal portion16has the electrical length equal to the integral multiple of the half wavelength of resonant frequency f0, the metal portion16functions as a dipole antenna. As a result, a standing wave is generated in the metal portion16. For example, when the metal portion16has an electrical length equal to the half wavelength of the resonant frequency f0, the resonant frequency f0 coincides with a resonant frequency of the metal portion16.

Meanwhile, the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10is excellent in that the high-frequency signal can be transmitted and/or received regardless of the electrical length of the metal portion16. That is, the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10can be configured to transmit and/or receive the high frequency signal even when the electrical length of the metal portion16is not equal to the integral multiple of the half wavelength of the resonant frequency f0. In order for the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10to exhibit such an advantage, the frequency of the transmission signal and the frequency of the reception signal are equal to the resonant frequency f0 of the resonant circuit20in the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10. Further, the resonant circuit20also functions as a matching circuit that achieves impedance matching between the wireless IC chip18and the metal portion16. Thus, the impedance of the resonant circuit20is equal to the impedance of the wireless IC chip18. Further, the electric field coupling, magnetic field coupling, or electromagnetic field coupling is established between the resonant circuit20and the metal portion16. Thus, the resonant circuit20and the metal portion16are not electrically conducted. Accordingly, the relatively weak electric field coupling, magnetic field coupling, or electromagnetic field coupling is established between the resonant circuit20and the metal portion16. As a result, the resonant frequency f0 of the resonant circuit20and the impedance of the resonant circuit20hardly vary even if the electrical length of the metal portion16varies. As a result, the resonant circuit20resonates by the high-frequency signal having the resonant frequency f0 regardless of the electrical length of the metal portion16. Further, the impedance matching between the wireless IC chip18and the metal portion16is easily achieved regardless of the electrical length of the metal portion16. Accordingly, the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10can transmit and/or receive the high-frequency signal having the frequency of the resonant frequency f0 regardless of the electrical length of the metal portion16. It is noted that the wireless IC tag14can include the matching circuit separately from the resonant circuit20in an exemplary aspect. However, no matching circuit is provided outside the resonant circuit20in the exemplary embodiment.

As described above, the resonance at the resonant frequency f0 hardly occurs in the metal portion16when the electrical length of the metal portion16is not equal to the integral multiple of the half wavelength of the resonant frequency f0. That is, a standing wave having a length equal to the half wavelength of the resonant frequency f0 is hardly generated in the metal portion16. In this case, the resonant frequency f0 is different from a frequency of the standing wave that can be generated in the metal portion16. From the above viewpoint, the metal portion16does not necessarily have the electrical length equal to the integral multiple of the half wavelength of the resonant frequency f0.

It is noted that the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10can further include a resin portion provided in the recess30. The wireless IC tag14is not necessarily exposed as the resin portion covers the wireless IC tag14. However, the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10does not necessarily include the resin portion in exemplary aspects.

According to the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10, the usability of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10is improved. More specifically, in the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10, the wireless IC tag14is fixed to the metal portion16of the metal medical instrument12such that at least a part of the wireless IC tag14is positioned closer to the bottom30bof the recess30than the opening Op of the recess30. Thus, the electric field coupling, magnetic field coupling, or electromagnetic field coupling is established between the resonant circuit20and the metal portion16of the metal medical instrument12so that the metal portion16of the metal medical instrument12performs either of functions (A) and/or (B). For function (A), the metal portion16of the metal medical instrument12emits the transmission signal, which has the frequency equal to the resonant frequency f0 and is supplied from the resonant circuit20, as the electromagnetic wave. For function (B), the metal portion16of the metal medical instrument12receives the reception signal having the frequency equal to the resonant frequency f0 as the electromagnetic wave, and supplies the reception signal to the resonant circuit20. As a result, the protruding amount of the wireless IC tag14from the metal medical instrument12is reduced. Accordingly, when an operator operates the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10, contact of the wireless IC tag14with the operator's hand is reduced. As a result, the usability of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10is improved.

Meanwhile, the communication distance of the wireless IC tag14becomes shorter if at least a part of the wireless IC tag14is positioned closer to the bottom30bof the recess30than the opening Op of the recess30. However, the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instruments10are disposed side by side on a tray, for example. Then, the operator positions the reader/writer on the tray to cause the reader/writer and the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10to communicate with each other. Thus, the distance between the reader/writer and the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10is relatively short. Therefore, to increase the communication distance of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10is not more important than to increase the communication distance of another wireless IC tag-attached article. As described above, the improvement of the usability of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10may be prioritized over the increase in the communication distance of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10. That is, the communication distance of the wireless IC tag14can be shortened by positioning at least a part of the wireless IC tag14to be closer to the bottom30bof the recess30than the opening Op of the recess30.

According to the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10, the wireless IC tag14can be fixed to the metal portion16of the metal medical instrument12with the resin adhesive, and thus, a fixing member or the like for fixing the wireless IC tag14to the metal portion16is unnecessary. Thus, the wireless IC tag14can be easily affixed to the metal portion16.

According to the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10, the wireless IC tag14may be fixed to the metal portion16of the metal medical instrument12by welding, and thus, detachment of the wireless IC tag14from the metal portion16due to an environmental change, such as a temperature change, is reduced.

According to the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10, the entire wireless IC tag14may be positioned closer to the bottom30bof the recess30than the opening Op of the recess30. In this case, the protruding amount of the wireless IC tag14from the surface of the metal medical instrument12is reduced. Thus, the usability of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10is further improved.

In the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10, the wireless IC tag14may be covered with the resin portion. Thus, the wireless IC tag14is protected by the resin portion.

First Example

[Configuration of Wireless IC Tag-Attached Metal Medical Instrument]

Next, a wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10aaccording to a first example will be described with reference to the drawings.FIG. 2is an external perspective view of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10aaccording to the first example. Note thatFIG. 2also illustrates an enlarged view of the vicinity of the recess30.FIG. 3is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B inFIG. 2.FIG. 4is a perspective view of the wireless IC tag14.FIG. 5is an equivalent circuit diagram of the wireless IC tag14.

Hereinafter, a front-back direction of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10ais referred to as the front-back direction. The front-back direction is a direction in which blades of scissors as the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10aextend. An up-down direction of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10ais referred to as the up-down direction. The up-down direction is a direction in which the two blades of the scissors as the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10aoverlap each other. A left-right direction of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10ais referred to as the left-right direction. A forward direction of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10ais referred to as the forward direction. A backward direction of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10ais referred to as the backward direction. A left direction of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10ais referred to as the left direction. Aright direction of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10ais referred to as the right direction. An upward direction of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10ais referred to as the upward direction. A downward direction in the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10ais referred to as the downward direction.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10aincludes the metal medical instrument12and the wireless IC tag14.

The metal medical instrument12is scissors in this example. The metal medical instrument12includes a metal portion16. In the present embodiment, the metal medical instrument12includes only the metal portion16. Thus, the metal medical instrument12does not include a resin portion or a rubber portion.

The metal portion16includes a first shaving member140, a second shaving member142, and a screw144. The first shaving member140includes a first support portion140a(also referred to as a “first support”), a first body portion140b(also referred to as a “first body”), a first blade portion140c(also referred to as a “first blade”), and a first ring portion140d(also referred to as a “first ring” or a “first gripping member”). The second shaving member142includes a second support portion142a(also referred to as a “second support”), a second body portion142b(also referred to as a “second body”), a second blade portion142c(also referred to as a “second blade”), and a second ring portion142d(also referred to as a “second ring” or a “second gripping member”).

As shown, the first support portion140ahas a flat plate shape extending in the front-back direction. The second support portion142ahas a flat plate shape extending in the front-back direction. The first support portion140ais disposed on the second support portion142a.

The first blade portion140chas a flat plate shape extending in the forward direction from a front end of the first support portion140a. A blade is provided on a right edge of the first blade portion140c. The second blade portion142chas a flat plate shape extending in the forward direction from a front end of the second support portion142a. A blade is provided on a left edge of the second blade portion142c. The first blade portion140cis disposed on the second blade portion142c.

Moreover, the first body portion140bhas a rod shape extending in the backward direction from a back end of the first support portion140a. Likewise, the second body portion142bhas a rod shape extending in the backward direction from a back end of the second support portion142a. The first body portion140bis disposed on the right of the second body portion142b.

The first ring portion140dis connected to the back end of the first body portion140b. The first ring portion140dhas an annular shape when viewed in the downward direction. The second ring portion142dis connected to a back end of the second body portion142b. The second ring portion142dhas an annular shape when viewed in the downward direction. The first ring portion140dis disposed on the right of the second ring portion142d.

The screw144(generally referred to as a “coupling member”) penetrates through the first support portion140aand the second support portion142ain the up-down direction. As a result, the second shaving member142can rotate about a central axis of the screw144relative to the first shaving member140.

In the exemplary aspect, the metal medical instrument12as described above is the scissors, which is a general medical device belonging to Class I in the Japanese Medical Device Nomenclature. In addition, the metal medical instrument12is the scissors, and thus, is a small steel article.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, the metal portion16is provided with the recess30having a shape in which the region A0, surrounded by the opening Op having a continuous ring shape, is recessed. As illustrated inFIG. 2, the recess30is provided in a back portion of an upper surface of the first body portion140b. The recess30has a shape in which a part of the upper surface of the first body portion140bis recessed in the downward direction. The recess30has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. Thus, the opening Op has a rectangular shape when viewed in the downward direction. In addition, the bottom30balso has a rectangular shape when viewed in the downward direction.

According to an exemplary aspect, the wireless IC tag14has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. As illustrated inFIG. 3, the entire wireless IC tag14is positioned closer to the bottom30bof the recess30than the opening Op of the recess30. That is, the wireless IC tag14is entirely positioned in the recess30. In addition, the wireless IC tag14is fixed to the bottom30bof the recess30with a resin adhesive24. Specifically, the resin adhesive24is in contact with both a bottom surface of the wireless IC tag14and the bottom30bof the recess30. The resin adhesive24is applied to the entire bottom surface of the wireless IC tag14. The resin adhesive24is made of, for example, an epoxy resin.

Moreover, the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10afurther includes a resin portion26. As illustrated inFIG. 3, the resin portion26is provided in the recess30. As a result, the wireless IC tag14is not externally exposed. In one aspect, the resin portion26is made of, for example, an epoxy resin.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, the wireless IC tag14further includes the wireless IC chip18, the resonant circuit20, and a body150. The body150has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The body150includes a body lower portion152and a body upper portion154. The body lower portion152is, for example, a stacker. The body lower portion152has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The stacker has a structure in which a plurality of insulator layers having main surfaces perpendicular to the left-right direction are stacked in the left-right direction. However, a stacker direction of the stacker may be the up-down direction or the front-back direction. The stacker is made of, for example, a glass epoxy resin. The body upper portion154is, for example, a resin member. The body upper portion154has, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The resin member is made of, for example, an epoxy resin.

The wireless IC chip18is a semiconductor integrated circuit. The wireless IC chip18is mounted on an upper surface of the body lower portion152. The wireless IC chip18includes a memory that stores predetermined information. In addition, the wireless IC chip18includes a modulator that modulates a carrier wave with transmission data stored in the memory to generate a transmission signal. In addition, the wireless IC chip18includes a demodulator that demodulates reception data from a reception signal obtained by modulating a carrier wave with the reception data.

The resonant circuit20includes a capacitor C and an inductor L. In the exemplary aspect, the capacitor C is a chip capacitor. As further shown, the capacitor C is mounted on the upper surface of the body lower portion152. The inductor L is provided in the body lower portion152. The inductor L has a spiral shape. The inductor L turns about a central axis extending in the left-right direction. The inductor L includes a plurality of conductor layers and a plurality of via-hole conductors. Specifically, each of the plurality of conductor layers is formed on main surfaces of the plurality of insulator layers. Each of the plurality of conductor layers turns about the central axis when viewed in the right direction. Each of the plurality of via-hole conductors penetrates through the plurality of insulator layers in the left-right direction. Each of the plurality of via-hole conductors connects ends of conductor layers adjacent to each other in the left-right direction. Note that the inductor L turns about a plurality of times. However, the inductor L may have, for example, a loop shape with a length less than one turn.

As illustrated inFIG. 5, the capacitor C and the inductor L are connected in parallel to the wireless IC chip18by a wiring (not illustrated inFIG. 4). Thus, the resonant circuit20is an LC parallel resonator.

It is noted that the attachment position of the wireless IC tag14with respect to the metal portion16is not limited to the position illustrated inFIG. 2. The wireless IC tag14may be attached to any of the first support portion140a, the first body portion140b, the first blade portion140c, the first ring portion140d, the second support portion142a, the second body portion142b, the second blade portion142c, and the second ring portion142d.

Next, an operation when the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10atransmits a transmission signal will be described. Meanwhile, the operation of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10ais the same as the operation of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10. Therefore, the description will be given focusing on operations of the metal portion16and the resonant circuit20.

The resonant circuit20resonates by the transmission signal generated by the wireless IC chip18. As a result, the inductor L generates a magnetic flux extending in the left-right direction. This magnetic flux turns around the metal portion16when viewed in the backward direction. Therefore, magnetic field coupling is established between the resonant circuit20and the metal portion16. As a result, a current flows through the metal portion16in the front-back direction. However, a direction of the magnetic flux varies at the resonant frequency f0, a direction of the current also varies at the resonant frequency f0. As a result, an electromagnetic wave is emitted from the entire metal portion16by electromagnetic induction.

Next, an operation when the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10areceives a reception signal will be described. Meanwhile, the operation of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10ais the same as the operation of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10. Therefore, the description will be given focusing on operations of the metal portion16and the resonant circuit20.

The metal portion16receives a magnetic field, and a direction of the magnetic field varies at the resonant frequency f0. As a result, a current flows through the metal portion16in the front-back direction. However, a direction of the current flowing through the metal portion16also varies at the resonant frequency f0 since the direction of the magnetic field received by the metal portion16varies at the resonant frequency f0. As a result, the magnetic field turing around the metal portion16is generated by electromagnetic induction when viewed in the backward direction. This magnetic field passes through the inductor L in the left-right direction. In addition, a direction of the magnetic field passing through the inductor L varies at the resonant frequency f0. As a result, the resonant circuit20resonates by the magnetic field passing through the inductor L in the left-right direction, and supplies the reception signal having the frequency equal to the resonant frequency f0 to the wireless IC tag14.

According to the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10a, the usability of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10ais improved for the same reason as that in the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10. In addition, according to the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10a, the wireless IC tag14can be easily affixed to the metal portion16for the same reason as that in the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10. According to the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10a, the wireless IC tag14is protected by the resin portion26for the same reason as that in the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10.

Second Example

Next, a wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10baccording to a second example will be described with reference to the drawings.FIG. 6is a cross-sectional view of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10baccording to the second example.

The wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10bis different from the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10ain terms of the depth of the recess30. That is, the recess30of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10bis shallower than the recess30of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10a. Thus, a part of the wireless IC tag14is positioned closer to the bottom30bof the recess30than the opening Op of the recess30. As such, the wireless IC tag14is partially positioned in the recess30. It is noted that other configurations of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10bare the same as those of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10a, and thus, the description thereof will be omitted.

According to the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10b, the usability of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10bis improved for the same reason as that in the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instruments10and10a. In addition, according to the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10b, the wireless IC tag14can be easily affixed to the metal portion16for the same reason as that in the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instruments10and10a. According to the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10b, the wireless IC tag14is protected by the resin portion26for the same reason as that in the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instruments10and10a.

Third Example

Next, a wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10caccording to a third example will be described with reference to the drawings.FIG. 7is an external perspective view of the wireless IC tag14of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10caccording to a third example.

The wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10cis different from the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10ain terms of a method for fixing the wireless IC tag14. More specifically, the wireless IC tag14is fixed to the metal portion16by welding in the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10c. The wireless IC tag14is fixed to the first shaving member140or the second shaving member142by welding. The wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10cincludes fixing members200aand200b. Then, the wireless IC tag14is fixed to the first shaving member140or the second shaving member142via the fixing members200aand200bwelded to the first shaving member140or the second shaving member142. In the present embodiment, the wireless IC tag14is fixed to the first shaving member140via the fixing members200aand200bwelded to the first shaving member140.

In the exemplary aspect, the fixing members200aand200bare metal members. The fixing member200ais in contact with an upper surface and a front surface of the body150of the wireless IC tag14. Then, a front end portion of the fixing member200ais fixed to the first shaving member140via a welded portion202a. Accordingly, the welded portion202awhere the fixing member200ais welded to the first shaving member140is positioned in front of the wireless IC tag14.

Moreover, the fixing member200bhas the same structure as the fixing member200a. Specifically, the fixing member200bis in contact with the upper surface and a back surface of the body150of the wireless IC tag14. Then, aback end portion of the fixing member200bis fixed to the first shaving member140via a welded portion202b. Therefore, the welded portion202bwhere the fixing member200bis welded to the first shaving member140is positioned at the back of the wireless IC tag14.

It is noted that the wireless IC tag14may be covered with a resin portion (not illustrated inFIG. 7) in an alternative aspect.

It is also noted that the wireless IC tag14may be fixed to the second shaving member142via the fixing members200aand200b. In this case, the welded portion202awhere the fixing member200ais welded to the second shaving member142is positioned in front of the wireless IC tag14. The welded portion202bwhere the fixing member200bis welded to the second shaving member142is positioned at the back of the wireless IC tag14.

According to the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10c, the usability of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10cis improved for the same reason as that in the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instruments10,10a, and10b. According to the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10c, detachment of the wireless IC tag14from the metal portion16due to an environmental change, such as a temperature change, is reduced for the same reason as that of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10. According to the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10c, the wireless IC tag14is protected by the resin portion for the same reason as that in the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instruments10,10a, and10b.

Fourth Example

Next, a wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10daccording to a fourth example will be described with reference to the drawings.FIG. 8is a cross-sectional view of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10daccording to the fourth example.

The wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10dis different from the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10ain terms of a shape of the recess30. As discussed above, the recess30of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10ahas a rectangular parallelepiped shape. On the other hand, as shown inFIG. 8, the recess30of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10dhas a quadrangular pyramid shape. Specifically, the region A0has a rectangular shape when viewed in the downward direction. The bottom30bhas a rectangular shape when viewed in the downward direction. However, the area of the region A0is smaller than the area of the bottom30b. As a result, a cross-sectional shape of the recess30becomes a reverse-tapered shape as illustrated inFIG. 8. It should be appreciated that other configurations of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10dare the same as those of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10a, and thus, the description thereof will be omitted.

According to the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10d, the usability of the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10dis improved for the same reason as that in the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instruments10and10a. In addition, according to the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10d, the wireless IC tag14can be easily affixed to the metal portion16for the same reason as that in the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instruments10and10a. According to the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10d, the wireless IC tag14is protected by the resin portion26for the same reason as that in the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instruments10and10a.

In addition, the area of the region A0is smaller than the area of the bottom30baccording to the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10d. As a result, detachment of the resin portion26from the metal portion16is reduced.

It is noted that the shape of the region A0and the shape of the bottom30bare not limited to the rectangular shape in the wireless IC tag-attached metal medical instrument10d. As long as the area of the region A0is smaller than the area of the bottom30b, the shape of the region A0and the shape of the bottom30bmay be shapes other than the rectangular shape.

Additional Embodiments

The embodiment and examples for which at least one of the description and illustration has been given in the present specification are intended to facilitate the understanding of the present disclosure, and do not limit an idea of the present disclosure. The above embodiment and examples can be changed and improved without departing from a spirit thereof.

It is noted that the spirit includes equivalent elements, modifications, deletions, combinations (for example, combinations of features across the embodiment and examples), improvements, and changes that can be recognized by those skilled in the art based on the embodiment and examples disclosed herein. Such embodiment and examples should be construed to be non-exclusive. For example, in the present specification, the terms “preferably” and “preferable” are non-exclusive terms, and mean that “it is preferred but does not impose any limitation thereon” and “it is preferable but does not impose any limitation thereon”.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST