Mobile Raman spectrometer system and method for medical diagnosis of human, animal or plant samples

Abstract

The invention relates to a mobile Raman spectrometer system (1) for medical diagnosis of human, animal or plant samples. Such a system (1) comprises a measuring device (2), an evaluation unit (3) connected thereto and having an evaluation program (4), and an output unit (8) connected thereto. The evaluation unit (3) with an evaluation program (4) is designed to classify measured Raman spectrometer parameters of a human, animal or plant sample in view of at least one medical diagnosis in order to provide a differentiated view of the sample to a user of the mobile Raman spectrometer system (1) by means of the output unit (8). The invention further relates to a corresponding method (M).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a mobile Raman spectrometer system and method for medical diagnostics of human, animal or plant samples. BACKGROUND

[0002] In order to be able to obtain more detailed information about human, animal or plant samples, it is common practice to perform a comprehensive analysis of the sample in a laboratory after the sample has been removed from the organism. Alternatively, it is also known to examine a liquid which is related to the tissue or organism to be examined.

[0003] Thereby, for example, a medical professional collects a sample from a human being during a biopsy or surgery and then sends it to a pathology department. There, a histological examination is then usually carried out, often including tissue staining and subsequent pathological diagnosis. The tissue sample can also be prepared by means of tissue sections in order to subsequently perform further analysis on the individual sections, respectively.

[0004] The procedure and the corresponding technology to be used require a certain amount of time. Furthermore, the transport of the sample requires a specific logistics infrastructure in order to prevent the often sensitive sample from being damaged during this period. In this case, despite all precautions, changes to the sample can still occur and cannot be completely ruled out. Biological sample material often changes rapidly over time, making subsequent examinations or analyses difficult.

[0005] For the case of sampling during a biopsy and surgery described above, the necessary medical infrastructure is usually only available in the highest level of medical care. Thus, providing care and diagnosis in remote areas, for example in high mountains or on the open sea, can be considered difficult, since the necessary medical infrastructure is either difficult to provide or does not exist at all.

[0006] If the surgeon decides where to perform or execute the removal of tumor tissue or the entire tumor based on visual inspection combined with the results of the diagnosis so far, risks also arise. If the incision reaches the tumor tissue, the likelihood of the tumor spreading in the body is higher, since the cancer cells are then more likely to continue to spread and thus cause further damage in the body. The same applies to the case of suspected skin cancer. There, too, samples are currently taken and then sent to a laboratory for analysis.

[0007] Known imaging technologies usually require larger devices which can only be used in dedicated environments, for example application spaces designed for this purpose. Furthermore, it is often not possible to simply carry out the actual surgical procedure at the same time, since for safety reasons or simply due to lack of space, such a parallel process cannot be carried out. SUMMARY

[0008] Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system and method which at least partially overcome the problems and disadvantages described above.

[0009] This object is achieved by a mobile Raman spectrometer system having the features of claim 1 and by a method having the features of claim 13.

[0010] A mobile Raman spectrometer system for medical diagnostics of a human, animal or plant sample is thus provided. The Raman spectrometer system here comprises a measuring device, an evaluation unit with an evaluation program connected thereto and an output unit connected thereto. The evaluation unit with the evaluation program is here designed to classify the measured Raman spectrometer parameters of the human, animal or plant sample in view of at least one medical diagnosis in order to be able to provide a differentiated view of the sample for the user of the mobile Raman spectrometer system by means of the output unit.

[0011] A method for medical diagnostics of a human, animal or plant sample is also provided. The method here comprises the following steps: providing and activating a mobile Raman spectrometer system according to the invention; measuring a human, animal or plant sample by means of a mobile Raman spectrometer system according to the invention; classifying the measurement results of the Raman spectrometer for at least one medical diagnosis by means of a mobile Raman spectrometer system according to the invention; outputting the classification results carried out by means of a mobile Raman spectrometer system according to the invention in order to be able to provide a differentiated view of the sample for the user of a mobile Raman spectrometer system according to the invention by means of a mobile Raman spectrometer system according to the invention.

[0012] One basic idea of the invention is to use Raman spectroscopy for medical diagnostics of a human, animal or plant sample. It is furthermore provided that this use can be ensured simultaneously with the actual handling of the sample if necessary and expedient. Raman spectroscopy uses the interaction of light with matter. Thereby the molecular structure and properties of a substance, for example a human tissue form, are understood.

[0013] It is thus provided that, using the principle of Raman spectroscopy, it is possible to distinguish between healthy and diseased tissue, for example during a surgical operation, by using a system according to the invention. Instead of laboriously taking a sample and then time-consuming transporting it to a laboratory which can be at a great distance from the actual sampling site, it is thus possible to make a diagnosis directly on site by using a mobile Raman spectrometer system of the invention. The professional is thus able to use the system directly on site and can thus provide more detailed information about the state of the sample in real time during the examination of the sample.

[0014] The mobile Raman spectrometer system can here be used both in an operating room and outside an operating room. Unlike imaging methods which require a large amount of space for the individual components of the device, the system offers the possibility of mobile use. In other words, the system is very compactly constructed and can be used conveniently even outside of special environments, for example in the form of a maximum care facility or a similar hospital environment.

[0015] Due to the mobile application possibilities of the system, the time required for the cumbersome transport to the laboratory for analysis is saved, so that the professional can directly use the diagnosis on site. Furthermore, the system does not require special marking of the sample. In Raman spectroscopy, no marking of the sample, for example in the form of cells or cell tissue, is necessary, whereas in other spectroscopic methods marking can be necessary.

[0016] The system can be applied directly on the organism, for example a human, an animal or a plant, so that a section, for example in the form of a frozen section, which is necessary for subsequent histological analysis during surgery or generally during the taking of the sample, can be dispensed with. Thus, the advantage provided on the basis of the system or the associated method is that the surgeon or generally the person handling the sample to be examined can cut only healthy tissue or generally cut the sample at the site which is considered to be free of abnormalities and which is considered to be healthy and not negatively affected according to the classification carried out.

[0017] By means of the present application, the surgeon is advantageously enabled to cut only healthy tissue and in this way, for example, to completely remove a tumor without damaging healthy tissue. In this respect, the present application contributes to reducing the risk of further spreading of the tumor as a result of cutting the tumor tissue. A further deterioration of the condition can thus be reduced, in particular the risk of further spreading of tumor cells as a result of undesired cutting of the tumor tissue. This can take place simultaneously with the measurement, since the measurement results of the classification can be provided to the surgeon in real time during the course of the operation.

[0018] The present application can also advantageously be applied in the course of examinations which appear necessary only on the basis of a suspected diagnosis. Previously, tissue samples had to be taken and submitted for this purpose. By means of the system according to the present application, the specialist is enabled to exclude possible illnesses directly at the first visit of the patient or to immediately start the necessary treatment steps in the case of a confirmed illness. This can significantly accelerate the treatment, thereby bringing about a decisive time advantage in order to improve the survival rate of the patient in the case of a rapid progression of the condition.

[0019] The sample can be present in the form of tissue, wherein the sample can be of human, animal or plant origin. The sample can also have any association with the tissue or organism.

[0020] In this context, the mobile Raman spectrometer system according to the present application can also advantageously be used outside the operating room in order to carry out measurements, for example at the skin of the organism or at the skin tissue of the organism or at other tissue of the organism.

[0021] For example, due to the small size, the mobile Raman spectrometer system can advantageously be designed for use by a dermatologist when suspecting skin cancer or can advantageously be applied in general to patients who need possible tracking / monitoring of their health status. At the same time, the mobile Raman spectrometer system can also be used as part of the equipment in an operating room.

[0022] The mobile Raman spectrometer system according to the application can also advantageously be applied in toxicology and pharmacology. Furthermore, the mobile Raman spectrometer system according to the application can be used for investigating the composition of materials, for example to determine differences. This can advantageously be used, for example, for the identification or examination of implants and the like.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the mobile Raman spectrometer system, for the purpose of classification, the evaluation unit with the evaluation program can be connected to or comprise at least one database for medical diagnosis of human, animal or plant samples based on Raman spectrometer parameters.

[0024] In this way, a particularly flexible system can be created which can also provide a more comprehensive classification in addition to the data stored in the evaluation unit. Here, external databases can be accessed or databases which are directly part of the system according to the application can be accessed.

[0025] In other words, the system can contain or be associated with at least one database, thus enabling medical professionals to directly evaluate and make relevant diagnoses during or after the measurement. Here, real-time applications can also be implemented.

[0026] According to one refinement of the mobile Raman spectrometer system, the evaluation program can be adapted by means of at least one user-defined input, thus enabling a personalized use of the respective database.

[0027] A more targeted application of the system can thus advantageously be ensured. The input can advantageously be utilized so that each associated database or only one database can be optimally used for the required diagnosis.

[0028] According to a refinement of the mobile Raman spectrometer system, the at least one user-defined input is selected from the group consisting of: a gender-sensitive input, nutritional information about the human or animal test sample, the intake of medication by the human or animal test sample, the fertilization of the plant test sample, the plant protection application to the plant test sample, at least one piece of information about the relevant influence of a medication on pathological changes in at least one organism, a suspected diagnosis, at least one piece of information from a patient registry of at least one country, at least one piece of information about the medical history of the organism to be examined.

[0029] The above more specific applications of the system can be better provided depending on the selection. Thus, a more targeted support can also be provided for medical research or research of plant organisms. For example, the system can advantageously be designed in such a way that it is essentially more gender-sensitive evaluated and in this way in particular supports medical research or research of plant organisms which need to take into account gender differences.

[0030] At least one information about a drug and a related influence of a pathological change in at least one organism can exist, for example, between the use of diclofenac in livestock in India and the death of vultures. Due to the administration of diclofenac to livestock, this drug enters the respective organisms of the local vulture population by ingesting carcasses, resulting in the death of vultures, since vultures are not tolerant to this drug.

[0031] Additional data, for example, diet or drug information of a patient, can thus be provided or supplemented to the respective database by means of input, so that a corresponding associated method or correction can advantageously be carried out in order to correct, for example, the influence of factors which do not necessarily or exclusively accompany the disease to be diagnosed.

[0032] It can be assumed in this context that initial data about the above-mentioned circumstances already exist in the respective database and that further input can advantageously be carried out in real time, for example, as a user-defined database adjustment, i.e. an update with the latest data.

[0033] According to an embodiment of the mobile Raman spectrometer system, the measuring device is designed to measure Raman spectrometer parameters of a human, animal or plant sample or on an organism individually.

[0034] Thus, a flexible use of the mobile Raman spectrometer system can advantageously be ensured. In particular, a direct use on an organism can better support a part of the above-mentioned advantages. It can thus be provided that a respective component of the mobile Raman spectrometer system is placed directly on a sample, for example, in the form of a tissue to be examined, or that the component, for example, the measuring device, is placed in front of the sample.

[0035] Thus, in particular, a respective component of the mobile Raman spectrometer system, for example, the measuring device, can be placed directly on a sample to be measured, for example, in the form of a cellular or general tissue, or a respective component of the mobile Raman spectrometer system can be held directly in front of a tissue to be measured or examined without surgical intervention.

[0036] Thus, this can be carried out in real time or instantaneously at the tissue or the organism to be examined. Thus, the examination using the system according to the application is very close in space and time. In other words, the system according to the application is designed to be applied directly at the organism to be examined or at a partial region of the organism to be examined.

[0037] In particular, components such as the measuring device can be used not only in the tissue but also on the tissue, and thus before the tissue or the material sample is taken. The tissue to be examined thus remains intact and is removed only if necessary, i.e. only if the procedure is deemed necessary on the basis of a diagnosis made with the aid of the system or at least with the support of the system.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the mobile Raman spectrometer system, the Raman spectrometer system comprises a power supply system which is designed to supply the Raman spectrometer system with power autonomously or with the aid of an external power supply network.

[0039] The self-sufficient power supply with a rechargeable independent energy system advantageously supports the portable function of the system. The mobile use of the Raman spectrometer system according to the application can thus be better ensured. Thus, for example, the examination of the organism to be examined can advantageously be carried out quickly and efficiently even outside the operating room, so that a successful diagnosis can be made in real time on site.

[0040] Since the system can also be powered via the power grid, the system thus also offers the possibility that the system can be part of a large infrastructure environment, for example an operating room, in which, for example, a central power supply device can be kept and operated to ensure smooth operation.

[0041] In other words, the system can be powered both via the power grid and via a battery, so that it can be operated in a stationary mode of operation and in a mobile mode of operation. In particular in the mobile mode of operation, the system can thus be suitable for advantageous operation or use in remote regions without important infrastructure.

[0042] According to one refinement of the mobile Raman spectrometer system, the Raman spectrometer system mainly comprises an outer material which is suitable for a sterilization process, in particular stainless steel, so that the mobile Raman spectrometer system can be used in the operating room after a sterilization process.

[0043] In this respect, the system can advantageously be used directly in an environment which must be kept hygienically perfect. In this respect, the system can be hygienically designed and constructed. In particular, the at least partial encapsulation by suitable materials, for example stainless steel or the like, can particularly effectively ensure this advantage.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the mobile Raman spectrometer system, the Raman spectrometer system is designed to simultaneously measure and classify a large number of samples.

[0045] In this way, the system can be used particularly efficiently. For example, it can thus be advantageously possible to measure adjacent tissue regions of the organism to be examined or to measure corresponding critical regions.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the mobile Raman spectrometer system, the Raman spectrometer system is designed to be controlled by means of at least one external device which can be coupled to the Raman spectrometer system.

[0047] Thus, especially for applications in remote areas, a system can be provided which can be used extremely flexibly. Even personnel who are not familiar with all the operating processes of a complex designed operating room can advantageously use the system directly by simple means. The respective external device can for this purpose have, for example, a separate application program which can be provided, for example, by the system.

[0048] It is also conceivable that the evaluation unit with the evaluation program is designed to be mirrored on the external device, so that the mobile Raman spectrometer system according to the application can be directly controlled and operated by means of the evaluation unit with the evaluation program by means of the respective external device.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the mobile Raman spectrometer system, the external device can be selected from the group consisting of a smartphone, a tablet, a smartwatch, a laptop or a cloud application. Thus, the above-mentioned advantages can be realized in a more targeted and user-friendly manner.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the mobile Raman spectrometer system, the measuring device comprises a further connection for coupling the measuring device to the evaluation unit with the evaluation program, the further connection being designed such that the measuring device can be used separately from the remaining components of the mobile Raman spectrometer system at a distance of 0.1 m to 10 m, preferably 0.5 m to 5 m, preferably 1 m to 3 m, in the vicinity of the mobile Raman spectrometer system, so that the Raman spectrometer parameters of the human, animal or plant sample measured by means of the measuring device can be collected flexibly in space with respect to the remaining components of the mobile Raman spectrometer system accordingly.

[0051] Thus, the use flexibility can be better ensured. In particular, it is possible to advantageously examine inaccessible components of the organism to be examined, since the measuring device can be optimally placed separately at the inaccessible site, whereby the measurement is not only made easier but can also be carried out particularly accurately.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the mobile Raman spectrometer system, the measuring device is designed to be substantially rod-shaped and to have a circumference which can be held in one hand, wherein a first end region is designed to come into contact with the sample to be measured and a second end region is designed to hold at least one radiation source exchangeably in the interior of the measuring device, so that the rays emitted by the at least one radiation source can be deflected substantially in the direction of the first end region.

[0053] The system is therefore particularly user-friendly and can be used user- friendly. The rod-like design of the measuring device can for example be comparable in size to a pen, so that it can be used directly on the body or on a body fluid, for example containing dispersed or dissolved particles, droplets, bubbles or particles. It is also possible to use materials which are located in the body of a living being but potentially belong to a foreign body. The surgeon can therefore use the measuring device like a probe of pen size.

[0054] One embodiment of the method according to the application provides the following further method steps: connecting the evaluation unit of the mobile Raman spectrometer system with an evaluation program to at least one database for medical diagnosis of a human, animal or plant sample based on Raman spectrometer parameters; adjusting the evaluation program by means of at least one user-defined input so that the connected external database can be used individually.

[0055] In this way a particularly flexible method can be provided which also offers a more comprehensive classification in addition to the data stored in the evaluation unit. It is possible here to access an external database or to access a database which is directly part of the system according to the application.

[0056] In other words, the method can provide that the system according to the application to be used here contains at least one database or is associated with such a database, so that medical personnel can make direct assessments and related diagnoses during or after the measurement. The application can also be provided here in real time.

[0057] A further embodiment of the method according to the application provides that the at least one user-defined input is selected from the group consisting of: gender-sensitive input, nutritional information about the human or animal test sample, drug intake of the human or animal test sample, fertilization of the plant test sample, plant protection of the plant test sample, at least one information about a drug and the associated influence of a pathological change in at least one living being, a suspected diagnosis, at least one information from a patient registry of at least one country, at least one information about the medical history of the living being to be examined.

[0058] Depending on the selection, the aforementioned more specific applications of the method can be better provided. It is therefore also possible to achieve a more targeted support for medical research or plant organism research. For example, the method can advantageously be designed to fundamentally make the assessment gender-sensitive and in this way in particular to support medical research or plant organism research which needs to take gender differences into account.

[0059] Thus, further data can be set for the respective database, for example the diet or medication of the patient, so that a corresponding associated method or correction, for example a correction of the influence of factors not necessarily or exclusively associated with the disease to be diagnosed, can be advantageously implemented.

[0060] It is conceivable in this context that the initial data of the above cases already exist in the respective database and can be further input in real time, for example as user-defined adjustments of the database, in terms of updates using the most recent data.

[0061] At least one information on the associated influence of a medication and a pathological change in at least one organism, for example, can exist, for example, in India between the use of diclofenac in livestock and the death of vultures. As a result of the administration of diclofenac to livestock, this drug enters the respective organisms of the local vulture population by ingestion of carcasses, resulting in the death of vultures, as vultures are not tolerant to this drug. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0062] The application is explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show:

[0063] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a mobile Raman spectrometer system according to an embodiment of the application is shown;

[0064] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a user scenario of a mobile Raman spectrometer system according to an embodiment of the application is shown;

[0065] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of another user scenario of a mobile Raman spectrometer system according to an embodiment of the application is shown;

[0066] Figure 4 A schematic flowchart of a method for medical diagnosis of a human, animal or plant sample according to an embodiment of the application is shown.

[0067] In the drawings, the same reference numerals in the various drawings denote the same or functionally similar components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 according to an embodiment of the application is shown. Here, the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 is provided for mobile use. It is particularly conceivable that the dimensions of the individual components of the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 shown can be designed to be easily transportable, for example, can be transported only by personnel or by a drone.

[0069] For example, the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 can be designed in a size and form similar to a hand-held device, which can be provided or used in a mobile or stationary manner in an operating room or in a specialist's surgery.

[0070] In this respect, it is conceivable in the various possible embodiment variants of the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 according to the application that the system 1 is designed to be at least partially portable.

[0071] The mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 can also be regarded as and referred to as a medical device, which can advantageously be applied in the medical field, for example for medical diagnostics of human, animal or plant samples. The Raman spectrometer system 1 can optionally be equipped with a surgical tool in order to be able to ensure the spatial proximity between the tissue to be examined / cut / removed and the tissue examined by the measurement as precisely as possible. The Raman spectrometer system 1 can also be optionally equipped with a marking unit in order to mark the tissue to be removed, for example on the skin or the respective organ.

[0072] The mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 is also shown with a measuring device 2 and an evaluation unit 3 with an evaluation program 4 connected thereto. In Figure 1 In this case, the evaluation unit 3 with the evaluation program 4 is an integral component of a main body 5 of the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1. In this case, these components can be designed to be arranged flexibly exchangeable in the main body 5. Furthermore, in embodiment variants not shown in detail, the operating modules of the evaluation unit 3 with the evaluation program 4 can be arranged in a user-friendly manner in recesses provided for this purpose in the main body 5. In embodiment variants not shown in detail, such operating modules can also be arranged separately and mainly at the outside of the main body 5.

[0073] As shown, the main body 5 can have a generally rectangular outer shape. Any other shape is conceivable. It is also conceivable that, in embodiment variants not shown in detail, the main body 5 can also be composed of several components, so that the main body 5 can be simply disassembled, for example for transport purposes or for cleaning.

[0074] For example, the main body 5 can be made partly or entirely of stainless steel. Other materials are also conceivable, wherein it is advantageous if these materials can be cleaned using common sterilization processes. For example, it is advantageous if the material can be cleaned in an autoclave or similar and at the same time protects the internal components of the system 1 from external influences.

[0075] The measuring device 2 is shown as being coupled to the evaluation unit 3 with the evaluation program 4 by means of a first connection line 6. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the measuring device 2 to be coupled to the evaluation unit 3 with the evaluation program 4 by means of any radio connection. It is also conceivable in an embodiment variant not shown in detail for the measuring device 2 and the main body 5 to form a structural unit with the components of the system 1 arranged inside the main body 5 and to be constructed here substantially as a rod, partially or entirely.

[0076] It is also conceivable herein for the dimensions to be designed such that the system 1 can be held conveniently by an application person with one hand and, for example, like a pen, in order to be examined. The dimensions can also be designed such that a corresponding holding device can be used instead of a hand for holding.

[0077] Figure 1 The measuring device 2 shown is designed as a rod and can be designed such that it can be conveniently operated by a user with one hand. Herein, the measuring device 2 can be constructed substantially as a rod and have a circumference that can be held with one hand, wherein a first end region is designed to come into contact with a sample to be measured and a second end region is designed to hold at least one radiation source (for example, a laser device or the like) replaceably inside the measuring device 2 such that the rays emitted by the at least one radiation source can be deflected substantially in the direction of the first end region.

[0078] It is conceivable in an embodiment variant not shown in detail for the measuring device 2 to have a further connection designed to couple the measuring device 2 to the evaluation unit 3 with the evaluation program 4 such that the measuring device 2 can be used separately from the remaining components of the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 at a distance of 0.1 m to 10 m, preferably 0.5 m to 5 m, preferably 1 m to 3 m, in the vicinity of the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 such that the Raman spectrometer parameters of the human, animal or plant sample measured by means of the measuring device 2 can be collected flexibly in space with respect to the remaining components of the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 accordingly.

[0079] The output unit 8 of the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 is shown above the main body 5 and coupled to the evaluation unit 4 with the evaluation program 5 by means of a second connection line 7 with respect to the image plane. The output unit 8 of the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 can be provided, for example, in the form of a commercially available monitor system or the like. It is also possible to use a monitor system as is customary in operating rooms. Likewise, a transmission unit can also optionally be provided which forwards the current image, for example, in real time, to another medical professional (for example, a pathologist), wherein this person does not have to be directly on site, but can even be, for example, in another country. This can advantageously integrate the global skills of medical professionals in order to achieve the best results. This also further reduces the travel activities of these medical professionals.

[0080] Exemplarily displayed on the screen 9 of the output unit 8 of the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 are two geometrical shapes, wherein it is conceivable that the rectangular geometrical shape has for example a diseased tissue of a sample to be measured (not shown in detail) and the circular geometrical shape has a corresponding healthy tissue of a sample to be measured (not shown in detail). The output unit 8 can also optionally be provided as a smaller monitor unit which is arranged accordingly on the measuring device 2. Thereby the user is enabled to monitor all important actions within one field of view without having to change the field of view for example by head movement or body rotation, especially during critical actions.

[0081] The evaluation unit 3 shown with the evaluation program 4 is designed in this respect such that the measured Raman spectrometer parameters of a human, animal or plant sample not shown in detail are classified in view of at least one medical diagnosis in order to be able to provide a differentiated view of the sample to the user of the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 by means of the output unit 8. The differentiated view can also be realized here by means of the output unit 8, i.e. markings can be provided on the output unit 8 to delimit diagnostic areas and to further differentiate the individual diagnostic areas if necessary.

[0082] Optionally, the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 in the embodiment variant not shown in detail can be designed to process or measure a plurality of samples to be evaluated simultaneously, for example to improve the statistical significance of the detection. For this purpose, for example two measuring devices 2 can also be provided or the measuring device 2 of the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 can be designed accordingly to measure adjacent areas on a tissue or to measure two independent samples from different organisms simultaneously, wherein the samples have to be placed at a certain minimum distance from each other.

[0083] Figure 2 A schematic view of a user scenario of the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 according to an embodiment of the present application is shown. For example, the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 can be a mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 according to Figure 1 the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 shown. The above-mentioned embodiment variants of the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 not shown in detail can also be provided accordingly in Figure 2 .

[0084] The patient 11 lying on the treatment table 10 is subjected to an examination by the medical professional 12 standing next to him. The medical professional 12 here holds the rod-shaped measuring device 2 of the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 directly on a tissue area of the patient 11.

[0085] In this case, for example, it can be a tissue area of a skin portion in the vicinity of the abdomen of the patient 11. But it is also conceivable to examine other tissue areas of the patient 11. Thereby, for example, also a partial internal examination of a tissue area, for example of the oral mucosa, is conceivable.

[0086] The measured Raman spectrometer parameters are transmitted via the first connection line 6 to the evaluation unit 4 of the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 with the evaluation program 5. The evaluation unit 3 with the evaluation program 4 is designed here to classify the measured Raman spectrometer parameters of the human sample in terms of at least one medical diagnostic aspect, in order to be able to provide the medical professional 12, i.e. the user of the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1, with a differentiated view of the sample by means of the output unit 8.

[0087] Thus, during the measurement, the medical professional 12 can observe the examined sample in the form of a classification view on the screen 9 of the output unit 8 and subsequently decide whether and where a removal of, for example, tissue by means of a surgical or incision technique is required.

[0088] It is conceivable in this context that the illustrated mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 is designed for the purpose of classification in such a way that the evaluation unit 3 with the evaluation program 4 can be connected to at least one database (not shown in detail) for medical diagnostics of human, animal or plant samples based on Raman spectrometer parameters.

[0089] It is also conceivable that this database is an integral component of the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1. It is also conceivable that a plurality of databases can be coupled simultaneously or as required. It is also conceivable that a plurality of databases from different mobile Raman spectrometer systems 1 can be coupled in order to carry out the respective classification purposes at the respective mobile Raman spectrometer systems 1, so that a more targeted and efficient classification is possible by means of the networking of the databases.

[0090] It is also conceivable that the evaluation program 4 can be adjusted by means of at least one user-defined input, so that a personalized use of the respective coupled database is possible. This at least one user-defined input can be selected here from the following: a gender-sensitive input, nutritional information about the human or animal test sample, drug intake of the human or animal test sample, fertilization of the plant test sample, plant protection of the plant test sample.

[0091] Such an input can also be understood as an updating process of the respective coupled database. It is also conceivable that this process can be carried out at least partially, for example, in the background, wherein it is conceivable that such an input is defined by the user and authorized.

[0092] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of another user scenario of the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 according to an embodiment of the application is shown. This can be, for example, the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 according to Figure 1 the illustrated mobile Raman spectrometer system 1. The above-mentioned embodiment variants of the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1, which are not shown in detail, can also be used inFigure 3 Correspondingly.

[0093] In this user scenario, the medical professional 12 is shown spaced apart from the patient 11 lying down and to be examined, wherein the medical professional 12 holds the measuring device 2 of the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 in order to measure or examine a sample previously taken from the patient 11 at closer range. The measuring device 2 of the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 has here a further connection (not shown in detail) for coupling the measuring device 2 with the evaluation unit 3 with the evaluation program 4 of the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1, which is designed in such a way that the measuring device 2 can be used spaced apart from the remaining components of the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 at a distance of 0.1 m to 10 m, preferably 0.5 m to 5 m, preferably 1 m to 3 m, so that the Raman spectrometer parameters of the here human sample measured by means of the measuring device 2 can be flexibly collected spatially with respect to the remaining components of the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1.

[0094] Figure 3 In the middle, each radio wave symbol 13 represents a coupling between the measuring device 2 and the evaluation unit 3 with the evaluation program 4.

[0095] It can be envisaged in this regard that a further connection (not shown in detail) is provided, so that a corresponding transmitting module / receiving module arrangement is provided on both sides in order to be able to provide this radio connection perfectly within a spaced apart distance of 0.1 m to 10 m, preferably 0.5 m to 5 m, preferably 1 m to 3 m. For example, the further connection can be any common radio connection technology for transmitting the collected measurement data.

[0096] In this regard, the shown measuring device 2 is designed to measure the Raman spectrometer parameters of the here human sample either individually or on a biological body, wherein here the individual measurement takes place in spatial proximity.

[0097] It can be envisaged in an embodiment variant not shown in detail that the Raman spectrometer system 1 is designed to measure and classify a plurality of samples simultaneously.

[0098] The shown measuring device 2 is essentially configured rod-shaped and has a circumference that can be held in one hand, wherein a first end region is designed to come into contact with the sample to be measured and a second end region is designed to hold at least one radiation source exchangeably inside the measuring device 2, so that the rays emitted by the at least one radiation source can be deflected essentially in the direction of the first end region.

[0099] Figure 4A schematic flow chart of a medical diagnostic method for a human, animal or plant sample according to an embodiment of the present application is shown. In a first method step Ml, a mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 according to the present application is provided and activated. In a second method step M2, a human, animal or plant sample is measured by means of the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1. In a third method step M3, the results of the Raman spectrometer measurement are classified in view of at least one medical diagnosis by means of the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1. In a fourth method step M4, the classification results are output by means of the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 so that a differentiated view of the sample can be provided for a user of the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 by means of the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1. List of reference signs

[0100] 1 Raman spectrometer system 2 measuring device 3 evaluation unit 4 evaluation program 5 subject 6 first connection line 7 second connection line 8 output unit 9 screen 10 treatment table 11 patient 12 medical professional 13 radio wave symbol M method Ml first method step M2 second method step M3 third method step M4 fourth method step

Claims

1. Mobile Raman spectrometer system (1) for medical diagnostics of human, animal or plant samples, comprising a measuring device (2), an evaluation unit (3) with an evaluation program (4) connected to the measuring device (2) and an output unit (8) connected to the evaluation unit (3), characterized in that The evaluation unit (3) with an evaluation program (4) is designed to classify the measured Raman spectrometer parameters of a human, animal or plant sample in view of at least one medical diagnosis in order to be able to provide a differentiated view of the sample for the user of the mobile Raman spectrometer system (1) by means of the output unit (8).

2. The mobile Raman spectrometer system (1) according to claim 1, wherein, For the purpose of classification, the evaluation unit (3) with an evaluation program (4) can be connected to or comprise at least one database for medical diagnosis of a human, animal or plant sample based on Raman spectrometer parameters.

3. The mobile Raman spectrometer system (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The evaluation program (4) can be adjusted by means of at least one user-defined input, enabling a personalized use of the respective database.

4. The mobile Raman spectrometer system (1) according to claim 3, wherein, The at least one user-defined input is selected from the group consisting of: a gender-sensitive input, nutritional information about the human or animal test sample, drug intake of the human or animal test sample, fertilization of the plant test sample, plant protection of the plant test sample, etc., at least one information about the relevant influence of a drug on pathological changes in at least one organism, a suspected diagnosis, at least one information from a patient registry of at least one country, at least one information about the medical history of the organism to be examined.

5. The mobile Raman spectrometer system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The measuring device (2) is designed to measure the Raman spectrometer parameters of a human, animal or plant sample separately or on the organism.

6. The mobile Raman spectrometer system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The mobile Raman spectrometer system (1) comprises a power supply system which is designed to autonomously supply the Raman spectrometer system (1) with power or to supply the Raman spectrometer system (1) with power via an external power supply network.

7. The mobile Raman spectrometer system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The Raman spectrometer system (1) essentially comprises an outer material which is suitable for a sterilization process, in particular stainless steel, so that the mobile Raman spectrometer system (1) can be used in an operating room after a sterilization process.

8. The mobile Raman spectrometer system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The Raman spectrometer system (1) is designed to simultaneously measure and classify a large number of samples.

9. The mobile Raman spectrometer system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The Raman spectrometer system (1) is designed to be controlled by means of at least one external device which can be coupled to the Raman spectrometer system (1).

10. The mobile Raman spectrometer system (1) according to claim 9, wherein, The external device can be selected from the group consisting of: a smartphone, a tablet, a smartwatch, a laptop or a cloud application.

11. The mobile Raman spectrometer system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The measuring device (2) comprises a further connection for coupling the measuring device (2) to the evaluation unit (3) with an evaluation program (4) and is designed such that the measuring device (2) can be used separately from the remaining components of the mobile Raman spectrometer system (1) at a distance of 0.1 m to 10 m, preferably 0.5 m to 5 m, preferably 1 m to 3 m, in the vicinity of the mobile Raman spectrometer system (1), enabling a spatially flexible collection of the Raman spectrometer parameters of a human, animal or plant sample measured by means of the measuring device (2) with respect to the remaining components of the mobile Raman spectrometer system (1).

12. The mobile Raman spectrometer system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The measuring device (2) is designed essentially rod-shaped and has a circumference which can be held in one hand, wherein a first end region is designed to come into contact with the sample to be measured and a second end region is designed to hold at least one radiation source exchangeably inside the measuring device (2) such that the rays emitted by the at least one radiation source can be deflected essentially in the direction of the first end region.

13. A method for medical diagnosis of a human, animal or plant sample, the method comprising the following steps: • providing and activating (M1) a mobile Raman spectrometer system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10; • measuring (M2) a human, animal or plant sample by means of the mobile Raman spectrometer system (1); • classifying (M3) the Raman spectrometer measurement results by means of the mobile Raman spectrometer system (1) in view of at least one medical diagnosis; • outputting (M4) the classification results by means of the mobile Raman spectrometer system (1) in order to be able to provide a differentiated view of the sample by means of the mobile Raman spectrometer system (1) for a user of the mobile Raman spectrometer system (1).

14. The method according to claim 10, comprising the following further steps: • connecting an evaluation unit (3) of the mobile Raman spectrometer system (1) having an evaluation program (4) to at least one database for medical diagnosis of a human, animal or plant sample based on Raman spectrometer parameters; • adjusting the evaluation program (4) by means of at least one user-defined input in order to be able to use the connected external database individually.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein, The at least one user-defined input is selected from the group consisting of: a gender-sensitive input, nutritional information about the human or animal subject sample, drug intake of the human or animal subject sample, fertilization of the plant subject sample, plant protection of the plant subject sample, etc., at least one information about a drug and a related influence on pathological changes in at least one organism, a suspected diagnosis, at least one information from a patient registry of at least one country, at least one information about a previous medical history of the organism to be examined. • connecting an evaluation unit (3) of the mobile Raman spectrometer system (1) having an evaluation program (4) to at least one database for medical diagnosis of a human, animal or plant sample based on Raman spectrometer parameters; • adjusting the evaluation program (4) by means of at least one user-defined input in order to be able to use the connected external database individually. The at least one user-defined input is selected from the group consisting of: a gender-sensitive input, nutritional information about the human or animal subject sample, drug intake of the human or animal subject sample, fertilization of the plant subject sample, plant protection of the plant subject sample, etc., at least one information about a drug and a related influence on pathological changes in at least one organism, a suspected diagnosis, at least one information from a patient registry of at least one country, at least one information about a previous medical history of the organism to be examined.

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