Mobile Raman Spectrometer System and Method for Medical Diagnostic Use of Human, Animal, or Plant Samples

Abstract

This invention provides a system and method that overcomes, at least partially, the problems and shortcomings of conventional systems. [Solution] The present invention relates to a mobile Raman spectrometer system (1) for medical diagnosis of human, animal, or plant samples. Such a system (1) comprises a measurement instrument (2), an evaluation program (4), an evaluation unit (3) connected to the measurement instrument (2), and an output unit (8) connected to the evaluation unit (3). The evaluation unit (3), having the evaluation program (4), is designed to classify Raman spectrometer parameters measured in a human, animal, or plant sample with respect to at least one medical diagnosis, thereby enabling the user of the mobile Raman spectrometer system (1) to be provided with a subdivided display of the sample by the output unit (8). Furthermore, a corresponding method (M) is proposed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mobile Raman spectrometer system and method for medical diagnosis of samples of humans, animals, or plants.

Background Art

[0002] In order to obtain more detailed information about samples of humans, animals, or plants, these are often analyzed laboriously in a laboratory after being taken from a living body. Alternatively, it is also known to examine tissues or liquids associated with the subject being examined.

[0003] Thus, for example, a sample is taken from a person by a medical expert during a biopsy or surgery and then sent to a pathology department. In the pathology department, histological examinations involving tissue staining and subsequent pathological diagnosis are usually performed. Tissue samples can also be prepared by tissue sections for further analysis of each section thereafter.

[0004] In the case of approaches using each of the above techniques, it takes a certain amount of time and effort. Furthermore, for the transportation of samples, a specific logistics infrastructure is required to prevent easily damaged samples from being damaged. In this regard, even if all possible preventive measures are taken, sample changes can occur and cannot be completely eliminated. Generally, biological sample materials change rapidly, making subsequent inspections or analyses difficult.

[0005] In the case of biopsies and collections during the above-described surgeries, the necessary medical infrastructure is often only available in highly comprehensive medical institutions. Therefore, for example, in remote areas such as mountains or the open sea, medical support and diagnosis may be difficult because it is difficult to provide the necessary medical infrastructure or it does not exist at all.

[0006] Furthermore, risks can arise when surgeons determine the incision site for removing tumor tissue or the entire tumor based solely on visual inspection and previous findings. Damage to tumor tissue during incision increases the likelihood of tumor cells spreading throughout the body, as cancer cells can more easily spread further and thus cause further damage. The same applies to suspected skin cancer. In this case, too, samples are now taken and sent to a laboratory for analysis.

[0007] Known imaging techniques often require large, complex devices that can only be used in specialized environments, such as application spaces specifically designed for these purposes. Furthermore, due to safety concerns or simply space limitations, it is usually difficult to use these devices simultaneously with actual surgical procedures. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] In view of the above-mentioned background circumstances, the object of the present invention is to provide a system and method that at least partially overcome the above-mentioned problems and drawbacks. [Means for solving the problem]

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

[0010] Accordingly, a mobile Raman spectrometer system for medical diagnosis of human, animal, or plant samples is provided. Such a Raman spectrometer system comprises a measurement instrument, an evaluation program, an evaluation unit connected to the measurement instrument, and an output unit connected to the evaluation unit. The evaluation unit, having the evaluation program, is designed to classify the Raman spectrometer parameters measured in a human, animal, or plant sample with respect to at least one medical diagnosis, thereby enabling the user of the mobile Raman spectrometer system to be provided with a subdivided display of the sample by the output unit.

[0011] Furthermore, a method for medically diagnosing human, animal, or plant samples is provided. Such a method includes the steps of providing and activating a mobile Raman spectrometer system according to the present invention; measuring a human, animal, or plant sample with the mobile Raman spectrometer system according to the present invention; classifying the results of the Raman spectrometer measurement with respect to at least one medical diagnosis with the mobile Raman spectrometer system according to the present invention; and outputting the classified results with the mobile Raman spectrometer system according to the present invention, thereby enabling the user of the mobile Raman spectrometer system according to the present invention to provide a subdivided display of the sample.

[0012] One of the fundamental ideas behind this invention is the use of Raman spectroscopy for medical diagnosis of human, animal, or plant samples. Such use is envisioned to be carried out in parallel with the actual processing of the sample, where deemed desirable and necessary. Raman spectroscopy utilizes the interaction between light and matter, making it possible to recognize the molecular structure and properties of materials, for example, in the form of human tissue.

[0013] Thus, by utilizing the principle of Raman spectroscopy, it is envisioned that the system according to the present invention can be used, for example, to distinguish between healthy tissue and diseased tissue during surgical procedures. Instead of the time-consuming process of sample collection and subsequent time-consuming transportation to a laboratory for analysis (often far from the actual collection site), it is possible to make a direct diagnosis on-site using the mobile Raman spectrometer system according to the present invention. In this way, experts can use the system according to the present invention directly on-site, thereby providing detailed information about the condition of the sample in real time while observing it.

[0014] The mobile Raman spectrometer system can be used both inside and outside the operating room. Unlike imaging diagnostics, which require a large amount of space for each component of the equipment, the system according to the present invention is portable. In other words, because the system according to the present invention is designed to be extremely compact, it can be advantageously used as a mobile device even in environments other than specialized settings such as advanced general medical institutions or hospitals.

[0015] The mobile usability of the system according to the present invention eliminates the time required for cumbersome transportation to the laboratory for analysis, allowing experts to directly utilize the diagnostic benefits in the field. Furthermore, the system according to the present invention does not require separate marking of the sample. Raman spectroscopy does not require marking of the sample in morphological form, such as cells or cell tissue, which may be necessary in other spectroscopic methods.

[0016] The system according to the present invention can be used directly on living organisms such as humans, animals, or plants, thereby potentially eliminating the need for rapid pathological section sections, which are normally required for subsequent tissue examination, during surgery or general sample collection. Accordingly, the system according to the present invention or related methods offer the advantage that surgeons or those who generally handle samples under examination can incise only healthy tissue or only areas of the sample that have been classified as healthy and free of abnormalities.

[0017] The present invention advantageously allows surgeons to incise only healthy tissue and completely remove tumors without damaging healthy tissue. In this respect, the present invention can contribute to reducing the risk of further tumor spread due to incision of tumor tissue. That is, it can minimize the risk of disease progression, particularly the further spread of tumor cells due to unintended incision of tumor cells. This can be done in parallel with the measurement, as classified measurement results are provided to the surgeon in real time during surgery.

[0018] The present invention can also be advantageously applied to tests deemed necessary based solely on a suspected diagnosis. Conventionally, it was necessary to collect tissue samples and send them for testing. With the system according to the present invention, specialists can directly rule out the possibility of disease at the initial consultation with a patient, or, if a disease is found, immediately begin the necessary treatment. This significantly accelerates treatment and provides a crucial time advantage in increasing the chances of survival for rapidly progressing diseases.

[0019] The sample may exist in the form of tissue and may be of human, animal, or plant origin. The sample may also optionally be associated with this tissue or living organism.

[0020] In this context, the mobile Raman spectrometer system according to the present invention can be advantageously used outside the operating room, for example, to measure living skin, living skin tissue, or other tissues in living organisms.

[0021] The mobile Raman spectrometer system is designed to be advantageous for dermatologists in cases of suspected skin cancer, for example, due to its handheld size, or for a wider range of patients requiring health tracking / management. Simultaneously, the mobile Raman spectrometer system according to the present invention can also be used as part of an operating room instrument.

[0022] The mobile Raman spectrometer system according to the present invention can also be advantageously used in relation to toxicology and pharmacology. Furthermore, the mobile Raman spectrometer system according to the present invention can be used, for example, to examine material composition to confirm differences. This can be advantageous, for example, in the evaluation or examination of implants.

[0023] In one embodiment of the mobile Raman spectrometer system, the evaluation unit having an evaluation program can be connected to at least one database for medical diagnosis in samples of humans, animals, or plants based on Raman spectrometer parameters for classification purposes, or is assumed to include at least one such database.

[0024] Thereby, a particularly flexible system can be provided, and a wider range of classifications beyond the data stored in the evaluation unit becomes possible. In this case, it is possible to enable access to an external database or to enable access to a database that is a direct part of the system according to the present invention.

[0025] In other words, the system according to the present invention includes at least one database or is linked to such a database, whereby a medical expert can directly perform evaluation and related diagnosis during or after measurement. In this case, it is also assumed that it can be used in real time.

[0026] According to one configuration of the mobile Raman spectrometer system, the evaluation program is assumed to be adjustable by at least one user-defined input, whereby individual use of each database is possible.

[0027] Thereby, it can be advantageously ensured that the system according to the present invention is used more accurately. The input can be advantageously utilized, whereby each linked database or a single database can be optimally used for the desired diagnosis.

[0028] According to one configuration of the mobile Raman spectrometer system, at least one user-defined input is selected from inputs considering gender, nutritional information about the human or animal subject to be examined, drug intake about the human or animal subject to be examined, fertilizer application to the plant subject to be examined, pesticide application to the plant subject to be examined, or the like, at least one information about the correlative effects of drugs and pathological changes in at least one living body, differential diagnosis, at least one information from at least one patient registry in at least one country, and at least one information about the past medical history of the living body subject to be examined.

[0029] According to the selection, the above-described individual uses of the system according to the present invention can be provided more appropriately. Thereby, it is also possible to more accurately support medical research or research on plant organisms. For example, the system according to the present invention can be advantageously designed to basically evaluate taking gender into consideration, thereby supporting medical research or research on plant organisms that particularly require consideration of gender differences.

[0030] At least one information about the correlative effects of drugs and pathological changes in at least one living body may exist, for example, as knowledge of the relationship between the administration of diclofenac to useful animals in India and the mass death of vultures. That is, due to the administration of diclofenac to useful animals, the drug was taken into the bodies of vultures through the ingestion of dead meat, causing mass death because it is harmful to vultures.

[0031] Thus, by the input, each database can be expanded or supplemented with further data such as the nutrition or medication of the patient, whereby correlative processing (techniques) or corrections can be advantageously performed, for example, correcting the influence of factors that are not necessarily or solely related to the disease to be diagnosed.

[0032] In this regard, it is conceivable that initial data regarding the aforementioned situation already exists in each database, and that further input can be advantageously implemented as real-time updates to the latest data, for example, by adjusting the database according to user definitions.

[0033] In one embodiment of a mobile Raman spectrometer system, the measuring instrument is assumed to be designed to measure Raman spectrometer parameters of human, animal, or plant samples, either in isolation or in vivo.

[0034] This advantageously ensures the flexible use of mobile Raman spectrometer systems. In particular, their use in vivo can better support some of the advantages mentioned above.

[0035] For example, the corresponding components of a mobile Raman spectrometer system can be applied directly to a sample of the form of tissue or other material to be examined, or the components, such as the measuring instrument, can be held directly in front of it.

[0036] This allows specialists, in particular, to directly apply components of a mobile Raman spectrometer system, such as measuring instruments, to the sample to be measured, such as cell tissue or general tissue morphology, or to directly hold the corresponding components of the mobile Raman spectrometer system in front of the tissue to be measured or examined, without requiring surgery.

[0037] Therefore, this can be performed in real time or immediately on the tissue or living organism being examined. Accordingly, the examination using the system according to the present invention is performed in spatial and temporal proximity. In other words, the system according to the present invention is configured for direct use on the living organism or a portion thereof being examined.

[0038] In particular, this allows components such as measuring instruments to be used not only within tissue but also on tissue, and therefore even before the collection of tissue or material samples. As a result, the tissue being examined is not damaged and is only removed if deemed necessary by the system's diagnosis or a diagnosis using the system in a supporting manner.

[0039] According to one embodiment of a mobile Raman spectrometer system, the mobile Raman spectrometer system includes an energy system designed to supply electrical energy to the Raman spectrometer system autonomously or by an external energy network.

[0040] Autonomous energy supply via a rechargeable, independent energy system advantageously supports the portability of the system according to the present invention. This ensures better mobile use of the mobile Raman spectrometer system according to the present invention. Therefore, for example, the biological specimen under examination can be examined quickly and efficiently outside the operating room, thereby enabling appropriate real-time diagnosis at the site.

[0041] Since network operation is also possible, the system according to the present invention can be part of a larger infrastructure such as an operating room. In this case, for example, a central energy supply device can be provided for smooth operation.

[0042] In other words, the system according to the present invention can be used in both network operation and battery operation, and can operate in both stationary operation mode and mobile operation mode. In particular, the mobile operation mode can be advantageously operated or used in remote locations where infrastructure is limited.

[0043] According to one configuration of a mobile Raman spectrometer system, the Raman spectrometer system includes a substantially exterior material suitable for sterilization, particularly stainless steel, thereby enabling the mobile Raman spectrometer system to be used in the operating room after sterilization.

[0044] Therefore, the system according to the present invention can be advantageously used in places where a hygienic environment is essential. The system according to the present invention can be designed and configured hygienically. In particular, this advantage is ensured particularly effectively by housing it at least partially with a suitable material such as stainless steel.

[0045] According to one embodiment of a mobile Raman spectrometer system, the Raman spectrometer system is assumed to be designed to measure and classify multiple samples simultaneously.

[0046] This makes it possible to use the system according to the present invention particularly efficiently. For example, it is possible to advantageously measure adjacent tissue regions or important regions in the biological sample being examined.

[0047] In one embodiment of a mobile Raman spectrometer system, the Raman spectrometer system is assumed to be designed to be controlled by at least one external device that can be coupled with the Raman spectrometer system.

[0048] This allows for a particularly flexible system, especially for use in remote locations. Even specialists who are not fully familiar with the complexities of operating room procedures can directly use the system according to the present invention through simple means. Each external device may have a separate application that can be provided by the system, for example.

[0049] The evaluation unit, which has an evaluation program, is designed to be mirrored to external devices, and it is conceivable that this will enable direct control and operation of the mobile Raman spectrometer system according to the present invention by the evaluation unit with the evaluation program via each external device.

[0050] In one embodiment of a mobile Raman spectrometer system, external devices are expected to be selectable from smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, laptops, and cloud applications. This allows the aforementioned advantages to be realized more accurately and in a user-friendly manner.

[0051] According to one embodiment of a mobile Raman spectrometer system, the measuring instrument has further connection means for coupling the measuring instrument with an evaluation unit having an evaluation program, the further connection means being designed so that the measuring instrument can be used independently of other components of the mobile Raman spectrometer system at distances of 0.1 to 10 m, preferably 0.5 to 5 m, preferably 1 to 3 m around the mobile Raman spectrometer system, thereby allowing the Raman spectrometer parameters of human, animal, or plant samples measured by the measuring instrument to be acquired with positional flexibility relative to other components of the mobile Raman spectrometer system.

[0052] This can ensure more flexible use. In particular, it can advantageously examine biological sites that are difficult to access, because the measuring instruments can be positioned separately and optimally in those hard-to-reach areas. This not only makes measurements easier to perform, but also allows for particularly high-precision measurements.

[0053] According to one embodiment of a mobile Raman spectrometer system, the measuring instrument is substantially rod-shaped, has a circumference that can be held in one hand, and is assumed that a first end region is designed to contact the sample to be measured, and a second end region is designed to replaceably hold at least one radiation source within the measuring instrument, thereby enabling the light rays emitted from at least one radiation source to be guided substantially toward the first end region.

[0054] Therefore, the system according to the present invention is particularly user-friendly and easy to operate. The rod-shaped form of the measuring instrument can be designed to be pen-sized, allowing it to be used directly on tissues or bodily fluids (including dispersed or dissolved particles, droplets, bubbles, or other particles). It can also be used on materials that are present in the body but are potentially foreign. Thus, surgeons can use this measuring instrument like a pen-sized probe.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the method of the present invention, the method of the present invention includes the following further method steps: connecting an evaluation unit having an evaluation program in a mobile Raman spectrometer system to at least one database for medical diagnosis of human, animal, or plant samples based on Raman spectrometer parameters; and adjusting the evaluation program by at least one user-defined input, thereby making the connected external database individually usable.

[0056] This provides a particularly flexible method, enabling broader classification beyond the data stored in the evaluation unit. In this case, it is possible to enable access to an external database or to a database that is a direct part of the system according to the present invention.

[0057] In other words, the method according to the present invention, in which the system to be used in this case includes at least one database, or is linked to such a database, thereby enabling medical professionals to directly perform evaluations and related diagnoses during or after measurement. In this case, real-time use is also conceivable.

[0058] According to a further embodiment of the method according to the present invention, at least one user-defined input is envisioned to be selected from a gender-sensitive input, nutritional information about a human or animal subject under examination, drug intake of a human or animal subject under examination, fertilizer application to a plant subject under examination, pesticide application to a plant subject under examination, or similar, at least one piece of information about the correlated effects of drugs and pathological changes in at least one living organism, a suspected diagnosis, at least one piece of information from a patient registry in at least one country, and at least one piece of information about the medical history of the living organism under examination.

[0059] Depending on the selection, the above-described individual uses of the method according to the present invention can be provided more appropriately. This makes it possible to more accurately support medical research or research on living plants. For example, the method according to the present invention can be advantageously designed to perform evaluations with consideration for sex, thereby supporting medical research or research on living plants in particular where sex differences must be taken into account.

[0060] Thus, each database can be expanded with additional data such as patient nutrition or medication, which allows for advantageous correlational processing (methods) or modifications, for example, by correcting for the influence of factors that are not necessarily or solely related to the disease to be diagnosed. Correlational processing is useful when clarifying, examining, or considering specific influences, such as hormonal fluctuations during a woman's menstrual cycle.

[0061] In this regard, it is conceivable that initial data regarding the aforementioned situation already exists in each database, and that further input can be advantageously implemented as real-time updates to the latest data, for example, by adjusting the database according to user definitions.

[0062] At least one piece of information regarding the correlated effects of a drug and pathological changes in at least one organism may exist, for example, as evidence of the relationship between the administration of diclofenac to useful animals and the mass death of vultures in India. Specifically, the administration of diclofenac to useful animals led to the drug being taken up by vultures through the ingestion of carrion, and the mass death was caused by its harmful effects on the vultures.

[0063] The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0064] In the figures, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals indicate the same or functionally identical components. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0065] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing a mobile Raman spectrometer system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a user scenario for a mobile Raman spectrometer system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram illustrating further user scenarios for a mobile Raman spectrometer system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a schematic flowchart of a method for medically diagnosing human, animal, or plant samples according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0066] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this case, the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 is provided for mobile use. In particular, it can be assumed that all the dimensions of the individual components of the illustrated mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 are set so that it can be easily transported by, for example, one person or one drone.

[0067] For example, the dimensions of the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 can be provided to be similar to those of a handheld device, and it may be available or usable as a mobile or stationary device in an operating room or a specialist's clinic.

[0068] Therefore, in various embodiments of the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 according to the present invention, it is conceivable that the system 1 is configured to be at least partially portable.

[0069] The mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 can be considered, and even referred to as, a medical device, and is advantageously usable and applicable in a medical context, for example, when making medical diagnoses of human, animal, or plant specimens. Optionally, the Raman spectrometer system 1 may be equipped with surgical instruments to ensure the most accurate spatial proximity possible between the tissue to be examined / incised / removed and the tissue to be measured. Optionally, the Raman spectrometer system 1 may also be equipped with a marking unit for marking the tissue to be removed, for example, on the skin or on individual organs.

[0070] The mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 comprises a measuring instrument 2, an evaluation program 4, and an evaluation unit 3 connected to the measuring instrument 2. In Figure 1, the evaluation unit 3, which has the evaluation program 4, is an integral component of the main body 5 of the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1. These components can be configured to be flexibly and interchangeably arranged within the main body 5. In one modified embodiment (not shown), the operating module of the evaluation unit 3, which has the evaluation program 4, can be user-friendly and provided in a recess in the main body 5. In another modified embodiment (not shown), such an operating module can be provided separately and located substantially outside the main body 5.

[0071] The main body 5 may have a substantially rectangular shape, as shown in the figure. Any other shape is also conceivable. In one modified embodiment (not shown), the main body 5 may be composed of multiple parts and be easily disassembled, for example, for transport or cleaning.

[0072] The main body 5 can be made of stainless steel, for example, in part or in whole. Other materials are also conceivable, but these materials have the advantage of being able to be disinfected by general sterilization methods. For example, the material can be disinfected in an autoclave, which has the advantage of protecting the internal components of system 1 from external influences.

[0073] The measuring instrument 2 is shown coupled to the evaluation unit 3 having the evaluation program 4 via a first connection line 6. Alternatively, the measuring instrument 2 may be coupled to the evaluation unit 3 having the evaluation program 4 via any wireless connection. In one embodiment, the measuring instrument 2 and the main body 5, together with components located inside the main body 5 of the system 1, may form a structural unit that is partially or entirely substantially rod-shaped.

[0074] In this regard, it is conceivable that the dimensions could be set so that the user can easily grasp System 1 with one hand and hold it, for example, like a pen for future inspection. Alternatively, the dimensions could be set so that a suitable holding device can be used instead of the hand.

[0075] The measuring instrument 2 shown in Figure 1 is rod-shaped and can be configured to be easily operated by a user with one hand. In this regard, the measuring instrument 2 can be substantially rod-shaped and have a circumference that can be grasped with one hand. In this case, the first end region is designed to be in contact with the sample to be measured, and the second end region is designed to replaceably hold at least one radiation source (not shown), such as a laser device, within the measuring instrument 2, thereby enabling the light rays emitted from at least one radiation source to be guided substantially toward the first end region.

[0076] In one modified embodiment (not shown), the measuring instrument 2 may have further connection means, which connect the measuring instrument 2 to an evaluation unit 3 having an evaluation program 4, so that the measuring instrument 2 can be used independently of the other components of the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 at a distance of 0.1 to 10 m, preferably 0.5 to 5 m, preferably 1 to 3 m, around the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1. This allows the Raman spectrometer parameters of human, animal, or plant samples measured by the measuring instrument 2 to be acquired with positional flexibility relative to the other components of the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1.

[0077] In the drawing, above the main body 5, an output unit 8 of the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 is shown, coupled with an evaluation unit 4 having an evaluation program 5 and a second connection line 7. This output unit 8 of the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 can be provided, for example, in the form of a commercially available monitoring system. A monitoring system commonly used in operating rooms can also be used. Optionally, a transmission unit can be provided to transmit the current image in real time, for example, to another medical professional, such as a pathologist, in which case this person does not need to be directly present at the site, but may be in another country, for example. In this way, the expertise of medical professionals around the world can be advantageously aggregated to obtain the best results. This can further reduce travel by these medical professionals.

[0078] The screen 9 of the output unit 8 of the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 shows two shapes exemplarily; for example, a rectangular shape is presumably intended to represent diseased tissue of the sample to be measured (not shown in detail), and a circular shape is presumably intended to represent healthy tissue of the sample to be measured (not shown in detail). The output unit 8 can optionally be provided as a smaller monitor unit to be placed on the measuring instrument 2. This allows the user to monitor all important operations in a single field of view without having to change the field of view (e.g., by head movement or body rotation) during particularly important operations.

[0079] In this regard, the evaluation unit 3, having the illustrated evaluation program 4, is designed to classify the Raman spectrometer parameters of a sample measured in a human, animal, or plant with respect to at least one medical diagnosis, thereby providing the user of the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 with a subdivided (detailed) display of the sample via the output unit 8. This subdivided display can also be implemented by marking the output unit 8 to limit the diagnostic area and, if applicable, to further distinguish the diagnostic area. Optionally, the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 can be designed in one embodiment (not shown) to evaluate or measure multiple samples simultaneously, for example, to improve the statistical reliability of the test. For this purpose, for example, two measuring instruments 2 may be provided, or the measuring instrument 2 of the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 may be designed to measure adjacent areas of tissue or two separate samples from different living organisms simultaneously (in this case, these samples must be placed at a predetermined minimum distance from each other).

[0080] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a user scenario for a mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. This may be, for example, the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 shown in Figure 1. A modified example of the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 described above (not shown) may also be assumed in Figure 2.

[0081] A patient 11 lying on a treatment table 10 is being examined by a medical professional 12 standing beside them. In this case, the medical professional 12 is directly applying the rod-shaped measuring instrument 2 of a mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 to the tissue area of ​​the patient 11.

[0082] In this case, for example, the tissue area of ​​the skin near the abdomen of patient 11 may be relevant. However, examination of other tissue areas of patient 11 is also conceivable. Therefore, for example, partial internal examination of tissue areas such as the oral mucosa is also conceivable.

[0083] The measured Raman spectrometer parameters are transmitted via a first connection line 6 to an evaluation unit 3 having an evaluation program 4 in the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1. The evaluation unit 3 with the evaluation program 4 is designed to classify the measured (in this case) human sample Raman spectrometer parameters with respect to at least one medical diagnosis, thereby enabling a detailed display of the sample to a medical professional 12, i.e., the user of the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1, via an output unit 8.

[0084] Therefore, during measurement, the medical professional 12 can evaluate the examined sample using a classification display on the screen 9 of the output unit 8, and then determine whether or not the tissue needs to be removed surgically or by incision, or which tissue needs to be removed surgically or by incision.

[0085] In this context, it can be assumed that the illustrated mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 is designed so that the evaluation unit 3, which has an evaluation program 4, can connect to at least one database (not shown) for medical diagnosis of human, animal, or plant samples based on Raman spectrometer parameters for classification purposes.

[0086] This database can also be envisioned as an integrated component of the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1. Furthermore, it is conceivable that multiple databases can be combined simultaneously or as needed. Additionally, multiple databases from different mobile Raman spectrometer systems 1 can be connected to each system 1 for the purpose of classification, thereby enabling more accurate and efficient classification through these networked databases.

[0087] Evaluation Program 4 can be adapted (fitted) by at least one user-defined input, which may allow each combined database to be used individually. Such at least one user-defined input can be selected from inputs that take gender into account, nutritional information about human or animal subjects, drug intake of human or animal subjects, fertilizer application to plant subjects, or pesticide application to plant subjects.

[0088] Such inputs can also be interpreted as update processes for each joined database. Such processes are at least partially feasible, and it is conceivable that such updates may run, for example, in the background. In this case, user-defined authentication, and therefore authentication of such inputs, is conceivable.

[0089] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of a further user scenario for the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. This may be, for example, the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 shown in Figure 1. A modified example of the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 described above (not shown) may also be assumed in Figure 3.

[0090] In this user scenario, a medical professional 12 is located at a distance from a reclining patient 11 and holds a measuring instrument 2 of the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 in order to measure or examine a sample previously taken from the patient 11 in detail. The measuring instrument 2 of the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 has further connection means for coupling the measuring instrument 2 with an evaluation unit 3 having an evaluation program 4 in the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1, and these further connection means are designed so that the measuring instrument 2 is used at a distance of 0.1 to 10 m, preferably 0.5 to 5 m, preferably 1 to 3 m, around the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1, independently of other components of the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1. This allows the Raman spectrometer parameters of the (in this case) human sample measured by the measuring instrument 2 to be acquired with positional flexibility relative to other components of the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1.

[0091] In Figure 3, each radio wave symbol 13 indicates the connection between the measuring instrument 2 and the evaluation unit 3 which has the evaluation program 4.

[0092] In this regard, it is conceivable that further connection means (not shown) are provided so that this wireless connection is reliably provided at distances of 0.1 to 10 m, preferably 0.5 to 5 m, and preferably 1 to 3 m, by having each transmit / receive module positioned on both sides. For example, the further connection means could be any common wireless connection technique for transferring acquired measurement data.

[0093] In this regard, the illustrated measuring instrument 2 is designed to measure the Raman spectrometer parameters of a human sample (in this case) in a separated state or on a living organism, in which case the measurement is performed in a separated state in spatially close proximity.

[0094] In one modified example (not shown), it can be assumed that the Raman spectrometer system 1 is designed to measure and classify multiple samples simultaneously.

[0095] The illustrated measuring instrument 2 is substantially rod-shaped and may have a circumference that can be grasped with one hand. In this case, the first end region is designed to contact the sample to be measured, and the second end region is designed to replaceably hold at least one radiation source within the measuring instrument 2, thereby enabling the light rays emitted from at least one radiation source to be guided substantially toward the first end region.

[0096] Figure 4 shows a schematic flowchart of a method for medically diagnosing a human, animal, or plant sample according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the first step M1, a mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 according to the present invention is provided and activated. In the second step M2, the human, animal, or plant sample is measured by the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1. In the third step M3, the results of the Raman spectrometer measurement are classified by the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 with respect to at least one medical diagnosis. In the fourth step M4, the classified results are output by the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1, thereby providing the user of the mobile Raman spectrometer system 1 with a subdivided display of the sample. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1. Raman Spectrometer System 2 Measuring equipment 3. Evaluation Unit 4. Evaluation Program 5 Main unit 6. First connection line 7. Second connection line 8 output units 9 screens 10 Treatment table 11 patients 12 Medical Professionals 13 Radio wave symbols М Method M1 First Method Step M2 Second Method Step M3 Third Method Step M4 Method Step 4

Claims

1. A mobile Raman spectrometer system (1) for medical diagnosis of human, animal, or plant samples, comprising a measuring instrument (2), an evaluation program (4), an evaluation unit (3) connected to the measuring instrument (2), and an output unit (8) connected to the evaluation unit (3), A mobile Raman spectrometer system characterized in that the evaluation unit (3) having an evaluation program (4) is designed to classify Raman spectrometer parameters measured in a human, animal, or plant sample with respect to at least one medical diagnosis, thereby enabling the user of the mobile Raman spectrometer system (1) to be provided with a subdivided display of the sample by the output unit (8).

2. A mobile Raman spectrometer system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the evaluation unit (3) having an evaluation program (4) is connectable to or includes at least one database for making medical diagnoses in human, animal, or plant samples based on Raman spectrometer parameters for classification purposes.

3. A mobile Raman spectrometer system (1) according to claim 2, wherein the evaluation program (4) is adjustable by at least one user-defined input, thereby enabling individual use of each of the databases.

4. A mobile Raman spectrometer system (1) according to claim 3, wherein the at least one user-defined input is selected from a gender-based input, nutritional information about a human or animal subject to be examined, drug intake about a human or animal subject to be examined, fertilizer application to a plant subject to be examined, pesticide application to a plant subject to be examined, or similar, at least one piece of information about the correlational effects of drugs and pathological changes in at least one living organism, a suspected diagnosis, at least one piece of information from a patient registry in at least one country, and at least one piece of information about the medical history of the living organism to be examined.

5. A mobile Raman spectrometer system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the measuring instrument (2) is designed to measure the Raman spectrometer parameters of the sample of a person, animal, or plant, either in isolation or in vivo.

6. A mobile Raman spectrometer system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the mobile Raman spectrometer system (1) comprises an energy system designed to supply electrical energy to the Raman spectrometer system (1) autonomously or by an external energy network.

7. A mobile Raman spectrometer system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the Raman spectrometer system (1) comprises a substantially exterior material suitable for sterilization, in particular stainless steel, so that the mobile Raman spectrometer system (1) can be used in an operating room after sterilization.

8. A mobile Raman spectrometer system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the Raman spectrometer system (1) is designed to measure and classify multiple samples simultaneously.

9. A mobile Raman spectrometer system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the Raman spectrometer system (1) is designed to be controlled by at least one external device that can be coupled to the Raman spectrometer system (1).

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

11. A mobile Raman spectrometer system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the measuring instrument (2) has further connecting means for coupling the measuring instrument (2) with the evaluation unit (3) having the evaluation program (4), the further connecting means being designed so that the measuring instrument (2) is used at a distance interval of 0.1 to 10 m, preferably 0.5 to 5 m, preferably 1 to 3 m around the mobile Raman spectrometer system (1) independently of the other components of the mobile Raman spectrometer system (1), thereby enabling the acquisition of Raman spectrometer parameters of a human, animal, or plant sample measured by the measuring instrument (2) with positional flexibility relative to the other components of the mobile Raman spectrometer system (1).

12. A mobile Raman spectrometer system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the measuring instrument (2) is substantially rod-shaped and has a circumference that can be grasped with one hand, the first end region is designed to contact the sample to be measured, and the second end region is designed to replaceably hold at least one radiation source within the measuring instrument (2), thereby enabling the light rays emitted from at least one radiation source to be guided substantially toward the first end region.

13. A method for making a medical diagnosis of a human, animal, or plant sample, the method being: - Step (M1) of providing and starting up a mobile Raman spectrometer system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, - The step (M2) of measuring a sample of a person, animal, or plant using the mobile Raman spectrometer system (1), - The mobile Raman spectrometer system (1) is used to classify the results of the Raman spectrometer measurement with respect to at least one medical diagnosis (M3), - Step (M4) of outputting the classification results using the mobile Raman spectrometer system (1), thereby enabling the user of the mobile Raman spectrometer system (1) to provide a detailed display of the sample. Methods that include...

14. The method according to claim 10, wherein the method further, - A step of connecting an evaluation unit (3) having an evaluation program (4) in the mobile Raman spectrometer system (1) to at least one database for making medical diagnoses of human, animal, or plant samples based on Raman spectrometer parameters, - The evaluation program (4) is adjusted by at least one user-defined input, thereby enabling the connected external database to be used individually. Methods that include...

15. A method according to claim 12, wherein the at least one user-defined input is selected from a gender-sensitive input, nutritional information about a human or animal subject under examination, drug intake of a human or animal subject under examination, fertilizer application to a plant subject under examination, pesticide application to a plant subject under examination, or similar, at least one piece of information about the correlational effects of drugs and pathological changes in at least one living organism, a suspected diagnosis, at least one piece of information from a patient registry in at least one country, and at least one piece of information about the medical history of the living organism under examination.

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