Mobile rheometer apparatus, system, and method for investigating the rheological properties of human, animal, or plant components.

Abstract

The present invention provides a mobile rheometer device for examining the rheological properties of human, animal, or plant components, as well as a system and method that at least partially overcome the drawbacks of conventional devices. [Solution] The present invention relates to a mobile rheometer device (1) for investigating the rheological properties of components of a person, animal, or plant. Such a mobile rheometer device (1) comprises a rheological measuring instrument (4) and a computer-based functional unit (2) having a user program (3) coupled thereto. The mobile rheometer device (1) further comprises a transport unit (6) on which the rheological measuring instrument (4) and the computer-based functional unit (2) coupled thereto are arranged, the transport unit (6) being designed to be at least temporarily placed on an internal component of the body of a person, animal, or plant, so that the rheological measuring instrument (4) can come into contact with and interact with the body of the person, animal, or plant.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mobile rheometer device, system, and method for examining the rheological properties of components of humans, animals, or plants.

Background Art

[0002] For example, in the form of individual samples, in order to obtain more detailed information about the components (constituents) of humans, animals, or plants, only these components or their samples are taken from the living body and then painstakingly analyzed in the laboratory. Alternatively, it is also known to examine the liquid related to the tissue or living body to be inspected.

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

[0004] Instead of histological examinations using staining and microscopy equipment, rheological techniques can also be utilized to perform, for example, medical diagnoses. These techniques can include, for example, rotational rheometers or capillary rheometers. A falling ball viscometer or a microfluidic device can also be used. Pathological tissues differ from the physiological state in terms of properties such as viscosity, viscoelasticity, or elasticity.

[0005] For example, by such methods, diseases such as stenosis or similar diseases can be examined in more detail. Body fluids such as saliva and blood also have different properties such as viscosity, viscoelasticity, or elasticity when changes occur. This phenomenon is known, for example, in relation to sickle cell disease. In this regard, knowledge of the rheological properties of physiological or pathological characteristics can be used for diagnosis.

[0006] In this case, one or more rheological quantities can be measured, such as (shear) viscosity, extensional viscosity, shear stress, viscoelastic properties, storage modulus, and loss modulus. Such measurements may include absolute or relative values. Typically, each sample is vibrated or oscillated. Alternatively, motion in the form of rotation or flow is also conceivable. With respect to the sample, vibration, oscillation, rotation, or flow may already be occurring due to biological conditions, and therefore these conditions can also be utilized for rheological measurements.

[0007] The approaches using the technologies described above require a certain amount of time and effort. Furthermore, the transportation of samples requires specific logistics infrastructure to prevent damage to fragile samples. In this regard, even with all precautions taken, changes in the samples can occur and cannot be completely eliminated. Generally, biological sample materials change rapidly, making subsequent testing or analysis difficult.

[0008] In the case of intraoperative biopsies and tissue collection as described above, the necessary medical infrastructure is often only available at state-of-the-art medical facilities. Therefore, medical support and diagnosis can be difficult in remote areas such as high mountains or the open sea, because the necessary medical infrastructure is either difficult to provide or simply does not exist.

[0009] Furthermore, when measuring one or more rheological quantities continuously, known stationary devices are often inconvenient to handle or simply too large for comfortable use by patients over extended periods during various activities. Moreover, devices that can only be used externally may shift relative to the living organism of a person, animal, or plant during use, potentially leading to significant errors in measurement results. This often necessitates costly remeasurements. Time is a critical factor, especially when an urgent diagnosis is required. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] In view of the above-mentioned background circumstances, the object of the present invention is to provide a mobile rheometer device for examining the rheological properties of human, animal, or plant components, as well as a system and method that at least partially overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] This problem is solved by a mobile rheometer device having the features described in claim 1, a system having the features described in claim 26, and a method having the features described in claim 27.

[0012] Accordingly, a mobile rheometer device is provided for investigating the rheological properties of components of humans, animals, or plants. Such a mobile rheometer device comprises a rheological measuring instrument and a computer-based functional unit having a user program coupled thereto. The mobile rheometer device comprises a transport unit in which the rheological measuring instrument and the computer-based functional unit coupled thereto are located. The transport unit is designed to be placed at least temporarily on internal components of the body of a human, animal, or plant, thereby allowing the rheological measuring instrument to come into contact with and interact with the body of the human, animal, or plant.

[0013] Furthermore, a system is provided for investigating the rheological properties of components of humans, animals, or plants. This system comprises at least one mobile rheometer device according to the present invention and an external control device that is non-contactly coupled to this at least one mobile rheometer device according to the present invention and has at least one application program. In addition, the system in this basic modification comprises at least one database that can be coupled to the external control device for medical diagnosis of components in the body of humans, animals, or plants, the database being based on rheological parameters.

[0014] In addition, a method is provided for investigating the rheological properties of components of a person, animal, or plant. The method provides a mobile rheometer device according to the present invention and includes the steps of: activating; positioning the mobile rheometer device within or on components of a person, animal, or plant body; and activating the mobile rheometer device to cause at least one function of a rheological measuring instrument to interact with at least one subregion of a component in the body of a person, animal, or plant, thereby allowing at least one rheological parameter to be measured by the rheological measuring instrument.

[0015] Furthermore, further uses of the mobile rheometer device according to the present invention are disclosed. The mobile rheometer device according to the present invention is envisioned to be used to perform therapeutic or curative measures in living organisms of humans, animals, or plants.

[0016] One of the fundamental ideas of the present invention is to provide a mobile rheometer device capable of measuring one or more rheological quantities, such as viscosity, shear viscosity, extensional viscosity, shear stress, viscoelastic properties, storage modulus, and loss modulus, within or on components of the human, animal, or plant body, and providing measurement results for a wide range of diagnostics. The rheological measuring instruments used in this process, performed in interaction with each component of the human, animal, or plant body, can include absolute and relative measurements.

[0017] The mobile rheometer device of the present invention is advantageously designed for use within components of the body of a human, animal, or plant. A transport unit designed for this purpose enables such use within the body of the human, animal, or plant being examined. In this context, the component being examined can be understood as any subunit within the body of a human, animal, or plant.

[0018] For example, in the case of a human being, this could be a body organ unit, or more generally, a more complex structural part within the body, such as a specific bone structure.

[0019] The mobile rheometer device according to the present invention can also be used on the body or living components of a person, animal, or plant being examined. For example, it can also be used outside the body to perform calibration as needed before actually using it inside the body.

[0020] The advantages of the mobile rheometer device according to the present invention are, in particular, that it can reliably and continuously acquire one or more rheological quantities with surprising ease, and that it can be operated comfortably with simple handling.

[0021] To measure these quantities, direct contact with each component of the object being tested is envisioned, further ensuring reliable and consistent measurements. The mobile rheometer device according to the present invention can also provide longer-term measurements because it is used directly on the object being tested without imposing further constraints on the organism being tested. For example, the mobile rheometer device can be positioned in front of a person so as not to significantly restrict the patient's daily activities.

[0022] Furthermore, the mobile rheometer device according to the present invention eliminates the need to transport pre-collected samples to the actual measuring instrument, allowing for rapid determination of measurement results. The mobile rheometer device according to the present invention also eliminates the need for complicated and separate preparation of the target components.

[0023] The interactions required for rheological measurements can be performed rapidly and in relatively short time, almost in real time, allowing each measurement or a series of measurements to be performed virtually immediately.

[0024] Damage to the area being measured can be significantly reduced, thereby providing a particularly safe measurement method with the apparatus according to the present invention.

[0025] The mobile rheometer device according to the present invention can also be advantageously used for medical support and diagnosis in remote areas such as mountains or the open ocean. Since the complicated logistics and installation of infrastructure associated with large devices are no longer necessary, the mobile rheometer device according to the present invention, which is flexible and easy to operate, provides further advantages in this regard.

[0026] According to a further embodiment variant of the mobile rheometer device of the present invention, the transport unit has fixing means, and the fixing means are designed to be able to temporarily or permanently fix the mobile rheometer device to internal components of the body of a person, animal, or plant.

[0027] <> Thereby, even when performing repeated measurements at specific time intervals, etc., it can be guaranteed that the measurement can be comfortably and advantageously carried out on substantially the same partial region of the component to be inspected.

[0028] In this way, the mobile rheometer device remains substantially in place after the initial placement, whereby the desired measurement can be carried out comfortably and consistently. This also enables user-defined placements, such as placements that do not particularly burden the living body to be inspected.

[0029] According to one configuration of the mobile rheometer device, the fixing means is selected from inorganic fixing means, organic fixing means, inorganic fixing means designed to enable mechanical connection, organic fixing means designed to enable mechanical connection, inorganic fixing means designed to enable removable mechanical connection, organic fixing means designed to enable removable mechanical connection, inorganic fixing means designed to enable form-fitting connection with at least one partial region of an internal component, organic fixing means designed to enable form-fitting connection with at least one partial region of an internal component, inorganic fixing means designed to enable frictional engagement connection with at least one partial region of an internal component, organic fixing means designed to enable frictional engagement connection with at least one partial region of an internal component, inorganic fixing means designed to enable material-binding connection with at least one partial region of an internal component, and organic fixing means designed to enable material-binding connection with at least one partial region of an internal component.

[0030] Thereby, according to the usage area and the usage location, a fixing means that is particularly advantageous and appropriate for each purpose can be selected. For example, in the human body, the organic fixing means can fit particularly well with the living body without imposing a particular burden.

[0031] According to one configuration of the mobile rheometer device, it is assumed that the fixing means is at least partially disposed on the surface of the transport unit. Thereby, after the device is disposed, the device can be directly fixed by bringing it into contact with each body or biological component that is the inspection target. This is because a direct connection can be obtained by the above-described special arrangement.

[0032] According to a further embodiment variant of the mobile rheometer device, the fixing means includes organic fixing means designed to be operable by at least one user-defined influence, whereby it is assumed that the organic fixing means can be adapted to the molecular structure of the internal components in the body of a human, an animal, or a plant.

[0033] Therefore, a particularly pinpoint and stable connection can be obtained, making the device according to the present invention user-friendly and reliable. In particular, in relation to the advantages mentioned above, such specially adapted fixing means can provide a technical solution that does not burden longer-term measurements.

[0034] According to further implementation variations of the mobile rheometer apparatus, the user-defined effects are assumed to be selected from thermal effects, electromechanical effects, mechanical effects, chemical effects, and chemical, biological, or physical energy transfers.

[0035] Depending on the application, the optimal fixing method can be provided by each technology. Each effect can be applied immediately before the device is actually placed.

[0036] According to one configuration of a mobile rheometer device, the mobile rheometer device is assumed to be equipped with at least one drive unit, thereby being designed to be movable within the internal components of a human, animal, or plant body.

[0037] This allows the mobile rheometer device to be navigated with particular precision to the desired location relative to the component being examined, in addition to its initial positioning. This enables the selection of particularly advantageous measurement locations for fine-tuning, thereby optimizing subsequent measurements for desired diagnoses and other purposes.

[0038] In a further embodiment of the mobile rheometer device, it is assumed that at least one drive unit is designed to generate motion of the mobile rheometer device in the liquid on which the mobile rheometer device is located, or at least one drive unit is designed to generate motion of the mobile rheometer device on a substantially solid base on which the mobile rheometer device is located, or at least one drive unit is designed to generate motion of the mobile rheometer device not only in the liquid on which the mobile rheometer device is located, but also on a substantially solid base on which the mobile rheometer device is located.

[0039] In this way, drive units can be provided according to the environmental conditions of each internal component of a human, animal, or plant body, thereby allowing a properly configured mobile rheometer device to be positioned particularly accurately and optimally at the desired location relative to the component being inspected. Consequently, advantageous navigation can be more accurately guaranteed, particularly in terms of reaching advantageous measurement locations.

[0040] According to further implementation variations, at least one drive unit includes a haptic (taptic) motor unit.

[0041] The vibrations generated by the haptic motor unit can facilitate small motion impulses in the mobile rheometer device, which may already be sufficient for the final positioning. This approach is advantageous when only small displacement movements of the mobile rheometer device are desired, for example, when maintaining an already achieved position. It is also particularly advantageous when the mobile rheometer device is repeatedly displaced slightly from its optimal measurement location due to external influences from the internal components of a person, animal, or plant.

[0042] According to an alternative embodiment of a mobile rheometer device, it is assumed that at least one drive unit is designed to be controlled by a computer-based functional unit.

[0043] Not only can each navigation correction be made more precisely, but it can also move more accurately to more remote measurement locations. In other words, a controllable drive unit offers further advantages by being able to acquire as many measurements as possible at different locations in order to ultimately obtain a better diagnosis. While the initial placement may only allow for minor post-adjustments with a simple drive unit without separate control, this implementation modification allows for new alignment in a wider inspection area based on user definitions, and thus enables measurements at more distant measurement locations.

[0044] In a further embodiment, at least one drive unit is made of at least partially organic material.

[0045] The advantage in this case is that not only is compatibility with the internal components of humans, animals, or plants achievable, but this compatibility is not compromised even during longer-term operation.

[0046] Since a drive unit composed of at least partially organic materials does not immediately appear to be recognized as a foreign object, it can be assumed that it is unlikely to immediately elicit a negative reaction from the body of a human, animal, or plant.

[0047] In further modifications of the implementation, it is envisioned that at least one drive unit includes at least one movable outer membrane structure located outside at least one sub-region of the transport unit, thereby enabling the pulsating motion of each movable outer membrane structure to produce a defined motion of the mobile rheometer device.

[0048] This not only makes it possible to provide a particularly compact mobile rheometer device, but also eliminates the need for protruding parts that are often perceived as cumbersome. Rather, such a movable outer membrane structure can be adapted to the existing main shape of mobile rheometer devices, thus ensuring the aforementioned compact external dimensions.

[0049] In further embodiments, it is assumed that at least one movable outer membrane structure is movable for these purposes by a computer-based functional unit coupled to each outer membrane structure and having a user program, or that at least one movable outer membrane structure is non-contactually coupled to each outer membrane structure and has a user program.

[0050] The controllable movable outer membrane structure allows the above-mentioned advantages to be realized even better in both embodiments, namely, with a computer-based functional unit having a coupled user program, as well as with a non-contactually coupled external excitation unit having a user program.

[0051] An excitation unit with a user program can be provided as any mobile control device, such as a tablet or mobile phone, with an appropriate user program, for example in the form of an application. Therefore, this function does not necessarily need to be provided in the mobile rheometer device itself, resulting in a simpler and more user-friendly device.

[0052] In a further implementation and modification of the mobile rheometer device, it is assumed that at least one drive unit is designed to produce a user-defined speed, in particular a user-defined constant acceleration, or a user-defined negative acceleration, or a user-defined positive acceleration.

[0053] These functions can be pre-configured or provided through appropriate control. The resulting effects can be utilized to operate the mobile rheometer device more accurately. For example, a positive acceleration defined by the user toward the tissue area can facilitate the particularly stable fixation of the mobile rheometer device at that measurement site.

[0054] In a further embodiment of the mobile rheometer device, it is assumed that at least one drive unit is designed to produce any motion or any sequence of motion of the mobile rheometer device in a three-dimensional coordinate system. This makes the advantages described above even more achievable.

[0055] In further implementation variations, the computer-based functional unit is envisioned to have a memory unit for storing rheological measurement data.

[0056] This means that the acquired measurement data does not need to be immediately transferred to other devices, but can be retrieved later from the storage unit. This is the case, for example, when a mobile rheometer device is removed from its body, and therefore the storage unit becomes freely accessible afterward.

[0057] During long-term measurement periods, for example, when a patient moves freely while wearing a mobile rheometer device, the acquired measurement data is first stored in a memory unit, eliminating the need for a constant connection to an external receiving device.

[0058] In a further implementation variation of the mobile rheometer device, the computer-based functional unit is assumed to have a transmit / receive module, thereby designing the mobile rheometer device to transmit acquired rheological measurement data to at least one external device and to be operated by at least one external device.

[0059] This offers the advantage that (after the mobile rheometer device has been properly positioned) the location of the organism being measured, whether human, animal, or plant, is relatively flexible. This is because the transmitting and receiving module can ensure connection with external devices at a certain distance. Therefore, nearly complete recording of acquired measurements can be achieved in real time, which means a significant time advantage in the case of critical values, allowing for prompt action such as treatment.

[0060] In further embodiments, the mobile rheometer device is equipped with a temperature control unit, thereby enabling the mobile rheometer device to be at least partially temperature-controlled according to user definitions.

[0061] This offers the advantage, where favorable to each method, of allowing for the optional preparation of subsequent rheological measurements by controlling the temperature around the mobile rheometer device, and even the direct measurement site of the mobile rheometer device within the body. This effect can also be utilized for therapeutic purposes. The temperature control unit is designed to provide heating, cooling, or both options.

[0062] In a further embodiment, the mobile rheometer device is envisioned to include a temperature measuring unit that enables the measurement of the current temperature of at least one sub-region of an internal component of the body of a person, animal, or plant in which the mobile rheometer device is located.

[0063] Therefore, mobile rheometer devices can be advantageously used to track temperature profiles in internal components of the body of a person, animal, or plant once it is positioned and activated. This allows for highly accurate tracking of processes such as inflammation, and in addition to the acquired rheological measurements or parameters, the acquired measurements can be advantageously used for more accurate analysis or more specific diagnosis.

[0064] In a further embodiment, the rheological measuring instrument is positioned by at least one moving device of a mobile rheometer, thereby enabling the rheological measuring instrument to be deflected in the direction of the area to be measured in the internal components of a human, animal, or plant body.

[0065] This embodiment is particularly advantageous when the initial measurement location reached during setup is deemed suboptimal. Therefore, at least one motion device allows for rapid and highly detailed readjustment of the measuring instrument, thereby enabling optimal determination or measurement of subsequent values.

[0066] In a further embodiment, a computer-based functional unit having a user program is designed to classify rheological parameters measured from the body of a human, animal, or plant with respect to at least one medical diagnosis, thereby enabling the user of a mobile rheometer device to be provided with a differentiated explanation of the measurement area in the body of a human, animal, or plant.

[0067] This embodiment of the mobile rheometer device of the present invention has the advantage that the classification of measured values ​​can be performed directly in the field by a specially provided evaluation unit. Therefore, the mobile rheometer device not only performs measurements within each body but also provides initial results, because the classification provides an initial evaluation for at least one medical diagnosis.

[0068] In a further embodiment, a computer-based functional unit having a user program is connectable to, or has at least one, database for making medical diagnoses of human, animal, or plant bodies based on rheological parameters.

[0069] This enables particularly rapid and comprehensive classification. Depending on the database used, the application range of the mobile rheometer device of the present invention can also be expanded. Furthermore, when the mobile rheometer device of the present invention is used in more remote locations, it is more likely to be considered sufficient for sufficiently consistent analysis.

[0070] In this case, for example, rheological properties can be compared with a database (or multiple databases) containing information on rheological properties of physiological or pathological characteristics. This comparison allows the rheometer to provide one or more suggestions for diagnosis (or for medical professionals) regarding the condition of the sample. General suggestions can also be derived in the form of parameters, which are easily understandable and accessible even to those without medical expertise.

[0071] Thus, the mobile rheometer device and corresponding method of the present invention make it possible to perform rheological examinations related to medical diagnosis on human, animal, or plant samples in spatial and temporal proximity. These rheological examinations allow for measurements of other parameters, such as pH values, ion concentrations, present enzymes, or body fluids, under physiological conditions as much as possible.

[0072] Further embodiments suggest that the mobile rheometer device is designed to be placed inside a human, animal, or plant body using catheter technology.

[0073] This technology is well-suited to supporting precise positioning, enabling not only high-precision placement but also ensuring that the mobile rheometer device of the present invention can be implemented without burden during transport to the initial measurement site and without the risk of damage during transport.

[0074] In medical technology terminology, catheter technology in its broadest sense is understood to be any technology that enables the delivery of a medical technology unit, such as the mobile rheometer device according to the present invention, into the body using a tube device, a hose device, or the like.

[0075] In this context, this technical term refers not only to the actual insertion of tubing, hoses, etc., into the body, but also to the transport of mobile rheometer devices via catheters, and any auxiliary means and method steps for initially positioning mobile rheometer devices into internal components of the body of a human, animal, or plant.

[0076] Further embodiments suggest that the mobile rheometer device is designed to be placed inside a human or animal body by oral ingestion.

[0077] This includes, for example, that the mobile rheometer device of the embodiment does not exceed certain minimum external dimensions that are considered to allow oral ingestion by a patient (person or animal). The advantage of this is that deployment can be immediate and direct without requiring further technology and without imposing an additional burden on the patient.

[0078] In further embodiments, the external dimensions of the mobile rheometer device are assumed to be in the range of 2 m x 2 m to 0.2 m x 0.2 m, preferably in the range of 1.5 m x 2 m to 0.25 m x 0.25 m, preferably in the range of 1 m x 1.5 m to 0.3 m x 0.3 m, preferably in the range of 1.5 m x 1.5 m to 0.3 m x 0.3 m, and preferably in the range of 0.5 m x 0.5 m to 0.5 m x 0.5 m.

[0079] Thus, it is advantageous to offer a wide range of applications for mobile rheometer devices. Because mobile rheometer devices do not require large spaces, even during fragile transport, transportation to the site of use is particularly easy. For example, transportation using drone delivery technology can be considered. The total weight of the device is expected to be in the range of approximately 45 kg to 250 kg, preferably 45 kg to 150 kg, preferably 45 kg to 100 kg, and preferably 45 kg to 70 kg.

[0080] The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0081] In the figures, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals indicate the same or functionally identical components. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0082] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing a mobile rheometer device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing a user scenario for a mobile rheometer device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram illustrating further user scenarios for a mobile rheometer device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing a system for investigating the rheological properties of human, animal, or plant components. [Figure 5] This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a method according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0083] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a mobile rheometer device according to one embodiment of the present invention. This mobile rheometer device 1 can be used or utilized to investigate the rheological properties of human, animal, or plant components.

[0084] In this case, for example, internal components of humans, animals, or plants can be envisioned. External applications or uses are not excluded and can be used in the calibration process prior to actual internal use.

[0085] Examples of internal components of the human or animal body include organ components or organs themselves. Therefore, for example, the mobile rheometer device 1 can be used in the stomach or blood vessels. For example, the mobile rheometer device 1 can be designed to examine the bulk properties of the gastric mucosa.

[0086] For this purpose, the mobile rheometer device 1 can be placed directly within or on gastric tissue, such as the gastric mucosa. Similarly, the mobile rheometer device 1 can also be used in embodiments to measure interfacial rheological properties at the phase interface between an aqueous phase and an oil phase.

[0087] Similarly, the mobile rheometer device 1 can also be envisioned for direct measurement within the liquid volume, such as the aqueous phase in stomach contents, or for use for these purposes.

[0088] In other words, in relation to the living body of a human or animal, possible locations where the mobile rheometer device 1 can be placed include components of blood vessels or the digestive tract.

[0089] Skin components can also be potential locations for placement. Furthermore, other organs and body components, such as the bladder, can also be potential locations for placement of the mobile rheometer device 1.

[0090] The rheological measurements to be performed may include not only the organs themselves, but also all bodily fluids, or bodily fluids and materials supplied from external sources, such as special foods or common food components, or medical components, or mixtures of common pharmaceuticals, or combinations thereof.

[0091] It is also possible to anticipate the placement of additional implants and their associated locations.

[0092] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the mobile rheometer device 1 could be placed inside the bone. In this case, for example, a cavity or similar structure could first be created in the bone, and then, with or without auxiliary means, the mobile rheometer device 1 could be placed in this cavity or similar structure, and the mobile rheometer device 1 could be temporarily or permanently positioned there.

[0093] In Figure 1, the mobile rheometer device 1 is shown together with a proprietary computer-based functional unit 2 having a user program and a rheology measuring instrument 4.

[0094] The rheology measuring instrument 4 is connected to a computer-based functional unit 2 having a user program 3, and a first connecting line 5 is provided between these components for this purpose.

[0095] In one modified example (not shown), for example, multiple first connection lines 5 may be provided to ensure a reliable connection at all times, even if the main connection is damaged or interrupted. It is also possible that any interface device, or at least partially wireless-based connection technology, may be provided.

[0096] The rheological measuring instrument 4 and the computer-based functional unit 2 containing the user program 3 are further housed within the transport unit 6 of the mobile rheometer device 1. In particular, these two components are substantially housed within this transport unit 6 in terms of their respective external dimensions. Only the edge region of the rheological measuring instrument 4 partially protrudes beyond the outer boundary of this transport unit 6.

[0097] It is conceivable that the rheology measuring instrument 4 is mounted in a positionable manner within the transport unit 6 by at least one moving device (not shown) in the mobile rheometer 1. This allows the outer boundary of the rheology measuring instrument 4 to be partially located within the transport unit 6 in the first operating state and outside the transport unit 6 in any further operating states.

[0098] These operating states can change or be changed during measurement and may therefore be part of the measurement protocol held in user program 3.

[0099] The transport unit 6 is designed to be positioned at least temporarily within the internal components of a human, animal, or plant body, thereby allowing the rheological measuring instrument 4 to come into contact with and interact with the human, animal, or plant body.

[0100] This contact can be provided to enable rheological measurements not only of constituent elements such as tissue regions of living organisms in humans or animals, but also of fluids such as blood, gastric juice, or other bodily fluids in living organisms in humans or animals.

[0101] Similarly, it is conceivable that the components of plants and all the fluids of the plant being measured can also be examined during the rheological measurement process.

[0102] Actual rheological measurements are performed, for example, by applying stress or deformation to tissue or bodily fluids using the rheological measuring instrument 4 itself.

[0103] Alternatively, in one modified embodiment, the rheological measuring instrument 4 may be stimulated externally or by other instruments to produce vibration or other motion. This can also be done by at least one motion device (not shown). This allows, for example, to examine tissue, diagnose pathological processes, and track them over time.

[0104] Processes such as the digestive process can also be examined. In this case, the focus is not necessarily on organs, tissues, or bodily fluids, but rather on the mixture of keem (porridge) and bodily fluids.

[0105] For example, the effects of a drug administered during surgery are also conceivable applications of the mobile rheometer device 1 according to the present invention.

[0106] The mobile rheometer device 1 can also be used, for example, to track the condition of implants, thereby allowing for early determination of when implants should be removed or replaced.

[0107] However, the main purpose of the mobile rheometer device 1 according to the present invention is generally to acquire rheological data or measured values.

[0108] However, if it is therapeutically advantageous from a medical standpoint, the mobile rheometer device 1 according to the present invention can also be used for treatment by, for example, applying motion such as vibration to a specific point, or by heating / cooling.

[0109] For these purposes, the mobile rheometer device 1 according to the present invention may, in one modified embodiment (not shown), be equipped with at least one temperature control unit.

[0110] The movably mounted rheological measuring device 4 can also be designed to transmit motion impulses to the biological body being examined, thereby allowing these motion impulses to be used for therapeutic purposes. In this case, individual motion impulses or motion impulse patterns can be provided.

[0111] In Figure 1, the mobile rheometer device 1 according to the present invention is shown equipped with a drive unit 7 in the form of a movable outer membrane structure 8.

[0112] The drive unit 7 in the form of this movable outer membrane structure 8 is substantially located around the transport unit 6. Therefore, the drive unit 7 is positioned outside the transport unit 6.

[0113] In one modified embodiment (not shown), the drive unit 7 may be positioned outside at least one partial region of the transport unit 6. In either embodiment, the pulsating motion of the movable outer membrane structure 8 is designed to produce a specified motion in the mobile rheometer device 1.

[0114] For these purposes, the movable outer membrane structure 8 can be configured to be coupled with a computer-based functional unit 2 having a user program 3.

[0115] In other words, the mobile rheometer device 1 is configured to be movable indirectly by a computer-based functional unit 2 having a user program 3, and directly by a drive unit 7 in the form of a movable outer membrane structure 8. In this case, the mobile rheometer device 1 can be configured to be movable not only in liquid but also on a substantially solid base.

[0116] In one modified embodiment (not shown), the drive unit 7 may have other shapes. This could be, for example, a type of propeller device based substantially on organic materials. Alternatively, conventional mechanical units composed mainly of inorganic materials can also be provided. These could be, for example, electric drive units composed substantially of inorganic materials.

[0117] In one embodiment, the drive unit 7 in the form of the movable outer membrane structure 8 can also be coupled with an external excitation unit having a user program. This allows the excitation unit with the user program to transmit impulses, thereby causing the drive unit 7 in the form of the movable outer membrane structure 8 to move the mobile rheometer device 1, for example, from a first measurement location to at least one other measurement location. In this case, user-defined navigation using any appropriate auxiliary means is conceivable.

[0118] In any of the modifications, the transport unit 6 and the drive unit 7 can together be referred to as a vehicle. In this case, the vehicle can be arbitrarily designed to enable target-oriented navigation within the body of the object being examined. The vehicle is arbitrarily designed, for example, by the drive unit 7, which is specifically designed for this purpose, to enable directional motion with a specific velocity, acceleration, jerk, or higher-order time derivative of the position in each coordinate system.

[0119] In further embodiments (not shown), the mobile rheometer device 1 may further include fixing means (not shown). These fixing means are designed to allow the mobile rheometer device 1 to be temporarily or permanently fixed to an internal component of a human, animal, or plant body.

[0120] In this case, these fastening means (not shown) can be selected from the following: inorganic fastening means, organic fastening means, inorganic fastening means designed to enable mechanical connection, organic fastening means designed to enable mechanical connection, inorganic fastening means designed to enable removable mechanical connection, organic fastening means designed to enable removable mechanical connection, inorganic fastening means designed to enable shape-tight connection with at least one subregion of an internal component, organic fastening means designed to enable shape-tight connection with at least one subregion of an internal component, inorganic fastening means designed to enable friction-engagement connection with at least one subregion of an internal component, organic fastening means designed to enable friction-engagement connection with at least one subregion of an internal component, inorganic fastening means designed to enable material-bonding connection with at least one subregion of an internal component, and organic fastening means designed to enable material-bonding connection with at least one subregion of an internal component.

[0121] For example, any of the organic fixation methods described above can be designed for these purposes based on a biological fixation process.

[0122] Accordingly, the organic fixation means is designed to form fixation to the tissue or other biological components of the body being examined by biological crosslinking, thereby allowing the mobile rheometer device 1 to be substantially fixed or installed, for example, at a first measurement site inside the body of the body being examined.

[0123] In this case, for example, it is possible to utilize the fact that human cells that protrude three-dimensionally into a spatial volume have specific spatial characteristics, which allows them to be bound by, for example, a special protein structure of an organic fixation means.

[0124] This can be symbolically represented, for example, by the principle of two puzzle pieces. Generally, such organic compounds can also be represented by corresponding molecular bridges, for example, the key-lock principle. In this case, different charges can be provided to the connected partners, thereby providing at least one corresponding molecular bridge based on the charge difference.

[0125] The mobile rheometer device 1 according to the present invention can be placed inside or on the organ to be examined in the body or on the surface of a person, animal, or plant, for example, by catheter insertion, oral ingestion, or manual placement. The mobile rheometer device 1 according to the present invention can also be placed by surgery. In either case, it can be provided by a minimally invasive method.

[0126] For example, a hole is drilled in the bone, then the mobile rheometer device 1 is placed inside the hole, and finally the mobile rheometer device 1 is fixed inside the hole using organic cement, a compatible adhesive, or other auxiliary means.

[0127] For evaluation purposes, users can optionally access the database system. Such database systems are available globally or locally, for example, on mobile devices, cloud devices, or within a clinic (group) or clinic network.

[0128] Based on this database system, it becomes possible to diagnose or explain the tendencies of physiological or pathological conditions associated with a specific (suspected) diagnosis.

[0129] Data may be transmitted to a mobile device at the patient's discretion, for example, when the patient voluntarily tracks the progress of their medical condition as a member of the public.

[0130] To perform an evaluation, the measurement data or measured values ​​can be stored (for example, for a certain period) in the memory unit (not shown) of the mobile rheometer device 1, and then evaluated.

[0131] Alternatively, data can be transmitted in the form of data transmission using the transmit / receive module (not shown) of the mobile rheometer device 1. This transmission can be performed while the mobile rheometer device 1 is still inside the body of the object being measured.

[0132] In this regard, it is possible to envision real-time data transmission while displaying information in a compatible display device, monitor unit, etc.

[0133] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a user scenario (usage scenario) for a mobile rheometer device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this case, each of the modified embodiments mentioned in the description of Figure 1 can be assumed.

[0134] Therefore, since identical reference numerals exhibit the same characteristics, we will not repeat the explanation here.

[0135] The mobile rheometer device 1 shown in Figure 2 is suspended in the aqueous phase 9 of a human stomach 10, and is also partially suspended in the oil phase 11 above the aqueous phase 9.

[0136] The two X symbols indicate further locations where the mobile rheometer device 1 may be fixed within the stomach 10 by fixing means (not shown).

[0137] In the drawing, the lower X symbol also indicates that the mobile rheometer device 1 can be completely placed within the aqueous phase 9 of the stomach 10. Correspondingly, the upper X symbol, relative to the drawing, also indicates that the mobile rheometer device 1 can be completely placed outside both the aqueous phase 9 and the oil phase 11.

[0138] At that location, the mobile rheometer device 1 can be set up, for example, to investigate the bulk properties of the gastric mucosa region of the stomach 10. Correspondingly, the bulk properties of this region of the gastric mucosa in the stomach 10 can be investigated in the aqueous phase 9.

[0139] In one embodiment (not shown), it is conceivable that the mobile rheometer device 1 undergoes such positional displacement by a drive unit 7 in the form of a movable outer membrane structure 8. In this case, a removable fixing means is advantageous, as it allows the mobile rheometer device 1 to be fixed again after positional displacement without damaging its structure.

[0140] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of further user scenarios for the mobile rheometer device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0141] In this case, each of the modified embodiments mentioned in the explanation of Figure 1 is conceivable. Therefore, the same reference numerals indicate the same features, and their explanation will not be repeated here.

[0142] In Figure 3, the mobile rheometer device 1 is provided in a particularly compact form, and can have a maximum external dimension of up to half the diameter of a larger blood vessel, for example. In this regard, a maximum external dimension of up to 500 micrometers is conceivable.

[0143] Figure 3 schematically shows the mobile rheometer device 1 positioned on the inner wall 12 of a blood vessel 13, for example, the human aorta.

[0144] This can be provided, for example, by inorganic or organic fixing means (not shown).

[0145] The sensor surface (not shown) of the rheology measuring instrument 4 faces the interior 14 of the blood vessel 13, thereby enabling rheological measurements of the flowing fluid, i.e., human blood and its components (blood components 15, greatly simplified and not to scale).

[0146] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of a system for investigating the rheological properties of human, animal, or plant components.

[0147] In this case, a mobile rheometer device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is placed inside the stomach 10 of patient 17.

[0148] In one modified example (not shown), multiple mobile rheometer devices 1 can be placed inside the body of patient 17.

[0149] The illustrated system 16 is designed to investigate the rheological properties of human, animal, or plant components, and for this purpose, in addition to the mobile rheometer device 1 according to the present invention, it comprises an external control device 18 having an application program and being non-contactly coupled to at least one mobile rheometer device 1, the external control device 18 being shown on a support structure 19 adjacent to the patient 17.

[0150] The support structure 19 can be, for example, a table used in a hospital, particularly in a hospital operating room, or any other piece of furniture.

[0151] (In the drawing) Below the external control device 18, the database 20 is shown only symbolically in a greatly simplified form within the support structure 19.

[0152] This database 20 is connected to an external control device 18 via a second connection line 21. The database 20 is a computer technology device for medical diagnosis of components in the body of a human, animal, or plant based on rheological parameters.

[0153] In one modified example (not shown), it is conceivable that multiple databases 20 are connected to an external control device 18. These could be various databases, such as a group of clinics, a cloud device, a hospital network, or a research network.

[0154] The external control device 18 is shown to be connected to the display unit 23 via the third connection line 22. In one modified embodiment, optionally, the rheology examination diagnostic image 24 is displayed in a greatly simplified form on the display unit 23, which is an active component of the system 16.

[0155] The display unit 23 is provided as an independent component, and the system 16 may also consist only of an external control device 18 having a standard interface device for connecting to further external devices.

[0156] In any of the above cases, the display unit 23 may be, for example, a flat display unit. A medical professional 25 is standing to the right of the display unit 23 (in the drawing) and evaluating the diagnostic image 24 currently on display.

[0157] The radio wave symbol 26 in the illustration clearly shows how the mobile rheometer device 1 inside the patient's body communicates with the external control device 18.

[0158] Figure 5 shows a schematic flowchart of Method M for investigating the rheological properties of components of a person, animal, or plant. In the first method step M1, a mobile rheometer device 1 according to the present invention is provided and activated. In the second method step M2, the mobile rheometer device 1 according to the present invention is placed in or on a component of the body of a person, animal, or plant. In the third method step M3, at least one function of the rheological measuring instrument 4 is activated by the mobile rheometer device 1 to interact with at least one subregion of a component in the body of a person, animal, or plant, thereby measuring and providing at least one rheological parameter by the rheological measuring instrument. [Explanation of symbols]

[0159] 1. Mobile rheometer device 2. Computer-based functional units 3. User Program 4. Rheology measuring instruments 5. First connection line 6 Transport Units 7 Drive Unit 8 Adventitial structure 9 Water phase 10 Stomach 11 Oil phase 12 Inner wall 13 Blood vessels 14 Interior (Space) 15 Blood components 16 Systems 17 patients 18 External control devices 19 Support structure 20 Databases 21 Second connection line 22 Third connection line 23 Display Unit 24 diagnostic images 25 medical professionals 26 Radio Wave Symbols М Method M1 Method Step M2 Method Steps M3 Method Steps

Claims

1. A mobile rheometer device (1) for investigating the rheological properties of human, animal, or plant components, comprising a rheological measuring instrument (4) and a computer-based functional unit (2) coupled to the rheological measuring instrument (4) and having a user program (3), The mobile rheometer device (1) comprises a transport unit (6) on which the rheological measuring instrument (4) and the computer-based functional unit (2) coupled with the rheological measuring instrument (4) are arranged, wherein the transport unit (6) is designed to be at least temporarily placed on an internal component of the body of a person, animal, or plant, thereby enabling the rheological measuring instrument (4) to come into contact with and interact with the body of the person, animal, or plant.

2. A mobile rheometer device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the transport unit (6) has fixing means, the fixing means is designed to allow the mobile rheometer device (1) to be temporarily or permanently fixed to the internal components of the body of a person, animal, or plant.

3. A mobile rheometer device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the fixing means is selected from inorganic fixing means, organic fixing means, inorganic fixing means designed to enable mechanical connection, organic fixing means designed to enable mechanical connection, inorganic fixing means designed to enable removable mechanical connection, organic fixing means designed to enable removable mechanical connection, inorganic fixing means designed to enable shape-tight connection with at least one subregion of the internal component, organic fixing means designed to enable shape-tight connection with at least one subregion of the internal component, inorganic fixing means designed to enable friction-engagement connection with at least one subregion of the internal component, organic fixing means designed to enable friction-engagement connection with at least one subregion of the internal component, inorganic fixing means designed to enable material-bonding connection with at least one subregion of the internal component, and organic fixing means designed to enable material-bonding connection with at least one subregion of the internal component.

4. A mobile rheometer device (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the fixing means is at least partially located on the surface of the transport unit (6).

5. A mobile rheometer apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the fixation means includes an organic fixation means designed to be operable by at least one user-defined influence, thereby enabling the organic fixation means to adapt to the molecular structure of the internal components in the body of a human, animal, or plant.

6. A mobile rheometer device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the user-defined effect is selected from thermal effects, electromechanical effects, mechanical effects, chemical effects, chemical, biological, or physical energy transfer.

7. A mobile rheometer device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the mobile rheometer device (1) comprises at least one drive unit (7) so as to be designed to move within the internal components of the body of a person, animal, or plant.

8. A mobile rheometer device (1) according to claim 7, wherein the at least one drive unit (7) is designed to cause motion of the mobile rheometer device (1) in the liquid on which the mobile rheometer device (1) is located, or the at least one drive unit (7) is designed to cause motion of the mobile rheometer device (1) on a substantially solid base on which the mobile rheometer device (1) is located, or the at least one drive unit (7) is designed to cause motion of the mobile rheometer device (1) not only in the liquid on which the mobile rheometer device (1) is located, but also on a substantially solid base on which the mobile rheometer device (1) is located.

9. A mobile rheometer device (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the at least one drive unit (7) includes at least one haptic motor unit.

10. A mobile rheometer device (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the at least one drive unit (7) is designed to be controlled by a computer-based function unit (2).

11. A mobile rheometer device (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the at least one drive unit (7) is composed at least partially of an organic material.

12. A mobile rheometer device (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the at least one drive unit (7) includes at least one movable outer membrane structure (8) located outside at least one partial region of the transport unit (6), thereby causing a defined motion of the mobile rheometer device (1) by the pulsating motion of each of the movable outer membrane structures (8).

13. A mobile rheometer device (1) according to claim 12, wherein the at least one movable outer membrane structure (8) is movable for these purposes by a computer-based functional unit (2) coupled to each of the outer membrane structures (8) and having a user program (3), or the at least one movable outer membrane structure (8) is non-contactually coupled to each of the outer membrane structures (8) and is movable by an external excitation unit having a user program.

14. A mobile rheometer device (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein the at least one drive unit (7) is designed to produce a user-defined speed, in particular a user-defined constant acceleration, or a user-defined negative acceleration, or a user-defined positive acceleration.

15. A mobile rheometer device (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 14, wherein the at least one drive unit (7) is designed to produce any motion or any sequence of motion of the mobile rheometer device (1) in a three-dimensional coordinate system.

16. A mobile rheometer device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the computer-based functional unit (2) has a storage unit for storing rheological measurement data.

17. A mobile rheometer device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the computer-based functional unit (2) has a transmit / receive module, thereby the mobile rheometer device (1) is designed to transmit acquired rheological measurement data to at least one external device and is further designed to be operated by at least one external device.

18. A mobile rheometer device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the mobile rheometer device (1) comprises a temperature control unit, thereby enabling the mobile rheometer device (1) to be at least partially temperature-adjustable by user definition.

19. A mobile rheometer device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the mobile rheometer device (1) comprises a temperature measuring unit that enables the measurement of the current temperature of at least one sub-region of the internal components of the body of a person, animal, or plant in which the mobile rheometer device (1) is located.

20. A mobile rheometer device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the rheological measuring instrument (4) is mounted in a positionable manner by at least one moving instrument of the mobile rheometer device (1), so that the rheological measuring instrument (4) is positioned to deflect in the direction of the area to be measured in the internal components of the body of a person, animal, or plant.

21. A mobile rheometer device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the computer-based functional unit (2) having a user program (3) is designed to classify rheological parameters measured from the body of a person, animal, or plant with respect to at least one medical diagnosis, thereby enabling the user of the mobile rheometer device (1) to be provided with a differentiated description of the area to be measured in the body of a person, animal, or plant.

22. A mobile rheometer device (1) according to claim 21, wherein the computer-based functional unit (2) having a user program (3) is connectable to or has at least one database (20) for making medical diagnoses of the body of a person, animal, or plant based on rheological parameters.

23. A mobile rheometer device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the mobile rheometer device (1) is designed to be placed inside a human, animal, or plant body by catheter technology.

24. A mobile rheometer device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the mobile rheometer device (1) is designed to be placed inside the body of a person or animal by oral ingestion.

25. A mobile rheometer device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the external dimensions of the mobile rheometer device (1) are assumed to be in the range of 2 m x 2 m to 0.2 m x 0.2 m, preferably in the range of 1.5 m x 2 m to 0.25 m x 0.25 m, preferably in the range of 1 m x 1.5 m to 0.3 m x 0.3 m, preferably in the range of 1.5 m x 1.5 m to 0.3 m x 0.3 m, and preferably in the range of 0.5 m x 0.5 m to 0.5 m x 0.5 m.

26. A system (16) for examining the rheological properties of components of a person, animal, or plant, comprising: a mobile rheometer device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 25; an external control device (18) that is non-contactly coupled to at least one mobile rheometer device (1) and has at least one application program; and at least one database (20) that is coupled to the external control device (18) for making a medical diagnosis of components in the body of a person, animal, or plant based on rheological parameters.

27. A method (M) for investigating the rheological properties of components of humans, animals, or plants, wherein the method is - To provide a mobile rheometer device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 25, and to provide a starting step, - The step of placing the mobile rheometer device (1) inside or on a component of the body of a person, animal, or plant, - The mobile rheometer device (1) is used to activate at least one function of the rheological measuring instrument (4) to interact with at least one subregion of the components in the body of a person, animal, or plant, thereby allowing at least one rheological parameter to be measured by the rheological measuring instrument (4), and the steps provided are as follows: Methods that include...

28. Use of the mobile rheometer device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 25 for performing therapeutic or curative measures within the living body of a human, animal, or plant.

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