Modular CT Detector Electronic Signature Remote Diagnosis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for diagnosing errors in medical appliances with modular designs, such as computer tomographs, are not fully automated and reliable, leading to costly and error-prone manual processes, especially in remote diagnosis, due to the lack of accurate association between detector modules and slots, and incomplete database updates.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize electronic signatures uniquely associated with each module, allowing for automatic and remote determination of the configuration by processing and storing these signatures with measurement data, eliminating the need for manual user inputs and ensuring reliable access to the current configuration of the medical appliance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual barcode reading is used to identify detector modules, then the system can obtain module identification, but the process is error-prone and not fully automated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of module identificationVSAvoidaccuracy of module identification

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The detector module automatically provides its own identification through an electronic signature that is read by the control unit, eliminating the need for manual barcode reading. The module self-identifies by transmitting its electronic signature stored in memory, making the system both automated and reliable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of barcode reading and data entry is replaced by an electronic identification system. The control unit automatically reads the electronic signature from the module's memory via an electrical connection, substituting manual operations with automated electronic data exchange.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the database is manually updated after module changes, then the configuration record can be maintained, but the updates are not reliably performed in practice

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of configuration recordVSAvoidautomation of database update

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit automatically reads the electronic signature from the detector module and updates the database with the current configuration information. This automated feedback loop ensures that the database always reflects the actual module installed, eliminating manual update errors and omissions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic signature is pre-stored in the module's memory during manufacturing, and the control unit automatically retrieves and processes this information when the module is installed or replaced, ensuring the database is updated before any diagnostic operations occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If service engineers manually read and update configuration data, then the process can be performed, but it is cost-intensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of configuration updateVSAvoidsimplicity of update process

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The detector module automatically provides its identification data through the electronic signature, and the control unit automatically processes and stores this information. The system serves itself by eliminating the need for service engineer intervention in the data collection and update process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual data entry and database update operations are replaced by automated electronic communication between the control unit and the detector module. The electrical connection enables automatic data transfer, replacing manual procedures with electronic automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If remote diagnosis is implemented without accurate module identification, then remote access is possible, but the diagnosis reliability fails

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of remote diagnosisVSAvoidcomplexity of identification system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic signature serves as a digital copy or representation of the module's unique identity, stored in electrical memory. This electronic copy can be automatically transmitted and processed by the control unit, providing reliable identification without requiring complex physical inspection or manual procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS8024612B2Remote diagnosis system for medical appliances of modular design

Publication Date: 2011.09.20 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

A method is disclosed for determining a configuration for a computer tomograph for the purpose of error diagnosis, a module, a computer tomograph and a system of appropriate design. The computer tomograph includes a multiplicity of detector modules. In at least one embodiment, a respective detector module is designed to have an identification device which is intended to provide a signature, the signature being uniquely associated with the respective module. The detector module transmits the measurement data it captures and its signature. The digital, electronic signature allows remote maintenance of the computer tomograph.