Endoscope Channel Blockage Detection via Transient Flow Analysis

The patent applies preliminary action by performing multiple flow rate measurements during the transient phase before steady state is established. Instead of waiting for steady flow conditions, the system measures flow rates at multiple time points (e.g., t1, t2, t3) during the initial phase and evaluates whether the flow rate increases monotonically. This preliminary evaluation during the transient phase allows early detection of blockages without requiring steady state, thereby reducing reprocessing time while maintaining measurement reliability through the monotonic increase criterion.

The patent applies feedback by continuously monitoring flow rate changes during the transient phase and using this information to determine whether to proceed with or interrupt the reprocessing cycle. The system evaluates the monotonic increase of flow rates across multiple measurements and provides feedback control: if the flow rate does not increase monotonically, the system identifies a blockage and interrupts the cycle. This feedback mechanism enables early detection during the transient phase without requiring complex additional hardware, as it utilizes the existing flow measurement capability with intelligent evaluation logic.

The patent applies parameter changes by evaluating multiple flow rate parameters (flow rates at different time points: Q1, Q2, Q3) and their relationships rather than relying on a single flow rate value. The system checks whether the flow rates show monotonic increase over time and compares them against predetermined thresholds. This multi-parameter evaluation approach enables early detection during the transient phase while reducing false positives, as it considers the temporal pattern of flow rate changes rather than isolated measurements. The criterion of monotonic increase serves as a robust indicator of proper channel patency.