Endoscope Cleaning Support With Image-Based Step Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The execution status of manual preliminary cleaning of endoscopes is not currently managed, which affects the effectiveness of high-action disinfectants due to protein residues like mucus and blood.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning support system that includes a cleaning status determination unit to analyze image data of the preliminary cleaning process and generate notification data on the execution status, ensuring proper completion of cleaning steps through image analysis and output via an output apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual preliminary cleaning is performed to remove protein residues, then the effectiveness of high-action disinfectants is improved, but the execution status of cleaning cannot be managed
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures images during the cleaning process, analyzes them using image recognition to determine whether cleaning steps have been properly executed, and provides feedback to the worker. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that cleaning execution status is tracked and verified, resolving the information loss problem while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual verification of cleaning status with an automated image recognition system. Instead of relying on worker self-reporting or manual inspection, the system uses computer vision technology to automatically detect and verify cleaning execution, eliminating the information management gap
2Loss of information
If image analysis is used to determine cleaning status, then cleaning execution can be managed, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses existing smartphone or device cameras to capture cleaning images, eliminating the need for specialized imaging equipment. The image recognition algorithm automatically processes these images to determine cleaning status, allowing the system to serve itself with readily available resources rather than requiring complex dedicated hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The image recognition system serves multiple functions: it captures cleaning status, verifies execution quality, provides feedback to workers, and maintains records. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for each task, thereby managing complexity while achieving comprehensive cleaning status management
Data Source
AI summary
Based on image data obtained by imaging a state of the preliminary cleaning of an endoscope by manual work, a cleaning status determination unit determines whether or not the preliminary cleaning has been performed on the endoscope. A notification control unit generates notification data regarding the determination result in the cleaning status determination unit and outputs the notification data from the output apparatus. When the cleaning status determination unit identifies a step that has not been properly performed, the notification control unit generates notification data including information regarding the step that has not been properly performed. The notification control unit may generate notification data including image data obtained by imaging the state of the step.