Endoscope Reprocessor Sensor Calibration via Temporary Standard Curve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscope reprocessors face challenges in maintaining measurement accuracy of concentration sensors over time, as existing methods require periodic calibration and do not effectively detect deviations in sensor performance, leading to potential inaccuracies in disinfection processes.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope reprocessor system that includes a concentration measurement chamber, liquid concentrate and diluent supply units, a concentration sensor, and a processor to produce a temporary standard curve based on sensor output values, calculating deviation degrees and determining the validity of the curve to detect measurement accuracy decreases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If periodic calibration is performed for the concentration sensor, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but operational complexity and time loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of sensor performance degradation by continuously monitoring sensor output and comparing it against stored standard curves. This allows calibration to be scheduled based on actual sensor condition rather than fixed time intervals, reducing unnecessary calibration time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously comparing current sensor measurements with expected values from standard curves and automatically determining when recalibration is needed. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for fixed periodic calibration schedules, optimizing both accuracy and time efficiency.
2Productivity
If the concentration sensor is used continuously, then productivity is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of sensor degradation trends by storing standard curves and comparing current measurements against them. This allows the system to maintain continuous operation while proactively identifying when accuracy has deteriorated to unacceptable levels, enabling timely recalibration without interrupting productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms to continuously monitor sensor performance and automatically trigger recalibration when accuracy thresholds are breached. This ensures the sensor remains accurate throughout continuous operation, balancing productivity with measurement precision through real-time performance monitoring.
3Measurement precision
If standard curve calibration is performed frequently, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but device complexity and operational burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically comparing sensor output against stored standard curves and determining when recalibration is needed based on deviation detection. This eliminates the need for manual calibration procedures and reduces operational complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy through automated performance monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated feedback by continuously monitoring sensor measurements, comparing them with standard curve expectations, and triggering recalibration only when necessary. This feedback-based approach maintains accuracy without requiring frequent manual calibration operations, reducing overall device complexity and operational burden.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively detects decreases in measurement accuracy, allowing for timely sensor calibration and ensuring consistent disinfection quality by producing a temporary standard curve and calculating deviation degrees between the standard and temporary curves.
Implementation Method 1
a concentration sensor configured to measure a concentration of the examination object in the liquid concentrate and the practical use solution
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope reprocessor includes: a concentration measurement chamber; a liquid concentrate supply unit; a diluent supply unit; a holding unit configured to hold a concentration sensor; a memory; and a processor configured to produce information on a temporary standard curve based on a first point at which a first concentration is associated with a sensor output value at measurement of concentration of liquid concentrate and a second point at which a second concentration is associated with a sensor output value at measurement of concentration of a practical use solution after dilution, calculate a deviation degree between a standard curve and the temporary standard curve, and determine whether the temporary standard curve is valid from the deviation degree.