Endoscope Transmission Parameter Identification and Sterile Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for examining the light and image transmission properties of endoscopic systems are complex, not suitable for use in sterile conditions, and do not allow for the assessment of individual components within the system, requiring extensive reconditioning and individual component examinations.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize unique identifiers for endoscopes and light carriers, connecting them with a camera and light source to capture and store transmission parameters, allowing for quick, automatic evaluation of the system's quality under sterile conditions, enabling deduction of individual component performance through statistical analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex examination apparatuses are used to determine light and image transmission properties, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and sterile usability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The examination system is segmented into separate functional components: a sterile examination module that can be sterilized and used in the operating room, and a non-sterile data processing module. The sterile module includes a light source, measurement target, and sensor that can be autoclaved independently, while the complex image processing and storage occur outside the sterile field.
Solution Approach 2:
A sterile adapter or interface module serves as an intermediary between the sterile endoscope and the non-sterile examination equipment. This adapter allows the endoscope to be examined under sterile conditions while the complex processing equipment remains outside the sterile field, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and sterile usability.
2Measurement precision
If individual component examinations are performed to identify poor-quality components, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs examinations and identifies poor-quality components without requiring manual inspection of each component. The automated analysis of transmission properties allows the system to self-diagnose which components (endoscope, light carrier, or camera) have degraded performance, eliminating time-consuming manual examinations while maintaining precise quality assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of examining every parameter of every component in detail, the system performs a focused examination of key transmission properties that indicate component quality. By measuring only the critical parameters (light transmission intensity, image transmission quality) rather than all possible characteristics, the system achieves sufficient measurement precision with reduced examination time.
3Loss of information
If comprehensive component identification and data storage are implemented, then loss of information is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The data management system is designed to handle multiple types of information (component identifiers, transmission parameters, quality assessments, replacement timing) through a single integrated database structure. This universal data management approach reduces the need for separate tracking systems for each type of information, minimizing overall system complexity while preventing information loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for examining the light and/or image transmission properties of an endoscopic or exoscopic system having the components endoscope or exoscope, light carrier, light source and camera, wherein at least the endoscope or exoscope is taken from a first supply quantity of endoscopes or exoscopes and/or at least the light carrier is taken from a second supply quantity of light carriers, wherein the endoscope or exoscope is provided with an identifier and/or the light carrier is provided with an identifier, wherein the identifier or the identifiers contain/s identification data that individualizes the respective endoscope or exoscope and/or the respective light carrier, wherein the components are connected to each other so as to be ready for operation in the form of a current component combination. The method comprises the steps of: capturing the identification data of the endoscope or exoscope and/or the light carrier, capturing at least one transmission parameter of the current component combination, storing the identification data and the captured at least one transmission parameter. Also described is an apparatus for carrying out the method.