Imaging Apparatus Sterilization Controller for Specimen Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging apparatuses for biological specimens face contamination issues due to human error in sterilization processes, leading to inconsistent and ineffective removal of bacteria and fungi, which can contaminate specimens during imaging.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus equipped with a holder for specimen containers, an imager, a sterilizer that supplies sterilization drugs or electromagnetic waves, and a controller to manage the sterilization process, ensuring proper timing and execution to prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual sterilization is performed by an operator, then the sterilization process can be carried out, but human error causes inconsistency and insufficient elimination of contamination-causing substances
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs sterilization automatically without human intervention. The controller executes the sterilization process based on pre-set conditions, making the system serve itself and eliminating dependence on operator skill and consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The sterilization process parameters (temperature, time, chemical concentration) are precisely controlled and standardized by the controller, ensuring consistent execution. The system changes parameters automatically according to pre-programmed sequences rather than manual adjustment.
2Ease of operation
If automated sterilization is implemented, then operation consistency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it manages sterilization timing, controls sterilization intensity, monitors process completion, and coordinates with the imaging schedule. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The sterilization function is merged with the imaging system's control architecture. The controller integrates sterilization management with imaging scheduling, allowing both functions to be coordinated through a single control unit rather than separate independent systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If sterilization is performed before imaging, then contamination prevention is improved, but imaging time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
Sterilization is performed as a preliminary action before imaging begins. The system automatically executes sterilization in advance, ensuring the imaging environment is prepared and contamination-free before the actual imaging process starts.
Solution Approach 2:
The sterilization process is performed periodically at scheduled intervals and automatically integrated into the imaging workflow. The controller manages the timing to perform sterilization during appropriate intervals without disrupting the overall imaging schedule.
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 apparatus reliably prevents specimen contamination by ensuring consistent and stable sterilization, reducing the risk of bacterial and fungal contamination through automated control of sterilization processes.
Implementation Method 1
a sterilizer for supplying a drug or electromagnetic waves having a sterilization effect to the holder
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus, comprising a holder that holds a specimen container carrying a biological specimen, an imager that images the specimen in the specimen container, a sterilizer that supplies a drug or electromagnetic waves having a sterilization effect to the holder, and a controller that performs a sterilization process of supplying the drug or the electromagnetic waves to the holder by controlling the sterilizer at least either before or after imaging the specimen by the imager.