Modular Medical Imaging Component Spectral Testing for Configuration Errors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular medical imaging systems face issues with incorrect use and combination of system components, leading to distorted representations or superposition of signals, which can be mitigated by ensuring correct configuration through spectral testing.
Innovation Solution
A method involving spectral testing of system components using a spectrometer to record and compare test spectra against predefined comparison spectra, notifying users of deviations and blocking incorrect configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If system components are used without spectral testing, then the device complexity and ease of operation are improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to incorrect use and combination of components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing spectral testing of system components before actual medical imaging procedures. The testing procedure verifies the spectral characteristics of components (such as filters, light sources, and detectors) in advance, ensuring they are correctly configured and compatible. This preliminary verification prevents incorrect component combinations from reaching clinical use, thereby improving reliability without requiring complex real-time monitoring during procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automated spectral testing and verification procedures. The imaging system automatically tests its own components using built-in test objects and spectrometers, comparing measured spectra against reference values. This self-verification mechanism reduces the need for manual checking by operators and provides objective, repeatable validation of component functionality, improving reliability while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Reliability
If spectral testing is implemented, then the reliability is improved, but the time consumption and productivity worsen due to additional testing steps
Solution Approach 1:
By performing spectral testing in advance during system setup or maintenance periods rather than during clinical procedures, the patent ensures components are verified before use. This preliminary action allows the system to be ready for immediate clinical deployment, minimizing the impact on productivity while maximizing reliability through pre-verification of component functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that automatically compare measured spectral characteristics against reference values and provide immediate verification results. This automated feedback loop quickly identifies incorrect component configurations or degradation, allowing for rapid corrective action. The fast feedback process minimizes testing time while ensuring reliable operation, as the system can quickly validate components and return to productive use.
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
Enhances operational reliability by detecting incorrect or damaged components and automatically suggesting corrections, ensuring accurate and reliable system functionality.
Implementation Method 1
at least one test spectrum of a test object is recorded by means of the system components coupled to one another and a spectrometer
Data Source
AI summary
A method for the spectral testing of system components is provided. The system components includes at least one optical component and at least one lighting component, which are designed, in a configuration intended for a function, to make up a modular medical imaging system, wherein in at least one measurement step, at least one test spectrum of a predefined test object is captured by means of the system components coupled to one another and a spectrometer, and, in at least one comparison step, the captured test spectrum is compared with at least one comparison spectrum characteristic of an intended function, wherein the imaging system is approved for further use if the test spectrum matches the comparison spectrum, or, if the test spectrum deviates from the comparison spectrum, a user is informed thereof before subsequent use of the imaging system, or the imaging system is blocked from subsequent use.