DE102008009265B4 - Optimized performance of service function measurements on CT devices - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to computed tomography (CT) as used in medicine for examining patients. The present invention relates in particular to a method for modeling the dependencies of the measurement modes of different function measurements to optimize service operations on CT devices, comprising the steps of creating a function list that is suitable for successive calling of function diagnosis modules and creating a data structure which can contain all possible measurement parameter configurations or measurement modes relevant for any functional measurement, in the form of an extended scan protocol with the respective reference point in time as the point in time when the functional measurement was last carried out in the respective measurement mode, - creation of functional diagnosis modules associated with a functional measurement , whereby each functional diagnosis module fills the above data structure according to a specific functional measurement - creation of Modecheck modules for functional measurements and spare parts of which functional measurements of functional diagnosis modules n are dependent - Forming a universal decision maker as a link between the functional diagnosis modules and the Modecheck modules.

Description

The present invention relates generally to computed tomography (CT) as it finds application in medicine for the examination of patients. In this case, the present invention relates in particular to an optimization of the performance of functional measurements, as they must be made before the delivery of a CT device to the customer or in the context of customer service, so in repair and maintenance-related interventions.

According to the state of the art, the person operating the CT device (in general the MTRA) has to make settings on the CT device in order to obtain a desired image in a desired image quality, which is inter alia also provided by the contrast or the signal Noise ratio is characterized to achieve. The given settings are varied and sometimes very elementary. It is also possible to set, for example, whether the CT unit is operated in spring focus or with a high-resolution comb. In a further step, the user enters the body region to be measured. Likewise, the user has the ability to adjust the desired sharpness-contrast ratio by choosing an appropriate convolution kernel.

The setting options listed are just a few examples of possible standard settings of the CT device in order to carry out a measurement with a specific configuration - also referred to below as measurement mode - of the CT device. With "configuration" or "measuring mode", according to the invention, both a mechanical or technical preparation of the CT apparatus by selection of predetermined machine parameters (eg spring focus, rotation time, type of radiation filter, etc.) as well as a non-mechanical (eg electrotechnical ) Preparation by selection of predetermined examination parameters (body region, convolution kernel, layer thickness, number of layers, type of focus deflection, tube current, etc.).

The DE 10146210 A1 discloses a method for adjusting an operating medical device due to an arrangement of a new component to the medical device, which is designed such that it automatically identifies the new component in a new component to the medical device and necessary due to the identification of necessary steps indicates an adjustment of the medical device. However, the medical device can also be designed according to the invention such that it automatically adjusts itself after the identification of the newly arranged component.

The DE 10064789 A1 discloses a method for configuring and monitoring a system unit in a medical diagnostic system that includes establishing a communication link between the medical diagnostic system and a remote facility, transmitting identification information regarding operation of the system unit from the remote facility to the medical diagnostic system, a medical device configuration Diagnostic system according to the identification information regarding the operation of the system unit and monitoring the operation information of the system unit using an operator workstation in the medical diagnostic system. A corresponding apparatus includes a storage medium coupled to the system unit that stores information for the system unit in the medical diagnostic system and a communication interface configured to facilitate transfers between the medical diagnostic system and a remote facility. The transmissions provide for the configuration of the medical diagnostic system to accept the system unit and to monitor the system unit.

Before the delivery of a CT device to the customer and during service operations on the respective CT device during maintenance and repair, the functionality of individual components or the correct interaction of several components involved in a measuring mode must be checked. If replacement parts are used new (parts that may fail due to wear during customer operation, for example) or repairable parts are removed and reinstalled, then the functionality of these parts or of the entire system must be checked or ensured by service function measurements.

The execution of service function measurements is carried out by one or more software programs (SW programs) which can only be called by the service technician, whereby such a call is protected by a service-related key.

There are several functions or functional categories that underlie such functional measurements.

A test function is an SW program for testing a hardware component (eg a spare part) or for testing a functionality (eg the interaction of several hardware components). A test function does not change the system.

TuneUp functions are distinguished in adjustment functions and table generation functions.

Adjustment functions are SW programs for mechanical or electrical adjustment. They measure the system, give instructions to the service technician for mechanical adjustment, or set electrical / electronic parameters to be stored in the hardware or firmware of the system. The adjustment sets the physical parameters of the CT system so that optimal measurement data can be obtained.

Table generation functions are SW programs for measuring physical characteristics of the data acquisition system.

The table generation provides correction tables which are stored in the image computer. These do not directly affect patient measurements, but are needed to correct physical imperfections in image reconstruction to obtain normalized, machine-independent data.

Finally, quality functions represent software programs which, due to legal requirements, have to be carried out in certain phases of the CT system or at prescribed time intervals, for example in the acceptance test or in a constancy test.

In summary, these test, tune-up and quality measurements are necessary to bring the system into a condition where patient examinations are possible or allowed.

The problematic are the diverse and extremely difficult dependencies of the functional steps or partial steps to be performed, precisely because of exchanged parts, mechanically displaced parts or other test or tune-up steps. If a CT system receives new, improved operating software (software update), new measurement modes are added in some cases and their tuneup must be performed.

Overall, the use of service in CT systems according to the prior art has fundamental and far-reaching problems, which are reflected in a high expenditure of time and the associated high cost:
For example, in a software-supported replacement of replacement parts with subsequent TuneUp, it is not possible to check individual measurement modes or individual sub-steps of functional measurements; the functional measurement is always carried out completely. In case of interruptions of the function run or when exchanging several components (simultaneously or consecutively), functional steps may be executed several times. Normally the service technician will try to avoid this multiple feedthrough. This creates the danger of forgetting important steps or partial steps. By having to perform the correct functions (test, tune-up, quality function) in the correct order after replacing a replacement part requires a lot of discipline from the service staff.

• – Eine Funktion läuft nicht durch. Der zugrundeliegende Algorithmus wird nicht ordnungsgemäß abgearbeitet, weil z. B. das falsche Teil getauscht wurde oder weil ein weiteres Teil defekt ist und ebenfalls getauscht werden muss.
• – Ein sporadischer, d. h. gelegentlich auftretender unvermuteter Abbruch einer Funktionsmessung führt derzeit zu einer unübersichtlichen Situation: Welche Funktion (Funktionsmessung) fehlt noch, welche Teilfunktion fehlt noch, wie, wo und wann kann wieder neu aufgesetzt werden?
• – Teilweise werden derzeit Funktionen, die im gesamten Funktionsdurchlauf eigentlich erst später an der Reihe wären, vorgezogen, in der Absicht, feststellen zu können, ob das neue Ersatzteil ein vorher vorhandenes Fehlerbild beseitigt; dabei ist dann nicht klar, ob in einem späteren (Wiederholungs-)Ablauf diese Funktion noch einmal durchzuführen ist.

These unexpected situations occur in the majority of all service applications with spare parts replacement. Examples are:

• - A function does not work. The underlying algorithm is not processed properly because, for. B. the wrong part was exchanged or because another part is defective and must also be replaced.
• - A sporadic, ie occasional unexpected termination of a function measurement currently leads to a confusing situation: Which function (function measurement) is still missing, which part function is still missing, how, where and when can be put on again?
• - In some cases, functions that are actually later in the entire functional cycle would be preferred, with the intention of being able to determine whether the new replacement part eliminates a previously existing defect image; It is then not clear whether this function is to be carried out again in a later (repetitive) sequence.

It should be noted that the complete and complete performance of functional measurements (all sub-functions and all measurement modes) sometimes takes a very long time (in the hourly range).

In order to counteract some of the mentioned problems, a so-called "Guided Part Replace" has been developed on the software side.

The software provides a functionality whereby the service technician can select the replaced spare part and immediately thereafter initiate the passage of an automatic sequence of the necessary test, tune-up and quality functions. If these functions are completed, the CT device is advantageously again in a state for safe patient operation.

• – Funktionen werden immer noch komplett (d. h. ausschließlich mit allen Teilfunktionen oder Messmodi) durchgeführt, auch wenn dies nicht notwendig wäre.
• – Bei unerwarteten Störungen (z. B. Abbrüchen des Funktionsdurchlaufs) endet die Softwareunterstützung des Servicetechnikers; ab einem solchen Zeitpunkt muss dieser manuell weiterarbeiten.
• – Eventuelle Fehler des Servicetechnikers (z. B. Weglassen bestimmter Funktionen, Aufruf unvollständiger Funktionen oder ein Funktionsablauf in falscher Reihenfolge) kann das System derzeit nicht erkennen.

However, the still-lasting disadvantages outweigh:

• - Functions are still performed completely (ie only with all sub-functions or measurement modes), even if this is not necessary.
• - In the event of unexpected faults (eg interruptions of the function run), the software support of the service technician ends; from such a time, this must continue to work manually.
• - The system is currently unable to recognize possible errors by the service technician (eg omission of certain functions, invocation of incomplete functions or a functional sequence in the wrong order).

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a service software in a CT imaging modality which avoids the above-mentioned disadvantages.

This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of the independent claims. The dependent claims further form the central idea of the invention in a particularly advantageous manner.

• – Erstellen einer Funktionsliste, die zum sukzessiven Aufruf von Funktionsdiagnose-Modulen geeignet ist.
• – Bilden einer Datenstruktur, welche alle möglichen für eine beliebige Funktionsmessung relevanten Messparameter-Konfigurationen oder Messmodi enthalten kann, in Form eines erweiterten Scanprotokolls mit jeweiligem Referenzzeitpunkt als Zeitpunkt, wann die Funktionsmessung im jeweiligen Messmodus zuletzt durchgeführt worden ist.
• – Erstellen von jeweils zu einer Funktionsmessung zugehörigen Funktionsdiagnose-Modulen, wobei ein jedes Funktionsdiagnose-Modul obige Datenstruktur gemäß einer spezifischen Funktionsmessung füllt.
• – Erstellen von Modecheck-Modulen für Funktionsmessungen und Ersatzteile, von denen Funktionsmessungen von Funktionsdiagnose-Modulen abhängig sind.
• – Bilden eines Universellen Entscheiders als Bindeglied zwischen den Funktionsdiagnose-Modulen und den Modecheck-Modulen.

Thus, according to the invention, a method is proposed for modeling dependencies of the measurement modes of different functional measurements for optimizing service operations on CT devices, comprising the steps

• - Create a function list that is suitable for the successive call of function diagnostic modules.
• - Forming a data structure, which may contain all possible measurement parameter configurations or measurement modes relevant to any function measurement, in the form of an extended scan protocol with respective reference time as the time when the function measurement was last performed in the respective measurement mode.
• - Creation of each associated with a function measurement function diagnostic modules, each function diagnostic module fills the above data structure according to a specific function measurement.
• - Creation of mode check modules for function measurements and spare parts, of which function measurements are dependent on function diagnostic modules.
• - Forming a Universal Decision Maker as a link between the Function Diagnostic Modules and the Mode Check Modules.

According to the invention, the universal decision maker identifies the dependencies between the function diagnosis module and the mode check module on the basis of a dependency matrix.

A functional measurement is advantageously carried out on the basis of a status message from the Mode Check module and / or the Universal Decision Maker.

In the case of unintentional termination of a function measurement, the measurement data configuration of the CT system is advantageously also stored in such a way that the functional measurement can be completed correctly by means of a seamless subsequent measurement applied to the last data status.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, a functional measurement represents a test measurement, a tune-up measurement or a quality measurement.

In one possible embodiment of the present invention, the TuneUp function measurement represents a table generation function measurement or an adjustment function measurement.

The functional measurement of a function diagnostic module is dependent on at least one functional measurement and / or removal and replacement or replacement of at least one replacement part.

A mode check module advantageously transmits status information to the dependent function diagnosis module via the universal decision maker.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the function diagnosis modules communicate with the mode check modules via the universal decision maker on the basis of the extended scan protocol.

• – Eine Funktionsliste, die zum sukzessiven Aufruf von Funktionsdiagnose-Modulen geeignet ist.
• – Eine Datenstruktur, welche alle möglichen für eine beliebige Funktionsmessung relevanten Messparameter-Konfigurationen oder Messmodi enthalten kann, in Form eines erweiterten Scanprotokolls mit jeweiligem Referenzzeitpunkt als Zeitpunkt, wann die Funktionsmessung im jeweiligen Messmodus zuletzt durchgeführt worden ist.
• – Jeweils zu einer Funktionsmessung zugehörige Funktionsdiagnose-Module, wobei ein jedes Funktionsdiagnose-Modul obige Datenstruktur gemäß einer spezifischen Funktionsmessung füllt.
• – Modecheck-Module für Funktionsmessungen und Ersatzteile, von denen Funktionsmessungen von Funktionsdiagnose-Modulen abhängig sind.
• – Ein Universeller Entscheider als Bindeglied zwischen den Funktionsdiagnose-Modulen und den Modecheck-Modulen.

Moreover, in accordance with the present invention, a CT device is claimed having the property of modeling dependencies of the measurement modes of different functional measurements to optimize service operations on the CT device

• - A function list that is suitable for the successive call of function diagnostic modules.
• A data structure, which may contain all possible measurement parameter configurations or measurement modes relevant to any function measurement, in the form of an extended scan protocol with respective reference time as the time when the function measurement in the respective measurement mode was last performed.
• - In each case to a function measurement associated function diagnostic modules, each function diagnostic module fills the above data structure according to a specific function measurement.
• - Mode check modules for function measurements and spare parts, of which function measurements are dependent on function diagnostic modules.
• - A universal decision maker as a link between the function diagnosis modules and the mode check modules.

Advantageously, the universal decision maker is capable of dependencies to identify between function diagnostic module and mode check module based on a dependency matrix.

Likewise advantageously, the mode check module and / or the universal decision maker are able to output a status message, based on which a function measurement is performed.

In the event of unintentional termination of a function measurement, the measurement data configuration of the CT system is stored in accordance with the invention in such a way that the function measurement can be completed correctly by means of a seamless subsequent measurement applied to the last data status.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, a functional measurement represents a test measurement, a tune-up measurement or a quality measurement.

Advantageously, the TuneUp function measurement represents a table generator function measurement or an adjustment function measurement.

The functional measurement of a function diagnostic module is advantageously dependent on at least one functional measurement and / or removal and replacement or replacement of at least one replacement part.

Furthermore, a mode check module is advantageously able to pass status information to the dependent function diagnostic module via the universal decision maker.

Likewise advantageously, the function diagnostic modules according to the invention are able to communicate with the mode check modules via the universal decision maker based on the extended scan protocol.

Further advantages, features and characteristics of the present invention will now be explained in more detail by means of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 schematically shows the inventive modular network-like structure of the component and function-specific dependencies for the optimized performance of service function measurements on CT devices.

The background of the invention in the form of the underlying state of the art with its disadvantages has already been described in detail in the introduction to the description, but will be briefly outlined again below.

In the context of a current software-supported replacement of spare parts, the specially trained service personnel must strictly adhere to the service documents available in paper or electronic form. Ideally, if the technician works exactly according to the manual, there are hardly any problems at the moment. However, the reality is that after the replacement of a spare part, the corresponding TuneUp function measurement does not work and is aborted, because usually other components are defective. The technician exchanges a second and a third part, exchanges the first part back and loses the overview, because currently no review of individual measurement modes or sub-steps of a TuneUp function can take place and such must always be carried out completely. In case of function measurement aborts and / or exchange of several components, steps are eventually repeated or even forgotten, which leads to a later non-optimal operation of the CT device, among other serious disadvantages (eg of a financial nature because of the high expenditure of time).

The present invention has therefore set itself the goal that in the future all dependencies of the functions with each other (in particular the TuneUp functions thus their measurement modes or their sub-functions), as well as the exchange or mechanical changes of spare parts, not only exactly defined at the function level and can be checked, but also at measurement mode or subfunction level.

As a result, the function measurement (in particular the TuneUp) runs in a time-optimized manner and when a function is aborted, the results of the measurement modes carried out until the abort time can be retained and only the still outstanding measurement modes must be run after calling the function again.

• – Röhrenspannung (z. B. 80, 100, 120, 140 kV),
• – Schichtdicke und Anzahl der Schichten (durch ca. 10 verschiedene Blendenöffnungen),
• – Art der Fokusablenkung: keine, Ebene 1, Ebene 2, Ebene 1 und 2,
• – Rotationszeit (z. B. 300 ms, 330 ms, 500 ms, 1000 ms),
• – Art des Strahlenfilters (nur festes Filter, festes und variables Filter), und
• – Art der Auflösung (ohne Hochauflösungskamm, mit Hochauflösungskamm).

"Measurement mode" refers to the parameter configuration of an individual function measurement (CT measurement, CT scan), which differs from another measurement mode of the same function by different physical parameters (scan parameters), as already mentioned in the introduction to the description. The following scan parameters can vary, for example, and this combination of combinations or variations results in a large number of different measurement modes:

• - tube voltage (eg 80, 100, 120, 140 kV),
• - layer thickness and number of layers (by about 10 different apertures),
• - Type of focus deflection: none, Level 1, Level 2, Level 1 and 2,
• Rotation time (eg 300 ms, 330 ms, 500 ms, 1000 ms),
• - Type of beam filter (solid filter only, fixed and variable filter), and
• - Type of resolution (without high resolution comb, with high resolution comb).

In view of the above-explained object of the present invention, it is too complex to use each individual dependence of a measurement mode z. B. a TuneUp function of each measurement mode z. For example, to model another TuneUp function in a single software module, i. H. to implement in the form of a parameter set. The number of possible dependencies is just too big (about 4 million possible combinations).

• – Eine Datenstruktur, die alle möglicherweise relevanten Parameter enthält in Form eines erweiterten Scanprotokolls mit Referenzzeitpunkt.
• – Ein Software-Modul, welches diese Datenstruktur füllt in Form eines Funktionsdiagnose-Moduls.
• – Ein Software-Modul, welches überprüft, ob aufgrund dieser Datenstruktur eine abhängige Funktion neu durchzuführen ist in Form eines Mode-Check-Moduls.
• – Ein Bindeglied zwischen dem Funktionsdiagnose-Modul und dem Mode-Check-Modul in Form eines universellen Entscheiders
• – Ein Modul, welches der Reihe nach alle Funktionsdiagnosemodule befragt, ob die zugehörige Funktion durchzuführen ist oder nicht, in Form einer Funktionsliste.

The present invention now consists of dividing into several components for the modeling of the dependencies:

• - A data structure containing all possibly relevant parameters in the form of an extended scan protocol with reference time.
• - A software module that fills this data structure in the form of a function diagnosis module.
• A software module which checks whether a dependent function has to be newly executed on account of this data structure in the form of a mode check module.
• - A link between the function diagnosis module and the mode check module in the form of a universal decision maker
• - A module, which in turn questions all function diagnostic modules, whether the associated function is to be performed or not, in the form of a function list.

The advanced scan protocol has a selection parameter in addition to a normal scan protocol that performs the normal scan of a (dependent) TuneUp function. The respective selection parameter designates the scan entry which is to be viewed in the normal scan protocol.

The reference time represents the point in time at which the dependent function has performed a measurement mode corresponding exactly to this scan protocol for the last time.

A normal scan protocol or a scan protocol in general refers to a data structure that describes at least one single CT scan or one complete CT scan.

• – Art des/der Scan(s)
• – Hochspannungsstufe
• – Rotationsgeschwindigkeit
• – Scandauer und Röhrenstrom (Dosis)
• – Art des Springfokus
• – Auflösungsmodus (Standard oder Hochauflösung)
• – Scanpausen
• – Anzahl der Einzelscans usw.

A software implemented in the CT computer occupies the scan protocol with the parameters with which the at least one scan is to be carried out. These would be, for example (as already mentioned several times):

• - Type of scan (s)
• - high voltage level
• - rotation speed
• - Scandauer and Röhrenstrom (dose)
• - Type of spring focus
• - Resolution mode (Standard or High Resolution)
• - Scan breaks
• - Number of individual scans, etc.

In the case that this implemented software represents a service software, predominantly single scans are parameterized with a scan protocol.

Once a scan is then performed, the scan controller will eventually enter into the scan log the actual parameters being driven (for example, the exact scan duration, the dose, the number of reconstructed images, etc.).

However, it is implemented in such a way that it can also be called by another module (function list). Since it knows all measurement modes of its own function, it is able to assign that to the respective measurement mode. A function diagnosis module is part of every TuneUp / Test and Quality function. to create a stale scan protocol. This module alone knows when each of these measurement modes was last performed, as it alone knows where this information is stored. For different functions u. Also available are different function diagnostic modules.

With all this information known to it, the function diagnostic module then checks whether the corresponding measurement mode is to be redone due to any dependencies. If this is the case, then the measurement is carried out with the associated scan protocol.

The mode check module has the task of determining from an extended scan protocol fed to it the scan parameters relevant to its TuneUp function. With the help of precisely these scan parameters, it is then also able to determine the point in time at which a measurement associated with this measurement mode was performed for the last time. If this time lies after the transferred reference time of the extended scan protocol, it returns the status information "to be done again".

The Mode Check module is generally implemented for each function and for the management of each spare part on which a function may depend.

The universal decision maker is a software module, which depends on a functional diagnosis Module is called. In such a call, the latter receives an extended scan protocol as well as the name of the function to which the function diagnostic module belongs. The universal decision maker determines from a database (in the form of a dependency matrix) which other functions the output function depends on.

On this basis, he determines for each of the dependencies which mode check module is responsible for this dependency and calls this mode check module with the associated extended scan protocol. As soon as he receives a "to be done again" response from a mode check module, he returns this status. Otherwise, he will call the next mode check module. If none of these mode check modules delivers a "to be done again", then it returns the status "OK" itself. In any case, then know the calling function or its function diagnostic module based on the status information, whether this measurement mode is to be performed new or not.

The function list finally completes the modular network. It is aware of all the functions that may have to be performed (eg in the context of service and maintenance), knows their sequence and is able to call up their specific function diagnostic module for each function.

Based on 1 a simple example illustrates the task and its inventive solution:
The function list polls all the function diagnostic modules in turn 2.1 . 2.2 . 2.3 whether the corresponding function F2.1, F2.2, F2.3 is to be carried out. The function F2.2 (eg Waterscaling) depends on the one hand on the installation of a spare part E3.2 (eg detector) and on the other hand on another function F2.1 (eg AirCalibration).

The respective dependency check E3.2 → F2.2 or F2.1 → F2.2 is carried out according to the invention by the F2.2 function diagnostic module 2.1 which knows all the measurement modes of F2.2 as well as the result (eg the corresponding Waterscaling table) of each of its measurement modes including the date of the last successful run. For this purpose, the function diagnostic module of F2.2 extends every measurement mode with the reference time to the universal decision maker 4 continue, with the help of the dependency matrix 5 polls all associated mode check modules (eg for F2.1 and E3.2), whether for the transferred measuring mode and reference time 6 a new functional pass is necessary. The F2.1 mode check module 2.1 For example, it will be able to check for a parameterized measurement mode that F2.2 returns when the last generation of F2.1 occurred. The F2.1 mode check module 2.1 uses the parameters relevant for F2.1 from the measuring mode 6 It is from the F2.2 function diagnostic module 2.2 gets passed through. This separation makes it possible to map arbitrary assignments in the dependency of the two functions, without one function having to know the mode of operation of the other function. The current status information 7 Eventually, the Mode Check module returns to the Universal Decision Maker 4 returned to the respective function diagnostic module.

Ultimately, this leads to the fact that after the exchange of E3.2, but also after the execution of F2.1, the function F2.2 must be performed. The function F2.1 processes a list of measurement modes that differs from the function F2.1. However, since each of the two functions has its own relevant parameters of a measurement mode 6 knows, the complexity of TuneUps can be greatly reduced.

• – Anzahl der Funktionen (und damit der Funktionsdiagnosemodule): ca. 70,
• – Anzahl der Mode-Check-Module für Funktionen: ca. 50,
• – Anzahl der Ersatzteile (und ihrer Mode-Check-Module): ca. 25.

To illustrate the complexity, the following numbers can serve as a guide:

• - Number of functions (and thus of the function diagnostic modules): approx. 70,
• - Number of mode check modules for functions: approx. 50,
• - Number of spare parts (and their fashion check modules): approx. 25.

This results in a dependency matrix of 70 × 70, ie a maximum of 5250 possible dependencies. However, only a maximum of 2590 is useful if ring dependencies are not taken into account.

Each function handles between 1 and 150 measurement modes; the average is about 40. This number is multiplied by both the rows and the columns of the matrix, where one column is a dependent function and one row is a spare part or function on which the dependent function depends. Overall, this leads to the already mentioned number of up to 4 million dependencies at measurement mode level.

Due to the modular division according to the invention and thus by the use of measurement modes as a common basis, this complexity can be simplified or reduced to the dependency matrix with 75 × 70 elements described above.

• A) Die Information über die z. B. im Rahmen eines Service-Einsatzes durchzuführenden Schritte liegt (im System) nicht statisch vor, sondern kann – der aktuellen Situation entsprechend – jederzeit neu bestimmt werden. Das erfindungsgemäße Vorgehen ist immun gegenüber (unbeabsichtigten) Abbrüchen automatisierter (Funktions-)Abläufe, da jederzeit neu aufgesetzt werden kann (da alle bereits durchgeführten Teilfunktionen oder Messmodi gespeichert sind).
• B) Es können mehrere Ersatzteile (gleichzeitig) getauscht werden, wobei die anschließend notwendigen spezifischen Funktionsmessungen optimiert zusammengefasst werden.
• C) Dadurch, dass die Abhängigkeitsmodellierung alle Teilfunktionen und/oder Messmodi abbildet, kann sich die Funktionsmessung auf nur diejenigen Teilfunktionen und/oder Messmodi beschränken, die auch notwendig sind.
• D) In der Abhängigkeitsmatrix des universellen Entscheiders kann eine Unterscheidung zwischen Ersatzteiltausch und „angefasster” Hardware (z. B. durch Ausbau und Wiedereinbau oder mechanische Verschiebung von Komponenten) erfolgen. In der Regel müssen nach einem Tausch anschließend mehr Funktionen durchgeführt werden, als nach einem Aus- und Wiedereinbau.
• E) Sämtliche Abhängigkeiten durchzuführender Funktionen von anderen vorausgegangenen Funktionen können nunmehr erkannt werden; dies war bisher nicht der Fall.
• F) Auch neue Funktionen und/oder Messmodi (bedingt durch z. B. ein Software-Update einer neuen Version auf Betriebssystemebene) können automatisch erkannt werden; auch ein zeitoptimiertes, selektives und vollständiges Nachtunen fehlender neuer Modi ist möglich.
• G) Das erfindungsgemäß modifizierte System ist nunmehr in der Lage automatisch zu erkennen, ob bei der (Geräte-)Abnahme alle Funktionsmessungen vollständig durchgeführt worden sind, um dem Kunden ein optimal überprüftes System übergeben zu können. Diese Sicherheit können derzeitige Überprüfungsverfahren nicht garantieren.
• H) Selbst Eingriffe von außen (z. B. beabsichtigtes oder unbeabsichtigtes Weglöschen oder Überschreiben von TuneUp-Tabellen) können nunmehr sicher erkannt werden und die zur Wiederherstellung notwendigen Funktionsmessungen (z. B. Tabellengenerierfunktionen) automatisch aufgerufen und durchgeführt werden. Diese Sicherheit wird dadurch erreicht, dass sich die Funktionsdiagnose-Module ihre Informationen aus den Ergebnissen der Funktionsmessung extrahieren.

This leads to a number of advantages

• A) The information about the z. B. in the context of a service operation to be performed steps (in the system) is not static, but can - depending on the current situation - be redetermined at any time. The procedure according to the invention is immune to (unintentional) abortions of automated (functional) processes since it can be reset at any time (since all sub-functions or measurement modes already carried out have been stored).
• B) Several spare parts can be exchanged (at the same time), whereby the subsequently necessary specific functional measurements are combined optimally.
• C) Because dependency modeling maps all sub-functions and / or measurement modes, the function measurement can be limited to only those sub-functions and / or measurement modes that are necessary.
• D) In the dependency matrix of the universal decision maker, a distinction can be made between replacement of spare parts and "touched" hardware (eg by removal and replacement or mechanical displacement of components). As a rule, more functions then have to be carried out after a replacement than after a removal and reinstallation.
• E) All dependencies of functions to be performed by other preceding functions can now be recognized; this has not been the case so far.
• F) Also new functions and / or measurement modes (due to eg a software update of a new version at operating system level) can be detected automatically; also a time-optimized, selective and complete nighting of missing new modes is possible.
• G) The modified system according to the invention is now able to automatically detect whether all functional measurements have been carried out completely during the (device) acceptance in order to be able to hand over to the customer an optimally tested system. This security can not be guaranteed by current verification procedures.
• H) Even external intervention (eg intentional or unintentional deletion or overwriting of TuneUp tables) can now be reliably detected and the function measurements required for the restoration (eg table generation functions) can be automatically called up and executed. This security is achieved by the function diagnostic modules extracting their information from the results of the functional measurement.

Claims (18)

Method for modeling dependencies of the measurement modes of different function measurements for optimizing service operations on CT devices, comprising the steps - creating a function list ( 1 ), which are used to successively call function diagnosis modules ( 2.1 . 2.2 . 2.3 ), - forming a data structure which contains all possible measurement parameter configurations or measurement modes (FIG. 2) for any function measurement (F2.1, F2.2, F2.3) ( 6 ), in the form of an extended scan protocol with respective reference time as the point in time when the function measurement (F2.1, F2.2, F2.3) was last performed in the respective measurement mode, - Creation of a function measurement (F2.1 , F2.2, F2.3) associated function diagnosis modules ( 2.1 . 2.2 . 2.3 ), with each function diagnostic module ( 2.1 . 2.2 . 2.3 ) above data structure according to a specific function measurement (F2.1, F2.2, F2.3) met, - creating mode check modules ( 3.1 . 3.2 . 03.03 ) for functional measurements (F2.1, F2.2, F2.3) and spare parts (E3.2), of which functional measurements (F2.1, F2.2, F2.3) depend on function diagnostic modules, and - Form of a Universal Decision Maker ( 4 ) as a link between the function diagnosis modules ( 2.1 . 2.2 . 2.3 ) and the mode check modules ( 3.1 . 3.2 . 03.03 ). Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the universal decision maker ( 4 ) the dependencies between function diagnosis module ( 2.1 . 2.2 . 2.3 ) and mode check module ( 3.1 . 3.2 . 03.03 ) based on a dependency matrix ( 5 ) identified. Method according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the execution of a function measurement (F2.1, F2.2, F2.3) due to a status message ( 7 ) of the Mode Check Module ( 3.1 . 3.2 . 03.03 ) and / or the Universal Decision Maker ( 4 ) he follows. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that in case of accidental termination of a function measurement (F2.1, F2.2, F2.3), the measurement data configuration of the CT system is stored such that patched by a seamless on the last data status Following measurement the function measurement (F2.1, F2.2, F2.3) can be completed correctly. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a function measurement (F2.1, F2.2, F2.3) represents a test measurement, a TuneUp measurement or a quality measurement. A method according to claim 5, characterized in that the TuneUp function measurement represents a table generator function measurement or an adjustment function measurement. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the function measurement (F2.1, F2.2, F2.3) of a function diagnosis module ( 2.1 . 2.2 . 2.3 ) of at least one functional measurement (F2.1, F2.2, F2.3) and / or of the output and replacement or replacement of at least one spare part (E3.2). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a mode check module ( 3.1 . 3.2 . 03.03 ) about the Universal Decision Maker ( 4 ) a status information to the dependent function diagnosis module ( 2.1 . 2.2 . 2.3 ) passes. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the functional diagnosis modules ( 2.1 . 2.2 . 2.3 ) with the mode check modules ( 3.1 . 3.2 . 03.03 ) about the Universal Decision Maker ( 4 ) communicate based on the extended scan protocol. CT device with the property for modeling dependencies of the measurement modes of different function measurements for the optimization of service operations on the CT device, comprising - a function list ( 1 ), which are used to successively call function diagnosis modules ( 2.1 . 2.2 . 2.3 ), a data structure which contains all possible measurement parameter configurations or measurement modes (FIG. 2) for any function measurement (F2.1, F2.2, F2.3) ( 6 ), in the form of an extended scan protocol with respective reference time as the time when the function measurement (F2.1, F2.2, F2.3) was last performed in the respective measurement mode, - in each case for a function measurement (F2.1, F2 .2, F2.3) associated function diagnosis modules ( 2.1 . 2.2 . 2.3 ), with each function diagnostic module ( 2.1 . 2.2 . 2.3 ) fills above data structure according to a specific function measurement, - Mode check modules ( 3.1 . 3.2 . 03.03 ) for functional measurements (F2.1, F2.2, F2.3) and spare parts (E3.2), of which functional measurements (F2.1, F2.2, F2.3) of functional diagnosis modules ( 2.1 . 2.2 . 2.3 ), and - a universal decision maker ( 4 ) as a link between the function diagnosis modules ( 2.1 . 2.2 . 2.3 ) and the mode check modules ( 3.1 . 3.2 . 03.03 ). CT apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the universal decision maker ( 4 ) is able to understand the dependencies between function diagnostic module ( 2.1 . 2.2 . 2.3 ) and mode check module ( 3.1 . 3.2 . 03.03 ) based on a dependency matrix ( 5 ) to identify. CT device according to one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that the mode check module ( 3.1 . 3.2 . 03.03 ) and / or the Universal Decision Maker ( 4 ) is capable of a status message ( 7 ) on the basis of which a function measurement (F2.1, F2.2, F2.3) is carried out. CT device according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that in case of accidental termination of a function measurement (F2.1, F2.2, F2.3), the measurement data configuration of the CT system is stored in such a way that by a seamless on the last Data state attached follow-up measurement the function measurement (F2.1, F2.2, F2.3) can be completed correctly. CT apparatus according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that a function measurement (F2.1, F2.2, F2.3) represents a test measurement, a TuneUp measurement or a quality measurement. CT device according to claim 14, characterized in that the TuneUp function measurement represents a table generator function measurement or an adjustment function measurement. CT device according to one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that the function measurement (F2.1, F2.2, F2.3) of a function diagnosis module ( 2.1 . 2.2 . 2.3 ) of at least one functional measurement (F2.1, F2.2, F2.3) and / or the removal and replacement or replacement of at least one spare part (E3.2) is dependent. CT device according to one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that a mode check module ( 3.1 . 3.2 . 03.03 ) is able, through the Universal Decision Maker ( 4 ) a status information ( 7 ) to the dependent function diagnostics module ( 2.1 . 2.2 . 2.3 ) to hand over. CT device according to one of claims 10 to 17, characterized in that the functional diagnosis modules ( 2.1 . 2.2 . 2.3 ) with the mode check modules ( 3.1 . 3.2 . 03.03 ) about the Universal Decision Maker ( 4 ) communicate based on the extended scan protocol.

Images