DE102007033236A1 - Computer-based medical-technical device e.g. ultrasound device, analysis method, involves providing test modules for analysis of device, and implementing and/or controlling all or selected test modules, and detecting analysis results - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves detecting a medical-technical device condition, and providing test modules (TM) e.g. hardware module, for analysis of a medical-technical device (G). All or selected test modules are automatically implemented and/or controlled, and analysis results are detected. An error cause and/or technical error-elimination measures is derived and represented. An interface is provided between the medical-technical device and a computer-based control unit (SE). The technical error-elimination measures are full-automatically or semiautomatically initialized based on the analysis result. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a computer program product comprising a program-code-medium for executing a method for function-and error analysis of a computer-based medical-technical device (2) a system for function-and error analysis of a computer-based medical-technical device.

Description

The Invention is in the field of medical technology and in particular a functional and fault analysis of medical devices, such as imaging modalities, ie computer tomographs, MR devices, Transillumination and recording systems, ultrasound devices Etc.

at development, commissioning and maintenance is one Function monitoring or verification the medical devices necessary. Here are the Medical devices usually built very complex and include a variety of different modules. Both Modules can be hardware modules, software modules or around other technical modules, such. B. interfaces, power supply, connected databases, CPUs, etc. All these modules or devices must be functional and fault-free to be examined.

in the The prior art has hitherto been intended for CT systems, that a manual intervention of a service technician necessary was. A functional restriction or an error or another Failure of the device was usually a service technician reported. The service technician inspected the system in the Usually suburb, to get an idea about the current device situation receive. Because of his experience, he then tried the mistake to fix. If that was not possible, he escalated the error to a parent instance, the so-called Uptime Service Center (USC). If the USC does not fix the error as well could, the error was further scaled and the so-called headquarters Support Center (HSC) forwarded. If the HSC is not in is able to fix the error, the software development department turned on to locate and analyze the error. If necessary, further necessary parameters, device settings and data requested locally by the service technician.

This previous procedure proves to be for several reasons deficit.

To the it is very time consuming and requires the use of a service technician suburb, which in turn leads to high costs. About that In addition, recurrent mistakes can not be consistent but must always be re-manually be solved by the service technician. Furthermore It is easily possible for a single parameter in Reference to the device to be analyzed is overlooked by the service technician so that he may become a misperception which increases the overall risk of error.

In the field of performance monitoring of client-server-based computer systems, for example, from US 6,505,249 , a method for automatic benchmarking and optimized performance detection known. An iterative method is proposed which successively modifies an initial set of predefined performance parameters. The method is designed to measure the processing speed, system accesses, response times, transmission times, storage times of files, etc. An automatic pre-testing in the context of a functional and fault analysis of medical devices is not proposed here.

Furthermore, the shows WO03 / 014878 a method for measuring the performance of a server based on at least two performance metrics. Test accesses of a client are executed on the server in order to capture the behavior of the server under load, so to speak. Also, this document gives no indication of an automatic pre-testing in the context of functional and fault analysis of medical devices.

The The present invention has therefore set itself the task of a To show a way to improve a functional and fault analysis and in particular can be automated. Furthermore should a fully automated pretest be possible, the also from a remote instance (ie remote) should be controllable.

These The object is solved by the attached claims, in particular by a method for functional and / or fault analysis, through a system and a computer program product.

below the solution becomes the task according to Procedure described. Here mentioned features, alternative Embodiments and / or advantages are also included to transfer the other claimed objects and vice versa. In other words, the figurative can Claims with the features associated with the Be described or claimed method, be further developed. The corresponding functional features of the process are thereby through appropriate representational modules, in particular Hardware modules, the system trained.

• – Erfassen einer Gerätesituation,
• – Bereitstellen einer Menge von Test-Modulen zum Zwecke der Analyse des Gerätes,
• – vollautomatisches Ausführen und/oder Steuern aller oder ausgewählter Test-Module und
• – Erfassen eines Analyseergebnisses.

The object is achieved in particular by a method for functional and / or error analysis of computer-based, medical devices, with the following method steps:

• - detecting a device situation,
• Providing a set of test modules for the purpose of analyzing the device,
• - fully automatic execution and / or control all or selected test modules and
• - Acquisition of an analysis result.

The inventive method is usually in Framework of development, commissioning and / or maintenance used by medical devices and is used for Function monitoring and / or error analysis or for Error correction. It is intended as an automatic procedure of actual monitoring / maintenance / testing be preceded by these operations (testing / maintenance / monitoring) to accelerate, to carry out targeted and more efficient overall.

at The medical devices are usually to imaging modalities, such. B. computer tomographs, MR devices, ultrasound devices, fluoroscopy and recording devices or other medical equipment or laboratory equipment. Such a device includes different Hardware modules and software modules that are also bug-free and functionality have to be analyzed.

The Device situation includes all parameters for an analysis of the device is necessary. The device parameters can either be provided automatically or be actively requested by an analysis module. Likewise Access to device-related instances (eg databases or configuration files). The device parameters For example, you can set a space on different ones Drives, settings of the screen, setting in a registry, Access rights, access to the file system, database access, Data relating to the file system, file names, communication connections, network-related Data (eg network load), resources, CPU performance, etc. include.

• – Geräteumgebung,
• – Gerätekonfiguration,
• – Sicherheit,
• – Datenbank,
• – Kommunikation,
• – Information,
• – weitere Test-Module.

The test modules in the preferred embodiment are software modules designed to test the device or certain modules of the device. The test modules are automatically self-executing and can be designed as an executable file, as a batch file or as a Perl script. The test modules can be classified into different test groups. In a preferred embodiment, the following test groups are provided:

• - device environment,
• - device configuration,
• - Safety,
• - Database,
• - communication,
• - information,
• - more test modules.

These Groups can vary from device type to device type differ from each other and at any time by further test modules or further groups can be extended or modified. This can do that Method according to the invention dynamically to different fields of application and / or different device types (MR, CT, AX etc.) be adjusted.

The Test modules have a self-intelligence, in which an association is provided between the detected device situation in the event of an error (ie in the case of a device error) and a possible one Troubleshooting (an auto-repair mechanism). In an advantageous embodiment of the invention it is provided that the tuple mentioned above (error situation, successful Troubleshooting action) associated with another record is, namely ("parameters to be further determined"). This should cover cases that are in a particular Device situation, require even more device parameters to capture a successful troubleshooting or a complete device analysis to be able to execute.

To running all or selected test modules becomes an analysis result as a result of the test module execution detected. This is usually done in one provided log file. In addition, it is possible to display the analysis result on a user interface display. Likewise, the analysis results can be automatic forwarded to further instances for further processing, if necessary to initiate further (troubleshooting) measures.

• – es erfolgt ein Parsen von xml-Konfigurations-Files,
• – es werden spezifische Testlisten generiert,
• – es können bestimmte Testmodule und/oder Testmodulgruppen ausgewählt werden,
• – die Ausführung der ausgewählten Testmodule wird automatisch gestartet und gesteuert,
• – es wird ein Analyseergebnis bzw. es werden die Test-Modul-Ergebnisse angezeigt,
• – es wird ein Mechanismus bereitgestellt zur automatischen Bestimmung von Parametern; dabei umfassen die Parameter vordefinierbare Soll-Werte, aktuelle Statuswerte, die den Zustand des Gerätes widerspiegeln und Abgleichswerte, die die beiden vorstehend erwähnten Parameter miteinander vergleichen (also den Soll-Wert mit dem aktuellen Gerätestatus wert vergleichen); und
• – es wird ein automatischer Fehlerbehebungsmaßnahmen-Mechanismus bereitgestellt, der es ermöglicht, dass eine erfasste Fehlersituation automatisch behoben werden kann.

In other words, the solution according to the invention is a so-called framework which is designed to execute, control and combine the provided test modules fully automatically so that a device-specific self-test of the medical device can be carried out and fulfills the following functions :

• - there is a parsing of xml configuration files,
• - specific test lists are generated,
• Certain test modules and / or test module groups can be selected,
• - the execution of the selected test modules is started and controlled automatically,
• - an analysis result or the test module results are displayed,
• - a mechanism is provided for the automatic determination of parameters; the parameters include predefinable setpoint values, current status values that reflect the state of the device, and adjustment values that compare the two parameters mentioned above (ie compare the setpoint value with the current device status value); and
• An automatic troubleshooting mechanism is provided which allows a detected error situation to be corrected automatically.

• – Ableiten und Darstellen von zumindest einer möglichen Fehlerursache und/oder von möglichen technischen Fehlerbehebungsmaßnahmen als Repair-Mechanismus. An dieser Stelle fließt also ebenfalls Erfahrungswissen über bereits zurückliegende Gerätefehler-Situationen und erfolgreiche Fehlerbehebungsmaßnahmen ein. Beispielsweise hat es sich bei bestimmten Fehlern gezeigt, dass spezi fische Parameter (Sets oder keys) falsch voreingestellt waren.

In an advantageous development, the method according to the invention comprises the following method step in the case of detecting an error situation:

• - Deriving and presenting at least one possible cause of failure and / or possible technical troubleshooting measures as a repair mechanism. At this point, empirical knowledge about already existing device error situations and successful troubleshooting measures is also included. For example, certain errors have shown that specific parameters (sets or keys) were set incorrectly.

In In a first embodiment, it is possible that one or more possible causes of the error are displayed and that beyond - and if available - possible technical troubleshooting also on one Screen. Because of this information, the Users then decide what action to take would like to.

In a second automated embodiment of the invention the information mentioned above (possible Cause of error and possible troubleshooting measures) also displayed, but it will be fully automatic or semi-automatic and based on the analysis result, the execution of the initiated troubleshooting actions. "Automatically" means in this context that no further user interaction necessary to initiate the corrective action. "Semi-automatic" indicates that the execution the troubleshooting action of a configurable Event is made dependent. This event can be dynamic to be changed. For example, it is conceivable that it it is necessary that the user proposes the automatically proposed Execution of the troubleshooting measure by a User interaction (mouse click or keyboard input) confirmed. In addition, the execution could triggered by further events (time-dependent or situation-dependent) become.

The inventive method is as it were as pre-testing a maintenance procedure and / or a fault diagnosis or a detailed Analysis upstream and designed as a self-test. This can be the subsequent maintenance or fault diagnosis process much more targeted and be done faster. In the best case, the Error already by the fully automatic procedure be fixed and the use of a service technician is not more necessary. Otherwise, the service technician will receive already through the pre-testing valuable information and can the perform the actual maintenance process decidedly.

One Another feature is that the method of functional and / or error analysis also from a local or a remote computer-based control unit initiated and / or controlled can by adding an interface, especially a wireless interface, is provided between the device and the control unit. This can be done, for example, via a so-called RDIAG access (Remote Diagnosis) on the CT system as part of a remote maintenance be executed. From the developer's workplace then the CT system to be analyzed can be diagnosed to about to find upcoming problems and to show solutions. A significant advantage is the fact that the service technician with Help the method according to the invention suburb immediately on the CT system the error itself and without the help of support staff recognize and correct.

One Another aspect of the present invention is to be seen in that the process dynamically and at any time by other and / or new test modules modified and / or can be changed. This can do that Adaptive process adapted to the particular case of analysis and new test modules can be added to more Cover test cases. Here can also device-specific Incorporate special features.

In a first embodiment of the invention, basically all provided test modules are executed. In a second alternative embodiment of the invention, a selection process is additionally provided, which selects certain test modules from the set of provided test modules and executes only the selected test modules. This is useful, for example, if test module A is only applicable to an MR device, while it can not be used in an ultrasound device. In addition, certain test modules may only be applicable in certain configurations of the devices, while they can not be used in other device situations. Such environmental or situational variables can be mapped with the selection of specific test modules. This makes it possible to perform the analysis device-specific. The term "device-specific" means that all device-related parameters are taken into account, such as the configuration of the device with respect to software and / or hardware, the network integration of the device, the database connection, etc. The selection of the specific test modules can be set according to configurable selection criteria. For example, it is possible to select the test modules with regard to the recorded device situation (as described above). In addition, it is possible to select the test modules with regard to the device to be analyzed (such as device configuration, device type, version, etc.).

In a further advantageous embodiment, it is provided a log file is created, especially after execution at least one test module or after predefinable time intervals or according to predefinable events. This makes it understandable in which device situation which troubleshooting measures were successful and which were not. After becoming aware of new successful troubleshooting added new test modules or modified existing ones become. This knowledge thus flows directly into the invention Procedure. Thus, the inventive Method should be designed as a self-learning system, so to speak and the proposed self-test can be expanded as desired.

As already mentioned above, it is envisaged that for capturing the device situation certain parameters in Be related to the device. Which parameters here to be detected is in a preferred embodiment configurable. Thus, the method can also be flexible to different Analysis situations are adjusted.

The Method can be parallel and / or sequential for different Test modules are running. Furthermore It is possible that the procedure also for different Devices executed in parallel and / or sequentially in order to achieve the widest possible device testing get.

In In a preferred embodiment, the execution is based of a test module in each case on a comparison of currently recorded Device parameters and predefinable reference parameters, which serve as the target value for the device parameters.

One important advantage is the fact that for every known error at least one possible or probable solution (Troubleshooting measure) can be offered.

In a preferred embodiment is the inventive Method designed to analyze software modules of the devices. The test modules are thus software self-test modules and can as part of software validation, CT manufacturing (eg at the final inspection of CT equipment before delivery to the customer) and during maintenance. In this embodiment Thus, all software modules can be analyzed, the relevant in relation to the respective medical device are. In alternative and more complex embodiments can also analyze other modules of the devices become.

One significant advantage of the solution according to the invention is, however, to be seen in the fact that all newly collected knowledge about possible successful troubleshooting mechanisms always automatically derivable for future cases is and is therefore available. Once a troubleshooting measure is successful for a particular error case, this is detected and saved it to all future ones Analysis cases is available.

In In a preferred embodiment, the order of Procedural steps with the wording of claim 1 given ben, so that only a device situation is detected, then a lot of test modules are provided and that after running the test modules an analysis result is recorded. An alternative Embodiment here provides other orders. So In particular, it is possible that the provision of the Test modules already done in a preparatory phase, which basically regardless of the actual time of the procedure or the analysis. In a first step, the device situation in another, then the execution of the test modules initiated and in a third step, the analysis result recorded after execution of the test modules.

• – einer Vielzahl von medizintechnischen Geräten, die software-basierte Module umfassen,
• – zumindest einem Analyse-Modul mit einer Vielzahl von Test-Modulen, die zum Ausführen eines Selbsttests zum Zwecke der Analyse des Gerätes bestimmt sind, wobei das Analyse-Modul ein Erfassungsmodul umfasst, das zum Erfassen einer Gerätesituation bestimmt ist und eine Benutzerschnittstelle zur Darstellung des Analyseergebnisses umfasst und mit
• – einer Steuereinheit, die zum Steuern der Funktions- und/oder Fehleranalyse und insbesondere zur Steuerung der Ausführung der Test-Module bestimmt ist, wobei die Steuereinheit als separates Modul mit entsprechender Schnittstelle ausgebildet ist oder wobei die Steuereinheit an das Analyse-Modul oder an das Gerät angeschlossen ist.

Another task solution is a system for functional and / or error analysis of computer-based medical devices with:

• A variety of medical devices incorporating software-based modules,
• At least one analysis module having a multiplicity of test modules, which are intended to carry out a self-test for the purpose of analyzing the device, the analysis module comprising a detection module, which is intended for detecting a device situation, and a user interface for displaying the device Includes analysis results and with
• A control unit which is intended to control the functional and / or fault analysis and in particular to control the execution of the test modules, wherein the control unit is designed as a separate module with a corresponding interface or wherein the control unit is connected to the analysis module or to the Device is connected.

The above-described invention According to embodiments of the method can also be designed as a computer program product, wherein the computer for performing the method described above, the inventive method is initiated and the program code is executed by a processor.

A alternative task solution provides a storage medium, that for storing the above-described computer-implemented method is determined and readable by a computer.

Further advantageous embodiments, advantages and features result from the dependent claims.

In The following detailed description of the figures will not be limiting to be understood embodiments with their features and further advantages discussed with reference to the drawing. In this shows:

1 an overview of modules that are used in the inventive method according to a preferred embodiment.

1 schematically shows a medical device such as a computer tomograph CT. In other embodiments, other medical equipment, such as MR systems, AX systems, etc. may be used. The computer tomograph CT is a complex structure and comprises a multiplicity of devices G. The devices G are usually software modules and / or hardware modules and / or other technical devices that are used in the context of the CT scan. Systems are used, for example, detectors, injectors, etc.

In front, during and after commissioning of a CT system CT is it necessary to make the system functional or To analyze accuracy. To automate this process, simplify and also controllable from a remote instance To make, according to the invention is a software self-test provided, which precedes the actual analysis. Of the Software self-test serves to make known and recurring mistakes now to find automatically, to recognize early and quickly and possibly also automatically by known troubleshooting measures fix, so the use of a service technician on site or a software developer is no longer necessary.

For this purpose, an analysis module A is provided, which in 1 as a separate module, so to speak, between the CT system CT and a remote control unit SE is connected. The analysis module is used to carry out the analysis method according to the invention. The analysis module A can (deviating from the in 1 shown embodiment) may also be integrated into the separate control entity SE or it may be integrated as a module in the CT system CT. If the analysis module A is designed as a software module, then it is also possible to prefer this partly on the system CT to be analyzed and partly in the control unit SE. Alternatively, it is possible to form the analysis module A as a hardware module.

• – das Testen der Umgebung des jeweiligen Gerätes G,
• – das Testen der Konfiguration, insbesondere von vordefinierten XML-Konfigurations-Files,
• – das Testen der Sicherheitseinstellungen,
• – das Testen der Datenbankzugriffsmöglichkeiten bzw. datenbankbezogene Tests,
• – das Testen der Kommunikationsverbindung, insbesondere Schnittstellen etc.,
• – das Testen weiterer Daten, die beispielsweise in einer Registry abgelegt sein können oder von weiteren Parametern.

The analysis module A typically includes a plurality of test modules TM. The test modules TM can be divided into specific test groups. The following test groups are conceivable here:

• The testing of the environment of the respective device G,
• The testing of the configuration, in particular of predefined XML configuration files,
• - testing the security settings,
• The testing of database access possibilities or database-related tests,
• The testing of the communication connection, in particular interfaces, etc.,
• - Testing further data, which may be stored in a registry, for example, or other parameters.

In An advantageous development of the invention is provided the test modules TM in systems or device-specific groups to divide that are designed for a particular plant. For example, there are tests only for MR devices useful while other tests on fluoroscopy equipment must be executed. Contains that device G to be analyzed, for example, no injectors, to perform an injector-based CT scan, so it does not make sense to perform injector-specific tests. In this embodiment of the invention, it is provided that from The set of test modules provided selects the test modules determined for the device G to be analyzed or are suitable and / or for the detected device situation are suitable. Under device situation, the current Setting the respective device G (certain settings, Settings, configurations, etc.), as well as the current Use (insert) of the respective device.

A significant advantage of the solution according to the invention is the fact that the control unit SE, which controls the execution of the test modules TM, can be arranged at any position of the network. Thus it is possible for the control unit SE to be arranged directly on the system CT to be analyzed CT, or it may be integrated at a remote instance, for example in a maintenance system. Then the test is considered remote test executed. The system CT, the analysis module A and the control unit SE are connected via appropriate data connections, z. As a network, in data exchange. In the preferred embodiment, it is provided that in a first step, the device situation of the device G is detected and that in a second step, a set of test modules TM for the purpose of analyzing the device G is provided. Alternative embodiments, however, provide that a different order is made here. Thus, for example, the provision of the test modules TM already take place in a pre-phase, so that only at a later time the detection of the device situation takes place.

The Control unit SE assumes a functional function Tax task within the framework. The control unit SE combines the respective test modules TM for the self-test and can tasks take over in the context of the self-test, such. For example, parsing configuration files, creating specific test lists, the selection of specific test modules TM, starting and controlling regarding the execution of the test modules TM, the ads of test results or analysis results, automatic initialization mechanisms and automatic troubleshooting mechanisms.

One Test Module TM can be a script, a batch file or an executable be that required for the device G test procedure includes. In general, a test module TM will be designed to be preset Target values in relation to specific device parameters with current compared to actual values (or intervals). A good case occurs when the detected actual value correlates with the target value. Otherwise, there is a bad case and the test module is TM designed to automatically output a description of the error. The Analysis result in this case includes an error description and, if possible, a possible troubleshooting measure.

In an advantageous embodiment it is provided that with each execution of a test module TM a log file is created, in which all events in the execution of the test module TM. Furthermore the analysis result is recorded. However, it is also possible that the system is designed as a self-learning system, so that for a newly occurred error (for which it So there is no known troubleshooting measure yet) at least the troubleshooting measure is stored, which was then applied manually and successfully to fix of the respective error. This newly created knowledge can either be supplied to a previously existing test module TM or a new test module TM can be set up. Advantageously, this knowledge then stands for all future ones Tests automatically available again, so that too automatically a corresponding troubleshooting measure is executed can be.

In an alternative embodiment, it is provided that the troubleshooting actions are not initiated automatically but that is provided here a semi-automatic method is, so that the user each self over the execution decide on the proposed corrective action For example, he may have a specific user interaction (Mouse click) can confirm or not.

It it is possible that the analysis result according to predefinable Values is classified. For example, it is possible that the digit '0' gives a reference to the test being successful could be performed while the numeral '1' indicates that the test failed. The number '2' could, for example, indicate that a troubleshooting measure is possible and that the additional digit '3' indicating that auto-initiate is set, while the numeral '4' indicates that the auto-init module is not initialized for automatic initiation. Furthermore The digit '5' could indicate that the test module TM has been misused.

The Control unit SE is adapted to the analysis module A with the control different test modules TM. This is preferably done due to preconfigurable rules. An advantage of the invention The solution is to see that these rules are adaptive can be adapted to the respective application, so that, for example, the selection of specific test modules TM for specific CT systems CT according to specific criteria is performed.

Finally It should be noted that the description of the invention and the embodiments are not limiting in principle in view of a particular physical implementation of the invention to be understood. For a relevant expert it is particularly obvious that the invention partially or completely in software and / or hardware and / or on several physical products - in particular also Computer program products - distributed can be realized.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - US 6505249 [0006]
• WO 03/014878 [0007]

Claims (13)

Method for functional and / or error analysis of computer-based, medical devices (G), with the following process steps: - Capture one Devices situation - Provide a lot of test modules (TM) for the purpose of analyzing the device (G), Fully automatic execution and / or Control all or selected test modules (TM) and - To capture an analysis result. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that that the method in case of detecting an error situation the following method step comprises: - Derive and Representing at least one possible cause of failure and / or possible technical troubleshooting. Method according to at least one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the method is local or remotely controlled by a computer-based control unit (SE) is created by placing an interface between the device (G) and the Control unit (SE) is provided. Method according to at least one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the method dynamically modified by other and / or new test modules (TM) and / or can be changed. Method according to at least one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the test module (TM) is self-executing and in particular a batch file, is a script and / or an executable. Method according to at least one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that based on the Analysis result automatically or semi-automatically according to configurable Events initiated at least one troubleshooting measure becomes. Method according to at least one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that a log file is created, in particular after execution at least a test module (TM) or after predefined time intervals or predefinable events. Method according to at least one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that for detecting the device situation configurable parameters of the device (G) are recorded for device analysis are relevant. Method according to at least one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the execution the test module (TM) an adjustment of currently detected device parameters as actual values and predefinable reference parameters as target values includes. Method according to Claims 1 and 2, characterized that the method is designed as a self-learning system, wherein to a detected error situation all successful troubleshooting measures captured and saved for future use Analyzes are automatically derivable. Method according to at least one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the method parallel and / or sequential for different test modules (TM) and / or for different devices (G) is performed. Computer program product, which directly into one Memory of a computer is loadable, with program code means, all the steps of a method according to at least one of the method claims 1 to 11 execute when the program is in the computer is performed. System for functional and / or fault analysis of computer-based, medical devices (G), with: - one Variety of devices (G), - at least one Analysis module (A) with a variety of test modules (TM), the to perform a self-test for the purpose of analysis the device (G) are determined, wherein the analysis module (A) comprises a detection module adapted to capture the current one Device situation is determined and includes a result module, which is intended to represent the analysis result and with - one Control unit (SE), which controls the function and / or fault analysis and in particular for controlling the execution of the test modules (TM) of the analysis module (A) is determined, wherein the control unit (SE) designed as a separate module with appropriate interface is assigned to the analysis module (A) or the device (G) is.