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Medical & Analytical Software

Modernizing a Flagship Endoscope Reprocessing System

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The Context

Endoscope reprocessing systems and workflow solutions are expected to grow into a billion dollar market by 2022 (as predicted by Frost & Sullivan). An endoscope reprocessing device provides drying and filtering air storage for a wide range of scopes. A leading laboratory equipment manufacturer from Europe had the vision to modernize its flagship endoscope reprocessing system so as to ride the market wave.

The Challenge

Tismo was tasked with developing a new software to manage and control the endoscope reprocessing system, while retaining the existing electronics. It would have to support multiple levels of users and ensure user authorizations for every action performed on the instrument. Moreover, a touch screen control unit for the endoscope reprocessing system was to be developed with a brand-new user interface. The catch was that the client wanted a single code base that could run on multiple system configurations.

The Future Ready Solution

It was clear to the Tismo team that resource management would be the key to developing a robust and scalable software application, that could run on multiple system types and configurations. Additionally, there would be a critical reliance on speed and electronics usage. To this end, the software development was carried out in C++ on an embedded Linux platform. The software was built in a modular form, consisting of two parts – the control application and the GUI application. The former communicates with the device board via serial interface, manages the required files for scope and various operation data and communicates with the GUI application. The latter is the touch based user interface which allows the user to perform various operations. It also communicates with the control application.

The challenge of using the existing board for the endoscope reprocessing system was overcome by the Tismo team through some skilled kernel-level programming. Device tree modifications were implemented to fully harness the potential of the board and the low-sensitivity resistive display was enhanced to optimum performance by enabling TSLIB support. Furthermore, automatic kernel updates were enabled using a custom script.

The Tismo team understands that a fluid and modern UI is crucial for any application’s success in today’s world. In this context, QML was elected as the path forward, due to its declarative functionality and ease of implementation. The team was able to leverage its experience while integrating C++ and QML to gain the best performance and the most responsive and versatile UI.

Important Features of the Endoscope Reprocessing System

  • Flow rate monitoring and Environment monitoring
  • Multiple user management
  • Three-way login method (two part login, PIN, Barcode)
  • Printing each cycle of a scope
  • Scope grouping and scope management
  • Calibration
  • Data archiving
  • Machine setup

The Impact

Tismo delivered a software app that ensured bacteria free reprocessing of endoscopes. It supported multi-user authentication, three login methods (two part login, PIN, Barcode), scope grouping and management, data archival and machine setup. It could also run on multiple system types & configurations and gave an enhanced user experience through an optimized touch interface.