Market
Cytology
Client Type
Major Medical Device OEM (confidential)
Unmet Need
Viable supply chain for key imaging components
Approach
The client’s directive was to find a purely hardware solution to their component obsolescence problems. Due to the facts that the operating software was an old legacy program lacking modularity and tribal knowledge, and RA/QA had onerous validation concerns, no software changes were to be permitted.
We would be allowed to change the optics, mechanics, camera, and camera interface hardware. We identified the critical camera specifications and conducted a global search for a replacement that would have long term support. If an equivalent was not found, the nearest equivalent would be used and the optics & mechanics would be modified as needed.
Results
We were successful at finding a camera that was almost equivalent to the existing camera. We conducted a tolerance analysis to determine whether it would be equivalent enough. Results were positive, so through imaging system re-engineering, the systems were retrofit and tested for linearity with illumination and for MTF using test targets (variable Ronchi rulings) and a MTF analysis program.
As seen in the graphs above, the new camera met requirements, so no changes were required to the optics. We also enabled field replacement of cameras, thus eliminating expensive depot refurbishments. We concluded the project by documenting the product changes and test results and transferring the file to the client’s Manufacturing Department.
Services Provided by OTI
- Optical analysis
- Supply chain search
- Design verification testing and reporting
- Design documentation and transfer