Current status, challenges, and proposed strategies for the development of standardized objective equipment in traditional Chinese medicine inspection

The development of objective equipment for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) inspection aims to enhance the doctor’s visual examination through the digitalization of equipment. This process transforms inspection information into quantifiable data, thereby improving the objectivity and accuracy of TCM diagnoses. Currently, the practice of smart TCM inspection exhibits a trend where technological advancements outpace the development of standards, highlighting the growing need for standardization to support and promote high-quality development in this field. This paper utilizes a comprehensive framework encompassing “knowledge base - technology research and development - data processing - clinical application” and takes the core principles of TCM diagnostic theory as the logical starting point to assess the current state of standards. It analyzes the challenges faced in the development of standards for objective equipment of TCM inspection, focusing on aspects such as Top-level design, research on data standards, promotion and application, and talent development, and offers recommendations for the future development of standards in this field.