Sensor arrangement for a breast pump device and breast pump device using the sensor arrangement

Abstract

The sensor system is used to sense the start of milk expression into a collection container when the breast pump device is in use.The optical sensor is used to provide a signal indicating the presence of expressed first milk for controlling the breast pump to switch from a stimulation mode to an expression mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a breast pump device and a method of operating a breast pump device, and in particular to a sensor arrangement for use as part of a breast pump device. Background Art

[0002] Breastfeeding women use a breast pump to extract milk from their breasts so that the extracted milk can be fed to their babies at a later time.

[0003] It's well known that breast milk is the best nutrition for infants. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding infants for at least one year, and preferably longer. However, mothers often return to work only after a few weeks or months. To provide the best nutrition for their infants, mothers can use a breast pump to express breast milk. The expressed milk is stored and can be given to the infant at a later stage and / or provided to the infant by others.

[0004] Typically, the breast is placed in a funnel-shaped cup and a vacuum is applied so that milk is extracted. Breast pumps usually have a stimulation mode and a compression mode for activating the milk ejection reflex (MER).

[0005] However, in this case, the switch from stimulation mode to expression mode is not based on MER detection, but rather on time, i.e., a fixed time after switching on, or manually by pressing a button. Both methods have disadvantages. The timed method is based on average time, so it is too late for many women and too early for others. The disadvantage of the manual method is that not every woman can feel the milk flowing, and they must check the bottle. Therefore, detecting the moment when milk begins to flow into the bottle would allow for a personalized solution for automatically switching between stimulation mode and expression mode.

[0006] It is desirable to be able to detect the first droplet(s) to enable automatic switching between stimulation mode and squeeze mode.

[0007] WO 2019 / 149486 discloses a breast pump comprising a sensor arrangement for detecting the volume of expressed milk. The sensor arrangement is used to measure the free-fall time of milk droplets and thereby determine the level of a milk collection container into which the milk droplets fall. It is also recognized that the onset of the milk let-down reflex can be detected based on a sudden increase in the volume of collected milk. The pump settings of the breast pump can then be adjusted.

[0008] However, this method requires that a certain volume of milk be collected before a change in the rate of volume increase is detected. Therefore, it is not suitable for detecting the first droplet(s) of expressed milk.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for improved sensor arrangements for early detection of initiation of milk expression.

[0010] US 2020 / 078503 discloses a breast pump having a sensor which generates data relating to the amount of milk expressed, and which can be used to adjust pumping parameters.

[0011] US 2016 / 220743 discloses a breast pump in which optical emitters and detectors are used to sense milk droplets and thereby determine the flow rate.

[0012] US 2019 / 209747 discloses a milk flow rate sensor for a breast pump for sensing the flow rate and amount of expressed milk. Summary of the Invention

[0013] The invention is defined by the claims.

[0014] According to an example of the present invention, there is provided a sensor system for sensing the start of expression of milk into a collection container when a breast pump apparatus is in use, the sensor system comprising:

[0015] Optical transmitter placement;

[0016] an optical detector arrangement; and

[0017] an output for providing a signal indicating the presence of expressed first milk for controlling the breast pump to switch from a stimulation mode to an expression mode,

[0018] Therein the optical path between the optical emitter arrangement and the optical detector arrangement is altered by the presence of milk.

[0019] The optical path may for example be enhanced by the presence of expressed first milk, or weakened by the presence of expressed first milk.Alternatively, a phase change may be achieved instead of an amplitude change.

[0020] The sensor system is used to detect the first milk being expressed, allowing the breast pump device to switch from a stimulation mode to an expression mode. The sensor system uses optical sensing, so that the presence of milk creates different optical paths between an emitter and a detector. For example, depending on whether milk has been expressed, the optical path may include air or milk. Milk may reduce the path, for example, by interrupting the path (by creating additional scattering compared to air in the direct path), or it may enhance the path, for example, by completing the path (by using an optical path created by reflection or scattering of milk, rather than by air).

[0021] Using optical sensing in this way enables a low cost and simple sensing solution to allow the breast pump apparatus to be automatically switched from stimulation mode to expression mode.

[0022] In a first example set, the sensor system further comprises a blocking arrangement located between the optical emitter arrangement and the optical detector arrangement and configured to block a direct optical path therebetween. Thus, an optical path may exist solely based on scattering or reflection, and this will be dependent on the medium present (e.g., air or milk).

[0023] The optical emitter arrangement and the optical detector arrangement are configured, for example, to be positioned at the base of the collection container such that, when the collection container is empty, radiation reaching the optical detector arrangement from the optical emitter arrangement is below a threshold value. When the collection container contains a liquid, scattering or reflection of radiation from the optical emitter arrangement by the liquid causes radiation reaching the optical detector from the optical emitter arrangement to exceed the aforementioned threshold value.

[0024] In this design, a sensor arrangement is used to detect first milk droplets collected at the base of a collection container. When liquid is not present, the blocking arrangement prevents a direct path for radiation to the detector, and the air in the collection container provides limited scattering, causing the detector to receive radiation below a threshold. When milk is present, a path exists through scattering and / or reflection from the milk, causing the detector to receive radiation above the threshold. Thus, the threshold enables discrimination between milk and air at the base of the collection container.

[0025] The sensor system may comprise a sensor ring such that liquid anywhere in the vicinity of the ring causes radiation from the optical emitter arrangement to reach the optical detector arrangement at a level above a threshold.

[0026] The ring design means that the first drop can be detected regardless of the orientation of the collection container.

[0027] The sensor ring may comprise an alternating sequence of optical emitters and optical detectors around the ring. Thus, there is sensing at a series of areas around the ring, so that liquid at any area will enable detection.

[0028] The blocking arrangement may then comprise a blocking element between each adjacent optical emitter and optical detector.The collected droplets thus span the area above the blocking element to enable an optical path to be formed between the emitter and the detector by means of the latex droplets.

[0029] The sensor ring may alternatively comprise an optical emitter, a first annular light guide for guiding radiation from the optical emitter, an optical detector and a second annular light guide for guiding radiation to the optical detector, wherein the blocking arrangement comprises a blocking element between the first and second light guides.

[0030] Therefore, when a droplet comes into contact with two light guides, there can be radiation coupling between them, so that the detector then receives radiation from the emitter at a level above the threshold. This enables a single sensor and a single detector to realize a sensor ring.

[0031] The sensor system of this example set can be integrated into a holder for the base of the collection container. Thus, it can be an accessory for a breast pump system that acts as a bottle holder.

[0032] The present invention also provides a collection container system for use with a breast pump, the collection container system comprising:

[0033] a collection container for collecting milk expressed during use of the breast pump; and

[0034] The sensor system is used to sense milk in a collection container.

[0035] The collecting container for example comprises a base having an annular seat and an elevated central portion, wherein the sensor system is used to sense milk collected at any position around the annular seat. The seat may have a small area so that small amounts of liquid can be sensed.

[0036] In a second example set, the sensor system is configured for detecting milk droplets expressed in a neck of an expression kit of a breast pump connected to a collecting container or in a neck of a collecting container.

[0037] The expressed milk passes through the neck before reaching the bottom of the collection container. Therefore, as the droplets pass through the neck, they can be sensed.

[0038] The sensor system can be a clip-on tube that goes around the neck. It can therefore also be an accessory to a breast pump system.

[0039] In this example set, the optical emitter arrangement can include a set of one or more emitters, and the optical detector arrangement can include a set of one or more detectors, each set arranged around the neck. When multiple emitters are present, they can be activated sequentially or simultaneously. The pattern of signals received at the one or more detectors then enables determination of when a milk droplet has passed through.

[0040] The present invention also provides a breast pump device comprising:

[0041] at least one breast receiving portion configured to receive a breast of a user;

[0042] a pressure source coupled to the at least one breast-receiving portion and configured to generate at least negative pressure;

[0043] a controller configured to control operation of the pressure source in the stimulation mode and the compression mode; and

[0044] The sensor system as defined above, wherein the controller is configured to switch from the stimulation mode to the compression mode in response to a signal from the sensor system.

[0045] The breast pump device enables automatic switching from stimulation mode to expression mode, making operation of the system easier for the user.

[0046] The present invention also provides a method for controlling a breast pump device, the method comprising:

[0047] when the breast pump apparatus is in use, sensing the start of milk expression into the collection receptacle by sensing when an optical path is established between the optical emitter arrangement and the optical detector arrangement due to the presence of expressed first milk, or when the optical path is broken between the optical emitter arrangement and the optical detector arrangement due to the presence of expressed first milk; and

[0048] In response to detecting the sensed onset of milk expression, the breast pump apparatus is controlled to switch from a stimulation mode to an expression mode.

[0049] The method may be implemented using software, and the present invention therefore provides a computer program comprising computer program code adapted for implementing the method when said program is run on a computer.

[0050] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] For a better understanding of the present invention and in order to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0052] Figure 1 shows typical components of a known breast pump system;

[0053] Figure 2 An example of a breast pump design is shown in more detail;

[0054] Figure 3 A known feeding bottle is shown, which is mounted in a sleeve which serves as a monitoring system;

[0055] Figure 4 An example of an implementation of the present invention is schematically shown;

[0056] Figure 5 An example of an implementation of an optical sensor at the base of the collection container is shown;

[0057] Figure 6 Shown along Figure 5 a side view of a portion of a sensor ring;

[0058] Figure 7 An alternative sensor ring design is shown;

[0059] Figure 8 shows that the milk droplets are continuously added to Figure 5 Experimental results on top of the sensor design;

[0060] Figure 9 An example is shown in which the optical sensor system is located at the neck of the extrusion kit;

[0061] Figure 10 The driving circuits for the emitter and detector are shown;

[0062] Figure 11 shows a squeeze pack with a sensor arrangement designed as a snap-on feature to fit around the neck of the squeeze pack;

[0063] Figure 12 Shown Figure 9 Example traces of a sensor system of ; and

[0064] Figure 13 Shown Figure 9 Three reflected signals of the sensor system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0066] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the devices, systems, and methods, are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the devices, systems, and methods of the present invention will become better understood from the following description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are schematic and not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to indicate the same or similar components.

[0067] The present invention provides a sensor system for sensing the start of milk expression into a collection container when using a breast pump device. An optical sensor is used to provide a signal indicating the presence of expressed first milk for controlling the breast pump to switch from a stimulation mode to an expression mode.

[0068] Figure 1 Typical components of a known breast pump system are shown.The breast pump system 1 comprises a breast pump 2 (also called expression unit) and an operating unit 3. The operating unit is basically a vacuum pump, associated hardware and a pump controller 3'.

[0069] The breast pump 2 and operating unit 3 are connected by a hose 4. The hose 4 provides fluid communication between the breast pump 2 and the operating unit 3. The hose 4 can also be used to provide an electrical connection between the breast pump 2 and the operating unit 3. For example, the hose 4 can provide operating signals or power between the breast pump and the operating unit. In an alternative embodiment, the operating unit 3 is directly mounted and connected to the breast pump 2.

[0070] The breast pump 2 has a main body 5, a funnel 6 and a collection container 7. The collection container 7 collects milk expressed from the user's breast and may take the form of a bottle, a bag or any other suitable container. The collection container 7 is attached to the main body 5 by a threaded fitting, but it will be appreciated that alternative releasable attachment means, such as a clamp (not shown), may also be used.

[0071] A breast-receiving funnel 6 extends from the body 5. The funnel 6 is configured to receive a user's breast. The funnel 6 has a mouth 8 and a throat 9. The mouth 8 is open at the outer end of the funnel 6 to receive the user's breast, and the funnel 6 converges from the outer end toward the throat 9 to form a hollow recess for receiving the breast.

[0072] The body 5 fluidly connects the funnel 6 to the collection container 7. The fluid channel 10 (see Figure 2 ) is formed to pass through the main body 5 from the breast receiving space of the funnel 6 to the collection container 7. The main body 5 is formed from a shell. The main body 5 and the funnel 6 are formed integrally, however, it will be understood that the funnel 6 can be detachable. In this arrangement, the main body 5 is formed from polypropylene, however, it will be understood that alternative suitable materials can be used.

[0073] Now refer to Figure 2 A chamber 12 is formed in the body 5. The chamber forms part of the vacuum path. The chamber 12 is in fluid communication with the fluid passage 10 between the funnel 6 and the collection container 7. The chamber 12 has a vacuum port 13. The vacuum port 13 provides a port for communication with the operating unit 3. A hose 4 can be mounted to the vacuum port 13 to fluidly connect the chamber 12 to the operating unit 3.

[0074] A membrane 14 is housed in chamber 12. Membrane 14, also known as a diaphragm, is flexible. The outer edge of membrane 14 is attached to chamber 12. Membrane 14 divides chamber 12 into a first space 15 and a second space 16. First space 15 communicates with vacuum port 13 and forms part of a first section of the vacuum path. Second space 16 communicates with fluid channel 10 between the breast-receiving space of funnel 6 and collection container 7 and forms part of a first section of the vacuum path.

[0075] A non-return valve 17 is provided in the fluid channel 10. The non-return valve 17 prevents a pressure drop from forming in the collecting container 7. The non-return valve is, for example, a duckbill valve.

[0076] The membrane 14 is formed of silicone, for example. However, it should be understood that the membrane 14 may be formed of another suitable material.

[0077] The flexible membrane 14 has a predetermined shape. In this arrangement, the membrane 14 has a substantially cup-shaped arrangement in a neutral state. That is, when the membrane 14 is accommodated in the chamber 12, the membrane 14 does not deform. However, it should be understood that the membrane 14 can have an alternative shape.

[0078] The operating unit 3 includes a pump controller 3', a power source, a motor, and a pump unit actuated by the motor. The pump unit is configured to generate a pressure drop (i.e., a vacuum) in the vacuum path and release the pressure drop, for example, using a pressure relief valve separate from the pump unit, although these pressure relief valves may be combined into a single unit. The controller 3' controls the operation of these components of the operating unit 3.

[0079] The controller 3' operates the pump unit in a sequence of strokes, each of which includes a vacuum generation phase and a vacuum release phase. During the vacuum generation phase, the breast is stimulated to express milk. This milk flows into the fluid channel 10. During the vacuum release phase, the milk passes through the one-way valve 17 to enter the collection container. A small opening is provided, for example, to allow air to escape from the bottle. This can be located at the threaded connection.

[0080] It is known to provide a sleeve for monitoring the movement of the bottle during feeding. Figure 3 A known bottle 7 is shown mounted in a sleeve 20, which serves as a monitoring system. The sleeve 20 surrounds the base of the feeding bottle 7. For example, it is known to provide a monitoring unit 22 at the base of the sleeve 20, comprising a motion sensor 24 and an output interface 26. The monitoring unit 22 can be incorporated into or anywhere on the sleeve. A processor 28 can then be used to process the monitoring unit data, for example, to monitor the feeding performance of a feeding infant based on the sensed motion. As shown, the processor can be the processor of a mobile phone 30 loaded with an appropriate application.

[0081] The present invention provides a sensor system for sensing the start of milk expression into a collection container when using a breast pump device. An optical sensor is used to provide a signal indicating the presence of expressed first milk for controlling the breast pump to switch from a stimulation mode to an expression mode.

[0082] Figure 4 An example of implementation of the invention is schematically shown, wherein the optical sensor is incorporated into the sleeve 20 at the bottom of the collecting container, so that the invention can be used in conjunction with Figure 3 The system shown is implemented in a similar manner.

[0083] The optical sensor comprises an optical emitter arrangement 40 and an optical detector arrangement 42. The final output 44 from the sensor system is a signal indicating the presence of expressed first milk for use in controlling the breast pump to switch from stimulation mode to expression mode.

[0084] An optical path exists between the optical emitter arrangement 40 and the optical detector arrangement 42. In this example, the path is enhanced by the presence of the expressed first milk. The milk enhances (e.g., completes) the path by using reflection or scattering from the milk to create the optical path. This optical path is less efficient in air.

[0085] In other examples, as described below, the presence of the first latex can reduce the optical path compared to air in a direct path by creating additional scattering or reflections. Therefore, the optical sensing function is related to how the optical sensor is implemented. The optical path will pass through air or latex, which will give different sensor responses.

[0086] The sensor system is used to detect the expressed first milk so that the breast pump device can be switched from the stimulation mode to the expression mode.

[0087] like Figure 4 As shown, the base of the collection container has an annular seat 46 (which defines a surface for supporting the collection container when resting on a surface) and a raised central portion 48, wherein the sensor system is used to sense milk collected at any position around the annular seat 46.

[0088] The seat 46 may have a small area so that, depending on the angular orientation of the collection container, a small amount of liquid will flow to known locations within the collection container, ie, some locations around the seat.

[0089] exist Figure 4 In the example of FIG, the optical emitter arrangement 40 and the optical detector arrangement 42 are located at the base of the collection container such that when the collection container is empty, radiation reaching the optical detector arrangement from the optical emitter arrangement is below a threshold value. When the collection container contains liquid (i.e., milk), radiation from the optical emitter arrangement is scattered or reflected by the liquid, causing radiation reaching the optical detector from the optical emitter arrangement to exceed the threshold value.

[0090] Figure 5 An example of implementation of an optical sensor at the base of the collection container is shown, the optical sensor utilizing sensing at the seat 46 .

[0091] The sensor system comprises a sensor ring 50 such that liquid anywhere in the vicinity of the ring causes radiation from the optical emitter arrangement 40 to reach the optical detector arrangement 42 to exceed a threshold value. The ring design means that the first liquid can be detected regardless of the orientation of the collection container. The ring has, for example, a diameter of 50 mm.

[0092] The sensor ring 50 comprises an alternating sequence of optical emitters 400 and optical detectors 420 around the ring. Thus, there is sensing at a series of areas around the ring so that liquid at any area will be able to be detected.

[0093] When the droplet(s) have flowed to the bottom of the collection vessel, as shown by droplet 60, it will be detected by a single detector or multiple detectors such that the quality of the detection is independent of the position of the droplet in the seat at the bottom of the collection vessel.

[0094] The distance between the emitter 400 and the detector 420, and therefore the number of sensor pairs, determines the sensitivity to the first droplet. If the distance is too large, the light will not be scattered back onto the detector.

[0095] A blocking arrangement is also provided, comprising a blocking element 430 between each adjacent optical emitter 400 and optical detector 420 .

[0096] Figure 6 A side view of a portion of the surrounding ring is shown. It shows a droplet 60 spanning an area above a barrier element 430 to enable an optical path 62 to be formed between the emitter 400 and the detector 420 by scattering or reflection.

[0097] Figure 7 An alternative sensor ring design is shown, having only one optical emitter 400; a first annular light guide 70 for guiding radiation from the optical emitter; an optical detector 420; and a second annular light guide 72 for guiding radiation to the optical detector. Optionally, a blocking arrangement includes a blocking element 430 between the first and second light guides 70, 72 to prevent direct optical coupling therebetween. However, this direct path is likely to be blocked by total internal reflection within the light guide in any case.

[0098] When a droplet contacts two light guides, total internal reflection may be interrupted and radiation coupling may occur between the two light guides, causing the detector 420 to receive radiation from the emitter at a level exceeding a threshold. This enables a single sensor and a single detector to implement a sensor ring.

[0099] Alternatively, a single light guide may be used to transmit the light, and a ring of detectors may be used to receive the scattered light.

[0100] Figure 8 Shown in Figure 5 Figure 1 shows experimental results of continuously adding milk droplets on top of a sensor design. It shows the output of two sensors around the sensor ring as voltage (y-axis) for different volumes of milk added (x-axis). Even though both sensors only detected a small droplet of milk, it shows the feasibility of detecting the first droplet squeezed out.

[0101] In a second example set, the sensor system is configured for detecting milk droplets expressed in a neck of an expression set, wherein the breast pump is connected to a collecting container or a neck of a collecting container.

[0102] Figure 9 An example is shown in which the optical sensor system is located at the neck of the squeeze set. It shows a cross section through the fluid channel 10, viewed from above. It shows the valve 17 and milk droplets 60 at the valve. The squeezed milk passes through this neck before reaching the bottom of the collection container. As the droplets pass through the neck, they can be sensed.

[0103] The detection may be based on detecting an interruption of the light beam, or it may be based on measuring changes in the reflection or scattering of light returning from the layer of latex on the inner wall of the compression kit.

[0104] In this example, the optical sensor may include a snap-on retainer that may be snapped onto the neck of the squeeze pack.

[0105] One or more emitters and one or more detectors can be mounted on the outside of the extrusion kit. This design can take advantage of the diffusive properties of the material used to make the extrusion kit, such as silicone. As the emitter, an LED with a large divergence angle (approximately 120 degrees) can be used as the illumination source. After passing through the material, the light emerging from the inside presents a nearly diffuse illumination pattern that illuminates the entire head of the bottle. This enables the detection of any small changes in intensity at the detector, which are caused by variations in absorption and scattering caused by the flowing milk. Therefore, a single emitter and a single detector are sufficient.

[0106] Figure 9 The example of instead comprises three emitters (LEDs) LED0, LED1, LED2 and three detectors (photodiodes) PD0, PD1, PD2. The signals obtained from the detectors are processed to determine the presence of milk droplets based on the variation in light intensity detected in all detectors.

[0107] Figure 10 The transmitter LED0 is shown (for example) being driven simply by a voltage source and a current limiting resistor R2.

[0108] Detector PD0 is coupled to a high-gain transimpedance amplifier U1, for example, to convert the photocurrent into a voltage that can be read by a microprocessor.

[0109] Figure 11 A squeeze pack is shown with a sensor arrangement 90 designed as a snap-on feature to fit around the neck of the squeeze pack. It can also fit around the top of a collection container.

[0110] The light output from each emitter can be monitored by all detectors so that reflection as well as direct light coupling is monitored. In a system with three emitters and three detectors as shown in the figure, the readout protocol may, for example, include the following steps:

[0111] Turn on LED0 and read out the three photodetector signals PD0, PD1, and PD2.

[0112] Turn on LED1 and read out the three photodetector signals PD0, PD1, and PD2.

[0113] Turn on LED2 and read out the three photodetector signals PD0, PD1, and PD2.

[0114] The sequence is executed at a sufficient rate to detect a falling droplet, interrupting the light beam when the droplet falls. For example, the loop can be executed at a rate of tens to hundreds of Hz.

[0115] Figure 12 Four example traces are shown. Lx_PDy is used for emission from emitter LEDx and detection by detector PDy. As an example, traces for L0_PD0, L0_PD2, L1_PD1, L2_PD0, and L2_PD2 are shown. Lx_PDx (i.e., the emitter and detector at the same location) provides the reflection monitoring signal, while the other signals provide the transmission monitoring signal.

[0116] At times 0 to 10, formula was dripped onto the center of the neck.

[0117] From time 10 to 15, formula was dripped near PDO.

[0118] At times 15 to 20, formula was dripped near PD1.

[0119] At times 20 to 25, formula was dripped near PD2.

[0120] Especially for opposing emitter and detector pairs, such as L0_PD2 and L2_PD0, the interruption of light transmission can be clearly seen.

[0121] The signal disturbances in L0_PD0 and L2_PD2 are related to reflections caused by milk flowing onto the walls near the sensor location.

[0122] The signals reflected from the milk membrane and passed through the optical sensor can also be used to derive information about the amount of milk expressed. Adding the surface area under each pulse in these signals can be used to give an indication of the total amount of milk.

[0123] Figure 13 Three reflected signals L1_PD1 , L2_PD2 and L0_PD0 are shown. This shows that milk passes the detector PD1 and the pulses shown can be used to derive the flow rate.

[0124] A high pass filter may be used to remove signals generated by movement of the nipple within the breast shield during compression.

[0125] In all of the above examples, pulsed illumination can be used to correct for ambient light variations by taking the difference in intensity measured for the ON and OFF conditions. Additionally, by taking the zero-order and first-order moments of the power spectrum within a frequency bandwidth (e.g., 0 to 100 kHz), the scattering sites present in the milk (the concentration of dynamic scattering) and the flux of dynamic scattering (approximately concentration × velocity) can be derived. This can then make it possible to filter out this contribution from ambient light from other static background signals.

[0126] Using cross-polarization detection can further enhance the sensitivity to scattered light from milk compared to reflected background light from other interfaces.Analyzing the speckle pattern using a low-cost CMOS sensor can improve the sensitivity of the signal detected from milk droplets.

[0127] Additionally, the presence of milk can be detected using laser speckle contrast analysis (LASCA), also known as laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI), which uses a CCD camera with fixed exposure settings and laser illumination in the path of milk flow. Speckle contrast is defined as the ratio between the standard deviation of intensity and the mean value of intensity. When there is no milk flow in the optical path between the laser source and the camera, or when the illuminated object (such as a milk bottle) is stationary, the speckle pattern is static. When there is movement in the optical path, such as milk flow, the speckle pattern will change over time, which will cause motion blur. If there is a lot of movement, the blur will increase, the standard deviation of intensity will decrease, and therefore the speckle contrast will be lower.

[0128] The stimulation setup for example involves applying a first relatively low level of vacuum (which means the pressure is only slightly below ambient pressure) at a first relatively high cycle rate (short cycle).

[0129] The squeeze setting then involves applying a second relatively high level of vacuum (meaning the pressure is much lower than ambient pressure) at a second relatively low cycle rate (long cycle).

[0130] An example of a typical pressure and cycle timing for stimulation settings is: -170 mbar (-17 kPa, i.e., 17 kPa below atmospheric pressure) with a cycle duration of 0.6 seconds. Typically, pressures are in the range of -10 kPa to -20 kPa, with cycle durations less than 1.0 seconds.

[0131] An example of a typical pressure and cycle timing for extrusion settings is: -250 mbar (-25 kPa, i.e. 25 kPa below atmospheric pressure) with a cycle duration of 1.2 seconds. Typically, the pressure is in the range of -22 kPa to -35 kPa, with a cycle duration greater than 1 second, such as 1.0 to 1.5 seconds.

[0132] These are merely examples to give an indication of typical differences between squeeze mode and stimulation mode.

[0133] Optical sensing may be based on the use of a near infrared LED and a suitable detector (which may be a broadband detector with suitable filtering selective to the LED frequency).

[0134] The processing of the optical signals can be performed at various possible locations. The processing may be built into the breast pump system, or integrated with the sensor system (when it is e.g. a clip-on feature) or integrated in a remote device such as a mobile phone or even hosted remotely in the cloud.

[0135] Variations of the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, by studying the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0136] A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims.

[0137] The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0138] The computer program may be stored / distributed on appropriate media such as optical storage media or solid-state media provided with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems.

[0139] If the term "adapted for" is used in the claims or the description, it should be noted that the term "adapted for" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured to".

[0140] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A collection container system for use with a breast pump, comprising: a collecting container (7) for collecting milk expressed during use of the breast pump; as well as a sensor system for sensing the start of expression of milk into the collection container, The sensor system comprises a sensor ring (50), the sensor ring having: an optical transmitter arrangement (40); an optical detector arrangement (42); and an output (44) for providing a signal indicating the presence of expressed first milk for controlling the breast pump to switch from a stimulation mode to an expression mode, Characterized in that the collecting container (7) comprises a base having an annular seat (46) and a raised central portion (48), wherein the sensor system is located at the base of the collecting container and wherein the optical path (62) between the optical emitter arrangement and the optical detector is changed by the presence of milk at any position in the vicinity of the sensor ring, so that the sensor system is used to sense milk collected at any position around the annular seat (46).

2. The collection container system according to claim 1, further comprising: a blocking arrangement (430) between the optical emitter arrangement and the optical detector arrangement for blocking a direct optical path therebetween, wherein when the collecting container is empty, the radiation reaching the optical detector arrangement from the optical emitter arrangement is below a threshold value, and when the collecting container contains liquid, scattering or reflection of the radiation from the optical emitter arrangement by the liquid causes the radiation reaching the optical detector from the optical emitter arrangement to be above the threshold value.

3. The collection container system of claim 2, wherein liquid at any location near the sensor ring causes the radiation from the optical emitter arrangement to reach the optical detector arrangement to exceed the threshold.

4. The collection container system of claim 3, wherein the sensor ring (50) comprises an alternating sequence of optical emitters and optical detectors surrounding the sensor ring.

5. The collection container system of claim 4, wherein the blocking arrangement comprises a blocking element (430) between each adjacent optical emitter and optical detector.

6. A collection container system according to claim 3, wherein the sensor ring includes an optical emitter (400); a first annular light guide (70) for guiding the radiation from the optical emitter; an optical detector (420); and a second annular light guide (72) for guiding the radiation to the optical detector, wherein the blocking arrangement includes a blocking element (430) between the first annular light guide and the second annular light guide.

7. The collecting container system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the sensor system is integrated into a holder (20) for the base of the collecting container (7).

8. A breast pump device comprising: at least one breast receiving portion (6) configured to receive a breast of a user; a pressure source (3) coupled to the at least one breast receiving part and configured to generate at least negative pressure; a controller (3') configured to control the operation of the pressure source in a stimulation mode and a compression mode; as well as The collection container system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the controller is configured to switch from the stimulation mode to the compression mode in response to a signal from the sensor system of the collection container system.

9. A holder for a collecting container (7) for collecting expressed milk during use of a breast pump according to claim 1, the collecting container (7) comprising a base with an annular seat (46) and a raised central portion (48), the holder comprising a sensor system integrated therein, the sensor system being configured for sensing the start of milk expression into the collecting container, the sensor system comprising a sensor ring (50) having: an optical transmitter arrangement (40); an optical detector arrangement (42); and an output (44) for providing a signal indicating the presence of expressed first milk for controlling the breast pump to switch from a stimulation mode to an expression mode, wherein the sensor system is located at the base of the collection container, and wherein the optical path (62) between the optical emitter arrangement and the optical detector is altered by the presence of milk at any location near the sensor ring, such that the sensor system is used to sense milk collected at any location around the annular seat (46).

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