Hand control device for controlling the operation of an injection system

Abstract

A hand control device for controlling the operation of an injection system is described herein. The hand control device includes one or more input components that receive inputs that control various operations of the injection system, including commanding the injection system to perform a particular operation, changing an operational aspect of the injection system, and selecting an operational mode for the injection system. A communication unit of the hand control device generates and transmits signals for the injection system, and receives command signals from the injection system. An output component outputs an indication, such as a light emission, sound, or haptic feedback, in response to receiving a command signal. In some cases, this indication serves as a confirmation or failure of an intended input.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to fluid injection systems. Background Technology

[0002] Many medical imaging procedures, such as angiography, involve injecting contrast fluid into a patient. Angiography is a procedure used to diagnose and treat cardiovascular diseases, including abnormalities or restrictions in blood vessels. During angiography, radiographic images of the heart or vascular structures are obtained by injecting contrast fluid into the patient's vascular system (e.g., the coronary arteries) via a catheter. The injected contrast fluid can be delivered to the vascular structures that are in fluid communication with the vessel through which the injection is being made. X-rays pass through the area of ​​the body where the contrast fluid is injected. The X-rays are absorbed by the contrast fluid, thus forming a radiographic profile or image of the vascular system containing the contrast fluid. Contrast injection can also be used in conjunction with other medical procedures, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and interventional device procedures / placement. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Generally, this disclosure describes a hand-held device configured to control various operational aspects of an injection system. In some examples, previous hand-held devices may have been limited to two buttons, thus limiting functionality. To be consistent with previous designs, the hand-held device described herein may also include two buttons, but additional technologies can be incorporated to provide additional functionality to the hand-held device.

[0004] For example, to facilitate two-way communication between the handheld device and the injection system, the handheld device can also be configured to receive a controller command signal from the injection system after the injection system command signal has been transmitted to the injection system. This signal indicates a change to be performed in terms of the operation of the injection system. Such indication can be visual (e.g., light), tactile (e.g., vibration), or auditory (e.g., sound).

[0005] In another scenario, the manual control device can assign the mode selection operation to the first input component and the action to the second input component, instead of performing a specific function on two buttons. Therefore, the operator can use the mode selection input component to switch between any number of modes before commanding the injection system to perform the action associated with the selected mode.

[0006] In another example, the handheld device can detect when the user picks up the device (e.g., when the user touches a button or the device itself) via a motion detection module and / or a touch module, instead of being forced to press the action button twice to stop the refill action and begin delivery. Upon detecting such movement or contact, the handheld device can issue a command to stop the refill operation. Conversely, when the handheld device has not moved or touched for a threshold amount of time, it can issue a command to resume or begin the refill operation.

[0007] As described herein, incorporating a handheld device into an injection system offers several advantages. For example, the handheld device described herein can control additional functions without increasing the number of input components present on the handheld device, rather than forcing the user to use a separate touchscreen to perform additional control functions. Furthermore, by providing feedback at the handheld device, users can focus their attention on the patient and the activity being performed, rather than diverting their attention to a different system that the user must analyze to determine whether the appropriate action has been performed. Additionally, by automatically stopping the refilling operation in response to the detection of movement on the handheld device, users can reduce the number of explicit inputs that must be entered on the handheld device, thereby improving the efficiency of the refilling operation and the durability of the handheld device itself. Similarly, by automatically resuming or automatically starting the refilling operation in response to the detection of no movement or contact, various fluid reservoirs used by the injection system can be refilled at the most efficient and effective time, ensuring that fluid is available when the operator of the injection system needs it.

[0008] Furthermore, and importantly, the operator of a handheld device must be sterile. However, the touchscreen of an injection system is not sterile. Therefore, it is cumbersome for the operator (e.g., a cardiologist) to either instruct another person (who may not be a trained cardiologist) which actions the injection system must perform via the touchscreen, or for the cardiologist to perform functions themselves via a sterile cloth on the touchscreen. By adding functionality to the handheld device, the number of functions that the operator can control personally without interacting with the sterile cloth is greatly increased, thereby improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the entire injection system.

[0009] In one example, this disclosure relates to a method for controlling an injection system using a handheld device. The method includes receiving user input by the handheld device at an input component of the handheld device. The method further includes, in response to receiving the user input: generating an injection system command signal by the handheld device, transmitting the injection system command signal to the injection system by the handheld device, and receiving a controller instruction signal from the injection system by the handheld device. The method also includes, in response to receiving the controller instruction signal from the injection system, outputting an indication by the handheld device.

[0010] In another example, this disclosure relates to a hand-held device for an injection system. The hand-held device includes a controller body sized for single-handed holding by a user. The hand-held device also includes an input component at the controller body, configured to receive user input. The hand-held device further includes a communication unit configured to, in response to the input component receiving user input, generate an injection system command signal, transmit the injection system command signal to the injection system, and receive a controller command signal from the injection system. The hand-held device also includes an output component at the controller body, configured to output an indication in response to the communication unit receiving the controller command signal from the injection system.

[0011] In another example, this disclosure relates to a computer-readable medium containing instructions for controlling an injection system using a handheld device. The instructions cause one or more processors to receive user input from an input component of the handheld device. The instructions also cause one or more processors, in response to receiving the user input, to: generate an injection system command signal, transmit the injection system command signal to the injection system, and receive a controller command signal from the injection system. The instructions further cause one or more processors to output an indication in response to receiving the controller command signal from the injection system.

[0012] In another example, this disclosure relates to a method for controlling an injection system using a handheld device. The method includes receiving user input that identifies an operating mode of the injection system at a first input component of the handheld device. The method further includes, in response to receiving user input at the first input component: generating an injection mode selection signal corresponding to the identified operating mode of the injection system by the handheld device, and transmitting the injection mode selection signal to the injection system by the handheld device. The method also includes receiving user input that identifies an action command at a second input component of the handheld device. The method further includes, in response to receiving user input at the second input component: generating an injection command signal corresponding to the identified action command by the handheld device, and transmitting the injection command signal to the injection system by the handheld device.

[0013] In another example, this disclosure relates to a hand-held device for an injection system. The hand-held device includes a controller body sized for single-handed grip by a user. The hand-held device also includes a first input component at the controller body, configured to receive user input that identifies an operating mode of the injection system. The hand-held device further includes a communication unit configured to, in response to the first input component receiving user input, generate an injection mode selection signal corresponding to the identified operating mode of the injection system, and transmit the injection mode selection signal to the injection system. The hand-held device also includes a second input component at the controller body, configured to receive user input that identifies an action command for the identified operating mode of the injection system. The communication unit is further configured to, in response to the second input component receiving user input, generate an injection command signal corresponding to the identified action command, and transmit the injection command signal to the injection system.

[0014] In another example, this disclosure relates to a computer-readable medium containing instructions for controlling an injection system using a handheld device. The instructions cause one or more processors to receive user input identifying an operating mode of the injection system, the input being received from a first input component of the handheld device. The instructions further cause the one or more processors, in response to receiving user input at the first input component, to generate an injection mode selection signal corresponding to the identified operating mode of the injection system, and to transmit the injection mode selection signal to the injection system. The instructions further cause the one or more processors to receive user input identifying an action command, the user input being received from a second input component of the handheld device. The instructions further cause the one or more processors, in response to receiving user input at the second input component, to generate an injection command signal corresponding to the identified action command, and to transmit the injection command signal to the injection system.

[0015] In another example, this disclosure relates to a method for controlling an injection system using a handheld device. The method includes receiving user input by the handheld device at an input component of the handheld device. The method further includes, in response to receiving the user input, generating a first injection system command signal by the handheld device and transmitting the first injection system command signal to the injection system by the handheld device. The method also includes detecting movement of a controller body of the handheld device by the handheld device. Furthermore, the method further includes, in response to detecting movement of the controller body, generating a second injection system command signal by the handheld device and transmitting the second injection system command signal to the syringe system by the handheld device.

[0016] In another example, this disclosure relates to a hand-held device for an injection system. The hand-held device includes a controller body sized for single-handed grip by a user. The hand-held device also includes an input component at the controller body, configured to receive user input. The hand-held device further includes a communication unit configured to, in response to the input component receiving user input, generate a first injection system command signal and transmit the first injection system command signal to the injection system. The hand-held device also includes a motion detection component located at the controller body, configured to detect movement of the controller body. The communication unit is further configured to, in response to the motion detection detecting movement of the controller body, generate a second injection system command signal and transmit the second injection system command signal to the injection system.

[0017] In another example, this disclosure relates to a computer-readable medium containing instructions for controlling an injection system using a handheld device. The instructions cause one or more processors to receive user input from an input component of the handheld device. The instructions also cause one or more processors, in response to receiving the user input, to generate a first injection system command signal and to transmit the first injection system command signal to the injection system. The instructions further cause one or more processors to detect movement of a controller body of the handheld device. The instructions further cause one or more processors, in response to detecting movement of the controller body, to generate a second injection system command signal and to transmit the second injection system command signal to the injection system.

[0018] Details of one or more examples of this disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 A perspective view of an example of a power fluid injector according to one or more aspects of the technology described in this disclosure is illustrated.

[0020] Figures 2A-2F This is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example handheld device having various configurations, each configured to perform one or more aspects of the technology described in this disclosure.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating an example hand-held device configured to control one or more aspects of an injection system according to one or more aspects of the technology described in this disclosure.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an example process for facilitating bidirectional communication between a hand-held device and an injection system, based on one or more aspects of the technology described in this disclosure.

[0023] Figure 5This is a flowchart illustrating an example process for a hand-held device to control an injection system in different modes and motion input components according to one or more aspects of the technology described in this disclosure.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example process for a hand-controlled device to facilitate the automatic start and stop of a refill procedure for an injection system, according to one or more aspects of the technology described in this disclosure.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example process for a hand-held device to facilitate bidirectional communication with an injection system, based on one or more aspects of the technology described in this disclosure.

[0026] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an example process for a hand-held device to control an injection system in different modes and motion input components according to one or more aspects of the technology described in this disclosure.

[0027] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example process for a hand-controlled device to facilitate the automatic start and stop of a refill procedure for an injection system, according to one or more aspects of the technology described in this disclosure.

[0028] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating an example process for communication between a hand-held device and an injection system, based on one or more aspects of the technology described in this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an example of a powered fluid injector 100. In operation, the powered fluid injector 100 can inject a quantity of fluid into a patient, for example, via a catheter into a blood vessel. The fluid injected by the powered fluid injector 100 can be, for example, a contrast agent fluid, a non-contrast agent fluid (e.g., saline), or a combination thereof. By injecting a quantity of fluid into a patient, the powered fluid injector 100 can facilitate a variety of medical diagnostics and / or interventional procedures, including collections of image data representing anatomical regions of interest. For example, these procedures may include optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging, computed tomography (CT) imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), angiography procedures, and interventional device procedures / placement.

[0030] The illustrated power fluid injector 100 includes a drive assembly housing 102 (also referred to herein as a "injector housing") and a sleeve 104. The sleeve 104 can be secured to the drive assembly housing 102. For example, the drive assembly housing 102 may include an opening, and the sleeve 104 can be secured to the drive assembly housing 102 at or near such an opening. The sleeve 104 can extend from the drive assembly housing 102 and can be configured to receive and retain a reservoir 106 (also referred to herein as a "fluid reservoir"). The reservoir 106 may have an internal reservoir volume containing fluid and may include a plunger 108 located within the internal reservoir volume. The plunger 108 can be made of various components, including a wiper configured to move proximally and distally within the fluid reservoir 106, and a push rod extending from the drive assembly housing 102 into the sleeve 104 and configured to engage the wiper when the fluid reservoir 106 is received and secured in the sleeve 104, and to drive the wiper proximally and distally according to instructions received from a controller 110 coupled to the drive assembly housing 102. At least a portion of the drive assembly can be housed within the drive assembly housing 102.

[0031] The drive assembly can be configured to pressurize fluid within the internal reservoir volume. For example, the drive assembly can be coupled to plunger 108, such as at an opening in the drive assembly housing 102, and drive plunger 108 within the internal reservoir volume. As plunger 108 is progressively driven within the fluid reservoir 106, fluid within the internal reservoir volume can be output from the fluid reservoir 106 along conduit 109 leading to catheter 126, which is inserted into a patient's blood vessel to inject fluid into the vascular system. In some applications of the powered fluid injector 100, the output fluid (such as a contrast agent medium) can be pressurized anywhere from 1000-1500 psi (e.g., 1200 psi).

[0032] The illustrated example of the powered fluid injector 100 includes several features useful for pressurizing and delivering fluid during operation. The powered fluid injector 100 may include a controller 110. The controller 110 may include a user interface for various operational aspects. For example, a user can utilize the controller 110 to set various parameters and / or protocols for a given fluid injection procedure. In one example, a user can interact with the controller 110 to input fluid injection parameters such as flow rate, injection volume (e.g., maximum), injection pressure limit (e.g., maximum), fluid injection duration, rise time, and / or other injection parameters. In one example, the controller 110 includes a touchscreen panel display, allowing the user to view and modify injection parameters. The controller 110 can also be used to initialize the powered fluid injector 100 (e.g., prepare for fluid injection for a patient) or activate certain features or operational sequences. The controller 110 may also provide status information, including information related to past or currently ongoing injection procedures and any appropriate alerts. The controller 110 may include an imaging engine with one or more processors for controlling the operation of the powered fluid injector 100. Such processors can also control other components, such as drive components, peristaltic pump 112 (when present), and / or any sensors and detectors included in the power fluid injector 100.

[0033] In addition to the controller 110, the illustrated power fluid injector 100 also includes a handheld device 113 for user input. The handheld device 113 can be coupled to the power fluid injector 100 and the controller 110 either wirelessly or via a wired connection. As shown, the handheld device 113 is connected to the drive assembly housing 102. In other examples, the handheld device 113 can be directly connected to the controller 110. The handheld device 113 can generate various signals related to the injection procedure and send them to the controller 110 or other connected components. The user can actuate one or more interface components at the handheld device 113 to control the injection procedure. For example, the user can use the handheld device 113 as a variable rate control device to change the fluid flow rate output from the power fluid injector 100 and / or as a mechanism to start or stop fluid injection. The handheld device 113 may include the external body of the controller, sized for one-handed holding by the user. In other cases, the size of the handheld device 113 may vary, such as being held by both hands during operation or seated on a surface.

[0034] The powered fluid injector 100 may also include one or more components useful for supplying fluid to be used in the injection procedure. A container 114 may include a supply of fluid such as a contrast agent medium and is held in place by a retainer 116 at the powered fluid injector 100. Fluid from container 114 may be supplied to a fluid reservoir 106 for use during the injection procedure. For example, when plunger 108 retracts, fluid from container 114 may be drawn into fluid reservoir 106, thereby refilling the internal reservoir volume. Similarly, when the powered fluid injector 100 includes a peristaltic pump 112, a second container 118 may include a supply of fluid such as a flushing medium (e.g., saline) and is held in place by a retainer 120 at the powered fluid injector 100. When present, the peristaltic pump 112 may receive fluid from the second container 118 and deliver such fluid to the patient. The peristaltic pump 112 may often be used to deliver non-contrast agent fluids (such as saline) at a pressure lower than that used by the drive assembly to deliver contrast agent fluid from fluid reservoir 106. It may include a valve system 124 to selectively connect the fluid reservoir 106 or the peristaltic pump 112 to the patient.

[0035] As described elsewhere herein, the controller 110 of the powered fluid injector 100 can control various functions of the powered fluid injector 100, which may include dispensing contrast agent fluid through a conduit. In some examples, the controller 110 may be housed within the housing of a display device. In some examples, the controller may be housed within the injector housing.

[0036] The power fluid injector 100 can be fluidly and electrically connected to a catheter 126, which is inserted into a patient's blood vessel (e.g., a coronary artery). When connected in this way, the power fluid injector 100 can inject contrast agent fluid (of various concentrations) or dispense non-contrast agent fluid into the patient's vascular system via the injection tubing and catheter 126. In many examples, catheter 126 may include an invasive blood pressure sensor. When the power fluid injector 100 is connected to catheter 126, the blood pressure sensor can be electrically communicated with a controller 110. When catheter 126 is fluidly connected to the power fluid injector 100, the blood pressure sensor can provide a blood pressure signal to the controller 110, and when catheter 126 is not fluidly connected to the power fluid injector 100, the power fluid injector 100 cannot provide a blood pressure signal.

[0037] According to the techniques described herein, the handheld device 113 can be modified to perform various functions. For example, the handheld device 113 can be configured to receive feedback from the power fluid injector 100 in addition to sending signals to it, providing an indication of whether a command sent to the power fluid injector 100 was successful or unsuccessful, or even simply an indication of the state of the power fluid injector 100. For example, the handheld device 113 may include an input component at the controller body, configured to receive user input. The handheld device 113 may also include a communication unit. In response to the input component receiving user input, the communication unit can be configured to generate an injection system command signal and transmit the injection system command signal to the power fluid injector 100. Additionally, the communication unit can be configured to receive controller command signals from the power fluid injector 100. The handheld device 113 may also include an output component at the controller body, configured to output an indication in response to the communication unit receiving a controller command signal from the power fluid injector 100.

[0038] In other cases, the handheld device 113 may be configured with multiple different input components, one of which controls the operating mode of the power fluid injector 100, and a second input component controls the action performed in a specific operating mode. For example, the handheld device 113 may include a first input component at the controller body, configured to receive user input that identifies the injection system operating mode. In such an example, a communication unit may be configured to generate an injection mode selection signal corresponding to the identified injection system operating mode in response to the first input component receiving user input, and to transmit the injection mode selection signal to the power fluid injector 100. In addition to the first input component, the handheld device 113 may also include a second input component at the controller body, configured to receive user input that identifies an action command for the identified injection system operating mode. In response to the second input component receiving user input, the communication unit may also be configured to generate an injection command signal corresponding to the identified action command and to transmit the injection command signal to the injection system.

[0039] In other cases, the manual control device 113 can be configured to automatically start and stop the refilling process for various fluid reservoirs (including reservoir 106). Instead of basing this process on any direct input to the manual control device 113 (e.g., pressing a button), the manual control device 113 can detect movement or touch and start or stop the refilling process based on the detected movement or touch (or none). For example, the input component of the manual control device 113 can be configured to receive user input. In response to the input component receiving user input, the communication unit can be configured to generate a first injection system command signal and transmit the first injection system command signal to the injection system. The manual control device 113 may also include a movement detection component located at the controller body, configured to detect movement of the controller body. The communication unit may also be configured to generate a second injection system command signal and transmit the second injection system command signal to the injection system in response to the movement detection component detecting movement of the controller body.

[0040] Implementing a handheld device 113 into the powered fluid injector 100, as described herein, offers several advantages. For example, instead of forcing the user to use a separate touchscreen (e.g., controller 110) to perform additional control functions, the handheld device 113 described herein can control additional functions without increasing the number of input components present on the handheld device 113. Furthermore, by providing feedback at the handheld device 113, the user of the handheld device 113 can maintain their focus on the patient and the activity being performed, rather than diverting their attention to different systems that the user must analyze to determine whether the correct action has been performed. Additionally, by automatically stopping the refilling operation of the reservoir 106 in response to the detection of movement of the handheld device 113, the user can reduce the number of explicit inputs that must be entered on the handheld device 113, thereby improving the efficiency of the refilling operation and the durability of the handheld device 113 itself. Similarly, by automatically resuming the refilling operation of the reservoir in response to the detection of no movement or contact, the various fluid reservoirs used by the powered fluid injector 100 can be refilled at the most efficient and effective time, thereby ensuring that fluid is available when the operator of the powered fluid injector 100 needs it.

[0041] Furthermore, and importantly, the operator of the handheld device 113 must be sterile. However, the controller 110, which previously controlled these functions, is not sterile. Therefore, an operator such as a cardiologist must either instruct another person, who may not be a trained cardiologist, on what actions the powered fluid injector 100 must perform, or the cardiologist must perform the functions on the controller 110 themselves and then re-sterilize themselves before operating the handheld device 113 again. By adding functionality to the handheld device 113, the number of functions that the operator can control personally without touching unsterilized surfaces is greatly increased, thereby improving the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the powered fluid injector 100.

[0042] Figures 2A-2F This is a conceptual diagram of an example hand-held device that can be configured to control one or more aspects of an injection system according to one or more aspects of the technology described in this disclosure, having... Figure 1 Handheld device 113 and Figure 3 Similar functional capabilities to the hand-held device 113. Figures 2A-2F Each example in the document illustrates a different view of the possible button configurations of a handheld device or a handheld device as described herein. Although Figures 2A-2F Various examples are shown, but these examples should not be considered the only possible constructions of handheld devices capable of performing the techniques described herein. Any combination of the shown devices or any other use of buttons or input components may be used instead. Figures 2A-2F Any example. For instance, a handheld device could use a touchscreen, a joystick, or any other type of input device instead of a mechanical button.

[0043] Figure 2A A side view of a handheld device 213A is illustrated, which can be configured to perform one or more aspects of the technology described herein. Figure 2AIn the example, the handheld device 213A includes buttons 254AA and 254AB. Receiving input as a button press of buttons 254AA and / or 254AB can initialize the performance of one or more aspects of the technology described herein. For example, receiving a press of one of buttons 254AA or 254AB can cause the handheld device to generate an injection system command signal corresponding to the pressure and displacement of the button press. In other words, a particular injection system signal generated by the handheld device 213A may depend on the pressure applied to a particular button 254AA or 254AB or the distance by which a particular button 254AA or 254AB is pressed from its neutral position. In other cases, a received press of button 254AA will cause the handheld device 213A to generate an injection mode selection signal corresponding to the pressure and displacement of the button press, while a press of button 254AB will cause the handheld device 213A to generate an injection command signal corresponding to the pressure and displacement of the button press, and vice versa.

[0044] Figure 2B A top view of a handheld device 213B is illustrated, which can be configured to perform one or more aspects of the technology described herein. Figure 2B In the example, the handheld device 213B includes buttons 254BA and 254BB. Receiving input as a button press of buttons 254BA and / or 254BB can initialize the performance of one or more aspects of the technology described herein. For example, receiving a press of one of buttons 254BA or 254BB can cause the handheld device to generate an injection system command signal corresponding to the pressure and displacement of the button press. In other words, a particular injection system signal generated by the handheld device 213B may depend on the pressure applied to a particular button 254BA or 254BB or the distance by which a particular button 254BA or 254BB is pressed from its intermediate position. In other cases, a received press of button 254BA will cause the handheld device 213B to generate an injection mode selection signal corresponding to the pressure and displacement of the button press, while button 254BB can cause the handheld device 213B to generate an injection command signal corresponding to the pressure and displacement of the button press, and vice versa.

[0045] Figure 2C The illustration shows a side view of a handheld device 213C that can be configured to perform one or more aspects of the techniques described herein. Figure 2CIn the example, the handheld device 213C includes a button 254CA, a button 254CB, and a trigger 254CC. Receiving input as a button press of button 254CA and / or button 254CB can initialize the execution of one or more aspects of the technology described herein. For example, receiving a press of one of buttons 254CA or 254CB can cause the handheld device to generate an injection system command signal corresponding to the pressure and displacement of the button press. In other words, a particular injection system signal generated by the handheld device 213C may depend on the pressure applied to a particular button 254CA or 254CB or the distance by which a particular button 254CA or 254CB is pressed from its intermediate position. In other cases, a received press of button 254CA will cause the handheld device 213C to generate an injection mode selection signal corresponding to the pressure and displacement of the button press, while a press of button 254CB will cause the handheld device 213C to generate an injection command signal corresponding to the pressure and displacement of the button press, and vice versa. Additionally, the trigger 254CC can also modify the signal generated by the handheld device 254C. For example, the amount of pressure applied to the trigger 254CC or the distance the trigger is pulled can initiate a 50 / 50 mix of the fluid used during injection or can adjust the percentage of components in the solution used during injection.

[0046] Figure 2D A top view of a handheld device 213D that can be configured to perform one or more aspects of the techniques described herein is illustrated. Figure 2A In the example, the handheld device 213D includes a joystick 254DA and a button 254DB. Receiving input as a directional force applied to the joystick 254DA or a button press of the button 254DB can initiate the execution of one or more aspects of the technology described herein. For example, receiving a directional force applied to the joystick 254DA or a button press of the button 254DB can cause the handheld device to generate an injection system command signal corresponding to the direction or pressure of the directional force or the pressure and displacement of the button press. In other words, a particular injection system signal generated by the handheld device 213D can depend on the direction in which the user moves the joystick 254DA, the amount of pressure applied to the joystick 254DA, the pressure applied to the button 254DA, or the distance the button 254DB is pressed from its neutral position. In other cases, the direction or pressure of the received directional force on the joystick 254DA will cause the handheld device 213D to generate an injection mode selection signal corresponding to the pressure and / or direction of the directional force, while the button 254DB will cause the handheld device 213D to generate an injection command signal corresponding to the pressure and displacement of the button press, and vice versa.

[0047] Figure 2E A top view of a handheld device 213E that can be configured to perform one or more aspects of the techniques described herein is illustrated. Figure 2E In the example, the handheld device 213E includes a button 254EA and a direction pad 254EB. Receiving input of a button press (one of the buttons 254EAs) and / or the direction of the direction pad 254EB can initialize the performance of one or more aspects of the technology described herein. For example, receiving a press of one of the buttons 254EAs or the direction of the direction pad 254EB causes the handheld device to generate an injection system command signal corresponding to the pressure and displacement of the button press and the specific direction of the pressed direction pad 254EB. In other words, the specific injection system signal generated by the handheld device 213E may depend on the pressure applied to a particular one of the buttons 254EAs or the specific direction of the direction pad 254EB, the distance by which a particular one of the buttons 254EAs or the direction pad 254EB is pressed from its neutral position, or the specific direction in which the direction pad 254EB is pressed. In other cases, receiving a press of button 254EA can cause the hand control device 213E to generate an injection mode selection signal corresponding to the pressure and displacement of the button press, while the direction pad 254EB can cause the hand control device 213E to generate an injection command signal corresponding to the pressure, displacement and direction of the button press, and vice versa.

[0048] Figure 2F A top view of a handheld device 213F, which can be configured to perform one or more aspects of the techniques described herein, is illustrated. Figure 2F In the example, the hand-held device 213F includes buttons 254FA and 254FB, similar to... Figure 2A The handheld device 213A has buttons 254FA and 254FB arranged laterally rather than longitudinally. Receiving input as a button press of one of buttons 254FA and / or 254FB can initiate the execution of one or more aspects of the technology described herein. For example, receiving a press of button 254FA or button 254FB can cause the handheld device to generate an injection system command signal corresponding to the pressure and displacement of the button press. In other words, a particular injection system signal generated by the handheld device 213F may depend on the pressure applied to a particular one of buttons 254FA or 254FB or the distance by which a particular one of buttons 254FA or 254FB is pressed from its neutral position. In other cases, a received press of button 254FA can cause the handheld device 213F to generate an injection mode selection signal corresponding to the pressure and displacement of the button press, while a press of button 254FB can cause the handheld device 213F to generate an injection command signal corresponding to the pressure and displacement of the button press, and vice versa.

[0049] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating an example hand-held device 113 configured to control one or more aspects of an injection system according to one or more aspects of the technology described in this disclosure. The following will... Figure 3The manual control device 113 is described as follows: Figure 1 and Figures 2A-2F Example of a hand-held device 113. Figure 3 Only one specific example of a handheld device 113 is illustrated, and many other examples of handheld devices 113 may be used in other situations and may include a subset of the components included in the example handheld device 113 or may include... Figure 3 Additional components not shown.

[0050] like Figure 3 As shown in the example, the handheld device 113 includes one or more processors 340, one or more communication units 342, one or more input components 344, one or more output components 346, and one or more memory components 348. The input components include one or more sensors 352, buttons 354A and 354B. The output components 346 may include one or more lights 356, one or more haptic components 358, and one or more speakers 360. The memory components 348 of the handheld device 113 include a control module 362 and a UI module 364.

[0051] One or more processors 340 may implement the functionality and / or execute instructions associated with the hand control device 113. That is, the processor 340 may implement the functionality and / or execute instructions associated with the hand control device 113 to communicate with the controller 110 to control one or more aspects of the injection system.

[0052] Examples of processor 340 include application processors, display controllers, auxiliary processors, one or more sensor hubs, and any other hardware configured to function as a processor, processing unit, or processing device. Modules 362 and 364 can be operated by processor 340 to perform various actions, operations, or functions of the handheld device 113. For example, processor 340 of handheld device 113 can retrieve and execute instructions stored in storage unit 348 that cause processor 340 to perform the operations described with respect to modules 362 and 364. When executed by processor 340, the instructions can cause handheld device 113 to generate and output one or more command signals controlling one or more aspects of the injection system.

[0053] One or more storage units 348 within the handheld device 113 may store information for processing during operation of the handheld device 113 (e.g., the handheld device 113 may store data accessed by modules 362 and 364 during operation of the handheld device 113). In some examples, the storage unit 348 is temporary memory, meaning that the primary purpose of the storage unit 348 is not long-term storage. The storage unit 348 on the handheld device 113 may be configured for short-term storage of information as volatile memory and therefore its stored contents are not retained if power is lost. Examples of volatile memory include random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), and other forms of volatile memory known in the art.

[0054] In some examples, storage component 348 also includes one or more computer-readable storage media. In some examples, storage component 348 includes one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media. Storage component 348 can be configured to store a larger amount of information than is typically stored in volatile memory. Storage component 348 can also be configured to permanently store information in non-volatile memory space and retain the information after power-on / power-off. Examples of non-volatile memory include magnetic hard disks, optical disks, floppy disks, flash memory, or electrically programmable memory (EPROM) or electrically erasable programmable memory (EEPROM). Storage component 348 can store program instructions and / or information (e.g., data) associated with modules 362 and 364. Storage component 348 may include memory configured to store data or other information associated with modules 362 and 364.

[0055] Communication channel 350 can interconnect each of components 340, 342, 344, 346, and 348 for inter-component communication (physical, communicative, and / or operational). In some examples, communication channel 350 may include a system bus, network connection, inter-process communication data structure, or any other method for transmitting data.

[0056] One or more communication units 342 of the handheld device 113 can communicate with external devices (e.g., controller 110) by transmitting and / or receiving network signals over one or more wired and / or wireless networks. Examples of communication units 342 include network interface cards (e.g., such as Ethernet cards), optical transceivers, radio frequency transceivers, GPS receivers, or any other type of device capable of sending and / or receiving information. Other examples of communication units 342 may include shortwave radio transceivers, cellular data radio transceivers, wireless network radio transceivers, and Universal Serial Bus (USB) controllers.

[0057] One or more input components 344 of the handheld device 113 can receive input. Examples of input are tactile, audio, and video input. In one example, the input component 344 of the handheld device 113 includes a presence-sensitive input device (e.g., a touchscreen, PSD), a mouse, a keyboard, a voice response system, a camera, a microphone, or any other type of device for detecting input from a person or machine. In some examples, the input component 344 may include one or more sensor components 352—for example, one or more position sensors (GPS components, Wi-Fi components, cellular components), one or more temperature sensors, one or more motion sensors (e.g., accelerometers, gyroscopes), one or more pressure sensors (e.g., barometers), one or more ambient light sensors, and one or more other sensors (e.g., infrared proximity sensors, hygrometer sensors, etc.).

[0058] Input component 344 may also include buttons 354A-354B (collectively referred to as buttons 354). In some cases, buttons 354 may be mechanical in nature, wherein physical movement of buttons 354 activates the initiation of a function associated with the corresponding button. For example, buttons 354 may be pressable, sinking into the body of the hand control device 113 when pressed. In other cases, buttons 354 may be switches, wherein movement of buttons 354 in a plane remote from the hand control device 113 activates the initiation of a function associated with buttons 354. In some examples, the amount of pressure applied to buttons 354 may affect the commands executed by the injection system. For example, as greater pressure is applied to buttons 354, the range of actions performed by buttons 354 may increase (e.g., as greater pressure is applied to one of buttons 354, the rate of fluid injection into the patient increases). In other cases, buttons 354 may be graphical in nature and output for display on a presence-sensitive display. In such cases, when the hand-held device 113 receives an instruction from user input that interacts with the graphical button 354, the processor 340 can activate the initiation of the function associated with the button 354.

[0059] When input component 344 includes a presence-sensitive display, the presence-sensitive display can be a screen that displays information (e.g., a visual indication) and also detects the presence of objects at and / or near the presence-sensitive display. Although shown as an internal component of the handheld device 113, input component 344 can also represent an external component that shares a data path with the handheld device 113 for transmitting and / or receiving input and output. For example, in one example, input component 344 represents a built-in component of the handheld device 113 located within its outer packaging and physically connected thereto (e.g., a screen on the handheld device 113). In another example, input component 344 represents an external component of the handheld device 113 located outside its packaging or housing and physically separated therefrom (e.g., a monitor, projector, etc., which shares a wired and / or wireless data path with the handheld device 113).

[0060] When the input component 344 of the hand-held device 113 includes a sensitive display, the input component 344 can detect two-dimensional and / or three-dimensional gestures as input from the user of the hand-held device 113. For example, sensor 352 can detect movement of the user within a threshold distance of the sensor of the input component 344 (e.g., movement of a hand, arm, pen, stylus, tactile object, etc.). The input component 344 can determine a two-dimensional or three-dimensional vector representation of the movement and associate the vector representation with a gesture input having multiple dimensions (e.g., waving, pinching, patting, swiping, etc.). In other words, the input component 344 can detect multidimensional gestures without requiring the user to make gestures at or near the screen or surface where the input component 344 outputs information for display. Alternatively, the input component 344 can detect multidimensional gestures performed at or near a sensor, which may or may not be located near the screen or surface where the input component 344 outputs information for display.

[0061] One or more output components 346 of the hand-held device 113 can generate output in a selected modality. Examples of modalities may include haptic notifications (output via one or more haptic components 358), audible notifications (output via one or more speakers 360), visual notifications (output via one or more lights 356), machine-generated voice notifications (output via one or more speakers 360), or other modalities. In one example, the output component 346 of the hand-held device 113 includes a presence-sensitive display, sound card, video graphics adapter card, speaker, cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor, liquid crystal display (LCD), or any other type of device for generating output to a person or machine in a selected modality.

[0062] Generally, the control module 362 can be operated by the processor 340 to control the communication unit 342 to perform various communication functions with the injection system. Additionally, the user interface (UI) module 364 can be operated by the processor 340 to control the input unit 344 and output unit 346 to receive various inputs and output various instructions. Therefore, in this disclosure, the functions attributed to the communication unit 342 are executed by the processor 340, which executes the control module 362, to cause the communication unit 342 to perform those functions. Similarly, any input received by the input unit 344 can be equivalent to the UI module 364 receiving user input instructions via the input unit 344, and the processor 340 can execute the UI module 364 to control the output unit 346 to output various instructions.

[0063] According to the technology described herein, the hand-held device 113 can be modified to perform a variety of functions. For example, the hand-held device 113 can be configured to perform functions other than injecting into an injection system (e.g., Figure 1 In addition to sending signals, the power fluid injector 100 also receives feedback from the injection system, which provides an indication of whether the command sent to the injection system was successful or unsuccessful, or even simply an indication of the status of the injection system. For example, the hand-held device 113 may include an input component 344 (e.g., button 354A) at the controller body, wherein the input component 344 is configured to receive user input.

[0064] The manual control device 113 may also include a communication unit 342. In response to input from the input component 344, the communication unit 342 may be configured to generate and transmit an injection system command signal to the injection system. In some cases, the injection system command signal corresponds to an operational aspect of the injection system. For example, when button 354A or button 354B receives an instruction from the user, the communication unit 342 may generate an injection system command signal indicating a command to change the injection system from a first injection mode to a second, different injection mode. Examples of these different injection modes include contrast agent fluid injection, flushing fluid injection, contrast agent and saline mixture fluid injection, aspiration fluid injection, pre-injection purge, and sub-modes of any one of contrast agent fluid injection, flushing fluid injection, contrast agent and saline mixture injection, aspiration fluid injection, or pre-injection purge. For example, in any injection mode, a sub-mode may change the injection location, such as from injection into the right coronary artery to injection into the left coronary artery.

[0065] In other cases, the user input received at button 354A or button 354B may be a result of the user wishing to command the injection system to perform some function. Therefore, communication unit 342 can generate injection system command signals to represent commands for the injection system. Examples of possible commands that communication unit 342 can transmit to the injection system include starting fluid injection, stopping fluid injection, adjusting the fluid flow rate of the fluid injection, adjusting the duration of the fluid injection, adjusting the ratio of contrast agent and saline mixture, starting refill, stopping refill, placing the syringe in "standby" mode, and preparing the syringe.

[0066] Additionally, communication unit 342 can be configured to receive controller command signals from the injection system. Generally, controller command signals are communications from the injection system to the handheld device 113 regarding any characteristic of the injection system. In some examples, controller command signals correspond to operational aspects of the injection system. Examples of these operational aspects may include the injection of contrast agent fluid, the injection of flushing fluid, pressure in the fluid delivery components, and completion of injection system setup. In some cases, controller command signals correspond to operational modes of the injection system. In some examples, the user may put down the handheld device 113 during a medical procedure and forget to track its location. In such examples, the user can provide input to controller 110 to locate the handheld device 113, and controller 110 can send controller command signals to the handheld device 113. In response, the handheld device 113 can provide outputs (e.g., beeping, flashing lights, vibration, etc.) via one or more of the following output components 346 to help the user locate the handheld device 113. In other cases, controller command signals may correspond to warnings that parameters at the injection system differ from a predetermined threshold, or the expiration of a predetermined time period since the generation of the injection system command signal. In other words, controller command signals can represent or indicate any characteristic of the injection system.

[0067] The handheld device 113 may also include an output component 346 at the controller body. The output component 346 may be configured to output an indication in response to a controller command signal received from the injection system by the communication unit 342. In other words, the output component 346 may output an indication representing feedback received from the injection system and conveying this feedback to the user of the handheld device 113, informing the user of the current status of the injection system. In some cases, the indication confirms that an operational aspect has been implemented at the injection system. For example, when the injection system command switches from a first injection mode to a different second injection mode, the indication may confirm that the injection system has changed from the first injection mode to the different second injection mode. In other cases, the indication may indicate an operational aspect of the injection system, such as the rate at which the injection system is injecting fluid or a particular action currently being performed by the injection system.

[0068] In some cases, feedback can also indicate alarms. For example, any of the output components 346 can generate an output indicating a misaligned catheter, a notification that an injection will dissect a blood vessel, a notification that the fluid limit has been reached or is nearing its limit, or a notification to the user of the handheld device 113 that a correction or different action may be needed.

[0069] In some cases, the output component 346 includes at least one light-emitting component (e.g., lamp 356). In such cases, the indication may be an adjustment of the light emission at lamp 356 in response to the communication unit 342 receiving a controller command signal. In some cases, the controller command signal may correspond to a specific adjustment of the light emission at at least one light-emitting component. For example, the light emission may have a specific pattern, brightness, color, or flashing pattern indicating a specific message representing feedback delivered from the injection system to the handheld device 113.

[0070] In other cases, output component 346 includes at least one sound-generating component (e.g., speaker 360). In some such cases, controller command signals may correspond to a specific sound output by speaker 360. For example, a specific audio output by speaker 360 may correspond to a specific message representing feedback delivered from the injection system to the hand control device 113.

[0071] In other cases, output component 346 includes a haptic feedback component (e.g., haptic component 358). In some such cases, the indication may include adjustment of the degree of haptic feedback at haptic component 358 in response to the communication unit receiving a controller command signal. In other words, haptic component 358 may cause the hand-held device 113 to vibrate in a specific manner (e.g., varying intensity levels and varying patterns) or may provide different levels of resistance to buttons 354A and 354B. The specific manner in which haptic component 358 vibrates the hand-held device 113 or the specific level of resistance provided to buttons 354A and 354B may indicate feedback intended to be delivered to the hand-held device 113 by the injection system.

[0072] In one example, including the output component 346 of the tactile component 358, the controller command signal may correspond to an implementation of a change in the injection mode at the injection system. Therefore, adjusting the level of tactile feedback may include a change in the vibration at the tactile component 358. In another example, the controller command signal may correspond to the pressure level in the fluid delivery component. Therefore, adjusting the level of tactile feedback may include a change in the tactile resistance at the tactile component 358, and the change in tactile resistance at the tactile component 358 may correspond to the pressure level in the fluid delivery component.

[0073] The input component 344 and the output component 346 can be separate components on the manual control device 113. In this way, the input component 344 can be spaced apart from the output component 346 along the controller body.

[0074] In some cases, the input component 344 may also include a sensor 352. The sensor 352 may be configured to determine one or more of the current orientation of the handheld device 113, or to determine that the orientation of the handheld device 113 has shifted. Upon receiving user input, the sensor 352 detects either the current orientation of the handheld device 113 or a shift in its orientation. Based at least in part on the detected current orientation of the handheld device 113 or the detected shift in its orientation, the control module 362 may generate a specific command signal.

[0075] In other cases, the handheld device 113 may be configured with multiple different input components 344, one of which (e.g., button 354A) controls the operating mode of the injection system, and a second input component (e.g., button 354B) controls the action performed in a specific operating mode. For example, the handheld device 113 may include a first input component (button 354A) at the controller body, configured to receive user input that identifies the operating mode of the injection system. In such examples, the communication unit 342 may be configured to generate an injection mode selection signal corresponding to the identified injection system operating mode in response to the button 354A receiving user input, and to transmit the injection mode selection signal to the injection system. Examples of injection system operating modes include contrast agent fluid injection, flushing fluid injection, contrast agent and saline mixture fluid injection, aspiration fluid injection, and pre-injection purge.

[0076] In addition to button 354A, the handheld device 113 may also include a second input component (button 354B) at the controller body. Button 354B may be configured to receive user input that identifies a motion command for a recognized injection system operating mode. In some cases, buttons 354A and 354B are separate components at the handheld device, such that button 354A is spaced apart from button 354B along the controller body. Buttons 354A and 354B may have additional differences. For example, button 354A may be shaped like a first geometry, while button 354B may be shaped like a second, different geometry. In other cases, button 354A may be located on a first surface of the controller body and button 354B may be located on a second surface of the controller body. The first surface may be spaced approximately ninety degrees from the second surface relative to the center point of the controller body (e.g., button 354A may be located on the top surface of the handheld device 113 and button 354B may be located on the front surface of the handheld device 113). In other cases, the first surface may be spaced approximately 180 degrees from the second surface relative to the center point of the controller body (e.g., button 354A may be located on the top surface of the hand-held device 113 and button 354B may be located on the bottom surface of the hand-held device 113).

[0077] In some examples, buttons 354A and / or 354B can be configured to receive user input via movement of the corresponding input component, and within a range of different angular positions relative to the surface of the controller body where at least one of buttons 354A and 354B is located. For example, buttons 354A and / or 354B can be lever or joystick type structures, where a user can push or pull the lever / joystick to activate and deactivate the corresponding button.

[0078] In response to user input received by button 354B, communication unit 342 can also be configured to generate an injection command signal corresponding to the identified action command and transmit the injection command signal to the injection system. For example, the action command may include starting an action in the identified injection system operating mode or stopping an action in the identified injection system operating mode.

[0079] In some cases, if the injection mode is selected, the communication unit 342 may only generate and / or transmit injection command signals. For example, in some cases, the communication unit 342 may generate an injection command signal corresponding to the recognized action command and only transmit the injection command signal to the injection system in response to user input at button 354B when button 354A has already received user input.

[0080] In other cases, the manual control device 113 can be configured to automatically start and stop for various fluid storage devices (such as...). Figure 1 The refilling process of the contrast agent fluid reservoir 106. Instead of making this process based on any direct input on the handheld device 113 (e.g., pressing a button), the sensor 352 of the handheld device 113 can detect movement or touch of the handheld device 113 and make the start and stop of the refilling process based on the detected movement or touch (or none). For example, the input component 344 of the handheld device 113 can be configured to receive user input. In response to the input component 344 receiving user input, the communication unit 342 can be configured to generate a first injection system command signal and transmit the first injection system command signal to the injection system. In some cases, the first injection system command signal can indicate the start of the injection system from the contrast agent fluid reservoir (e.g., Figure 1 The command to inject contrast agent into the reservoir 106) is given.

[0081] The handheld device 113 may also include a movement detection component (e.g., sensor 352) at the controller body, wherein the sensor 352 is configured to detect movement of the controller body. For example, the sensor 352 may include an accelerometer having a first acceleration detection axis and a different second acceleration detection axis.

[0082] The communication unit 342 can also be configured to generate a second injection system command signal and transmit the second injection system command signal to the injection system in response to the sensor 352 detecting movement of the controller body. For example, when the sensor 352 includes an acceleration timer, the communication unit 342 can be configured to generate the second injection system command signal in response to the sensor 352 detecting that the acceleration along one of a first acceleration detection axis and a second different acceleration detection axis exceeds a preset acceleration threshold.

[0083] To instruct the communication unit 342 to generate a second injection system command signal, the sensor 352 can be configured to provide an input indication to the communication unit 342 in response to the motion detection component detecting movement of the controller body. When the communication unit 342 generates the second injection system command signal in response to the sensor 352 detecting movement of the controller body, the second injection system command signal can be a refill termination signal. Therefore, the communication unit 342 can generate and transmit the refill termination signal to the injection system in response to the sensor 352 detecting movement of the controller body. The refill termination signal can represent a command for the injection system to terminate the contrast agent refill operation at the contrast agent fluid reservoir of the injection system, wherein the contrast agent refill operation includes introducing contrast agent fluid into the contrast agent fluid reservoir. Terminating the refill of the contrast agent fluid reservoir after detecting movement of the controller body allows the operator to begin the injection operation immediately when he / she picks up the handheld device.

[0084] In addition to detecting movement of the handheld device 113, sensor 352 can also detect when the handheld device 113 has not moved within a predetermined time period. In response to sensor 352 detecting that the controller body has not moved within the predetermined time period, communication unit 342 can be configured to generate a refill initiation signal and transmit it to the injection system. The refill initiation signal may represent a command to the injection system to initiate a contrast agent refill operation at the contrast agent fluid reservoir of the injection system, wherein the contrast agent refill operation includes introducing contrast agent fluid into the contrast agent fluid reservoir. Automatic refilling of the contrast agent fluid reservoir can ensure that refilling occurs when the operator is not holding the handheld device, thereby effectively utilizing other idle time. In some examples, automatic refilling operation and automatic refill termination operation can ensure that the injection system fills the contrast agent fluid reservoir when the handheld device is idle, but stops this filling once the handheld device is picked up.

[0085] In some examples, output component 346 can be configured to output an indication in response to the motion detection component detecting that the controller body has not moved within a predetermined time period, thereby indicating that the contrast agent refilling operation is in progress. This indication can be one or more of light emission (output by lamp 356), acoustic emission (output by speaker 360), and haptic feedback (output by haptic component 358).

[0086] Implementing a handheld device 113 into the powered fluid injector 100, as described herein, offers several advantages. For example, instead of forcing the user to use a separate touchscreen (e.g., controller 110) to perform additional control functions, the handheld device 113 described herein can control additional functions without increasing the number of input components present on the handheld device 113. Furthermore, by providing feedback at the handheld device 113, the user of the handheld device 113 can maintain their focus on the patient and the activity being performed, rather than diverting their attention to different systems that the user must analyze to determine whether the correct operation has been performed. Additionally, by automatically stopping the refilling operation of the reservoir 106 in response to the detection of movement of the handheld device 113, the user can reduce the amount of explicit input that must be entered on the handheld device 113, thereby improving the efficiency of the refilling operation and the durability of the handheld device 113 itself. Similarly, by automatically resuming the refilling operation of the reservoir in response to the detection of no movement or contact, the various fluid reservoirs used by the powered fluid injector 100 can be refilled at the most efficient and effective time, thereby ensuring that fluid is available when the operator of the powered fluid injector 100 needs it.

[0087] Furthermore, and importantly, in most cases, the operator of the handheld device 113 must be sterile. However, the controller 110, which previously controlled these functions, is not sterile. Therefore, an operator, such as a cardiologist, must either instruct another person, who may not be a trained cardiologist, on what actions the powered fluid injector 100 must perform, or the cardiologist must perform the functions on the controller 110 themselves through a sterile drape that can limit functionality. By adding functionality to the handheld device 113, the number of functions that the operator can control personally without handling a sterile drape is greatly increased, thereby improving the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the powered fluid injector 100.

[0088] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an example process for a hand-held device to facilitate bidirectional communication with an injection system, based on one or more aspects of the technology described in this disclosure. Figure 4 The technology can be generated by computing devices (such as...) Figure 1-3 The manual control device 113) is executed by one or more processors. For illustrative purposes only. Figure 4 The technology is in Figure 3 The computing device described in the context of the hand-held device 113, but having a different construction than the hand-held device 113, can perform... Figure 4 The technology.

[0089] According to the technology described herein, UI module 364 monitors manual device 113 to obtain any indications from user input (402). UI module 364 then receives such user input via input component 344 (404). Control module 362 generates command signals (406) via communication unit 342 representing commands to change some operational aspects of the injection system. Control module 362 transmits the command signals to the injection system via communication unit 342 (408). Control module 362 receives controller command signals, such as success messages, warning messages, or some other feedback, indicating changes to some operational aspects of the injection system via communication unit 342 (410). Control module 362 outputs indications (412) representing controller instruction signals.

[0090] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example process for a hand-held device to control an injection system in different modes and motion input components according to one or more aspects of the technology described in this disclosure. Figure 5 The technology can be generated by computing devices (such as...) Figure 1-3 The manual control device 113) is executed by one or more processors. For illustrative purposes only. Figure 5 The technology is in Figure 3The computing device described in the context of the hand-held device 113, but having a different construction than the hand-held device 113, can perform [the following]. Figure 5 The technology.

[0091] According to the technology described herein, UI module 364 monitors hand-held device 113 to obtain any indication of user input (502). UI module 364 then receives such user input via input component 344 (504). UI module 364 determines whether user input has been received at button 354A or button 354B (506).

[0092] If UI module 364 determines that user input has been received at button 354A (the "first" branch of 506), then UI module 364 determines the position of button 354A relative to the controller body surface of hand control device 113 (e.g., angular position or percentage of button 354A being pressed) (508). Control module 362 generates an injection mode selection signal (510) based on the determined relative position of button 354A and transmits the injection mode selection signal to the injection system (512) via communication unit 342.

[0093] Conversely, if UI module 364 determines that user input has been received at button 354B (the "second" branch of 506), then UI module 364 determines whether input to select an injection mode was previously received at button 354A (514). If UI module 364 does not receive any indication of user input at button 354A (the "no" branch of 514), then UI module 364 continues to monitor user input (502). If UI module 364 determines that button 354A has received user input and a mode has been selected (the "yes" branch of 514), then UI module 364 determines the position of button 354B relative to the controller body surface of the hand-held device 113 (e.g., angular position or percentage of button 354B being pressed) (516). Control module 362 generates an injection command signal based on the determined relative position of button 354B (518) and transmits the injection command signal to the injection system via communication unit 342 (520).

[0094] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example process for automatically starting and stopping the refilling process of an injection system using a hand-controlled device, according to one or more aspects of the technology described in this disclosure. Figure 6 The technology can be generated by computing devices (such as...) Figure 1-3 The manual control device 113) is executed by one or more processors. For illustrative purposes only. Figure 6 The technology is in Figure 3The computing device described in the context of the hand-held device 113, but having a different construction than the hand-held device 113, can perform [the following]. Figure 6 The technology.

[0095] According to the technology described herein, UI module 364 uses sensor 352 to monitor any movement of the controller body of the handheld device 113 (602). UI module 364 determines at any time whether the controller body has begun to move (604). If UI module 364 determines that the controller body has indeed begun to move (the "yes" branch of 604), then control module 362 generates a refill termination signal (606). Control module 362 then transmits the refill termination signal to the injection system via communication unit 342 (608).

[0096] Conversely, if UI module 364 determines that the controller body has not moved (the "No" branch of 604), then control module 362 determines whether a refill start signal was recently generated instead of a refill stop signal (609). In this way, control module 362 determines whether the injection system is currently performing a refill operation. In other words, if the refill start signal was generated more recently than the refill stop signal, then control module 362 can determine that the injection system is already in the refill process or that the refill process was completed before the controller body moved. In either case, generating an additional refill start signal may be redundant. Therefore, if the refill start signal was generated more recently than the refill stop signal (the "Yes" branch of 609), then UI module 364 continues to monitor the movement of the controller body (602). In some cases, control module 362 itself may be the entity that generates the last signal sent to the injection system. In other cases, controller 110 (such as a touchscreen controller) may have already generated the signal. The control module 362 can be configured to check both the manual device 113 and the controller 110 to determine whether a refill start signal or a refill stop signal has been recently generated.

[0097] On the other hand, if control module 362 determines that the refill termination signal was generated more recently than the refill start signal (the "No" branch of 609), then UI module 364 determines whether the controller body has been stationary for a predetermined time period (610). If the controller body has not been stationary for the predetermined time period (the "No" branch of 610), then UI module 364 continues to monitor the movement of the controller body (602). Conversely, if UI module 364 determines that the controller body has been stationary for the predetermined time period (the "Yes" branch of 610), then control module 362 generates a refill start signal (612). Control module 362 then transmits the refill start signal to the injection system via communication unit 342 (614).

[0098] Although described as initiating or terminating the refill operation based on whether the controller body moves or remains stationary, the sensor 352 in the controller body can be used for other functions. For example, the control module 362 can generate a command signal based on the orientation of the controller body determined by the sensor 352. For instance, the control module 362 can generate a refill initiation signal after the sensor 352 determines that the controller body is substantially vertical (e.g., within 5 to 10 degrees of verticality), or after determining that the controller body has moved from a substantially horizontal position (e.g., within 5 to 10 degrees of horizontality) to a substantially vertical position. Similarly, the control module 362 can generate a refill termination signal after the sensor 352 determines that the controller body is substantially horizontal (e.g., within 5 to 10 degrees of horizontality), or after determining that the controller body has moved from a substantially vertical position (e.g., within 5 to 10 degrees of verticality) to a substantially horizontal position. While the examples above describe specific instances of refill start and stop signals based on the orientation of the controller body, in other cases, any command described herein or applicable to such a controller may be generated by any particular orientation of the controller body, or by any particular shift from one orientation of the controller body to another different orientation.

[0099] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example process for facilitating bidirectional communication between a hand-held device and an injection system, based on one or more aspects of the technology described in this disclosure. Figure 7 The technology can be generated by computing devices (such as...) Figure 1-3 The manual control device 113) is executed by one or more processors. For illustrative purposes only. Figure 7 The technology is in Figure 1 The computing device described in the context of the hand-held device 113, but having a different construction than the hand-held device 113, can perform [the following]. Figure 7 The technology.

[0100] According to the technology described herein, the handheld device 113 can receive user input at the input component. In response to the input component receiving user input, the handheld device 113 generates an injection system command signal (704) and transmits the injection system command signal to the power fluid injector 100 (706). Additionally, the handheld device 113 receives a controller command signal (708) from the power fluid injector 100. In response to the communication unit receiving the controller command signal from the power fluid injector 100, the handheld device 113 outputs an indication (710).

[0101] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an example process for a hand-held device to control an injection system in different modes and motion input components according to one or more aspects of the technology described in this disclosure. Figure 8The technology can be generated by computing devices (such as...) Figure 1-3 The manual control device 113) is executed by one or more processors. For illustrative purposes only. Figure 8 The technology is in Figure 1 The computing device described in the context of the hand-held device 113, but having a different construction than the hand-held device 113, can perform [the following]. Figure 8 The technology.

[0102] According to one or more techniques of this disclosure, the handheld device 113 can receive user input (802) at a first input component that identifies the operating mode of the injection system. In response to the first input component receiving the user input, the handheld device 113 generates an injection mode selection signal (804) corresponding to the identified injection system operating mode and transmits the injection mode selection signal to the power fluid injector 100 (806). The handheld device 113 can also receive user input (808) at a second input component at the controller body that identifies an action command for the identified injection system operating mode. In response to the second input component receiving the user input, the handheld device 113 generates an injection command signal (810) corresponding to the identified action command and transmits the injection command signal to the injection system (812).

[0103] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example process for automatically starting and stopping the refilling process of an injection system using a hand-controlled device, according to one or more aspects of the technology described in this disclosure. Figure 9 The technology can be generated by computing devices (such as...) Figure 1-3 The manual control device 113) is executed by one or more processors. For illustrative purposes only. Figure 9 The technology is in Figure 1 The computing device described in the context of the hand-held device 113, but having a different construction than the hand-held device 113, can perform [the following]. Figure 9 The technology.

[0104] According to one or more techniques of this disclosure, the handheld device 113 receives user input (902) at an input component. In response to the input component receiving user input, the handheld device 113 generates a first injection system command signal (904) and transmits the first injection system command signal to the injection system (906). The handheld device 113 detects movement of the controller body using a motion detection component (908). In response to the motion detection component detecting movement of the controller body, the handheld device 113 generates a second injection system command signal (910) and transmits the second injection system command signal to the injection system (912).

[0105] Figure 10This is a flowchart illustrating an example process for communication between a hand-held device and an injection system, based on one or more aspects of the technology described in this disclosure. Figure 10 The technology can be generated by computing devices (such as...) Figure 1-3 The manual control device 113) is executed by one or more processors. For illustrative purposes only. Figure 10 The technology is in Figure 1 The computing device described in the context of the hand-held device 113, but having a different construction than the hand-held device 113, can perform [the following]. Figure 10 The technology.

[0106] According to one or more techniques disclosed herein, the hand-held device 113 can receive user input (1002). In response to receiving user input, the hand-held device 113 generates a command signal (1004). The hand-held device transmits the command signal to the injection system (1006).

[0107] It should be recognized that, depending on the example, certain actions or events of any technique described herein may be performed in a different order, and may be added, combined, or omitted entirely (e.g., not all described actions or events are necessary for practicing these techniques). Moreover, in some examples, actions or events may be performed concurrently, for example, through multithreading, interrupt handling, or multiple processors, rather than sequentially.

[0108] In one or more examples, the described functionality can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functionality can be stored or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium and executed by a hardware-based processing unit. A computer-readable medium can include a computer-readable storage medium, which corresponds to a tangible medium such as a data storage medium, or a communication medium that includes any medium facilitating, for example, the transfer of a computer program from one place to another according to a communication protocol. In this way, a computer-readable medium can generally correspond to (1) a non-transitory tangible computer-readable storage medium or (2) a communication medium such as a signal or carrier wave. A data storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by one or more computers or one or more processors to retrieve instructions, code, and / or data structures to implement the techniques described in this disclosure. Computer program products can include computer-readable media.

[0109] By way of example and not limitation, such computer-readable storage media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disc storage devices, magnetic disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices, flash memory, or any other medium that can be used to store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and is accessible by a computer. Furthermore, any connection is properly referred to as a computer-readable medium. For example, if instructions are transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the definition of medium includes coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave. However, it should be understood that computer-readable storage media and data storage media do not include connections, carrier waves, signals, or other transient media, but rather refer to non-transient, tangible storage media. As used herein, discs and platters include compact discs (CDs), laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile discs (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs, where discs typically reproduce data magnetically, while optical discs reproduce data optically using lasers. The above combinations should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0110] Instructions can be executed by one or more processors, such as one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), general-purpose microprocessors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable arrays (FPGAs), or other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuit systems. Therefore, the term "processor" as used herein can refer to any of the foregoing structures or any other structures suitable for implementing the techniques described herein. Furthermore, in some aspects, the functionality described herein can be provided within dedicated hardware and / or software modules configured for encoding and decoding, or incorporated into combined codecs. Moreover, these techniques can be fully implemented in one or more circuit or logic elements.

[0111] The techniques disclosed herein can be implemented in a wide variety of devices or apparatuses, including wireless telephones, integrated circuits (ICs), or collections of ICs (e.g., chipsets). Various components, modules, or units are described in this disclosure to emphasize functional aspects of a device configured to perform the disclosed techniques, but are not necessarily required to be implemented by different hardware units. More specifically, as described above, the various units may be combined in a codec hardware unit or provided by a collection of interoperable hardware units, including one or more processors as described above, along with suitable software and / or firmware.

[0112] Various examples of this disclosure have been described. Any combination of the systems, operations, or functions described is contemplated. These and other examples are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A hand-held device (113) for a power fluid injection system (100) including a controller (110), the hand-held device comprising: The controller body is sized for easy one-handed holding. An input component (344) is located at the controller body, wherein the input component is configured to receive user input; The communication unit (342) is configured to respond to user input received by the input component: Generate injection system command signals; Transmitting command signals from the injection system to the injection system; and Receive controller command signals from the injection system; as well as The output component (346) at the controller body is configured to output an indication in response to a controller command signal received by the communication unit and generated by the injection system. The input component includes one or more sensors (352) for detecting one of the following: the current orientation of the hand device, the displacement of the hand device in orientation, the movement or touch of the hand device, or no movement or no touch, and wherein the injection system command signal is based at least in part on the current orientation of the hand device, the displacement in orientation, the movement or touch of the hand device, or no movement or no touch.

2. The hand-operated device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the injection system command signal corresponds to the operational aspect of the injection system, and wherein the indication indicates confirmation that the operational aspect has been implemented at the injection system.

3. The hand-operated device of claim 2, wherein the injection system command signal represents a command for the injection system, wherein the command includes one or more of starting fluid injection, stopping fluid injection, adjusting the fluid flow rate of fluid injection, adjusting the duration of fluid injection, and adjusting the ratio of contrast agent and saline mixture.

4. The hand-operated device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller command signal corresponds to an operational aspect of the injection system, and wherein the indication represents an operational aspect.

5. The hand-operated device of claim 4, wherein the operational aspects of the injection system include one or more of the following: injection of contrast agent fluid, injection of flushing fluid, pressure in the fluid delivery component, and completion of the injection system setup.

6. The hand-held device of claim 1, wherein the output component includes at least one light emitting component (356), and wherein the indication includes adjusting the light emission at the at least one light emitting component in response to the communication unit receiving a controller command signal.

7. The hand-held device of claim 6, wherein the controller command signal corresponds to the adjustment of light emission at the at least one light emitting component being adjusted.

8. The hand-held device of claim 1, wherein the output component includes at least one sound-emitting component (360), and wherein the controller command signal corresponds to the sound output by the at least one sound-emitting component.

9. The hand-controlled device of claim 1, wherein the output component includes a haptic feedback component (358), and wherein the indication includes adjusting the degree of haptic feedback at the haptic feedback component in response to the communication unit receiving a controller command signal.

10. The hand-controlled device of claim 9, wherein the controller command signal corresponds to an embodiment of the change in injection mode at the injection system, and wherein the adjustment of the degree of tactile feedback includes a change in vibration at the tactile feedback component.

11. The hand-held device of claim 9, wherein the controller command signal corresponds to the pressure level in the fluid delivery component, wherein adjusting the tactile feedback level includes changing the tactile resistance at the tactile feedback component, and wherein the change in tactile resistance at the tactile feedback component corresponds to the pressure level in the fluid delivery component.

12. The hand-held device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the input component and the output component are separate components at the hand-held device, such that the input component is spaced apart from the output component along the controller body.

13. The hand-controlled device of claim 1, wherein the controller command signal corresponds to a warning that the parameter at the injection system differs from a predetermined threshold of the parameter.

14. The hand-held device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the input component comprises a first input component and a second input component, and wherein: The first input component is configured to receive user input that identifies the operating mode of the injection system; The communication unit is configured to respond to user input received by the first input component: Generate an injection mode selection signal corresponding to the identified injection system operation mode; as well as The injection mode selection signal is sent to the injection system; The second input unit is configured to receive user input that identifies the action command used to identify the operating mode of the injection system, and The communication unit is also configured to respond to user input received by the second input component: Generate an injection command signal corresponding to the identified action command; and The injection command signal is transmitted to the injection system.

15. The hand-operated device of claim 14, wherein the injection system operation mode includes one of contrast agent fluid injection, flushing fluid injection, contrast agent and saline mixture fluid injection, aspiration fluid injection, and pre-injection purge.

16. The hand-controlled device of claim 14, wherein the action command includes one of starting the identified injection system operation mode and stopping the identified injection system operation mode.

17. The hand-held device of claim 14, wherein the first input component and the second input component are separate components at the hand-held device, such that the first input component is spaced apart from the second input component along the controller body.

18. The hand-held device of claim 14, wherein the first input component comprises a first geometry, and the second input component comprises a different second geometry.

19. The hand-held device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the first input component is located on a first surface of the controller body, and the second input component is located on a second surface of the controller body.

20. The hand-held device of claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors (352) are motion detection components configured to detect movement of the controller body, and wherein the communication unit is configured to respond to user input received by the input component: Generate the first injection system command signal; and The first injection system command signal is transmitted to the injection system; and the communication unit is further configured to respond to the movement detection component detecting movement of the controller body: Generate a second injection system command signal; and The second injection system command signal is transmitted to the injection system.

21. The hand-held device of claim 20, wherein the motion detection component is configured to provide an input indication in response to the motion detection component detecting movement of the controller body.

22. The hand-operated device of claim 20, wherein the second injection system command signal includes a refill termination signal, and wherein, In response to the motion detection component detecting movement of the controller body, the communication unit is configured as follows: Generate a refill termination signal; and The refill termination signal is sent to the injection system.

23. The manual control device of claim 22, wherein the refill termination signal indicates a command to terminate the contrast agent refill operation at the contrast agent fluid reservoir of the injection system, and wherein the contrast agent refill operation includes introducing contrast agent fluid into the contrast agent fluid reservoir.

24. The manual control device of claim 20, wherein the first injection system command signal indicates a command to instruct the injection system to begin injecting contrast agent fluid from the contrast agent fluid reservoir.

25. The hand-held device of claim 14, wherein the motion detection component is configured to provide a second input in response to the motion detection component not detecting movement of the controller body for a predetermined time period.

26. The hand-held device as described in claim 25, wherein, In response to the motion detection component failing to detect movement of the controller body for a predetermined time period, the communication unit is configured as follows: Generate refill initiation signal; and The refill initiation signal is sent to the injection system.

27. The manual device of claim 26, wherein the refill initiation signal indicates a command to the injection system to initiate a contrast agent refill operation at the contrast agent fluid reservoir of the injection system, and wherein the contrast agent refill operation includes introducing contrast agent fluid into the contrast agent fluid reservoir.

28. The hand-held device of claim 14, wherein the output component is configured to output an indication in response to the motion detection component not detecting movement of the controller body for a predetermined time period.

29. The hand-held device of claim 14, wherein the motion detection component includes an accelerometer having a first acceleration detection axis and different second acceleration detection axes, and wherein the communication unit is configured to generate a second injection system command signal in response to an acceleration along one of the first acceleration detection axis and different second acceleration detection axes exceeding a preset acceleration threshold.

30. The hand-held device (113; 213A; 213B; 213C; 213D; 213E; 213F) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein the input component includes at least one button (354A, 354B), and a specific injection system command signal generated by the communication unit corresponds to a given pressure applied by the user to said at least one button or a given distance from which said at least one button is pressed from its neutral position.

31. The hand-held device (113; 213A; 213B; 213C) as claimed in claim 30, wherein the input component includes at least two buttons (254AA, 254AB; 254BA, 254BB; 254CA, 254CB), and a received press of the first button (254AA; 254BA; 254CA) causes the hand-held device to generate an injection mode selection signal corresponding to a given pressure and displacement of the first button press, and a received press of the second button (254AB; 254BB; 254CB) causes the hand-held device to generate the injection system command signal corresponding to a given pressure and displacement of the second button press.

32. The hand-held device (113; 213A; 213C) according to any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein the input component includes a trigger (254CC), and the amount of pressure applied to the trigger or the distance by which the trigger is pulled is changed by an injection system command signal generated by the communication unit.

33. The hand-held device (113; 213D) according to any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein the input component includes a joystick (254DA), and an directional force applied to the joystick generates an injection system command signal corresponding to the pressure and / or direction of the directional force.

34. The hand-held device (113; 213E) according to any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein the input component includes a direction pad (254EB), and a specific direction of the direction pad generates a corresponding specific injection system signal.

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