Bubble detection device, method and infusion pump

Abstract

The application provides a bubble detection device, method and infusion pump. The bubble detection device comprises an ultrasonic emission module for emitting ultrasonic waves; an ultrasonic drive circuit connected with the ultrasonic emission module, for driving the ultrasonic emission module to emit ultrasonic waves; an ultrasonic receiving module for receiving the ultrasonic wave signals emitted by the ultrasonic emission module; an ultrasonic detection circuit connected with the ultrasonic receiving module, for processing the ultrasonic wave signals received by the ultrasonic receiving module and generating ultrasonic signals; the ultrasonic detection circuit comprises a comparison circuit, the comparison circuit is used for outputting a high level or a low level if the input signal entering the comparison circuit is less than or equal to the threshold value of the comparison circuit; a controller connected with the ultrasonic drive circuit and the ultrasonic detection circuit, for determining the existence of bubbles in the infusion tube according to the high level or the low level output by the comparison circuit and outputting bubble alarm information. The high level or the low level output by the comparison circuit can directly determine the existence of bubbles in the infusion tube.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of medical technology, and in particular to a bubble detection device, method and infusion pump. Background Technology

[0002] Infusion pumps, as medical devices for precisely controlling the infusion volume, are widely used in modern medical environments. During infusion, air bubbles may appear in the infusion tubing due to user operation, infusion set, or other reasons. To prevent air bubbles from entering the patient's body and causing air embolism, existing infusion pumps are usually pre-set with relevant parameters corresponding to the characteristics of specific infusion tubing consumables. The infusion pump then uses these parameters to detect air bubbles in the specific infusion tubing consumables.

[0003] However, in actual operation, infusion pumps need to support different types of consumables. Due to changes in the parameters of the consumables, it is impossible to quickly determine the presence of air bubbles. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a bubble detection device, method, and infusion pump to solve the problem of not being able to quickly identify bubbles when consumables change.

[0005] On one hand, this application provides a bubble detection device, which includes:

[0006] Ultrasonic transmitting module, used to emit ultrasonic waves;

[0007] An ultrasonic drive circuit, connected to the ultrasonic transmitting module, is used to drive the ultrasonic transmitting module to emit ultrasonic waves;

[0008] An ultrasonic receiver module is used to receive ultrasonic signals emitted by an ultrasonic transmitter module.

[0009] An ultrasonic testing circuit, connected to an ultrasonic receiving module, is used to process the ultrasonic signals received by the ultrasonic receiving module and generate ultrasonic signals.

[0010] The ultrasonic testing circuit includes a comparison circuit, which outputs a high level or a low level if the input signal entering the comparison circuit is less than or equal to the threshold of the comparison circuit.

[0011] The controller, connected to the ultrasonic drive circuit and ultrasonic detection circuit, is used to determine the presence of air bubbles in the infusion tube based on the high or low level output of the comparison circuit and to output air bubble alarm information.

[0012] In one embodiment, the comparator circuit is used to output an ultrasonic signal if the input signal entering the comparator circuit is greater than the threshold of the comparator circuit.

[0013] This controller is used to determine that there is an abnormality in the bubble detection device and to stop detection if the frequency of the output ultrasonic signal is different from that of the ultrasonic wave emitted by the ultrasonic transmitting module.

[0014] In one embodiment, if the output ultrasonic signal has the same frequency as the ultrasonic wave emitted by the ultrasonic transmitting module,

[0015] The comparison circuit determines the adjustment information of the ultrasonic drive circuit and / or ultrasonic detection circuit based on the ultrasonic signal, adjusts the ultrasonic drive circuit and / or ultrasonic detection circuit based on the adjustment information, and determines the air bubble information in the infusion tube based on the adjusted ultrasonic signal.

[0016] The adjustment information is used to adjust the threshold of the comparison circuit and / or the transmission frequency of the ultrasonic drive circuit.

[0017] In one embodiment, the controller is also used for

[0018] The amplitude of the ultrasonic signal is acquired, and the threshold of the comparison circuit and / or the transmission frequency of the ultrasonic drive circuit are determined based on the amplitude of the ultrasonic signal.

[0019] In one embodiment, the ultrasonic detection circuit further includes a peak hold circuit, which is connected to the controller and the ultrasonic receiving module. The peak hold circuit is used to acquire the peak voltage of the ultrasonic signal received by the ultrasonic receiving module.

[0020] The controller is also used to determine the presence of air bubbles in the infusion tube if the collected peak voltage is less than a first threshold, and to output an air bubble alarm message.

[0021] In one embodiment, if the acquired peak voltage is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the controller is used to adjust the threshold of the comparison circuit and / or the transmission frequency of the ultrasonic drive circuit according to the peak voltage.

[0022] In one embodiment, the controller is further configured to detect the ultrasonic signal within a preset time and obtain the ultrasonic signal attenuation rate. If the absolute value of the difference between the obtained ultrasonic signal attenuation rate and the preset attenuation rate is less than or equal to a second threshold range, the alarm threshold is adjusted.

[0023] The alarm threshold is the threshold of the comparator circuit and / or the first threshold.

[0024] In one embodiment, the controller is further configured to determine that there are air bubbles in the infusion tube and output air bubble alarm information if the absolute value of the difference between the acquired ultrasonic signal attenuation rate and the preset attenuation rate exceeds a second threshold range.

[0025] In one embodiment, the ultrasonic detection circuit includes an amplification circuit, one end of which is connected to the ultrasonic receiving module, and the other end of which is connected to a comparison circuit and a peak hold circuit.

[0026] The amplifier circuit is used to amplify the signal received by the ultrasonic receiving module.

[0027] In one embodiment, the amplifier circuit includes a first amplifier circuit and a second amplifier circuit, and the output terminals of the first amplifier circuit and the second amplifier circuit are connected to the input terminal of the comparator circuit.

[0028] The ultrasonic signal received by the ultrasonic receiving module and the first bias voltage serve as the input terminal of the first amplification circuit, and the output terminal of the first amplification circuit and the second bias voltage serve as the input terminal of the second amplification circuit.

[0029] The first bias voltage and the second bias voltage are controlled and output by the controller.

[0030] On the other hand, this application also provides an infusion pump, which is used in conjunction with an infusion tube, including the aforementioned bubble detection device.

[0031] On the other hand, this application also provides a bubble detection method, which is applied to a bubble detection device. The bubble detection device includes an ultrasonic transmitting module for transmitting ultrasonic waves; an ultrasonic driving circuit connected to the ultrasonic transmitting module for driving the ultrasonic transmitting module to transmit ultrasonic waves; an ultrasonic receiving module for receiving ultrasonic signals transmitted by the ultrasonic transmitting module; an ultrasonic detection circuit connected to the ultrasonic receiving module for processing the ultrasonic signals received by the ultrasonic receiving module and generating ultrasonic signals; the ultrasonic detection circuit includes a comparison circuit, which outputs a high level or a low level if the input signal entering the comparison circuit is less than or equal to the threshold of the comparison circuit; and a controller connected to the ultrasonic driving circuit and the ultrasonic detection circuit. This bubble detection method includes:

[0032] Control the ultrasonic transmitting module to emit ultrasonic waves;

[0033] It receives ultrasonic signals emitted by the ultrasonic transmitting module and inputs them into the ultrasonic detection circuit;

[0034] If the signal entering the ultrasonic detection circuit is less than or equal to the threshold of the comparison circuit, the output is high or low.

[0035] The controller determines the presence of air bubbles in the infusion tube based on the high or low level output of the comparison circuit and outputs an air bubble alarm message.

[0036] This application provides a bubble detection device, which includes an ultrasonic transmitting module for emitting ultrasonic waves; an ultrasonic driving circuit connected to the ultrasonic transmitting module for driving the ultrasonic transmitting module to emit ultrasonic waves; an ultrasonic receiving module for receiving ultrasonic signals emitted by the ultrasonic transmitting module; an ultrasonic detection circuit connected to the ultrasonic receiving module for processing the ultrasonic signals received by the ultrasonic receiving module and generating ultrasonic signals; the ultrasonic detection circuit includes a comparison circuit, which outputs a high level or a low level if the input signal entering the comparison circuit is less than or equal to the threshold of the comparison circuit; and a controller connected to the ultrasonic driving circuit and the ultrasonic detection circuit, which determines the presence of bubbles in the infusion tube based on the high or low level output of the comparison circuit and outputs a bubble alarm information. By detecting the signal received by the ultrasonic module and the threshold of the comparison circuit through the comparison circuit in the ultrasonic detection circuit, if the comparison circuit outputs a high level or a low level, it can be directly determined that there are bubbles in the infusion tube, thus achieving the purpose of bubble detection. Using the solution of this application, the presence of bubbles in the infusion tube can be determined more quickly and a bubble alarm information can be output, avoiding medical accidents. Attached Figure Description

[0037] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a bubble detection device provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a bubble detection device provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ultrasonic detection circuit provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ultrasonic detection circuit provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 5 This is a graph showing the amplitude attenuation of the received ultrasonic signal under different conditions according to this application;

[0043] Figure 6 A flowchart of a bubble detection method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the amplitude of ultrasonic signals received by different consumables in one embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of a bubble detection method provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of an electronic device provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0047] Figure label:

[0048] Bubble detection device: 100; Ultrasonic transmitting module: 101; Ultrasonic driving circuit: 102; Ultrasonic receiving module: 103; Ultrasonic detection circuit: 120; Controller: 104; Comparison circuit: 121; Peak hold circuit: 122; Infusion tube: 130; Amplification circuit: 123; ADC sampling unit: 124; Normal attenuation signal amplitude: A; Bubble signal amplitude: B; Electronic equipment: 500; Memory: 501; Processor: 502.

[0049] The accompanying drawings illustrate specific embodiments of this application, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of this application to those skilled in the art through reference to particular embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0050] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0051] The embodiments of this application will be described in detail below.

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a bubble detection device in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The bubble detection device 100 includes:

[0053] Ultrasonic transmitting module 101 is used to transmit ultrasonic waves;

[0054] The ultrasonic drive circuit 102 is connected to the ultrasonic transmitting module 101 and is used to drive the ultrasonic transmitting module 101 to emit ultrasonic waves.

[0055] The ultrasonic receiving module 103 is used to receive ultrasonic signals emitted by the ultrasonic transmitting module 101;

[0056] The ultrasonic detection circuit 120 is connected to the ultrasonic receiving module 103 and is used to process the ultrasonic signals received by the ultrasonic receiving module 103 and generate ultrasonic signals.

[0057] The ultrasonic detection circuit 120 includes a comparison circuit 121, which is used to detect and compare the input signal after amplification and filtering. If the input signal entering the comparison circuit 121 is less than or equal to the threshold of the comparison circuit 121, the comparison circuit 121 outputs a high level or a low level.

[0058] The controller 104 is connected to the ultrasonic drive circuit 102 and the ultrasonic detection circuit 120, and is used to determine the presence of air bubbles in the infusion tube 130 based on the high or low level output by the comparison circuit 121 and to output air bubble alarm information.

[0059] Compared with the prior art, this embodiment uses a comparison circuit in the ultrasonic detection circuit 120 to detect the signal received by the ultrasonic module and compare it with the threshold of the comparison circuit. If the output of the comparison circuit is high or low, it can directly determine that there are air bubbles in the infusion tube, thus achieving the purpose of air bubble detection. Using the solution of this application, the presence of air bubbles in the infusion tube can be determined more quickly, and air bubble alarm information can be output, avoiding medical accidents.

[0060] Most infusion pumps use ultrasonic sensors to detect air bubbles. These sensors consist of piezoelectric crystals and can both emit and receive ultrasonic waves through the piezoelectric and inverse piezoelectric effects. Ultrasonic waves have high frequencies (typically 0.25-20MHz) and short wavelengths, thus exhibiting beam characteristics, minimal diffraction, and strong directionality.

[0061] Optionally, the ultrasonic transmitting module may continuously or intermittently emit ultrasonic waves, which can be determined according to the actual situation, and this application does not impose any limitations.

[0062] Optionally, the ultrasonic signal generated by the ultrasonic detection circuit after processing the ultrasonic signal received by the ultrasonic receiving module is an electrical signal.

[0063] In one embodiment, if the input signal entering the comparison circuit 121 is less than or equal to the threshold of the comparison circuit 121, the comparison circuit 121 outputs a high level.

[0064] In one embodiment, if the input signal entering the comparison circuit 121 is less than or equal to the threshold of the comparison circuit 121, the output of the comparison circuit 121 is low.

[0065] In one embodiment, the comparison circuit is used to output an ultrasonic signal if the input signal entering the comparison circuit is greater than the threshold of the comparison circuit; the controller is used to determine that there is an abnormality in the bubble detection device and stop detection if the output ultrasonic signal is different from the frequency of the ultrasonic wave emitted by the ultrasonic transmitting module.

[0066] If the ultrasonic signal is output after passing through the comparison circuit, and the frequency of the ultrasonic signal is different from the frequency of the ultrasonic wave emitted by the ultrasonic transmitting module (for example, the frequency of the emitted ultrasonic wave is f0, and the frequency of the received ultrasonic signal is f1), since the frequency of ultrasonic waves does not change in the same medium, it is determined that the bubble detection device is malfunctioning or interfered with. At this time, the detection is stopped, and an alarm message indicating that the bubble detection device is abnormal is output to avoid the possibility of missed or false bubble detection.

[0067] In one embodiment, the comparison circuit is used to output an ultrasonic signal if the input signal entering the comparison circuit is greater than the threshold of the comparison circuit; if the output ultrasonic signal is the same as the ultrasonic frequency emitted by the ultrasonic transmitting module, the comparison circuit determines the adjustment information of the ultrasonic driving circuit and / or ultrasonic detection circuit according to the ultrasonic signal, adjusts the ultrasonic driving circuit and / or ultrasonic detection circuit according to the adjustment information, and determines the bubble information in the infusion tube according to the adjusted ultrasonic signal.

[0068] The adjustment information is used to adjust the threshold of the comparison circuit and / or the transmission frequency of the ultrasonic drive circuit.

[0069] Specifically, ultrasonic waves are emitted according to the adjusted ultrasonic frequency. The ultrasonic receiving module receives the ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic transmitting module and enters the ultrasonic detection circuit to detect and determine the air bubble information in the infusion tube. If the input signal entering the comparison circuit is less than or equal to the threshold of the comparison circuit, the comparison circuit outputs a high level or a low level to determine that there are air bubbles in the infusion tube.

[0070] If the input signal entering the comparison circuit is greater than the threshold of the comparison circuit, an ultrasonic signal is output. If the frequency of the output ultrasonic signal is different from that of the ultrasonic wave emitted by the ultrasonic transmitting module, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the bubble detection device and the detection is stopped.

[0071] If the output ultrasonic signal has the same frequency as the ultrasonic wave emitted by the ultrasonic transmitting module, then it is considered that there are no air bubbles in the infusion tube.

[0072] Specifically, the bubble information includes the volume of the bubble. The controller can count the time t it takes for the bubble to pass through, and calculate the volume V of the bubble passing through the sensor based on the infusion pump and the calibrated infusion rate v of the infusion set.

[0073] In one embodiment, the controller is also configured to acquire the amplitude of the ultrasonic signal and determine the threshold of the comparison circuit and / or the transmission frequency of the ultrasonic drive circuit based on the amplitude of the ultrasonic signal.

[0074] Optionally, the comparison circuit is used to output an ultrasonic signal as a pulse if the input signal entering the comparison circuit is greater than the threshold of the comparison circuit, and to calculate the amplitude of the ultrasonic signal by the duty cycle of the pulse.

[0075] The ultrasonic drive circuit is used to determine information such as the emission frequency and emission intensity of the ultrasonic wave. The ultrasonic transmitting module emits ultrasonic waves according to the emission frequency and emission intensity determined by the ultrasonic drive circuit. The ultrasonic receiving module is used to receive the ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic transmitting module and generate ultrasonic signals.

[0076] like Figure 7 As shown, Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the amplitude of ultrasonic signals received by different consumables in one embodiment of this application. The first threshold for bubble alarm is the threshold of the comparison circuit. When the consumables used in the infusion pump change, the amplitude of the electrical signal obtained by the ultrasonic receiving module varies greatly due to factors such as the material, texture, diameter, and light protection of the infusion tubing. During the identification stage of the infusion pump, the controller obtains the amplitude of the ultrasonic signal through the comparison circuit.

[0077] The manufacturer is working with the pre-installed infusion tubing (such as...) Figure 7 When the middle pipe 2) performs bubble detection, the ultrasonic emission module generates ultrasonic waves at the emission frequency f0. The output amplitude of the ultrasonic signal received by the controller is within the normal range (such as the ultrasonic signal amplitude corresponding to the output frequency f0 is within the saturation and bubble alarm second threshold, and is located at the empirical value 1, where the bubble alarm second threshold can be understood as the low line). At this time, the controller can also perform normal bubble detection according to the output amplitude of the ultrasonic signal.

[0078] When the infusion pump uses infusion tubing with a large diameter or smooth surface (corresponding to tubing 1), the ultrasonic transmitting module emits ultrasonic waves at a transmission frequency f0. At this time, because the driving gain value of the ultrasonic driving circuit or the threshold of the comparison circuit in the ultrasonic detection circuit is preset or fixed, the ultrasonic signal intensity detected by the ultrasonic detection circuit may be too strong, causing the ultrasonic receiving module signal to saturate (e.g., the output amplitude corresponding to the output frequency f0 exceeds the saturation line). In this case, if an air bubble passes through the air bubble detection ultrasonic sensor, although the ultrasonic signal of the ultrasonic receiving module will decrease, because the ultrasonic receiving module has reached saturation, the intensity of the ultrasonic signal output by the ultrasonic detection circuit may not change, which may lead to missed detection of air bubbles and cause clinical accidents.

[0079] When the infusion pump uses an infusion tubing that is too thin or has a rough surface (corresponding to tubing n), the drive gain value of the ultrasonic drive circuit or the threshold value of the comparison circuit in the ultrasonic detection circuit may be preset or fixed. This could result in an excessively small output amplitude of the ultrasonic signal (the output amplitude corresponding to the output frequency f0 is near the second alarm threshold for air bubbles, far from the empirical value line 1). In this case, the ultrasonic signal received by the ultrasonic receiving module may be filtered out during the processing of the ultrasonic detection circuit, potentially leading to missed or false detections of air bubbles. This poses a risk to clinical applications and causes false alarms, interfering with the normal use of the infusion pump by medical staff.

[0080] This application determines the adjustment information of the comparison circuit and / or the ultrasonic drive circuit based on the ultrasonic signal amplitude, thereby avoiding the possibility of missed or false detection of bubbles.

[0081] Specifically, the ultrasonic signal output by the comparator circuit is a pulse wave. The amplitude of the ultrasonic signal can be determined based on the duty cycle of the pulse wave. The controller then determines the threshold of the comparator circuit and / or the transmission frequency of the ultrasonic drive circuit by judging the amplitude of the ultrasonic signal. The ultrasonic transmission module can generate ultrasonic waves of different frequencies based on adjustable transmission parameter values ​​(including but not limited to transmission frequency, transmission intensity, etc.). The ultrasonic receiving module can receive the ultrasonic waves passing through the infusion tube and generate corresponding ultrasonic signals. The output amplitude of the ultrasonic signal received by the ultrasonic receiving module is also different after ultrasonic waves of different transmission frequencies pass through the infusion tube.

[0082] For example, when the infusion tubing is full of water and free of air bubbles, an ultrasonic wave with a transmission frequency of f1 is tested, generating an ultrasonic signal with an output amplitude of V1; an ultrasonic wave with a transmission frequency of f2 is also tested, generating an ultrasonic signal with an output amplitude of V2; and so on, until an ultrasonic wave with a transmission frequency of fn is tested, generating an ultrasonic signal with an output amplitude of Vn. This information is stored in the controller. The relationship between the ultrasonic signal amplitude and the ultrasonic transmission frequency can be one-to-one or many-to-many, depending on the specific requirements. If the ultrasonic wave with a transmission frequency of f1 has an output ultrasonic signal amplitude outside the tested amplitude range, the ultrasonic transmission frequency can be adjusted based on the output ultrasonic signal amplitude. For example, if the ultrasonic transmission frequency is f1 and the output ultrasonic signal amplitude is V2, the ultrasonic transmission frequency can be adjusted to f2 based on the output ultrasonic signal amplitude V2. Furthermore, the threshold of the comparison circuit can be calculated and adjusted using the output ultrasonic signal amplitude. In this way, the infusion pump can adjust the ultrasonic detection circuit and / or ultrasonic drive circuit by adjusting the amplitude of the ultrasonic signal to detect air bubbles in the infusion tube and trigger an air bubble alarm, so as to adapt to different consumables and avoid the possibility of missed or false detection.

[0083] Optionally, the relevant information about the infusion tubing consumables can be stored internally or imported from an external source. This information includes the frequency of the ultrasound waves and the amplitude of the corresponding ultrasound signal.

[0084] In one embodiment, the ultrasonic detection circuit can be integrated on the main control circuit board where the controller is located, that is, the controller can directly receive the ultrasonic signal transmitted by the ultrasonic receiving module and perform signal processing and other operations on the ultrasonic signal.

[0085] In this embodiment, the ultrasonic transmitting module and the ultrasonic receiving module in the bubble detection device 100 are arranged opposite to each other, with the ultrasonic transmitting module located on one side of the infusion tube and the ultrasonic receiving module located on the other side of the infusion tube.

[0086] In one embodiment, the ultrasonic transmitting module and the ultrasonic receiving module in the bubble detection device 100 can be located on the same side of the infusion tube. When the emitted ultrasonic wave penetrates the infusion tube, the ultrasonic wave is reflected at the interface of different materials, and the ultrasonic receiving end can receive the reflected ultrasonic wave and obtain the ultrasonic signal based on the reflected ultrasonic wave.

[0087] like Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 The diagram below shows the structure of an ultrasonic detection circuit in another embodiment. The ultrasonic detection circuit includes an amplifier circuit 123. One end of the amplifier circuit is connected to the ultrasonic receiving module, and the other end is connected to a comparison circuit. The amplifier circuit is used to amplify the signal received by the ultrasonic receiving module.

[0088] Specifically, since the ultrasonic signal received by the ultrasonic receiving module is a very weak electrical signal, it needs to be amplified by an amplification circuit before signal processing. Optionally, multiple amplification circuits can be used, depending on actual needs; this application does not limit this.

[0089] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the amplification circuit includes a first amplification circuit and a second amplification circuit. The output terminals of the first and second amplification circuits are connected to the input terminal of the comparator circuit. The ultrasonic signal received by the ultrasonic receiving module and the first bias voltage serve as the input terminal of the first amplification circuit, and the output terminal of the first amplification circuit and the second bias voltage serve as the input terminal of the second amplification circuit. The first bias voltage and the second bias voltage are controlled by the controller.

[0090] Specifically, since the output terminals of the first and second amplifier circuits are connected to the input terminals of the comparator circuit, that is, the output terminals of the first and second amplifier circuits serve as the two inputs of the comparator circuit, the controller can determine the threshold of the comparator circuit based on the amplitude of the acquired ultrasonic signal, and then adjust the first bias voltage and the second bias voltage.

[0091] The threshold Vt of the comparator circuit is determined by the first bias Vref1, the second bias Vref2, the amplification factor G1 of the first amplifier circuit, and the amplification factor G2 of the second amplifier circuit, as shown in formula (1):

[0092] Vt = (Vref1 - Vref2) / (G1*G2) Formula (1)

[0093] like Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 The diagram shows the structure of the ultrasonic detection circuit 120. The ultrasonic detection circuit 120 also includes a peak hold circuit 122, which is connected to the controller 104 and the ultrasonic receiving module 103. The peak hold circuit 122 is used to acquire the peak voltage of the ultrasonic signal received by the ultrasonic receiving module 103. The controller is also used to determine the presence of air bubbles in the infusion tube if the acquired peak voltage is less than a first threshold, and to output an air bubble alarm message. Specifically, when air bubbles are present in the infusion tube, the signal amplitude received by the ultrasonic receiving module will decrease stepwise. Understandably, if the acquired peak voltage is less than the first threshold when air bubbles are present, then air bubbles are present in the infusion tube.

[0094] Specifically, after the ultrasonic signal received by the ultrasonic receiving module 103 passes through the peak hold circuit, the peak voltage of the ultrasonic signal is acquired. If the acquired peak voltage is less than a first threshold, it is assumed that there are air bubbles in the infusion tube, and an air bubble alarm message is output. Optionally, the peak hold circuit is also connected to an ADC sampling unit, and the peak voltage of the ultrasonic signal is sampled by the ADC sampling unit after passing through the peak hold circuit. The first threshold can be set according to actual conditions, and this application does not limit it.

[0095] In one embodiment, if the acquired peak voltage is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the controller is used to adjust the threshold of the comparison circuit and / or the transmission frequency of the ultrasonic drive circuit according to the peak voltage.

[0096] Specifically, the ADC sampling unit acquires the peak voltage of the ultrasonic signal received by the ultrasonic receiving module. The controller calculates the voltage amplitude based on the peak voltage. If the acquired peak voltage is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the controller then determines the threshold of the comparison circuit and / or the transmission frequency of the ultrasonic drive circuit by judging the amplitude of the ultrasonic signal. The ultrasonic transmitting module can generate ultrasonic waves of different frequencies based on adjustable transmission parameter values ​​(including but not limited to transmission frequency, transmission intensity, etc.). The ultrasonic receiving module can receive ultrasonic waves passing through the infusion tube and generate corresponding ultrasonic signals. The output amplitude of the ultrasonic signal received by the ultrasonic receiving module can also be different after ultrasonic waves of different transmission frequencies pass through the infusion tube. If the ultrasonic wave with a transmission frequency of f1 has an output ultrasonic signal amplitude outside the tested amplitude range, the ultrasonic transmission frequency can be adjusted based on the output ultrasonic signal amplitude. The threshold of the comparison circuit can be calculated and adjusted based on the output ultrasonic signal amplitude.

[0097] This solution adds a peak hold circuit to the comparison circuit in the ultrasonic detection circuit, which can more accurately obtain the amplitude of the ultrasonic signal voltage. On the one hand, it effectively solves the problems of missed and false detection of bubbles, and the accuracy and sensitivity of bubble detection are high. On the other hand, it makes the infusion pump applicable to different consumables, realizes the adaptive control of ultrasonic signals, and reduces the influence of infusion tubing consumables on ultrasonic signals.

[0098] like Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 The diagram below shows the structure of an ultrasonic detection circuit in another embodiment. The ultrasonic detection circuit includes an amplifier circuit 123. One end of the amplifier circuit is connected to the ultrasonic receiving module, and the other end is connected to a comparison circuit and a peak hold circuit. The amplifier circuit is used to amplify the signal received by the ultrasonic receiving module.

[0099] In one embodiment, the amplification circuit includes a first amplification circuit and a second amplification circuit, the output terminals of the first amplification circuit and the second amplification circuit are connected to the input terminal of the comparator circuit; the ultrasonic signal received by the ultrasonic receiving module and the first bias voltage serve as the input terminal of the first amplification circuit, and the output terminal of the first amplification circuit and the second bias voltage serve as the input terminal of the second amplification circuit; wherein, the first bias voltage and the second bias voltage are controlled by the controller.

[0100] Specifically, since the output terminals of the first and second amplifier circuits are connected to the input terminal of the comparator circuit, i.e., the output terminals of the first and second amplifier circuits serve as the two inputs of the comparator circuit respectively, the threshold voltage Vt of the comparator circuit is jointly determined by the first bias voltage Vref1, the second bias voltage Vref2, the amplification factor G1 of the first amplifier circuit, and the amplification factor G2 of the second amplifier circuit. The controller can determine the threshold voltage of the comparator circuit based on the amplitude of the acquired ultrasonic signal, and then adjust the first and second bias voltages. The peak voltage of the ultrasonic signal acquired by the peak hold circuit is used by the controller to obtain its amplitude, and then the threshold voltage of the comparator circuit and / or the transmission frequency of the ultrasonic drive circuit are adjusted based on the amplitude. Optionally, the controller can adjust either the comparator circuit or the ultrasonic drive circuit according to the actual situation.

[0101] In one embodiment, the controller is further configured to detect the ultrasonic signal within a preset time and obtain the ultrasonic signal attenuation rate. If the absolute value of the difference between the obtained ultrasonic signal attenuation rate and the preset attenuation rate is less than or equal to a second threshold range, the alarm threshold is adjusted. The alarm threshold is the threshold of the comparison circuit and / or the first threshold.

[0102] like Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 This is a graph showing the amplitude attenuation of the received ultrasonic signal under different conditions.

[0103] Curve A shows the attenuation curve of the ultrasonic signal amplitude caused by the slow descent of the liquid in the infusion tubing when there are no air bubbles; Figure B shows the attenuation curve of the received ultrasonic signal amplitude when air bubbles are present. During infusion, the liquid in the infusion tubing decays over time, causing the received ultrasonic signal amplitude to gradually decrease. By analyzing the characteristics of the ultrasonic signal amplitude decrease in curves A and B, curve A shows a continuous and slow decrease due to the slow descent of the liquid in the infusion tubing, while curve B shows a step decrease due to the presence of air bubbles in the infusion tubing. By detecting the signal change trend, this method adjusts the alarm threshold, which can effectively reduce the probability of false alarms from air bubbles in the infusion pump.

[0104] Specifically, the attenuation curve of the output ultrasonic signal amplitude differs depending on whether there are air bubbles. The attenuation rate of the ultrasonic signal over a specific time period can be detected. The preset attenuation rate is the rate of change of the ultrasonic signal amplitude when there are no air bubbles in the infusion tube. By comparing the detected attenuation rate with the preset attenuation rate, if the absolute value of the difference between the detected attenuation rate and the preset attenuation rate is less than or equal to a second threshold range, the alarm threshold is adjusted. This further refines the detection of air bubbles in the infusion tube, effectively reducing the false alarm probability. The alarm threshold is the threshold of the comparison circuit mentioned above and the first threshold involved in the peak hold circuit.

[0105] In one embodiment, the controller is further configured to determine that there are air bubbles in the infusion tube and output air bubble alarm information if the absolute value of the difference between the acquired ultrasonic signal attenuation rate and the preset attenuation rate exceeds a second threshold range.

[0106] At this point, it can be directly determined that there are air bubbles in the infusion tube, allowing for faster and more accurate identification of the air bubbles and triggering an air bubble alarm.

[0107] This application also provides an infusion pump, which is used in conjunction with an infusion tubing and includes the aforementioned bubble detection device. Specifically, the infusion pump is used to drive the liquid within the infusion tubing to move continuously and in a specific direction.

[0108] In addition, this application also provides a method for detecting air bubbles, such as... Figure 6 The above, Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a bubble detection method applied to a bubble detection device. The bubble detection device includes an ultrasonic transmitting module for emitting ultrasonic waves from an ultrasonic sensor; an ultrasonic driving circuit connected to the ultrasonic transmitting module for driving the ultrasonic transmitting module to emit ultrasonic waves; an ultrasonic receiving module for receiving the ultrasonic signals emitted by the ultrasonic transmitting module; and an ultrasonic detection circuit connected to the ultrasonic receiving module for processing the ultrasonic signals received by the ultrasonic receiving module and generating ultrasonic signals. The ultrasonic detection circuit includes a comparison circuit, which outputs a high-level or low-level controller if the input signal entering the comparison circuit is less than or equal to the threshold of the comparison circuit. This controller is connected to the ultrasonic driving circuit and the ultrasonic detection circuit. The bubble detection method includes:

[0109] S602, Control the ultrasonic transmitting module to emit ultrasonic waves;

[0110] S604: Receive the ultrasonic signal emitted by the ultrasonic transmitting module and input it into the ultrasonic detection circuit;

[0111] S606. If the signal entering the ultrasonic detection circuit is less than or equal to the threshold of the comparison circuit, output a high level or a low level.

[0112] S608 The controller determines the presence of air bubbles in the infusion tube based on the high or low level output of the comparison circuit and outputs an air bubble alarm message.

[0113] In one embodiment, the bubble detection method further includes:

[0114] If the input signal entering the comparator circuit is greater than the threshold of the comparator circuit, an ultrasonic signal is output.

[0115] If the frequency of the output ultrasonic signal is different from that of the ultrasonic wave emitted by the ultrasonic transmitting module, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the bubble detection device, and the detection is stopped.

[0116] In one embodiment, the bubble detection method further includes:

[0117] If the output ultrasonic signal has the same frequency as the ultrasonic wave emitted by the ultrasonic transmitting module, then...

[0118] The comparison circuit determines the adjustment information of the ultrasonic drive circuit and / or ultrasonic detection circuit based on the ultrasonic signal, adjusts the ultrasonic drive circuit and / or ultrasonic detection circuit based on the adjustment information, and determines the air bubble information in the infusion tube based on the adjusted ultrasonic signal.

[0119] The adjustment information is used to adjust the threshold of the comparison circuit and / or the transmission frequency of the ultrasonic drive circuit.

[0120] In one embodiment, the bubble detection method further includes:

[0121] The peak voltage of the ultrasonic signal received by the ultrasonic receiving module is acquired;

[0122] If the peak voltage collected is less than the first threshold, it is determined that there are air bubbles in the infusion tube, and an air bubble alarm message is output.

[0123] In one embodiment, the bubble detection method further includes:

[0124] If the acquired peak voltage is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the controller is used to adjust the threshold of the comparison circuit and / or the transmission frequency of the ultrasonic drive circuit according to the peak voltage.

[0125] In one embodiment, the bubble detection method further includes:

[0126] If the ultrasound signal is detected within a preset time and the ultrasound signal attenuation rate is obtained, and the absolute value of the difference between the obtained ultrasound signal attenuation rate and the preset attenuation rate is less than or equal to the second threshold range, then the alarm threshold is adjusted.

[0127] The alarm threshold is the threshold of the comparator circuit and / or the first threshold.

[0128] In one embodiment, the bubble detection method further includes:

[0129] If the absolute value of the difference between the acquired ultrasonic signal attenuation rate and the preset attenuation rate exceeds the second threshold range, it is determined that there are air bubbles in the infusion tube, and an air bubble alarm message is output.

[0130] One embodiment of this application also provides a bubble detection method, such as... Figure 8 As shown, Figure 8 This is a flowchart of a bubble detection method applied to a bubble detection device. The bubble detection method includes:

[0131] Step S602: Control the ultrasonic transmitting module to emit ultrasonic waves;

[0132] Step S604: Receive the ultrasonic signal emitted by the ultrasonic transmitting module and input it into the ultrasonic detection circuit;

[0133] Step S606: If the signal entering the ultrasonic detection circuit is less than or equal to the threshold of the comparison circuit, if yes, proceed to step S608; otherwise, proceed to step S610.

[0134] Step S608: Compare the high or low level output of the circuit to determine if there is an air bubble in the infusion tube and output an air bubble alarm message;

[0135] Step S610: Output an ultrasonic signal and detect whether the frequency of the ultrasonic signal is the same as the transmission frequency of the ultrasonic transmitting module. If yes, proceed to step S612; otherwise, proceed to step S611.

[0136] Step S611: Determine that the bubble detection device is malfunctioning and stop the detection;

[0137] Step S612: Adjust the threshold of the comparison circuit and the transmission frequency of the ultrasonic drive circuit;

[0138] Step S613: The adjusted transmission frequency emits ultrasonic waves. The signal entering the ultrasonic detection circuit is less than the threshold of the comparison circuit. If yes, proceed to step S614; otherwise, proceed to step S615.

[0139] Step S614: Compare the high or low level output of the circuit to determine if there is an air bubble in the infusion tube and output an air bubble alarm message;

[0140] Step S615: Confirm that there are no air bubbles in the infusion tube.

[0141] like Figure 9 As shown, one embodiment of this application provides an electronic device 500, which includes a memory 501 and a processor 502.

[0142] Among them, memory 501 is used to store computer instructions that can be executed by the processor;

[0143] The processor 502 implements the various steps of the method in the above embodiments when executing computer instructions. For details, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0144] Optionally, the memory 501 can be either independent or integrated with the processor 502. When the memory 501 is configured independently, the electronic device also includes a bus for connecting the memory 501 and the processor 502.

[0145] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the methods described above.

[0146] This application also provides a computer program product, including computer instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the various steps in the methods described above.

[0147] Other embodiments of this application will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this application that follow the general principles of this application and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this application are indicated by the following claims.

[0148] It should be understood that this application is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this application is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A bubble detection device, characterized in that, include: Ultrasonic transmitting module, used to emit ultrasonic waves; An ultrasonic driving circuit, connected to the ultrasonic transmitting module, is used to drive the ultrasonic transmitting module to emit ultrasonic waves; An ultrasonic receiving module is used to receive ultrasonic signals emitted by the ultrasonic transmitting module; An ultrasonic detection circuit, connected to the ultrasonic receiving module, is used to process the ultrasonic signals received by the ultrasonic receiving module and generate ultrasonic signals. The ultrasonic detection circuit includes an amplification circuit, a comparison circuit, and a peak hold circuit. One end of the amplification circuit is connected to the ultrasonic receiving module, and the other end is connected to the comparison circuit and the peak hold circuit. The comparison circuit is configured to output a high level or a low level if the input signal entering the comparison circuit is less than or equal to the threshold of the comparison circuit; and to output an ultrasonic signal if the input signal entering the comparison circuit is greater than the threshold of the comparison circuit; the peak hold circuit is configured to acquire the peak voltage of the ultrasonic signal received by the ultrasonic receiving module. The controller, connected to the ultrasonic drive circuit and the ultrasonic detection circuit, is used to determine the presence of air bubbles in the infusion tube based on the high or low level output by the comparison circuit and to output air bubble alarm information; and, if the collected peak voltage is less than a first threshold, to determine the presence of air bubbles in the infusion tube and to output air bubble alarm information. The controller is also used to determine that the bubble detection device is malfunctioning and to stop detection if the output ultrasonic signal is different from the frequency of the ultrasonic wave emitted by the ultrasonic transmitting module.

2. The bubble detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, If the output ultrasonic signal has the same frequency as the ultrasonic wave emitted by the ultrasonic transmitting module. The comparison circuit determines the adjustment information of the ultrasonic drive circuit and / or ultrasonic detection circuit based on the ultrasonic signal, adjusts the ultrasonic drive circuit and / or ultrasonic detection circuit based on the adjustment information, and determines the bubble information in the infusion tube based on the adjusted ultrasonic signal. The adjustment information is used to adjust the threshold of the comparison circuit and / or the emission frequency of the ultrasonic drive circuit.

3. The bubble detection device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The controller is also used for The amplitude of the ultrasonic signal is acquired, and the threshold of the comparison circuit and / or the transmission frequency of the ultrasonic drive circuit are determined based on the amplitude of the ultrasonic signal.

4. The bubble detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, If the peak voltage collected is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the controller is used to adjust the threshold of the comparison circuit and / or the emission frequency of the ultrasonic drive circuit according to the peak voltage.

5. The bubble detection device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The controller is also used to detect the ultrasonic signal within a preset time and obtain the ultrasonic signal attenuation rate. If the absolute value of the difference between the obtained ultrasonic signal attenuation rate and the preset attenuation rate is less than or falls into the second threshold range, the alarm threshold is adjusted. The alarm threshold is the threshold of the comparison circuit and / or the first threshold.

6. The bubble detection device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The controller is further configured to determine that there are air bubbles in the infusion tube and output air bubble alarm information if the absolute value of the difference between the acquired ultrasonic signal attenuation rate and the preset attenuation rate is greater than the maximum value of the second threshold range.

7. The bubble detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The amplification circuit is used to amplify the signal received by the ultrasonic receiving module.

8. The bubble detection device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The amplifier circuit includes a first amplifier circuit and a second amplifier circuit, and the output terminals of the first amplifier circuit and the second amplifier circuit are connected to the input terminal of the comparator circuit. The ultrasonic signal received by the ultrasonic receiving module and the first bias voltage serve as the input terminal of the first amplification circuit, and the output terminal of the first amplification circuit and the second bias voltage serve as the input terminal of the second amplification circuit. The first bias voltage and the second bias voltage are controlled and output by the controller.

9. An infusion pump, characterized in that, The infusion pump and infusion tubing are used together, including the bubble detection device according to any one of claims 1-8.

10. A method for detecting air bubbles, characterized in that, The method is applied to a bubble detection device, which includes an ultrasonic transmitting module for emitting ultrasonic waves; an ultrasonic driving circuit connected to the ultrasonic transmitting module for driving the ultrasonic transmitting module to emit ultrasonic waves; an ultrasonic receiving module for receiving ultrasonic signals emitted by the ultrasonic transmitting module; and an ultrasonic detection circuit connected to the ultrasonic receiving module for processing the ultrasonic signals received by the ultrasonic receiving module and generating ultrasonic signals. The ultrasonic detection circuit includes an amplification circuit, a comparison circuit, and a peak hold circuit. One end of the amplification circuit is connected to the ultrasonic receiving module, and the other end is connected to the comparison circuit and the peak hold circuit. The comparison circuit is configured to output a high level or a low level if the input signal entering the comparison circuit is less than or equal to the threshold of the comparison circuit; and to output an ultrasonic signal if the input signal entering the comparison circuit is greater than the threshold of the comparison circuit; the peak hold circuit is configured to acquire the peak voltage of the ultrasonic signal received by the ultrasonic receiving module. The controller is connected to the ultrasonic drive circuit and the ultrasonic detection circuit, and the method includes: Control the ultrasonic transmitting module to emit ultrasonic waves; The ultrasonic signal emitted by the ultrasonic transmitting module is received and input into the ultrasonic detection circuit; If the signal entering the ultrasonic detection circuit is less than or equal to the threshold of the comparison circuit, a high level or a low level is output. Based on the high or low level output of the comparison circuit, it is determined that there are air bubbles in the infusion tube and an air bubble alarm message is output; and if the collected peak voltage is less than a first threshold, it is determined that there are air bubbles in the infusion tube and an air bubble alarm message is output. If the signal entering the ultrasonic detection circuit is greater than the threshold of the comparison circuit, an ultrasonic signal is output. If the output ultrasonic signal has a different frequency than the ultrasonic wave emitted by the ultrasonic transmitting module, it is determined that the bubble detection device is malfunctioning and the detection is stopped.

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