Device for image-based analysis of waste in a tank

Abstract

A device for facilitating image-based determination of a blood component in medical waste. The device may be an insert that includes means for positioning and supporting the insert within the can such that the imaging feature of the insert is spaced from the inner surface of the can. The insert may include a strut configured to engage a rib of the can in a press-fit arrangement. The struts may taper inwardly toward the base of the can. The insert may define a slot to provide fluid communication between the back side and the front side of the insert. The insert may include a frame configured to be compressed to elastically deform and engage the can in a press-fit arrangement. The insert may include a foot to provide a fulcrum to facilitate coupling the surface of the insert to the inner surface with an adhesive.

Description

[0001] Priority claim

[0002] This application claims priority to and all benefits of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 350,217, filed on June 8, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] A byproduct of surgical procedures is the generation of liquid, semi-solid and / or solid waste. Medical waste can be removed from the surgical site by suction under the influence of a vacuum. Medical waste can include liquids such as blood, interstitial fluid, mucus, lavage fluid, etc.

[0004] Determining the amount of blood loss during surgery can be used to monitor the health of the patient during surgery. Advances in imaging and computing have quantified blood loss by capturing images of a fluid-containing medium (e.g., a can). One such system is sold by Gauss Surgical, Inc (Menlo Park, California) under the trade name Triton and disclosed in U.S. co-owned patent No. 9,773,320 issued on September 26, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The system includes a can, within which a plug is disposed, the plug being configured to allow a thin layer of fluid to be located between the plug and the inner surface of the can.

[0005] The plug-in may be provided separately from the canister, and therefore a surgical technician or other individual may need to prepare the canister prior to surgery by coupling the plug-in with the canister in an indicated manner. Although the canister and the plug-in may include complementary geometric structures to facilitate precise positioning of the plug-in, the process is still prone to human error, and small deviations in the position of the plug-in may affect the accuracy of image-based processing. Therefore, there is a need in the art to solve the above technical problems. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present disclosure relates to devices to be arranged in a tank for image-based analysis of waste. These devices can be in the form of plug-ins or other similar structures. The plug-in includes several geometric structures, at least one of which is spaced apart from the inner surface of the tank to define a gap. The gap has a known and / or fixed distance. The plug-in generally includes a front side opposite to the rear side. An imaging feature is located on the front side of the plug-in and includes an imaging surface and optionally a second imaging surface. The imaging feature generally includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, wherein the imaging surface extends between the first end and the second end. The first imaging surface and the second imaging surface can be positioned laterally relative to each other in a side-by-side arrangement. The second imaging surface is recessed relative to the front surface and can be separated from each other by a ridge. The first imaging surface is spaced apart from the inner surface by a first distance, and the second imaging surface is spaced apart from the inner surface by a second distance. The second distance can be greater than the first distance.

[0007] The upper form may be positioned above the imaging feature and include a front surface. The contour of the front surface may be designed to coincide with the inner surface of the tank. The imaging feature may be recessed relative to the front surface of the upper form. An edge may separate the imaging feature from the upper form. The size of the upper form may be designed to be at least equal to the size and shape of the reference mark. The reference mark helps locate and analyze the area of ​​the image associated with the imaging feature, and also provides color correction to compensate for changes in ambient lighting or other optical aberrations. The reference mark may be attached to the outer surface of the tank or to the upper form of the plug-in.

[0008] The insert may include at least one protrusion extending forward from the imaging surface, the front surface, or another surface of the insert. There may be one, two, three, or more protrusions. Exemplary embodiments include the imaging feature being generally square or rectangular in shape, wherein each of the four protrusions is disposed adjacent to a respective one of the four corners of the imaging feature. The protrusions are configured to separate the imaging surface from the inner surface of the canister by a gap.

[0009] The plug-in may include means for supporting the plug-in within the tank to locate and maintain the position of the imaging feature. A first embodiment employs a press-fit design. The plug-in includes a frame extending rearwardly from the imaging feature. The frame may include legs, each of which is formed by an arcuate member of the frame. Each leg may include a foot that is contoured or tilted relative to the arcuate member. A second embodiment includes the plug-in being shaped roughly as a rectangle with a height greater than a width. The width of the plug-in is sized to be snugly secured between adjacent ribs formed within the tank. The plug-in may include struts defining notches between the struts. The struts facilitate press-fit interaction with the ribs. The front surface and the imaging feature may be disposed between the struts. In another embodiment, the plug-in is secured to the tank using an adhesive. The adhesive may be attached to the front surface, a lower front surface opposite the imaging feature, or another surface of the plug-in.

[0010] The notch may extend between the front side and the rear side. The notch provides fluid communication from the rear side of the plug-in to its front side. The lower edge of the plug-in may define a lower vent. The handle or grip may be a flange extending rearward from the front surface or another structure of the plug-in. The plug-in may include an alignment portion configured to provide a visual reference for the user when attaching a reference mark to the exterior of the upper form or tank. The alignment feature may be a recess formed on or within the front surface adjacent to the imaging surface. The alignment feature may be a hole extending through the plug-in. Markings may be provided on the plug-in, such as a numerical value indicating a gap distance between the imaging feature and the inner surface of the tank.

[0011] Therefore, according to certain inventive aspects of the present disclosure, the plug-in includes a front side opposite the rear side and an imaging feature disposed on the front side. The imaging feature includes at least one imaging surface that is configured to be spaced apart by a gap from an inner surface of the tank. The first support is spaced apart from a first end of the imaging feature to define a first notch therebetween, and the second support is spaced apart from a second end of the imaging feature to define a second notch therebetween. The first support and the second support are configured to engage a rib of the tank to secure the plug-in within the tank. The first notch and the second notch extend between the front side and the rear side and are configured to provide fluid communication between the gap and the remaining volume of the tank.

[0012] According to certain inventive aspects of the present disclosure, the insert includes a front side opposite to the rear side and an imaging surface disposed on the front side. At least three protrusions extend forward from the front side and are configured to engage the inner surface of the tank to maintain a gap between the imaging surface and the inner surface of the tank.

[0013] According to certain inventive aspects of the present disclosure, the insert includes a front side opposite the back side and an imaging feature disposed on the front side. The imaging feature includes a first imaging surface and a second imaging surface disposed side by side with the first imaging surface. Each of the plurality of protrusions extends from the front side and is configured to engage an inner surface of the can to maintain a first gap between the first imaging surface and the inner surface of the can and to maintain a second gap between the second imaging surface and the inner surface. The first gap is different from the second gap.

[0014] According to certain inventive aspects of the present disclosure, the insert includes a front side opposite the rear side and an imaging feature disposed on the front side. The imaging feature is configured to be spaced apart from the inner surface of the can by a gap. An aperture is defined between the front side and the rear side. An upper form is disposed above the imaging feature. The aperture provides an alignment feature configured to align with a complementary geometry of a reference mark.

[0015] In some embodiments, the alignment feature can be positioned adjacent to the edge that separates the upper form and the imaging feature. The alignment feature is configured to align with the complementary geometry of the reference mark. The alignment feature can be a hole extending between the front side and the back side. The hole is configured to allow fluid to flow between the front side and the back side of the imaging feature. The hole can be along the midpoint of the width of the upper edge of the imaging feature.

[0016] In some embodiments, the handle can extend rearwardly from the upper form and be configured to require the insert to be inserted into the tank in a single orientation. The first and second struts can each taper inwardly and downwardly to enable engagement with a rib of the tank in a single orientation. The first and second struts can extend below a lower edge of the imaging feature to define a lower vent between the imaging feature and a lower surface of the tank.

[0017] In some embodiments, the frame extends rearwardly from the imaging feature. The frame includes legs, each leg being formed by an arcuate member of the frame. The legs are sized so that the outer dimension of the insert approximates the inner diameter of the canister. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 An imaging device is depicted that captures images of a tank for image-based analysis of waste contained therein. An insert is disposed within the tank.

[0019] Figure 2A is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of an insert.

[0020] Figure 2B This is a front view of the plug-in.

[0021] Figure 2C is a rear perspective view of the insert.

[0022] Figure 2D is a side view of the plug-in.

[0023] Figure 3A is a front view of a second embodiment of an insert disposed within a can.

[0024] Figure 3B is a front perspective view of the plug-in.

[0025] Figure 3C is a side view of the plug-in.

[0026] Figure 3D This is a front view of the plug-in.

[0027] Figure 4A is a front perspective view of a third embodiment of an insert.

[0028] Figure 4B This is a front view of the plug-in.

[0029] Figure 4C is a side view of the plug-in.

[0030] Figure 4D is the rear view of the plugin.

[0031] Figure 5A is a front perspective view of a fourth embodiment of an insert.

[0032] Figure 5B This is a front view of the plug-in.

[0033] Figure 5C is a side view of the plug-in.

[0034] Figure 5D This is the rear view of the plugin.

[0035] Fig. 6A is a front perspective view of a fifth embodiment of an insert.

[0036] Figure 6B is a rear perspective view of the insert. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Figure 1A system 10 for image-based analysis of waste (and in particular image-based quantitative analysis of blood loss in a tank 12) is shown. The tank 12 can be self-standing on a surface or connected to another support structure. The tank 12 includes an inlet port and an outlet port (not identified) configured to be connected to a suction line. The suction line connected to the outlet port is configured to be fluidly connected to a vacuum source (e.g., a medical waste collection system sold under the trade name Neptune by Stryker Corporation (Kalamazoo, Michigan). Alternatively, the vacuum source can be integrated with a medical facility. The suction line connected to the inlet port is configured to be fluidly connected to a suction device, which is deployed at the surgical site to extract medical waste into the tank 12 under the influence of the suction provided by the vacuum source. Medical waste is collected in the tank 12.

[0038] When desired, the user may capture an image of the tank 12 in which the medical waste is placed for processing by a processor (not shown) that executes instructions for determining the proportion or amount of blood within the tank 12 based on the image. Figure 1 As shown, the image can be captured by a camera associated with device 14 (e.g., a tablet or smartphone). A depth sensor of device 14 can also be used. Exemplary systems and methods for analyzing images are disclosed in the above-mentioned U.S. Patent No. 9,773,320 and further disclosed in co-owned U.S. Patent No. 9,171,368 issued on October 27, 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. For example, certain embodiments of image-based determination include extracting component values ​​of red or other colors in the image to estimate blood components (e.g., hemoglobin) in the waste. The volume of the waste can be input or determined, and the amount of blood in the tank 12 can be determined.

[0039] Darker red hues may result in saturation of the color signal, which itself may produce suboptimal readings and determinations. Similarly, overly opaque fluids may result from an excess of red blood cells in the fluid and insufficient free hemoglobin, or from the dissolution of an unknown portion of the whole red blood cells. To ensure consistent and accurate image-based determinations of blood components, the plug-in 16 is configured to be disposed within the tank 12. The plug-in 16 includes several geometric structures, at least one of which is separated from the inner surface of the tank 12 to define a gap having a known and fixed distance. The gap allows a thin layer of fluid to be located between the plug-in 16 and the inner surface of the tank 12. In addition, the plug-in 16 can be white or nearly white. Against the white background of the thin layer of fluid, the fluid presents an area of ​​at least substantially uniform color that is below the chromaticity that results in signal saturation. In certain embodiments, the plug-in 16 is manufactured by INEOS Group, Ltd (London, England) under the trade name The polymers sold or other suitable polymers are formed.

[0040] Reference Figures 2A-2D , shows one embodiment of the insert 16 and other embodiments described later. The insert 16 generally includes a front side 18 opposite a rear side 20. Conventionally, the front side 18 is configured to be positioned adjacent to or closer to the inner surface of the tank 12, while the rear side 20 is opposite the front side 18. The upper aspect 21 may include a front surface 22 and may be configured to be positioned adjacent to or in abutting relationship with the inner surface of the tank 12. The imaging feature 24 of the insert 16 includes an imaging surface 26 and, optionally, a second imaging surface 28 (see Figure 5A and Figure 5B) to provide an increased chromaticity gradient below the chromaticity that may cause signal saturation. The imaging feature generally includes a first end 25A and a second end 25B opposite the first end 25A, wherein an imaging surface 26 extends between the first end 25A and the second end 25B. The profile of the front surface 22 can be designed to coincide with the inner diameter of the inner surface to facilitate consistent positioning of the imaging feature 24 within the tank 12 and limit unintentional movement of the plug 16 relative to the tank 12. The upper form 21 can be located above the imaging feature 24, and the imaging feature 24 can be recessed relative to the front surface 22 of the upper form 21. The edge can separate the imaging feature 24 from the upper form 21. In the case where the front surface 22 directly contacts the inner surface of the tank 12, the imaging surface 26 is spaced apart from the inner surface by a known distance. In one example, the distance is 1.7 mm. More broadly, it is contemplated that the known distance can be in the range of approximately 0.7 mm to 5.7 mm, and more specifically, in the range of 1.2 mm to 3.7 mm. The known distance allows a thin layer of fluid to be located between the imaging surface 26 and the inner surface. The thin layer of fluid exhibits at least a substantially uniform color, and the controller is configured to locate a region of the image associated with the imaging feature 24 for image-based determination of the blood composition.

[0041] The size of the upper form 21 can be designed to be at least equal to the reference numeral 33 (see Figure 1), the reference mark 33 is configured to be detected by the optical sensor when capturing an image of the tank 12. The reference mark 33 helps locate and analyze the area of ​​the image associated with the imaging feature 24, and also provides color correction to compensate for changes in ambient lighting or other optical aberrations. An exemplary embodiment of the reference mark 33 is disclosed in co-owned U.S. Patent No. 9,824,441, issued on November 21, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, wherein a quick response (QR) code is attached to the outer surface of the tank 12 corresponding to the position of the upper form 21 of the plug 16 disposed within the tank 12 using an adhesive. The QR code can be printed in red with a known red component value. The processor can adjust the value based on the red component value associated with the known red component value as detected in the captured image. In other words, the red component value of the reference mark 33 can help the processor perform color calibration to improve the accuracy of the optical sensor in quantifying blood components based on the color of the fluid. Furthermore, having the upper form 21 behind the reference mark 33 and being equal to or larger in size than the reference mark 33 can improve image segmentation of the red QR code within an image that might otherwise include the dark red fluid in the tank 12. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the reference mark 33 can be attached to the insert 16 (particularly the upper form 21 of the insert 16). The upper form 21 can also be configured to abut the inner surface of the tank 12 such that the reference mark 33 attached to the upper form 21 abuts the inner surface of the tank 12. In this configuration, the abutment between the reference mark 33 and the inner surface of the tank 12 limits the ingress of fluid between the reference mark 33 and the tank 12. If fluid is present in front of the reference mark 33, the color of the fluid can affect the visibility (e.g., color) of the reference mark 33, which can be advantageous. Additionally or alternatively, a transparent film can be affixed to cover the reference mark 33.

[0042] The insert 16 may include at least one protrusion 30 configured to be positioned adjacent or in abutting relation to the inner surface of the can 12. Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, protrusion 30 extends forward from imaging surface 26. The size of protrusion 30 is designed so that imaging surface 26 can be spaced apart from the inner surface along its entire height by a known distance (which is also referred to herein as a gap). In other words, protrusion 30 can be a standoff or abutment that is configured to space imaging surface 26 from the inner surface of the tank by a gap. For example, protrusion 30 can extend forward from imaging surface 26 the same distance that front surface 22 extends forward from imaging surface 26. Imaging feature 24 can be positioned between protrusion 30 and upper form 21.

[0043] Insert 16 may include means for supporting insert 16 within tank 12 to position and maintain the position of imaging features 24. The means for supporting insert 16 may couple insert 16 within a lower portion of tank 12, or to a sidewall of tank 12, or a combination thereof. Figures 2A-2D The embodiment utilizes a press-fit design to facilitate easy insertion into the can 12. The insert 16 includes a frame 32 extending rearwardly from the imaging feature 24. The frame 32 is configured to provide two contact points in addition to the contact points provided by the front surface 22 and the protrusion 30. The arrangement can be roughly viewed geometrically as a round can constraining a triangular insert.

[0044] The frame 32 may include legs 34, each of which is formed by an arcuate member 36 of the frame 32. Each leg 34 may include a foot 38 that is contoured or angled relative to the arcuate member 36 to be flush with and abut the inner surface of the can 12 to provide the above-mentioned contact point. The size of the legs 34 is designed so that the outer [circular] dimension of the insert 16 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the can 12. To install the insert 16 into the can 12, the user can squeeze or compress the arcuate member 36 inwardly (see Figure 2C ). Due to the resiliently flexible material forming the insert 16, the insert 16 will deform slightly elastically to be fully seated on the base 15 of the can 12. After being properly positioned, the compressive force is removed and the insert 16 returns to its original shape to provide a secure frictional engagement between the inner surface of the can 12 and each of the front surface 22, the protrusion 30 and the standoff 38. The design does not rely on internal geometry (e.g., ribs) associated with the inner surface of the can 12 to couple the insert 16.

[0045] Reference now Figures 3A-5D , the shape of the plug 16 can be generally rectangular with a height greater than the width. The thickness of the plug 16 defined between the front side 18 and the rear side 20 is relatively small, making the plug 16 structurally plate-like. The plug 16 can also be unitary or monolithic in structure. The front side 18 and the rear side 20 can be curved, having the same radius of curvature as the tank 12. In other words, the front side 18 can be convex, and the contour of the convex surface of the front side 18 substantially conforms to the inner surface of the tank 12. For a given volume of the plug 16, this shape maximizes the surface area of ​​the front side 18, including the imaging features 24. In the event that the plug 16 is disposed within the tank 12, it minimizes the consumed sub-volume of the tank 12, making volume-based readings more accurate. The width of the plug 16 is sized to be snugly secured between adjacent ribs 13 formed within the tank 12 (see Figure 3A). In addition, the width of the insert 16 may be tapered accordingly as the ribs 13 slope inwardly toward the base 15 of the can 12. This taper may help prevent the insert 16 from being inverted during assembly, instead being able to engage the ribs 13 of the can 12 in a single orientation.

[0046] The insert 16 includes struts 40 and may define slots 42 between the struts 40. For example, Figure 3B A first post 40 is shown spaced from a first end 25A of the imaging feature 24 to define a first notch 42 therebetween and a second post 40 is spaced from a second end 25B of the imaging feature 42 to define a second notch 42 therebetween. The post 40 is configured to engage with the rib 13 of the tank 12 to secure the plug 16. The elastic flexibility of the post 40 and / or the entire plug 16 is configured to facilitate a press-fit interaction with the rib 13. In addition, the elastic flexibility can enable the plug 16 to be used with tanks of slightly different sizes (e.g., with the ribs spaced closer or farther apart). In some embodiments, the ribs 13 of the tank 12 can be used to connect the plug 16 in an improved manner over existing plugs. The front surface 22 and the imaging feature 24 can be disposed between the post 40. The shape of the front surface 22 and the imaging feature 24 can be generally rectangular, with the post 40 gradually tapering inward toward the base 15 of the tank 12. Figures 2A-2D Compared to an embodiment in which the front surface 22 of the insert 16 contacts the inner surface of the tank 12, the protrusions 30 of the present embodiment may be disposed adjacent to the four corners of the imaging feature 24. In this arrangement, the front surface 22 may not directly contact the inner surface of the tank, and thus the fluid may descend along the front surface 22 to be located in the gap. The notch 42 provides fluid communication from the rear side 20 of the insert 16 to the front side 18 thereof. Specifically, with the support 40 in press-fit contact with the rib 13 of the tank 12, the notch 42 allows waste to enter the gap defined between the imaging feature 24 and the inner surface of the tank 12. Certain workflows may dictate that the tank 12 be stirred or rotated to promote homogeneity of the waste, and the notch 42 causes a portion of the homogenized waste to be located in the gap.

[0047] The lower edge of the insert 16 may define a lower vent 44, which is also configured to facilitate the passage of waste into the gap, particularly when the waste volume is relatively small. The insert 16 may also include a handle or grip 46, which is configured for manipulation by a user during coupling of the insert 16 to the canister 12. The grip 46 may be a flange extending rearwardly from the front surface 22 or another structure of the insert 16. According to this embodiment, the grip 46 may be as shown in FIG. Figure 3A-3B The shorter one shown in Figures 4A-4D The one shown is the longer one.

[0048] Insert 16 may include an alignment feature 48 configured to provide a visual reference for a user when attaching reference mark 33 to upper form 21 or to the exterior of can 12. An example of alignment feature 48 is a dimple formed on or in front surface 22 adjacent to imaging feature 24, such as Figure 3B and Figure 5A Another example of an alignment feature 48 is a hole 49 extending through the insert 16 (ie, extending between the front side 18 and the rear side 20), such as Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4D In addition to providing a visual reference for attaching reference mark 33 as described above, hole 49 can also allow fluid to flow into and out of the gap formed between the wall of canister 12 and insert 16. This fluid flow reduces the formation of bubbles in the gap, which could otherwise impair image quality.

[0049] In many ways, Figures 5A-5D The implementation is similar to Figures 3A-3D and Figures 4A-4D Embodiments of the present invention, wherein like numbers represent like parts. Figures 5A-5D The embodiment of the present invention differs in that the pillars 40 extend upwardly to the upper edge of the insert 16 in a continuous manner. In addition, the insert 16 may include a marking 50 that provides information to the user. The marking 50 may be a numerical value indicating the gap distance between the imaging feature 24 and the inner surface of the canister 12 in which the insert 16 is disposed. In the case where one of several inserts may be used, this value may be entered into the user interface of the software so that compensation may be made accordingly.

[0050] As described above, the insert 16 may include a second imaging surface 28. Like the first imaging surface 26, the second imaging surface 28 is recessed relative to the front surface 22. The first imaging surface 26 is spaced apart from the inner surface by a first distance, and the second imaging surface 28 is spaced apart from the inner surface by a second distance. The second distance may be greater than the first distance. The first distance may be in the range of about 0.7 mm to 5.7 mm, and more specifically, in the range of 1.2 mm to 3.7 mm, and the second distance may be in the range of about 1.2 mm to 6.2 mm, and more specifically, in the range of 1.7 mm to 4.2 mm.

[0051] The second imaging surface 28 provides the aforementioned gradient of increased chromaticity to improve image-based determinations of blood components and further performs additional functions (e.g., those disclosed in the aforementioned U.S. Patent No. 9,773,320). It should be understood that the insert 16 may include two, three, four, or five or more imaging surfaces, the illustrated embodiments being non-limiting examples.

[0052] The first imaging surface 26 and the second imaging surface 28 may be positioned laterally relative to each other in a side-by-side arrangement.One of the advantages of a side-by-side arrangement is providing a color gradient at lower fluid levels, as opposed to a vertical arrangement similar to a staircase. Figures 5A-5D A first imaging surface 26 and a second imaging surface 28 are shown separated by a ridge 52 having a thickness equal to the difference between the first distance and the second distance. For example, the ridge 52 may be about 0.5 millimeters. It is contemplated that the ridge 52 may be rounded or otherwise contoured for aesthetics, manufacturability, or functionality. Other geometries for transitioning between the first imaging surface 26 and the second imaging surface 28 are contemplated.

[0053] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B Another embodiment of the plug-in 16 is shown, in which the plug-in 16 is fixed in the tank 12 using an adhesive. For example, the adhesive can be a double-sided tape. The adhesive can be attached to the front surface 22, and to the lower front surface 23 relatively positioned with respect to the imaging feature 24. The adhesive is schematically represented by shading. The plug-in 16 can include a grip 46, and the foot 54 of the plug-in 16 is configured to be used as a fulcrum during the assembly process. More specifically, after removing the front of the adhesive, the user can pinch the grip 46 and lower the plug-in 16 into the tank 12 until the foot 54 contacts the base 15 of the tank 12 and / or a geometric structure associated with the base 15 of the tank 12. Thereafter, the user moves the grip 46 toward the inner surface to effectively pivot the plug-in 16 about the fulcrum until the front surface 22 and the lower surface 23 contact the inner surface to secure the plug-in 16 with the adhesive.

[0054] It should be understood that the embodiments of the insert 16 and the embodiments of the means for supporting the insert 16 within the tank 12 discussed herein are interchangeable, and more than one supporting means may be used on the same insert. For example, the second imaging surface 28, protrusions 30, alignment features 48, and indicia 50, etc. may be associated with any of the embodiments described herein. The insert 16 itself may be formed of a polymer, composite material, or other suitable material. As described above, the material may be white, opaque, and impermeable to the fluid within the tank 12 (see Figure 2A ). The insert 16 may be made of a highly reflective (i.e., shiny) material and / or coated with a shiny coating. Alternatively, the material may be non-white, opaque, and / or fluid permeable. The material and / or coating may be designed to retard staining. The insert 16 may be integrally formed by an applicable manufacturing process.

[0055] Several embodiments have been discussed in the foregoing description. However, the embodiments discussed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to any particular form. Modifications and variations may be made in accordance with the above teachings, and these modifications and variations may be implemented in a manner different from that specifically described. For example, the blood component may be hemoglobin, or may be one or more of whole blood, red blood cells, platelets, plasma, white blood cells, analytes, etc. These methods may also be used to estimate the concentration and amount of non-blood components (e.g., saline, ascites, bile, lavage fluid, saliva, gastric juice, mucus, pleural fluid, interstitial fluid, urine, feces, etc.) in the tank 12.

Claims

1. A plug-in configured to be disposed in a tank to perform image-based analysis of medical waste collected in the tank, the plug-in comprising: the front side opposite to the rear side; an imaging feature disposed on the front side and comprising at least one imaging surface configured to be spaced a gap from an interior surface of the tank; a first support leg spaced from the first end of the imaging feature to define a first notch therebetween; and a second leg spaced from the second end of the imaging feature to define a second notch therebetween, wherein the first leg and the second leg are configured to engage a rib of the canister to secure the insert within the canister, Wherein, the first slot and the second slot extend between the front side and the rear side and are configured to provide fluid communication between the gap and the remaining volume of the tank.

2. The plug-in according to claim 1, wherein: The insert also includes a plurality of protrusions extending from the front side and configured to engage an inner surface of the can to maintain the gap between the imaging surface and the inner surface of the can.

3. The plug-in according to claim 2, wherein: Each of the plurality of protrusions is positioned adjacent to a corresponding one of the four corners of the imaging surface.

4. A plug-in configured to be disposed in a tank to perform image-based analysis of medical waste collected in the tank, the plug-in comprising: the front side opposite to the rear side; an imaging surface disposed on the front side; and At least three protrusions extend forwardly from the front side and are configured to engage an inner surface of the tank to maintain a gap between the imaging surface and the inner surface of the tank.

5. The plug-in according to claim 4, wherein: Each of the at least three protrusions is positioned adjacent to the imaging surface.

6. A plug-in according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The insert also includes an upper form positioned above the imaging feature and defining a surface dimensioned to have a reference marker attached thereto; And, optionally, the reference mark is a Quick Response (QR) code.

7. The plug-in according to claim 6, wherein: The insert also includes an alignment feature positioned adjacent an edge separating the upper form and the imaging feature, the alignment feature being configured for alignment with a complementary geometry of the reference mark.

8. The plug-in according to claim 7, wherein: The alignment feature is a hole extending between the front side and the back side, the hole being configured to allow fluid to flow between the front side of the imaging feature and the back side of the imaging feature.

9. The plug-in according to claim 8, wherein: The hole is located midway along the width of the edge.

10. The plug-in according to claim 6, wherein: The insert also includes a handle extending rearwardly from the upper form and configured to require the insert to be inserted into the can in a single orientation.

11. The plug-in according to claim 10, wherein: The first and second struts each taper inwardly and downwardly to be engageable with the rib of the tank in a single orientation.

12. The plug-in according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The imaging feature also includes a first imaging surface and a second imaging surface arranged side by side with the first imaging surface, and the gap is a first gap between the first imaging surface and the inner surface of the tank, and is different from a second gap between the second imaging surface and the inner surface.

13. The plug-in of claim 12, wherein: The second gap is larger than the first gap.

14. A plug-in according to claim 12 or 13, wherein: A ridge separates the first imaging surface and the second imaging surface.

15. A plug-in as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein The first gap is in the range of 1.2 mm to 3.7 mm, and the second gap is in the range of 1.7 mm to 4.2 mm.

16. An insert configured to be disposed in a tank to perform image-based analysis of medical waste collected in the tank, the insert comprising: the front side opposite to the rear side; an imaging feature disposed on the front side and comprising a first imaging surface and a second imaging surface disposed side-by-side with the first imaging surface; A plurality of protrusions extending from the front side and configured to engage the inner surface of the tank to maintain a first gap between the first imaging surface and the inner surface of the tank and a second gap between the second imaging surface and the inner surface, wherein the first gap is different from the second gap.

17. The plug-in of claim 16, wherein: The second gap is larger than the first gap.

18. A plug-in according to claim 16 or 17, wherein: A ridge separates the first imaging surface and the second imaging surface.

19. A plug-in as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein: The plugin also includes: a first strut spaced from a first end of the imaging feature; and A second strut is spaced apart from a second end of the imaging feature, wherein the first strut and the second strut are configured to engage a rib of the canister to secure the insert within the canister.

20. The plug-in of claim 19, wherein: A first slot is defined between the first strut and the imaging feature, and a second slot is defined between the second strut and the imaging feature, the first slot and the second slot extending between the anterior side and the posterior side.

21. The plug-in of claim 19, wherein: The first and second struts extend below a lower edge of the imaging feature to define a lower vent between the imaging feature and a lower surface of the tank.

22. A plug-in as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 21, wherein: The insert also includes an upper form disposed above the imaging feature and defining a surface dimensioned to have a reference marker attached thereto; And, optionally, the reference mark is a Quick Response (QR) code.

23. The plug-in of claim 22, wherein: The insert also includes a handle extending rearwardly from the upper form and configured to require the insert to be inserted into the can in a single orientation.

24. An insert configured to be disposed in a tank to perform image-based analysis of medical waste collected in the tank, the insert comprising: a front side opposite the rear side, wherein an aperture is defined between the front side and the rear side; an imaging feature disposed on the front side and comprising at least one imaging surface configured to be spaced a gap from an interior surface of the tank; an upper form positioned above the imaging feature; and Reference mark, Wherein the hole provides an alignment feature configured to align with a complementary geometric structure of the reference mark.

25. The plug-in of claim 24, wherein: The aperture is positioned adjacent an edge separating the imaging feature and the upper form.

26. An insert as claimed in claim 24 or 25, wherein The aperture is also configured to allow fluid to flow between the front side and the back side of the imaging feature.

27. A plug-in as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein: The reference marker is attached to the upper form.

28. A plug-in as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein: The front side is convex, and the convex surface of the front side is contoured to substantially conform to the inner surface of the can.

Images