Syringe difference detection

Abstract

Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide syringe pump monitoring systems, methods, and computer readable media for automatically detecting and monitoring changes in measurements of a syringe to be used in a syringe pump. An expected measurement may be determined from measurements of a syringe used in a syringe pump, and used to determine such a change in the measurement. The syringe loaded into the syringe pump may be compared to a reference measurement and an expected measurement to identify the syringe type and enable precise infusion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to syringe pump monitoring systems. Background Technology

[0002] Due to the improved safety and convenience offered by syringe pumps, infusion via such automatically controlled devices is becoming increasingly common in parenteral drug administration.

[0003] Typically, syringe pumps can be configured with the characteristics of the syringes they operate on, such as the physical properties of the syringes, in order to provide the desired flow rate and volume of therapeutic fluid through controlled operation of the syringes via the syringe pump. The syringe type can be associated with a set of characteristics, such as barrel length, barrel inner diameter, barrel outer diameter, etc., and the syringe type can be an input to the syringe pump to facilitate configuration of the pump for operation.

[0004] The key operational assumption of syringe pumps is that the characteristics of the syringe configured based on its type are correct, enabling the desired flow and volume. However, this is not always the case, as differences in the physical properties of the syringe can be introduced during manufacturing, transportation, handling, etc. Therefore, when the physical properties of the syringe differ from those assumed based on its type, the flow and volume infused by the syringe pump will also differ when using that syringe. These differences in flow and volume can adversely affect the desired treatment.

[0005] Therefore, improved methods are needed to monitor syringe characteristics in order to enable precise infusion via syringe pumps and thereby improve patient safety. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Some aspects provide an infusion device, including: a display device; and one or more syringe measurement sensors; a memory including: multiple sets of expected characteristic values, each set of expected characteristic values ​​associated with a different syringe type; and multiple sets of calibration characteristic values, each set of calibration characteristic values ​​associated with a different syringe type; a pump controller including a processor, wherein the pump controller is configured to: obtain a set of measurement characteristic values ​​of a syringe loaded in the infusion device from the one or more syringe measurement sensors; determine that the set of measurement characteristic values ​​does not correspond to the multiple sets of calibration characteristic values; determine a correspondence between the set of measurement characteristic values ​​and at least one set of expected characteristic values ​​from the multiple sets of expected characteristic values; control the display device to display the syringe type associated with the at least one set of expected characteristic values; and receive confirmation of the syringe type.

[0007] Some aspects provide a method of operating an infusion device, wherein: the infusion device includes: a display device; and one or more syringe measurement sensors; a memory including: multiple sets of expected characteristic values, each set of expected characteristic values ​​associated with a different syringe type; and multiple sets of calibration characteristic values, each set of calibration characteristic values ​​associated with a different syringe type; a pump controller including a processor, and the method includes: obtaining a set of measurement characteristic values ​​of a syringe loaded in the infusion device from the one or more syringe measurement sensors; determining that the set of measurement characteristic values ​​does not correspond to the multiple sets of calibration characteristic values; determining a correspondence between the set of measurement characteristic values ​​and at least one set of expected characteristic values ​​from the multiple sets of expected characteristic values; displaying on the display device the syringe type associated with the at least one set of expected characteristic values; and receiving confirmation of the syringe type.

[0008] One aspect provides a syringe monitoring server, comprising: a memory including multiple sets of calibration characteristic values, each set of calibration characteristic values ​​associated with a different syringe type; and a processor, wherein the processor is configured to: receive one or more sets of measurement characteristic values ​​for one or more syringe types from a plurality of infusion devices; for each corresponding syringe type among the plurality of syringe types, determine a set of expected characteristic values ​​for the corresponding syringe type based on the one or more sets of measurement characteristic values; store the set of expected characteristic values ​​for each corresponding syringe type among the plurality of syringe types in the memory; and transmit the set of expected characteristic values ​​for each corresponding syringe type among the plurality of syringe types to one or more of the plurality of infusion devices.

[0009] Other aspects include a processing system configured to perform the methods described above and herein; a non-transitory computer-readable medium including instructions that, when executed by a processor of the processing system, cause the processing system to perform the methods described above and herein; a computer program product embodied on a computer-readable storage medium, including code for performing the methods described above and herein; and a processing system including means for performing the methods described above and herein.

[0010] The following description and related figures illustrate certain illustrative features of one or more aspects. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The accompanying drawings illustrate certain aspects and should therefore not be considered as limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0012] Figure 1A An exemplary syringe pump is shown.

[0013] Figure 1B An exemplary graphical user interface for a syringe pump is shown.

[0014] Figure 2 Exemplary characteristics of a syringe that can be used in a syringe pump are shown.

[0015] Figure 3 An example of a syringe pump monitoring system is shown.

[0016] Figure 4 An exemplary flowchart for identifying and monitoring syringes is shown.

[0017] Figure 5 Another exemplary flowchart for identifying and monitoring syringes is shown.

[0018] Figure 6 An exemplary method for identifying and monitoring syringes is shown.

[0019] Figure 7 Another exemplary method for identifying and monitoring syringes is shown.

[0020] Figure 8 Exemplary computing devices for implementing the various aspects described herein are shown.

[0021] Figure 9 Another exemplary computing device for implementing the various aspects described herein is shown.

[0022] For ease of understanding, the same reference numerals have been used to designate common elements in the drawings. It is contemplated that elements and features of one embodiment may be beneficially incorporated into other embodiments without further reference. Detailed Implementation

[0023] This disclosure provides apparatus, methods, processing systems, and computer-readable media for monitoring the characteristics of a syringe and thereby determining differences that may affect the automatic determination of the syringe and the correct delivery of the syringe pump.

[0024] Syringe pumps are typically electromechanical devices used to control the operation of syringes in order to deliver therapeutic fluids to patients in a controlled and precise manner. Figure 1A An example of a syringe pump is shown. Figure 2Various aspects of the syringe are illustrated. In normal operation, a syringe filled with therapeutic fluid is loaded into a syringe pump, which is configured to actuate the syringe based on the syringe type. Clinicians can manually select the syringe type through the syringe pump's control interface, or alternatively, the syringe pump can measure certain physical characteristics of the syringe to automatically determine and recommend the determined syringe type to the clinician. Either way, selecting the syringe type enables the syringe pump to determine the syringe's characteristics (e.g., physical dimensions) to control the flow of therapeutic fluid into the patient via automatic actuation of the syringe plunger. Typically, the syringe pump estimates the flow rate and volume of the infused fluid based on the determined characteristics of the syringe and the displacement of the syringe plunger.

[0025] Although syringes have precise design dimensions, their actual physical characteristics can vary from sample to sample, due to factors such as manufacturing differences, improper handling, and post-manufacturing damage. Crucially, this means that when a syringe is actually used in a syringe pump, one or more actual characteristics of a given syringe may differ from those expected based on the syringe type. This raises several technical issues.

[0026] The first technical problem is that when the characteristics of a syringe differ significantly from those expected based on its type, the syringe pump may fail to recognize or may misidentify the syringe type. It's worth noting that this can happen even if a particular difference does not affect the actual performance of the syringe. For example, if the inner diameter of the syringe barrel is correct, but the outer diameter is too large (e.g., due to a manufacturing defect), the syringe type may not be automatically detected based on the characteristic measurements performed by the syringe pump (e.g., the outer diameter measurement). The inability to automatically detect the syringe type wastes clinicians' time manually verifying details and can lead to human input errors, which are intended to be eliminated by automated syringe type detection. Furthermore, if the syringe type is misidentified based on the barrel's outer diameter, the syringe pump may end up infusing at an incorrect rate and / or volume (e.g., based on the syringe inner diameter associated with the misidentified syringe type), which in turn negatively impacts the treatment provided to the patient.

[0027] The second technical problem is that conventional syringe pumps do not monitor syringe variability and do not provide these variability to any centralized monitoring system capable of assessing differences over time and across different locations. Therefore, there is no way to identify systemic problems across various syringe types so that these syringe types can be avoided. For example, even when a clinician notices a variability in a given syringe, conventional syringe pumps lack a mechanism to record that variability to a centralized monitoring service that would allow for the identification of persistent trends. Such persistent trends could allow for the identification of ongoing changes in the characteristics of various syringe types (e.g., if a new manufacturing process causes ongoing changes in physical dimensions), which could be used to recharacterize syringe types for better automated detection. Furthermore, trends could allow for the identification of manufacturers producing inconsistent syringes, thus enabling the avoidance of these manufacturers.

[0028] The aspects described herein provide a technical solution to the aforementioned technical problems by improving the automatic detection of syringe type by the syringe pump and providing syringe measurements and related data (e.g., the determined syringe type) to a central monitoring service for the detection of actionable trends related to syringe type.

[0029] For example, as follows about Figure 3 More specifically, the automatic detection of syringe type by syringe pumps is improved by comparing the measured characteristics of the syringe (by a syringe pump) with both calibrated characteristic values ​​(e.g., provided by the manufacturer or through testing on a small sample set) and expected characteristic values ​​(e.g., provided by a central monitoring service) based on current data from a large number of deployed syringe pumps.

[0030] As another example, see the following about Figure 4 More specifically, by providing measurements and related data (e.g., syringe type selection data) from syringe pumps to a central monitoring system that can aggregate data, identify trends, and take action based on those trends (e.g., sending alerts to clinicians, hospitals, suppliers, etc., about specific syringe types with persistent differences, or sending a revised set of expected characteristics to deployed syringe pumps to improve automated syringe type detection), it becomes possible to identify actionable trends in the measured syringe characteristics.

[0031] Therefore, the preceding examples, as well as the other examples described herein, provide beneficial technical effects and improve patient safety by ensuring that syringe pump infusions are performed as clinicians expect, based on a reliably identified syringe type.

[0032] Exemplary syringe pump

[0033] Figure 1AAn exemplary syringe pump 102 is depicted. Syringe pump 102 includes a graphical user interface (GUI) 124 for displaying operational information, including the selected syringe type and configured infusion (e.g., expressed as infusion rate, infusion volume, infusion time, etc.). A user can operate syringe pump 102 via one or more buttons 122 as shown in this example. Note that other examples may include other arrangements, such as a touchscreen interface (or interface), or an interface operable by a remote device, such as an application on a computing device.

[0034] For clarity, syringe 101 is shown located next to syringe pump 102 rather than loaded within the pump. Syringe pump 102 includes a bracket 104 in which the barrel 103 of syringe 101 is located when mounted in syringe pump 102. Sensor 128 detects a volume (equivalent to "volume") marking along the barrel of syringe 101. Bracket 104 has a clamp 106 to securely hold the barrel 103 in a fixed position within bracket 104 against axial and lateral movement. Clamp 106 is pivotable between an open position allowing loading or removal of syringe 101 and a closed position above bracket 104. Barrel clamp 106 can measure the outer diameter of the barrel 103 of syringe 101. Barrel flange 105 of syringe 101 is located in barrel flange recess 108 in syringe pump 102 to prevent axial movement of barrel 103 during movement of plunger 107 within barrel 103 of syringe 101. The groove on the barrel flange can be used to measure the outer diameter and thickness of the barrel flange 105 of the syringe 101.

[0035] The plunger 107 may include a push button 109 having an inner side 111 and interconnected with a stop 113 of the plunger 107 via a piston 115. When installed in the syringe pump 102, the push button 109 can be held by a drive head 110 with a plunger retainer including a pair of pivotally mounted claws, a first retainer claw 112 and a second retainer claw 114. Figure 1A The image shows the device in the closed position. The retainer claws 112 and 114 can bend inward toward each other to grip the push rod button 109 mounted in the syringe pump 102.

[0036] Rotating knob 116 can be used to control the position of the first retainer claw 112 and the second retainer claw 114 to allow the removal and insertion of the plunger button 109, and to release the split-nut from the drive shaft to allow axial positioning of the drive head 110. Different amounts of fluid can be supplied to the syringe for use with a syringe pump, and the plunger can be positioned in different locations relative to the barrel.

[0037] The drive head 110 allows for manual adjustment to accommodate syringes with different initial plunger positions. The syringe inserted into the carriage 104 can be aligned with the drive head 110 within a specific axial range. The point where the axial centerline of the syringe intersects the drive head can vary depending on the syringe size, but only in one direction along the drive head 110. A guide device 118 extends from the drive head 110 to a point within the body of the syringe pump 102.

[0038] The syringe pump 102 may include a control panel 120, which provides multiple buttons 122 for controlling the syringe pump 102 and a GUI 124 for presenting pump-specific information to the operator. The buttons 122 allow the operator to program the syringe pump 102 for flow rate, volume to be infused, and other pump parameters. The GUI 124 can display the programmed flow rate, remaining fluid volume to be infused, alarms, and other information.

[0039] The drive head 110 may include a contact plate 126 having a push surface that contacts the outer side 117 of the plunger button 109 as the drive head 110 moves forward toward the barrel 103, pushing the plunger 107 into the barrel 103 of the syringe to expel the contents of the syringe to the patient through the fluid delivery line 119.

[0040] When the contact plate 126 applies force to the push button 109, this force can be detected by the force sensor 129 and transmitted to the processor for monitoring. In the event of friction between the stop 113 and the cylinder 103, the applied force can increase and can be detected by the force sensor 129.

[0041] Syringe pump 102 is configured with a known syringe type, including information such as syringe inner diameter and the stroke of stop 113. Syringe pump 102 determines the position of stop 113 based on the movement of drive head 110, using the syringe type and characteristics of stored syringe types. Syringe pump 102 then calculates the infused volume, elapsed time, remaining volume, and remaining time. As drive head 110 continues to move, the flow rate is determined based on syringe characteristics and the velocity of drive head 110.

[0042] One or more sensors (such as sensor 128, barrel clamp 106, groove 108, claws 112 and 114, and force sensor 129) can measure various characteristics of syringe 101 to obtain measured values ​​of those characteristics, such as barrel length, barrel outer diameter, flange shape, flange size, plunger shape, plunger size (e.g., diameter), plunger tab thickness, volume per plunger travel distance, drive head height, etc. These sensors may include one or more of optical sensors, light sources, pressure sensors, position sensors (e.g., magnetic linear position sensors indicating the plunger head), force sensors, etc. Syringe pump 102 compares these measured characteristics with stored characteristic values ​​associated with known syringe types to determine the syringe type, such as regarding... Figure 4 Further detailed discussion is needed.

[0043] Figure 1B Describes syringe pumps (such as) Figure 1A An exemplary graphical user interface (GUI) 124 on the syringe pump 102 in the middle is used to display one or more syringe types for the user to select.

[0044] The following text is about Figure 3 The syringe pump 102 can automatically detect one or more syringe types associated with the syringe 101. For example... Figure 1B As shown, three types, Type A 130a, Type B 130b, and Type C 130c (collectively referred to as "syringe type 130"), are displayed for the user to select the correct syringe type, thereby enabling the configuration and operation of the syringe pump 102. Note that in this example, three different syringe types are depicted, but in other examples, any number of different syringe types may be depicted. For example, if only one known syringe type corresponds to the measurement characteristics of syringe 101, only one syringe type may be presented. However, if there is uncertainty or multiple types of syringes correspond to the measurement characteristics of syringe 101, more options may be presented.

[0045] Advantageously, the syringe monitoring system described herein allows for the provision of additional feedback to the user, which may help improve syringe type selection and may also contribute to improved patient safety. (See below for more information.) Figure 3 While detecting syringe type 130, syringe pump 102 can determine which alarms to display (e.g., 138a and / or 138b). Alarms such as 138a and 138b can indicate to the user different potential problems related to the detected syringe type, such as known manufacturing differences, low confidence in the correspondence, etc., as per the context of... Figure 4 Further detailed description.

[0046] Example syringe

[0047] Figure 2 B describes example characteristics of syringe 200, some of which can be measured by a syringe pump for automatic syringe type determination. The barrel length BL is the length of the barrel 212, from the front end 202 to the flange 210. The inner diameter ID is the inner diameter of the barrel 212, where the plunger 208 fits. The outer diameter OD is the outer diameter of the barrel 212, for example, by... Figure 1A The cylinder clamp 106 measures the fluid. The flange diameter FD is the diameter of the flange 210. The plunger position PP is the position of the first end of the plunger 208 within the cylinder 212, where the first end is the end closest to the front end 202. When the syringe pump drives the plunger 208 toward the front end 202, the fluid within the cylinder 212 is expelled.

[0048] Example Syringe Pump Monitoring System

[0049] Figure 3 An example syringe pump monitoring system is depicted for identifying and monitoring syringe pumps (such as...) Figure 1A The syringe (such as) used in the syringe pump 102) is a syringe (such as Figure 2 Syringe 200 in A-2B).

[0050] In this example, syringe pump 102 may be pre-configured with calibrated characteristic values ​​associated with various syringe types, for example, by syringe manufacturer 308, and / or stored in syringe data storage 310. Furthermore, syringe pump 102 may be pre-configured with expected characteristic values, for example, determined by monitoring server 306 (described further below). These calibrated and expected characteristic values ​​are used by syringe pump 102 to automatically detect syringe types.

[0051] As described above, the syringe pump 102 is configured to measure characteristic data associated with the syringe 101. For example, the measured characteristic data may include measured physical characteristics of the syringe. The syringe pump then uses the measured characteristic values ​​to detect one or more syringe types 130 based on, for example, calibrated and expected characteristic values, such as those related to… Figure 3 and Figure 4 Further described. The syringe pump is also configured to display one or more syringe types to the user and receive the selection of the syringe type via, for example, GUI 124, as... Figure 1A -B is shown.

[0052] The syringe pump 102 is also configured to generate data related to the detection process, such as alarms based on comparing the measured characteristic data with calibrated and expected characteristic data, as follows: Figure 4 describe.

[0053] Syringe pump 102 is also configured to transmit data related to the detection process, such as measured characteristic data and syringe type selection data, to monitoring server 306. Syringe pump 102 may transmit this data upon collection, such as in an immediate report, or periodically, such as in daily or weekly reports. Syringe pump 102 or monitoring server 307 may also include detection metadata to give the detection data context, such as a syringe pump ID uniquely identifying syringe pump 102, the location of syringe pump 102, the medical practice or facility where syringe pump 102 is deployed, the firmware and / or software version of syringe pump 102, operational data associated with syringe pump 102 (e.g., usage hours), etc. Such metadata can be used by monitoring server 306 to determine specific differences in location, region, practice, facility, or similar context. For example, a batch of defective syringes may have been delivered to a region, and a difference can be detected for that region, causing an alert to be sent only to that region.

[0054] Monitoring server 306 is configured to store data received from syringe pump 102 or medical center 312, or data generated by monitoring server 306 based on it, in syringe data storage 310, such as... Figure 5 As described above. Monitoring server 306 is also configured to analyze aggregated data to, for example, determine expected characteristic values ​​for different syringe types and to determine the deviations between measured, calibrated, and / or expected characteristic data for each syringe type.

[0055] Monitoring server 306 is also configured to transmit syringe type data (e.g., expected characteristic values ​​for different syringe types) to syringe pump 102. In this way, syringe pump 102 can be updated frequently and learn to detect syringe types more reliably. Syringe type data may also include syringe type alerts, such as alerts about deviations obtained by analyzing data received from syringe pump 102. Syringe type data may also include updated, calibrated characteristic values ​​from syringe manufacturer 308 or other testing organizations. Syringe type data may also include notifications from the manufacturer, which can then be displayed to users of syringe pump 102, such as recall notices or new usage instructions. These are just a few examples, and many other examples are possible.

[0056] Monitoring server 306 is also configured to transmit syringe type data and measurements to syringe manufacturer 308 and / or medical center 312. In some cases, additional data (such as syringe type information (e.g., syringe size, manufacturer, batch, lot number, production data, UPC code, etc.), clinician information, and information about the syringe pump (e.g., location, manufacturer, identifier, firmware or software, etc.)) may be available from syringe manufacturer 308 and medical center 312 for use by monitoring server 306.

[0057] Network 304 typically represents any number and type of data network that allows data exchange between syringe pump 302, monitoring server 306, syringe manufacturer 308, and / or medical center 312.

[0058] Despite Figure 3 Only one syringe pump 102 is depicted, but the syringe pump monitoring system can exchange data with any number of syringe pumps 102 as described above. Indeed, as more syringe pumps 102 provide data to the monitoring server 306, the power of the analysis performed by the monitoring server can increase.

[0059] Example syringe type determination process

[0060] Figure 4 Describing a syringe pump (such as about Figure 1A and Figure 1B Example process 400 for identifying syringe type using syringe pump 102.

[0061] Process 400 may optionally begin at step 402, from a syringe pump monitoring server (such as...) Figure 3 The monitoring server 306 acquires syringe characteristic data. Syringe characteristic data may be, for example, calibrated characteristic values ​​and / or expected characteristic values ​​for various syringe types. In some cases, the syringe pump may be pre-configured with any number of calibrated characteristic values ​​for syringe types, and may then receive one or more configured expected characteristic values ​​for syringe types after sufficient data has been accumulated on the monitoring server, assuming that the data differs from the calibrated characteristic values ​​(e.g., exceeding a certain threshold). Characteristic data may also include clinician alerts, notes, or other data related to the syringe type, which may be displayed within a graphical user interface, as described above. Figure 1B As stated above.

[0062] Syringe characteristic data can be obtained in various ways. For example, it can be obtained periodically, such as daily or weekly. It can also be obtained conditionally, such as when the syringe pump is powered on or after a certain number of infusions. When the syringe pump monitoring server detects a change in a expected characteristic value (e.g., as shown below regarding...), it can also obtain syringe characteristic data. Figure 5Syringe characteristic data can also be "pushed" to the syringe pump when new data (such as new calibrated characteristic values) is received from the manufacturer. In some embodiments, the syringe pump "pulls" syringe characteristic data from a monitoring server by querying the monitoring server for updated data. Advantageously, the syringe characteristic data can then be updated frequently (e.g., in real time or on a schedule), ensuring that the syringe pump always operates with the latest data, which improves clinician efficiency, treatment outcomes, and patient safety.

[0063] Various statistical techniques can be used (e.g., regarding...) Figure 5 (as described in step 506) and generate the expected characteristic value based on the aggregated measured characteristic values ​​of each characteristic associated with the syringe type. In some cases, the aggregated measured characteristic values ​​can be time-filtered, such as using only data from the past 6 months (or any other time period) to generate the expected characteristic value.

[0064] For example, analysis of the measured characteristic values ​​of the barrel length for a specific syringe type could indicate that the barrel length has increased by 1% over the past 6 months compared to a calibrated characteristic value for that syringe type. Therefore, the expected characteristic value for the barrel length of that syringe type can be set to be 1% higher than the calibrated characteristic value. Advantageously, when a syringe pump updated with the expected barrel length characteristic value measures a barrel length that is 1% larger than the syringe type, it can still match even if the barrel length does not correspond to the calibrated characteristic value. Note that in some cases, the expected characteristic value can be limited to one or more statistical values ​​(such as the mean and standard deviation) rather than point values. In some cases, determining the syringe type based on such values ​​can be based on whether the measured value falls within a range defined by the statistical value, rather than on a determined difference between two point values. As an example, the characteristic value range can be limited to the range of values ​​between the first quartile and the third quartile of all reference values. These are just a few examples, and other examples are possible.

[0065] In some embodiments, a subset of available expected characteristic values ​​for a given syringe type is used to compare with measured characteristic values ​​to determine the syringe type. For example, the subset of expected characteristic values ​​may be associated with specific safety thresholds, such as allowable infusion rates, infusion volumes, etc. In other words, with a fixed plunger displacement, there may be an established relationship between deviations in characteristics (such as barrel outer diameter) and infusion rates, volumes, etc. Safety thresholds prevent deviations in barrel outer diameter values ​​to avoid associated deviations in infusion performance. In some cases, this subset may be affected by alarms, while other characteristics may not (e.g., where these characteristics may not directly affect infusion performance).

[0066] In another example, a subset of expected characteristic values ​​could be those not associated with a safety threshold. Expected characteristic values ​​within this second subset can deviate significantly from the safety threshold. For example, a syringe with measurement characteristics within the second subset could indicate a significant change to the syringe, such that infusions using that syringe might not match the expected infusion rate, volume, etc. In some respects, expected characteristic values ​​in the second subset could indicate a large change to the syringe type, such as changes in the manufacture of the syringe type (e.g., defects in certain manufacturers, batches, regions, methods, materials, etc.), which could affect the accuracy of the syringe pump.

[0067] At step 404, the user inserts a syringe (such as...) Figure 1A The syringe 101 in the middle is loaded into the syringe pump (such as...) Figure 1A In the syringe pump 102).

[0068] Then process 400 proceeds to step 406, where the syringe pump measures one or more characteristic values ​​(e.g., a set of measured characteristic values) of the loaded syringe, such as by... Figure 1A The system includes sensor 128, cylinder clamp 106, groove 108, jaws 112 and 114, and force sensor 129. As described above, one or more characteristics may include, for example, cylinder length, cylinder outer diameter, flange shape, flange size, plunger shape, plunger size, and head height. In the following description, a set of multiple measured characteristic values ​​is used as an example, but... Figure 4 This can be done using a single measured characteristic value.

[0069] At step 408, the measured characteristic value is compared with the corresponding calibrated characteristic value of a known syringe type to determine one or more corresponding syringe types.

[0070] In some embodiments, a similarity metric (or difference metric) can be determined between measured characteristic values ​​and corresponding calibrated characteristic values ​​for different syringe types to find the closest matches and / or matches within a threshold similarity (or difference). The similarity metric can be based, for example, a comparison of feature vectors, where each individual characteristic measurement is a feature (or element) of the vector. In some embodiments, a confidence value can be determined for any corresponding syringe type based on the similarity (or difference) metric. For example, the confidence value can be inversely proportional to the difference metric and directly proportional to the similarity metric. In some embodiments, a confidence value can be determined for any corresponding syringe type based on the number of measured characteristic values ​​corresponding to the calibrated characteristic values ​​for the syringe type. In some embodiments, a confidence value can be determined for any corresponding syringe type based on the difference between the measured characteristic value and the corresponding calibrated characteristic value for the syringe type. In some embodiments, a confidence value can be determined for any corresponding syringe type based on a characteristic using different weights for each measured characteristic value. If, at step 408, the measured characteristic value corresponds to a calibrated characteristic value associated with one or more syringe types configured in the syringe pump, such as based on a similarity or difference metric, a threshold, or a similar value, then process 400 proceeds to step 412 as described below. If, at step 408, the measured characteristic value fails to correspond to a calibrated characteristic value associated with any syringe type configured in the syringe pump, then process 400 proceeds to step 410.

[0071] At step 410, the measured characteristic value is compared with the corresponding expected characteristic value for one or more syringe types configured in the syringe pump. If, at step 410, the measured characteristic value of the syringe corresponds to the expected characteristic value for one or more syringe types configured in the syringe pump, then process 400 proceeds to step 412, as described below. If, at step 410, the measured characteristic value of the syringe does not correspond to any syringe type configured in the syringe pump, then process 400 proceeds to step 416, as described below.

[0072] At step 412, these syringe types are presented to the user for selection (or confirmation) (e.g., via...). Figure 1B (Graphical User Interface 124). As mentioned above, in some cases, only one syringe type can be displayed to the user for confirmation, while in other cases, multiple syringe types can be displayed for the user to select one. Additionally, alarms associated with the displayed syringe type can be displayed, such as... Figure 1B As shown. In some embodiments, a confidence indicator (or metric) may also be displayed along with the syringe type.

[0073] In some embodiments, syringe types may be displayed in order from most likely to least likely syringe types, such as based on the confidence level associated with each syringe type. For example, the loaded syringes are identified as type A with 95% confidence, type B with 80% confidence, and type C with 65% confidence. Type A is listed first (e.g., syringe type 130a), type B is listed second (e.g., syringe type 130b), and type C is listed third (e.g., syringe type 130c), and so on. Figure 1B As shown. In some embodiments, the confidence level associated with each syringe type is also displayed.

[0074] In some embodiments, each of one or more syringe types is displayed for selection along with a confirmation (such as "yes" or "no"). Syringe types may be displayed one at a time in order from most likely to least likely, such as based on the confidence level associated with each syringe type. For example, the loaded syringe is identified as type A with 95% confidence, type B with 80% confidence, and type C with 65% confidence. Type A is displayed on a first screen and prompts the user to confirm (e.g., select "yes" or "no") the syringe type. If the user selects "no" in response to type A, type B is displayed on a second screen and prompts the user to confirm the syringe type. If the user selects "no" in response to type B, type C is displayed on a third screen and prompts the user to confirm the syringe type. In some embodiments, the confidence level associated with each syringe type is also displayed.

[0075] In some embodiments, the display of one or more syringe types associated with the loaded syringe includes an alarm (e.g., Figure 1B Alarms 138a or 138b). For example, an alarm can be displayed as an icon, a warning message, etc. Alarms can be (or include) auditory alarms, such as tone, ringtone, etc. Various aspects of an alarm can be varied relative to the type of message or alarm in terms of intensity, volume, color, message, etc.

[0076] In some embodiments, an alarm may indicate that one or more of a group of measured characteristic values ​​correspond (or do not correspond) to one or more of a set of calibrated characteristic values. For example, the alarm may be increased in intensity when one or more of a group of measured characteristic values ​​corresponds to the upper limit of one or more of a set of calibrated characteristic values.

[0077] In some embodiments, an alarm may indicate that one or more of a set of measured characteristic values ​​correspond (or do not correspond) to one or more of a set of expected characteristic values. For example, an alarm may indicate that a set of measured characteristic values ​​corresponds to a set of expected characteristic values ​​rather than to a set of calibration characteristic values ​​for a syringe type.

[0078] In some embodiments, an alarm may indicate that one or more of a set of measured characteristic values ​​correspond (or do not correspond) to one or more of a subset of expected characteristic values. For example, an alarm may flash when one or more of a set of measured characteristic values ​​correspond to one or more of a set of significantly deviating expected characteristic values.

[0079] In some embodiments, an alarm may indicate that the identified syringe type of the loaded syringe is incompatible with the syringe pump, such as an off-label syringe or a third-party syringe, an unsupported syringe type, etc.

[0080] In some embodiments, an alarm may indicate that the syringe pump function may have changed, such as a changed infusion rate associated with a set of measured characteristic values, the force required for the syringe pump to infuse the syringe, etc. For example, an alarm may indicate that the syringe infusion rate may be inaccurate based on a comparison between a set of measured characteristic values ​​at step 410 and expected characteristic values.

[0081] Then process 400 proceeds to step 414, where the user is prompted to confirm the syringe type. If the user is able to confirm the syringe type at step 414, process 400 proceeds to step 418, described below. If the user is unable to confirm the syringe type at step 414, process 400 proceeds to step 416, described below.

[0082] At step 416, the syringe pump determines that the syringe type of the loaded syringe is not automatically recognizable. The syringe pump refuses to administer the infusion.

[0083] At step 418, the syringe pump determines that the syringe type of the loaded syringe is automatically identifiable.

[0084] Starting from steps 416 and 418, process 400 continues to step 420, where syringe data is sent to the syringe monitoring server, which can, as about... Figure 5 The data transmitted may include data associated with the syringe, such as the group of measured characteristic values, measurement time, the clinician operating the pump, an indication that the syringe type cannot be automatically identified, and data associated with the syringe pump, such as the location of the syringe pump, syringe pump identification, and syringe pump firmware or software version.

[0085] Additionally, starting from step 418, process 400 continues to step 420, where the syringe pump performs the infusion according to the syringe type. Note that additional steps (not shown) may be performed before the infusion.

[0086] In an alternative embodiment, instead of determining one or more corresponding syringe types via steps 408 and 410, a machine learning model can be trained to process the characteristic values ​​of the measurements taken at step 406 and determine one or more corresponding syringe types to be displayed to the user at step 412. Advantageously, data collected by the syringe monitoring server based on process 400 serves as labeled training data for such a model.

[0087] In an alternative embodiment, the syringe pump may obtain additional syringe characteristic data based on an identifier or other marking provided on the syringe. For example, the syringe pump may have an optical or wireless reader configured to detect an identifier on the syringe indicating the syringe type, such as a barcode, QR code, RFID tag, etc.

[0088] In an alternative embodiment, the syringe pump may obtain additional syringe characteristic data from electronic medical record annotations, hospital or pharmacy orders, etc.

[0089] The data transmitted may include a set of characteristic values ​​for measurements of the loaded syringe; the syringe type identified; syringe type information; one or more indications of comparison of the measured characteristic value set with one or more calibrated characteristic value sets; one or more indications of comparison of the measured characteristic value set with one or more expected characteristic value sets; and information about the syringe pump.

[0090] The beneficial technical effects of process 400 include an increase in the number of syringes automatically identified by the syringe pump, an increase in the confidence level of syringe identification, a reduction in incorrect identification, and the display of key information to the user during the syringe type confirmation process based on data collected and analyzed by the syringe monitoring server.

[0091] For example, in addition to comparing measured characteristic values ​​with calibrated characteristic values, comparing measured characteristic values ​​with expected characteristic values ​​allows for more frequent identification of the syringe type, even when one or more characteristics of the syringe change relative to the calibrated specifications. The correct syringe type can then be displayed for user confirmation, reducing syringe type selection errors, such as when a user selects a syringe type that resembles the correct syringe but is not, because the correct syringe is not listed. Improved syringe type identification enhances the safety of the infusion process.

[0092] Note that process 400 is merely an example, and other processes (including fewer, additional, or alternative steps) consistent with this disclosure are possible.

[0093] Exemplary Syringe Pump Monitoring System

[0094] Figure 5 Describes the use of monitoring servers (such as Figure 3 An exemplary process 500 for monitoring the syringe by the monitoring server 306 in the middle.

[0095] Process 500 begins at step 502, receiving and storing syringe data from the syringe pump, such as information about... Figure 4 As described in step 420.

[0096] Then process 500 continues to step 504, determining whether sufficient data associated with the syringe type has been received to determine metrics associated with the syringe, such as expected characteristic values ​​of the syringe. In one example, the sufficiency of data can be determined by a statistical significance test. Typically, step 504 can be performed iteratively for all syringe types stored by the syringe server.

[0097] If insufficient data is received at step 504, process 500 continues to step 514 to continue monitoring syringe data from one or more syringe pumps. Then, when new syringe data is received, process 500 returns to step 502.

[0098] If sufficient data is received at step 504, process 500 continues to step 506, generating syringe characteristic metrics based on the received syringe data. Syringe characteristic metrics can be generated based on the received syringe data using, for example, statistical techniques or other processes. Typically, the metric is associated with a characteristic of the syringe type (e.g., barrel outer diameter), such as the mean, median, mode, standard deviation, quartiles, range, etc., associated with the measured value of that characteristic. As mentioned above, the metric can be a point value or a range defined by statistical values. Syringe characteristic metrics can be expected characteristic values ​​used by the syringe pump, such as those related to... Figure 4 As described in step 410.

[0099] In some embodiments, generating syringe characteristic metrics includes training a model to evaluate a set of syringe characteristics, such as a set of characteristic values ​​measured by the syringe pump (e.g., ...). Figure 4 Step 404) is used to identify the syringe type. This can be done using received syringe data (including, for example, measured characteristic values ​​and confirmed syringe type, e.g., ...). Figure 4 Step 414) is used to train the model.

[0100] Syringe characteristic metrics can be useful in indicating variations in one or more characteristics of a syringe type, such as manufacturing differences, defects, damage, etc.

[0101] Then process 500 continues to step 508, determining whether a syringe characteristic metric (e.g., the expected barrel outer diameter) is within a safety threshold. The safety threshold can be based on the relationship between a particular syringe characteristic and its impact on, for example, infusion rate, infusion volume, or other infusion operations. For example, assuming a squared relationship between a given radius and volume (V=πr²). 2 h) Assuming a change in the inner diameter, the outer diameter of the cylinder may have a significant impact on the infusion volume. Therefore, if a metric such as the expected outer diameter exceeds a safety threshold relative to a reference point (e.g., the calibrated outer diameter (e.g., the expected outer diameter is more than 3% larger than the calibrated outer diameter)), an alert can be generated based on the deviation.

[0102] If the syringe characteristic metric is not within the safety threshold at step 508, process 500 continues to step 510, sending an alarm to the syringe pump, such as in the syringe pump data (e.g., Figure 4 (Step 402 in the previous section). Additionally, alerts can be sent to, for example, syringe pump manufacturers, syringe manufacturers, medical institutions, regulatory bodies, or other parties. Alerts can identify deviations in one or more syringe characteristics for a specific syringe type. Process 500 then continues to step 512, as described below.

[0103] If the measurement at step 508 is within the safety threshold, then process 500 continues to step 512.

[0104] At step 512, the monitoring server sends syringe characteristic metrics to the syringe pump, such as those in the syringe pump data (e.g., Figure 4 (Step 402 in the text). Syringe identification metrics can be sent periodically or based on trigger conditions. Additionally, the syringe pump can query the monitoring server to obtain syringe characteristic metrics.

[0105] Then process 500 continues to step 514, continuing to monitor syringe data from one or more syringe pumps.

[0106] Advantageously, process 500 determines one or more syringe characteristic metrics associated with a syringe monitored by one or more syringe pumps, such as by Figure 4 The process 400. These metrics can indicate ongoing trends, such as large-scale changes in the number of syringes of a particular syringe type, or changes in the manufacturing of the syringe type (e.g., defects in certain manufacturers, batches, regions, methods, materials, etc.), which may affect the accuracy of the syringe pump.

[0107] Note that process 500 is merely an example, and other processes (including fewer, additional, or alternative steps) consistent with this disclosure are possible.

[0108] Exemplary Syringe Pump Monitoring System

[0109] Figure 6 An exemplary method for identifying a syringe is described, for example, by a syringe pump, such as... Figure 1A Syringe pump 102.

[0110] Method 600 begins at step 602 by obtaining a set of characteristic values ​​for measuring a syringe loaded in an infusion device from one or more syringe measurement sensors, such as... Figure 4 Step 406.

[0111] In some embodiments, the one or more syringe measuring sensors include one or more of the following: a syringe barrel length measuring sensor; a syringe outer diameter measuring sensor; a plunger tip position sensor; or a flange diameter measuring sensor.

[0112] Method 600 then proceeds to step 604 to determine that the measured set of characteristic values ​​does not correspond to multiple calibrated sets of characteristic values, for example in Figure 4 Step 408.

[0113] Method 600 then proceeds to step 606 to determine the correspondence between the measured set of characteristic values ​​and at least one of the plurality of expected sets of characteristic values, for example in Figure 4 Step 410.

[0114] Method 600 then proceeds to step 608 to display on a display device the syringe type associated with the at least one expected set of characteristic values, for example in Figure 4 Step 412.

[0115] Method 600 then proceeds to step 610 to receive confirmation of the syringe type, for example in Figure 4 Step 418.

[0116] In some embodiments, method 600 further includes displaying an alarm associated with the syringe type on a display device.

[0117] In some embodiments, method 600 further includes: determining a correspondence between the measured set of characteristic values ​​and two or more of a plurality of expected sets of characteristic values; and displaying on a display device the syringe type associated with each of the two or more expected sets of characteristic values.

[0118] In some embodiments, method 600 further includes: displaying on a display device the syringe type associated with each of the two or more expected groups of characteristic values ​​in an order based on the confidence level associated with each syringe type, such as... Figure 1B As shown.

[0119] In some embodiments, method 600 further includes displaying a confidence level associated with each syringe type on a display device. In some embodiments, method 600 further includes sending to a syringe monitoring server: a set of measured characteristic values ​​of syringes loaded in an infusion device; and the confirmed syringe type.

[0120] In some embodiments, method 600 further includes: determining a correspondence between a measured set of characteristic values ​​and at least one calibrated set of characteristic values ​​from a plurality of calibrated sets of characteristic values; and displaying on a display device the syringe type associated with the at least one calibrated set of characteristic values.

[0121] In some embodiments, method 600 further includes: performing an infusion based on a confirmed syringe type, for example in Figure 4 Step 422.

[0122] In some embodiments, method 600 further includes receiving a plurality of expected characteristic value groups from a syringe monitoring server, for example in Figure 4 Step 402.

[0123] Note that method 600 is merely an example, and other processes consistent with this disclosure, including fewer, additional, or alternative steps, are possible.

[0124] Exemplary Syringe Pump Monitoring System

[0125] Figure 7 Another example method for monitoring syringes is described, for example, by a monitoring server (such as...) Figure 3 The monitoring server 306).

[0126] Method 700 begins at step 702, receiving a set of measured characteristic values ​​for one or more syringe types from a plurality of infusion devices, for example in Figure 5 Step 502.

[0127] Method 700 then proceeds to step 704, whereby, for each of the plurality of syringe types, the expected set of characteristic values ​​for the corresponding syringe type is determined based on one or more measured sets of characteristic values.

[0128] Method 700 then proceeds to step 706, storing in memory a set of expected characteristic values ​​for each of the multiple syringe types, for example in Figure 5 Step 506.

[0129] Method 700 then proceeds to step 708, sending a set of expected characteristic values ​​for each of the plurality of syringe types to one or more of the plurality of infusion devices, for example in Figure 5 Step 508.

[0130] In some embodiments, method 700 further includes: determining an alarm for at least one of the plurality of syringe types based on an expected set of characteristic values ​​for the respective syringe type; and sending the alarm from the syringe characteristic data to one or more of the plurality of infusion devices.

[0131] Note that method 700 is merely an example, and other processes consistent with this disclosure, including fewer, additional, or alternative steps, are possible.

[0132] Exemplary computing device

[0133] Figure 8 Medical devices (such as) for implementing the various features and processes described herein are depicted. Figure 3 An exemplary computing device 800 includes a syringe pump 102. For example, computing device 800 may perform one or more steps of any of process 400 or method 600. Computing device 800 may include one or more processors 804, memory 806, one or more input components 810, one or more output components 812, and one or more communication interfaces 808. Each of these components may be coupled by a bus 802.

[0134] Computing device 800 can perform these processes based on software instructions stored in a computer-readable medium (such as memory 806) executed by processor 804. Computer-readable media (e.g., non-transitory computer-readable media) are defined herein as non-transitory memory devices. Memory devices include memory space located within a single physical storage device or memory space distributed across multiple physical storage devices. Software instructions can be read into memory 806 from another computer-readable medium or from another device via communication interface 808. When executed, the software instructions stored in memory 806 can cause processor 804 to perform one or more processes described herein.

[0135] The memory 806 may include data storage or one or more data structures (such as a database). The computing device 800 may be able to receive information from, store information therein, transmit information to, or search for information stored therein from the data storage or one or more data structures in the memory 806.

[0136] Memory 806 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and / or other types of dynamic or static storage devices (such as flash memory, magnetic storage, optical storage, etc.) that store information and / or instructions for use by one or more processors 804. For example, memory 806 may include all forms of non-volatile memory, including but not limited to semiconductor memory devices such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; disks such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks.

[0137] Memory 806 may include an identification component 814 configured to identify the syringe type, such as in Figure 4 and Figure 6 As described in [the text].

[0138] Memory 806 may include one or more sets 816 of calibrated characteristic values ​​for identifying syringe type, such as in Figure 4 and Figure 6 As described in [the text].

[0139] Memory 806 may include one or more expected characteristic value sets 818 for identifying syringe type, such as in Figure 4 and Figure 6 As described in [the text].

[0140] The memory 806 may include sensor data 820 associated with the syringe (such as a set of measured characteristic values), the identified syringe type, and data associated with the identification of the syringe type.

[0141] One or more processors 804 may include processors (such as central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), accelerated processing unit (APU), etc.), microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), and / or any processing component (such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc.) that can be programmed to perform functions as described herein.

[0142] One or more input components 810 may include components that allow computing device 800 to receive information, such as via user input (e.g., touchscreen display, keyboard, keypad, mouse, buttons, switches, microphone, etc.). Additionally, one or more input components 810 may include sensors for sensing information (e.g., Global Positioning System (GPS) components, accelerometers, gyroscopes, actuators, etc.).

[0143] One or more output components 812 may include components (such as a display, speaker, one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that provide output information from the computing device 800.

[0144] The communication interface 808 may include transceiver-like components (such as a transceiver, a separate receiver, and a transmitter) that enable the computing device 800 to communicate with other devices, such as via wired connections, wireless connections, or a combination of wired and wireless connections. The communication interface 808 may allow the device 800 to receive information from and / or provide information to another device. For example, the communication interface 808 may include an Ethernet interface, an optical interface, a coaxial interface, an infrared interface, a radio frequency (RF) interface, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a Wi-Fi interface, a cellular network interface, etc.

[0145] Example computing device

[0146] Figure 9 Example computing device 900 is depicted for implementing the various features and processes described herein, such as... Figure 3 The monitoring server 306 is used in the process. For example, the computing device 900 can execute one or more steps of any of process 500 or method 700. The computing device 900 may include one or more processors 904, memory 906, one or more input components 910, one or more output components 912, and one or more communication interfaces 908. Each of these components may be coupled by bus 902.

[0147] Computing device 900 can execute these processes by executing software instructions stored on a computer-readable medium, such as memory 906, based on processor 904. Computer-readable medium (e.g., non-transitory computer-readable medium) as defined herein refers to a non-transitory memory device. Memory devices include memory space located within a single physical storage device or memory space distributed across multiple physical storage devices. Software instructions can be read into memory 906 from another computer-readable medium or from another device via communication interface 908. When executed, the software instructions stored in memory 906 can cause processor 904 to perform one or more processes described herein.

[0148] The memory 906 includes data storage or one or more data structures (e.g., a database). The computing device 900 may be able to receive information from, store information therein, transmit information to, or search for information stored therein in the data storage or one or more data structures in the memory 906.

[0149] Memory 906 includes random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and / or other types of dynamic or static storage devices (e.g., flash memory, magnetic storage, optical storage, etc.) that store information and / or instructions for use by one or more processors 904. For example, memory 906 may include all forms of non-volatile memory, including but not limited to semiconductor memory devices such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; disks such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks.

[0150] Memory 906 includes a measurement component 914 for generating syringe characteristic measurements, such as in Figure 5 and Figure 7 As described in [the text].

[0151] The memory 906 includes syringe characteristic data 916, for example, provided to the syringe pump.

[0152] Memory 906 includes safety data 918 associated with the safety of the syringe and syringe pump, such as safety threshold data, alarm data, etc. Figure 5 and Figure 7 As described in [the text].

[0153] One or more processors 904 may include processors (e.g., central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), accelerated processing unit (APU), etc.), microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), and / or any processing component (e.g., field-programmable gate array (FPGA), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.) that can be programmed to perform functions, such as those described herein.

[0154] One or more input components 910 may include components that allow the computing device 900 to receive information, such as via user input (e.g., touch screen display, keyboard, keypad, mouse, button, switch, microphone, etc.). Additionally, one or more input components 910 may include sensors for sensing information (e.g., Global Positioning System (GPS) components, accelerometers, gyroscopes, actuators, etc.).

[0155] One or more output components 912 may include components that provide output information from computing device 900 (e.g., display, speaker, one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs), etc.).

[0156] The communication interface 908 may include transceiver-like components (e.g., a transceiver, a separate receiver, and a transmitter) that enable the computing device 900 to communicate with other devices, such as via wired connections, wireless connections, or a combination of wired and wireless connections. The communication interface 908 may allow the device 900 to receive information from and / or provide information to another device. For example, the communication interface 908 may include an Ethernet interface, an optical interface, a coaxial interface, an infrared interface, a radio frequency (RF) interface, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a Wi-Fi interface, a cellular network interface, etc.

[0157] Example Terms

[0158] The embodiments are described in the following numbered clauses:

[0159] Clause 1: A method of operating an infusion device, wherein: the infusion device includes: a display device; and one or more syringe measurement sensors; a memory including: multiple sets of expected characteristic values, each set of expected characteristic values ​​associated with a different syringe type; and multiple sets of calibration characteristic values, each set of calibration characteristic values ​​associated with a different syringe type; a pump controller including a processor, and the method includes: obtaining a set of measurement characteristic values ​​of a syringe loaded in the infusion device from the one or more syringe measurement sensors; determining a correspondence between the set of measurement characteristic values ​​and at least one set of expected characteristic values ​​from the multiple sets of expected characteristic values; displaying on the display device the syringe type associated with the at least one set of expected characteristic values; and receiving confirmation of the syringe type.

[0160] Clause 2: The method of Clause 1, wherein the method further includes displaying an alarm associated with the syringe type on a display device.

[0161] Clause 3: The method according to any one of Clauses 1-2, wherein the method further comprises: determining a correspondence between a set of measured characteristic values ​​and two or more sets of expected characteristic values; and displaying on a display device the syringe type associated with each of the two or more sets of expected characteristic values.

[0162] Clause 4: The method of Clause 3, wherein the method further comprises displaying on a display device the syringe type associated with each of two or more sets of expected characteristic values ​​in order based on the confidence level associated with each syringe type.

[0163] Clause 5: The method of any one of Clauses 1-4, wherein the method further comprises displaying on a display device a confidence level associated with each syringe type.

[0164] Clause 6: The method according to any one of Clauses 1-5, wherein the method further comprises sending to the syringe monitoring server: a set of measurement characteristic values ​​of the syringe loaded in the infusion device; and an confirmed syringe type.

[0165] Clause 7: The method according to any one of Clauses 1-6, wherein the method further comprises: determining a correspondence between a set of measurement characteristic values ​​and at least one set of calibration characteristic values ​​from a plurality of sets of calibration characteristic values; and displaying on a display device the syringe type associated with the at least one set of calibration characteristic values.

[0166] Clause 8: The method described in accordance with any one of Clauses 1-7, wherein the method further comprises performing an infusion based on the confirmed syringe type.

[0167] Clause 9: The method according to any one of Clauses 1-8, wherein the method further comprises receiving multiple sets of expected characteristic values ​​from a syringe monitoring server.

[0168] Clause 10: The method described under any of Clauses 1-9, wherein one or more syringe measuring sensors include one or more of the following: syringe barrel length measuring sensor; syringe outer diameter measuring sensor; plunger tip position sensor; or flange diameter measuring sensor.

[0169] Clause 11: A syringe monitoring server comprising: a memory including multiple sets of calibration characteristic values, each set of calibration characteristic values ​​associated with a different syringe type; and a processor, wherein the processor is configured to: receive one or more sets of measurement characteristic values ​​for one or more syringe types from a plurality of infusion devices; determine a set of expected characteristic values ​​for each corresponding syringe type from the plurality of syringe types based on the one or more sets of measurement characteristic values; store the set of expected characteristic values ​​for each corresponding syringe type from the plurality of syringe types in the memory; and transmit the set of expected characteristic values ​​for each corresponding syringe type from the plurality of syringe types to one or more of the plurality of infusion devices.

[0170] The syringe monitoring server as described in Clause 11, wherein the processor is further configured to: determine an alarm for at least one syringe type among a plurality of syringe types based on a set of expected characteristic values ​​for the corresponding syringe type; and send an alarm for syringe characteristic data to one or more of a plurality of infusion devices.

[0171] Clause 13: A processing system comprising: a memory including computer-executable instructions; and a processor configured to execute the computer-executable instructions and cause the processing system to perform a method pursuant to any one of Clauses 1-10.

[0172] Clause 14: A processing system comprising means for performing a method pursuant to any one of Clauses 1-10.

[0173] Clause 15: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing program code for causing a processing system to perform steps pursuant to any of Clauses 1-10.

[0174] Clause 16: A computer program product embodied on a computer-readable storage medium, comprising code for performing a method pursuant to any of Clauses 1-10.

[0175] Other considerations

[0176] The foregoing description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to implement the various embodiments described herein. The examples discussed herein do not limit the scope, applicability, or embodiments set forth in the claims. Various modifications to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments. For example, the function and arrangement of the elements discussed may be changed without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Various processes or components may be appropriately omitted, substituted, or added to the various examples. For example, the described methods may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Furthermore, features described with respect to some examples may be combined in some other examples. For example, an apparatus may be implemented or a method may be practiced using any of the aspects set forth herein. Additionally, the scope of the disclosure is intended to cover such apparatuses or methods practiced using structures, functions, or structures and functions other than those set forth herein. It should be understood that any aspect of the disclosure herein may be embodied by one or more claim elements.

[0177] As used herein, the term “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects.

[0178] As used herein, the phrase “at least one” refers to any combination of these items, including a single member. As an example, “at least one of a, b, or c” is intended to cover any combination of a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, and abc, as well as multiple elements having the same element (e.g., aa, aaa, aab, aac, abb, acc, bb, bbb, bbb, bbc, cc, and ccc, or any other ordering of a, b, and c).

[0179] As used herein, the term "determine" encompasses a variety of actions. For example, "determine" can include calculation, computation, processing, derivation, investigation, searching (e.g., searching in a table, database, or other data structure), and confirmation. Furthermore, "determine" can include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory), and so on. Additionally, "determine" can include resolving, selecting, choosing, and establishing.

[0180] The methods disclosed herein include one or more steps or actions for implementing the method. The method steps and / or actions may be interchanged without departing from the scope of the claims. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is specified, the order and / or use of steps and / or actions may be modified without departing from the scope of the claims. Furthermore, the various operations of the above-described methods can be performed by any suitable means capable of performing the corresponding functions. Such means may include various hardware and / or software components and / or modules, including but not limited to circuits, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or processors. Typically, where operations are shown in the figures, these operations may have corresponding means plus functional equivalents with similar numbering schemes.

[0181] The following claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but should be given the full scope consistent with the language of the claims. In the claims, references to singular elements are not intended to mean “only one” unless specifically stated otherwise, but rather “one or more.” Unless otherwise specifically stated, the term “some” means one or more. No claim element should be interpreted in accordance with 35 U.S.SC §112(f) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for…” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase “steps for…”. All structural and functional equivalents of the elements of the various aspects described herein, known to or subsequently known to those skilled in the art, are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be covered by the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be waived to the public, whether or not such disclosure is expressly recited in the claims.

Claims

1. An infusion device, comprising: Display devices; One or more syringe measuring sensors; Memory, including: Multiple sets of expected characteristic values, each set of expected characteristic values ​​is associated with a different syringe type; as well as Multiple sets of calibration characteristic values, each associated with a different syringe type; and Includes a pump controller with a processor, wherein the pump controller is configured to: A set of measurement characteristic values ​​of the syringe loaded in the infusion device are obtained from the one or more syringe measurement sensors; It was determined that the set of measurement characteristic values ​​did not correspond to the multiple sets of calibration characteristic values; Determine the correspondence between the set of measured characteristic values ​​and at least one set of expected characteristic values ​​from the plurality of sets of expected characteristic values; The control display device displays the syringe type associated with the at least one set of expected characteristic values; and Receive confirmation of syringe type.

2. The infusion device of claim 1, wherein the pump controller is further configured to control the display device to display an alarm associated with the syringe type.

3. The infusion apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pump controller is further configured to: Determine the correspondence between the set of measured characteristic values ​​and two or more sets of expected characteristic values ​​from the plurality of sets; and The control display device displays the syringe type associated with each of the two or more sets of expected characteristic values.

4. The infusion device of claim 3, wherein the pump controller is further configured to control the display device to display, in order of confidence level associated with each of the two or more sets of expected characteristic values, the syringe type associated with each syringe type.

5. The infusion device of claim 1, wherein the pump controller is further configured to control the display device to display a confidence level associated with each syringe type.

6. The infusion device of claim 1, wherein the pump controller is further configured to send to the syringe monitoring server: A set of measured characteristic values ​​of the syringe mounted in the infusion device; and Confirmed syringe type.

7. The infusion apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pump controller is further configured to: The confidence level value for determining the correspondence between the set of measured characteristic values ​​and a set of expected characteristic values ​​or syringe types; and The control display device displays an indicator of the confidence value for the syringe type.

8. The infusion device of claim 1, wherein the pump controller is further configured to perform infusion based on a confirmed syringe type.

9. The infusion device of claim 1, wherein the pump controller is further configured to receive the plurality of expected characteristic values ​​from a syringe monitoring server.

10. The infusion device of claim 1, wherein the one or more syringe measuring sensors comprise one or more of the following: Syringe barrel length measuring sensor; Syringe outer diameter measuring sensor; plunger front position sensor; or Flange diameter measuring sensor.

11. A method of operating an infusion device, wherein: Infusion equipment includes: Display devices; One or more syringe measuring sensors; Memory, including: Multiple sets of expected characteristic values, each associated with a different syringe type; and Multiple sets of calibration characteristic values, each associated with a different syringe type; and Including the processor's pump controller, and The method includes: A set of measurement characteristic values ​​of the syringe loaded in the infusion device are obtained from the one or more syringe measurement sensors; It was determined that the set of measurement characteristic values ​​did not correspond to the multiple sets of calibration characteristic values; Determine the correspondence between the set of measured characteristic values ​​and at least one set of expected characteristic values ​​from the plurality of sets of expected characteristic values; Display the syringe type associated with the at least one set of expected characteristic values ​​on a display device; and Receive confirmation of syringe type.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the method further comprises displaying an alarm associated with the syringe type on a display device.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the method further comprises: Determine the correspondence between the set of measured characteristic values ​​and two or more sets of expected characteristic values ​​from among the plurality of sets of expected characteristic values; as well as The syringe type associated with each of the two or more sets of expected characteristic values ​​is displayed on the display device.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the method further comprises displaying on a display device the syringe type associated with each of the two or more sets of expected characteristic values ​​in order based on the confidence level associated with each syringe type.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the method further comprises displaying a confidence level associated with each syringe type on a display device.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the method further comprises sending to a syringe monitoring server: A set of measured characteristic values ​​of the syringe mounted in the infusion device; and Confirmed syringe type.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein the method further comprises: Determine the confidence level of the correspondence between the set of measured characteristic values ​​and a set of expected characteristic values ​​or syringe types; as well as Display an indicator of the confidence value for the syringe type on the display device. The method of claim 11, wherein the method further comprises performing an infusion based on the confirmed syringe type.

18. The method of claim 11, wherein the method further comprises receiving the plurality of expected characteristic values ​​from a syringe monitoring server.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein the one or more syringe measuring sensors comprise one or more of the following: Syringe barrel length measuring sensor; Syringe outer diameter measuring sensor; plunger front position sensor; or Flange diameter measuring sensor.

20. A syringe monitoring server, comprising: The memory includes multiple sets of calibration characteristic values, each set of calibration characteristic values ​​being associated with a different syringe type; as well as Processor, wherein the processor is configured as: Receive one or more sets of measurement characteristic values ​​for one or more syringe types from multiple infusion devices; For each of the plurality of syringe types, a set of expected characteristic values ​​for the corresponding syringe type is determined based on one or more sets of measured characteristic values; The set of expected characteristic values ​​for each of the plurality of syringe types is stored in memory; as well as Send the set of expected characteristic values ​​for each of the plurality of syringe types to one or more of the plurality of infusion devices.

21. The syringe monitoring server of claim 20, wherein the processor is further configured to: Based on the set of expected characteristic values ​​for the corresponding syringe type, an alarm is determined for at least one of the plurality of syringe types; and An alarm is sent to one or more of the plurality of infusion devices from the syringe characteristic data.

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