Control device, tube seal system, tube seal system control method, program, and recording medium

Abstract

To provide a system for sealing a medical tube.SOLUTION: A control device 30 comprises: a control unit 50 which controls a feeding device for feeding a medical tube; an area detection unit 54 which detects an identification information area being an area provided with identification information IDF in the tube, based on imaging information acquired by an imaging device for imaging the tube; and a sealing processing unit 58 which on the basis of a result of the detection by the area detection unit, performs processing for sealing an area other than the identification information area in the tube, with a tube sealer placed at a feeding path of the tube.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device, a tube sealing system, a control method for a tube sealing system, a program, and a recording medium. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a medical tube sealing device (tube sealer). The tube sealer includes a tube seal portion. A portion of a medical tube is placed in the tube seal portion. The tube seal portion heats and welds the tube, thereby sealing the tube. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6442214 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] With regard to the technology for sealing medical tubes, there is a demand for a more preferable control device, tube sealing system, control method for a tube sealing system, program, and recording medium.

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) A first aspect of the present invention is a control device comprising: a feed control unit that controls a feed device that feeds a medical tube; a part detection unit that detects an identification information part of the tube that is assigned with identification information based on imaging information acquired by an imaging device that images the tube; and a sealing processing unit that performs processing to seal parts of the tube that are not the identification information parts using a tube sealer arranged in the feed path of the tube based on the detection result by the part detection unit.

[0007] When the identification information portion is sealed, it becomes difficult to visually recognize the identification information attached to the identification information portion. In this regard, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the control device can prevent the identification information portion from being sealed.

[0008] (2) The control device described in item (1) above may further include a tension control unit that controls a tensioning device that adjusts the tension of the tube fed by the feeding device within a predetermined range, and the sealing processing unit may perform the processing with the tension set within the range.

[0009] This allows the control device to prevent the tube from being sealed in a loose state.

[0010] (3) In the control device according to the above item (1) or (2), the processing may include a sealing process of controlling the tube sealer to seal the tube.

[0011] This allows the control device to automatically seal the tube.

[0012] (4) In the control device described in (3) above, the tube may have a plurality of the identification information portions arranged along the longitudinal direction of the tube, and the sealing process may form a number of segment tubes corresponding to the number of the identification information portions.

[0013] This allows the control device to automatically form multiple segment tubes.

[0014] (5) A control device according to any one of items (1) to (4) above, wherein the tube sealer is provided with a sealing section into which a portion of the tube can be inserted and which seals the portion of the tube when the portion is inserted, and the sealing section and the tube fed by the feeding device are movable relative to each other, and the control device may further include a relative movement control section which moves the sealing section and the tube relative to each other so that the identification information portion is not inserted into the sealing section.

[0015] This allows the control device to further prevent the tube from being erroneously sealed.

[0016] (6) A second aspect of the present invention is a tube sealing system including the control device according to any one of the above items (1) to (5), the feeding device, and the imaging device.

[0017] When the identification information portion is sealed, it becomes difficult to visually recognize the identification information attached to the identification information portion. In this regard, according to the second aspect of the present invention, the tube seal system can prevent the identification information portion from being sealed.

[0018] (7) A third aspect of the present invention is a control method for a tube sealing system executed by a computer, the control method comprising: a feed control step for controlling a feed device that feeds a medical tube; a part detection step for detecting an identification information part of the tube that is assigned with identification information based on imaging information acquired by an imaging device that images the tube; and a sealing processing step for performing processing to seal parts of the tube that are not the identification information parts using a tube sealer arranged in the feed path of the tube based on the detection result of the part detection step.

[0019] When the identification information portion is sealed, it becomes difficult to visually recognize the identification information attached to the identification information portion. In this regard, according to the third aspect of the present invention, the method for controlling a tube seal system can prevent the identification information portion from being sealed.

[0020] (8) A fourth aspect of the present invention is a program for causing the computer to execute the control method for the tube seal system according to the above item (7).

[0021] When the identification information portion is sealed, it becomes difficult to visually recognize the identification information attached to the identification information portion. In this regard, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a program can cause a computer to execute the control method for a tube sealing system described in item (7). This allows the computer to prevent the identification information portion from being sealed.

[0022] (9) A fifth aspect of the present invention is a recording medium having the program according to the above item (8) recorded thereon.

[0023] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a computer can execute the control method for a tube seal system according to item (7) by reading a program stored in a recording medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to the present invention, a more preferable control device, tube sealing system, control method for a tube sealing system, program, and recording medium are provided in relation to technology for sealing medical tubes. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a tube seal system and a blood bag system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the control device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a control method according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a tube seal system according to the first modification. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a control device according to the second modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] A medical tube may be provided with multiple pieces of identification information, such as a segment number. The tube may be divided into multiple segment tubes by a tube sealer (see also WO 2016 / 148265). The segment numbers are pre-attached to the tube to identify the corresponding segment tube.

[0027] In the following description, the portion of the tube to which the identification information is attached is also referred to as the identification information portion. The tube sealer heats and welds a portion of the tube. When the identification information portion is welded, it becomes difficult to visually recognize the identification information attached to the identification information portion. Therefore, it is not preferable to seal the identification information portion.

[0028] However, in the past, there have been cases where the identification information portion was erroneously sealed by the tube sealer, for example, due to human error.

[0029] Based on the above preliminary explanation, one embodiment will be described below.

[0030] (One embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a tube seal system 10 and a blood bag system 12 according to one embodiment.

[0031] The blood bag system 12 includes one or more blood bags 14 and one or more tubes 16. A portion of the blood bag system 12 is shown in FIG. 1. The blood bag 14 contains (retains) blood. The blood may be, for example, whole blood, but is not limited to this. The blood bag 14 may also contain blood components (such as plasma) obtained by preparing whole blood.

[0032] The tube 16 is a type of medical tube. As shown in Fig. 1, the tube 16 is connected to a blood bag 14. Although not shown in the figure, a plurality of tubes 16 may be connected to one blood bag 14.

[0033] The tube 16 has one or more identification information portions 16a and a plurality of sealable portions 16b. The identification information portion 16a is a portion to which identification information IDF has been previously assigned. The identification information IDF includes an identifier. The identifier included in the identification information IDF is, for example, a segment number. The segment number includes, for example, numbers (letters). Note that the identifier may also include a graphic, a one-dimensional code, etc. Each of the plurality of sealable portions 16b is a portion of the tube 16 that is not an identification information portion 16a. In other words, each of the plurality of sealable portions 16b is a portion of the tube 16 to which identification information IDF has not been assigned.

[0034] The identification information portions 16a and the plurality of sealable portions 16b are alternately arranged along the longitudinal direction of the tube 16. One identification information portion 16a is located between two sealable portions 16b. In the following description, the dimension of the identification information portion 16a in the longitudinal direction of the tube 16 is also referred to as the identification information portion dimension D16a. The identification information portion dimension D16a is, for example, 2 cm to 3 cm, but is not limited to this. In the following description, the dimension of the sealable portion 16b in the longitudinal direction of the tube 16 is also referred to as the sealable portion dimension D16b. The sealable portion dimension D16b is, for example, 5 cm, but is not limited to this.

[0035] The tube sealing system 10 is a system that supports the sealing operation of the tube 16 using the tube sealer 18. As shown in FIG. 1, the tube sealing system 10 includes a mounting table 20, a feeding device 22, a stretching device 24, an imaging device 26, a recovery unit 28, and a control device 30.

[0036] The mounting table 20 is a pedestal that supports the feeding device 22, the stretching device 24, and the recovery unit 28. The feeding device 22, the stretching device 24, and the recovery unit 28 may be detachable from the mounting table 20. The mounting table 20 may support the tube sealer 18. In that case, the tube sealer 18 may be detachable from the mounting table 20. The mounting table 20 has, for example, a mounting groove 20a. The mounting groove 20a is a groove portion for installing the tube sealer 18. A user of the tube sealing system 10 can support the tube sealer 18 on the mounting table 20 by installing the tube sealer 18 in the mounting groove 20a.

[0037] Although not shown, the mounting table 20 may include a support surface (pedestal portion) that supports the tube sealer 18 from below. Further, the mounting table 20 may further support at least one of the imaging device 26 and the control device 30.

[0038] The tube sealer 18 includes a sealing portion 32 that seals the tube 16. As shown in FIG. 1, the sealing portion 32 includes a cover portion 34 and an electrode portion 36. The cover portion 34 is a covering member that covers the electrode portion 36. The cover portion 34 is, for example, a cylindrical member. The diameter D34 of the cover portion 34 is preferably shorter than the dimension D16b of the sealable portion (D34 < D16b). A part of the tube 16 can be inserted (passed through) into the cover portion 34 through an insertion hole, a slit, etc. not shown formed in the cover portion 34. The electrode portion 36 has a pair of electrodes. Specific illustration of the pair of electrodes is omitted. The pair of electrodes can sandwich a part of the tube 16 inserted into the cover portion 34 and can heat and weld the part. Thereby, the tube 16 is sealed. Note that a configuration of a known tube sealer may be adopted for the tube sealer 18.

[0039] The feeding device 22 is a device that feeds the tube 16 toward the collection unit 28. The collection unit 28 will be described in more detail later. The feeding device 22 feeds the tube 16 along a predetermined feeding path. The feeding path is set so that the tube 16 passes through the electrode unit 36 ​​of the sealing unit 32. That is, the feeding device 22 feeds the tube 16 so that it passes through the electrode unit 36 ​​of the sealing unit 32. The feeding device 22 has a first feeding mechanism 221 and a second feeding mechanism 222. The sealing unit 32 is located between the first feeding mechanism 221 and the second feeding mechanism 222.

[0040] The first feed mechanism 221 is located upstream of the sealing unit 32 on the feed path. The first feed mechanism 221 includes two upstream rollers 38 (381, 382). The two upstream rollers 38 are aligned along a direction perpendicular to a horizontal plane or a direction parallel to the horizontal plane, but are not limited thereto. The two upstream rollers 38 sandwich the tube 16.

[0041] The two upstream rollers 38 include a first upstream roller 381 and a second upstream roller 382. The first upstream roller 381 is rotated by a drive source (not shown). The drive source (not shown) may include, but is not limited to, a motor, for example. The second upstream roller 382 rotates following the rotation of the first upstream roller 381. As the two upstream rollers 38 rotate while sandwiching the tube 16, the tube 16 can be sent toward the sealing unit 32. Note that not only the first upstream roller 381 but also the second upstream roller 382 may be rotated by a drive source (not shown) including a motor or the like.

[0042] The second feed mechanism 222 is located downstream of the sealing unit 32 on the feed path. The second feed mechanism 222 includes two downstream rollers 40 (401, 402). The two upstream rollers 38 are aligned, for example, but not limited to, in a direction parallel to a horizontal plane. The two downstream rollers 40 sandwich the tube 16.

[0043] The two downstream rollers 40 include a first downstream roller 401 and a second downstream roller 402. The first downstream roller 401 is rotated by a drive source (not shown). The drive source (not shown) may include, but is not limited to, a motor, for example. The second downstream roller 402 rotates following the first downstream roller 401. As the two downstream rollers 40 rotate while sandwiching the tube 16, the tube 16 is fed from the sealing unit 32 toward the second feed mechanism 222. Note that not only the first downstream roller 401 but also the second downstream roller 402 may be rotated by a drive source (not shown) including a motor, etc. Alternatively, the two upstream rollers 38 may rotate following the two downstream rollers 40.

[0044] The tensioning device 24 is a device that tensions the tube 16. The tensioning device 24 includes a first gripping mechanism 241, a second gripping mechanism 242, and one or more tension sensors 42.

[0045] The first gripping mechanism 241 is located upstream of the sealing unit 32 in the above-described feeding path. The first gripping mechanism 241 is located upstream of the first feed mechanism 221 (FIG. 1), but may be located downstream of the first feed mechanism 221. The first gripping mechanism 241 includes a pair of pressing members 44A. The tube 16 is passed between the pair of pressing members 44A. The pair of pressing members 44A can be moved toward and away from each other by a drive source (not shown). This allows the first gripping mechanism 241 to grip (sandwich) the tube 16 with the pair of pressing members 44A as needed. The pair of pressing members 44A can also pull the gripped tube 16 in a direction away from the sealing unit 32. That is, the pair of pressing members 44A can pull the tube 16 in a direction toward the upstream of the feeding path.

[0046] The second gripping mechanism 242 is located downstream of the sealing unit 32 in the above-described feed path. The second gripping mechanism 242 is located downstream of the second feed mechanism 222 (FIG. 1), but may be located upstream of the second feed mechanism 222. The second gripping mechanism 242 includes a pair of pressing members 44B. The tube 16 is passed between the pair of pressing members 44B. The pair of pressing members 44B can be moved toward and away from each other by a drive source (not shown). This allows the second gripping mechanism 242 to grip (sandwich) the tube 16 with the pair of pressing members 44B as needed. The pair of pressing members 44B can also pull the gripped tube 16 in a direction away from the sealing unit 32. That is, the pair of pressing members 44B can pull the tube 16 in a direction toward the downstream of the feed path.

[0047] The tension sensor 42 outputs a detection signal corresponding to the tension of the tube 16 stretched by the first gripping mechanism 241 and the second gripping mechanism 242. The tension sensor 42 may include, but is not limited to, a load cell, for example. The first gripping mechanism 241 and the second gripping mechanism 242 may each be provided with a tension sensor 42, but is not limited to this. The number, arrangement, etc. of the tension sensors 42 may be changed as appropriate.

[0048] According to the above-described tensioning device 24, the tube 16 can be tensioned between the first gripping mechanism 241 and the second gripping mechanism 242. Furthermore, according to the tensioning device 24, the tension sensor 42 can detect the tension of the tube 16 between the first gripping mechanism 241 and the second gripping mechanism 242.

[0049] The imaging device 26 is a device that captures an image of the tube 16 being fed by the feeding device 22. The imaging device 26 is disposed above the sealing unit 32 (tube 16), but is not limited to this. The imaging device 26 includes a first imaging device 261 and a second imaging device 262. Each of the first imaging device 261 and the second imaging device 262 includes, for example, a camera (image sensor). The first imaging device 261 captures an image of a portion of the tube 16 being fed along the feeding path that is upstream of the sealing unit 32. In contrast, the second imaging device 262 captures an image of a portion of the tube 16 being fed along the feeding path that is downstream of the sealing unit 32. The sealing unit 32 may be located within at least one of the imaging range of the first imaging device 261 and the imaging range of the second imaging device 262.

[0050] The collection unit 28 is located at the end point of the feeding path. The collection unit 28 includes a stand, tray, box, etc. for collecting the tube 16 fed by the feeding device 22. The blood bag 14 is connected to the tube 16. The tube 16 is preferably fed with the blood bag 14 already installed (housed) in the collection unit 28. The position of the collection unit 28 in the vertical direction (up and down direction) is preferably determined so that the collection unit 28 (blood bag 14) and the seal unit 32 are aligned horizontally.

[0051] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the control device 30.

[0052] The control device 30 is an electronic device (computer) that controls the feed device 22, the tension device 24, the imaging device 26, and the tube sealer 18. The control device 30 includes a calculation unit 46 and a storage unit 48.

[0053] The calculation unit 46 includes a predetermined processing circuit (not shown). The processing circuit includes one or more processors, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU). The processing circuit may include a predetermined integrated circuit, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0054] The storage unit 48 includes multiple memories. The multiple memories include, for example, nonvolatile memories such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and flash memory, and volatile memories such as RAM (Random Access Memory). The nonvolatile memory is a tangible recording medium that can non-temporarily store programs and the like. Note that at least a part of the storage unit 48 may be realized by a portable recording medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or a memory card.

[0055] The calculation unit 46 includes a feed control unit 50, a tension control unit 52, a part detection unit 54, a detection result determination unit 56, a sealing processing unit 58, and a sealing number determination unit 60. The feed control unit 50, the tension control unit 52, the part detection unit 54, the detection result determination unit 56, the sealing processing unit 58, and the sealing number determination unit 60 are realized, for example, by the calculation unit 46 (processor) executing a program stored in the storage unit 48 (memory). At least some of the feed control unit 50, the tension control unit 52, the part detection unit 54, the detection result determination unit 56, the sealing processing unit 58, and the sealing number determination unit 60 may be realized by a predetermined integrated circuit such as the ASIC or FPGA described above.

[0056] The feed control unit 50 controls the feed device 22 to feed the tube 16 along the feed path. More specifically, the feed control unit 50 controls one or more drive sources (not shown) connected to the upstream roller 38 and the downstream roller 40.

[0057] The tension control unit 52 controls the tension device 24 to adjust the tension of the tube 16 within a predetermined range. More specifically, the tension control unit 52 acquires a detection signal output from the tension sensor 42. Based on the detection signal, the tension control unit 52 controls one or more drive sources (not shown) connected to the first gripping mechanism 241 and the second gripping mechanism 242.

[0058] The part detection unit 54 detects the position of the identification information part 16a in the longitudinal direction of the tube 16 based on the imaging information acquired by the imaging device 26. The part detection unit 54 detects the position of the identification information part 16a using, for example, image recognition technology. The imaging device 26 includes a first imaging device 261 and a second imaging device 262. The part detection unit 54 acquires first imaging information acquired by the first imaging device 261 and second imaging information acquired by the second imaging device 262. The first imaging information includes information indicating a part of the tube 16 located upstream of the seal part 32 in the feeding path. Based on the first imaging information, the part detection unit 54 detects the identification information part 16a located upstream of the seal part 32 in the tube 16 and the sealable part 16b located upstream. The second imaging information includes information indicating a part of the tube 16 located downstream of the seal part 32 in the feeding path. The part detection unit 54 detects the identification information part 16a located downstream of the seal part 32 in the tube 16 and the sealable part 16b located downstream of the seal part 32, based on the second imaging information.

[0059] The detection result determination unit 56 determines whether the sealable portion 16b is located in the sealed portion 32 based on the detection result by the portion detection unit 54. That is, the identification information portion dimension D16a and the sealable portion dimension D16b are obvious based on the design of the tube 16. The memory unit 48 can store information indicating the identification information portion dimension D16a and information indicating the sealable portion dimension D16b in advance. The detection result determination unit 56 (the calculation unit 46) can read the information indicating the identification information portion dimension D16a and information indicating the sealable portion dimension D16b stored in the memory unit 48. Therefore, the detection result determination unit 56 can determine whether the sealable portion 16b is located in the sealed portion 32 based on the identification information portion dimension D16a, the sealable portion dimension D16b, and the detection result by the portion detection unit 54.

[0060] There may be a case where the first imaging information indicates an identification information portion 16a and the second imaging information indicates another identification information portion 16a. In this case, the detection result determination unit 56 may determine that the sealable portion 16b located between the two identification information portions 16a is located in the seal portion 32.

[0061] The sealing processing unit 58 performs processing based on the determination result by the detection result determination unit 56. This processing includes a sealing process. The sealing process is a process of controlling the tube sealer 18 to seal the tube 16. When the sealable portion 16b is located in the seal portion 32, the sealing processing unit 58 performs the sealing process to seal the sealable portion 16b with the seal portion 32. Note that when the identification information portion 16a is located in the seal portion 32, the sealing processing unit 58 does not perform the sealing process.

[0062] The sealing processing unit 58 may seal a predetermined portion of the sealable portion 16b in the longitudinal direction of the tube 16. It is preferable that the sealing processing unit 58 seals a portion of the sealable portion 16b in the longitudinal direction of the tube 16 that is located at a midpoint CP (see also FIG. 1).

[0063] The position of the midpoint CP of each of the multiple sealable portions 16b can be identified based on, for example, the detection result by the portion detection unit 54, the identification information portion dimension D16a, and the sealable portion dimension D16b. The above-mentioned processing performed by the sealing processing unit 58 based on the determination result by the detection result determination unit 56 may include a position adjustment processing. The position adjustment processing is processing in which the sealing processing unit 58 instructs the feed control unit 50 to appropriately adjust the position of the seal portion 32 in the longitudinal direction of the tube 16. By performing the position adjustment processing, the sealing processing unit 58 can position the midpoint CP of the sealable portion 16b at the seal portion 32 and then perform the sealing processing.

[0064] The sealing unit 58 may seal a portion of the sealable portion 16b other than the midpoint CP. The portion may be designated in advance by the user. The position of the portion may be identified based on the detection result by the portion detection unit 54, the identification information portion dimensions D16a, and the sealable portion dimensions D16b, similar to the midpoint CP.

[0065] The sealing count determination unit 60 determines whether the number of sealings has reached a predetermined number of times. The number of sealings is the number of times the tube 16 has been sealed. The number of sealings can be determined, for example, by counting the number of times the sealing process described above has been performed. The predetermined number of sealings is determined in advance, for example, according to the number of segment tubes to be formed in one tube 16. That is, the predetermined number of sealings is, for example, the number of sealable portions 16b that one tube 16 has. By determining whether the number of times the tube 16 has been sealed has reached the predetermined number of times, the sealing count determination unit 60 can determine whether the number of segment tubes corresponding to the number of identification information portions 16a (segment numbers) have been formed. The predetermined number of sealings may be specified by the user of the tube sealing system 10.

[0066] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a control method according to one embodiment.

[0067] The control device 30 can execute the control method (control method for the tube sealing system 10) shown in Fig. 3 by causing the calculation unit 46 (processor) to execute a program stored in the storage unit 48 (memory). The control method includes a feed control step S1, a tension control step S2, a part detection step S3, a detection result determination step S4, a sealing process step S5, and a sealing count determination step S6.

[0068] In the feed control step S1, the feed control unit 50 feeds the tube 16 along the feed path.

[0069] In the tension control step S2, the tension control section 52 adjusts the tension of the tube 16 being fed along the feeding path to a predetermined tension.

[0070] In the part detection step S3, the part detection unit 54 detects the position of the identification information part 16a based on the imaging information acquired by the imaging device 26.

[0071] In the detection result determining step S4, the detection result determining unit 56 determines whether or not the sealable portion 16b is located in the seal portion 32 based on the detection result in the portion detecting step S3.

[0072] If it is determined that the sealable portion 16b is located in the seal portion 32 (S4: YES), a sealing process step S5 is executed. In the sealing process step S5, the sealing processing unit 58 performs a process for sealing the portion other than the identification information portion 16a with the tube sealer 18 based on the detection result in the detection result determination step S4. This process includes the sealing process described above. This process may also include the position adjustment process described above. In this case, the sealing process is executed after the position adjustment process is executed.

[0073] If it is determined that the sealable portion 16b is not located in the sealed portion 32 (S4: NO), the feed control step S1 is executed again. Therefore, the above-described sealing process is not executed until it is determined that the sealable portion 16b is located in the sealed portion 32.

[0074] When the sealing process step S5 is executed, the sealing count determination step S6 is executed. In the sealing count determination step S6, the sealing count determination unit 60 determines whether the sealing count has reached a predetermined number of sealings. The sealing count can be determined by counting the number of times the above-mentioned sealing process is executed. In other words, the sealing count can be determined by counting the number of times the sealing process step S5 is executed.

[0075] If it is determined that the number of sealing operations has reached the predetermined number of times (S6: YES), the control method in Fig. 3 ends. If it is determined that the number of sealing operations has not reached the predetermined number of times (S6: NO), the feed control step S1 is executed again.

[0076] According to the control method of FIG. 3, the control device 30 can repeatedly execute the feeding control step S1 to the sealing process step S5 until all the sealable portions 16b are sealed.

[0077] The above-described control device 30, tube sealing system 10, control method for the tube sealing system 10, program, and recording medium (storage unit 48) can achieve the effects described below, for example.

[0078] The control device 30 includes a sealing processing unit 58. The sealing processing unit 58 performs processing based on the detection result by the part detection unit 54. This processing is processing for sealing the parts of the tube 16 that are not the identification information part 16a with a tube sealer 18 arranged in the feed path of the tube 16. In this way, the control device 30 prevents the identification information part 16a from being sealed.

[0079] The control device 30 further includes a tension control unit 52. The tension control unit 52 controls the tension device 24. The tension control unit 52 can adjust the tension of the tube 16 fed by the feed device 22 within a predetermined range. The sealing processing unit 58 performs processing while the tension of the tube 16 is set within the range. This allows the control device 30 to prevent the tube 16 from being sealed in a loose state. Furthermore, by tensioning the tube 16, the part detection unit 54 can more accurately detect the position of the identification information part 16a in the longitudinal direction of the tube 16.

[0080] The above-described processing performed by the sealing processing unit 58 includes a sealing process of controlling the tube sealer 18 to seal the tube 16. In this way, the control device 30 automatically seals the tube 16.

[0081] The tube 16 has a plurality of identification information portions 16a arranged along the longitudinal direction of the tube 16. The sealing processing unit 58 performs sealing processing to form a number of segment tubes corresponding to the number of identification information portions 16a. For example, if the tube 16 has seven identification information portions 16a, the sealing processing unit 58 forms seven segment tubes.

[0082] The sealing unit 58 may seal a predetermined portion of the sealable portion 16b in the longitudinal direction of the tube 16. This portion may be, for example, a portion of the sealable portion 16b that includes the midpoint CP. This unifies the longitudinal dimensions of the multiple segment tubes formed in the tube 16.

[0083] The tube sealing system 10 includes a control device 30, a feed device 22, and an imaging device 26. The control device 30 (feed control unit 50) controls the feed device 22 to feed the tube 16. The imaging device 26 captures an image of the tube 16. The control device 30 (part detection unit 54) detects the identification information part 16a based on the imaging information acquired by the imaging device 26. The sealing processing unit 58 of the control device 30 performs processing to seal parts of the tube 16 that are not the identification information part 16a with the tube sealer 18 based on the detection result by the part detection unit 54. In this way, the tube sealing system 10 prevents the identification information part 16a from being sealed.

[0084] The diameter D34 of the cover portion 34 is shorter than the dimension D16b of the sealable portion. As a result, when the sealable portion 16b is positioned in the seal portion 32, both the identification information portion 16a located on one side of the sealable portion 16b in the longitudinal direction of the tube 16 and the identification information portion 16a located on the other side can be positioned outside the cover portion 34. In other words, the two identification information portions 16a that sandwich the sealable portion 16b along the longitudinal direction of the tube 16 tend to fit within the imaging range of the imaging device 26.

[0085] The tube sealing system 10 further includes a tensioning device 24. The tensioning device 24 can be controlled by the control device 30 (tensioning control unit 52). The tensioning device 24 is controlled by the tensioning control unit 52 to adjust the tension of the tube 16 fed by the feeding device 22 within a predetermined range. This prevents the tube sealing system 10 from sealing the tube 16 in a loose state.

[0086] The tube sealing system 10 further includes a collection unit 28. This allows the tube sealing system 10 to collect the tube 16 fed by the feed device 22 using the collection unit 28. Note that the collection unit 28 may also be configured to accommodate a blood bag 14 connected to the tube 16. In this manner, the blood bag 14 does not prevent the feed device 22 from feeding the tube 16.

[0087] The vertical position of the collection unit 28 is determined so that the collection unit 28 and the sealing unit 32 are aligned horizontally. This allows the longitudinal direction of the tube 16 to be aligned horizontally between the sealing unit 32 and the blood bag 14 placed in the collection unit 28. As a result, the risk of bending of the portion of the tube 16 located between the sealing unit 32 and the blood bag 14 is reduced.

[0088] The control method for the tube sealing system 10 includes a sealing process step S5. In the sealing process step S5, the sealing processor 58 performs a process based on the detection result in the part detection step S3. This process is a process for sealing the parts of the tube 16 that are not the identification information part 16a with the tube sealer 18. In this way, the control method prevents the identification information part 16a from being sealed.

[0089] The program causes a computer to execute a control method for the tube sealing system 10 according to one embodiment. That is, the program according to one embodiment causes a computer to function as the control device 30 described above.

[0090] The recording medium (storage unit 48) non-temporarily records a program according to one embodiment. By having a computer read the program recorded on the recording medium, the computer can function as the control device 30 described above.

[0091] The embodiment may be modified as follows. In the following modifications, explanations that overlap with the embodiment will be omitted. In addition, in the drawings used in the following modifications, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as those described in the embodiment.

[0092] (Variation 1) FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a tube seal system 10 (101) according to the first modification.

[0093] The tube sealer 18 may be provided with a detection sensor 62 for detecting that the tube 16 has been inserted into the sealing portion 32. The detection sensor 62 may be, for example, an optical sensor. This type of tube sealer 18 (181) automatically seals the tube 16 with the sealing portion 32 when the detection sensor 62 detects that the tube 16 has been inserted into the sealing portion 32.

[0094] However, according to one embodiment, the tube 16 is fed by the feed device 22 while inserted in the sealing portion 32. Therefore, if the tube sealer 181 is simply placed on the mounting table 20, there is a risk that the tube 16 will be detected by the detection sensor 62. In other words, if the tube sealer 181 is simply placed on the mounting table 20, there is a risk that the tube 16 will be erroneously sealed by the tube sealer 181.

[0095] 4, the tube sealing system 101 is provided with one or more sub-rollers 64. The tube 16 is stretched over the sub-rollers 64.

[0096] This allows the feed path to be adjusted so that the tube 16 does not overlap the detection sensor 62 in a side view (viewpoint of FIG. 4). By preventing the tube 16 from overlapping the detection sensor 62 in a side view, the detection sensor 62 can be prevented from detecting the tube 16. In other words, according to this modification, the tube sealing system 101 can prevent the tube 16 from being erroneously sealed by the tube sealer 181.

[0097] The position of the sub-roller 64 may be variable. This allows the user of the tube sealing system 101 to arbitrarily change the position of the sub-roller 64. By changing the position of the sub-roller 64, the user can change the feed path of the tube 16.

[0098] (Variation 2) FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a control device 30 (302) according to the second modification.

[0099] Compared with the control device 30 (FIG. 2) described in the embodiment, the control device 302 differs in that it further includes a relative movement control unit 66. Similar to the feed control unit 50, the relative movement control unit 66 is realized, for example, by the calculation unit 46 (processor) executing a program stored in the storage unit 48 (memory).

[0100] The relative movement control unit 66 causes relative movement between the sealing unit 32 provided in the tube sealer 18 and the tube 16 fed by the feed device 22. For example, the mounting table 20 (FIG. 1) may include a lifting platform (not shown) that supports the tube sealer 18. In this case, the relative movement control unit 66 may control the lifting platform to move the tube sealer 18 up and down, thereby causing relative movement between the sealing unit 32 and the tube 16. Note that instead of the tube sealer 18, for example, a first gripping mechanism 241 and a second gripping mechanism 242 may be provided on the lifting platform. In this case, the relative movement control unit 66 may also cause relative movement between the sealing unit 32 and the tube 16 by controlling the lifting platform.

[0101] The direction of relative movement between the seal portion 32 and the tube 16 intersects with the longitudinal direction of the tube 16 between the first gripping mechanism 241 and the second gripping mechanism 242. For example, the direction of relative movement between the seal portion 32 and the tube 16 is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tube 16 between the first gripping mechanism 241 and the second gripping mechanism 242.

[0102] Furthermore, the direction of relative movement between the sealed portion 32 and the tube 16 matches the direction in which the tube 16 is inserted into or removed from the sealed portion 32. Therefore, the relative movement control unit 66 can insert or remove the tube 16 into or from the sealed portion 32 by moving the sealed portion 32 and the tube 16 relative to each other. The relative movement control unit 66 moves the sealed portion 32 and the tube 16 relative to each other so that the identification information portion 16a is not inserted into the sealed portion 32. This further reduces the risk of the identification information portion 16a being erroneously sealed by the sealed portion 32. The relative movement control unit 66 also moves the sealed portion 32 and the tube 16 relative to each other so that the sealable portion 16b is inserted into the sealed portion 32. This allows the sealable portion 16b to be sealed by the sealed portion 32.

[0103] The control device 302 is also useful when a tube sealer 181 (see Modification 1) equipped with the detection sensor 62 is used. That is, as described above, when the detection sensor 62 detects that the tube 16 has been inserted into the seal portion 32, the tube sealer 181 automatically seals the tube 16 with the seal portion 32. The relative movement control unit 66 moves the seal portion 32 and the tube 16 relative to each other so that the identification information portion 16a is not inserted into the seal portion 32, and also moves the seal portion 32 and the tube 16 relative to each other so that the sealable portion 16b is inserted into the seal portion 32. Therefore, the detection sensor 62 does not detect that the identification information portion 16a has been inserted into the seal portion 32. On the other hand, the detection sensor 62 detects that the sealable portion 16b has been inserted into the seal portion 32. As a result, the tube sealer 181 can automatically seal the sealable portion 16b without erroneously sealing the identification information portion 16a.

[0104] (Variation 3) The number of cameras provided in the imaging device 26 may be one. In other words, one of the first imaging device 261 and the second imaging device 262 may be omitted. According to this modification, the tube sealing system 10 can be configured more simply.

[0105] (Variation 4) The feed control unit 50 may also function as the tension control unit 52. In other words, the feed device 22 may also function as the tension device 24. For example, the feed control unit 50 drives the first feed mechanism 221 as necessary to feed the tube 16 in a direction from the second feed mechanism 222 toward the first feed mechanism 221. On the other hand, the feed control unit 50 drives the second feed mechanism 222 to feed the tube 16 in a direction from the first feed mechanism 221 toward the second feed mechanism 222. In this way, the tube 16 can be tensioned between the first feed mechanism 221 and the second feed mechanism 222.

[0106] (Variation 5) The control device 30 may be built into the tube sealer 18 .

[0107] (Combination of multiple modifications) The above-described multiple modifications may be combined as appropriate within a range that does not contradict each other.

[0108] The present invention is not limited to the above disclosure, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 10...Tube seal system 16...Tube 16a...Identification information section 18...Tube sealer 20...Placement table 22...Feeding device 24…Stretching device 26...imaging device 30...Control device 32...Seal part 48...Memory unit (recording medium) 50...Feed control section 52...Tension control section 54...Part detection unit 58...Sealing processing section 66...Relative movement control section IDF…Identification information

Claims

1. a feeding control unit that controls a feeding device that feeds a medical tube; a part detection unit that detects an identification information part of the tube, which is a part of the tube to which identification information is attached, based on imaging information acquired by an imaging device that images the tube; a sealing processing unit that performs processing to seal a portion of the tube that is not the identification information portion, using a tube sealer disposed in a feeding path of the tube, based on a detection result by the portion detection unit; A control device comprising:

2. The control device according to claim 1, a tension control unit that controls a tension device that adjusts the tension of the tube fed by the feed device within a predetermined range; a control device in which the sealing processing unit performs the processing while the tension is set within the range;

3. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, The control device, wherein the process includes a sealing process that controls the tube sealer to seal the tube.

4. The control device according to claim 3, the tube has a plurality of the identification information portions arranged along the longitudinal direction of the tube, In the sealing process, a control device is configured to form segment tubes in a number corresponding to the number of the identification information portions.

5. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, the tube sealer is provided with a seal portion into which a portion of the tube can be inserted and which seals the portion of the tube when the portion of the tube is inserted; The sealing portion and the tube fed by the feeding device are movable relative to each other, The control device further includes a relative movement control unit that moves the seal portion and the tube relative to each other so that the identification information portion is not inserted into the seal portion.

6. A tube sealing system comprising the control device according to claim 1 , the feeding device, and the imaging device.

7. 1. A computer-implemented method for controlling a tube sealing system, comprising: a feed control step of controlling a feeder that feeds a medical tube; a part detection step of detecting an identification information part of the tube, which is a part of the tube to which identification information is attached, based on imaging information acquired by an imaging device that images the tube; a sealing process step of performing a process for sealing a portion of the tube that is not the identification information portion, using a tube sealer disposed in a feeding path of the tube, based on a detection result of the portion detection step; A method for controlling a tube seal system, comprising:

8. A program for causing a computer to execute the tube seal system control method according to claim 7.

9. A recording medium on which the program according to claim 8 is recorded.

Images