System, method, and computer program product for detecting connection of medical device to needleless connector

Abstract

To provide systems, methods, and computer program products for detecting connection of a medical device to a needleless connector.SOLUTION: An example system includes an image capture device and at least one processor. The image capture device may be configured to capture a set of images of a movable component of a needleless connector. The at least one processor may be configured to receive the set of images of the movable component of the needleless connector, and process the set of images of the movable component of the needleless connector to determine whether a medical device is connected to the needleless connector.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to needleless connectors and, in non-limiting embodiments or aspects, to systems, methods, and computer program products for detecting connection of a medical device to a needleless connector. [Background technology]

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 630,427, filed Apr. 9, 2024, entitled "System, Method, and Computer Program Product for Detecting Connection of a Medical Device to a Needleless Connector," the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0003] In clinical use, IV tubing is connected to a patient to administer medication. The IV tubing may include a needleless connector to which a medication-filled medical device (e.g., syringe, etc.) is connected for medication administration. As the use of the Internet of Things (IoT) in the medical field becomes more widespread, there may be a need to detect / record when a medical device (e.g., syringe, etc.) is attached to these needleless connectors. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0231471 [Non-patent literature]

[0005] [Non-Patent Document 1] Qiu et al. “A survey of machine learning for big data processing” in EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing (2016) Summary of the Invention

[0006] Thus, systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for detecting connection of an improved medical device to a needleless connector.

[0007] According to a non-limiting embodiment or aspect, a system is provided that includes: an image capture device configured to capture a set of images of a moving component of a needleless connector; and at least one processor configured to receive the set of images of the moving component of the needleless connector and process the set of images of the moving component of the needleless connector to determine whether a medical device is connected to the needleless connector.

[0008] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the movable component of the needleless connector includes a bellows, the bellows configured to compress from an expanded state to a compressed state in response to connection of the medical device to the needleless connector.

[0009] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the needleless connector includes a fluid flow path in a housing between an inlet and an outlet opposite the inlet, and the bellows is contained within the housing.

[0010] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the image capture device is integrated into the housing of the needleless connector.

[0011] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the image capture device is external to the housing of the needleless connector.

[0012] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the image capture device includes a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor.

[0013] In certain non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the system further includes a communications circuit configured to communicate with an external computing device.

[0014] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the at least one processor is configured to process the set of images of the movable component of the needleless connector to determine whether the medical device is connected to the needleless connector by: comparing pixels of an image in the set of images with pixels of another image in the set of images to determine a shift in pixel pattern between the image and the other image; converting the shift in pixel pattern between the image and the other image into a shift in an x-coordinate distance of the movable component or a shift in a y-coordinate distance of the movable component; and determining whether the medical device is connected to the needleless connector based on the shift in the x-coordinate distance of the movable component or the shift in the y-coordinate distance of the movable component.

[0015] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the medical device comprises a syringe.

[0016] According to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a needleless connector is provided that includes a movable component having a first position when the needleless connector is connected to a medical device and a second position when the needleless connector is not connected to the medical device; an image capture device configured to capture a set of images of the movable component of the needleless connector; a communication circuit configured to communicate with an external computing device; and at least one processor configured to receive the set of images of the movable component of the needleless connector and process the set of images of the movable component of the needleless connector to determine whether a medical device is connected to the needleless connector.

[0017] According to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a method is provided that includes capturing, by an image capture device, a set of images of a moving component of a needleless connector; receiving, by at least one processor, the set of images of the moving component of the needleless connector; processing, by the at least one processor, the set of images of the moving component of the needleless connector to determine whether a medical device is connected to the needleless connector; and providing, by the at least one processor, an indication of whether the medical device is connected to the needleless connector.

[0018] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the movable component of the needleless connector includes a bellows, the bellows configured to compress from an expanded state to a compressed state in response to connection of the medical device to the needleless connector, and processing the set of images to determine whether a medical device is connected to the needleless connector includes identifying a state of the bellows shown in the set of images.

[0019] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the needleless connector includes a fluid flow path in a housing between an inlet and an outlet opposite the inlet, the bellows is contained within the housing, and capturing the set of images of the moving component of the needleless connector with the image capture device includes capturing the set of images of the moving component of the needleless connector with the image capture device through a light-transmitting portion of the housing.

[0020] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, capturing the set of images of the movable component of the needleless connector by the image capture device includes capturing the set of images based on at least one of visible light, non-visible light, thermal radiation, depth, movement, or any combination thereof.

[0021] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the method further includes communicating, via a communication circuit, the set of images to an external computing device, the external computing device including at least one processor.

[0022] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, processing the set of images of the movable component of the needleless connector to determine whether the medical device is connected to the needleless connector includes providing, by the at least one processor, the set of images as input to a machine learning model; and receiving, by the at least one processor, as output from the machine learning model, a prediction of whether the medical device is connected to the needleless connector.

[0023] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, providing the indication of whether the medical device is connected to the needleless connector by the at least one processor includes generating, by the at least one processor, a message including at least (i) the indication of whether the medical device is connected to the needleless connector, and (ii) an identifier of the medical device or the needleless connector, and communicating the message to an external computing device via a communication circuit.

[0024] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, processing the set of images of the movable component of the needleless connector to determine whether the medical device is connected to the needleless connector includes: comparing, by the at least one processor, pixels of an image in the set of images with pixels of another image in the set of images to determine a shift in a pixel pattern between the image and the other image; converting, by the at least one processor, the shift in the pixel pattern between the image and the other image into a shift in an x-coordinate distance of the movable component or a shift in a y-coordinate distance of the movable component; and determining, by the at least one processor, whether the medical device is connected to the needleless connector based on the shift in the x-coordinate distance of the movable component or the shift in the y-coordinate distance of the movable component.

[0025] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, processing the set of images of the movable component of the needleless connector to determine whether the medical device is connected to the needleless connector includes: detecting, by the at least one processor, a frequency of one or more colors in one or more images of the set of images; and determining, by the at least one processor, whether the medical device is connected to the needleless connector based on the frequency of the one or more colors in the one or more images of the set of images and one or more threshold frequencies.

[0026] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the medical device includes a syringe including a luer tip, the movable component having a first position when the luer tip of the syringe is connected to the needleless connector and a second position when the luer tip of the syringe is not connected to the needleless connector, and processing the set of images of the movable component of the needleless connector to determine whether the medical device is connected to the needleless connector includes determining whether the movable component is in the first position or the second position based on the set of images.

[0027] According to certain non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a computer program product is provided that includes at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium including program instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to receive a set of images of a moving component of a needleless connector, process the set of images of the moving component of the needleless connector to determine whether a medical device is connected to the needleless connector, and provide an indication of whether the medical device is connected to the needleless connector.

[0028] Further non-limiting embodiments or aspects are described in the following numbered paragraphs.

[0029] Item 1: A system comprising: an image capture device configured to capture a set of images of a moving component of a needleless connector; and at least one processor configured to receive the set of images of the moving component of the needleless connector and process the set of images of the moving component of the needleless connector to determine whether a medical device is connected to the needleless connector.

[0030] Item 2: The system described in Item 1, wherein the movable component of the needleless connector includes a bellows, the bellows configured to compress from an expanded state to a compressed state in response to connection of the medical device to the needleless connector.

[0031] Item 3: The system of items 1 or 2, wherein the needleless connector includes a fluid flow path in the housing between an inlet and an outlet opposite the inlet, and the bellows is contained within the housing.

[0032] Item 4: The system of any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the image capture device is integrated into the housing of the needleless connector.

[0033] Item 5: The system of any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the image capture device is external to the housing of the needleless connector.

[0034] Item 6: The system of any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the image capture device includes a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor.

[0035] Clause 7: The system of any one of clauses 1 to 6, further comprising a communications circuit configured to communicate with an external computing device.

[0036] Clause 8: The system described in any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the at least one processor is configured to process the set of images of the movable component of the needleless connector to determine whether the medical device is connected to the needleless connector by comparing pixels of an image in the set of images with pixels of another image in the set of images to determine a shift in pixel pattern between the image and the other image, converting the shift in pixel pattern between the image and the other image into a shift in x-coordinate distance of the movable component or a shift in y-coordinate distance of the movable component, and determining whether the medical device is connected to the needleless connector based on the shift in x-coordinate distance of the movable component or the shift in y-coordinate distance of the movable component.

[0037] Item 9: The system of any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the medical device includes a syringe.

[0038] Item 10: A needleless connector comprising: a movable component having a first position when the needleless connector is connected to a medical device and a second position when the needleless connector is not connected to the medical device; an image capture device configured to capture a set of images of the movable component of the needleless connector; a communication circuit configured to communicate with an external computing device; and at least one processor configured to receive the set of images of the movable component of the needleless connector and process the set of images of the movable component of the needleless connector to determine whether a medical device is connected to the needleless connector.

[0039] Item 11: A method comprising: capturing, by an image capture device, a set of images of a moving component of a needleless connector; receiving, by at least one processor, the set of images of the moving component of the needleless connector; processing, by the at least one processor, the set of images of the moving component of the needleless connector to determine whether a medical device is connected to the needleless connector; and providing, by the at least one processor, an indication of whether the medical device is connected to the needleless connector.

[0040] Item 12: The method of item 11, wherein the movable component of the needleless connector includes a bellows, the bellows configured to compress from an expanded state to a compressed state in response to connection of the medical device to the needleless connector, and processing the set of images to determine whether a medical device is connected to the needleless connector includes identifying a state of the bellows shown in the set of images.

[0041] Item 13: The method of item 11 or 12, wherein the needleless connector includes a fluid flow path in a housing between an inlet and an outlet opposite the inlet, the bellows is contained within the housing, and capturing the set of images of the movable component of the needleless connector with the image capture device includes capturing the set of images of the movable component of the needleless connector with the image capture device through a light-transmitting portion of the housing.

[0042] Clause 14: The method of any one of clauses 11 to 13, wherein capturing the set of images of the movable component of the needleless connector by the image capture device includes capturing the set of images based on at least one of visible light, non-visible light, thermal radiation, depth, movement, or any combination thereof.

[0043] Clause 15: The method of any one of clauses 11 to 14, further comprising communicating the set of images to an external computing device via a communications circuit, the external computing device comprising at least one processor.

[0044] Clause 16: The method of any one of clauses 11 to 15, wherein processing the set of images of the movable component of the needleless connector to determine whether the medical device is connected to the needleless connector includes providing the set of images as input to a machine learning model by the at least one processor, and receiving, by the at least one processor, as output from the machine learning model, a prediction of whether the medical device is connected to the needleless connector.

[0045] Clause 17: Providing the indication of whether the medical device is connected to the needleless connector by the at least one processor includes generating, by the at least one processor, a message including at least (i) the indication of whether the medical device is connected to the needleless connector, and (ii) an identifier of the medical device or the needleless connector; and communicating, by a communication circuit, the message to an external computing device. Item 17. The method according to any one of items 11 to 16, comprising:

[0046] Clause 18: The method of any one of clauses 11 to 17, wherein processing the set of images of the movable component of the needleless connector to determine whether the medical device is connected to the needleless connector includes: by the at least one processor comparing pixels of an image of the set of images with pixels of another image of the set of images to determine a shift in pixel pattern between the image and the other image; by the at least one processor converting the shift in pixel pattern between the image and the other image into a shift in x-coordinate distance of the movable component or a shift in y-coordinate distance of the movable component; and by the at least one processor determining whether the medical device is connected to the needleless connector based on the shift in x-coordinate distance of the movable component or the shift in y-coordinate distance of the movable component.

[0047] Clause 19: The method of any one of clauses 11 to 18, wherein processing the set of images of the movable component of the needleless connector to determine whether the medical device is connected to the needleless connector includes: detecting, by the at least one processor, a frequency of one or more colors in one or more images in the set of images; and determining, by the at least one processor, whether the medical device is connected to the needleless connector based on the frequency of the one or more colors in the one or more images in the set of images and one or more threshold frequencies.

[0048] Clause 20: The method of any one of clauses 11 to 19, wherein the medical device includes a syringe including a luer tip, the movable component having a first position when the luer tip of the syringe is connected to the needleless connector, and a second position when the luer tip of the syringe is not connected to the needleless connector, and processing the set of images of the movable component of the needleless connector to determine whether the medical device is connected to the needleless connector includes determining whether the movable component is in the first position or the second position based on the set of images.

[0049] Item 21: A computer program product including at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium including program instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to receive a set of images of a moving component of a needleless connector, process the set of images of the moving component of the needleless connector to determine whether a medical device is connected to the needleless connector, and provide an indication of whether the medical device is connected to the needleless connector.

[0050] These and other features and characteristics of the present disclosure, as well as the method of operation and function of associated structural elements, combination of parts, and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent from a consideration of the following description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part hereof and in which like reference numerals indicate corresponding parts in the various views. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended to define the scope of the disclosed subject matter. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0051] Further advantages and details are explained in more detail below with reference to non-limiting exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying schematic drawings. [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a system for detecting connection of a medical device to a needleless connector, according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of example components of one or more devices of FIG. 1, according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an implementation of a needleless connector, according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of an implementation of a movable component of a needleless connector, according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method for detecting connection of a medical device to a needleless connector, according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an implementation of a needleless connector, according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of an implementation of a needleless connector, according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0052] For purposes of the following description, the terms "end," "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "lateral," "longitudinal," and their derivatives shall refer to the present embodiments as oriented in the drawings. However, it is to be understood that the present disclosure may contemplate various alternative modifications and step sequences unless expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and described in the following specification, are merely exemplary and non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the disclosed subject matter. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments or aspects disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting.

[0053] Some non-limiting embodiments or aspects are described herein in relation to thresholds. As used herein, meeting a threshold may refer to a value being greater than the threshold, more than the threshold, higher than the threshold, greater than or equal to the threshold, less than the threshold, less than the threshold, less than the threshold, less than the threshold, equal to the threshold, etc.

[0054] As used herein, aspects, components, elements, structures, acts, steps, functions, instructions, and / or the like should not be construed as critical or essential unless expressly described as such. Also, as used herein, the articles "a" and "an" are intended to include one or more items and may be used interchangeably with "one or more" and "at least one." Furthermore, as used herein, the term "set" is intended to include one or more items (e.g., related items, unrelated items, combinations of related and unrelated items, etc.) and may be used interchangeably with "one or more" or "at least one." Where only one item is intended, the term "one" or similar language is used. Also, as used herein, the terms "has," "have," "having," etc. are intended to be open-ended terms. Furthermore, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "based at least in part on," unless expressly specified otherwise. Additionally, a reference to an action being "based on" a condition may refer to the action being taken "in response to" the condition. For example, the phrases "based on" and "in response to" may, in some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, refer to a condition for automatically triggering an action (e.g., a particular operation of an electronic device, such as a computing device, processor, etc.).

[0055] As used herein, the term "communication" may refer to the reception, receipt, transmission, transfer, provision, etc. of data (e.g., information, signals, messages, instructions, commands, etc.). One unit (e.g., a device, a system, a component of a device or system, a combination thereof, etc.) communicating with another unit means that the unit can receive information from and / or transmit information to the other unit, directly or indirectly. This may refer to a direct or indirect connection (e.g., a direct communication connection, an indirect communication connection, etc.) that is wired and / or wireless in nature. Furthermore, two units may communicate with each other, although the transmitted information may be modified, processed, relayed, and / or routed between the first and second units. For example, a first unit may be in communication with a second unit even though the first unit passively receives information and does not actively transmit information to the second unit. As another example, a first unit may be in communication with a second unit if at least one intermediate unit (e.g., a third unit located between a first unit and a second unit) processes information received from the first unit and communicates the processed information to the second unit. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a message may refer to a network packet containing data (e.g., a data packet, etc.). It will be appreciated that many other configurations are possible.

[0056] As used herein, the term "computing device" may refer to one or more electronic devices configured to process data. A computing device may, in some examples, include components necessary to receive, process, and output data, such as a processor, a display, a memory, an input device, a network interface, etc. A computing device may be a mobile device. By way of example, a mobile device may include a mobile phone (e.g., a smartphone or a standard mobile phone), a portable computer, a wearable device (e.g., a watch, glasses, lenses, clothing, etc.), a personal digital assistant (PDA), or other similar device. A computing device may also be a desktop computer or other form of non-mobile computer.

[0057] As used herein, the term "server" may refer to or include one or more computing devices operated by or facilitating communication and processing between multiple parties in a network environment such as the Internet, although it will be appreciated that communication may be facilitated via one or more public or private network environments, and various other configurations are possible. Furthermore, multiple computing devices (e.g., servers, point-of-sale (POS) devices, mobile devices, etc.) communicating directly or indirectly in a network environment may constitute a "system."

[0058] As used herein, the term "system" may refer to a combination of one or more computers or computing devices (e.g., processors, servers, client devices, software applications, combinations of the like, etc.). As used herein, references to "a device," "a server," "a processor," etc. may refer to a previously-mentioned device, server, or processor described as performing a previous step or function, a different device, server, or processor, and / or a combination of devices, servers, and / or processors. For example, as used herein and in the claims, a first device, first server, or first processor that may be described as performing a first step or first function may refer to the same or a different device, server, or processor described as performing a second step or second function.

[0059] 1, a schematic diagram of a system for detecting connection of a medical device to a needleless connector is shown, according to some embodiments or aspects. As shown in FIG. 1, system 100 may include a sensor system 102, a needleless connector 106, and / or an external computing system 106. The system and / or devices of system 100 may be interconnected via wired connections, wireless connections, or a combination of wired and wireless connections.

[0060] The sensor system 102 may include one or more devices that can receive information and / or data from and / or communicate information and / or data to the external computing device 104. For example, the sensor 102 may include one or more computing systems that include one or more processors (e.g., one or more computing devices, one or more mobile computing devices, one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), etc.).

[0061] The external computing system 104 may include one or more devices that can receive information and / or data from and / or communicate information and / or data to the sensor system 102. For example, the external computing system 104 may include one or more computing systems including one or more processors (e.g., one or more computing devices, one or more mobile computing devices, one or more servers, etc.). In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the external computing system 104 includes a hospital nurses' station, a hospital information system (HIS), an electronic medical record (EMR) system, a radiology information system (RIS), a picture archiving and communication system (PACS), a laboratory information system (LIS), a smartphone, a tablet computer, any combination thereof, etc.

[0062] The sensor system 102 may include an image capture device 150 , a processor 152 , and / or a communication circuit 154 .

[0063] The image capture device 150 may be configured to capture a set of images (e.g., a single image, multiple images, a series of images, an image sequence, etc.) of the moving component 108 of the needleless connector 106. For example, the field of view of the image capture device 150 may be configured to include the moving component 108 of the needleless connector 106. The image capture device 150 may include a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor, a charge-coupled device (CCD), a camera, etc. The image capture device 150 may be configured to provide the set of images of the moving component 108 of the needleless connector 106 to the processor 152. The image capture device 150 may be configured to capture visible light, non-visible light (e.g., infrared), thermal data (e.g., a thermal camera), depth (e.g., a depth-sensing camera, etc.), or a motion-detecting camera. For example, in response to the outlet end of a medical device (e.g., the outlet tip of a syringe, such as a luer tip) being connected to a needleless connector (e.g., being inserted into or housed within the needleless connector 106), the outlet end of the medical device may contact the movable component 108, causing movement of the movable component 108 that is captured in a set of images.

[0064] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, image capture device 150 may include a lens configured to enhance the clarity of the captured set of images and / or adjust the optical distance between image capture device 150 and movable component 108. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, image capture device 150 and / or their field of view may be held or fixed in a fixed position relative to movable component 108 (e.g., by needleless connector 106 or another device connected thereto). In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, image capture device 150 may be movable relative to movable component 108 and / or needleless connector 106 (e.g., by a user moving a tablet computer or other device including image capture device 150, etc.).

[0065] The processor 152 may be configured to receive a set of images of the movable component 108 of the needleless connector 106. The processor 152 may be configured to process the set of images of the movable component 108 of the needleless connector 106 to determine whether a medical device (e.g., a syringe, an IV bag, an IV line, another needleless connector, etc.) is connected to the needleless connector 106. For example, the processor 152 may be configured to compare (e.g., pixel by pixel, etc.) the pixels of an image in the set of images with the pixels of another image in the set of images to determine a shift in the pixel pattern between the image and the other image. The processor 152 may convert the shift in the pixel pattern between the image and the other image into a shift in x-coordinate distance or a shift in y-coordinate distance. The processor 152 may determine whether a medical device is connected to the needleless connector 106 based on the shift in the x-coordinate distance of the movable component 108 or the shift in the y-coordinate distance of the movable component 108. For example, the processor 152 may determine a first change (e.g., a positive change, etc.) in the x or y coordinate distance of the movable component 108 that indicates a medical device (e.g., a syringe, etc.) is or is being connected to the needleless connector 106, and / or the processor 152 may determine a second change (e.g., a negative change, etc.) in the x or y coordinate distance that indicates a medical device (e.g., a syringe, etc.) is or is being disconnected from the needleless connector 106. However, non-limiting embodiments or aspects are not limited thereto, and the processor 152 may use other image processing and / or object recognition techniques to process a set of images of the movable component 108 of the needleless connector 106, determine the movement of the movable component, and based thereon, determine whether a medical device (e.g., a syringe, etc.) is or is being connected to the needleless connector 106.

[0066] Processor 152 may include a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller, processor 204 of FIG. 2, combinations thereof, etc. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, image capture device 150 and processor 152 may be implemented as CMOS with integrated DSP.

[0067] The communications circuitry 154 (e.g., a communications interface, etc.) may be configured to communicate with the external computing system 104 (e.g., with an external computing device). For example, the communications circuitry 154 may be configured to communicate with the external computing system 104 via one or more wired connections, one or more wireless connections, or a combination of one or more wired connections and one or more wireless connections. As an example, the communications circuitry 154 may establish a short-range wireless communications connection (e.g., an NFC communication connection, an RFID communication connection, a Bluetooth® communication connection, etc.) with the external computing system 104.

[0068] The number and configuration of systems and devices shown in Figure 1 are shown as an example. There may be additional, fewer, different, or differently configured systems or devices than those shown in Figure 1. Furthermore, two or more systems or devices shown in Figure 1 may be implemented within a single system or device, or a single system or device shown in Figure 1 may be implemented as multiple distributed systems or devices. Additionally or alternatively, a set of systems (e.g., one or more systems) or a set of devices (e.g., one or more devices) of system 100 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of systems or devices of system 100.

[0069] Referring now to FIG. 2 , a diagram of exemplary components of device 200 is shown, according to a non-limiting embodiment. Device 200 may correspond, by way of example, to sensor system 102, needleless connector 106, and / or external computing system 104 of FIG. 1 . In some non-limiting embodiments, such a system or device may include at least one device 200 and / or at least one component of device 200. The number and configuration of components are shown by way of example. In some non-limiting embodiments, device 200 may include additional, fewer, different, or differently configured components than those shown. Additionally or alternatively, a set of components of device 200 (e.g., one or more components) may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components of device 200.

[0070] 2, device 200 may include a bus 202, a processor 204, a memory 206, a storage component 208, an input component 210, an output component 212, and a communication interface 214. Bus 202 may include components that enable communication between components of device 200. In some non-limiting embodiments, processor 204 may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. For example, processor 204 may include a processor (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an accelerated processing unit (APU), etc.), a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), or any processing component (e.g., a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.) that can be programmed to perform functions. Memory 206 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), or another type of dynamic or static storage device (e.g., flash memory, magnetic memory, optical memory, etc.) that stores information and / or instructions for use by processor 204.

[0071] 2 , storage component 208 may store information and / or software related to the operation and use of device 200. For example, storage component 208 may include a hard disk (e.g., a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a solid-state disk, etc.) or another type of computer-readable medium. Input component 210 may include components that enable device 200 to receive information, such as via user input (e.g., a touchscreen display, a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a button, a switch, a microphone, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, input component 210 may include sensors for sensing information (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS) component, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, an actuator, etc.). Output component 212 may include components that provide output information from device 200 (e.g., a display, a speaker, one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs), etc.). The communication interface 214 may include transceiver-like components (e.g., a transceiver, a separate receiver and transmitter, etc.) that allow the device 200 to communicate with other devices via a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a combination of wired and wireless connections. The communication interface 214 may allow the device 200 to receive information from or transmit information to another device. For example, the communication interface 214 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.

[0072] Device 200 may perform one or more processes described herein. Device 200 may perform these processes based on processor 204 executing software instructions stored in a computer-readable medium, such as memory 206 and / or storage component 208. A memory device includes a memory space located within a single physical storage device or a memory space spread across multiple physical storage devices. The software instructions may be loaded into memory 206 and / or storage component 208 from another computer-readable medium or from another device via communication interface 214. When executed, the software instructions stored in memory 206 and / or storage component 208 may cause processor 204 to perform one or more processes described herein. Additionally or alternatively, hardwired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to perform one or more processes described herein. Thus, the embodiments described herein are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software. As used herein, the term "configured to" may refer to a particular configuration of software, device, or hardware to perform or enable one or more of the innovative functions (e.g., operations, processes, process steps, etc.) described herein. For example, "a processor configured to" may refer to a processor that executes particular software instructions (e.g., program code) that cause the processor to perform one or more functions related to needleless connection detection.

[0073] Referring again to FIG. 1 and to FIG. 3A , which shows a perspective view of an implementation of a needleless connector 106 according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the needleless connector 106 can include a fluid flow path within a housing 302 between an inlet 304 and an outlet 306 opposite the inlet 304. The inlet 304 can be fluidly sealed by a displaceable septum 308 configured to displace to open or connect the inlet 304 to the fluid flow path in response to connection of the needleless connector 106 to a medical device (e.g., a syringe or other fluidic device or container). For example, the needleless connector 106 can include a BD SmartSite®, BD Q-Syte™, BD MaxZero™, or BD MaxPlus™ needleless connector, or a similar connector device. However, non-limiting embodiments or aspects are not limited thereto, and the needleless connector 106 can include any needleless connector for use in fluid management, including any movable component configured to move in response to connection of a medical device to the needleless connector 106. For example, the needleless connector 106 may include a movable component having a first position when the needleless connector 106 is connected to a medical device and a second position when the needleless connector 106 is not connected to a medical device. As an example, the processor 152 may be configured to determine whether a medical device is connected to the needleless connector by processing a set of images of the movable component of the needleless connector 106 and determining whether the movable component is in the first position or the second position based on the set of images. The needleless connector 106 may include a port, a manifold, a stopcock, an open connector, a luer connector, or any other connector that does not rely on (but may or may not include) a needle to form a connection with a device or a patient.

[0074] 1 and 3A , and also with reference to FIG. 3B , which shows a perspective view of an implementation of the movable component 108 of the needleless connector 106, according to certain non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the movable component 108 of the needleless connector 106 may include a bellows 350. The bellows 350 may include a cylindrical compressible or deformable body 352. The compressible or deformable body 352 may include an accordion shape with a plurality of annular folds. The bellows 350 may include an inlet lip 354 and an outlet lip 356. The bellows 350 may be disposed within the housing 302 of the needleless connector 106.

[0075] Bellows 350 can be configured to compress or deform from an expanded state to a compressed or deformed state in response to connection of a medical device to needleless connector 106. For example, bellows 350 can be configured to compress or deform within the housing of needleless connector 106 in response to connection of a medical device (e.g., a syringe or other fluid device or container) to needleless connector 106. As an example, in response to an outlet end of a medical device (e.g., an outlet tip of a syringe, such as a luer tip) being inserted or received into the inlet of needleless connector 106 and / or a displaceable septum 308 opening or connecting inlet 304 to a fluid flow path being displaced, the outlet end of the medical device can contact the inlet lip of bellows 350, compressing or deforming bellows 350 in a direction from inlet 304 toward outlet 306.

[0076] The bellows 350 may be configured to expand from a compressed or deformed state to an expanded state in response to disconnection of a medical device from the needleless connector 106. For example, the bellows 350 may be configured to decompress or reform within the housing 302 of the needleless connector 106 in response to disconnection of a medical device (e.g., a syringe, etc.) from the needleless connector 106. As an example, in response to the outlet end of a medical device (e.g., a luer tip of a syringe, etc.) being removed from the inlet of the needleless connector 106 or closing the displaceable septum 308 closing or disconnecting the inlet 304 to a fluid flow path, the outlet end of the medical device may be removed from contact with the inlet lip 354 of the bellows 350, allowing the bellows 350 to decompress or reform in a direction from the outlet 306 toward the inlet 304. In such an example, processing the set of images to determine whether a medical device is connected to the needleless connector may include identifying a state of the bellows shown in the set of images.

[0077] 5A and 5B, in some non-limiting embodiments, the displaceable septum 308 or another element or component connected thereto can be configured to displace from an expanded state to a displaced state within the housing 302 in response to connection of a medical device to the needleless connector 106. For example, the displaceable septum 308 can be configured to displace within the housing 302 of the needleless connector 106 in response to connection of a medical device (e.g., a syringe, or other fluidic device or container) to the needleless connector 106. As an example, in response to an outlet end of a medical device (e.g., a luer tip, an outlet tip of a syringe, etc.) being inserted or received into the inlet 304 of the needleless connector to open or connect the inlet 304 to a fluid flow path, the outlet end of the medical device can contact the displaceable septum 308 and push or displace the displaceable septum 308 and / or another element or component connected thereto in a direction from the inlet 304 toward the outlet 306.

[0078] The displaceable septum 308 and / or another component or element connected thereto may be configured to move from a displaced state to an expanded state in response to disconnection of a medical device from the needleless connector 106. For example, the displaceable septum 308 may be configured to move or reform within the housing 302 of the needleless connector 106 in response to disconnection of a medical device (e.g., a syringe, etc.) from the needleless connector 106. As an example, in response to an outlet end of a medical device (e.g., a luer tip of a syringe, etc.) being removed from the inlet 304 of the needleless connector 106, the outlet end of the medical device may contact the displaceable septum 308, allowing the displaceable septum 308 to move in a direction from the outlet 306 toward the inlet 304. In such an example, processing the set of images to determine whether a medical device is connected may include identifying a state of the displaceable septum 308 and / or another component or element connected thereto that is shown in the set of images.

[0079] In this manner, non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure may provide a contactless technique for determining the connection (and / or disconnection) of a medical device (e.g., a syringe or other fluidic device or container) to the needleless connector 106 without being affected by cleaning of the needleless connector 106 and / or the attachment of a disinfection cap or other medical device that lacks an outlet tip configured to be received within the inlet 304 of the needleless connector 106. For example, if the needleless connector 106 is cleaned with a swab or a disinfection cap is attached, the bellows 350 remains unchanged and the output of the processor 152 does not change, thereby enabling the sensitivity of the sensor only to the attachment of an actual syringe.

[0080] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, one or more components of the sensor system 102 (e.g., image capture device 150, processor 152, communication circuitry 154, etc.) may be included within the housing 302 of the needleless connector 106. For example, the image capture device 150 may be located within or integrated with the housing 302 of the needleless connector 106 and have a field of view that includes the moving component 108. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, one or more components of the sensor system 102 (e.g., image capture device 150, processor 152, communication circuitry 154, etc.) may be external to the housing 302 of the needleless connector 106. For example, the housing 302 of the needleless connector 106 may include a window or light-transmitting portion that provides the image capture device 150 with a field of view of the moving component 108. As an example, the needleless connector 106 may include a fluid injection port of a flow sensor of a flow sensor system including a flow sensor and a base, as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,277,999, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and one or more components of the sensor system 102 (e.g., image capture device 150, processor 152, communication circuitry 154, etc.) may be contained within or integrated with the housing of the flow sensor and / or the base of the flow sensor system (e.g., proximate to the fluid injection port, etc.).

[0081] In some implementations, the sensor system 102 can be configured to broadcast a message indicating connection with a syringe or other fluid container. This message can be broadcast using a standardized communication protocol and a standardized message format. In this manner, a device such as the flow sensor system of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0229999 can listen for messages and adjust its operation upon detecting a message indicating connection. For example, the flow sensor system can include a radio frequency tag reader to detect a tag attached to a syringe connected to the needleless connector 106. Continuously activating the radio frequency tag reader is resource inefficient. Instead, the disclosed functionality can be implemented to provide a connected indication message to the flow sensor system, which, upon receiving it, can activate the radio frequency tag reader (e.g., a near field communication device, RFID device, etc.). The described functionality, based in part on an analysis of the internal physical elements of the connector (e.g., bellows, etc.), distinguishes between connection of the needleless connector to a fluid source (e.g., a syringe) and connection to a disinfected or sterilized connector cap. The cap is attached to the needleless connector but does not deform the bellows in the same way as when the needleless connector is connected to a syringe.

[0082] Referring now to Figure 4, a flow diagram of a method 400 for detecting connection of a medical device to a needleless connector is shown, according to certain non-limiting embodiments or aspects. The steps shown in Figure 4 are for illustrative purposes only. Additional, fewer, different, or different sequences of steps may be used in certain non-limiting embodiments or aspects. In certain non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a step may be performed automatically in response to the execution or completion of a previous step.

[0083] 4, in step 402, the method 400 includes capturing a set of images of the moving component 108 of the needleless connector. For example, the image capture device 150 may capture the set of images of the moving component 108 of the needleless connector 106. The image capture device 150 may capture the set of images of the moving component 108 of the needleless connector 106 based on or using at least one of the following: visible light, non-visible light, thermal radiation, depth, motion, or any combination thereof. For example, the image capture device 150 may capture the set of images of the moving component 108 of the needleless connector 106 through a light-transmitting portion of the housing 302.

[0084] 4, in step 404, the method 400 includes receiving a set of images of a moving component of the needleless connector. For example, the processor 152 may receive a set of images of the moving component 108 of the needleless connector 106.

[0085] 4, in step 406, the method 400 includes processing the set of images of the movable component of the needleless connector to determine whether a medical device is connected to the needleless connector. For example, the processor 152 may process the set of images of the movable component 108 of the needleless connector 106 to determine whether a medical device is connected to the needleless connector 106. As an example, the processor 152 may process the set of images of the movable component 108 of the needleless connector 106 to determine whether a medical device is connected to the needleless connector 106 by: comparing pixels of an image in the set of images with pixels of another image in the set of images to determine a shift in the pixel pattern between the image and the other image; converting the shift in the pixel pattern between the image and the other image into a shift in the x-coordinate distance of the movable component or a shift in the y-coordinate distance of the movable component; and determining whether the medical device is connected to the needleless connector 106 based on the shift in the x-coordinate distance of the movable component 108 or the shift in the y-coordinate distance of the movable component 108.

[0086] In some implementations, processing the images may include providing the one or more images to a model, such as an image classifier model trained using machine learning or other artificial intelligence techniques, that accepts the one or more images as input and provides a predicted connection state as output. For example, the processor 152 may process the set of images of the moving component 108 of the needleless connector 106 to determine whether a medical device is connected to the needleless connector 106 by providing the set of images as input to the machine learning model; and receiving a prediction of whether the medical device is connected to the needleless connector 106 from the machine learning model as output.

[0087] In some implementations, processing the images may include analyzing colors appearing in the images. Based on the frequency of certain colors, the state of the needleless connector 106 may be determined. For example, the processor 152 may process the set of images of the movable component 108 of the needleless connector 106 to determine whether a medical device is connected to the needleless connector 106 by detecting the frequency or intensity of one or more colors in one or more images of the set of images; and determining whether a medical device is connected to the needleless connector 106 based on the frequency or intensity of the one or more colors in one or more images of the set of images and one or more threshold frequencies or intensities. As an example, when the bellows of the needleless connector 106 are compressed, the image of the needleless connector 106 may include a darker shade of blue than when it is in a disconnected state. The analysis may include identifying a frequency metric and comparing the metric to a threshold. The analysis may include comparing the number, frequency, or ratio of certain colors in a first image to those in a second image. If there is a difference therebetween, or if there is a difference corresponding to a significance threshold, a change in the connection state may be detected.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 4 , in step 408, method 400 includes providing an indication of whether the medical device is connected to the needleless connector. For example, processor 152 may generate or provide an indication of whether the medical device is connected to the needleless connector 106. As an example, processor 152 may generate a message including at least (i) an indication of whether the medical device is connected to the needleless connector and (ii) an identifier of the medical device or the needleless connector. The indication may be a human-perceptible output indicating the connection status. In some implementations, providing an indication may include storing the value in a specific location on a storage device for later retrieval, transmitting the value directly to a recipient via at least one wired or wireless communication medium, transmitting or storing a reference to the value, etc. Providing in step 408 may additionally or alternatively include encoding, decoding, encryption, decryption, verification, validation, etc. via a hardware element.

[0089] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the processor 152 may generate or provide an indication of whether a medical device is connected to the needleless connector 106 and / or an identifier of the medical device or the needleless connector 106 in association with patient data associated with the patient, treatment data associated with a treatment for the patient associated with the patient, caregiver data associated with a caregiver (e.g., nurse, doctor, etc.), any combination thereof, etc. Patient data associated with the patient may include a patient identifier (e.g., a patient-specific identifier, etc.) associated with the patient, patient demographic information (e.g., name, age, sex, weight, height, date of birth, address, etc.), a list of medication allergies associated with the patient, a list of medication doses administered, being administered, and / or awaiting administration to the patient, any combination thereof, etc. Treatment data may include a treatment identifier (e.g., a treatment-specific identifier, etc.) associated with the treatment, one or more medical devices associated with the treatment, the name of the treatment, the status of the treatment (e.g., scheduled for a future date and time, currently running, performed at a previous date and time, etc.), a caregiver associated with the treatment, a patient associated with the treatment, any combination thereof, etc. The caregiver data may include a caregiver identifier associated with the caregiver (eg, a unique caregiver identifier), the caregiver's name, or any combination thereof.

[0090] 4, in step 410, the method 400 includes communicating an indication of whether the medical device is connected to the needleless connector to an external computing device. For example, the communications circuitry 154 may communicate an indication of whether the medical device is connected to the needleless connector 106 to the external computing system 10. The communication may include a message that associates the indication of the connection status with a patient or a particular medical device, allowing the status of the connection to be stored in an electronic medical record system or patient data management system.

[0091] While embodiments have been described in detail for purposes of explanation, it should be understood that such details are for the purpose of illustration only, and that the disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments or aspects, but rather is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it should be understood that the disclosure contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment or aspect can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment or aspect.

[0092] The described aspects include artificial intelligence or other operations in which a system processes inputs and generates outputs with apparent intelligence. The artificial intelligence may be implemented in whole or in part by a model. The model may be implemented as a machine learning model. The learning may be supervised learning, unsupervised learning, reinforcement learning, or hybrid learning that uses multiple learning techniques to generate a model. The learning may be performed as part of training. Training a model may include obtaining a set of training data and adjusting model characteristics to obtain a desired model output. For example, three characteristics may be associated with desired item placement locations. In such a case, training may include receiving three characteristics as inputs to the model and, for each set of three characteristics, adjusting the model characteristics so that the output device state matches the desired device state associated with the historical data.

[0093] In some implementations, training can be dynamic. For example, the system can update the model using a set of events. Detectable characteristics from the events can be used to adjust the model.

[0094] The model may be an equation, an artificial neural network, a recurrent neural network, a convolutional neural network, a decision tree, or other machine-readable artificial intelligence structure. The characteristics of the structure that can be adjusted during training may vary depending on the model selected. For example, if a neural network is the selected model, the characteristics may include input elements, network layers, node density, node activation thresholds, weights between nodes, weights of input or output values, etc. If the model is implemented as an equation (e.g., regression), the characteristics may include weights of input parameters, thresholds or limits for evaluating output values, or criteria for selecting from a set of equations.

[0095] After training the model, retraining can be included to refine or update the model to reflect additional data or specific operating conditions. Retraining can be based on one or more signals detected by the devices described herein or as part of the methods described herein. When a specified signal is detected, the system can initiate a learning process and adjust the model as described above.

[0096] Further examples of machine learning and modeling features that may be included in the embodiments described above are described in "Machine Learning and Modeling for Machine Learning," IEEE Transactions on Machine Learning, Vol.

Claims

1. an image capture device configured to capture a set of images of a moving component of the needleless connector; at least one processor, receiving the set of images of the movable component of the needleless connector; and processing the set of images of the movable component of the needleless connector to determine whether a medical device is connected to the needleless connector; at least one processor configured to A system comprising:

2. the movable component of the needleless connector includes a bellows, the bellows configured to compress from an expanded state to a compressed state in response to connection of the medical device to the needleless connector. The system of claim 1 .

3. the needleless connector includes a fluid flow path in a housing between an inlet and an outlet opposite the inlet, and the bellows is contained within the housing. The system of claim 2 .

4. the image capture device is integrated into the housing of the needleless connector; The system of claim 3.

5. the image capture device is external to the housing of the needleless connector; The system of claim 3.

6. the image capture device includes a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor; The system of claim 1 .

7. further comprising a communications circuit configured to communicate with an external computing device; The system of claim 1 .

8. The at least one processor comparing pixels of an image of the set of images with pixels of another image of the set of images to determine a shift in pixel pattern between the image and the other image; converting a shift in pixel pattern between the image and the other image into a shift in x coordinate distance of the moving component or a shift in y coordinate distance of the moving component; determining whether the medical device is connected to the needleless connector based on a shift in the x-coordinate distance of the movable component or a shift in the y-coordinate distance of the movable component; and processing the set of images of the movable component of the needleless connector to determine whether the medical device is connected to the needleless connector. The system of claim 1 .

9. the medical device comprises a syringe; The system of claim 1 .

10. a movable component having a first position when the needleless connector is connected to a medical device and a second position when the needleless connector is not connected to the medical device; an image capture device configured to capture a set of images of the movable component of the needleless connector; a communication circuit configured to communicate with an external computing device; at least one processor, receiving the set of images of the movable component of the needleless connector; and processing the set of images of the movable component of the needleless connector to determine whether a medical device is connected to the needleless connector; at least one processor configured to 1. A needleless connector, comprising:

11. capturing, with an image capture device, a set of images of a moving component of the needleless connector; receiving, by at least one processor, the set of images of the movable component of the needleless connector; processing, by the at least one processor, the set of images of the movable component of the needleless connector to determine whether a medical device is connected to the needleless connector; providing, by the at least one processor, an indication of whether the medical device is connected to the needleless connector; A method comprising:

12. the movable component of the needleless connector includes a bellows; the bellows is configured to compress from an expanded state to a compressed state in response to connection of the medical device to the needleless connector; processing the set of images to determine whether a medical device is connected to the needleless connector includes identifying a state of the bellows shown in the set of images. The method of claim 11.

13. the needleless connector includes a fluid flow path in a housing between an inlet and an outlet opposite the inlet, the bellows being contained within the housing, and capturing the set of images of the moving component of the needleless connector with the image capture device includes capturing the set of images of the moving component of the needleless connector with the image capture device through a light-transmitting portion of the housing. The method of claim 12.

14. capturing the set of images of the movable component of the needleless connector with the image capture device includes capturing the set of images based on at least one of visible light, non-visible light, thermal radiation, depth, motion, or any combination thereof; The method of claim 11.

15. communicating, via a communications circuit, the set of images to an external computing device, the external computing device including at least one processor; The method of claim 11 further comprising:

16. Processing the set of images of the movable component of the needleless connector to determine whether the medical device is connected to the needleless connector includes: providing, by the at least one processor, the set of images as input to a machine learning model; receiving, by the at least one processor, a prediction of whether the medical device is connected to the needleless connector as output from a machine learning model; Including, The method of claim 11.

17. Providing, by the at least one processor, the indication of whether the medical device is connected to the needleless connector includes: generating, by the at least one processor, a message including at least (i) the indication of whether the medical device is connected to the needleless connector, and (ii) an identifier of the medical device or the needleless connector; communicating, via a communications circuit, the message to an external computing device; Including, The method of claim 11.

18. Processing the set of images of the movable component of the needleless connector to determine whether the medical device is connected to the needleless connector includes: comparing, by the at least one processor, pixels of an image of the set of images with pixels of another image of the set of images to determine a shift in pixel pattern between the image and the other image; converting, by the at least one processor, a shift in pixel pattern between the image and the other image into a shift in x coordinate distance of the moving component or a shift in y coordinate distance of the moving component; determining, by the at least one processor, whether the medical device is connected to the needleless connector based on a shift in the x coordinate distance of the movable component or a shift in the y coordinate distance of the movable component; Including, The method of claim 11.

19. Processing the set of images of the movable component of the needleless connector to determine whether the medical device is connected to the needleless connector includes: detecting, by the at least one processor, a frequency of one or more colors in one or more images of the set of images; determining, by the at least one processor, whether the medical device is connected to the needleless connector based on the frequency of the one or more colors in the one or more images of the set of images and one or more threshold frequencies; Including, The method of claim 11.

20. the medical device includes a syringe including a luer tip, the movable component having a first position when the luer tip of the syringe is connected to the needleless connector and a second position when the luer tip of the syringe is not connected to the needleless connector; Processing the set of images of the movable component of the needleless connector to determine whether the medical device is connected to the needleless connector includes: determining whether the movable component is in the first position or the second position based on the set of images; Including, The method of claim 11.

21. When executed by at least one processor, the method causes the at least one processor to: receiving a set of images of a moving component of the needleless connector; processing the set of images of the movable component of the needleless connector to determine whether a medical device is connected to the needleless connector; providing an indication of whether the medical device is connected to the needleless connector. A computer program product comprising at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium containing program instructions.

Images