Camera support member and reservoir imaging system

Abstract

To provide a camera support member and a reservoir imaging system capable of always stably imaging a reservoir by a camera.SOLUTION: This device includes a first member 41 fixed to a reservoir 20, and a second member 42 to which a camera 30 for imaging the reservoir 20 is fixed, and the first member 41 and the second member 42 are separate bodies and assembled to each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a camera support member and a reservoir imaging system. [Background technology]

[0002] There are various known systems for detecting the state of a reservoir. For example, Patent Document 1 below proposes a system for detecting the amount of liquid stored in a medical liquid storage container. The system in Patent Document 1 is capable of detecting continuous changes in the amount of liquid stored, and is capable of preventing a decrease in visibility inside the liquid storage container. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-013054 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] One common method for detecting the state of a reservoir is to observe the reservoir from the outside and grasp its state. In this method, for example, a camera is used, and the state of the reservoir is grasped by image analysis of the image captured by the camera. In this case, for example, the camera is placed near the reservoir using a tripod or the like. When observing a reservoir using a camera, the relative positions of the camera and reservoir may shift, or the reservoir may change direction relative to the camera. In such cases, the image of the reservoir cannot be captured stably, making it difficult to properly grasp the state of the reservoir.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a camera support member and a reservoir imaging system that can always stably capture images of a reservoir with a camera. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention proposes the following means. A camera support member according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first member fixed to a reservoir and a second member to which a camera for imaging the reservoir is fixed, the first member and the second member being separate and assembled to each other. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a camera support member and a reservoir imaging system that can constantly and stably capture images of a reservoir. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a reservoir imaging system using a camera support member according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of a reservoir imaging system using a camera support member according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side view of a reservoir imaging system using a camera support member according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a reservoir imaging system using a camera support member according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the camera support member according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the camera support member according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a front view of the second member of the camera support member according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plan view of the second member of the camera support member according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a side view (partial cross-sectional view) of the second member of the camera support member according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a reservoir imaging system using a camera support member according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged perspective view, seen from above, of a fixing portion between a first member and a second member in a camera support member according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a partially enlarged perspective view, seen from below, of a fixing portion between the first member and the second member in the camera support member according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a fixing portion between the first member and the second member in the camera support member according to the second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A camera support member according to an embodiment of the present invention and a reservoir imaging system using this camera support member will be described below with reference to the drawings. [First embodiment] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a reservoir imaging system using a camera support member of this embodiment, Fig. 2 is a front view of the reservoir imaging system, Fig. 3 is a side view, and Fig. 4 is a plan view.

[0010] The reservoir imaging system 10 includes a reservoir 20, a camera 30, and a camera support member 40. The reservoir 20 is a storage container formed with a transparent container wall. The reservoir 20 of this embodiment is used in an extracorporeal circulation device, and is a container that temporarily stores venous blood extracted from a patient. The reservoir 20 has a container body 21 and a lid 22. The container body 21 has an opening at the top end. The lid 22 closes the opening of the container body 21. The container body 21 has a container front section 23 on the front side, a rear expanded section 24, and a rear narrowed section 25. The rear expanded section 24 and the rear narrowed section 25 are located behind the container front section 23. The rear expanded section 24 is located above the rear narrowed section 25. The interiors of the container front section 23, the rear expanded section 24, and the rear narrowed section 25 are continuous and together form a single storage chamber.

[0011] The container front portion 23 is elongated in the vertical direction with a substantially constant width, and has a substantially flat front surface. The rear expanded portion 24 has a substantially constant horizontal cross-sectional shape. The opening (lid portion 22) of the container body 21 is located at the upper end of the rear expanded portion 24. The rear narrowing section 25 is provided from the lower end of the rear expanded section 24 to the lower end of the front container section 23. The rear narrowing section 25 has a bottom 25a that slopes downward toward the front container section 23. The horizontal cross-sectional shape of the rear narrowing section 25, including the front container section 23, gradually narrows from the same shape as the rear expanded section 24 toward the lower end of the front container section 23. As a result, the volume per unit height gradually decreases toward the lower end of the front container section 23.

[0012] The container wall of the container body 21 is transparent enough to allow observation of the inside. A scale 26 is provided in the height direction on the front surface of the container front part 23 of the reservoir 20. The scale 26 can measure, for example, the liquid level, the liquid amount, etc. A connecting portion 27 is provided on the bottom 25a of the rear reduced portion 25. The connecting portion 27 is a structure for supporting the reservoir 20 on the support structure 28. The connecting portion 27 is connected to the support structure 28 so as to be displaceable in a rotational direction. The connecting portion 27 may be rotatable, for example, around a vertical axis, with respect to the support structure 28.

[0013] The camera 30 captures an image of the reservoir 20 from outside. The image captured by the camera 30 is transmitted to an image processing device (not shown), for example, via a network, and subjected to various image processing. The camera 30 captures an image of the liquid level of blood or the like stored in the reservoir 20 and transmits the image to the image processing device. The image processing device may detect the liquid level in the reservoir 20, for example, by known image processing.

[0014] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing camera support member 40 of this embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of camera support member 40 of this embodiment, each showing a state in which the first member and the second member are separated. The camera support member 40 includes a first member 41 and a second member 42. The first member 41 is fixed to the reservoir 20. The second member 42 fixes the camera 30 that captures images of the reservoir 20. The first member 41 and the second member 42 are fabricated separately and assembled to each other. In this embodiment, the first member 41 and the second member 42 are configured to be separable after use of the reservoir 20. For example, the second member 42 can be reused for different reservoirs 20.

[0015] The first member 41 includes a plate-shaped molded body. One surface 41a is fixed to the side surface of the reservoir 20. The one surface 41a of the first member 41 has a shape corresponding to the shape of a fixing position 20a set in advance on the side surface of the reservoir 20. In this embodiment, the fixing position 20a is set behind the container front portion 23 of the reservoir 20 and near the bottom 25a of the rear reduced portion 25. In this embodiment, the one surface 41a of the first member 41 is fixed to the side surface of the reservoir 20 with, for example, double-sided tape.

[0016] In this manner, if the first member 41 is structured to be fixed to the side surface of the reservoir 20, the first member 41 can be easily fixed to the reservoir 20. Therefore, the camera support member 40 can be easily attached, and the worker can easily perform the installation work of the camera 30.

[0017] Meanwhile, the other surface 41b of the first member 41 has an end fixing portion 41c that fixes the second member 42. The end fixing portion 41c of the present embodiment has a pair of protrusions 41d into which the first end 42a of the second member 42 can be fitted.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a front view of the second member of the camera support member of this embodiment, FIG. 8 is a plan view of the second member, and FIG. 9 is a side view of the second member. The second member 42 is an arm having a first end 42a and a second end 42b, and a curved portion 43 between the first end 42a and the second end 42b. The first end 42a is fixed to the first member 41, and the second end 42b fixes the camera 30. The method for fixing the first end 42a to the end fixing portion 41c can be selected as appropriate. In this embodiment, the first end 42a is fitted into the protrusion pair 41d of the end fixing portion 41c and then fastened using the screw 44.

[0019] If the second member 42 has the first end 42a and the second end 42b in this way, the camera support member 40 can install the camera 30 at a position different from the fixed position 20a of the reservoir 20. Therefore, even if the first member 41 is fixed at a position on the side of the reservoir 20 that is easy to fix or at a position that does not get in the way, the camera 30 can be installed at a position suitable for taking an image of the reservoir 20. In this embodiment, even if the first member 41 is fixed to the fixing position 20a behind the container front part 23 of the reservoir 20, the camera 30 can be placed at a position where it can capture an image of the container front part 23. In this embodiment, the camera 30 is placed, for example, in front of the front surface of the container front part 23 of the reservoir 20, but at a position where it does not overlap the front surface.

[0020] Furthermore, if the second member 42 includes the curved portion 43 in this way, even if the camera 30 is installed at a position different from the fixed position 20a of the camera support member 40, the second member 42 is not angular and is less likely to get caught, and the camera support member 40 is less likely to get in the way. Furthermore, by making the second member 42 curved, it is possible to make the camera support member 40 smaller while maintaining its strength.

[0021] The curved portion 43 includes a first curved portion 43a on the first end 42a side and a second curved portion 43b on the second end 42b side. As shown in Fig. 9, the first curved portion 43a is curved in a side view when viewed from a first direction, which in this embodiment is a horizontal direction (first direction). As shown in Fig. 8, the second curved portion 43b is curved in a plan view when viewed from a second direction intersecting the first direction, which in this embodiment is a vertical direction (second direction). Furthermore, in the second member 42 of this embodiment, a rib 43c for reinforcing the second member 42 is provided on the curved inner surface of the curved portion 43. The rib 43c is provided on the first curved portion 43a.

[0022] If the curved portion 43 of the second member 42 includes such a first curved portion 43a and a second curved portion 43b, the first curved portion 43a and the second curved portion 43b curve in different directions. Therefore, the camera 30 can be installed at a different position in the circumferential direction and height direction of the reservoir 20 relative to the fixing position 20a on the side surface of the reservoir 20. Therefore, even if the fixing position 20a of the reservoir 20 is limited, the camera 30 can be installed at a position that makes it easier to image the reservoir 20.

[0023] Furthermore, if the second member 42 has ribs 43c that reinforce the curved inner surface, the strength of the curved portion 43, where loads and stresses from the second end side tend to concentrate, can be improved. Therefore, even if the camera 30 is installed in a cantilevered state at a position different from the fixed position 20a of the reservoir 20, the camera 30 can be stably supported.

[0024] According to the camera support member 40 described above, the camera 30 that captures images of the reservoir 20 is fixedly supported on the reservoir 20. Therefore, even if the reservoir 20 changes position or orientation, the camera 30 can reliably follow the movement. As a result, the camera 30 can always capture images of the reservoir 20 stably. This allows the images of the reservoir 20 captured by the camera 30 to be easily used for image analysis, etc. Moreover, the first member 41 and the second member 42 are separate members. Therefore, the shape and size of the first member 41 and the shape and size of the second member 42 can be made simpler and smaller than those of the camera support member 40. Therefore, the camera support member 40 is easy to manufacture and the cost can be reduced.

[0025] Furthermore, according to the reservoir imaging system 10 using such a camera support member 40, the camera 30 can always stably capture images of the reservoir 20. As a result, the images of the reservoir 20 captured by the camera 30 can be easily used for image analysis, etc.

[0026] [Second embodiment] Figure 10 is an oblique view of a reservoir imaging system using a camera support member according to the second embodiment, Figure 11 is a partially enlarged oblique view of the fixing portion between the first and second members as viewed from above, Figure 12 is a partially enlarged oblique view of the fixing portion between the first and second members as viewed from below, and Figure 13 is an exploded oblique view of the fixing portion between the first and second members. In the reservoir imaging system 10 of the second embodiment, the positions of the camera 30 and the camera support member 40 are left-right opposite to those of the first embodiment. However, the camera 30 and the camera support member 40 may be provided in the same direction as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the camera 30 and the camera support member 40 of the first embodiment may be provided in the same direction as in the second embodiment. The camera 30 and the camera support member 40 are arranged in positions symmetrical with respect to the center line of the reservoir 20 in a front view. Therefore, the camera support member 40 has an opposite shape. Furthermore, the fixing structure of the camera support member 40, specifically the fixing structure of the second member 42 relative to the first member 41, is different from that of the first embodiment. The rest is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0027] In the fixing structure of the camera support member 40 in the second embodiment, each of the projection pairs 41d of the first member 41 has locking projections 41e that project inward and face each other at positions that project outward from the other surface 41b of the first member 41. The distance between the inner edges of the opposing locking projections 41e is substantially constant. Each projection pair 41d has a stopper piece 41f at the lower end of each locking projection 41e that projects inward further than the locking projection 41e. The stopper pieces 41f of each projection pair 41d are located at the same height.

[0028] The first end 42a of the second member 42 has a block portion 42c that protrudes toward the first member 41. The block portion 42c has locking grooves 42d that extend vertically on both left and right side surfaces. The locking grooves 42d on both sides have a shape that allows them to be locked into the locking protrusions 41e of each projection pair 41d in a fitted state without rattle when the block portion 42c is positioned between the projection pairs 41d.

[0029] 13 , in the camera support member 40 of the second embodiment, the first member 41 and the second member 42 are integrated by moving the block portion 42c of the first end 42a of the second member 42 downward relative to the projection pair 41d of the first member 41. When the worker moves the block portion 42c downward relative to the projection pair 41d, each locking groove 42d of the block portion 42c is locked with the locking protrusion 41e of each projection pair 41d. When the worker further abuts the lower end of each locking groove 42d against the stopper piece 41f of the projection pair 41d, the second member 42 is positioned relative to the first member 41. This fixes the first member 41 and the second member 42 so that they cannot be separated (the second member 42 cannot fall off the first member 41).

[0030] The camera support member 40 and reservoir imaging system 10 of the second embodiment described above also provide the same effects as those of the first embodiment. Moreover, in the second embodiment, the first member 41 and the second member 42 are fixed together by engaging the locking protrusions 41e of the protrusion pairs 41d with the locking grooves 42d of the block portion 42c, making the fixing operation easy.

[0031] The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0032] For example, in each of the above embodiments, one form of reservoir 20 is exemplified, but there is no limitation on the shape, size, structure, etc. of reservoir 20. Furthermore, although blood is exemplified as the substance stored in reservoir 20, there is no limitation on the substance stored, and various liquids can be used, and even powder or granular materials can be used.

[0033] The method of fixing the first member 41 and the second member 42 is not limited to the methods described in the first embodiment and the second embodiment. For example, other fixing methods can be used to fix the first member 41 and the second member 42. When the first member 41 and the second member 42 are releasably fixed, for example, even when the reservoir 20 is used as a single-use medical device, the second member 42 can be detached from the first member 41 and reused. The method for fixing the first member 41 and the reservoir 20 is not limited to the double-sided tape used in the above embodiment. For example, the first member 41 and the reservoir 20 may be fixed by a mechanical fixing method. The fixing method for the first member 41 and the reservoir 20 can be selected based on the shape of the reservoir 20, for example.

[0034] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, an example has been described in which the second member 42 includes one first curved portion 43a and one second curved portion 43b, but this is not particularly limited. The second member may not include any curved portion, or may include only one of the first curved portion 43a and the second curved portion 43b. Furthermore, the second member may include multiple copies of either or both of the first curved portion 43a and the second curved portion 43b. In the above embodiment, the first curved portion 43a is curved when viewed from the first direction, and the second curved portion 43b is curved when viewed from the second direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, both the first curved portion 43a and the second curved portion 43b may be curved when viewed from the first direction. For example, both the first curved portion 43a and the second curved portion 43b may be curved when viewed from the second direction.

[0035] (Addendum) Each of the above-described embodiments can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0036] <1> A camera support member according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first member fixed to a reservoir and a second member to which a camera for imaging the reservoir is fixed, the first member and the second member being separate and assembled to each other.

[0037] With this type of camera support member, the camera that captures images of the reservoir is fixedly supported on the reservoir. Therefore, even if the reservoir changes position or orientation, the camera can reliably track its movement. As a result, the camera can always capture images of the reservoir stably. This makes it easy to use images of the reservoir captured by the camera for image analysis, etc. Furthermore, the first member and the second member are separate bodies, so the shape and size of the first member and the second member can be simpler and more compact than the camera support member, making it easier to manufacture the camera support member and reducing costs.

[0038] <2> the above <1> In the camera support member according to the above, the second member may include a first end fixed to the first member and a second end to which the camera is fixed.

[0039] In this way, the camera can be installed at a position different from the fixed position of the camera support member relative to the reservoir, making it easier to install the camera at a position suitable for imaging the reservoir.

[0040] <3> the above <2> In the camera support member according to the above, the second member may further include a curved portion located between the first end and the second end.

[0041] In this way, even if the camera is installed in a different position from the fixed position of the reservoir, the second member is not angular and is not likely to get caught, and the camera support member does not get in the way. Also, by making the second member to which the camera is fixed curved, it is possible to make it compact while maintaining strength and not angular.

[0042] <4> the above <3> In the camera support member according to the above aspect, the curved portion may include a first curved portion on the first end side and a second curved portion on the second end side. <5> the above <4> In the camera support member according to the above, the first curved portion may be curved when viewed from a first direction, and the second curved portion may be curved when viewed from a second direction that intersects with the first direction.

[0043] In this way, the first bending portion and the second bending portion bend in different directions. Therefore, the camera can be placed at different positions, for example, in the circumferential direction and height direction of the reservoir, relative to the fixed position of the reservoir. Therefore, even if the fixed position of the reservoir is limited, it is easy to install the camera at a position where it is easy to capture an image of the reservoir.

[0044] <6> the above <3> from <5> In the camera support member according to any one of the above aspects, the second member may further include a rib that reinforces the inside of the curve of the curved portion.

[0045] This improves the strength of the curved portion of the second member where loads and stresses from the second end tend to concentrate, and therefore the camera can be stably supported even if it is installed in a cantilevered state at a position different from the fixed position of the reservoir.

[0046] <7> the above <1> from <6> In the camera support member according to any one of the above aspects, the first member may be fixed to a side surface of the reservoir.

[0047] This makes it easier to fix the first member to the reservoir, which makes it easier to install the camera.

[0048] <8> A reservoir imaging system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a reservoir, a camera for imaging the reservoir, and the above-described <1> from <7> and a camera support member according to any one of the above aspects.

[0049] In this reservoir imaging system, the camera support member is configured to enable the camera to reliably track the reservoir even if its position or orientation changes. This allows the camera to consistently capture images of the reservoir stably. This makes it easy to use images of the reservoir captured by the camera for image analysis, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 10...Reservoir imaging system, 20...Reservoir, 20a...Fixed position, 21...container body, 22...Lid part, 23...Front of container, 24...rear expansion, 25...rear reduction section, 25a...bottom, 26...scale, 27...Connection part, 28...Support structure section, 30...camera, 40...camera support member, 41...first member, 41a...One side, 41b...other side, 41c...end fixing part, 41d...protrusion pair, 41e...locking protrusion, 41f...Stopper piece, 42...second member, 42a...first end, 42b...second end, 42c...block section, 42d...locking groove, 43...curved part, 43a...first curved portion, 43b...second curved portion, 43c...Rib.

Claims

1. a first member fixed to the reservoir; a second member to which a camera for capturing an image of the reservoir is fixed, The first member and the second member are separate members that are assembled together.

2. The camera support member of claim 1 , wherein the second member includes a first end secured to the first member and a second end to which the camera is secured.

3. The camera support member of claim 2 , wherein the second member further includes a curved portion located between the first end and the second end.

4. The curved portion includes a first curved portion on the first end side and a second curved portion on the second end side.

4. The camera support member according to claim 3.

5. the first bending portion is curved when viewed from a first direction, The camera support member according to claim 4 , wherein the second curved portion is curved when viewed from a second direction intersecting the first direction.

6. The camera support member according to claim 3 , wherein the second member further includes a rib that reinforces the inside of the curve of the curved portion.

7. The camera support member of claim 1 , wherein the first member is fixed to a side surface of the reservoir.

8. a reservoir; a camera for capturing an image of the reservoir; A reservoir imaging system comprising: a camera support member according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

Images