Infusion tube state determination device and method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fluid tube status determination device, wherein the fluid tube status determination device may include a main body part comprising a receiving part in which a fluid tube is mounted and an opening / closing part for opening and closing the receiving part, a light source part comprising a plurality of light sources disposed in the receiving part and outputting light of different wavelengths, a measuring part for measuring the intensity of a plurality of light output from each of the plurality of light sources, and a determination part for determining whether the opening / closing part is opened or closed and the fluid tube status of the fluid tube based on the measured intensity of the plurality of light.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device and method for determining the condition of an intravenous fluid tube. Background Technology

[0002] A drug infusion device is designed to administer a certain amount of medication or fluid into a patient's vein or artery and has functions such as detecting air bubbles in the tube, detecting whether the tube is blocked, and detecting whether the door is open or closed.

[0003] However, conventional drug infusion devices have the disadvantage of being structurally or economically inefficient because they require multiple sensors and switches, such as using an ultrasonic sensor to detect the flow rate of fluid in the tube and whether the tube is blocked, using an ultrasonic or optical sensor to detect the occurrence of air bubbles in the tube, and using a physical switch to detect the opening and closing of the door.

[0004] The technology forming the background of the present invention is disclosed in Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-1739650. The problem to be solved

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the problems of the aforementioned conventional technology by providing a device and method for determining the state of an infusion tube that is cost-effective and has a simpler structure compared to conventional technology, by using multiple light sources having different wavelengths and only one optical sensor to determine the state of the infusion tube and whether the opening / closing part is open or closed.

[0006] However, the technical problems that the embodiments of the present invention aim to solve are not limited to the technical problems described above, and other technical problems may exist. means of solving the problem

[0007] The present invention aims to solve the problems of the aforementioned conventional technology by providing a device and method for determining the state of an infusion tube that is cost-effective and has a simpler structure compared to conventional technology, by using multiple light sources having different wavelengths and only one optical sensor to determine the state of the infusion tube and whether the opening / closing part is open or closed.

[0008] However, the technical problems that the embodiments of the present invention aim to solve are not limited to the technical problems described above, and other technical problems may exist. Effects of the invention

[0009] According to the solution to the problem of the present invention described above, by using multiple light sources having different wavelengths and only one light sensor to determine the state of the fluid tube and whether the opening / closing part is open or closed, it has a simpler structure compared to conventional technology and can be cost-effective.

[0010] However, the effects obtainable from this invention are not limited to those described above, and other effects may exist. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a fluid tube status determination device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a fluid tube status determination device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an example of a graph showing a state in which the opening / closing part according to one embodiment of the present invention is open and the fluid tube is not installed. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing an example of a graph showing a state in which an opening / closing part according to one embodiment of the present invention is opened and a fluid tube is installed. FIG. 5 is a drawing showing an example of a graph showing a state in which an opening / closing part is closed and a fluid tube is installed according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an operation flowchart showing a process for determining whether the opening / closing part is open / closed, whether the fluid tube is attached, and whether there is fluid inside the fluid tube, according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a graph showing a waveform change according to whether a motor is operating according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a graph showing waveform changes according to whether or not there is an obstruction according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a graph showing a change in waveform according to whether bubbles are generated according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an operation flowchart of a method for determining the state of an intravenous fluid tube according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the attached drawings to enable those skilled in the art to easily implement the invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, in order to clearly explain the present invention in the drawings, parts unrelated to the explanation have been omitted, and similar parts throughout the specification are denoted by similar reference numerals.

[0013] Throughout this specification, when a part is described as being "connected" to another part, this includes not only cases where they are "directly connected," but also cases where they are "electrically connected" or "indirectly connected" with other elements interposed between them.

[0014] Throughout the entire specification, when a component is described as being located "on," "on top," "on top," "under," "on bottom," or "on bottom" of another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0015] Throughout this specification, when a part is described as "comprising" a certain component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components.

[0016] The present invention relates to a device for determining the status of an intravenous fluid tube.

[0017] Specifically, the fluid tube status determination device (100) may be otherwise described as an infusion pump, a fluid control device, and a drug infusion device, or may be connected to a device described in such a way.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a fluid tube status determination device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a fluid tube status determination device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the fluid tube status determination device (100) may include a main body (110), a light source (120), a measuring unit (130), and a determination unit (140).

[0020] Referring to FIG. 1, the main body (110) may include a receiving portion (111), an opening / closing portion (112), and a mounting portion (113). Specifically, the receiving portion (111) is a space in which a fluid tube (200) is received, and the mounting portion (113) attached inside the receiving portion (111) may be an element for fixing the fluid tube (200) so that the fluid tube (200) is mounted in the receiving portion (111).

[0021] Additionally, the opening / closing part (112) is a door for opening and closing the receiving part (111), and when the opening / closing part (112) is in a closed state, a predetermined pressure may be applied to the fluid tube (200), and the pressure change of the fluid tube (200) caused by the opening / closing part (112) may electronically or physically affect the control of the amount of drug (fluid) injected through the fluid tube (200). For example, when the opening / closing part (112) is in a closed state, it may be considered a stable state where the drug can be injected accurately and stably, and when the opening / closing part (112) is in an open state, it may be considered a dangerous state where there is a possibility of danger.

[0022] Additionally, the mounting portion (113) is formed on one side of the interior of the main body portion (110), and may be formed on one side of the interior of the receiving portion (111) corresponding to the inner side of the open opening / closing portion (112) when the opening / closing portion (112) is in an open state.

[0023] Additionally, the mounting portion (113) may be capable of detaching a fluid tube (200) through which a drug (fluid) injected into the human body is transported. At this time, the fluid tube (200) may be formed of a material having a predetermined expansion force, and may be rubber, for example, but is not limited thereto.

[0024] The mounting portion (113) may fix the mounted fluid tube (200) with a fixing force such that the fluid tube (200) can be easily detached when an external force (e.g., an external force resulting from a user pulling the fluid tube (200)) is applied to the fixed fluid tube (200).

[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, the light source (120) may be placed in the receiving portion (111), and specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 1, it may be placed adjacent to the mounting portion (113) to irradiate light onto the fluid tube (220) fixed by the mounting portion (113).

[0026] The light source unit (120) may include a plurality of light sources that output light of different wavelengths. Specifically, the plurality of light sources may include a first light source which is an infrared light source that outputs an infrared wavelength, a second light source which is a red light source that outputs red light having a wavelength of 635 nm or more and less than 700 nm, and a third light source which is a green light source that outputs green light having a wavelength of 520 nm or more and less than 560 nm.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 1, the measuring unit (130) may be positioned adjacent to the light source unit (120) to measure the intensity of light irradiated from the light source unit (120), and may measure the intensity of light that varies depending on whether the opening / closing unit (112) is open / closed, whether the fluid tube (200) is installed, and whether there is fluid in the fluid tube (200).

[0028] In other words, the measuring unit (130) can measure the intensity of a plurality of light outputs from a plurality of light sources. Specifically, the measuring unit (130) may measure a first light intensity, which is the intensity of light output from a first light source, a second light intensity, which is the intensity of light output from a second light source, and a third light intensity, which is the intensity of light output from a third light source.

[0029] In this regard, the light source unit (120) and the measuring unit (130) may be positioned adjacent to the mounting unit (113) to more accurately measure the intensity of light with respect to the stably fixed fluid tube (200) as illustrated in FIG. 1. Additionally, the measuring unit (130) may be equipped with a single light sensor.

[0030] Specifically, in order for the light source unit (120) and the measuring unit (130) to measure the change in light intensity for each of the plurality of light sources according to whether the fluid tube (200) is installed and whether there is fluid in the fluid tube (200), the light source unit (120) and the measuring unit (130) may be positioned with the fluid tube (200) (or the location where the fluid tube (200) is installed) in between. However, this is not limited thereto, and the light source unit (120) and the measuring unit (130) may be positioned at various locations that can ensure a level of measurement accuracy capable of determining whether the opening / closing unit (112) is open / closed, whether the fluid tube (200) is installed, and whether there is fluid in the fluid tube (200).

[0031] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the judgment unit (140) can determine whether the fluid tube (200) is in a fluid tube state and whether the opening / closing unit (112) is open or closed based on the intensity of a plurality of lights measured by the measurement unit (130). Here, the fluid tube state may include whether the fluid tube (200) is mounted to the receiving unit (111) and whether there is fluid inside the fluid tube (200).

[0032] Specifically, a plurality of light sources of the light source unit (120) can each irradiate light of a constant intensity. Additionally, the judgment unit (140) can determine whether the opening / closing unit (112) is open / closed and the state of the fluid tube (200) based on the intensity of light measured differently by the measurement unit (130) depending on the opening / closing unit (112) and the state of the fluid tube (200).

[0033] Specifically, even if light of a constant intensity is irradiated from each of the multiple light sources, the intensity of light measured by the measuring unit (130) may vary depending on the degree of light emission from the multiple light sources of the light source unit (120) when the opening / closing unit (112) is open and when it is closed. Additionally, the intensity of light measured by the measuring unit (130) may vary depending on whether the fluid tube (200) is installed or not installed at the location between the light source unit (120) and the measuring unit (130), and when the fluid tube (200) is installed, the intensity of light measured by the measuring unit (130) may vary depending on whether fluid is present or not within the installed fluid tube (200). Accordingly, the judgment unit (140) can determine whether the opening / closing unit (112) is open / closed and the state of the fluid tube (200) based on the intensity of light, i.e., the light intensity, of each of the plurality of light sources measured by the measurement unit (130).

[0034] Hereinafter, an example of a light intensity measurement result of a measuring unit (130) according to the opening / closing part (112) and the state of a fluid tube (200) according to an embodiment of the present invention, and a process of determining whether the opening / closing part (112) is open / closed and the state of the fluid tube (200) by a judgment unit (140) based on the light intensity measurement result will be described in detail.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the first light source, the second light source, and the third light source included in the plurality of light sources may be an infrared light source, a red light source, and a green light source, respectively, as described above, and the first light intensity, the second light intensity, and the third light intensity may be expressed as IR Mean, RED Mean, and GREEN Mean, respectively.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an example of a graph showing a state in which the opening / closing part according to one embodiment of the present invention is open and the fluid tube is not installed.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 3, it can be seen that when the opening / closing part (112) is open and the fluid tube (200) is not installed, the first light intensity (IR Mean) is measured to be approximately 21613.37, the second light intensity (RED Mean) to be approximately 16248.22, and the third light intensity (GREEN Mean) to be approximately 3175.06.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a graph in which an opening / closing part according to one embodiment of the present invention is opened and a fluid tube is installed. Specifically, FIG. 4 (a) is a graph in which there is no fluid in the installed fluid tube (200), and FIG. 4 (b) is a graph in which there is fluid in the installed fluid tube (200).

[0039] Referring to FIG. 4(a), when the opening / closing part (112) is open and the fluid tube (200) is installed, but there is no fluid in the installed fluid tube (200), it can be seen that the first light intensity (IR Mean) is measured to be approximately 39548.61, the second light intensity (RED Mean) to be approximately 34977.29, and the third light intensity (GREEN Mean) to be approximately 6032.37.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 4(b), when the opening / closing part (112) is open and the fluid tube (200) is installed, and there is fluid in the installed fluid tube (200), it can be seen that the first light intensity (IR Mean) is measured to be approximately 14661.43, the second light intensity (RED Mean) to be approximately 16049.12, and the third light intensity (GREEN Mean) to be approximately 2306.18.

[0041] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a graph showing a state in which an opening / closing part is closed and a fluid tube is installed according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 5 (a) is a graph when there is no fluid in the installed fluid tube (200), and FIG. 5 (b) is a graph when there is fluid in the installed fluid tube (200).

[0042] Referring to FIG. 5(a), when the opening / closing part (112) is closed and the fluid tube (200) is installed, but there is no fluid in the installed fluid tube (200), it can be seen that the first light intensity (IR Mean) is measured to be approximately 123973.02, the second light intensity (RED Mean) to be approximately 120267.45, and the third light intensity (GREEN Mean) to be approximately 17889.37.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 5(b), when the opening / closing part (112) is closed and the fluid tube (200) is installed, and there is fluid in the installed fluid tube (200), it can be seen that the first light intensity (IR Mean) is measured to be approximately 179569.45, the second light intensity (RED Mean) to be approximately 183277.90, and the third light intensity (GREEN Mean) to be approximately 27303.41.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, it can be seen that the first to third light intensities all increase significantly when the opening / closing part (112) is in a closed state compared to when it is in an open state, and the first and second light intensities increase significantly when the fluid tube (200) is installed compared to when the fluid tube (200) is not installed.

[0045] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5, the first to third light intensities vary depending on the opening / closing status of the opening / closing part (112) and the state of the fluid tube (200). The fluid tube state determination device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can determine both the opening / closing status of the opening / closing part (112) and the state of the fluid tube (200) by using only a single light sensor capable of measuring the first to third light intensities.

[0046] FIG. 6 is an operation flowchart showing a process for determining whether the opening / closing part is open / closed, whether the fluid tube is attached, and whether there is fluid inside the fluid tube, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 6, the judgment unit (140) can obtain a first difference value which is the difference between the first light intensity and the third light intensity and a second difference value which is the difference between the second light intensity and the third light intensity, and can determine whether to open or close the opening / closing unit (112) based on the comparison result between the first difference value and the first threshold value (TH1) and the comparison result between the second difference value and the first threshold value (TH1).

[0048] In this regard, referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, when the opening / closing part (112) is in an open state, the first difference value and the second difference value are approximately 10,000 to 40,000 (in FIG. 3, the first difference value = 18438.31 and the second difference value = 13073.16; in FIG. 4 (a), the first difference value = 33516.24 and the second difference value = 28944.92; in FIG. 4 (b), the first difference value = 12355.25 and the second difference value = 13742.94), and referring to FIG. 5, when the opening / closing part (112) is in a closed state, the first difference value and the second difference value are 100,000 or more (in FIG. 5 (a), the first difference value = 106083.65, It can be confirmed that the second difference value = 102378.08, and in Fig. 5(b), the first difference value = 152266.04 and the second difference value = 155974.49.

[0049] Accordingly, the judgment unit (140) may compare the first difference value and the second difference value with a preset first threshold value (TH1) (S101), and if the first difference value and the second difference value are less than the preset first threshold value (TH1), determine that the opening / closing unit (112) is open (S102), and if the first difference value and the second difference value are greater than or equal to the preset first threshold value (TH1), determine that the opening / closing unit (112) is closed (S103). Here, the preset first threshold value (TH1) may be set to any one value of 50,000 or more and less than 100,000 based on the measurement results as illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5, but is not limited thereto.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 6, the judgment unit (140) can determine the state of the fluid tube (200) based on the comparison result of the first light intensity and the second light intensity, the comparison result of the first difference value and the second threshold value (TH2), and the comparison result of the second difference value and the second threshold value (TH2).

[0051] In this regard, referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, when the fluid tube (200) is not mounted in the receiving portion (111), or when the fluid tube (200) is mounted in the receiving portion (111) but fluid is not present, the first light intensity is shown as a value greater than the second light intensity (in FIG. 3, first light intensity = 21613.37 > second light intensity = 16248.22; in FIG. 4 (a), first light intensity = 39548.61 > second light intensity = 34977.29; in FIG. 5 (a), first light intensity = 123973.02 > second light intensity = 120267.45), and when the fluid tube (200) is mounted in the receiving portion (111) and fluid is present, the second light intensity is shown as a value greater than the first light intensity (in FIG. 4 (b), first light intensity = It can be confirmed that 14661.43 < 2nd luminous intensity = 16049.12, and in Fig. 5 (b), 1st luminous intensity = 1679569.45 < 2nd luminous intensity = 183277.90).

[0052] Accordingly, the judgment unit (140) may compare the first light intensity and the second light intensity (S104, S105), and if the first light intensity exceeds the second light intensity, determine that the fluid tube (200) is not mounted in the receiving unit (111) regardless of whether the opening / closing unit (112) is open or closed, or that the fluid tube (200) is mounted in the receiving unit (111) but there is no fluid present (S107, S108, S110), and if the first light intensity is less than the second light intensity, or if the first light intensity is less than or equal to the second light intensity, determine that the fluid tube (200) is mounted in the receiving unit (111) and there is fluid present in the fluid tube (200) (S109, S111).

[0053] Additionally, referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, it can be seen that when the opening / closing part (112) is open and the fluid tube (200) is not mounted in the receiving part (111), the first difference value and the second difference value are approximately 10,000 to 20,000 (first difference value = 18,438.31, second difference value = 13,073.16 in FIG. 3), and when the opening / closing part (112) is open and the fluid tube (200) is mounted in the receiving part (111) but there is no fluid in the fluid tube (200), the first difference value and the second difference value are approximately 20,000 to 40,000 (first difference value = 33,516.24, second difference value = 28,944.92 in FIG. 4 (a). there is.

[0054] Accordingly, the judgment unit (140) may compare the first difference value and the second difference value with a preset second threshold value (TH2) (S106), and if the first difference value and the second difference value are less than the preset second threshold value (TH2), determine that the fluid tube (200) is not mounted in the receiving unit (111) (S107), and if the first difference value and the second difference value are greater than or equal to the preset second threshold value (TH2), determine that the fluid tube (200) is mounted in the receiving unit (111) but there is no fluid in the fluid tube (200) (S108). Here, the preset second threshold value (TH2) may be set to approximately 20,000 as an example based on the measurement results as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, but is not limited thereto.

[0055] In other words, when the opening / closing part (112) is in an open state (S102), the judgment part (140) can determine (S107) that the fluid tube (200) is not mounted in the receiving part (111) if the first light intensity exceeds the second light intensity and the first difference value and the second difference value are less than the preset second threshold value (TH2); can determine (S108) that the fluid tube (200) is mounted in the receiving part (111) but no fluid exists in the fluid tube (200) if the first light intensity exceeds the second light intensity and the first difference value and the second difference value are greater than or equal to the preset second threshold value (TH2); and can determine that the fluid tube (200) is mounted in the receiving part (111) and fluid exists in the fluid tube (200) if the first light intensity is less than or equal to the second light intensity. Can determine (S109).

[0056] Additionally, when the opening / closing part (112) is in a closed state (S103), the judgment part (150) can determine (S110) that if the first light intensity exceeds the second light intensity, the fluid tube (200) is mounted in the receiving part (111) but there is no fluid inside the fluid tube (200), and if the first light intensity is less than or equal to the second light intensity, the fluid tube (200) is mounted in the receiving part (111) and there is fluid inside the fluid tube (200) (S111).

[0057] In this regard, the judgment unit (140) may improve the accuracy of the judgment result by using an artificial intelligence model trained on multiple light intensity measurement results regarding whether the opening / closing unit (112) is open / closed and the state of the fluid tube (200) as training data.

[0058] Specifically, as described above with reference to FIG. 6, the judgment unit (140) can determine whether the opening / closing unit (112) is open / closed and the state of the fluid tube (200) based on the light intensity of a plurality of light sources. However, if the difference between the values ​​being compared is less than the threshold level (i.e., the two values ​​being compared are similar) for at least one of the comparison results between the light intensities of each of the plurality of light sources or the comparison results with the first threshold value and the second threshold value, or if the light intensity of each of the plurality of light sources exceeds a preset error range within a preset time range, and it is determined that the light intensity of the plurality of light sources may affect the reduction in the accuracy of the judgment result of the judgment unit (140), the judgment result according to the process as illustrated in FIG. 6 can be further supplemented using an artificial intelligence model to improve the accuracy of the judgment result regarding whether the opening / closing unit (112) is open / closed and the state of the fluid tube (200).

[0059] An artificial intelligence model according to one embodiment of the present invention is trained using a plurality of light intensity measurement results regarding whether the opening / closing part (112) is open / closed and the state of the fluid tube (200) as training data, and may output at least one of evaluation information for the first judgment result and a second judgment result in which at least a part of the first judgment result is modified, by inputting a first judgment result which is a judgment result according to a process as shown in FIG. 6 (a comparison result between the light intensities of each of the plurality of light sources and a comparison result between the difference between the light intensities and a preset first threshold value and second threshold value).

[0060] In addition, the artificial intelligence model may update its performance autonomously by continuously repeating learning based on the luminosity and primary judgment results of multiple light sources that are repeatedly input, thereby automatically updating. This

[0061] Such artificial intelligence models may include, for example, deep learning models, machine learning models, neural network models, neuro-fuzzy models, etc. As for the artificial intelligence models considered herein, various neural network models for machine learning that have already been previously known or will be developed in the future, such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN), and Deep Neural Networks, may be applied.

[0062] FIG. 7 is a graph showing an example of a graph showing waveform changes according to whether a motor is operated according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 (a) is a graph showing waveform changes before and after motor operation of the first and second light intensities, and FIG. 7 (b) is a graph showing waveform changes before and after motor operation of the third light intensity.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 7(a), it can be seen that there is a change in the signal waveforms of the first and second light intensities before the motor operates (about 31 seconds before) and after it operates (about 31 seconds after). On the other hand, referring to FIG. 7(b), it can be seen that there is no significant change in the signal waveform of the third light intensity before the motor operates (about 31 seconds before) and after it operates (about 31 seconds after). Accordingly, the judgment unit (140) can determine whether the motor operates by monitoring the waveform changes for the first and second light intensities.

[0064] FIG. 8 is a graph showing an example of a graph showing a change in waveform according to whether or not there is occlusion according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 8 (a) is a graph showing a change in the signal waveform of the first light intensity, FIG. 8 (b) is a graph showing a change in the signal waveform of the second light intensity, and FIG. 8 (c) is a graph showing a change in the signal waveform of the third light intensity.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 8, it can be seen that the signal offset increases when the first, second, and third light intensities are in a blocked state, i.e., a blocked state, and then decreases again when the blocked fluid tube (200) is cleared. Accordingly, the judgment unit (140) can determine whether the fluid tube (200) is blocked by monitoring the change in offset of the first, second, and third light intensities.

[0066] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a graph showing a change in waveform according to whether bubbles are generated according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 9, when a bubble is generated in the fluid within the fluid tube (200) during the interval between approximately 12 seconds and approximately 18 seconds and is measured by the measuring unit (130), it can be confirmed that a change in the signal waveform occurs in the first light intensity, second light intensity, and third light intensity, although the form and degree of change are different. Accordingly, the judgment unit (140) can determine whether a bubble is generated in the fluid tube (200) by monitoring the change in the signal waveform of the first light intensity, second light intensity, and third light intensity.

[0068] In other words, as described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 9, the judgment unit (140) may be able to determine whether the opening / closing unit (112) is open / closed, whether the fluid tube (200) is installed, whether there is fluid in the fluid tube (200), whether the motor is operating, whether there is blockage, and whether bubbles are generated, by using only the light intensity measurement results through a single light sensor for a plurality of light sources.

[0069] That is, the fluid tube status determination device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can have the advantage of being able to determine various states with a simple structure and efficient cost compared to conventional technology by using only a plurality of light sources having different wavelengths and a single light sensor to determine whether the opening / closing part (112) is open / closed, whether the fluid tube (200) is installed, whether there is fluid inside the fluid tube (200), whether the motor is operating, whether there is blockage, and whether bubbles are generated.

[0070] Below, based on the details described above, we will briefly examine the operation flow of the present invention.

[0071] FIG. 10 is an operation flowchart of a method for determining the state of an intravenous fluid tube according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] The fluid tube status determination method illustrated in FIG. 10 can be performed by the fluid tube status determination device (100) described above. Therefore, even if the content is omitted below, the description of the fluid tube status determination device (100) can be applied in the same way to the description of the fluid tube status determination method.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 10, in step S11, the measuring unit (130) can measure the intensity of a plurality of light sources each outputting light of different wavelengths. At this time, the plurality of light sources may include a first light source, a second light source, and a third light source that output light of different wavelengths, which are placed in the receiving unit (111). At this time, the first light source may be a light source that outputs infrared wavelengths, the second light source may be a light source that outputs wavelengths of 635 nm or more and less than 700 nm, and the third light source may be a light source that outputs wavelengths of 520 nm or more and less than 560 nm.

[0074] In other words, in step S11, the measuring unit (130) may measure a first light intensity, which is the intensity of light output from a first light source, a second light intensity, which is the intensity of light output from a second light source, and a third light intensity, which is the intensity of light output from a third light source.

[0075] Next, in step S12, the judgment unit (140) can determine whether the opening / closing unit (112) that opens / closes the receiving unit (111) to which the fluid tube (200) is mounted is open / closed and the fluid tube status of the fluid tube (200) based on the intensity of a plurality of measured lights.

[0076] Specifically, in step S12, the judgment unit (140) obtains a first difference value, which is the difference between the first light intensity and the third light intensity, and a second difference value, which is the difference between the second light intensity and the third light intensity, and can determine whether to open or close the opening / closing unit (112) based on the comparison result between the first difference value and a preset first threshold value and the comparison result between the second difference value and the preset first threshold value.

[0077] More specifically, in step S12, the judgment unit (140) may determine that the opening / closing unit (112) is in an open state if the first difference value and the second difference value are less than the first threshold value, and determine that the opening / closing unit (112) is in a closed state if the first difference value and the second difference value exceed the preset first threshold value.

[0078] Additionally, in step S12, the judgment unit (140) obtains a first difference value, which is the difference between the first light intensity and the third light intensity, and a second difference value, which is the difference between the second light intensity and the third light intensity, and can determine the state of the fluid tube (200) based on the comparison result between the first light intensity and the second light intensity, the comparison result between the first difference value and a preset second threshold value, and the comparison result between the second difference value and a preset second threshold value.

[0079] More specifically, the fluid tube condition may include whether the fluid tube (200) is mounted on the receiving portion (111) and whether there is fluid inside the fluid tube (200), and in step S12, the judgment portion (140) may determine that if the first light intensity is less than or equal to the second light intensity, the fluid tube (200) is mounted on the receiving portion (111) and there is fluid inside the fluid tube (200).

[0080] Additionally, in step S12, the judgment unit (140) may determine that if the first light intensity exceeds the second light intensity and the first difference value and the second difference value are greater than or equal to a preset second threshold value, the fluid tube (200) is mounted in the receiving unit (111) and there is no fluid in the fluid tube (200).

[0081] Additionally, in step S12, the judgment unit (140) may determine that the fluid tube (200) is not mounted in the receiving unit (111) if the first light intensity exceeds the second light intensity and the first difference value and the second difference value are less than a preset second threshold value.

[0082] In the description above, steps S11 and S12 may be further subdivided into additional steps or combined into fewer steps, depending on the embodiment of the present invention. Additionally, some steps may be omitted as necessary, and the order between steps may be changed.

[0083] A method for determining the status of an intravenous fluid tube according to one embodiment of the present invention may be implemented in the form of program instructions that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, etc., either individually or in combination. The program instructions recorded on the medium may be those specifically designed and configured for the present invention, or they may be those known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes; optical recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs; magneto-optical media such as floptical disks; and hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, and flash memory. Examples of program instructions include machine code, such as that generated by a compiler, as well as high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc. The hardware devices described above may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operation of the present invention, and vice versa.

[0084] In addition, the aforementioned method for determining the status of an intravenous fluid tube can also be implemented in the form of a computer program or application executed by a computer and stored on a recording medium.

[0085] The foregoing description of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art will understand that other specific forms can be easily modified without altering the technical concept or essential features of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. For example, each component described as a single unit may be implemented in a distributed manner, and components described as distributed may likewise be implemented in a combined form.

[0086] The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims set forth below rather than by the detailed description above, and all modifications or variations derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and the concept of equivalents thereof should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0087] 100: Fluid tube status determination device 110: Main body 111: Reception Department 112: Opening / closing part 113: Mounting part 120: Light source 130: Measurement section 140: Judgment Department 200: IV tube

Claims

Claim 1 A fluid tube status determination device comprises: a main body part including a receiving part in which a fluid tube is mounted and an opening / closing part for opening and closing the receiving part; a light source part including a plurality of light sources disposed in the receiving part and outputting light of different wavelengths; and a measuring part for measuring the intensity of a plurality of light outputs from each of the plurality of light sources. The apparatus includes a judgment unit that determines whether the opening / closing part is open / closed and the fluid tube state of the fluid tube based on the measured intensity of the plurality of light sources, wherein the plurality of light sources includes a first light source, a second light source, and a third light source, and the measuring unit measures a first light intensity, which is the intensity of light output from the first light source, a second light intensity, which is the intensity of light output from the second light source, and a third light intensity, which is the intensity of light output from the third light source, and the judgment unit obtains a first difference value, which is the difference between the first light intensity and the third light intensity, and a second difference value, which is the difference between the second light intensity and the third light intensity, and determines the fluid tube state based on the comparison result between the first light intensity and the second light intensity, the comparison result between the first difference value and a preset second threshold value, and the comparison result between the second difference value and the preset second threshold value, and the fluid tube state is the mounting of the fluid tube to the receiving part. A fluid tube state determination device comprising a determination of whether, wherein the determination unit determines that the fluid tube is not mounted in the receiving portion if the first light intensity exceeds the second light intensity and the first difference value and the second difference value are less than a preset second threshold value. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 A fluid tube state determination device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit obtains a first difference value, which is the difference between the first light intensity and the third light intensity, and a second difference value, which is the difference between the second light intensity and the third light intensity, and determines whether the opening / closing unit is open or closed based on the result of comparing the first difference value with a preset first threshold value and the result of comparing the second difference value with the preset first threshold value. Claim 4 A fluid tube state determination device according to paragraph 3, wherein the determination unit determines that the opening / closing unit is in an open state if the first difference value and the second difference value are less than the first threshold value, and determines that the opening / closing unit is in a closed state if the first difference value and the second difference value are greater than or equal to the preset first threshold value. Claim 5 delete Claim 6 A fluid tube state determination device according to claim 1, wherein the fluid tube state includes whether the fluid tube is mounted to the receiving portion and whether there is fluid inside the fluid tube. Claim 7 A fluid tube state determination device according to claim 6, wherein the determination unit determines that if the first light intensity is less than or equal to the second light intensity, the fluid tube is mounted in the receiving unit and there is fluid inside the fluid tube. Claim 8 A fluid tube state determination device according to claim 6, wherein the determination unit determines that if the first light intensity exceeds the second light intensity and the first difference value and the second difference value are greater than or equal to a preset second threshold value, the fluid tube is mounted in the receiving part and there is no fluid in the fluid tube. Claim 9 delete Claim 10 A fluid tube condition determination device according to claim 1, wherein the first light source is a light source that outputs an infrared wavelength, the second light source is a light source that outputs a wavelength of 635 nm or more and less than 700 nm, and the third light source is a light source that outputs a wavelength of 520 nm or more and less than 560 nm. Claim 11 A method for determining the condition of an intravenous fluid tube comprises the step of measuring the intensity of a plurality of lights each output from a plurality of light sources that output light of different wavelengths; The method comprises a step of determining whether an opening / closing portion that opens / closes a receiving portion to which the fluid tube is mounted is opened / closed and determining the fluid tube state of the fluid tube based on the measured intensity of the plurality of light sources, wherein the plurality of light sources includes a first light source, a second light source, and a third light source, and the measuring step is to measure a first light intensity, which is the intensity of light output from the first light source, a second light intensity, which is the intensity of light output from the second light source, and a third light intensity, which is the intensity of light output from the third light source, and the determining step is to obtain a first difference value, which is the difference between the first light intensity and the third light intensity, and a second difference value, which is the difference between the second light intensity and the third light intensity, and to determine the fluid tube state based on the comparison result between the first light intensity and the second light intensity, the comparison result between the first difference value and a preset second threshold value, and the comparison result between the second difference value and the preset second threshold value, and the fluid tube state is A method for determining the state of a fluid tube, comprising determining whether the fluid tube is mounted in the receiving portion, wherein the determining step is to determine that the fluid tube is not mounted in the receiving portion if the first light intensity exceeds the second light intensity and the first difference value and the second difference value are less than a preset second threshold value. Claim 12 delete Claim 13 A method for determining the state of an intravenous fluid tube according to claim 11, wherein the determining step comprises obtaining a first difference value, which is the difference between the first light intensity and the third light intensity, and a second difference value, which is the difference between the second light intensity and the third light intensity, and determining whether the opening / closing part is open or closed based on the result of comparing the first difference value with a preset first threshold value and the result of comparing the second difference value with the preset first threshold value. Claim 14 delete

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