Medical equipment, infusion pump, cartridge, and program

Abstract

This medical equipment is provided with a control unit that acquires a captured image captured by an imaging unit, the captured image including the shape of an identification site on a cartridge attached to a device body, that analyzes the acquired captured image, and that determines the type of the cartridge.

Description

Medical devices, infusion pumps, cartridges, and programs

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a medical device, an infusion pump, a cartridge, and a program.

[0002] An infusion pump is a device that delivers infusion fluids, such as medicinal fluids, into a patient's body via an infusion tube. An infusion pump delivers infusion fluids into a patient's body by driving the pump body while a cartridge filled with infusion fluid is attached to the pump body. Many types of cartridges are used in such infusion pumps. Infusion pumps operate by switching administration modes depending on the type of cartridge. Therefore, infusion pumps must correctly identify the type of cartridge. Correctly identifying the type of cartridge is also necessary for other types of medical devices that use replaceable cartridges attached to the device body, such as blood glucose meters that use disposable measuring tips.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-144992 describes a technology relating to a cartridge that allows the printer body to identify the type of ink.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-120379

[0005] In medical devices, it is desirable to be able to correctly identify the type of cartridge attached to the device body without contact, from the viewpoint of waterproofing required for the device body and simplifying the configuration.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to make it possible to identify the type of cartridge attached to a medical device.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, the medical device includes: (1) a control unit that acquires an image captured by an imaging unit, the image including the shape of an identification portion of a cartridge attached to the device body, and analyzes the acquired image to determine the type of the cartridge.

[0008] (2) In the medical device of (1), the control unit outputs the determined type of cartridge.

[0009] (3) In the medical device of (1) or (2), the control unit acquires an image captured by the imaging unit after the cartridge is attached to the device body as the captured image, and analyzes the captured image captured by the imaging unit after the cartridge is attached to determine the type of the attached cartridge.

[0010] (4) In the medical device according to any one of (1) to (3), the control unit analyzes the distribution of light intensity shown in the acquired captured image to determine the type of the cartridge.

[0011] (5) In any of the medical devices (1) to (4), the control unit acquires an image of the cartridge indicating the identification portion based on the presence or absence of multiple identification pieces as the captured image, and analyzes the acquired captured image to determine the type of the cartridge indicating the identification portion based on the presence or absence of the multiple identification pieces.

[0012] (6) In the medical device of (5), the control unit detects the presence or absence of the multiple identification pieces based on at least one of the rising and falling edges of the light intensity signal shown in the acquired captured image, and determines the type of the cartridge that indicates the identification portion.

[0013] (7) In the medical device of (5) or (6), the control unit determines the type of the cartridge that indicates the identification portion based on the presence or absence of a plurality of members with a textured surface as the plurality of identification pieces.

[0014] (8) In any of the medical devices (5) to (7), the control unit determines the type of the cartridge that indicates the identification portion based on the presence or absence of multiple members that have surfaces at an angle such that reflected light from a light-emitting unit provided in the imaging unit is directed to a light-receiving unit provided in the imaging unit as the multiple identification pieces.

[0015] According to the present disclosure, the infusion pump includes: (9) a control unit that acquires an image captured by an imaging unit, the image including the shape of an identification portion of an infusion cartridge attached to the pump body, and analyzes the acquired image to determine the type of the infusion cartridge.

[0016] (10) In the infusion pump of (9), the control unit outputs the determined type of infusion cartridge.

[0017] According to the present disclosure, the cartridge (11) includes an identification portion that is attached to the device body and used to identify the type of cartridge by its shape.

[0018] According to the present disclosure, the program (12) causes a medical device that operates with a cartridge attached to execute the following steps: acquiring an image captured by an imaging unit, the image including the shape of an identification portion of the cartridge; analyzing the acquired image to determine the type of the cartridge; and outputting the determined type of cartridge.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the type of cartridge attached to a medical device can be identified.

[0020] 6A is a front view showing an example of the configuration of an infusion pump according to an embodiment; FIG. 6B is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of an infusion cartridge; FIG. 6C is a diagram showing an example of the configuration for capturing an image of the shape of an identification portion in an infusion cartridge; FIG. 6D is a diagram showing an enlarged image of the imaged portion of the infusion cartridge of FIG. 2; FIG. 6E is a diagram explaining the identification portion of an infusion cartridge; FIG. 6F is a diagram explaining the identification portion of an infusion cartridge; FIG. 6G is a diagram explaining the identification portion of an infusion cartridge; FIG. 6H is a diagram explaining the process of analyzing the image of FIG. 6A; FIG. 6H is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of an infusion pump; FIG. 6I is a diagram explaining the identification portion of an infusion cartridge; FIG. 6J is a diagram explaining the identification portion of an infusion cartridge; FIG. 6J is a diagram explaining the identification portion of an infusion cartridge; FIG. 6K is a diagram explaining the identification portion of an infusion cartridge; FIG. 6K is a diagram explaining the identification portion of an infusion cartridge; FIG. 6K is a diagram schematically showing the optical path at the identification portion; FIG. 9A is a diagram showing an example of the image captured by the configuration of FIG. 9A; FIG. 9C is a diagram schematically showing the optical path at the identification portion; FIG. 9C is a diagram showing an example of the image captured by the configuration of FIG. 9C.

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, parts having the same configuration or function are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the description of this embodiment, duplicated descriptions of the same parts may be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0022] (Configuration of Infusion Pump) FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example configuration of an infusion pump 1 as a medical device according to one embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the infusion pump 1 includes a pump body 10 and an infusion cartridge 20. The pump body 10 includes a detection unit 11, a fluid delivery unit 12, a display unit 13, an operation unit 14, and a processing unit 15 (see FIG. 3). The infusion pump 1 shown in FIG. 1 may be used, for example, as a PCA (Patient Controlled Analgesia) pump, but its application is not particularly limited. The infusion pump 1 of this embodiment is, for example, a PCA pump in which the pump body 10 can be reused by replacing the disposable infusion cartridge 20. The infusion pump 1 is not limited to a PCA pump. The infusion pump 1 may also be a general infusion pump, syringe pump, nutrition pump, blood pump, or insulin pump. A general infusion pump is, for example, a pump that does not include an infusion cartridge 20 and delivers infusion fluid from an infusion bag by pressing an infusion tube 30 connected to an infusion bag outside the pump.

[0023] The infusion pump 1 acquires an image containing the shape of the identification portion of the infusion cartridge 20 using the detection unit 11 and analyzes the image to determine the type of infusion cartridge 20. Therefore, the infusion pump 1 can accurately identify the type of infusion cartridge 20, control infusion flow according to the type, and issue an alarm if the wrong infusion cartridge 20 is attached. The infusion pump 1 may determine the type of infusion cartridge 20 based on the shape of the identification portion reflected in the image used for various purposes, such as detecting blockages and air bubbles in the infusion tube 30, confirming the attachment of the infusion cartridge 20, and correcting the flow rate based on the tube diameter. Therefore, the infusion pump 1 according to this embodiment can be implemented in a medical device equipped with an imaging device for acquiring images used for such purposes, without the need for any additional special equipment.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1 , the front of the pump body 10 is provided with a display unit 13 that displays various information and an operation unit 14 with an array of operation switches. The display unit 13 displays, for example, the type of infusion cartridge 20, the infusion rate, and the cumulative dose. The display unit 13 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen with a touch panel for setting the infusion rate, etc. The operation switches of the operation unit 14 may be, for example, a fast-forward switch that, when pressed by the user, enables infusion at a rate higher than the set infusion rate (mL / h), a start switch that starts infusion when pressed, a stop switch that forcibly stops infusion when pressed, and a power switch that turns the pump body 10 on and off. However, the operation unit 14 may include other operation switches instead of or in addition to these switches.

[0025] The infusion unit 12 sandwiches the infusion tube 30 of the infusion cartridge 20 between itself and the tube receiving portion 24 (see FIG. 2 ) of the attached infusion cartridge 20, and delivers the infusion solution in the infusion tube 30 from the upstream side to the downstream side of the flow path. The infusion unit 12 includes a plurality of fingers 121 and a drive unit that drives each finger 121. The fingers 121 are arranged on a side surface of the pump body 10 opposite the tube receiving portion 24 located on the side surface of the infusion cartridge 20. The fingers 121 are arranged along the extension direction (x direction) of the infusion tube 30. Each finger 121 is driven by the drive unit to reciprocate in the direction (z direction) opposite the tube receiving portion 24 of the infusion cartridge 20. The drive unit may, for example, have a configuration in which the power of a motor is converted into reciprocating movement of each finger 121 in the z direction using a mechanical component such as a cam. As each finger 121 moves closer to the infusion cartridge 20, the infusion tube 30 is sandwiched between each finger 121 and the tube receiving portion 24. This causes the infusion tube 30 to be compressed and occluded. The drive unit drives the fingers 121 so that the compressed portion of the infusion tube 30 moves sequentially from the upstream side of the flow path to the downstream side of the flow path in the extension direction (x direction) of the infusion tube 30. As a result, the infusion tube 30 is compressed and occluded sequentially from the upstream side of the flow path to the downstream side of the flow path, causing peristaltic movement. Therefore, the infusion solution in the infusion tube 30 can be sent from the upstream side of the flow path to the downstream side of the flow path.

[0026] The detection unit 11, which serves as an imaging unit, captures an image of the shape of the infusion cartridge 20, including the identification portion, together with the light guide unit 21 of the infusion cartridge 20, to obtain a captured image. The captured image is used to obtain information regarding the type of the infusion cartridge 20, etc. The processing unit 15 controls the operation of each component of the pump body 10. The processing unit 15 includes a control unit 151 and a memory unit 152. Details of the configurations and operations of the detection unit 11 and the processing unit 15 will be described later with reference to FIG. 3.

[0027] The pump body 10 is not limited to the configuration of this embodiment. Like other infusion pumps, the pump body 10 may include, in addition to the power supply unit, the detection unit 11, the infusion unit 12, the display unit 13, the operation unit 14, and the processing unit 15, other components such as a bubble detection sensor, an occlusion sensor, and a notification unit using an alarm or the like. The pump body 10 may include components other than those described above, or may be replaced with components having equivalent functions. Furthermore, as described above, in the example of this embodiment, the infusion unit 12 presses the infusion tube 30 with multiple fingers 121. However, the infusion unit 12 may have a configuration different from the fingers 121 as long as it is capable of delivering the infusion liquid from the infusion tube 30.

[0028] 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the infusion cartridge 20 of FIG. 1. The infusion cartridge 20 includes a light guide section 21, a storage section 22, a filling port 23, and a tube receiving section 24. The light guide section 21 forms an optical path when the detection section 11 captures an image of the shape of the identification portion of the infusion cartridge 20. The configuration and operation of the light guide section 21 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 3. An infusion tube 30 that supplies infusion liquid from the inside of an infusion bag is attached to the infusion cartridge 20. However, instead of this, the infusion tube 30 may be attached directly to the infusion bag.

[0029] The storage section 22 accommodates an infusion bag filled with infusion liquid. The filling port 23, the tube receiving section 24, and the infusion tube 30 are provided on the side of the storage section 22 facing the pump body 10 when the infusion cartridge 20 is attached to the pump body 10. The filling port 23 is connected to an infusion bag accommodated inside the storage section 22, and the infusion tube 30 is connected to it from the outside of the storage section 22. The tube receiving section 24 holds the infusion tube 30 by sandwiching it between itself and the pump body 10. The tube receiving section 24 may include, for example, a groove into which the infusion tube 30 is fitted. With this configuration, the infusion liquid in the infusion bag accommodated in the storage section 22 can be delivered to the outside via the infusion tube 30.

[0030] Fig. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration for capturing an image of the shape of the identification portion of the infusion cartridge 20 in the infusion pump 1 of Fig. 1. The captured image is used to determine the type of the infusion cartridge 20. As shown in Fig. 3, the detection unit 11 includes a light-emitting unit 111 and a light-receiving unit 112. The light-guiding unit 21 includes a light-guiding plate 211.

[0031] The light emitting unit 111 emits a light beam L for imaging, which has a specific wavelength, toward the light guiding unit 21. The light beam L emitted from the light emitting unit 111 is reflected by the light guiding plate 211 of the light guiding unit 21, passes through the infusion tube 30, which is the subject, and forms an image on the light receiving unit 112. The light receiving unit 112 is a camera (two-dimensional sensor) that photoelectrically converts the light beam L that forms an image on the light receiving unit 112. The light receiving unit 112 may be configured, for example, by a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor, a charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor, or the like.

[0032] When capturing an image of the shape of the identification portion of the infusion cartridge 20, the light emitter 111 can emit light of any wavelength as the luminous flux L, but may also emit infrared light, for example. The light receiver 112 may be configured, for example, as a two-dimensional sensor capable of detecting a specific wavelength of the luminous flux L, such as the wavelength of infrared light. By capturing an image using infrared light rather than visible light, distortion of the captured image can be suppressed even when indoor lighting, etc., in which the infusion pump 1 is used, reaches the light receiver 112. Furthermore, because infrared light has low optical energy, using infrared light can suppress its impact on the infusion and prevent light leakage from the device from being perceived by the human eye. The light guide plate 211 may be made of a material with a refractive index such that most of the luminous flux L incident from the light emitter 111 is reflected at the interfaces 211a and 211b. The light guide plate 211 may be made of, for example, polycarbonate or acrylic.

[0033] In addition to determining the type of infusion cartridge 20, the detection unit 11 and the light guide unit 21 may also be used to detect the diameter of the infusion tube 30, blockage of the infusion tube 30, air bubbles in the infusion fluid flowing through the infusion tube 30, and the installation of the infusion cartridge 20. By detecting blockage of the infusion tube 30 and determining the type of infusion cartridge 20 using the same configuration, the infusion pump 1 can be prevented from becoming more complex and larger in configuration and from significantly increasing its manufacturing cost. The infusion pump 1 may also automatically determine the type of infusion cartridge 20. This prevents user operations from becoming more complicated and the measurement time from significantly increasing. In this embodiment, the infusion pump 1 captures an image of the shape of the identification portion of the infusion cartridge 20 using the detection unit 11 and the light guide unit 21. However, the configuration for performing such imaging is not limited to the configuration shown in the drawings. For example, the infusion pump 1 may include an imaging device in either the pump body 10 or the infusion cartridge 20.

[0034] The operation of the light-emitting unit 111 and the light-receiving unit 112 included in the detection unit 11 is controlled by the control unit 151 of the processing unit 15. The control unit 151 is one or more processors. The control unit 151 is realized by a dedicated processor specialized for processes such as delivering infusion fluid into the patient's body and inputting and outputting information to and from the user, but it may also be realized by a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 151 may include one or more dedicated circuits, or one or more processors in the control unit 151 may be replaced with one or more dedicated circuits. The dedicated circuits are, for example, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The control unit 151 controls each component of the pump body 10 and performs information processing related to the operation of the infusion pump 1.

[0035] The storage unit 152 includes any storage module including, for example, a random access memory (RAM) and a read-only memory (ROM). The storage unit 152 stores any information used in the operation of the infusion pump 1. For example, the storage unit 152 may store various programs such as a system program and an application program, as well as information regarding the flow rate of the infusion liquid and various data such as captured images of the infusion tube 30.

[0036] 4 is an enlarged view of the imaged portion of the infusion cartridge 20 in FIG. 2. In FIG. 4, the infusion tube 30 is fixed between the walls 25 and 26. In this embodiment, the infusion pump 1 uses the shapes of the walls 25 and 26 as identification portions for identifying the type of the infusion cartridge 20. That is, the infusion pump 1 acquires an image including the walls 25 and 26 using the detection unit 11, and determines the type of the infusion cartridge 20 based on the image. As described above, the image may also be used to detect blockages and air bubbles in the infusion tube 30, the diameter of the infusion tube 30, and the attachment of the infusion tube 30.

[0037] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating the identification portion of the infusion cartridge 20. Below, an example will be described in which the shape of the wall 25 is used as the identification portion of the infusion cartridge 20. However, as will be described later with reference to FIGS. 8A to 8C, the identification portion of the infusion cartridge 20 is not limited to the shape of the wall 25.

[0038] 5A to 5C, the wall 25 is divided into four regions of identification pieces 251 to 254, and information on the presence or absence of the four identification pieces 251 to 254 is used as identification information for the infusion cartridge 20. That is, the infusion pump 1 uses the presence or absence of the identification pieces 251 to 254 as 4-bit information, with the presence of an identification piece being represented as "1" and the absence being represented as "0." The type of the infusion cartridge 20 may be identified by such information. For example, there are known types of infusions, such as those for intravenous injection (IV) and epidural anesthesia (Epi). The identification portion of the infusion cartridge 20 may indicate such a type.

[0039] For example, in Fig. 5B, the wall 25 has identification pieces 252 and 254, but does not have identification pieces 251 and 253. In this case, the identification information of the infusion cartridge 20 shown in Fig. 5B is "0101" ("5" in decimal). In Fig. 5C, the wall 25 has identification pieces 251, 253, and 254, but does not have the identification piece 252. In this case, the identification information of the infusion cartridge 20 shown in Fig. 5C is "1011" ("11" in decimal).

[0040] Details of acquiring identification information based on analysis of a captured image when the shape of the wall 25 is used as an identification portion of the infusion cartridge 20 will be described with reference to Figures 6A to 6D. Figure 6A is a diagram showing an example of a captured image including the identification portion of the infusion cartridge 20. Figure 6B is a diagram explaining the process of analyzing the captured image of Figure 6A. Figure 6C is a diagram showing an example of a captured image including the identification portion of the infusion cartridge 20. Figure 6D is a diagram explaining the process of analyzing the captured image of Figure 6C.

[0041] Fig. 6A shows a captured image 301 including the shape of the identification portion of the infusion cartridge 20 shown in Fig. 5B. In Fig. 6A, the captured image 301 includes an image 302 showing the infusion tube 30. An area 303 indicates the range in which the wall 25 is reflected. In the example of Fig. 6A, images 304 and 305 corresponding to the presence of the identification pieces 252 and 254 are displayed within the area 303.

[0042] The infusion pump 1 analyzes the area 303 in the captured image 301 to obtain identification information for identifying the type of the infusion cartridge 20. For example, for each X coordinate (position of a pixel in the X direction) in the area 303, the infusion pump 1 calculates the sum of the light intensities (e.g., luminance or brightness) of each pixel in the Y-axis direction in the area 303 corresponding to that X coordinate as a "brightness sum," and obtains the identification information based on the change in the brightness sum in the X direction.

[0043] Fig. 6B shows an example of a graph 311 showing a change in the brightness sum in the X direction, obtained from the captured image 301 of Fig. 6A. In Fig. 6B, the horizontal axis represents the X coordinate. The vertical axis represents the magnitude of the brightness sum in the Y axis direction. In Fig. 6B, points 312 represent the measurement value of the brightness sum in the Y axis direction for each X coordinate in the region 303. The graph 311 is a line graph in which points 312 representing the measurement value of the brightness sum for each X coordinate are connected by a line.

[0044] The brightness in the region 303 where the wall 25 is present may vary depending on the state inside the infusion tube 30. Conditions inside the infusion tube 30 that may affect the brightness include, for example, the presence or absence of infusion in the infusion tube 30, the transparency of the infusion, the presence or absence of blockage, and the tube diameter of the infusion tube 30. Therefore, the infusion pump 1 determines the shape of the wall 25 based on the change in the brightness sum in the X direction, rather than comparing the absolute value of the brightness sum with a threshold value.

[0045] Specifically, the infusion pump 1 references the brightness sums in the region 303, starting from the smallest X coordinate, and determines whether the difference between the brightness sum at an X coordinate that is a fixed distance M away from the X coordinate of interest in the increasing direction of the X coordinate is greater than a fixed value A. If the difference between the brightness sum at the X coordinate of interest and the brightness sum at an X coordinate that is the fixed distance M away from the X coordinate of interest is greater than a fixed value A, the infusion pump 1 detects a rising or falling edge of a signal at the X coordinate of interest. The infusion pump 1 determines that the presence or absence of the identification pieces 251-254 has changed at the X coordinate where such a rising or falling edge of a signal has been detected.

[0046] For example, the X coordinate of interest is the nth (n = 1, 2, 3, ...) X coordinate from the left, and the sum of the brightnesses of the X coordinates is I[n]. In this case, the infusion pump 1 determines whether I[n] - I[n + M] > A or I[n + M] - I[n] > A is true. If I[n] - I[n + M] > A is true, the infusion pump 1 detects a falling edge of the signal at the nth X coordinate. If I[n + M] - I[n] > A is true, the infusion pump 1 detects a rising edge of the signal at the nth X coordinate. Based on the distribution of the rising and falling edges of the signal, the infusion pump 1 obtains identification information for identifying the type of infusion cartridge 20.

[0047] For example, in FIG. 6B , lines 201 and 203 indicate rising edges of the signal. Lines 202 and 204 indicate falling edges of the signal. The infusion pump 1 detects a change from an absence state of the identification piece (i.e., bit "0") to a presence state (i.e., bit "1") at the X coordinate where the rising edge of the signal is detected. The infusion pump 1 detects a change from an presence state of the identification piece (i.e., bit "1") to a absence state (i.e., bit "0") at the X coordinate where the falling edge of the signal is detected. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 6B , the bit changes from "0" to "1" before and after the line 201 indicating the rising edge. The bit changes from "1" to "0" before and after the line 202 indicating the falling edge. The infusion pump 1 has a preset correspondence between the value of the X coordinate and the boundary positions of the identification pieces 251 to 254. Therefore, the infusion pump 1 can detect the identification information "0101" of the infusion cartridge 20 from the shape of the graph 311.

[0048] Fig. 6C shows a captured image 321 including the shape of the identification portion of the infusion cartridge 20 shown in Fig. 5C. In Fig. 6C, the captured image 321 includes an image 322 showing the infusion tube 30. An area 323 indicates the range in which the wall 25 is reflected. In the example of Fig. 6C, images 324 and 325 corresponding to the presence of the identification pieces 251, 253, and 254 are displayed within the area 323.

[0049] Fig. 6D shows an example of a graph 331 showing a change in the brightness sum in the X direction, obtained from the captured image 321 of Fig. 6C. In Fig. 6D, the horizontal axis represents the X coordinate. The vertical axis represents the magnitude of the brightness sum in the Y axis direction. In Fig. 6D, points 332 represent the measured value of the brightness sum in the Y axis direction for each X coordinate in the region 323. The graph 331 is a line graph in which points 332 representing the measured value of the brightness sum for each X coordinate are connected by a line.

[0050] 6D, rising edges of the signal are detected at the positions of lines 221 and 223, and falling edges of the signal are detected at the positions of lines 222 and 224. The infusion pump 1 detects the identification information "1011" of the infusion cartridge 20 based on the distribution of these lines 221 to 224 and the predetermined correspondence between the X coordinate value and the boundary positions of the identification pieces 251 to 254.

[0051] In the above example, a common constant value A is used as the threshold for detecting the rising edge of a signal and the threshold for detecting the falling edge of a signal, but the threshold for detecting the rising edge of a signal and the threshold for detecting the falling edge of a signal may be different values.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when multiple identification pieces are present in a row, as shown in FIG. 5C , the infusion pump 1 determines that multiple consecutive bits "1" exist. Similarly, when multiple identification pieces are not present in a row, the infusion pump 1 determines that multiple consecutive bits "0" exist. However, when multiple identification pieces are present in a row, the infusion pump 1 may determine that a single bit "1" exists. Similarly, when multiple identification pieces are not present in a row, the infusion pump 1 may determine that a single bit "0" exists. With this configuration, the infusion pump 1 can acquire the identification information of the infusion cartridge 20 without referring to the correspondence between the X coordinate value and the boundary positions of the identification pieces 251 to 254.

[0053] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the infusion pump 1. The operation of the infusion pump 1 described with reference to Fig. 7 may correspond to one of the control methods for the infusion pump 1. The operation of each step in Fig. 7 may be performed based on the control of the control unit 151 of the pump main body 10.

[0054] In step S1 of FIG. 7, the control unit 151 acquires an image captured by the detection unit 11, which includes the shape of the identification portion of the infusion cartridge 20 attached to the pump body 10.

[0055] In step S2, the control unit 151 analyzes the captured image acquired in step S1 and determines the type of the infusion cartridge 20.

[0056] In step S3, the control unit 151 outputs the type of the infusion cartridge 20 determined in step S2. For example, the control unit 151 may output the type of the infusion cartridge 20 to the memory unit 152 for storage. Alternatively, the control unit 151 may output the type of the infusion cartridge 20 to the display unit 13 to display an image that allows the type of the infusion cartridge 20 to be identified.

[0057] After completing the process of step S3, the control unit 151 ends the process of the flowchart in FIG.

[0058] As described above, the infusion pump 1 according to this embodiment acquires an image captured by the detection unit 11, the image including the shape of the identification portion of the infusion cartridge 20 attached to the pump body 10. The infusion pump 1 analyzes the acquired image to determine the type of the infusion cartridge 20. The infusion pump 1 outputs the determined type of the infusion cartridge 20. In this way, the infusion pump 1 determines the type of the infusion cartridge 20 based on the image including the shape of the identification portion of the infusion cartridge 20, and therefore can correctly identify the type of the attached infusion cartridge 20 without providing any special device. Therefore, the infusion pump 1 can issue an alarm if an infusion cartridge 20 containing an incorrect infusion solution is attached, and can control its operation according to the type of the attached infusion cartridge 20.

[0059] In this embodiment, an example in which the infusion pump 1 identifies the type of cartridge has been described as an example of a medical device, but the type of medical device is not limited to the infusion pump 1. For example, the configuration according to this embodiment may also be implemented in other types of medical devices that use a replaceable cartridge attached to the device body, such as a blood glucose meter that uses a disposable measuring tip.

[0060] The infusion pump 1 may also acquire an image captured by the detection unit 11 after the infusion cartridge 20 is attached to the pump body 10 as a captured image, and analyze the captured image captured after the infusion cartridge 20 is attached to determine the type of the infusion cartridge 20. In this way, by determining the type of the infusion cartridge 20 using the captured image captured after the infusion cartridge 20 is attached, the infusion pump 1 can correctly identify the type of the attached infusion cartridge 20.

[0061] The infusion pump 1 may also determine the type of cartridge by analyzing the distribution of light intensity (e.g., luminance or brightness) shown in the captured image. Therefore, the infusion pump 1 can correctly identify the type of the attached infusion cartridge 20 based on the distribution of light intensity shown in the captured image.

[0062] The infusion pump 1 may also acquire, as a captured image, an image of the infusion cartridge 20 that indicates the identification portion based on the presence or absence of the multiple identification pieces 251 to 254. The infusion pump 1 may analyze the acquired captured image to determine the type of the infusion cartridge 20 that indicates the identification portion based on the presence or absence of the multiple identification pieces 251 to 254. In this way, the infusion pump 1 determines the type of the infusion cartridge 20 based on the presence or absence of the multiple identification pieces 251 to 254, and therefore, it is possible to correctly identify the type of the attached infusion cartridge 20 without providing a special device.

[0063] 5A to 5C, a case has been described in which a plurality of identification pieces 251 to 254 are provided on the wall 25, and the presence or absence of these identification pieces 251 to 254 indicates the identification portion, but the identification portion of the infusion cartridge 20 is not limited to the shape of the wall 25. Figures 8A to 8C are diagrams illustrating the identification portion of the infusion cartridge 20.

[0064] 8A and 8B, not only the wall 25 but also the wall 26 is divided into four regions of identification pieces 261 to 264. In the example of Figures 8A and 8B, the presence or absence of eight identification pieces 251 to 254 and 261 to 264 provides identification information for identifying the infusion cartridge 20. In this configuration, the infusion pump 1 uses the presence or absence of the identification pieces 251 to 254 and 261 to 264 as 8-bit information, with the presence of an identification piece being represented as "1" and the absence of an identification piece being represented as "0."

[0065] For example, in Fig. 8B, the wall 25 has identification pieces 252 and 254, but does not have identification pieces 251 and 253. The wall 26 has identification pieces 262 and 263, but does not have identification pieces 261 and 264. In this case, the identification information of the infusion cartridge 20 shown in Fig. 8B is "01010110" ("86" in decimal).

[0066] 8A and 8B, a configuration capable of displaying 8 bits of information allows for more detailed identification of the type of infusion cartridge 20 than when 4 bits of information are displayed using the identification pieces 251 to 254. For example, the identification piece can display not only a rough classification of the infusion, but also detailed specific information about the infusion, such as the dosage and usage of the infusion.

[0067] 8C, the wall 25 may not be used as an identification portion, and only the wall 26 may be divided into four regions of identification pieces 261 to 264 to provide identification information. Furthermore, a portion of the infusion cartridge 20 other than the walls 25 and 26 may be provided with a shape according to the type of the infusion cartridge 20 to provide identification information.

[0068] 6A to 6D, the infusion pump 1 may determine the type of cartridge indicating the identification portion by detecting the presence or absence of multiple identification pieces based on at least one of the rising and falling edges of the light intensity signal shown in the acquired captured image. By acquiring the identification information based on the change in light intensity rather than the absolute value of the light intensity in this way, the infusion pump 1 can accurately determine the type of cartridge regardless of the presence or absence of infusion in the infusion tube 30, the transparency of the infusion, the presence or absence of blockage, differences in the tube diameter, etc.

[0069] The infusion pump 1 may also determine the type of infusion cartridge 20, which indicates the identification portion, based on the presence or absence of multiple members with textured surfaces as the multiple identification pieces. Alternatively, the infusion pump 1 may determine the type of infusion cartridge 20, which indicates the identification portion, based on the presence or absence of multiple members with surfaces angled at such an angle that reflected light output from the light-emitting unit 111 is guided to the light-receiving unit 112. Such a configuration will be described with reference to Figures 9A to 9D.

[0070] 9A is a diagram schematically illustrating the optical path at the identification portion. This diagram illustrates an example in which light emitted from the light-emitting unit 111 and guided via the light guide plate 211 is reflected off the wall 25 and does not reach the light-receiving unit 112. In such a case, it is difficult to detect the presence or absence of the identification pieces 251-254 on the wall 25 even by analyzing the captured image.

[0071] 9B is a diagram showing an example of a captured image 341 using the configuration of FIG. 9A. In the captured image 341, an image 342 showing the infusion tube 30 is clearly recognizable. However, an area 343 where the wall 25 should be present is entirely dark, making it difficult to detect the presence or absence of the identification pieces 251 to 254.

[0072] Therefore, the surface of the wall 25 may be textured or the angle of the wall 25 may be adjusted to make it easier for the light reflected from the wall 25 to be detected by the light receiving unit 112. FIG. 9C is a diagram schematically showing the light path at the identification portion. The surface of the wall 25 in FIG. 9C is textured by embossing or the like to make the surface rough. Therefore, light that reaches the surface of the wall 25 is diffused, making it easier for the reflected light to reach the light receiving unit 112. Furthermore, the surface of the wall 25 is set at an angle that makes it easier for the reflected light from the wall 25 to be guided to the light receiving unit 112, depending on the light transmitting area of ​​the light guide plate 211 and the positional relationship of the light receiving unit 112, etc. Light reflected from the surface of the wall 25 is easier to reach the light receiving unit 112.

[0073] 9D is a diagram showing an example of a captured image 351 obtained by the configuration of FIG. 9C. In the captured image 351, not only the image 342 showing the infusion tube 30 but also an image 353 of the wall 25 can be clearly recognized. Therefore, with this configuration, the presence or absence of the identification pieces 251 to 254 can be recognized more accurately, and the type of cartridge can be accurately determined.

[0074] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, multiple blocks shown in the block diagrams may be integrated, or one block may be divided. Multiple steps shown in the flowcharts may be executed in parallel or in a different order depending on the processing capabilities of the device executing each step, or as needed, instead of being executed in chronological order as described. Other modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0075] Furthermore, for example, the configuration and operation of the infusion pump 1 may be distributed among multiple devices such as computers that can communicate with each other.

[0076] 1 infusion pump 10 pump body 11 detection unit 111 light emitting unit 112 light receiving unit 12 infusion unit 121 finger 13 display unit 14 operation unit 15 processing unit 151 control unit 152 memory unit 20 infusion cartridge 21 light guiding unit 211 light guiding plate 22 storage unit 23 filling port 24 tube receiving unit 25, 26 wall 251-254 identification piece 261-264 identification piece 30 infusion tube 201-204 straight line 221-224 straight line 301 captured image 302, 304, 305 image 303 area 311 graph 312 point 321 captured image 322, 324, 325 image 323 area 331 Graph 332 Point 341 Captured image 342 Image 343 Area 351 Captured image 352, 353 Images

Claims

1. A medical device comprising a control unit that acquires an image captured by an imaging unit, the image including the shape of an identification portion of a cartridge to be attached to a device body, and analyzes the acquired image to determine the type of the cartridge.

2. The medical device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit outputs the determined type of cartridge.

3. The medical device described in claim 1, wherein the control unit acquires as the captured image an image captured by the imaging unit after the cartridge is attached to the device body, and analyzes the captured image captured by the imaging unit after the cartridge is attached to determine the type of the attached cartridge.

4. The medical device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit analyzes the distribution of light intensity shown in the acquired captured image to determine the type of the cartridge.

5. The medical device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit acquires an image of the cartridge indicating the identification portion based on the presence or absence of a plurality of identification pieces as the captured image, and analyzes the acquired captured image to determine the type of the cartridge indicating the identification portion based on the presence or absence of the plurality of identification pieces.

6. The medical device of claim 5, wherein the control unit detects the presence or absence of the multiple identification pieces based on at least one of the rising and falling edges of the light intensity signal shown in the acquired captured image, and determines the type of the cartridge indicating the identification portion.

7. The medical device according to claim 5, wherein the control unit determines the type of the cartridge that indicates the identification portion based on the presence or absence of a plurality of members having a textured surface as the plurality of identification pieces.

8. The medical device of claim 5, wherein the control unit determines the type of cartridge that indicates the identification portion based on the presence or absence of multiple members having a surface at an angle such that reflected light output from an light-emitting unit provided in the imaging unit is directed to a light-receiving unit provided in the imaging unit as the multiple identification pieces.

9. An infusion pump comprising a control unit that acquires an image captured by an imaging unit, the image including the shape of an identification portion of an infusion cartridge attached to the pump body, and analyzes the acquired image to determine the type of the infusion cartridge.

10. The infusion pump according to claim 9, wherein the control unit outputs the determined type of infusion cartridge.

11. A cartridge that is attached to the device body and used, and has an identification part that identifies the type based on its shape.

12. A program that causes a medical device that operates with a cartridge attached to execute the following steps: acquiring an image captured by an imaging unit, the image including the shape of an identification portion of the cartridge; analyzing the acquired image to determine the type of the cartridge; and outputting the determined type of cartridge.

Images