Method of estimating a volume

Abstract

Disclosed is a method of estimating a volume of a drop forming in a direction configured according to principles of the invention including segmenting an image and defining the drop, defining a height as an increment along the direction, defining a diameter as a distance across the drop at and perpendicular to the height, calculating a cylindrical volume based on the diameter and the increment, and iterating the method along the entire height of the drop.

Description

METHOD OF ESTIMATING A VOLUMECROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Pat. App. Ser. No. 63 / 698,724, filed September 25, 2024, by Deka Products Limited Partnership.RESERVATION OF COPYRIGHTS

[0002] Portions of the disclosure of this document contain material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner does not object to any reproduction of the document or disclosure as it appears in official records, but reserves all remaining rights under copyright.BACKGROUND

[0003] The present disclosure incorporates US Pat. 1 1 ,839,741 , issued December 12, 2023, and relates to monitoring, regulating, or controlling fluid flow. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a system, method, and apparatus for monitoring, regulating, or controlling fluid flow, for example, for use in medical applications such as intravenous infusion therapy, dialysis, transfusion therapy, peritoneal infusion therapy, bolus delivery, enteral nutrition therapy, parenteral nutrition therapy, hemoperfusion therapy, fluid resuscitation therapy, or insulin delivery, among others.

[0004] In many medical settings, one common mode of medical treatment involves delivering fluids into a patient, such as a human, animal, or pet. The need may arise to rapidly infuse fluid into the patient, accurately infuse the fluid into the patient, and / or slowly infuse the fluid into the patient. Saline and lactated ringers are examples of commonly used fluids. Such fluids may be used to maintain or elevate blood pressure and promote adequate perfusion. In the shocktrauma setting or in septic shock, fluid resuscitation is often a first-line therapy to maintain or improve blood pressure.

[0005] Delivery of fluid into the patient may be facilitated by use of a gravity-fed line (or tube) inserted into the patient. Typically, a fluid reservoir (e.g., an IV bag) is hung on a pole and is connected to the fluid tube. The fluid tube is sometimes coupled to a drip chamber for trapping air and estimating fluid flow. Below the fluid tube may be a manually actuated valve used to adjust the flow of fluid. For example, by counting the number of drops formed in the drip chamber within a certain amount of time, a caregiver can calculate the rate of fluid that flows through the drip chamber and adjust the valve (if needed) to achieve a desired flow rate.AB595WO 1 / 18

[0006] Certain treatments require that the fluid delivery system strictly adhere to the flow rate set by the caregiver. Typically, such applications use an infusion pump, but such pumps may not be used in all situations or environments.

[0007] What is needed is a method of estimating a volume of a drop that is accurate and enables greater understanding and control of flow rates in fluid delivery systems.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The invention is method of estimating a volume of a drop that is accurate and enables greater understanding and control of flow rates in fluid delivery systems.

[0009] An embodiment of a method of estimating a volume of a drop forming in a direction configured according to principles of the invention includes segmenting an image and defining the drop, defining a height as an increment along the direction, defining a diameter as a distance across the drop at and perpendicular to the height, calculating a cylindrical volume based on the diameter and the increment, and iterating the method along the entire height of the drop.

[0010] The invention provides improved elements and arrangements thereof, for the purposes described, which are inexpensive, dependable and effective in accomplishing intended purposes of the invention.

[0011] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments, which refers to the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The invention is described in detail below with reference to the following figures, throughout which similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently, wherein:

[0013] Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a flow meter and valve that are integrated with a drip chamber and an IV bag in accordance with an embodiment of invention;

[0014] Figs. 2A and 2B are images of a drop forming in a drip chamber;

[0015] Figs. 3A and 3B are schematic views of a drop forming in a drip chamber;

[0016] Fig. 3C is an exploded schematic view of a model of the drop of Fig. 3A configured according to principles of the invention;

[0017] Fig. 4 is a schematic view of a flow chart of a method configured according to principles of the invention;AB595WO 2 / 18

[0018] Fig 5A is a schematic view of a drop formed in a drip chamber; and

[0019] Fig 5B is an exploded schematic view of a model of the drop of Fig. 5A configured according to principles of the invention.DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTIONS

[0020] The examples shown in drawings are presented to demonstrate examples of the disclosure. The drawings are illustrative and non-limiting. In the drawings, for illustrative purposes, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn to a particular scale. Additionally, elements shown within the drawings that have the same numbers may be identical elements or may be similar elements, depending on the context.

[0021] Where the term "comprising" is used in the present description and claims, it does not exclude other elements or steps. Where an indefinite or definite article is used when referring to a singular noun, e.g., "a", "an", or "the", this includes a plural of that noun unless something otherwise is specifically stated. Hence, the term "comprising" should not be interpreted as being restricted to the items listed thereafter; it does not exclude other elements or steps, and so the scope of the expression "a device comprising items A and B" should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes”, “has”, “possesses”, and the like are used in the present description and claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising,” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

[0022] Furthermore, the terms "first", "second", "third", and the like, whether used in the description or in the claims, are provided to distinguish between similar elements and not necessarily to describe a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances (unless clearly disclosed otherwise) and that the aspects of the disclosure described herein are capable of operation in other sequences and / or arrangements than are described or illustrated herein.

[0023] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of various aspects and arrangements. It will be recognized, however, that the techniques described herein can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well known structures, materials, or operations may not be shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring certain aspects.AB595WO 3 / 18

[0024] Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect,” “an arrangement,” “a configuration,” or “an example” indicates that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described. Thus, appearances of phrases such as “in one aspect,” “in one arrangement,” “in a configuration,” “in some examples,” or the like in various places throughout this specification do not necessarily each refer to the same aspect, feature, configuration, example, or arrangement. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, and / or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner.

[0025] To the extent used in the present disclosure and claims, the terms “component,” “system,” “platform,” “layer,” “selector,” “interface,” and the like are intended to refer to a computer-related entity or an entity related to an operational apparatus with one or more specific functionalities, wherein the entity may be either hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. As an example, a component may be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and / or a computer. By way of illustration and not limitation, both an application running on a server and the server itself can be a component. One or more components may reside within a process and / or thread of execution and a component may be localized on one computer and / or distributed between two or more computers. In addition, components may execute from various computer-readable media, device-readable storage devices, or machine-readable media having various data structures stored thereon. The components may communicate via local and / or remote processes such as in accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., data from one component interacting with another component in a local system, a distributed system, and / or across a network such as the Internet with other systems via the signal). As another example, a component can be an apparatus with specific functionality provided by mechanical parts operated by electric or electronic circuitry, which may be operated by a software or firmware application executed by a processor, wherein the processor can be internal or external to the apparatus and executes at least a part of the software or firmware application. As yet another example, a component can be an apparatus that provides specific functionality through electronic components without mechanical parts; the electronic components can include a processor therein to execute software or firmware that confers at least in part the functionality of the electronic components.

[0026] To the extent used in the subject specification, terms such as “store,” “storage,” “data store,” data storage,” “database,” and the like refer to memory components, entities embodied in a memory, or components comprising a memory. It will be appreciated that the memoryAB595WO 4 / 18components described herein can be either volatile memory or nonvolatile memory, or can include both volatile and nonvolatile memory.

[0027] In addition, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A, X employs B, or X employs both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. Moreover, articles “a” and “an” as used in the subject disclosure and claims should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form.

[0028] The words “exemplary” and / or “demonstrative,” to the extent used herein, mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. For the avoidance of doubt, the subject matter disclosed herein is not limited by disclosed examples. In addition, any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” and / or “demonstrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs, nor is it meant to preclude equivalent exemplary structures and techniques. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “has,” “contains,” and other similar words are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive, in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as an open transition word, without precluding any additional or other elements.

[0029] As used herein, the term “infer” or “inference” refers generally to the process of reasoning about, or inferring states of, the system, environment, user, and / or intent from a set of observations as captured via events and / or data. Captured data and events can include user data, device data, environment data, data from sensors, application data, implicit data, explicit data, etc. Inference can be employed to identify a specific context or action or can generate a probability distribution over states of interest based on a consideration of data and events, for example.

[0030] The disclosed subject matter can be implemented as a method, apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard programming and / or engineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof to control a computer to implement the disclosed subject matter. The term "article of manufacture," to the extent used herein, is intended to encompass a computer program accessible from any computer-readable device, machine-readable device, computer-readable carrier, computer-readable media, or machine- readable media. For example, computer-readable media can include, but are not limited to, a magnetic storage device, e.g., hard disk; floppy disk; magnetic strip(s); an optical disk (e.g., compact disk (CD), digital video disc (DVD), Blu-ray Disc (BD)) ; a smart card; a flash memoryAB595WO 5 / 18device (e.g., card, stick, key drive); a virtual device that emulates a storage device; and / or any combination of the above computer-readable media.

[0031] Generally, program modules include routines, programs, components, data structures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The illustrated aspects of the subject disclosure may be practiced in distributed computing environments where certain tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules can be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

[0032] Computing devices can include at least computer-readable storage media, machine- readable storage media, and / or communications media. Computer-readable storage media or machine-readable storage media can be any available storage media that can be accessed by the computer and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable storage media or machine- readable storage media can be implemented in connection with any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable or machine-readable instructions, program modules, structured data, or unstructured data.

[0033] Computer-readable storage media can include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, compact disk read only memory (CD ROM), digital versatile disk (DVD), Blu-ray disc (BD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, solid state drives or other solid state storage devices, or other tangible and / or non-transitory media that can be used to store desired information. In this regard, the terms “tangible” or “non- transitory” herein as applied to storage, memory, or computer-readable media, are to be understood to exclude only propagating transitory signals per se as modifiers, and do not exclude any standard storage, memory, or computer-readable media that are not only propagating transitory signals per se.

[0034] Computer-readable storage media can be accessed by one or more local or remote computing devices, e.g., via access requests, queries, or other data retrieval protocols, for a variety of operations with respect to the information stored by the medium.

[0035] A system bus, as may be used herein, can be any of several types of bus structure that can further interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memory controller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of commercially available bus architectures. A database, as may be used herein, can include basic input / output system (BIOS) that can beAB595WO 6 / 18stored in a non-volatile memory such as ROM, EPROM, or EEPROM, with BIOS containing the basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within a computer, such as during startup. RAM can also include a high-speed RAM such as static RAM for caching data.

[0036] As used herein, a computer can operate in a networked environment using logical connections via wired and / or wireless communications to one or more remote computers. The remote computer(s) can be a workstation, server, router, personal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainment appliance, peer device, or other common network node. Logical connections depicted herein may include wired / wireless connectivity to a local area network (LAN) and / or larger networks, e.g., a wide area network (WAN). Such LAN and WAN networking environments are commonplace in offices and companies, and facilitate enterprisewide computer networks, such as intranets, any of which can connect to a global communications network, e.g., the Internet.

[0037] When used in a LAN networking environment, a computer can be connected to the LAN through a wired and / or wireless communication network interface or adapter. The adapter can facilitate wired or wireless communication to the LAN, which can also include a wireless access point (AP) disposed thereon for communicating with the adapter in a wireless mode.

[0038] When used in a WAN networking environment, a computer can include a modem or can be connected to a communications server on the WAN via other means for establishing communications over the WAN, such as by way of the Internet. The modem, which can be internal or external, and a wired or wireless device, can be connected to a system bus via an input device interface. In a networked environment, program modules depicted herein relative to a computer or portions thereof can be stored in a remote memory / storage device.

[0039] When used in either a LAN or WAN networking environment, a computer can access cloud storage systems or other network-based storage systems in addition to, or in place of, external storage devices. Generally, a connection between a computer and a cloud storage system can be established over a LAN or a WAN, e.g., via an adapter or a modem, respectively. Upon connecting a computer to an associated cloud storage system, an external storage interface can, with the aid of the adapter and / or modem, manage storage provided by the cloud storage system as it would other types of external storage. For instance, the external storage interface can be configured to provide access to cloud storage sources as if those sources were physically connected to the computer.

[0040] As employed in the subject specification, the term “processor” can refer to substantially any computing processing unit or device comprising, but not limited to comprising, single-core processors; single-core processors with software multithread execution capability; multi-coreAB595WO 7 / 18processors; multi-core processors with software multithread execution capability; multi-core processors with hardware multithread technology; vector processors; pipeline processors; parallel platforms; and parallel platforms with distributed shared memory. Additionally, a processor can refer to an integrated circuit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic controller (PLC), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a state machine, a discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. Processors can exploit nano-scale architectures such as, but not limited to, molecular and quantum-dot based transistors, switches, and gates, in order to optimize space usage or enhance performance of user equipment. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing processing units. For example, a processor may be implemented as one or more processors together, tightly coupled, loosely coupled, or remotely located from each other. Multiple processing chips or multiple devices may share the performance of one or more functions described herein, and similarly, storage may be effected across a plurality of devices. A processor may be implemented to reside in a cloud-based network such as, e.g., the Internet.

[0041] The actions of a method or algorithm described in connection with the arrangements disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. A software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other known form of storage medium. A storage medium may be coupled to the processor such that the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC. The ASIC may reside in functional equipment such as, e.g., a computer, a robot, a user terminal, a mobile telephone or tablet, a car, or an IP camera. In the alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in such functional equipment. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the processor and / or the storage medium may reside in a cloudbased network such as, e.g., the Internet.

[0042] Configurations of the present teachings are directed to computer systems for accomplishing the methods discussed in the description herein, and to computer readable media containing programs for accomplishing these methods. The raw data and results can be stored for future retrieval and processing, printed, displayed, transferred to another computer, and / or transferred elsewhere. Communications links can be wired or wireless, for example,AB595WO 8 / 18using cellular communication systems, military communications systems, and satellite communications systems. Parts of the system can operate on a computer having a variable number of CPUs. Other alternative computer platforms can be used.

[0043] The present configuration is also directed to software / firmware / hardware for accomplishing the methods discussed herein, and computer readable media storing software for accomplishing these methods. The various modules described herein can be accomplished on the same CPU, or can be accomplished on different CPUs. In compliance with the statute, the present configuration has been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the present configuration is not limited to the specific features shown and described, since the means herein disclosed comprise nonexclusive forms of putting the present configuration into effect.

[0044] Methods can be, in whole or in part, implemented electronically. Signals representing actions taken by elements of the system and other disclosed configurations can travel over at least one live communications network. Control and data information can be electronically executed and stored on at least one computer-readable medium. The system can be implemented to execute on at least one computer node in at least one live communications network. Common forms of at least one computer-readable medium can include, for example, but not be limited to, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, a hard disk, magnetic tape, or any other magnetic medium, a compact disk read only memory or any other optical medium, punched cards, paper tape, or any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a random access memory, a programmable read only memory, and erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), a Flash EPROM, or any other memory chip or cartridge, or any other medium from which a computer can read. Further, the at least one computer readable medium can contain graphs in any form, subject to appropriate licenses where necessary, including, but not limited to, Graphic Interchange Format (GIF), Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG), Portable Network Graphics (PNG), Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG), and Tagged Image File Format (TIFF).

[0045] Various arrangements are described herein. For simplicity of explanation, the methods or algorithms are depicted and described as a series of steps or actions. It is to be understood and appreciated that the various arrangements are not limited by the actions illustrated and / or by the order of actions. For example, actions can occur in various orders and / or concurrently, and with other actions not presented or described herein. Furthermore, not all illustrated actions may be required to implement the methods. In addition, the methods could alternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states via a state diagram or events. Additionally, theAB595WO 9 / 18methods described hereafter are capable of being stored on an article of manufacture, as defined herein, to facilitate transporting and transferring such methodologies to computers.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0046] Referring to Fig. 1 , an embodiment of the invention is incorporated in a non-limiting, exemplary system that includes a flow meter 67 and a valve 71 in fluid communication with a drip chamber 409 and an IV bag 69. Flow meter 67 includes an optical drip analyzer 68 that receives fluid from the IV bag 69. An embodiment of analyzer 68 includes one or more image sensors or cameras 62. Flow meter 67 is coupled to a tube 70 coupled to a roller clamp 71 that is controlled by a motor 72. Motor 72 is coupled to a lead screw mechanism 73 to control a roller clamp 71 via interaction with interacting members 74.

[0047] Referring to Figs. 2A and 2B, images obtained by camera 62, a drop D having a surface S or perimeter forms in drip chamber 409. Drop D increases in size from a first time T 1 , shown in Fig. 2A, to a second time T2, shown in Fig. 2B.

[0048] Referring to Figs. 3A and 3B, drop D forms, for example, from a nozzle or orifice (not shown) in a base B, relative to a direction 100, generally symmetrically, as shown in Fig. 3A, or asymmetrically, as shown in Fig. 3B. The invention applies and is configured for accurate estimation of the volume of drop D regardless of its shape and orientation.

[0049] Referring also to Fig. 3C, an embodiment of a method 200 (cylinder method) of estimating volume of a drop models drop D as a stack of cylinders C0-C12, shown in an exploded rather than a contiguous arrangement for demonstrative purposes, each having a respective height h0-hi2and a respective uniform diameter do-di2 defined by respective surfaces So-Si2at respective height h0-hi2. The stack can be centered about direction 100, as shown in Fig 3A, or offset, as shown in Fig 3B. Method 200 includes a step 201 of calculating and a step 202 summing the volumes of cylinders C0-C12.

[0050] Referring also to Fig. 4, an embodiment of the cylindrical method 200 includes a step 205 of segmenting an image. Step 205 identifies pixels and / or areas of the image that are distinguishable as falling within and / or without drop D. Step 205 may involve a machine learning approach for segmenting the drop D from the input image. To this end, an embodiment of the invention includes supervised training involving images with annotated drops, as shown in Figs. 2A and 2B, introduced to the image segmentation system undertaking the training process of the machine learning model. An embodiment of the invention includes training using pre-trained weights and / or refinement of the drop recognition data.AB595WO 10 / 18

[0051] After step 205, method 200 progresses to a step 207 defining drop D based on the segmented images. An embodiment of step 207 includes executing a contour detection algorithm on the segmented mask from the machine learning model. Referring also to Fig. 3B, based on the contour detected, the contour detection algorithm determines a height and width of the contour relative to a direction 100 and base B, referred to as a bounding box 110.

[0052] Method 200 includes a step 210 of defining a height h as an increment from a first point Pi to a second point P2 along direction 100 (Fig 3A). Method 200 includes a step 215 of defining a diameter d as a distance across drop D at and perpendicular to height h. For a nonexclusive example, in Figs. 3A, 3B and 3C, cylinder Co is defined by a height h0and a diameter do. Height ho, as with every height h in this model, is defined by increment / . Diameter do is defined relative to the surface of drop D defined at step 205 at second point P2 located h0from first point Pi at base B along and perpendicular to direction 100. Method 200 includes a step 220 of calculating a volume Voof cylinder Co according to the Formula 1 below.Formula 1

[0053] In this example, cylinder Ci is defined by a height hi and a diameter di. Height hi is defined by increment / between second point P2 and a third point P3. Diameter di is defined relative to the surface of drop D defined at step 205 at third point P3 located h0+ hi from base B along and perpendicular to direction 100. The volume Vi of cylinder Ci is calculated according to formula 2 below.Formula 2

[0054] In this example, the remaining cylinders C2-C12 are defined and the respective volumes V2-V12 thereof calculated as described above. Method 200 concludes with a step 225 of calculating a total volume Vtby summing volumes V0-V12.

[0055] An embodiment of the invention includes defining increment / according to a width of a pixel of an image of drop D. Increment / may be sized as appropriate for accuracy, computing resource or other practical considerations. Increment / may, but need not be constant.

[0056] Referring again to Figs. 2A and 2B, the size of drop D as it forms from image to image changes and enlarges. Additionally, the area around the aperture (not shown) from which drop D grows may be unclear or occluded by mist and splashes from previous drops. Accordingly, referring again to Figs. 3A, 3B and 3C, for greater certainty and uniformity, an embodiment of the invention overlays a bounding box 110 around drop D. Bounding box 110 defines the base B and an end E of drop D, and limits the number of cylinders defined therein.AB595WO 11 / 18

[0057] An embodiment of a method 400 (frustum method) of estimating volume of a drop models drop D as a stack of truncated frusta (not shown) having nonuniform diameters and a canted outer surface more closely aligned with the curvilinear shape of drop D. Practically, depending on the value of increment / , a difference in volume estimated via the cylinder method versus the frustum method may be marginal.

[0058] Referring to Fig. 5A, eventually drop D grows to a size and / or weight that overcomes cohesion with the nozzle or orifice (not shown) in base B, generally symmetrically.

[0059] Referring also to Fig. 5B, similar to method 200, an embodiment of a method 300 (cylinder method) of estimating volume of a drop models drop D as a stack of cylinders C13-C19, shown in an exploded rather than a contiguous arrangement for demonstrative purposes, each having a respective height hi3-hi9and a respective uniform diameter d0-di2. The stack can be centered about direction 1000, as shown in Fig 5A. Method 300 includes a step 301 of calculating and a step 302 of summing the volumes of cylinders C0-C12.

[0060] Referring also to Fig. 4, method 300 includes a step 305 of segmenting an image. Step 305 identifies pixels and / or areas of the image that are distinguishable as falling within and / or without drop D. Step 305 may involve a machine learning approach for segmenting the drop D from the input image. To this end, an embodiment of the invention includes supervised training involving images with annotated spherical drops (not shown) introduced to the image segmentation system undertaking the training process of the machine learning model. An embodiment of the invention includes training using pre-trained weights and / or refinement of the drop recognition data.

[0061] After step 305, method 300 progresses to a step 307 defining drop D based on the segmented images. An embodiment of step 307 includes executing a contour detection algorithm on the segmented mask from the machine learning model. Referring also to Fig. 5B, based on the contour detected, the contour detection algorithm determines a height and width of the contour relative to a direction 100 and a top T of drop D, referred to as a bounding box 1010.

[0062] Method 300 includes a step 310 of defining a height h as an increment from top T along direction 1000. Method 200 includes a step 315 of defining a diameter d as a distance across drop D at and perpendicular to height h. For a non-exclusive example, in Figs. 5A and 5B, cylinder C13 is defined by a height hi3and a diameter di3. Height hi3, as with every height h in this model, is defined by increment / . Diameter di3is defined relative to a point located hi3from top T along and perpendicular to direction 1000 to the surface of drop D defined at step 305. Method 300 includes a step 320 of calculating a volume V13 of cylinder C13 according to theAB595WO 12 / 18Formula 1 above. In this example, the remaining cylinders C13-C19 are defined and the respective volumes V13-V19 thereof calculated similarly. Method 300 concludes with a step 325 of calculating a total volume Vtby summing volumes V13-V19.

[0063] Referring again to Figs. 2A and 2B, drop D enlarges and eventually detaches and falls in drip chamber 409, and courses to a patient via tube 70 at a rate R. Rate R is prescribed according to, inter alia, a medication concentration. Treatment effectiveness and safety depends on monitoring and regulating rate R. Accordingly, an embodiment of the invention includes determining volumes, as described above, at different times and discerning the flow rate based on the volume and time difference.

[0064] While the principles of the invention have been described herein, the foregoing description is only an example and not a limitation on the scope of the invention. Other embodiments are contemplated within the scope of the present invention in addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are within the scope of the present invention. The invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described and depicted herein, rather only to the following claims.AB595WO 13 / 18

Claims

CLAIMSWE CLAIM:1 . Method of estimating a volume of a drop comprising: segmenting an image and defining the drop with a perimeter, an axis, a top point and a bottom point;(a) first defining a height along the axis between and including a first point and a second point wherein: the first point is coincident with or defines a first distance from the top point; and the second point defines a second distance from the top point that is greater than the first distance;(b) second defining a diameter with the perimeter at the second point orthogonal to the axis; and(c) calculating a volume comprising the height and the diameter.

2. Method of claim 1 wherein the second distance is less than or equal to a third distance from the top point defined by the bottom point.

3. Method of claim 1 wherein the height is commensurate with a dimension of a pixel.

4. Method of claim 1 further comprising:(d) redefining the first point as the second point;(e) redefining the second point beyond the first point in an amount equivalent to the height;(f) third defining a temporary volume as the volume;(g) returning to step a; and(h) redefining the volume as a sum of the volume and the temporary volume.

5. Method of claim 4 wherein advancing to step f depends on the second point being less than or equal to the bottom point.AB595WO 14 / 186. Method of claim 4 further comprising returning to step d while the second point remains less than or equal to the bottom point.

7. Method of claim 4 further comprising overlaying on the image a bounding box configured for limiting advancing to step f.

8. Method of claim 7 wherein the bounding box is defined by the top point and the bottom point.

9. Method of claim 1 , wherein said segmenting comprises machine learning configured for generating a mask, further comprising executing a contour detection algorithm on the mask.

10. Method of claim 1 further comprising third defining a second diameter with the perimeter at the first point orthogonal to the axis, wherein said calculating comprises the second diameter.11 . Method of claim 1 wherein said calculating comprises a formula configured for calculating a volume of a cylinder.

12. Method of estimating a flow rate comprising comparing a first volume and a second volume, respectively calculated at a first time and a second time according to the method of claim 1 .

13. System for estimating a volume of a drop comprising a processor configured for the method of claim 1 .

14. Non-transient, computer-readable medium configured for storing instructions configured for the method of claim 1 .AB595WO 15 / 1815. Method of estimating a volume of a drop comprising: segmenting an image and defining the drop with a perimeter, an axis, a top point and a bottom point; first defining along the axis a first point and a second point farther from the top point than the first point;(a) second defining a height between and including the first point and the second point;(b) third defining a diameter with the perimeter orthogonal to the axis at the second point; and(c) calculating a volume comprising the height and the diameter.

16. Method of claim 15 wherein the first point is coincident with the top point.

17. Method of claim 15 wherein the second point is less than or equal to the bottom point.

18. Method of claim 15, wherein the first point and the second point define a distance commensurate with a dimension of a pixel19. Method of claim 15, wherein the first point and the second point define a distance, further comprising:(d) redefining the first point as the second point;(e) redefining the second point at a point farther from the first point and the top point wherein the first point and the second point define the distance;(f) third defining a temporary volume as the volume;(g) returning to step a;(h) redefining the volume as a sum of the volume and the temporary volume.

20. Method of claim 19 wherein advancing to step f depends on the second point being less than or equal to the bottom point.21 . Method of claim 19 further comprising returning to step d while the second point remains less than or equal to the bottom point.AB595WO 16 / 1822. Method of claim 19 further comprising overlaying on the image a bounding box configured for limiting advancing to step f.

23. Method of claim 22 wherein the bounding box is defined by the top point and the bottom point.

24. Method of claim 15, wherein said segmenting comprises machine learning configured for generating a mask, further comprising executing a contour detection algorithm on the mask.

25. Method of claim 15 further comprising fourth defining a second diameter with the perimeter at the first point orthogonal to the axis, wherein said calculating comprises the second diameter.

26. Method of claim 15 wherein said calculating comprises a formula configured for calculating a volume of a cylinder.

27. Method of estimating a flow rate comprising comparing a first volume and a second volume, respectively calculated at a first time and a second time according to the method of claim 15.

28. System for estimating a volume of a drop comprising a processor configured for the method of claim 15.

29. Non-transient, computer-readable medium configured for storing instructions configured for the method of claim 15.AB595WO 17 / 18

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