Exchangeable attachment for optical measurement device

Abstract

A cover (200) for an optical measurement device (10) comprising a light source (104) and an optical detector (115) and an optical interface (105) arranged at a distal end (107) of the optical measurement device The cover comprises a circumferential wall (203) extending between a first closed end (201) and a second open end (202) of the cover, wherein the circumferential wall is opaque. A transparent screen (210) is arranged at the first end of the cover and adapted to transmit light therethrough. A connection interface (208) is arranged at the second end of the cover and adapted to establish a detachable connection with the distal end of the optical measurement device having a corresponding connection interface (106). The cover is adapted to provide a predetermined distance between the first end of the cover and the optical interface of the optical measurement device when attached to the optical measurement device.

Description

EXCHANGEABLE ATTACHMENT FOR OPTICAL MEASUREMENT DEVICETechnical field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to exchangeable attachments for optical measurement devices. More specifically, it relates to a cover for optical measurement devices.Background art

[0002] Optical measurement devices are often used for measuring different properties of an object, e.g. in the field of healthcare but also other areas such as agriculture, military, laboratory equipment, sanitation, food industry, personal protection equipment, etc. Optical measurement involves emitting light onto a measurement object, collecting scattered light from the object and transmitting the scattered light to an optical detector for analysis. One important factor in achieving accurate results is to shield the optical detector from ambient light to prevent distortion of the measurement results.

[0003] In some applications, optical measurements require physical contact with the measurement object in order to block out ambient light. In the healthcare field, medical hygiene practice necessitates sterilization or safe disposal of parts that come into contact with a patient to prevent spreading of infection. Hence there is a need for optical measurement devices which facilitate multiple use.

[0004] WO2024141388 discloses a hand-held optical device including a compartment with internal optical fibers which can be detachably connected to the optical device.Summary of invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an improved cover for an optical measurement device which enables multiple use both for the same or different applications.

[0006] This object is achieved in a first aspect of the present invention, in which there is provided a cover for an optical measurement device comprising alight source and an optical detector and an optical interface arranged at a distal end of the optical measurement device. The cover comprises a circumferential wall extending between a first closed end and a second open end of the cover, wherein the circumferential wall is opaque. A transparent screen is arranged at the first end of the cover and adapted to transmit light therethrough. A connection interface is arranged at the second end of the cover and adapted to establish a detachable connection with the distal end of the optical measurement device having a corresponding connection interface. The cover is adapted to provide a predetermined distance between the first end of the cover and the optical interface of the optical measurement device when attached to the optical measurement device.

[0007] By means of the detachable connection, the cover can be removably mounted on the optical measurement device for carrying out optical measurements and exchanged after use. The transparent screen allows for transmission of light but serves as a barrier to prevent contamination of the optical measurement device. Only the part that comes into contact with a patient, i.e. the cover, needs to be replaced, thus enabling multiple use of the optical measurement device without requiring extensive cleaning or sterilization.Furthermore, the opaque circumferential wall creates a dark space through which only light originating from the at least one light source of the optical measurement device is transmitted to the cover and further to the measurement object. This ensures that ambient light is blocked out between the optical measurement device and the cover when the two parts are connected. The cover also enables controlling the distance between the optical interface and the target surface of the object to be measured to ensure proper geometric alignment whilst maximizing light intensity received at the optical detector. Thus, an accurate measurement can be achieved.

[0008] In one embodiment, the connection interface of the cover is adapted to connect the cover in first and second positions relative to the distal end of the optical measurement device, corresponding to first and second predetermined distances between the first end of the cover and the optical interface of the opticalmeasurement device. The connection interface provides a means for controllably varying the distance to the target surface of the measurement object. This is advantageous in a situation where several measurements are to be made, e.g. on the surface of a wound dressing and of the wound itself without requiring removal of the dressing or moving the optical measurement device.

[0009] In one embodiment, the connection interface of the cover is adapted to connect the cover to the distal end of the optical measurement device by means of a magnetic coupling, a bayonet mount, a thread, snap-fit, press fit, friction fit, or adhesive. The type of connection interface may be selected depending on desired characteristics of the cover and / or the optical measurement device, e.g. shape, material choice, manufacturing process. The different types of coupling ensure a secure and tight connection to prevent ambient light from entering the junction between the optical measurement device and the cover whilst providing a simple mechanism for attaching / detaching the cover.

[0010] In one embodiment, the circumferential wall tapers in a distal direction from the second end of the cover to the first end of the cover, wherein the cover is arranged to receive the distal end of the optical measurement device in an interior space delimited by the circumferential wall and the transparent screen. The tapering shape facilitates attachment / detachment of the cover. In addition, in this configuration the second end of the cover will extend beyond the distal end of the optical measurement device to effectively block out ambient light.

[0011] In one embodiment, the cover further comprises a release structure arranged at the second end of the cover and adapted to be actuated to the detach the cover from the distal end of the optical measurement device. Preferably, the release structure comprises a tab, a protrusion, a friction element, a button. Thus, detachment can be achieved through a simple manipulation. In one embodiment, the tab extends proximally from the second end of the cover as a continuation of the circumferential wall, wherein a free end of the cover of the tab is angled outwardly from the plane of the circumferential wall.

[0012] In one embodiment, the transparent screen comprises a lens, prism, mirror, filter, collimator and / or optical fiber, arranged to receive and transmit light between the first end of the cover and the optical interface of the optical measurement device. Thus, the transparent screen may enhance transmission of light from the measurement object to the optical interface.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first end of the cover comprises a flexible pad arranged to conform to an uneven surface. The flexible pad enables the cover to be placed flush with the surface of the measurement object to block out ambient light.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first end of the cover comprises an adhesive, which may be used for attaching the cover to a surface of an object, which may be the measurement object, or an intermediate object. This enables permanent or longtime securing of the cover to the measurement object or an intermediate object, thereby facilitating repeated measurements over time.

[0015] In one embodiment, the cover further comprises a deployable secondary function, such as a needle or probe. The needle or probe may include optical components that may be inserted into a sample to perform a test, e.g. behind an optical barrier.

[0016] In one embodiment, the cover further comprises a coding system, wherein symbols or characters of the coding system indicate parameters and / or detector settings associated with a type of measurement or analysis to be performed by the optical measurement device. The coding system can be used to manually or automatically choose a specific setting or analysis program in the optical measurement device, or for identifying a specific sample.

[0017] In a second aspect, there is provided a kit comprising a cover according to the first aspect, and an object selected from a urine collection bag, a wound dressing, a catheter, a diaper, an occlusal splint, a drainage system, an implant, a prosthesis, a garment, a sample collection unit, a medical examination device, wherein the object is adapted to cooperate with the first end of the cover. Hence, acustomized configuration is achieved which enables quick connection to a specific object for optical measurement. This provides an advantage in that the cover facilitates interaction and measurement by the optical measurement device with different types of objects, e.g. with different functions. This makes the optical measurement device versatile, since it is more sustainable and cost effective to have one device that can serve many purposes compared to specialized devices for each purpose.

[0018] In one embodiment, the object comprises a structure arranged to receive the first end of the cover, the structure comprising a guiding ridge, an embossing, a marking, a transparent section. The structure facilitates cooperation between the cover and the object for performing an optical measurement.

[0019] In a third aspect, there is provided a use of a cover according to the first aspect and an object selected from a urine collection bag, a wound dressing, a catheter, a diaper, an occlusal splint, a drainage system, an implant, a prosthesis, a garment, a sample collection unit, a medical examination device, to measure a property of a measurement object using optical radiation.Brief description of drawings

[0020] The invention is now described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary optical measurement device and a cover according to embodiments of the present invention;FIG. 2 show side views of exemplary connection interfaces for the detachable connection between an optical measurement device and a cover according to embodiments of the present invention;FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate transmission and reception of light signals by optical fibers;FIGS 4A and 4B are perspective views of a cover according to an embodiment of the present invention;FIG. 5 is a perspective, partially transparent view of a cover according to an embodiment of the present invention;FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a cover according to an embodiment of the present invention attached to a distal end of an optical measurement device;FIGS. 7A and 7B are cross-sectional views of a cover according to an embodiment of the present invention attached in different positions to a distal end of an optical measurement device;FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate attachment and detachment of a cover according to an embodiment of the present invention;FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic views of an optical measurement device illustrating optical components; andFIG. 10 is a schematic view of a control unit of an optical measurement device according to one embodiment of the present invention.Description of embodiments

[0021] In the following, a detailed description of method and arrangement according to the present disclosure is presented. In the drawing figures, like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements throughout the several figures. It will be appreciated that these figures are for illustration only and do not in any way restrict the scope of the present disclosure.

[0022] It is understood that in the context of the present invention, the term ‘distal’ shall be interpreted as referring to a direction away from or portion furthest from the operator handling the optical measurement device. Likewise, the term ‘proximal’ shall be interpreted as referring to a direction towards or closest to the operator handling the optical measurement device.

[0023] Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of ‘including’, ‘comprising’, or ‘having’ and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms ‘mounted’, ‘connected’, ‘supported’, and ‘coupled’ and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further,‘connected’ and ‘coupled’ are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

[0024] To the extent that the figures illustrate diagrams of the functional blocks of various embodiments, the functional blocks are not necessarily indicative of the division between hardware circuitries. For example, one or more of the functional blocks (e.g., processors or memories) may be implemented in a single item of hardware (e.g., a general-purpose signal processor or a block of randomaccess memory, hard disk, or the like) or multiple items of hardware. Similarly, the programs may be standalone programs, may be incorporated as subroutines in an operating system, may be functions in an installed software package, and the like. It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the drawings.

[0025] In the context of the present disclosure, the term ‘handheld’ when referring to a device is to be understood as being dimensioned to be held and operated by hand of a user. Specifically, substantially all components necessary for operation of the handheld device are accommodated in the device itself, thus making it physically standalone.

[0026] Referring now to FIG. 1 , there is shown a perspective view of an exemplary handheld optical measurement device 100 and cover 200 according to the present invention. The optical measurement device 100 comprises a housing 101 to accommodate components and functions such as power (battery and / or connection to a power source), user interface, in this example in the form of an actuator button 102, and a display 103 for indicating measurement results. It is also foreseen that the user interface is realized by means of a wireless or wired connection to an external device such as a smartphone or tablet for operating the optical measurement device 100. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the optical measurement device 100 is in the form of a handheld gun, but other shapes and configurations which facilitate handling are also foreseen.

[0027] The optical measurement device 100 comprises one or more light sources 104 which may be arranged at or near an optical interface 105 at a first,distal end 107 of the housing 101. Alternatively, the light sources 104 may be arranged inside the housing 101 and light may be guided to the optical interface 105 by means of optical components including lenses, prisms, mirrors, filters, collimators, and / or optical fibers as appropriate. The light sources 104 are arranged to emit light having the same or different wavelengths, depending on the desired optical measurements to be carried out. The wavelengths may be in the visible or non-visible spectrum, including visible light, infrared light and ultraviolet light, also known as optical radiation, e.g. in the range 200-3000 nm. This configuration allows for increased illumination to improve measurement conditions. Also, by having different wavelengths, it is possible to make simultaneous measurements of different properties or over a spectrum of wavelengths. The optical measurement device 100 could operate in snap-shot mode or in continuous scanning mode.

[0028] The optical interface 105 also comprises an optical component arranged to receive scattered light from a measurement object and transmit it to an optical detector 115 inside the housing 101. The optical detector 115 can for instance be a numerical sensor including a spectrometer or a photodiode, or an imaging sensor including a camera or a charge-coupled device (CCD). The optical interface 105 can for instance be a lens connected directly to the optical detector 115 or one end of an optical fiber that collects the light and transports it to the optical detector 115. Other alternatives include prisms, mirrors, filters, and / or collimators. In some cases, it could be that the optical interface 105 is simply an opening or inlet directly facing the optical detector 115.

[0029] The distal end 107 of the housing 101 further comprises a connection interface 106 arranged to establish a detachable connection with a cover 200 having a corresponding connection interface 208. The connection interfaces 106, 208 are configured such that connection of the cover 200 to the optical measurement device 100 blocks out ambient light. In other words, a lightproof coupling is achieved whereby ambient light is prevented from entering the junction between the distal end 107 of the housing 101 and the proximal end of the cover 200. The connection interfaces 106, 208 may comprise any suitable means forachieving a releasable connection and may comprise a magnetic coupling, a snap-fit coupling, a bayonet mount, a threaded coupling, slide in rails, press fit, friction fit, or adhesive etc. A secondary lock could also be provided in some instances.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 2, two exemplary coupling structures are shown: a snap coupling where corresponding male 208 and female parts 106 secure the cover 200 to the housing 101. As way of example, it could also be a screw fitting with mating threads 208, 106.

[0031] Turning back to FIG. 1, the cover 200 will now be described. The cover 200 comprises an opaque circumferential wall 203 that completely blocks any ambient light and extends between a first, distal end 201 and a second, proximal end 202. The circumferential wall 203 defines the shape of the cover 200 and could be square or rectangular as shown in FIG. 1. Other shapes are also foreseen, such as circular, oval or elliptic, other suitable shapes adapted to the shape of the distal end 107 of the housing 101 as well as the shape and surface of the measurement object. The cover further comprises a transparent screen 210 attached to the circumferential wall 203 at the first end 201 , e.g. plastic film, glass etc. The screen 210 is arranged to transmit light therethrough, preferably without substantially affecting the light (through distortion, refraction, reflection etc.). The transparent screen 210 is attached at the first end 201 and may come in contact with the measurement object, e.g. a substrate that is being analyzed, skin surface of a person, a wound dressing, a sample of sorts, etc. The screen 210 provides a barrier to prevent contamination of the optical measurement device 100. The cover 200 can be sterile and disposable and provided separately from the optical measurement device 100, or together as a kit. Alternatively, the cover 200 may be sterilizable and adapted for multiple use.

[0032] Furthermore, the first end 201 of the cover 200 that comes into contact with the measurement object can be soft or comprise a flexible pad 212 that conforms to uneven substrate and facilitates that ambient light is blocked. The cover 200 may have an adhesive on the first end 201 so that it can be attached to an object permanently or over a period of time.

[0033] The cover 200 may further comprise an optical component 209 including a lens, prism, mirror, filter, collimator, components for optical calibration and / or optical fiber, and arranged to receive and transmit light between the first and second ends 201, 202 of the cover 200. The optical component 209 may be aligned with the optical interface 105 of the optical measurement device 100 when the cover 200 is connected to the optical measurement device 100. In that way, an enhanced optical path for the scattered light from the measurement object to the optical detector 115 is achieved to obtain more accurate results. This may be useful where the cover has limiting design constraints.

[0034] The cover 200 may be designed for different purposes. Below are some examples. Although these examples are from healthcare, this invention is not limited to healthcare, but can also be used for other areas such as agriculture, military, laboratory equipment, sanitation, food industry, personal protection equipment, etc.— A cover for measurement on the skin surface or surface of damaged skin. — A cover for measurements inside the mouth (e.g. to measure bacteria biomarkers).— A cover shaped as an earpiece to detect conditions inside the ear canal.— A cover to analyse samples from a sampling device (such as test strip, filter paper etc.) with or without a reagent compound (e.g. pregnancy test). The sample cover may be designed to be compatible with specific test devices from specific manufacturers.

[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, theoretical background relating to optimal conditions for measuring a light signal is explained. When measuring a light signal, several alignments and considerations must be respected for the optical setup to perform optimally. When using multiple separate fibers, for example one for transmitting and one for receiving light, the distance d between the fibers depends on the fiber diameter and other mechanical constraints. Light exiting the transmitting fiber illuminates the sample, and the resulting light from thesample (fluorescence, reflection, etc.) must then enter the receiving fiber to enable detection. This requires considering the fiber’s acceptance angle (0acc), that is the maximum angle at which light can enter the fiber core relative to its axis and still be guided through total internal reflection. Rays entering within this cone are efficiently transmitted, while those outside are lost. To successfully receive the optical signal, the illumination cone of the transmitting fiber must intersect with the acceptance cone of the receiving fiber. As the distance D from the fiber ends increases, the angular spread causes the two cones to overlap more. However, light intensity follows an inverse-distance law, meaning that intensity decreases as the distance from the source increases. Therefore, bringing the fibers closer to the sample increases the delivered light intensity, but too small a distance can reduce cone overlap. An optimal distance exists that balances sufficient intensity with proper geometric alignment. For this reason, controlling the distance D between the fiber ends and the sampling area is essential in any given opto-mechanical setup.

[0036] The cover 200 is adapted to have a specific analytical area with a predetermined distance between target and light emission / detection end, as will be explained further in detail below. For instance, the thickness and height of the circumferential wall 203 may be adapted such that an optimal fit which blocks out ambient light is achieved. The cover 200 could have an elongated design that allows for a broader scanning area (similar to an ultrasound probe used for pregnancy scans).

[0037] Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4B and 5, there is shown perspective views of another exemplary cover 200. The cross-section of the circumferential wall 203 tapers in a distal direction, from the second end 202 towards the first end 201. This is beneficial for facilitating attachment and detachment of the cover 200 on the optical measurement device 100. In this case, the distal end 107 of the optical measurement device 100 has a corresponding tapering shape which will be received in the interior space 204 delimited by the circumferential wall 203 and the transparent screen 210. Also shown is a connection interface 208 in the shape of a pair of protrusions on opposite sides of an interior surface of the circumferentialwall 203. The protrusions 208 are arranged to be received in corresponding recesses 106 formed in the distal end 107 of the optical measurement device 100.

[0038] To facilitate detachment, the cover 200 may be provided with a release structure, such as a tab 205, a protrusion, a friction element, a button arranged at the second end 202. As may be seen in FIG. 5, a tab 205 extends as a continuation of the circumferential wall 203, wherein a free end 206 of the cover 200 of the tab 205 is angled outwardly from the plane of the circumferential wall 203. Hence, the cover 200 may be detached from the optical measurement device 100 simply by pushing the free end 206 distally. The operator does not need to handle the first end 201 which may be contaminated after contacting the measurement object.

[0039] Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7A-7B, there is shown cross-sectional views of the cover 200 attached to the distal end 107 of the optical measurement device 100 by means of protrusions 208 being received in corresponding recesses 106. When attached, the cover 200 is adapted to provide a predetermined distance D between the optical interface 105 at the distal end 107 of the optical measurement device 100 and the first end 201 of the cover 200 to ensure optimal balance between sufficient light intensity and proper geometric alignment as explained above. As a result, the optical path of the light travelling from the light source 104 to the measurement object via the cover 200 and back to the optical detector 115 can be controlled.

[0040] In some cases, it can be desired to carry out more than one measurement at the same site, for example at the surface of a wound dressing as well as at the wound itself. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the optical measurement device 100 comprises two sets of recesses 106a and 106b at different distances from the distal end 107. The protrusions 208 may thus be received in the first set of recesses 106a to provide a first distance D1 between the optical interface 105 at the distal end 107 of the optical measurement device 100 and the first end 201 of the cover 200. The first distance D1 is then calibrated for measuring the surface of the measurement object, e.g. the surface of the wound dressing. The cover 200 may then be displaced to a second position wherein theprotrusions 208 may be received in the second set of recesses 106b to provide a second distance D2 between the optical interface 105 at the distal end 107 of the optical measurement device 100 and the first end 201 of the cover 200. The second distance D2 is calibrated for measuring at a depth below the surface of the measurement object, e.g. the wound below the dressing.

[0041] Referring now to FIGS. 8A-8D, different stages of use of the cover in conjunction with an optical measurement device are illustrated. The cover 200 may be sterile and provided in a sealed container 300, as shown in FIG. 8A. After opening the sealed container 300, the distal end of the optical measurement device 100 is inserted into the cover 200, as shown in FIG. 8B. With the cover 200 protecting the optical measurement device 100 from contamination, as shown in FIG. 8C, a measurement is carried out. After the measurement, the cover 200 is detached from the optical measurement device 100, e.g. by pressing the free end of the tab, as shown in FIG. 8D.

[0042] The cover 200 may in itself cooperate with another device, e.g. urine collection bags that offer a fast connection to externally view the presence of biomarkers in the urine. Other examples of integration can be wound dressings, catheters, diapers, occlusal splints, drainage systems, implants, prostheses, garments, sample collection units, medical examination devices for the ear, nose, throat etc.

[0043] The cover 200 may have a secondary function that can be deployed. For example, the cover 200 may have a small needle (that may house optical components) that can be pushed into a sample to perform a test that is behind an optical barrier.

[0044] The cover 200 may have a coding system which can manually or automatically be used to choose a specific analysis program in the optical measurement device 100. E.g. a cover for pregnancy test may have a specific set of parameters and detector settings separate to that of an oral bacteria detection cover. The coding system can also be used for identifying a specific sample.

[0045] In some cases, repeated tests at the same exact location are desirable. For instance, a skin infection. For this purpose, a structure may be provided on an object arranged to receive the first end 201 of the cover 200, the structure comprising a guiding ridge, an embossing, a transparent section. In one embodiment, a marker that is keyed to the first end 201 of the cover 200 can be used. The marker can in this case be a small adhesive patch with visual indicators that allows the user to place the cover 200 on the same location for repeated measurements over time.

[0046] Referring now to FIGS. 9A and 9B, schematic views of an exemplary optical measurement device are shown. In FIG. 9A, the optical measurement device 100 comprises a single optical interface 105 arranged at the optical interface 105 at the first, distal end 107 of the housing 101. In this case, light emitted from the light source 104 is guided along a first optical path 113 which could be an optical fiber, and optionally aided by one or more additional optical components 116, such as a lens, prism, mirror, filter, a collimator or a combination thereof. The optical interface 105 can also comprise an optical component such as a lens, prism, mirror, filter, a collimator, and / or an optical fiber which transmits the light from the light source 104 to the measurement object via the cover 200.Scattered light from the measurement object is then received by the optical interface 105 and transmitted to the optical detector 115, guided by a second optical path 117, optionally aided by one or more additional optical components 116. In the case of a single optical component at the optical interface 105, it may be configured to separate the emitted light from the light source 104 and the scattered light from the measurement object such that the latter is guided to the optical detector 115 only.

[0047] In FIG. 9B, there is shown an example with two separate optical components at the optical interface 105, one or more first optical component 114 which transmits the light emitted from the one or more light sources 104 towards the measurement object via the first optical path 113 and optional optical component(s) 116, and a second optical component 118 which receives scattered or reflected light from the measurement object and transmits it toward the opticaldetector 115 via the second optical path 117 and optional optical component(s) 116.

[0048] Referring now to FIG. 10, an exemplary control unit 400 will be described in more detail. The control unit 400 is configured to and is operable for controlling operation of the optical measurement device 100. The control unit 400 comprises a processor 410 and a memory 420. In the context of the present disclosure, the term processor 410 should be interpreted broadly as processing circuitry, which may comprise one or more programmable processors, applicationspecific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays or combinations of these not shown adapted to execute instructions. The memory 420 contains instructions executable by said processing circuitry, whereby the control unit 400 is operative for turning the light sources 104 and the optical detector 115 on and off, as well as making calculations so that raw data is processed to user information, which can be presented on the display 103. Alternatively, calculations are carried out remotely, e.g. cloud-based, and the results may be communicated back to the control unit 400 for display.

[0049] According to other embodiments, the control unit 400 may further comprise an interface 450, which may be considered to comprise conventional means for wireless or wired communication with other units or devices. The instructions executable by the processor 410 may be arranged as a computer program 440 stored e.g. in the memory 420.

[0050] The computer program 440 may comprise computer readable code means, which when run in the control unit 400 causes the control unit 400 to perform the steps described in the method above. The computer program 440 may be carried by a computer program product connectable to the processor 410. The computer program product may be the memory 420. The memory 420 may be realized as for example a RAM (Random-access memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory) or an EEPROM (Electrical Erasable Programmable ROM). Further, the computer program may be carried by a separate computer-readable medium 440, such as a CD, DVD or flash memory, from which the program could be downloaded into the memory 420. Alternatively, the computer program may bestored on a server or any other entity connected or connectable to the control unit 400 via the interface 450. The computer program may then be downloaded from the server into the memory 420.

[0051] In one embodiment, there is provided a control function in the optical measurement device 100, so that if there is ambient light it gives off a signal so that the user knows that he / she needs to adjust the device. Optionally, it could also lock the device so that no light is emitted (this is particularly important if the emitted light is of a harmful wavelength and / or intensity).

[0052] To that end, the control unit 400 is configured to turn on the optical detector 115 without turning on the at least one light source, and if the optical detector 115 provides a signal that light is detected, indicate to a user to adjust positioning of the optical measurement device and / or prevent emission of light from the at least one light source. With this configuration, operation of the optical measurement device 100 can be controlled to avoid measurements at suboptimal conditions and unsafe emission of light.

[0053] Furthermore, the connection interface 106 may be arranged to detect the presence and type of a cover 200 and whether a proper connection with the optical measurement device 100 has been established. The control unit 400 may be further configured to prevent emission of light from the light source(s) 104 when no connection between the optical measurement device 100 and the cover 200 is detected. With this configuration, operation of the optical measurement device 100 is only possible when a cover 200 is connected.

[0054] Preferred embodiments of an optical measurement device and associated cover according to the invention have been described. However, the person skilled in the art realises that this can be varied within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the inventive idea.

[0055] All the described alternative embodiments above or parts of an embodiment can be freely combined or employed separately from each otherwithout departing from the inventive idea as long as the combination is not contradictory.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A cover (200) for an optical measurement device (100) comprising a light source (104) and an optical detector (115) and an optical interface (105) arranged at a distal end (107) of the optical measurement device (100), said cover (200) comprising:a circumferential wall (203) extending between a first closed end (201) and a second open end (202) of the cover (200), the circumferential wall (203) being opaque;a transparent screen (210) arranged at the first end (201) of the cover (200) and adapted to transmit light therethrough,a connection interface (208) arranged at the second end (202) of the cover (200) and adapted to establish a detachable connection with the distal end (107) of the optical measurement device (100) having a corresponding connection interface (106),wherein the cover (200) is adapted to provide a predetermined distance (D) between the first end (201) of the cover (200) and the optical interface (105) of the optical measurement device (100) when attached to the optical measurement device (100).

2. The cover (200) according to claim 1 , wherein the connection interface (208) of the cover (200) is adapted to connect the cover (200) in first and second positions relative to the distal end (107), corresponding to first and second predetermined distances (D1, D2) between the first end (201) of the cover (200) and the optical interface (105) of the optical measurement device (100).

3. The cover (200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connection interface (208) of the cover (200) is adapted to connect the cover (200) to the distal end (107) of the optical measurement device (100) by means of a magnetic coupling, a bayonet mount, a thread, snap-fit, press fit, friction fit, or adhesive.

4. The cover (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the circumferential wall (203) tapers in a distal direction from the second end (202)of the cover (200) to the first end (201 ) of the cover (200), wherein the cover (200) is arranged to receive the distal end (107) of the optical measurement device (100) in an interior space (204) delimited by the circumferential wall (203) and the transparent screen (210).

5. The cover (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a release structure arranged at the second end (202) of the cover (200) and adapted to be actuated to the detach the cover (200) from the distal end (107) of the optical measurement device (100).

6. The cover (200) according to claim 5, wherein the release structure comprises a tab (205), a protrusion, a friction element, a button.

7. The cover (200) according to claim 6, further wherein the tab (205) extends proximally from the second end (202) of the cover (200) as a continuation of the circumferential wall (203), wherein a free end (206) of the cover (200) of the tab is angled outwardly from the plane of the circumferential wall (203).

8. The cover (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transparent screen (210) comprises a lens, prism, mirror, filter, collimator and / or optical fiber (209), arranged to receive and transmit light between the first end (201) of the cover (200) and the optical interface (105) of the optical measurement device (100).

9. The cover (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first end (201) of the cover (200) comprises a flexible pad (212) arranged to conform to an uneven surface.

10. The cover (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first end (201) of the cover (200) comprises an adhesive.

11. The cover (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a deployable secondary function, such as a needle or probe.

12. The cover (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a coding system, wherein symbols or characters of the coding systemindicate parameters and / or detector settings associated with a type of measurement or analysis to be performed by the optical measurement device (100).

13. A kit comprising a cover (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, and an object selected from a urine collection bag, a wound dressing, a catheter, a diaper, an occlusal splint, a drainage system, an implant, a prosthesis, a garment, a sample collection unit, a medical examination device, wherein the object is adapted to cooperate with the first end (201) of the cover (200).

14. The kit according to claim 13, wherein the object comprises a structure arranged to receive the first end (201 ) of the cover (200), the structure comprising a guiding ridge, an embossing, a marking, a transparent section.

15. Use of a cover according to any one of claims 1 -12 and an object selected from a urine collection bag, a wound dressing, a catheter, a diaper, an occlusal splint, a drainage system, an implant, a prosthesis, a garment, a sample collection unit, a medical examination device, to measure a property of a measurement object using optical radiation.

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