Camera Module Alignment for Injection Pen OCR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing supplemental devices for insulin injection pens, such as the Solostar™, face challenges with optical character recognition (OCR) functionality that obstruct the view of the dosage window and require inefficient alignment, leading to potential misalignment and unnecessary dose dialing.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for assembling a supplemental device that includes a module and housing, where the module is positioned relative to an optical marker on the injection device, using a camera to determine and align the marker's position with a template, and then fixing the module's position to ensure accurate alignment, reducing adverse effects from camera misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a supplemental device with OCR functionality is coupled to an injection device, then dose monitoring capability is improved, but camera misalignment occurs leading to inaccurate dose determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining the correct camera position relative to the injection device using a reference object with marker during assembly. The camera module is positioned and fixed based on the marker's predetermined location before actual use, ensuring proper alignment is established in advance rather than adjusted during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using a camera to capture the position of the marker on the reference object during assembly, comparing it to the intended position, and adjusting the camera module accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the camera is correctly aligned with the injection device's dosage window.
2Reliability
If the supplemental device obstructs the view of the dosage window, then dose information can be captured, but the user's view of the numbers is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the supplemental device into distinct functional components: a camera module for capturing dose information and a display unit for showing information to the user. This allows the camera to be positioned to capture the dosage window while the display presents information to the user without requiring direct line of sight to the injection device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a display unit that mediates between the camera's capture of dose information and the user's need to view that information. The display unit converts the captured image data into a visible format for the user, eliminating the need for the user to directly view the obscured dosage window.
3Productivity
If the OCR algorithm is made more efficient, then dose determination speed is improved, but alignment precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing precise mechanical alignment of the camera module with the injection device during assembly using the marker-based positioning system. This pre-established alignment ensures that even a simple, fast OCR algorithm can accurately determine dose information without requiring complex image processing or high alignment precision during operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the accuracy of dose delivery monitoring by minimizing camera misalignment issues, allowing for quicker and more precise updates of insulin amounts displayed, thereby reducing the likelihood of unnecessary dose dialing.
Implementation Method 1
a camera for generating a camera output indicative of a scene in the field-of-view of the camera
Data Source
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AI summary
A Computer-Controlled Method of Assembling an Apparatus for use in Performing Pattern Recognition, and a Pattern Recognition Apparatus. A method of assembling an apparatus for use in performing pattern recognition, the method comprising: placing a module and a housing relative to one another, the housing being supported relative to an object having an optical marker, and the module comprising a camera for generating a camera output indicative of a scene in the field-of-view of the camera; using the camera output to determine the position of the marker in the field-of- view of the camera; moving the module and the housing relative to one another until the marker is at a predetermined location in the field-of-view of the camera and then fixing the position of the module relative to the housing.