Dose Capturing Assembly with Secondary Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drug delivery devices lack reliable and cost-effective methods for capturing and logging dose data, leading to inaccurate injection records and misleading treatment decisions due to manual logging and the absence of integrated data acquisition in many devices.
Innovation Solution
A dose capturing assembly that can be attached to or integrated with drug delivery devices, featuring a camera for image capture of the indicator, and processor means for image analysis using primary and secondary processes to confirm the set dose, ensuring accurate data logging and display of set and remaining doses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual logging is used for dose data, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of dose data are deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical logging with an automated optical measurement system. A camera captures images of the indicator showing dose information, and image processing algorithms automatically extract and log the dose data. This substitution eliminates manual recording errors while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through the use of standard imaging components.
2Measurement precision
If electronic data acquisition functionality is integrated into disposable devices, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a camera and image processing system that uses relatively inexpensive optical components rather than complex electronic sensors. The approach leverages the fact that disposable devices can use simpler, lower-cost imaging components since the device itself is single-use. The secondary verification process further ensures accuracy without requiring expensive hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the dose information by capturing an image of the indicator and processing it to extract dose data. This copying approach allows the system to record dose information accurately without requiring direct electronic integration with the dosing mechanism, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining measurement precision.
3Device complexity
If a single image analysis process is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of dose determination is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image analysis into two distinct segments: a primary image processing step that extracts dose information from the captured image, and a secondary verification step that confirms the extracted information. This segmentation allows each processing stage to be optimized independently, maintaining manageable complexity while significantly improving reliability through the verification mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the primary image processing result is fed into a secondary verification process. If the secondary process confirms the primary result, the dose determination is finalized; if not, the system can request re-capture or flag the measurement for review. This feedback loop enhances reliability without requiring fundamentally more complex processing architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
An add-on device for a drug delivery device comprises a camera for capturing an image of a scale drum, and a processor for determining the value of a captured image using a first image analysis process, the value corresponding to a set dose amount. If the determined value belongs to a pre-defined group of values, the determined value is confirmed using a second image analysis process in which for a given value from the pre-defined group of values one or more partial image areas and an associated nominal content thereof are pre-defined. If the captured content for each image area corresponds to the nominal content, the determined value is confirmed.