Drip Chamber Image Filtering for Reliable Gravity Infusion Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid flow monitoring and regulation systems in medical settings, such as intravenous infusion therapy, often lack precision and reliability, particularly in environments where infusion pumps are not available or practical, leading to challenges in maintaining accurate fluid delivery rates.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a fluid flow meter with optical sensors to monitor drops in a drip chamber, coupled with a valve that can be remotely controlled, allowing for closed-loop or open-loop feedback configurations to regulate fluid flow, ensuring accurate and controlled delivery of fluids by measuring flow rates, detecting anomalies, and adjusting flow accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an infusion pump is used to deliver fluid, then the flow rate precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical infusion pumps with a simpler gravity-fed system enhanced by optical sensing and electronic control. The flow meter uses optical sensors to detect drops and calculate flow rates, substituting mechanical pumping complexity with optical measurement and software-based flow regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a flow meter as an intermediary device between the gravity-fed infusion system and the patient. This flow meter provides precise flow rate measurement and feedback without requiring a complex infusion pump, acting as a mediator that enables accurate flow control through optical detection and electronic regulation.
2Device complexity
If a gravity-fed line is used to deliver fluid, then the device complexity is reduced, but the flow rate precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where optical sensors continuously monitor drop formation in the drip chamber, calculate instantaneous flow rates, and provide real-time feedback for flow rate verification and alarm generation. This feedback loop enables precise flow rate monitoring despite the simplicity of the gravity-fed delivery system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes manual flow rate estimation with electronic optical measurement systems. The flow meter uses LEDs and photodetectors to automatically detect and measure drops, replacing the traditional manual counting method and providing precise digital flow rate measurements with the simple gravity-fed system.
3Device complexity
If manual monitoring of drops is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service monitoring system where the flow meter automatically detects drops, calculates flow rates, and generates alarms without requiring continuous manual intervention. The optical sensors and microprocessor autonomously perform monitoring tasks, eliminating human error while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides continuous automated feedback through the flow meter that monitors drop formation and flow rate in real-time. The system automatically compares measured flow rates against target values and generates alarms when deviations occur, providing reliable monitoring without manual intervention and enhancing patient safety.
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
The system provides precise monitoring and regulation of fluid flow, preventing free flow conditions and ensuring fluid delivery within predetermined ranges, enhancing the reliability and safety of medical fluid administration therapies.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination system with a light source for transmitting light through the drip chamber to a drop of fluid suspended from the drip tube and for controlling illumination properties of the light transmitted to the drop. The pump includes an optical system for receiving light transmitted through the drop
Data Source
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AI summary
There is described a method of filtering a captured image of a drip chamber configured to allow a drop of fluid to fall within the drip chamber, the method comprising: capturing an image of the drip chamber with an image sensor; determining if the captured image contains a visual obstruction; applying a blurring function to the captured image, the blurring function configured to eliminate an amount of detail in the captured image; and determining if the captured image contains a match to a template. There is also described an apparatus comprising: an image sensor configured to capture an image of a drip chamber; and a processor operatively coupled to the image sensor, the processor being configured to: determine if the captured image contains a visual obstruction; apply a blurring function to the captured image, the blurring function configured to eliminate an amount of detail in the captured image; and determine if the captured image contains a match to a template.