Dual Camera Supplemental Device for Insulin Injection Dose Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing supplemental devices for insulin injection devices face challenges in accurately gathering dosage information when the number sleeve rotates at high speeds, leading to blurry displays and reduced effectiveness in data capture.

Innovation Solution

A supplemental device equipped with two camera sensor portions and a processor that determines the rotational speed of the sleeve, using the first camera to monitor speed and the second camera to identify features only when the speed is within a threshold, thereby reducing power consumption and ensuring accurate data capture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the number sleeve rotates at high speed during dose dialling or delivery, then the injection device can deliver insulin faster, but the numbers displayed in the dosage window become blurry and cannot be read by the supplemental device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational speed of number sleeveVSAvoidaccuracy of dosage information capture
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The supplemental device is divided into two independent camera sensor portions: a first camera sensor portion that operates at high speed to detect rotational motion, and a second camera sensor portion that operates at lower speed to capture clear dosage information. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between capturing high-speed motion and maintaining image clarity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between the first and second camera sensor portions based on the rotational speed detected by the first camera. When the number sleeve rotates above a threshold speed, the system uses the first camera's output to detect motion and refrains from using the second camera, avoiding blurry images. When rotation slows below the threshold, the second camera captures clear dosage information. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by selecting the appropriate camera based on real-time conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the supplemental device continuously processes camera output to capture dosage information, then complete data capture is achieved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of data captureVSAvoidpower consumption of supplemental device
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuously processing camera output, the supplemental device periodically activates the second camera sensor portion only when the rotational speed is below the threshold. The first camera continuously monitors rotational speed, and based on this information, the system periodically engages the second camera for dosage capture when conditions are favorable. This periodic operation significantly reduces power consumption while maintaining reliable data capture during appropriate conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from the first camera sensor portion's rotational speed detection to control the operation of the second camera sensor portion. When the first camera detects that the number sleeve is rotating above the threshold speed, it provides feedback to refrain from using the second camera, thereby reducing power consumption. When rotation slows below the threshold, feedback enables the second camera to activate for dosage information capture. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable data capture only when necessary, optimizing power usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 solution effectively reduces power consumption and maintains accurate data capture of insulin doses by refraining from processing data when the sleeve rotates too quickly, ensuring reliable determination of doses without increasing illumination levels.

Implementation Method 1

a first camera sensor portion for generating a first camera output indicative of a scene in the field of view of the first camera sensor portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a second camera sensor portion for generating a second camera output indicative of a scene in the field of view of the second camera sensor portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3545990B1Supplemental device for gathering information concerning the use of an injection device
Publication Date: 2023.05.24 SANOFI AVENTIS DEUT GMBH
  • EP3545990B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3545990B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3545990B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A supplemental device for gathering information concerning the use of an injection device, the supplemental device comprising: a first camera sensor portion for generating a first camera output indicative of a scene in the field of view of the first camera sensor portion; a second camera sensor portion for generating a second camera output indicative of a scene in the field of view of the second camera sensor portion; and at least one processor configured: to use the first camera output to determine whether a rotational speed of an object in the field of view exceeds a threshold speed; if it is determined the rotational speed of the object does not exceed the threshold speed, to process the second camera output to identify a feature provided on the or another object; and if it is determined the rotational speed of the object does exceed the threshold speed, to refrain from attempting to identify the feature.