Optical Imaging System for Infusion Pump Drip Chamber Volume Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Monochrome image sensors cannot effectively separate and process multiple images simultaneously, as they cannot determine which image a pixel is receiving due to conventional signal processing limitations.
Innovation Solution
An optical imaging system using a single color image sensor with a single lens and multiple light sources emitting distinct spectrums of light, along with a processor to generate images of different portions of an infusion tube, such as a drip chamber, by characterizing and processing the received light spectrums.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a monochrome image sensor is used, then the cost is reduced, but the ability to separate and process multiple images simultaneously is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces light sources emitting at different wavelengths as intermediaries to encode different images. By using wavelength-multiplexed illumination, each image is tagged with a unique spectral signature, allowing a monochrome sensor to distinguish between multiple images through spectral filtering rather than requiring multiple sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spectral parameter of the illumination light to encode different images. By varying the wavelength of light sources and using corresponding spectral filters, the system transforms a monochrome sensor's limitation into an opportunity for wavelength-based image separation, effectively adding a spectral dimension to the imaging process.
2Loss of information
If multiple image sensors are used to capture different images simultaneously, then image separation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single monochrome image sensor perform multiple functions by using wavelength-multiplexed illumination. The same sensor captures multiple images simultaneously by detecting different wavelengths, eliminating the need for multiple sensors and reducing system complexity while maintaining image separation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple imaging functions into a single sensor system. By merging wavelength-encoded illumination with a single monochrome sensor, the system achieves multi-image capture without requiring separate optical paths or multiple sensors, thereby simplifying the overall device architecture.
3Device complexity
If a single lens is used to receive multiple light spectrums, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to characterize different spectrums accurately is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces spectral filters as intermediaries between the single lens and the image sensor. These filters selectively transmit specific wavelength ranges, allowing the single lens system to accurately characterize different light spectrums by filtering out unwanted wavelengths and isolating the desired spectral information for each image.
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
Enables the generation of distinct images from multiple light spectrums, allowing for accurate measurement of fluid volume and flow rate in an infusion pump, improving the precision and efficiency of fluid administration.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light source for emitting at least two of first, second, or third spectrums of light
Implementation Method 2
an optics system including a single lens for receiving and transmitting at least two of the first spectrum of light transmitted through the first portion, the second spectrum of light transmitted through the second portion, or the third spectrum of light transmitted through the third portion
Implementation Method 3
a single color image sensor for receiving the at least two of the first, second, or third spectrums of light from the single lens and generating and transmitting data characterizing the at least two of the first, second, or third spectrums of light received from the single lens
Data Source
AI summary
A method of calculating a volume of a drop pendant using a microprocessor. Included in the method are generating a gravity vector based on a direction of gravity with respect to the drop pendant; establishing a reference frame of the drop pendant for an image processing based on a reference point of the drop pendant and the gravity vector; generating a first reference line associated with the reference frame for representing an actual orientation of the drop pendant; generating a second reference line associated with the reference frame for representing a longitudinal axis of a chamber in which the drop pendant is located; comparing the first and second reference lines with respect to the gravity vector; and calculating the volume of the drop pendant based on the comparison of the first and second reference lines and the gravity vector.