Pharmaceutical Preparation Imaging for Syringe Volume and Tube-Air Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pharmacy compounding devices (PCDs) face challenges in accurately verifying the volume of fluid drawn into a syringe and detecting the presence of air or fluid in non-opaque tubes, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential errors in pharmaceutical preparation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing imaging-based systems that utilize processing circuitry to analyze camera images of syringes and non-opaque tubes, employing image processing techniques to determine fluid volume, detect air or fluid presence, and adjust plunger movements accordingly, thereby enhancing verification and fluid drawing accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If gravimetric measurement systems are used to verify fluid volume, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and throughput are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces gravimetric measurement systems (mechanical weighing) with an imaging-based optical system. The imaging system uses cameras to capture images of syringes and fluid containers, then uses image processing algorithms to calculate fluid volumes based on visual characteristics, eliminating the need for mechanical scales and improving throughput while maintaining verification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates visual copies (images) of the physical syringes and fluid containers to extract volume information. Instead of physically weighing the syringes, the system captures optical copies and analyzes them digitally to determine fluid volumes, enabling non-contact measurement that does not interrupt the pharmaceutical preparation workflow.
2Productivity
If imaging-based systems are implemented, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the captured images are processed to provide real-time verification of fluid volumes. The system compares the measured volume against expected values and can trigger alerts or corrections, ensuring measurement precision is maintained through continuous monitoring and feedback control throughout the pharmaceutical preparation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs advanced image processing techniques that analyze multiple parameters from the captured images (pixel distances, refraction patterns, background distortions) to calculate fluid volumes. By changing and analyzing multiple visual parameters simultaneously, the system achieves high measurement precision without requiring physical contact or slowing down the preparation process.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If refraction-based detection is used for non-opaque tubes, then air detection capability is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a patterned background as an intermediary element to enhance the detection of air and fluid in non-opaque tubes. The background pattern provides reference points that make refraction effects more visible and measurable, allowing the imaging system to detect air bubbles or fluid presence by analyzing how the pattern appears through the tube walls, thereby improving detection capability without requiring complex internal tube modifications.
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 imaging-based systems provide precise volume verification and air detection, reducing errors and improving the efficiency of pharmaceutical preparation by eliminating the need for gravimetric measurement systems and enhancing throughput.
Implementation Method 1
a camera that is configurable to photograph a syringe
Implementation Method 2
receive a camera image of the non-opaque tube
Implementation Method 3
each region is associated with a respective degree of refraction of the patterned background
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for determining presence of fluid or air in a non-opaque tube in a pharmaceutical preparation device. The system includes a processing circuitry (PC). The PC is configured to: receive a camera image of the non-opaque tube, the non-opaque tube being positioned, from a camera perspective, in front of a patterned background, the received image thereby depicting one or more regions of the non-opaque tube, wherein each region is associated with a respective degree of refraction of the patterned background; and identify, using image processing techniques, in the received image, one or more of the regions of the non-opaque tube; and determine from, at least, one or more of the identified regions, a content characteristic of the non-opaque tube.