Syringe Fill Verification Using Optical Pattern Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical fluid injection systems struggle to accurately detect the presence of air in syringes, particularly when viewed from a distance, and differentiate between different types of fluids, which poses safety risks and complicates workflow.
Innovation Solution
A syringe design that utilizes electromagnetic radiation to create an illuminated identification pattern on the distal end, allowing for remote verification of fluid presence and type, with sensors and image processing to analyze the pattern and prevent air injections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If electromagnetic radiation is emitted through the syringe to create an illuminated identification pattern, then fluid presence and type can be detected from a distance, but the system complexity increases due to additional sensors and image processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an illuminated identification pattern as an intermediary visual indicator that forms when electromagnetic radiation passes through the syringe contents. This pattern serves as a mediator between the syringe contents and the detection system, allowing fluid verification without direct complex sensing of the fluid itself. The pattern acts as a visual signature that simplifies the detection task while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color changes and optical properties of different fluids to create distinct illuminated identification patterns. By analyzing the characteristics of light transmission and the resulting visual patterns, the system can differentiate between various fluid types and detect air presence. This approach converts complex fluid identification into a visual pattern recognition problem that can be solved with relatively simple optical sensors.
2Measurement precision
If automated image recognition is implemented to verify syringe fill status, then detection accuracy improves, but the measurement and analysis complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the syringe contents through the illuminated identification pattern. Instead of directly analyzing the physical fluid properties, the system captures an optical copy of the fluid's light transmission characteristics. This visual copy can then be analyzed using image recognition algorithms, converting a complex physical measurement problem into a more manageable visual pattern analysis problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional detection approach by instead of sending sensors into the syringe to measure fluid properties directly, it projects electromagnetic radiation through the syringe and analyzes the resulting optical pattern from the outside. This inversion simplifies the measurement process by working with optical signals that can be captured and analyzed non-invasively.
3Productivity
If the syringe is viewed from a distance for verification, then workflow efficiency improves, but the ability to detect air and verify fill status deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to the verification process by creating an illuminated identification pattern that extends across the syringe surface. This pattern provides verification information that can be observed from multiple angles and distances, effectively adding a visual dimension to the detection capability. The pattern's spatial distribution allows for reliable detection even when viewed from a distance, maintaining accuracy while improving workflow efficiency.
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 safe and efficient fluid verification by ensuring syringes are fully filled and correctly identified, preventing air injections and improving workflow efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the syringe and its contents interact with electromagnetic radiation to form an illuminated identification pattern on a distal end of the syringe
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A fluid injection system and a fluid verification system for confirming that a syringe, containing a fluid for injection, is fully filled with fluid and neither has free space (i.e., air) near the distal end thereof when the syringe is provided in an upright position nor contains air bubbles. Imaging processing techniques and systems are also provided to determine various injection parameters and to verify the type and certain properties of fluid that is present within a syringe.