Vision-Based Infusion Volume Detection for Closed-Loop Flow Accuracy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infusion pumps face inaccuracies in fluid volume measurement due to factors like pump-to-pump variation, environmental conditions, medication properties, and disposable set variations, leading to over-infusion or under-infusion issues.
Innovation Solution
A vision-enabled system that uses an image sensing device to monitor fluid levels in infusion containers, comparing them to reported parameters and adjusting infusion therapy parameters in real-time to ensure accuracy, including adjusting motor speed to correct volume discrepancies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional infusion pumps use built-in sensors and encoders to detect fluid volume, then the system can provide automated infusion control, but measurement precision deteriorates due to pump-to-pump variation, environmental conditions, medication properties, and disposable set variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an external imaging system as an intermediary between the infusion pump and the fluid container. This external system (separate from the pump's internal sensors) captures images of the fluid container and uses image processing to determine fluid volume, thereby avoiding the measurement errors inherent in the pump's internal encoder and sensor system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy (image) of the fluid container and its contents. By capturing an image of the fluid meniscus position relative to marked graduations on the container, the system creates a reproducible visual record that can be processed to determine volume, replacing reliance on the pump's internal measurement mechanisms.
2Loss of information
If the pump's encoder is used to measure fluid volume, then the system can report infused volume, but measurement precision worsens due to encoder inaccuracies and tolerance stack up of components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical encoder system with an optical imaging system. Instead of using mechanical components (encoder wheels, motors, and associated tolerances) to measure volume, the system uses optical imaging to directly observe the fluid level in the container, eliminating the mechanical measurement chain and its associated errors.
3Measurement precision
If real-time monitoring of fluid levels is implemented using vision systems, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases due to additional imaging and processing components
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid container itself serves part of the measurement function through its pre-marked graduations. The container's existing visual markings become the measurement scale, eliminating the need for complex electronic sensors or transducers. The imaging system simply captures what is already visually present on the container.
Data Source
AI summary
A vision-enabled fluid flow rate detection system is disclosed. The system includes an image sensing device that images an infusion container supplying a fluid to an infusion pump and a pattern of markings associated with a surface of the container, and identifies a visual difference in the pattern from a default state of the pattern to determine a volume of fluid infused from the infusion container, and used to calculate a volume of fluid in the container and a flow rate of the fluid. When the amount of fluid, as determined by the vision system, differs from the amount reported by the pump, the pump's motor may be adjusted to correct the expected volume or flow rate, as needed. When a severe infusion inaccuracy is detected, an alarm or other indication may be provided, or the infusion terminated.