U.S. patent application number 17/516659 was filed with the patent office on 2022-02-24 for method for analyzing fluid container.
This patent application is currently assigned to Digital Hospital, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Digital Hospital, Inc.. Invention is credited to Kevin R Brown, Philip Curtis.
Application Number | 20220059203 17/516659 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005945749 |
Filed Date | 2022-02-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220059203 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brown; Kevin R ; et
al. |
February 24, 2022 |
METHOD FOR ANALYZING FLUID CONTAINER
Abstract
An apparatus for determining the volume of a liquid in a
container. A digital camera is provided to view the container. A
processor can optically detect certain characteristics of the
container as viewed by the camera and accesses a computer memory
having stored characteristics of a plurality of known containers,
and the compare the detected certain characteristics with the
stored characteristics to identify the container from the plurality
of known containers. The processor can calculate the volume of the
container as a function of the distance between the first and
second ends of the container as viewed by the camera. The processor
can receive at least one image from the camera and determine
whether the liquid in the container contains any air pockets based
on the at least one image. Methods are provided, including a method
for use by an apparatus having a camera and a processor
electrically coupled to the camera to confirm the dosage of a
medicament in a container.
Inventors: |
Brown; Kevin R; (Rescue,
CA) ; Curtis; Philip; (Sandy, UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Digital Hospital, Inc. |
San Jose |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Digital Hospital, Inc.
San Jose
CA
|
Family ID: |
1000005945749 |
Appl. No.: |
17/516659 |
Filed: |
November 1, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15829744 |
Dec 1, 2017 |
11183284 |
|
|
PCT/US2016/035082 |
May 31, 2016 |
|
|
|
17516659 |
|
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|
|
62169484 |
Jun 1, 2015 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G16H 20/10 20180101;
Y02A 90/10 20180101; G06V 30/10 20220101; A61M 3/005 20130101; G01F
22/00 20130101; A61M 31/002 20130101; A61M 5/1723 20130101; A61M
3/022 20140204; A61M 2205/50 20130101; G01F 22/02 20130101; G01F
23/2921 20130101; G06K 9/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G16H 20/10 20060101
G16H020/10; G01F 22/00 20060101 G01F022/00; G06K 9/00 20060101
G06K009/00; G01F 23/292 20060101 G01F023/292; A61M 3/00 20060101
A61M003/00; A61M 31/00 20060101 A61M031/00 |
Claims
1-25. (canceled)
26. An apparatus for use to determine the presence of air and
liquid in a container, comprising: a light assembly configured to
project first and second different colors of light simultaneously
through the entire container, the first and second colors emitted
from the container in a first pattern after passing through air and
in a second pattern when passing through the liquid, a digital
camera adapted for viewing the container, a processor electrically
coupled to the camera and configured to analyze the pattern of the
first and second colors emitted from the container and viewed by
the camera so as to determine whether the container contains air,
liquid or both.
27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the processor is configured
to analyze the pattern of the first and second colors emitted from
the container and viewed by the camera so as to determine whether
the container is filled entirely with the liquid.
28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the processor is configured
to provide an output signal if the container is filled entirely
with the liquid.
29. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the processor is configured
to not provide an output signal if the container is not entirely
filled with the liquid.
30. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the container is a syringe
having a barrel and a plunger.
31. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the light assembly includes
a light source and a first filter of the first color and a second
filter of the second color disposed alongside the first filter so
that a first portion of the light from the light source travels
through the first filter and a second portion of the light from the
light source travels through the second filter.
32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein each of the first pattern
and the second pattern includes the first color disposed alongside
the second color.
33. An apparatus for use with a volume of a liquid in a container,
comprising: a light assembly configured to project first and second
different colors of light through the entire container to detect
the presence of any air in the container, a digital camera adapted
for viewing the liquid within the container and providing at least
one image of the entire container and the first and second colors
emitted from the container, and a processor electrically coupled to
the camera for receiving the at least one image from the camera and
configured to analyze the image for any first and second colors of
light refracted from within the container in a first manner after
passing through any air and refracted from within the container in
a second manner after passing through the liquid.
34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the processor is configured
to provide an output signal if the container does not contain any
air.
35. The apparatus of claim 34, further comprising an input
interface for receiving the identity of the liquid and a printer,
the processor being configured to cause the printer to print a
label which includes the identity of the liquid if the container
does not contain any air.
36. A method for use with a transparent container filled entirely
with a fluid, comprising: viewing the entire container with a
camera to obtain at least one image of the fluid in the container,
delivering the at least one image to a processor, causing the
processor to calculate a volume of the fluid in the container
utilizing the at least one image.
37. The method of claim 36, where in the fluid is selected from the
group consisting of a liquid, a clear liquid, an opaque liquid, an
opaque liquid and a clear liquid, liquid medicine, insulin, cloudy
insulin, cloudy insulin that has partially settled so as to be
partially transparent and air.
38. The method of claim 37, wherein the fluid is an opaque liquid
and clear liquid, and the causing step includes causing the
processor to calculate the volume of the opaque liquid and the
volume of the clear liquid.
39. The method of claim 36, wherein the viewing step includes
viewing the container with the camera to obtain at least one image
of a pattern of first and second colors emitted from the
container.
40. The method of claim 36, wherein the container is a closed
container.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. nonprovisional
application Ser. No. 15/829,744 filed Dec. 1, 2017, which claims
priority to International Application Number PCT/US2016/035082
filed May 31, 2016, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional
application Ser. No. 62/169,484 filed Jun. 1, 2015, the entire
content of each of which is incorporated herein by this
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the measurement of liquids
in containers, and more particularly to the measurement of liquid
in containers using digital containers.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Human practices, including the practices of medicine,
manufacturing, and science can include adverse events. Medical
adverse events can result in undesired harmful effects on patients.
Reducing such medical adverse events would be desirable.
[0004] Apparatus and equipment have been provided for determining
the characteristics of liquid in containers, for example in
syringes. Improvements in the ease and use of such apparatus and
equipment would be desirable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes
only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present
disclosure in any way. In the drawings, closely related figures
have the same number but different alphabetic suffixes.
[0006] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the apparatus of the
invention, as the apparatus might appear to medical personnel.
[0007] FIG. 1a shows the apparatus of FIG. 1 with a syringe or
container having first and second ends placed on the transparent
tray.
[0008] FIG. 1b shows an exploded schematic head-on view of the
apparatus of FIG. 1 looking from the front of the apparatus showing
one embodiment of elements for analyzing a vial's label including
analyzing barcodes on the label.
[0009] FIG. 1c shows a schematic of a direct head-on view similar
to FIG. 1b from the front of the apparatus showing one embodiment
of elements used for analyzing a syringe or container having first
and second ends.
[0010] FIG. 1d shows a side view schematic of the apparatus of FIG.
1 with the viewer looking on from the right side of apparatus. The
schematic shows the side view of camera (44) looking from the right
side, the syringe (30), the transparent tray (25), the color number
one transparency (one of two) (36) or filter looking on from the
right side of apparatus (21), and the bottom light source (38) of
the light assembly of the apparatus (21) of the invention of FIG.
1.
[0011] FIG. 2a shows one embodiment of the view of the camera of
the apparatus of FIG. 1 looking downwards onto the syringe or
container having first and second ends full of clear liquid.
[0012] FIG. 2b shows one embodiment of the view of the camera of
the apparatus of FIG. 1 looking downwards onto the syringe or
container having first and second ends full of clear liquid as the
syringe or container having first and second ends is placed off
center to the left.
[0013] FIG. 2c shows one embodiment of the camera's view of the
apparatus of FIG. 1 looking downwards onto the syringe or container
having first and second ends full of clear liquid with an air
bubble present. The air bubble (51) is straddled between first and
second colors of light projecting through the syringe or container
having first and second ends.
[0014] FIG. 2d shows one embodiment of the camera's view of the
apparatus of FIG. 1 looking downwards onto a syringe (30), or
container having first and second ends, full of clear liquid with
two air bubbles (52) and (53) present. Air bubble (52) is
surrounded by the color one of two or the first color. Air bubble
(53) is surrounded by the color two of two or the second color.
[0015] FIG. 2e shows one embodiment of the camera's view of the
apparatus of FIG. 1 looking downwards onto the syringe, or
container having first and second ends, full of air.
[0016] FIG. 3a shows one embodiment of a light ray diagram showing
how two colors of light travel upwards through a syringe full of
clear liquid and how the first and second colors of the light are
transposed before being viewed by a camera of the apparatus of FIG.
1.
[0017] FIG. 3b shows a close-up view of the light refractions of
the clear liquid filled syringe area of the light ray diagram of
FIG. 3a.
[0018] FIG. 3c shows one embodiment of a light ray diagram of how
two colors of light travel upwards through a syringe full of air
and how the light colors are not transposed before being viewed by
a camera of the apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 3d shows a close-up view of the air filled syringe area
of the light ray diagram of FIG. 3c.
[0020] FIG. 3e shows one embodiment of a light ray diagram of how
two colors of light travel upwards through a bubble of air in a
liquid filled cylinder and how the light colors are not transposed
before being viewed by the camera of the apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 3f shows a close-up view of the bubble of air area of
the light ray diagram of FIG. 3e.
[0022] FIG. 4a shows one embodiment of the camera's view of the
apparatus of FIG. 1 looking downwards onto the medical dosage
device full of Cloudy (White) opaque insulin properly mixed. The
colors of light are not able to penetrate the Cloudy (White) opaque
insulin properly mixed (66) before being viewed by the camera (34)
of the apparatus of FIG. 1a. The length of Cloudy (opaque) insulin
in cylinder properly mixed (67) and width of Cloudy (opaque)
insulin in cylinder properly mixed (68) are shown, and thus the
volume of Cloudy (White) opaque insulin properly mixed (66) can be
scanned and measured.
[0023] FIG. 4b shows one embodiment of the camera's view of the
apparatus of FIG. 1 looking downwards onto the medical dosage
device partially filled with Cloudy (White) opaque insulin properly
mixed (66) and partially filled with Cloudy insulin whose
suspension has settled--becoming clear instead of opaque and
letting light thru (69). The length of liquid in cylinder (47) and
the width of liquid in cylinder (49) can be measured and thus the
volume of liquid in the syringe or container having first and
second ends can be evaluated by the apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 5 shows one embodiment of a flowchart delineating the
operation of the software of the apparatus FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 6A(1) shows an embodiment of a flow diagram delineating
the software flow of the login procedure, medicine type
verification, administrative tasks and connectivity of the EHR of
the patient of the apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0026] FIG. 6A(2) shows an embodiment of a flow diagram delineating
the software flow of the patient selection, placing syringe on
device and data logging of the apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0027] FIG. 6B shows an embodiment of a flow diagram delineating
the software flow of verifying that the proper dose of medicine is
in the syringe, and considering air bubbles, of the apparatus of
FIG. 1.
[0028] FIG. 6C shows an embodiment of a flow diagram delineating
the software flow of printing a label if the dose in the syringe is
correct of the apparatus of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] The invention's computer vision awareness of the presence
and volume of liquid and air by watching the refraction behavior of
light through clear liquid and air could be applied to possibly
help lessen adverse events in medicine, manufacturing, and
science.
[0030] One embodiment of the apparatus of the invention can lessen
medical adverse events in the preparation process for injecting
medicines into patients in the hospital. Some of the ways in which
said medical adverse events can occur are from an incorrect
medicine being injected; or from an incorrect dosage of medicine
being injected; or from air being present in an injected dose. In
some current standard hospital procedures for medical injections,
one medical practitioner prepares the dose in a syringe while a
second medical practitioner is required for the purpose of checking
said preparation process. In one embodiment, the apparatus of the
invention can replace the need for said second medical practitioner
by supplying the expertise to check said preparation process. The
apparatus of the invention can also add the value of recording
every step of each iteration of said preparation.
[0031] In the case of insulin, a diabetic patient can need at least
three and maybe four injections of insulin per day while in the
hospital. Effective dosage of said injections is dependent on the
most current known blood glucose level of said patient. In one
embodiment, the apparatus of the invention can automatically
retrieve the most recent known blood glucose level of said patient
from said patient's Electronic Health Record (EHR). Effective after
release treatment of said patient requires the knowledge of past
dosages and the effect said past dosages had on the blood glucose
level of the patient. The apparatus of the invention can have
access to that data in the EHR.
[0032] In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided for determining
the volume of a liquid in one of a plurality of known containers.
The apparatus includes a digital camera for viewing the container.
A processor can be electrically coupled to the camera and
configured to optically detect certain characteristics of the
container viewed by the camera and to access a computer memory
having stored characteristics of the plurality of known containers.
The processor can be configured to compare the detected certain
characteristics with the stored characteristics to identify the
container from the plurality of known containers. The processor can
be configured to calculate the volume of the container as a
function of the distance between the first and second ends of the
container as viewed by the camera.
[0033] In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided for determining
the presence of any air pockets in a volume of a liquid in a
container. The apparatus includes a digital camera for viewing the
liquid within the container and providing at least one image of the
liquid within the container. A processor is electrically coupled to
the camera for receiving the at least one image from the camera.
The processor can be configured to determine whether the liquid
contains any air pockets based on the at least one image.
[0034] In one embodiment, a method is provided to confirm the
dosage of a medicament in a container. The method can utilize an
apparatus having a camera and a processor electrically coupled to
the camera. In the method, the proper volume of the dosage is
accessed from a computer memory. The container is viewed with the
camera to obtain at least one image of the container. The at least
one image of the container is delivered to the processor. The
processor calculates the volume of the liquid in the container
utilizing the at least one image and compares the calculated volume
to the proper volume.
[0035] The embodiments of the invention set forth below are
examples of the invention, and may in some instances be broader
than the foregoing embodiments of the invention but are not
intended to limit the breadth of the foregoing embodiments.
Additional features of the invention set forth in such embodiments
are optional. A feature of any embodiment set forth below can be
combined with any of the foregoing embodiments, with or without any
other feature of any embodiment set forth below. All
characteristics, steps, parameters and features of the apparatus
and methods below are not limited to the specific embodiments or
specific parts set forth below, but instead are equally applicable
to any or all of the foregoing embodiments of the invention and to
all embodiments of the invention. Broad terms and descriptors are
replaced herein with more specific terms and descriptors not to
limit a disclosure to a specific term or descriptor but merely for
ease of discussion and understanding.
[0036] The apparatus and method of the invention can be used with
any suitable container for holding a liquid. One suitable container
is syringe (30). One suitable syringe includes a barrel (201) or
cylinder for containing a liquid and having a first end (202)
provided with a fluid exit port (not shown) and a second end (203)
provided with an opening (206) (see FIG. 1d). The syringe can
additionally include a suitable plunger, such as plunger (42)
having an end (207) for extending through the opening (206) in the
barrel (201) for slidable disposition in the barrel.
[0037] The apparatus of the invention can be of any suitable type
and is not limited to the disclosure and drawings herein. One
embodiment of the apparatus of the invention is illustrated in
FIGS. 1 and 1a. In FIG. 1a, labeled parts on the exterior of
apparatus (21) include touchscreen (28), which can serve as a
display and as an input device, graphical user interface software
or GUI (32) displayed on the touchscreen (28) and a computer (24)
or other suitable processor of any suitable type. In one
embodiment, the computer includes a central processing unit (CPU)
and memory coupled to the CPU. The memory can include any suitable
storage memory, for example hard drives and/or solid state drives,
as well as short term member such as random access memory. The
computer can be programed in any suitable memory, including by
means of software or firmware. Any such software can be stored in
the memory of the computer 24, or in the memory of a remote
computing device in communication with the computer 24. FIG. 1a
also labels the exterior housing (26) or structure of the apparatus
(21), the printer (22) which can printout the attachable label (23)
with all pertinent data and scan codes. Said label (23) can be
attached by medical personnel to the syringe (30) or container
having first and second ends. FIG. 1a labels the power supply (29),
and also the data connection port (31) to be used for receiving and
transmitting data. FIG. 1a labels the transparent tray (25) on
which the medicine vial or syringe (30) or other suitable container
having first and second (202,203) ends can be placed in order for
the computer (24) to process said medicine vial or syringe (30) or
container having first and second ends. FIG. 1a also labels the
guides (27) on top of the tray (25). Said guides can be used so the
medical practitioner visually knows where the syringe (30) or
container having first and second ends is to be placed
horizontally. In one embodiment of the apparatus of the invention,
the syringe (30) or container having first and second ends on the
tray (25) such that cap (43) or first end (202) is inserted first
into the apparatus (21) and onto the tray 25. In one embodiment,
the syringe (30) or container having first and second ends is
placed on the tray 25 so that both the cap (43) or first end and
the wings or flanges (FIG. 2a, #41) of the syringe (30) or
container having first and second ends are contained by the front
and back boundaries of the tray (25).
[0038] Standard hospital insulin preparation process, which is to
be checked and recorded by the apparatus (21), starts with
examining whether the correct medicine is being used.
[0039] FIG. 1b shows one embodiment of a frontal head-on two
dimensional cross section schematic top-to-bottom view of the
positioning of the elements of the apparatus (21) that may come
into play in order to analyze whether the correct medicine is
present. In one embodiment, the analysis of apparatus (21) is
commenced by having the medical practitioner place the vial of
medicine (39) on the transparent tray (25) between the guides (27)
under the camera (34) with the barcode facing upward towards the
camera. Standard barcode reading techniques can then be used by the
computer (24) while receiving the image from the camera (34). The
apparatus (21) can alert medical personnel quickly and easily, for
example thru GUI (32), if an incorrect medicine is present before
the medicine is administered to the patient.
[0040] FIG. 1b also shows a frontal head-on two dimensional cross
section schematic top-to-bottom view of one embodiment of the
positioning of the elements of the apparatus (21) that may come
into play in order to analyze whether the medicine is current or
expired. In one embodiment, the analysis of apparatus (21) is
commenced by having the medical practitioner place the vial of
medicine (39) on the transparent tray (25) between the guides (27)
under the camera (34) with the barcode facing upward towards the
camera. Standard barcode reading techniques can then be used by the
computer (24) while receiving the image from the camera (34). If
the barcode does not yield the expiration date information, the
computer (24) can use standard character recognition of printing on
the label (40) to decipher the expiration date. If standard
character recognition does not yield satisfactory results, the
medical practitioner can be asked, for example by the GUI (32), to
enter the expiration date that is on the label using the
touchscreen (28) or any other suitable input technique and device.
The apparatus (21) can thus alert medical personnel quickly and
easily if an expired medicine is present before being administered
to the patient.
[0041] FIG. 1c shows a frontal head-on two dimensional cross
section schematic top-to-bottom view of one embodiment of the
positioning of the elements of the apparatus (21) that can come
into play in order to analyze whether the cap or first end is on
the syringe (30) or container having first and second ends, and
whether the correct syringe (30) or container having first and
second ends is present, and whether the dosage in the syringe (30)
or container having first and second ends is correct. In one
embodiment, the analysis of apparatus (21) is commenced by having
the medical practitioner place the syringe (30) or container having
first and second ends on the transparent tray (25) between the
guides (27). In one embodiment of the apparatus of the invention,
the syringe (30) or container having first and second ends can be
placed on the tray (25) such that cap (FIG. 1d, #43) or first end
is inserted first into the apparatus (21) and onto the tray 25. In
one embodiment, the syringe (30) or container having first and
second ends is placed on the tray 25 so that both the cap (FIG. 1d,
#43) or first end and the wings or flanges (FIG. 2a, #41) of the
syringe (30) are contained by the front and back boundaries of the
tray (25). Such placement allows the camera to see said wings or
flanges (FIG. 2a, #41) and said cap (FIG. 1d, #43) or first end to
later decipher the size of the syringe or container having first
and second ends.
[0042] In one embodiment, the camera (34) can take a picture using
top lighting (33). Standard computer vision software in the
computer (24) can use object identification to decide whether the
cap (FIG. 1d, #43), or first end, is present or is not present on
top of the syringe (30) or container having first and second ends.
In one embodiment, the cap or first end is required to be on.
Analysis procedures of the apparatus (21) concerning whether the
correct syringe (30) or container having first and second ends
(202,203) is present, and whether the dosage in the syringe (30) or
container having first and second ends is correct, is discussed
later in this text with respect to the FIG. 2 series and the FIG. 3
series of drawings. For now, please note that in one embodiment the
line where the Color Number One Transparency (36) or filter meets
the Color Number Two Transparency (37) or filter is ideally aligned
with the center of the syringe (30) or container having first and
second ends and the center of the lens of the camera. This is one
preferred placement situation, although it is appreciated that the
syringe or container having first and second ends may be placed off
center in the operation of the apparatus (21), as will be discussed
later when referring to FIGS. 2b and 2c.
[0043] FIG. 1d shows one embodiment of a side view, two dimensional
cross section schematic of the positioning of elements of the
apparatus (21) and the syringe (30) or container having first and
second ends. FIG. 1d is looking directly towards the right side of
the apparatus (21) so that the rear of the apparatus (21) is to the
right of the image and the front of the apparatus (21) is to the
left of said image. FIG. 1d shows that the Color Number One
Transparency (36) or filter, and by implication also the Color
Number Two Transparency (37) or filter which is blocked from view,
are in one embodiment at least as long as the longest syringe (30)
or container having first and second ends being testing on the
apparatus (21). In one embodiment, the depth of the tray (25) can
be at least as long as the longest syringe (30) or container having
first and second ends testing on the apparatus (21). Compare FIG.
1d with both FIGS. 1a and 1c to get two perspectives on the
positioning of syringe (30) or container having first and second
ends and the positioning as well as size of Color Number One
Transparency or filter (36) and Color Number Two Transparency (37)
or filter and tray (25).
[0044] FIG. 2a portrays one embodiment of the view the camera (34)
of the following: a clear liquid filled syringe (30) or container
having first and second ends, the Color Number One Transparency
(36) or filter, and Color Number Two Transparency (37) or filter.
The bottom lighting (38) is in effect but the camera does not see
the actual bottom lighting apparatus (38) which is below the
transparencies or filters.
[0045] In one embodiment, the apparatus (21) can determine whether
the syringe (30), or container having first and second ends, is the
correct size of syringe, or container having first and second ends,
for the desired dose. In one embodiment, the process of the
computer (24) which decides on the correctness of the size of the
syringe, or container having first and second ends, determines the
length of the cylinder (48). The length of the cylinder (48) can be
defined as the distance from where the bottom of the cap (43) or
first end meets the wall of syringe cylinder (35) to where the
wings or flanges (41) meet the cylinder wall (35). Standard
computer vision programming of computer (24) can use object
recognition to determine exactly where said two points are, and
then computer (24) can calculate the length of the cylinder (48).
Once the length of the cylinder (48) has been calculated, computer
(24) can compare said calculated length with known cylinder lengths
of different size syringes, or containers having first and second
ends, and decide if the desired syringe, or container having first
and second ends, is in place and report to medical personnel
through GUI (32) or otherwise. In one embodiment, the computer can
store in memory the length of the cylinder of a finite number of
syringes, or containers having first and second ends. Most of the
said syringe cylinder length data in memory has the property of one
unique length per type of syringe, in which case syringe type can
be ascertained by calculating the length of the syringe cylinder
and associating that length in the stored library of data with a
stored type of syringe. It is appreciated that differing syringe or
container having first and second ends types may have the same
cylinder length and such types should be noted in the computer's
stored data and should contain additional differentiating data such
as cylinder width (50) (see FIG. 4b). Such length, or other
characteristics of the cylinder or other parts of a finite number
of syringes, can be stored in any suitable location, such as in
memory in any suitable location. Such memory, or storage, can be
included in the apparatus or located remote or offsite from the
apparatus.
[0046] In one embodiment, the apparatus (21) determines whether
there is only liquid in the syringe (30) or container having first
and second ends, or conversely, whether there is air in the syringe
or container having first and second ends. FIG. 2a portrays a
syringe (30), or container having first and second ends, filled
with liquid. Computer (24) can notice the transposing positions of
color when liquid is in the cylinder. In one embodiment, the color
one of two (45), or first color, is on the left of the cylinder
while the transparency creating that color (36) is on the right of
the cylinder. Accordingly, the color two of two (46), or second
color, is on the right of the cylinder while the transparency or
filter creating that color (37) is on the left of the cylinder.
[0047] In one embodiment, two distinct colors for the
transparencies (36,37) are utilized, such that the color hue value
of each color can be used in addition to saturation and intensity
values to distinguish the two colors. Use of color hue values can
be an improvement over using strictly light intensity in the
computer vision analysis algorithms, as for example would be the
case if black and white were used. Use of color hue values can
improve the ability of the algorithm to distinguish between the two
colors in varying ambient light conditions, both improving accuracy
and repeatability of the measurements.
[0048] The physics of transposition of colors through a liquid are
explained below in the discussion of the FIG. 3 series of
illustrations. The apparatus (21) can tell that the cylinder in
FIG. 2a is filled with liquid by computer (24) discerning the
existence of the transposed colors which appear in an orderly
transposition throughout the cylinder.
[0049] Once the apparatus (21) has decided that there exists a
cylinder full of liquid, the apparatus (21) can measure the volume
of liquid inside the cylinder in order to decide if the correct
dosage is present. Looking at what FIG. 2a portrays, computer (24)
can discern the length of the liquid (47), defined as the distance
from where the bottom of the cap (43) or by the first end (202) of
the barrel (201) extending between the wall of syringe cylinder
(35), to where the top of the plunger (42) or second end (207)
extends between the cylinder wall (35). Standard computer vision
software in computer (24) can use object recognition to determine
exactly where said two points are, and then computer (24) can
calculate the length of the liquid (47) between such two ends (202)
and (207). To measure the width of the liquid, computer (24) can be
programmed with the width of liquid in known syringe sizes, or
known container having first and second ends sizes. Alternatively,
computer (24) can count the pixels of color from the inside edge of
the left cylinder wall (35) to the inside edge of the right
cylinder wall (35). Computer (24) can translate the number of
pixels into distance and thereby discerning the width of the liquid
(49). Once the length and width of the liquid is known, volume can
be calculated by the formula
L*.PI.r.sup.2
where L=length of liquid in cylinder (48) and r=0.5*width of liquid
in cylinder (49).
[0050] The computer (24) can then check to see if said volume
coincides with the desired volume of medicine. If the volume
coincides with the desired volume of medicine, the medical
personnel is alerted through GUI (32) or otherwise and the process
is allowed to continue. Apparatus (21) can alert medical personnel
thru GUI (32) or otherwise if an incorrect dosage of medicine is
present and suggestions can be made through GUI (32) or otherwise
to correct the situation (see for example the bottom of FIG. 5 for
"Correct Volume" decision.)
[0051] In one embodiment, the apparatus (21) can allow for a
certain amount of horizontal leeway when placing the syringe (30),
or container having first and second ends, on the top of tray (25)
in between the guides (27). FIG. 2b shows one embodiment of the
view of the camera (34) looking downwards onto the syringe (30) or
container having first and second ends full of clear liquid as the
syringe (30) or container having first and second ends is placed to
the left, off center of the line between the two transparencies or
filters. Color one of two (45) or first color is on the left of the
cylinder while the transparency or filter creating that color (36)
is on the right of the cylinder. FIG. 2b shows the transposing
positions of color when liquid is in the cylinder, but with
differing amounts of each color. Accordingly, the color two of two
(46) is on the right of the cylinder while the transparency
creating that color (37) is on the left of the cylinder. The
process of transposition of colors through a liquid will be
explained below in the discussion of the FIG. 3 series of
illustrations. The apparatus (21) can determine that the cylinder
in FIG. 2b is filled with liquid by computer (24) discerning the
existence of the transposed colors which appear in an orderly
transposition throughout the cylinder, even if the syringe or
container having first and second ends is off center. In one
embodiment, the existence of both of the two transposed colors
prove liquid is in the cylinder, no matter what the ratio of color
one (45) or first color is to color two (46) or second color. Thus
there is a certain amount of play in the left or right positioning
of the syringe or container having first and second ends, which
makes it easier for the medical personnel to use the apparatus
(21). The ratio of colors produced by a syringe (30) or container
having first and second ends placed off the center line of the two
transparencies to the right instead of the left would similarly
still be able to be analyzed by the apparatus (21). The play in the
left and right positioning of the syringe (30) or container having
first and second ends is increased as the syringe (30) or container
having first and second ends is moved a greater distance above the
focal point (73) seen in FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b.
[0052] In one embodiment, the apparatus (21) detects if air is in
the syringe (30) or container having first and second ends. In the
case of insulin, the air itself may not be dangerous to the
patient, as insulin is not an intravenous injection. However, in
said case of insulin, the air may be of significant volume to
affect the correct measurement of the volume of medicine in the
syringe (30), or container having first and second ends, by
displacing said medicine enough to affect measurement of the true
amount of medicine. The apparatus (21) can alert medical personnel
thru GUI (32) or otherwise if a large enough amount of air is
present in the medicine that would affect the volume measurement of
said medicine prior to being administered.
[0053] In the case of intravenous injections, air within the
syringe (30), or container having first and second ends, can be
dangerous to the patient. The apparatus (21) can alert medical
personnel if any potentially harmful amount of air is present in
injectable medicine prior to being administered intravenously. FIG.
2c shows one embodiment of the camera's view looking downwards onto
the syringe (30) or container having first and second ends full of
clear liquid with an air bubble (51) present. The air bubble (51)
is straddled between two colors. The colors of light are transposed
in the liquid before being viewed by the camera of the apparatus of
the invention. Where the air bubble exists, in one embodiment, the
colors of light are not transposed before being viewed by the
camera of the apparatus of the invention. Thus said air bubble can
be discerned, measured, and reported to medical personnel. See
discussion below with respect to FIG. 3e and FIG. 3f for the
physics of this colored lighting phenomenon. If two or more air
bubbles are totally aligned or one air bubble obscures another air
bubble which is below the top air bubble, in one embodiment the
software can use enough leeway in calculations of area in order to
decide on the potential of an unwanted amount of air. If two or
more air bubbles are partially aligned, in one embodiment the
software can use extrapolation from the visible circumferences in
order to measure the area of air and decide on the potential of an
unwanted amount of air.
[0054] Unlike an air bubble (51) straddled between two colors, air
bubbles can also appear enclosed within one color. FIG. 2d shows
one embodiment of the camera's (24) view looking downwards onto the
syringe (30) or container having first and second ends full of
clear liquid with two air bubbles (52,53) present. Air bubble (52)
is surrounded by the color one of two or first color. Air bubble
(53) is surrounded by the color two of two or second color. The
colors of light are transposed in the liquid before being viewed by
the camera of the apparatus of the invention, however where the air
bubbles exist, the colors of light are not transposed before being
viewed by the camera. Thus the bubbles can be discerned, measured,
and reported to medical personnel.
[0055] In one embodiment, the apparatus (21) determines if the
syringe or container having first and second ends is full or
partially full of air. FIG. 2e shows one embodiment of the camera's
(24) view looking downwards onto the syringe (30) or container
having first and second ends full of air. The colors of light are
not transposed as the colors were transposed in liquid before being
viewed by the camera of the apparatus of the invention. The length
of the air (143) and width of the air (62) are shown, and thus the
air can be discerned and measured.
[0056] The physics of light behavior in air and clear liquid and
plastic are used by the apparatus (21) to distinguish the existence
of clear liquid within the syringe (30) cylinder, or container
having first and second ends, and to distinguish the existence of
air within the syringe (30) cylinder or container having first and
second ends. FIG. 3a shows one embodiment of a light ray diagram
depicting how two colors of light can travel upwards through a
cylinder filled with clear liquid (58) and how the light colors are
transposed before being viewed by the camera (34) of apparatus
(21). The light emanates as white light from the bottom light
source (38) and travels upward through one of the two colored
transparencies (36,37), or filters, where the white light becomes
colored light rays (56,57) by the respective transparency or
filter.
[0057] The light that travels upward from the bottom light source
(38) is omnidirectional and as the light passes through the colored
transparencies (36,37) the light remains omnidirectional. The light
rays shown in the FIG. 3 drawings are a subset of the infinite
amount of light rays being produced. The subset of light rays shown
in the FIG. 3 drawings are intended to show the area of light rays
which are within the camera's (34) area of view.
[0058] FIG. 3b shows a close-up view of the light refractions of
the clear liquid filled cylinder (58) area of the light ray diagram
of FIG. 3a. The viewable colored light either passes by the
cylinder and is not affected by the cylinder, or the viewable light
passes through the cylinder filled with liquid and is refracted
(59) according to the refraction index of the plastic wall of the
cylinder (35) and the refraction index of the liquid (60) in the
clear liquid filled cylinder (58). The light rays (56,57) transpose
as they pass through the cylinder and before they reach the camera
(34).
[0059] FIGS. 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, and 3f are all light ray diagrams
of an embodiment of the invention. Said light ray diagrams are
based on the following: [0060] 1. Camera (34) is 3 inches above
syringe or container having first and second ends. [0061] 2. The
syringe (30) cylinder, or container having first and second ends,
diameter is 1/4'' [0062] 3. The syringe (30) cylinder, or container
having first and second ends, is 1'' above transparencies (36,37).
[0063] 4. Wall thickness of syringe, or container having first and
second ends, is 5% of overall diameter. [0064] 5. Index of
refraction for syringe wall made of PET polypropyline is 1.575
[0065] 6. Index of refraction for clear liquid insulin is 1.56
[0066] FIG. 3c shows one embodiment of a light ray diagram
depicting how two colors of light rays (56,57) travel upwards
through a cylinder filled with air (63) and how the light's colors
are not transposed before being viewed by the camera (34) of the
apparatus (21) of the invention of FIG. 1. The light emanates as
white light from the bottom light source (38) and travels upward
through one of the two colored transparencies (36,37) or filters
where the white light becomes colored light rays (56,57) by the
respective transparency or filter.
[0067] FIG. 3d shows a close-up view of the light refractions of
the air filled cylinder (63) area of the light ray diagram of FIG.
3c. The viewable colored light either passes by the cylinder and is
not affected by the cylinder, or the viewable light passes through
the cylinder filled with air and is defracted according to the
refraction index of the plastic wall of the cylinder (34) and the
refraction index of the air (64) in the air filled cylinder (63).
The refraction index of air at standard temperature and pressure is
1.000277. The light rays (56,57) do not transpose as they pass
through the air filled cylinder (63) and before they reach the
camera (34).
[0068] FIG. 3e shows one embodiment of a light ray diagram
depicting how two colors of light rays (56,57) travel upwards
through a bubble of air (65) in a liquid filled cylinder and shows
how the light rays behave if there is a bubble of air in the
liquid. The light emanates as white light from the bottom light
source (38) and travels upward through one of the two colored
transparencies (36,37) or filters where the white light becomes
colored light rays (56,57) by the respective transparency or
filter.
[0069] FIG. 3f is a close up of the bubble area shown in FIG. 3e
where light refractions of the air bubble within the liquid in a
cylinder occur. FIG. 3f shows that the light rays (61) coming
upwards from below the cylinder are refracted first by the cylinder
wall (35) and then are refracted in the liquid insulin (60), and
then are refracted (64) by the air in the bubble (65).
[0070] The light ray then exits the top of the bubble and is
refracted again in the liquid and refracted yet again by the upper
wall of the cylinder (35). The colors which pass through the bubble
of air (65) are not transposed before being viewed by the camera
(34) of the apparatus (21) of the invention of FIG. 1. See also
FIGS. 2c and 2d for the camera's (34) view of air bubbles within
liquid.
[0071] The light that travels upward from the bottom light source
(38) is omnidirectional and as the light passes through the colored
transparencies (36,37), or filters, the light remains
omnidirectional. The light rays shown in FIGS. 3e and 3f are a
subset of the infinite amount of light rays being produced. The
subset of light rays shown in FIGS. 3e and 3f drawings are intended
to show the area of the subset of light rays which both pass
through the bubble and are within the camera's (34) area of view.
Light rays which pass only through liquid and are within the
camera's (34) area of view are not shown in FIGS. 3e and 3f
[0072] On occasion, the medical personnel may be using cloudy
insulin which, when mixed properly may be opaque and not permit the
light rays to pass through the insulin so as to be seen by the
camera (34). If allowed to settle, cloudy insulin may partially let
light thru. FIG. 4a shows one embodiment of what the camera (34)
may see if the syringe or container having first and second ends is
filled with properly mixed cloudy insulin. Since light rays are not
permeating the fluid, the camera (34) sees solid white in the
cylinder. In this instance (4a), the computer (24) can easily find
the length and width of the opaque medicine by using standard
computer vision software (see volume measurement discussion on FIG.
2a above).
[0073] FIG. 4b shows an embodiment where the cloudy insulin has
been allowed to partially settle. Where the cloudy insulin permits
the partial passage of light, the transposition of light can occur
as in a clear liquid (see discussion on transposition of light for
FIG. 2a above.) In the situation of FIG. 4b, the apparatus (21)
knows how to measure the volume of opaque liquid and clear liquid
(see discussion above with respect to FIGS. 4a and 2a).
[0074] The apparatus (21) can print a label (23) marked with
relevant data and containing a scan code which is to be attached by
the medical personnel to syringe (30) or container having first and
second ends. Creation of a label (23) can occur upon confirmation
of correct dosage and correct medicine and the absence of
significant air bubbles in the liquid. The data on label (23) can
include, for example, the patient's name and identification, the
medical personnel name and identification, the amount of the dose,
the current time, the time dosage is due, the unique identification
of said embodiment of apparatus (21), the patient database readable
barcode with patient, drug, and dose information or any combination
of the foregoing.
[0075] In one embodiment, the method of apparatus (21), from the
point of view of a user, starts as the nurse or medical
practitioner logs in (75) on the touchscreen (28). The nurse or
medical practitioner enters the name of the applicable patient (76)
on the touchscreen (28). The nurse or medical practitioner holds
the medicine vial (39) underneath the camera (34) with barcode (40)
face up (79). The apparatus (21) decides if the medicine is
correct, and if said medicine is correct, the touchscreen (28) is
updated and the nurse or medical practitioner is advised to
proceed. The nurse or medical practitioner draws the medicine into
the syringe and puts the syringe between the guides on the
transparent tray of the apparatus (21). The apparatus (21) decides
if the amount of medicine in the syringe is correct and safe, and
if so, prints a label (23). The apparatus (21) updates a patient
database with all pertinent information. The nurse or medical
practitioner puts the label on the syringe.
[0076] FIG. 5 shows one embodiment of a flowchart delineating the
operation of the software of the apparatus (21). Said embodiment
delineates a broad concept of the operation of the software of the
apparatus (21). Said flowchart starts with the nurse or medical
practitioner accomplishing a successful login (75) using the
graphics user interface or GUI (32) on the touchscreen (28). The
nurse or medical practitioner enters (76) the current patient using
the graphics user interface or GUI (32) on the touchscreen (28). In
one embodiment, the apparatus (21) is in communication with a
patient database or Electronic Health Record (EHR) of the patient
and the software can receive (77) all pertinent data on the patient
and can display pertinent data using GUI (32). All pertinent data
of the patient, for example the patient's EHR, can be stored in the
memory of the apparatus (21), stored in memory remote of the
apparatus (21), for example offsite of the apparatus (21), or
stored in any combination of the foregoing. In one embodiment, the
nurse or medical practitioner manually enters (77) the pertinent
data of said current patient using GUI (32). The nurse or medical
practitioner picks (78) the type of drug or medicine using GUI
(32). The nurse or medical practitioner enters (78) the dosage of
said drug or said medicine using GUI (32). The nurse or medical
practitioner holds a vial of medicine (39) below the camera (34),
the camera takes a picture of the label (79) of said vial (39) of
medicine, and the software analyzes (79) the image of the barcode
on the label (40) of said vial (39) of medicine, and the software
decides (79) if said vial of medicine is the correct medicine. If
the vial (39) of medicine is not correct, the GUI (32) asks the
nurse or medical practitioner to redo the process of picking the
medicine (78). If the vial (39) of medicine is correct, the GUI
(32) asks the nurse or medical practitioner to draw (80) the
medicine into a syringe, and the GUI (32) asks the nurse or medical
practitioner to tap the syringe to eliminate air bubbles (81), and
the GUI (32) asks the nurse or medical practitioner to place (82)
the cap (43) or first end on to the syringe (30) or container. GUI
(32) asks the nurse or medical practitioner to place (82) the
syringe (30), or container having first and second ends, on top of
the transparent tray (25). The nurse or medical practitioner pushes
a button on GUI (32) to alert the software that the syringe (30) is
ready for analysis (83). The camera (34) takes a picture (84) of
the syringe (30). The software scans (85) said picture and the
software analyzes the data to determine (85) if the syringe is the
correct size, to determine (85) the volume of liquid, and to
determine (85) the presence of air or air bubbles present in the
syringe (30). If the size of the syringe (30) is not correct (80),
the software goes back to step (78) and the GUI (32) asks the nurse
or medical practitioner to pick the medicine or drug and dose (78).
If the size of the syringe (30) is correct (80), the software
decides if the volume of medicine or the volume of drug is correct
(86). and the GUI (32) asks the nurse or medical practitioner to
pick the medicine or drug and dose (78). If the volume of medicine
or the volume of drug is not correct, the software decides if there
is too much volume (89) or too little volume (88). If there is too
little volume (88) then GUI (32) takes the nurse or medical
practitioner back to draw up more medicine (80) into the syringe
(30). If there is too much volume (88) then GUI (32) asks the nurse
or medical practitioner to squirt out an amount of the medicine
which can allow for proper volume to be achieved, then GUI (32)
asks the nurse or medical practitioner to recap the syringe (82).
If the volume is correct (87) then the software analyzes the
picture to determine if there is air or air bubbles (90) in the
syringe (30). If there is a harmful amount of air detected by the
software, the GUI (32) asks the nurse or medical practitioner to
tap the syringe to eliminate air bubbles (81). If there is not a
harmful amount of air detected by the software, the GUI (32) alerts
the nurse or medical practitioner of success (91). The software
updates the electronic health record EHR if an EHR is available
(92). The software tells the printer (22) to print (93) a label
(23) for the nurse or medical practitioner to affix to the syringe
(30) or container having first and second ends.
[0077] FIG. 6a-6c show one embodiment of a flowchart delineating
the operation of the software of the apparatus (21). Said
embodiment delineates a more detailed concept of the operation of
the software of the apparatus (21) than FIG. 5. Said flowchart
starts (FIG. 6a) with the nurse or medical practitioner tapping the
graphics user interface or GUI (32) on the touchscreen (28) to wake
up the sleeping computer (24) if needed (97). The GUI (32) on the
touchscreen (28) displays the login screen (98). The nurse or
medical practitioner enters username and password, then presses the
"Enter" button (99). Alternatively, the nurse or medical
practitioner scans their Identification Badge, enters password,
then presses the "Enter" button (99). The software decides as to
whether the login is authentic (100). If the login is not
authentic, an alert states that "Login Failed", and the nurse or
medical practitioner can revisit step (99) and try to login again.
If the login is authentic, the nurse or medical practitioner
selects (102) the current patient using the graphics user interface
or GUI (32) on the touchscreen (28). The software determines if the
patient identifier is recognized as valid (103). If the software
determines that the patient identifier is not valid, the graphics
user interface or GUI (32) displays an alert to try again (104) and
step (102) is repeated. If the software determines that the patient
identifier is valid, then the software extracts pertinent patient
information from the patient database (105) or, if said patient
information is not available, asks the nurse or medical
practitioner to enter the information (105) in the graphics user
interface or GUI (32) on the touchscreen (28). Said information may
include, but is not limited to, type of medicine; dosage of
medicine required; and blood glucose level. Said information is
displayed (106) on the graphics user interface or GUI (32) on the
touchscreen (28). The graphics user interface or GUI (32) tells the
nurse or medical practitioner to position a vial of medicine below
the camera (34) on the transparent tray (25) between guides (27)
with the barcode on the label facing upwards (107). The nurse or
medical practitioner presses the "Enter" button (108) in the
graphics user interface or GUI (32) on the touchscreen (28) when
the vial is in position. Software on computer (24) instructs (109)
camera (34) to read barcode (40). Software compares information
(109) on barcode (40) to information the software already has
acquired of the patient, and software analyzes if the medicine is
the correct type of medicine for the patient (110). If the vial of
medicine is not correct, the GUI (32) alerts the nurse or medical
practitioner with a message "Wrong medicine or misread" (112). GUI
(32) asks the nurse or medical practitioner to redo the process of
positioning correct medicine (107). If the vial of medicine is
correct, the GUI (32) alerts the nurse or medical practitioner
(111) "Medicine Correct. Please place filled syringe on tray
between the guides, being sure that the wings or flanges of the
syringe are on the tray." The GUI (32) alerts the nurse or medical
practitioner (119) to press "Enter" button when ready. When the
nurse or medical practitioner presses the "Enter" button, the
software instructs the camera (34) to take a picture (120).
[0078] FIG. 6b continues the flow of one embodiment of a flowchart
delineating the operation of the software of the apparatus (21).
Software scans each horizontal pixel line (121) in image of syringe
(30) or container having first and second ends. Software stores
scanned data (122) for analysis. Software decides (123) on the
existence of a cap (43) or first end in place on the top of the
syringe (30) or container. If the cap or first end is not in place,
the GUI (32) reports to the nurse or medical practitioner that the
cap or first end is missing and to touch "Enter" to proceed (133).
The software sends the user back to step # 111. If the cap or first
end is in place, the software assesses the length in pixels of the
cylinder (48) of the syringe (30), or container having first and
second ends, and the width of the cylinder (48) of the syringe
(30), comparing (124) the length and width of the cylinder (48) of
the syringe (30), or container having first and second ends, to a
library of known lengths and known widths of known sizes of
syringes (30) or containers having first and second ends. The
software determines (125) if the calculated size of the syringe, or
container having first and second ends, is the proper size for the
present dosage amount. If the calculated size of the syringe, or
container having first and second ends, is not the proper size, GUI
(32) reports the wrong size to the user. GUI (32) alerts the nurse
or medical practitioner (119) to press "Enter" button when ready.
The software sends the user back to step # 111. If the calculated
size of the syringe, or container having first and second ends, is
the proper size, the software can analyze the stored scan data and
determine (126) if there is an amount of air discovered which is
significant to the current application of the dose. If there is
said amount of air, then GUI (32) says (128) "Clear syringe of
bubbles or air, and replace on tray." GUI (32) says (129) "Click
Enter when syringe is placed back on tray." When "Enter" is touched
(130) on GUI (32), the software restarts at #120 by taking another
picture. If there is not a significant amount of air found in step
#127, FIG. 6c shows that the software examines the stored scan data
and evaluates (134) volume measurement of medicine in the syringe
(30). If the volume of medicine (135) is not correct, then the
software must decide if the volume of medicine is too little or too
much. If the volume is too little (138) GUI (32) displays (139)
"Too little medicine. Please add". If the volume is too much GUI
(32) displays (141) "Too much medicine. Please squirt some out."
The software is alerted when the syringe, or container having first
and second ends, is ready to be retested (140). The software then
goes to step #129 and proceeds again from step #129. If the volume
is correct the software prints out label (23) with pertinent
information (136) such as nurse id or medical practitioner id,
patient id, medicine, volume, date, time, size of device. The nurse
or medical practitioner affixes (137) the label to the syringe or
container having first and second ends.
[0079] Several advantages may occur from the invention, for example
with the use of an embodiment of apparatus (21). The amount of
adverse medical events involving incorrect dosage can decrease and
therefore can save lives and can ease suffering. Time can be saved
by the apparatus' (21) processing taking less time than the time
needed to locate a second nurse and having said second nurse check
the accuracy of the first nurse's work. Accurate patient specific
barcode for each dose can be provided. Links between diet and dose
and blood glucose level may be able to be analyzed due to the
apparatus recording the data of each filling of syringes (30) or
containers having first and second ends. Economic savings can occur
due to the number of insulin pens decreasing. More effective
treatment of said patient after release from the hospital can be
achieved by the apparatus' (21) recording of past dosages of
insulin and analyzing said dosages' relationship to blood glucose
levels. The open design can allow for easier cleaning, and
therefore thorough sanitation. The artificial intelligence invented
for the apparatus (21) that allows a machine to easily and
inexpensively tell the difference between air and clear liquid in a
cylinder is a large advance in robotic vision. Other advantages of
one or more aspects can be apparent from a consideration of the
drawings and the drawings' descriptions.
[0080] In one embodiment, an apparatus for use with computer memory
having stored characteristics of a plurality of known containers to
determine the volume of a liquid in one of the plurality of known
containers having first and second ends for defining the volume of
liquid is provided and includes a digital camera adapted for
viewing the container, a processor electrically coupled to the
camera and configured to optically detect certain characteristics
of the container viewed by the camera and to access the computer
memory having stored characteristics of the plurality of known
containers, the processor being configured to compare the detected
certain characteristics with the stored characteristics to identify
the container from the plurality of known containers, the processor
being configured to calculate the volume of the container as a
function of the distance between the first and second ends of the
container as viewed by the camera.
[0081] The apparatus can include an input interface for receiving
the identity of the liquid and a printer, the processor being
configured to cause the printer to print a label which includes the
identity of the liquid. The processor can be configured to
determine whether the container is filled entirely with the liquid.
The apparatus can be configured to provide a first output signal if
the container is entirely filled with the liquid and a second
output signal if the container is not entirely filled with the
liquid. The apparatus can include a light assembly for projecting
first and second colors of light through the container, wherein the
processor is configured to determine whether the container is
filled entirely with the liquid by analyzing a pattern of the first
and second colors emitted from the container and viewed by the
camera. The processor can be configured to determine whether the
container is filled entirely with air by analyzing a pattern of the
first and second colors emitted from the container and viewed by
the camera. The processor can be configured to determine whether
the container contains bubbles of air by analyzing a pattern of the
first and second colors emitted from the container and viewed by
the camera. The apparatus can include a structure having a support
for receiving the container, wherein the light assembly is carried
by the structure and the camera is carried by the structure
opposite the light assembly relative to the container. The light
assembly can include a light source and a first filter of the first
color and a second filter of the second color disposed alongside
the first filter so that a first portion of the light from the
light source travels through the first filter and a second portion
of the light from the light source travels through the second
filter. The pattern of the first and second colors can include the
first color disposed alongside the second color. The container can
be a syringe having a barrel and a plunger, the barrel having a
first end provided with a fluid exit port and a second provided
with an opening and the plunger having an end for extending through
the opening in the barrel for slidable disposition in the barrel,
the first end of the container being the first end of the barrel
and the second end of the container being the end of the plunger.
The apparatus can include a printer, the processor being configured
to cause the printer to print a label which includes the dose of
the liquid.
[0082] In one embodiment, an apparatus for use in determining the
presence of any air pockets in a volume of a liquid in a container
is provided and includes a digital camera adapted for viewing the
liquid within the container and providing at least one image of the
liquid within the container and a processor electrically coupled to
the camera for receiving the at least one image from the camera and
configured to determine whether the liquid contains any air pockets
based on the at least one image.
[0083] The apparatus can be configured to provide a first output
signal if the liquid does not contain any air pockets and a second
output signal if the liquid does contain any air pockets. The
apparatus can include an input interface for receiving the identity
of the liquid and a printer, the processor being configured to
cause the printer to print a label which includes the identity of
the liquid. The processor can be configured to print the label only
if the liquid does not contain any air pockets. The apparatus can
include a light assembly for projecting first and second colors of
light through the container, wherein the processor is configured to
determine whether the liquid contains any air pockets by analyzing
a pattern of the first and second colors emitted from the container
and viewed by the camera. The apparatus can include a structure
having a support for receiving the container, wherein the light
assembly is carried by the structure and the camera is carried by
the structure opposite the light assembly relative to the
container. The light assembly can include a light source and a
first filter of the first color and a second filter of the second
color disposed alongside the first filter so that a first portion
of the light from the light source travels through the first filter
and a second portion of the light from the light source travels
through the second filter. The pattern of the first and second
colors can include the first color disposed alongside the second
color. The apparatus can include a printer, the processor being
configured to cause the printer to print a label which includes the
dose of the liquid.
[0084] In one embodiment, a method for use by an apparatus having a
camera and a processor electrically coupled to the camera to
confirm the dosage of a medicament in a container is provided and
includes accessing the proper volume of the dosage from computer
memory, viewing the container with the camera to obtain at least
one image of the container, delivering the at least one image of
the container to the processor, calculating the volume of the
liquid in the container utilizing the at least one image and
comparing the calculated volume to the proper volume.
[0085] The computer memory can be remote from the apparatus. The
proper volume can be included in a patient's electronic health
record stored in the computer memory remote from the apparatus. The
computer memory can be included in the apparatus and electrically
coupled to the processor.
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