JP7720759B2 - Infusion pump and method for controlling infusion pump - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to an infusion pump and a method for controlling an infusion pump.

An infusion pump is a device that delivers infusion fluids, such as medicinal fluids, into a patient's body via an infusion tube. It is important for an infusion pump to deliver the infusion fluid into the body at a set flow rate with high accuracy. Patent Document 1 describes technology related to detecting the amount of infusion fluid delivered.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-217072

However, infusion tubes are generally disposable, and there may be variations in the dimensions of the inner and outer diameters of each tube. Therefore, conventional infusion pumps have room for improvement in terms of controlling the flow rate of infusion fluid with high precision.

The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an infusion pump and a method for controlling an infusion pump that can control the flow rate of infusion with greater precision.

An infusion pump according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a control unit that acquires an image of the infusion tube captured by a two-dimensional sensor, analyzes the acquired image to detect the inner diameter of the infusion tube, and corrects the flow rate of the infusion to achieve a preset infusion rate based on the detected inner diameter of the infusion tube.

In one embodiment, the control unit analyzes the captured image to determine whether the infusion tube is correctly attached to the infusion pump, and if it determines that the infusion tube is not correctly attached to the infusion pump, notifies the user of this.

In one embodiment, the control unit acquires the captured image of the infusion tube filled with the infusion solution, analyzes the captured image to measure the outer diameter of the infusion tube, and detects the inner diameter of the infusion tube based on the outer diameter.

In one embodiment, the control unit acquires the captured image of the infusion tube when it is not filled with the infusion solution, and analyzes the captured image to measure the inner diameter of the infusion tube.

In one embodiment, the control unit analyzes the captured image to obtain information about the diameter of the infusion tube displayed on the infusion tube, and detects the inner diameter of the infusion tube based on the information about the diameter of the infusion tube.

In one embodiment, the control unit refers to correspondence information previously stored in a storage unit that indicates the correspondence between the inner diameter of the infusion tube and the correction amount for the infusion flow rate, determines the correction amount for the infusion flow rate based on the detected inner diameter of the infusion tube, and corrects the infusion flow rate using the determined correction amount.

In one embodiment, a method for controlling an infusion pump equipped with a control unit includes the steps of: acquiring an image of the infusion tube captured by a two-dimensional sensor; analyzing the acquired image to detect the inner diameter of the infusion tube; correcting the flow rate of the infusion to a preset infusion rate based on the detected inner diameter of the infusion tube; and delivering the infusion at the corrected flow rate by the infusion delivery unit.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to control the flow rate of infusion with greater precision.

1 is a front view showing an example of the configuration of an infusion pump according to an embodiment. FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the infusion cartridge of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration for photographing an infusion tube in the infusion pump of FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the infusion tube of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a photographed image of the infusion tube of FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a photographed image of the infusion tube of FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a photographed image of the infusion tube of FIG. 1 . 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation performed by an infusion pump according to an embodiment to pump out an infusion solution. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for a flow rate correction process executed by an infusion pump according to an embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation performed by an infusion pump according to an embodiment to pump out an infusion solution.

One embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, parts having the same configuration or function are designated by the same reference numerals. In describing this embodiment, duplicate descriptions of identical parts may be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

(Configuration of infusion pump)
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an exemplary configuration of an infusion pump 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1 , the infusion pump 1 includes a pump body 10 and an infusion cartridge 20. The pump body 10 includes a detection unit 11, a fluid delivery unit 12, a display unit 13, an operation unit 14, and a processing unit 15 (see FIG. 3 ). The infusion pump 1 shown in FIG. 1 may be used, for example, as a PCA (Patient Controlled Analgesia) pump, but its application is not particularly limited. The infusion pump 1 of this embodiment is, for example, a PCA pump in which the pump body 10 can be reused by replacing the disposable infusion cartridge 20. The infusion pump 1 is not limited to a PCA pump. The infusion pump 1 may also be a general infusion pump, syringe pump, nutrition pump, blood pump, or insulin pump. A general infusion pump is, for example, a pump that does not include an infusion cartridge 20 and delivers infusion fluid from an infusion bag by pressing an infusion tube 30 connected to an infusion bag outside the pump. The infusion pump 1 detects the diameter of the infusion tube 30 from a photographed image of the infusion tube 30, and corrects the infusion flow rate to a predetermined infusion rate (mL/h) based on the diameter information, thereby enabling the infusion flow rate to be controlled with high precision.

As shown in FIG. 1, the front of the pump body 10 is provided with a display unit 13 that displays various information, and an operation unit 14 with an array of operation switches. The display unit 13 displays, for example, the infusion rate and cumulative dose. The display unit 13 may be, for example, an LCD screen with a touch panel for setting the infusion rate, etc. The operation switches on the operation unit 14 may be, for example, a fast-forward switch that allows infusion at a rate higher than the set infusion rate (mL/h) while pressed by the user, a start switch that starts infusion when pressed, a stop switch that forcibly stops infusion when pressed, and a power switch that turns the power of the pump body 10 on and off. However, the operation unit 14 may be provided with other operation switches instead of or in addition to these switches.

The infusion unit 12 sandwiches the infusion tube 30 of the infusion cartridge 20 between itself and the tube receiving portion 24 (see Figure 2) of the attached infusion cartridge 20, and delivers the infusion solution in the infusion tube 30 from the upstream side of the flow path to the downstream side of the flow path. The infusion unit 12 includes multiple fingers 121 and a drive unit that drives each finger 121. The multiple fingers 121 are arranged on the side of the pump body 10 opposite the tube receiving portion 24 located on the side of the infusion cartridge 20. The multiple fingers 121 are arranged along the extension direction (x direction) of the infusion tube 30. Each finger 121 is driven by the drive unit to move back and forth in the direction opposite the tube receiving portion 24 of the infusion cartridge 20 (z direction). The drive unit may, for example, be configured to convert the power of a motor into reciprocating movement of each finger 121 in the z direction using a mechanical component such as a cam. As each finger 121 moves closer to the infusion cartridge 20, the infusion tube 30 is sandwiched between each finger 121 and the tube receiving portion 24. This causes the infusion tube 30 to be compressed and occluded. The drive unit sequentially drives the fingers 121 in the extension direction (x direction) of the infusion tube 30, from the upstream side of the flow path to the downstream side of the flow path. As a result, the infusion tube 30 is sequentially compressed and occluded from the upstream side of the flow path to the downstream side of the flow path, causing peristaltic movement. This allows the infusion liquid in the infusion tube 30 to be sent from the upstream side of the flow path to the downstream side of the flow path.

The detection unit 11, together with the light guide unit 21 of the infusion cartridge 20, photographs the infusion tube 30 and acquires information regarding the tube diameter of the infusion tube 30. The processing unit 15 controls the operation of each component of the pump body 10. The processing unit 15 includes a control unit 151 and a memory unit 152. Details of the configuration and operation of the detection unit 11 and processing unit 15 will be described later with reference to Figure 3.

The pump body 10 is not limited to the configuration of this embodiment. Like other infusion pumps, the pump body 10 may include, in addition to the power supply unit, detection unit 11, infusion unit 12, display unit 13, operation unit 14, and processing unit 15, other components such as a bubble detection sensor, an occlusion sensor, and a notification unit using an alarm or the like. The pump body 10 may include components other than those described above, or may be replaced with components having equivalent functions. Furthermore, as described above, in this embodiment, the infusion unit 12 presses against the infusion tube 30 with multiple fingers 121. However, the infusion unit 12 may have a configuration different from the fingers 121 as long as it is capable of delivering the infusion liquid from the infusion tube 30.

Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an example configuration of the infusion cartridge 20 of Figure 1. The infusion cartridge 20 includes a light guide 21, a storage section 22, a filling port 23, and a tube receiving section 24. The light guide 21 forms an optical path when the detection section 11 photographs the infusion tube 30. Details of the configuration and operation of the light guide 21 will be described later with reference to Figure 3. An infusion tube 30 that supplies infusion liquid from inside an infusion bag is attached to the infusion cartridge 20. However, instead, the infusion tube 30 may be attached to the infusion bag.

The storage section 22 accommodates an infusion bag filled with infusion liquid. The filling port 23, tube receiving section 24, and infusion tube 30 are provided on the side of the storage section 22 facing the pump body 10 when the infusion cartridge 20 is attached to the pump body 10. The filling port 23 is connected to the infusion bag accommodated inside the storage section 22, and the infusion tube 30 is connected from the outside of the storage section 22. The tube receiving section 24 holds the infusion tube 30 by sandwiching it between itself and the pump body 10. The tube receiving section 24 may include, for example, a groove into which the infusion tube 30 is fitted. With this configuration, the infusion liquid in the infusion bag accommodated in the storage section 22 can be sent to the outside via the infusion tube 30.

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration for photographing the infusion tube 30 in the infusion pump 1 of Figure 1. The photographed image of the infusion tube 30 is used to detect the diameter of the infusion tube 30. As shown in Figure 3, the detection unit 11 includes a light-emitting unit 111 and a light-receiving unit 112. The light-guiding unit 21 includes a light-guiding plate 211. The light-emitting unit 111 emits a light beam L for photography having a specific wavelength toward the light-guiding unit 21. The light beam L emitted from the light-emitting unit 111 is reflected by the light-guiding plate 211 of the light-guiding unit 21, passes through the infusion tube 30, which is the subject, and forms an image on the light-receiving unit 112. The light-receiving unit 112 is a camera (two-dimensional sensor) that photoelectrically converts the light beam L imaged on the light-receiving unit 112 to form a photographed image. The light-receiving unit 112 may be configured, for example, by a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor. When photographing the infusion tube 30, the light-emitting unit 111 can emit light of any wavelength as the luminous flux L, but may also emit infrared light, for example. The light-receiving unit 112 may be configured, for example, by a two-dimensional sensor capable of detecting a specific wavelength of the luminous flux L, such as the wavelength of infrared light. Using infrared light instead of visible light for imaging can prevent distortion of the captured image even if indoor lighting, such as that used in the infusion pump 1, reaches the light-receiving unit 112. Furthermore, the low light energy reduces the impact on the infusion, and even if light leaks outside the device, it is less noticeable to the human eye. The light guide plate 211 may be configured from a material with a refractive index such that most of the luminous flux L incident from the light-emitting unit 111 is reflected at the interfaces 211a and 211b. The light guide plate 211 may be made of, for example, polycarbonate or acrylic.

The detection unit 11 and the light guide unit 21 may also be used to detect blockages in the infusion tube 30, air bubbles in the infusion fluid flowing through the infusion tube 30, and whether the infusion cartridge 20 is properly attached to the pump body 10. By detecting blockages in the infusion tube 30 and detecting the diameter of the infusion tube 30 using the same configuration, the infusion pump 1 can be prevented from becoming too complex and large in configuration and from significantly increasing manufacturing costs. The infusion pump 1 may also automatically detect the diameter of the infusion tube 30. This prevents user operations from becoming too complicated and measurement time from significantly increasing. In this embodiment, the infusion pump 1 captures an image of the infusion tube 30 using the detection unit 11 and the light guide unit 21, but the configuration for capturing an image of the infusion tube 30 is not limited to that shown in the drawings. For example, the infusion pump 1 may include a device for capturing an image of the infusion tube 30 in either the pump body 10 or the infusion cartridge 20.

The operation of the light-emitting unit 111 and light-receiving unit 112 included in the detection unit 11 is controlled by the control unit 151 of the processing unit 15. The control unit 151 is one or more processors. The control unit 151 is implemented by a dedicated processor specialized for processes such as delivering infusion fluid into the patient's body and inputting and outputting information to and from the user, but may also be implemented by a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 151 may include one or more dedicated circuits, or one or more processors in the control unit 151 may be replaced with one or more dedicated circuits. The dedicated circuits are, for example, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The control unit 151 controls each part of the pump main body 10 and performs information processing related to the operation of the infusion pump 1.

The memory unit 152 includes any memory module, including, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read-Only Memory). The memory unit 152 stores any information used in the operation of the infusion pump 1. For example, the memory unit 152 may store various programs such as system programs and application programs, as well as various data such as information regarding the infusion flow rate and captured images of the infusion tube 30.

(Outline of flow rate correction)
Next, we will explain the outline of the process of correcting the infusion flow rate by the infusion pump 1. The flow rate of the infusion delivered by the infusion unit 12 of the infusion pump 1 within a certain time period (infusion pump flow rate, e.g., mL/h (milliliters per hour)) is calculated using the following formula 1.
[Formula 1]
Infusion pump flow rate = discharge volume per stroke x motor rotation speed. Here, the discharge volume per stroke is the amount of infusion delivered during one reciprocating movement of each finger 121 by the drive unit of the infusion unit 12 (e.g., mL/r (milliliters per rotation)). The motor rotation speed is, for example, the amount of motor rotation converted so that the amount of rotation required for one reciprocating movement of each finger 121 is one rotation. The motor rotation speed is expressed as the number of motor rotations per fixed time (e.g., r/h (revolutions per hour), rpm (revolutions per minute)), etc.

The one-stroke discharge volume depends on the dimensions of the device and the dimensions of the infusion tube 30. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the infusion tube 30 of FIG. 1. The infusion tube 30 has a tube wall 31 that forms a flow path 32 through which the infusion passes. FIG. 4 shows an example of the dimensions of the infusion tube 30, i.e., the outer diameter D1 and inner diameter D2 defined by the tube wall 31. Because the infusion tube 30 is disposable and used each time an infusion is administered to a patient, there may be variations in the dimensions of the outer diameter D1, inner diameter D2, and so on for each infusion tube 30. Note that when the cross section of the infusion tube 30 has an ideal circular shape, the outer diameter D1, inner diameter D2, and thickness D3 of the tube wall 31 have a relationship expressed by the following equation 2.
[Formula 2]
D2 = D1 - 2 x D3

The infusion pump 1 according to this embodiment captures an image of the infusion tube 30 using the detector 11 and the light guide 21, and detects the inner diameter D2 of the infusion tube 30 based on the captured image. Based on the detected inner diameter D2, the infusion pump 1 adjusts the motor rotation speed when pumping the infusion, correcting the infusion flow rate (motor rotation speed correction) to match the infusion rate (mL/h) preset by the user. Therefore, the infusion pump 1 according to this embodiment can control the infusion flow rate with higher precision, even when there is variation in the dimensions of the infusion tube 30. The infusion pump 1 may previously store information, such as a table, indicating the relationship between the inner diameter D2 of the infusion tube 30 and the correction amount for the motor rotation speed, and may perform infusion flow rate correction by referring to this information.

To detect the inner diameter D2 of the infusion tube 30, the infusion pump 1 may, for example, analyze a photographed image of the infusion tube 30 to measure the outer diameter D1 of the infusion tube 30 and detect the inner diameter D2 based on the outer diameter D1 of the infusion tube 30. Alternatively, the infusion pump 1 may, for example, analyze a photographed image of the infusion tube 30 to directly measure the inner diameter D2 of the infusion tube 30. Instead of the infusion pump 1 measuring the outer diameter D1 or inner diameter D2, the manufacturer may measure the outer diameter D1 or inner diameter D2 of the infusion tube 30 during manufacturing and display information indicating the outer diameter D1 or inner diameter D2 at a specific location on the infusion tube 30. The infusion pump 1 may also detect the inner diameter D2 of the infusion tube 30 by reading the information displayed on the infusion tube 30.

Figures 5A to 5C are diagrams showing examples of captured images of the infusion tube 30 of Figure 1. Figure 5A shows an example of a captured image of the infusion tube 30 filled with infusion liquid. As shown in Figure 5A, in a captured image of the infusion tube 30 filled with infusion liquid, it is sometimes impossible to distinguish between the tube wall 31 and the flow path 32 of the infusion tube 30, and the infusion pump 1 can only measure the outer diameter D1. In such cases, the infusion pump 1 may analyze the captured image to measure the outer diameter D1 of the infusion tube 30, and then use the preset thickness D3 of the tube wall 31 to detect the inner diameter D2 according to Equation 2. When the infusion pump 1 delivers infusion liquid into a patient's body, priming is performed to fill the infusion tube 30 with infusion liquid so as not to deliver air into the patient's body. The infusion tube 30 is then attached to the infusion pump 1, and infusion delivery begins. Therefore, when photographing the infusion tube 30 after priming, the infusion tube 30 can be photographed during the series of operations of attaching the infusion tube 30 and infusion cartridge 20 for infusion, making it possible to perform flow rate correction without increasing the user's effort.

Figure 5B shows an example of a photographed image of the infusion tube 30 in an empty state without any infusion fluid. When the infusion pump 1 acquires a photographed image of the empty infusion tube 30, it may analyze the photographed image to directly detect the inner diameter D2. The infusion pump 1 directly detects the inner diameter D2 based on the photographed image of the empty infusion tube 30, and corrects the infusion flow rate to a preset infusion rate (mL/h) based on the detected inner diameter D2, thereby enabling high-precision control of the infusion flow rate without being affected by errors due to variations in the thickness D3 of the tube wall 31 of the infusion tube 30.

Figure 5C shows an example of a captured image of an infusion tube 30 on which tube diameter information, such as the outer diameter D1 or inner diameter D2 of the infusion tube 30, is displayed. In the example of Figure 5C, the inner diameter D2 information 51 is displayed using user-readable numbers ("2.26" mm). However, instead of or in addition to numbers, specific characters, symbols (e.g., the number of circles), lines, barcodes, etc. may be used. When the outer diameter D1 or inner diameter D2 information is displayed using lines, the outer diameter D1 or inner diameter D2 may be displayed using, for example, the number of lines or a combination of line patterns such as dotted lines, solid lines, and wavy lines. The information displayed on the infusion tube 30 may not be the exact value, but may instead indicate the outer diameter D1 or inner diameter D2 of the infusion tube 30 using a rough indicator, for example, on a scale of 2 to 5. The outer diameter D1 or inner diameter D2 information may be displayed on the infusion tube 30 using, for example, laser printing or a sticker. The infusion pump 1 reads the outer diameter D1 or inner diameter D2 based on a captured image of the infusion tube 30, detects the inner diameter D2, and corrects the infusion flow rate to a preset infusion rate (mL/h). This allows for highly accurate infusion flow rate control without measurement errors of the outer diameter D1 or inner diameter D2. Since the outer diameter D1 or inner diameter D2 information is displayed at multiple locations on the infusion tube 30, the information on the outer diameter D1 or inner diameter D2 can be obtained from a captured image of the infusion tube 30 regardless of the orientation of the infusion tube 30. Furthermore, if the outer diameter D1 or inner diameter D2 is displayed on the infusion tube 30, the infusion pump 1 can capture the information on the outer diameter D1 or inner diameter D2 even after priming. Therefore, the infusion pump 1 can capture images of the infusion tube 30 during the series of operations of attaching the infusion tube 30 and the infusion cartridge 20 for infusion, allowing for flow rate correction without additional user effort.

Example 1
Next, the details of the infusion process in which the infusion pump 1 delivers infusion fluid into the patient's body will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 . FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation performed by the infusion pump 1 according to an embodiment to deliver infusion fluid. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the flow rate correction process performed by the infusion pump 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 shows a process flow in which the infusion tube 30 is photographed to measure its outer diameter D1, the inner diameter D2 is detected based on the outer diameter D1, and the flow rate is corrected. The operation of the infusion pump 1 described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 corresponds to one of the control methods for the infusion pump 1 according to the first embodiment. The operation of each step in FIGS. 6 and 7 is executed based on the control of the control unit 151 of the pump main body 10 or the user's operation.

In step S1, the user primes the infusion tube 30 by filling it with infusion fluid.

In step S2, the user clamps the infusion tube 30, which has been filled with infusion fluid by priming, into the tube receiving portion 24 of the infusion cartridge 20 and sets the infusion cartridge 20 to the pump body 10. This sets the infusion tube 30 in the infusion pump 1.

In step S3, the control unit 151 of the pump main body 10 performs a flow rate correction process to correct the flow rate based on the captured image of the infusion tube 30. Details of the flow rate correction process will be described with reference to Figure 7.

In step S11 of FIG. 7, the control unit 151 acquires a captured image of the infusion tube 30. Specifically, the control unit 151 controls the light-emitting unit 111 and light-receiving unit 112 of the detection unit 11 to capture an image of the infusion tube 30, and acquires the captured image from the detection unit 11 (light-receiving unit 112). The control unit 151 temporarily stores the acquired image in the memory unit 152.

In step S12, the control unit 151 analyzes the captured image to detect the inner diameter D2 of the infusion tube 30. Specifically, the control unit 151 analyzes the captured image to measure the outer diameter D1 of the infusion tube 30 (see FIG. 5A). The control unit 151 may measure the outer diameter D1 using a known image processing method. For example, the control unit 151 may measure the outer diameter D1 of the infusion tube 30 by referring to model information that has been generated in advance by machine learning and pre-stored in the memory unit 152. The control unit 151 detects the inner diameter D2 of the infusion tube 30 using Equation 2 based on the measured outer diameter D1 and the thickness D3 of the tube wall 31 of the infusion tube 30 that has been pre-stored in the memory unit 152.

In step S13, the control unit 151 determines whether or not the detection of the inner diameter D2 in step S12 was successful. For example, the control unit 151 may determine that the detection of the inner diameter D2 failed if it was unable to acquire an image of the infusion tube 30 in step S11, or if the image acquired in step S11 was of an unprimed infusion tube 30. The control unit 151 may also compare the value of the inner diameter D2 detected by the processing in step S12 with a preset range of possible values for the inner diameter D2, and determine that the detection was successful if the detected value of the inner diameter D2 is within the preset range, or determine that the detection was unsuccessful if it is not. If the control unit 151 determines that the detection of the inner diameter D2 was successful (YES in step S13), the process proceeds to step S15; if not (NO in step S13), the process proceeds to step S14.

In step S14, the control unit 151 displays an error on the display unit 13 indicating that the inner diameter D2 of the infusion tube 30 could not be detected, and notifies the user to reattach the infusion tube 30. The control unit 151 then returns to step S11.

In step S15, the control unit 151 determines a correction value for the motor rotation speed based on the value of the inner diameter D2 detected in step S12. As described above, the control unit 151 may store information indicating the relationship between the inner diameter D2 of the infusion tube 30 and the correction amount for the motor rotation speed in advance in the memory unit 152, for example in the form of a table, and determine the correction value for the motor rotation speed by referring to this information. This allows the control unit 151 to quickly determine the correction value for the motor rotation speed.

In step S16, the control unit 151 corrects the motor rotation speed corresponding to the liquid delivery rate (mL/h) preset by the user using the correction value determined in step S15. The control unit 151 then terminates the flow rate correction process.

Returning to the description of Figure 6, in step S4, the control unit 151 determines whether the infusion cartridge 20 and the infusion tube 30 are correctly attached to the pump body 10. The control unit 151 may analyze the image captured by the detection unit 11 to determine whether the infusion cartridge 20 and the infusion tube 30 are correctly attached to the pump body 10. If the control unit 151 determines that a setting abnormality is detected (YES in step S4), it proceeds to step S5; otherwise (NO in step S4), it proceeds to step S6. The control unit 151 may detect a setting abnormality when performing the flow rate correction process in step S3, and may also detect the inner diameter D in steps S12 and S13 of Figure 7. Furthermore, step S4 may be performed before step S3. That is, the control unit 151 may determine whether or not there is a set abnormality before performing the flow rate correction process, and if a set abnormality is detected, an error may be displayed in step S5 (described below) and the process may return to step S2; if no set abnormality is detected, the control unit 151 may perform the flow rate correction process and then perform liquid delivery in step S6 (described below).

In step S5, the control unit 151 displays error information indicating that a setting abnormality has been detected on the display unit 13 and notifies the user to reattach the infusion cartridge 20 and the infusion tube 30 to the pump body 10. The control unit 151 then returns to step S2.

In step S6, the control unit 151 controls the infusion unit 12 to deliver the infusion at the motor rotation speed corrected by the flow rate correction process in step S3. The control unit 151 then terminates the process.

As described above, in Example 1, the infusion pump 1 acquires a photographed image of the infusion tube 30 filled with infusion liquid, analyzes the photographed image to measure the outer diameter D1 of the infusion tube 30, and detects the inner diameter D2 of the infusion tube 30 based on the outer diameter D1. The infusion pump 1 then corrects the infusion flow rate to a preset infusion rate (mL/h) based on the detected inner diameter D2 of the infusion tube 30. In this way, in Example 1, the infusion pump 1 corrects the infusion flow rate based on a photographed image of the infusion tube 30 filled with infusion liquid. Therefore, the infusion pump 1 can photograph the infusion tube 30 during the series of operations of attaching the infusion tube 30 and the infusion cartridge 20 for infusion, enabling flow rate correction without increasing the user's effort.

Example 2
In Example 1, the infusion pump 1 measures the outer diameter D1 of the infusion tube 30 and detects the inner diameter D2 of the infusion tube 30 based on the outer diameter D1. In Example 2, the infusion pump 1 takes an image of the infusion pump 1 when it is not filled with infusion liquid and directly measures and detects the inner diameter D2 based on the captured image. According to Example 2, it is possible to perform flow rate correction with higher accuracy regardless of an error in the thickness D3 of the tube wall 31 of the infusion tube 30.

Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation performed by the infusion pump 1 according to one embodiment to deliver infusion fluid. The operation of the infusion pump 1 described with reference to Figure 8 corresponds to one of the control methods for the infusion pump 1 according to Example 2. The operation of each step in Figure 8 is performed based on control by the control unit 151 of the pump main body 10 or user operation.

In step S21, the user clamps the empty infusion tube 30, which is not filled with infusion liquid, into the tube receiving portion 24 of the infusion cartridge 20 and sets the infusion cartridge 20 to the pump body 10. This sets the infusion tube 30 in the infusion pump 1.

In step S22, the control unit 151 of the pump main body 10 performs a flow rate correction process to correct the flow rate based on the captured image of the infusion tube 30. Details of the flow rate correction process are shown in Figure 7, as in Example 1.

In FIG. 7, the processes of steps S11 and S13 to S16 are the same as those in Example 1. In step S12, the control unit 151 analyzes the captured image to measure the inner diameter D2 of the infusion tube 30 (see FIG. 5B). The control unit 151 may measure the inner diameter D2 using a known image processing method. For example, the control unit 151 may measure the inner diameter D2 of the infusion tube 30 by referencing model information that has been generated in advance by machine learning and stored in the storage unit 152. After completing the flow rate correction process including step S12, the control unit 151 proceeds to step S23 in FIG. 8.

In step S23 of FIG. 8, the user performs priming by filling the infusion tube 30 with infusion fluid. If necessary, the user removes the infusion cartridge 20 and the infusion tube 30 from the pump body 10 and performs priming of the infusion tube 30.

In step S24, the user clamps the infusion tube 30, which has been filled with infusion fluid by priming, into the tube receiving portion 24 of the infusion cartridge 20, and sets the infusion cartridge 20 to the pump body 10. This sets the infusion tube 30 in the infusion pump 1.

In step S25, the control unit 151 determines whether the infusion cartridge 20 and the infusion tube 30 are correctly attached to the pump body 10. The control unit 151 may analyze the image captured by the detection unit 11 to determine whether the infusion cartridge 20 and the infusion tube 30 are correctly attached to the pump body 10. If the control unit 151 determines that an installation abnormality is detected (YES in step S25), it proceeds to step S26; otherwise (NO in step S25), it proceeds to step S27.

In step S26, the control unit 151 displays error information indicating that a setting abnormality has been detected on the display unit 13 and notifies the user to reattach the infusion cartridge 20 and the infusion tube 30 to the pump body 10. The control unit 151 then returns to step S24.

In step S27, the control unit 151 controls the infusion unit 12 to deliver the infusion at the motor rotation speed corrected by the flow rate correction process in step S22. The control unit 151 then terminates the process.

As described above, in Example 2, the infusion pump 1 acquires a photographed image of the infusion tube 30 that is not filled with infusion liquid, analyzes the photographed image, and measures the inner diameter D2 of the infusion tube 30. The infusion pump 1 then corrects the infusion flow rate to a preset infusion rate (mL/h) based on the detected inner diameter D2 of the infusion tube 30. In this way, in Example 2, the infusion pump 1 analyzes the photographed image to directly detect the inner diameter D2 and correct the infusion flow rate. Therefore, the infusion pump 1 can control the infusion flow rate with high precision without being affected by errors due to variations in the thickness D3 of the infusion tube 30.

Example 3
In Examples 1 and 2, the infusion pump 1 measured the outer diameter D1 or inner diameter D2 of the infusion tube 30 by analyzing a captured image. In Example 3, an infusion tube 30 is used, on which information about the tube diameter, such as the outer diameter D1 or inner diameter D2, is displayed. The infusion pump 1 reads the tube diameter information displayed on the infusion tube 30 from the captured image to detect the inner diameter D2. According to Example 3, the infusion pump 1 can perform flow rate correction with higher accuracy without measurement errors of the outer diameter D1 or inner diameter D2. Furthermore, because the infusion pump 1 can detect the inner diameter D2 regardless of whether the infusion tube 30 is filled with infusion liquid, it is possible to capture an image of the infusion tube 30 during the series of operations of attaching the infusion tube 30 and the infusion cartridge 20 for infusion delivery.

The operation of the infusion pump 1 according to Example 3 is shown in Figures 6 and 7, similar to Example 1. The operation of the infusion pump 1 described with reference to Figures 6 and 7 corresponds to one method of controlling the infusion pump 1 according to Example 3. The operation of each step in Figures 6 and 7 is performed based on control by the control unit 151 of the pump main body 10 or user operation.

The processing of steps S1, S2, and S4 to S6 in Figure 6 is the same as in Example 1. In step S3, the control unit 151 of the pump main body 10 performs a flow rate correction process to correct the flow rate based on a captured image of the infusion tube 30. Details of the flow rate correction process are shown in Figure 7, as in Example 1.

7, steps S11 and S13 to S16 are the same as those in Example 1. In step S12, the control unit 151 analyzes the captured image to acquire information about the tube diameter of the infusion tube 30 displayed on the infusion tube 30 (see FIG. 5C). The control unit 151 may acquire the information about the tube diameter using a known image processing technique. For example, the control unit 151 may acquire the information about the tube diameter by referencing model information generated in advance by machine learning and stored in the memory unit 152. The control unit 151 detects the inner diameter D2 of the infusion tube 30 based on the information about the tube diameter of the infusion tube 30. If the information about the tube diameter indicates the outer diameter D1 of the infusion tube 30, the control unit 151 detects the inner diameter D2 of the infusion tube 30 using Equation 2 based on the preset thickness D3 of the wall 31 of the infusion tube 30. After completing the flow rate correction process including step S12, the control unit 151 proceeds to step S4 in FIG. 6 and executes the processing of each step in FIG. 6, as in Example 1. After completing the flow rate correction process including step S12, the control unit 151 may proceed to step S23 in FIG. 8.

As described above, in Example 3, the infusion pump 1 analyzes the captured image to acquire information about the diameter of the infusion tube 30 displayed on the infusion tube 30. The infusion pump 1 then detects the inner diameter D2 of the infusion tube 30 based on the information about the diameter of the infusion tube 30. The infusion pump 1 then corrects the flow rate of the infusion to a preset infusion rate (mL/h) based on the detected inner diameter D2 of the infusion tube 30. In this way, in Example 3, the infusion pump 1 detects the inner diameter D2 by reading the tube diameter information measured during the manufacture of the infusion tube 30. This allows for more accurate flow rate correction without measurement errors in the outer diameter D1 or inner diameter D2. Furthermore, because the infusion pump 1 can detect the inner diameter D2 regardless of whether the infusion tube 30 is filled with infusion fluid, it is possible to capture an image of the infusion tube 30 during the series of operations of attaching the infusion tube 30 and the infusion cartridge 20 for infusion delivery. Therefore, the infusion pump 1 is able to perform flow rate correction without increasing the user's effort.

As described above, the infusion pump 1 according to each embodiment of the present disclosure acquires an image of the infusion tube 30 captured by the two-dimensional sensor (light-receiving unit 112) and analyzes the acquired image to detect the inner diameter D2 of the infusion tube 30. The infusion pump 1 corrects the infusion flow rate to a preset infusion rate (mL/h) based on the detected inner diameter D2 of the infusion tube 30. The infusion pump 1 delivers the infusion fluid into the patient's body via the infusion delivery unit 12 at the corrected flow rate. In this way, the infusion pump 1 corrects the infusion flow rate to a preset infusion rate (mL/h) based on the image of the infusion tube 30 captured by the two-dimensional sensor, thereby enabling highly accurate control of the infusion flow rate. The two-dimensional sensor (light-receiving unit 112) may also be used to detect blockages in the infusion tube 30, air bubbles in the infusion fluid flowing through the infusion tube 30, and whether the infusion cartridge 20 is properly attached to the pump body 10. Therefore, the infusion pump 1 has a compact configuration and can implement a variety of functions without significantly increasing costs.

The infusion pump 1 may also analyze the captured image to determine whether the infusion tube 30 is correctly attached to the infusion pump 1, and if it is determined that the infusion tube 30 is not correctly attached to the infusion pump 1, notify the user of this. Therefore, the infusion pump 1 can automatically detect when the infusion tube 30 is not correctly attached to the infusion pump 1 and notify the user. In the above example, the infusion pump 1 notifies the user that the infusion tube 30 is not correctly attached to the infusion pump 1 by displaying an error on the display unit 13, but the notification method is not limited to this. For example, the infusion pump 1 may notify the user that the infusion tube 30 is not correctly attached by at least one of a sound, vibration, and/or illumination of a lamp, in addition to or instead of displaying an error.

The infusion pump 1 may also determine the amount of correction for the infusion flow rate based on the detected inner diameter D2 of the infusion tube 30, by referencing correspondence information previously stored in the memory unit 152 that indicates the correspondence relationship between the inner diameter D2 of the infusion tube 30 and the amount of correction for the infusion flow rate. The infusion pump 1 may then use the determined correction amount to correct the infusion flow rate to a preset infusion rate (mL/h). In this way, the infusion pump 1 can quickly correct the infusion flow rate by using the correspondence information.

The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, instead of executing the steps described in the flowchart in chronological order as described, the steps may be executed in parallel or in a different order depending on the processing capabilities of the device executing each step, or as needed. Other modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 infusion pump 10 pump body 11 detection unit 111 light emitting unit 112 light receiving unit 12 infusion unit 121 finger 13 display unit 14 operation unit 15 processing unit 151 control unit 152 memory unit 20 infusion cartridge 21 light guiding unit 211 light guiding plate 22 storage unit 23 filling port 24 tube receiving unit 30 infusion tube 31 tube wall 32 flow path D1 outer diameter D2 inner diameter D3 thickness L luminous flux

Claims (8)

An infusion pump comprising a control unit and a memory unit,
The control unit
An image of the infusion tube is acquired by a two-dimensional sensor.
Analyzing the acquired photographed image to detect the inner diameter of the infusion tube;
determining a correction amount for the infusion flow rate based on the detected inner diameter of the infusion tube, with reference to correspondence information stored in advance in the storage unit, which indicates a correspondence relationship between the detected inner diameter of the infusion tube and a correction amount for the infusion flow rate to be corrected so as to achieve a preset infusion rate;
correcting the flow rate of the infusion using the determined correction amount ;
The infusion pump is configured to: The control unit
Analyzing the captured image to determine whether the infusion tube is properly attached to the infusion pump;
If it is determined that the infusion tube is not properly attached to the infusion pump, notify the user accordingly.
The infusion pump of claim 1. The control unit
acquiring the photographed image of the infusion tube filled with the infusion solution;
analyzing the captured image to measure the outer diameter of the infusion tube, and detecting the inner diameter of the infusion tube based on the outer diameter;
3. The infusion pump according to claim 1 or 2. The control unit
acquiring the photographed image of the infusion tube not filled with the infusion solution;
Analyzing the captured image to measure the inner diameter of the infusion tube.
3. The infusion pump according to claim 1 or 2. The control unit
Analyzing the captured image to obtain information about the tube diameter of the infusion tube displayed on the infusion tube;
detecting an inner diameter of the infusion tube based on information about the tube diameter of the infusion tube;
3. The infusion pump according to claim 1 or 2. the storage unit further stores a wall thickness of the infusion tube;
the control unit detects the inner diameter of the infusion tube based on the measured outer diameter and the thickness stored in the storage unit.
The infusion pump of claim 3. The device further includes a drive unit that pushes the infusion tube to deliver the infusion solution,
the drive unit includes a motor,
The control unit adjusts the rotation speed of the motor to correct the flow rate of the infusion.
7. An infusion pump according to any one of claims 1 to 6. A control method for an infusion pump including a control unit and a memory unit ,
The control unit
acquiring an image of the infusion tube captured by a two-dimensional sensor;
a step of analyzing the acquired photographed image to detect the inner diameter of the infusion tube;
determining a correction amount for the infusion flow rate based on the detected inner diameter of the infusion tube, with reference to correspondence information stored in advance in the storage unit, which indicates a correspondence relationship between the detected inner diameter of the infusion tube and a correction amount for the infusion flow rate to be corrected so as to achieve a preset infusion rate;
correcting the flow rate of the infusion using the determined correction amount ;
sending the infusion solution at the corrected flow rate by a solution sending unit;
A method for controlling an infusion pump, comprising: