DE102017114017A1 - Portable level measurement for a flexible bag - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention is a portable level sensor of a flexible bag for collecting liquid and / or solids. The portable optical level sensor can be used for an ostomy pouch or bag for urine collection. The invention further relates to a system for measuring the level of a flexible bag, comprising the portable level sensor and a method for measuring the level of a flexible bag In order to provide an improved device which is producible at a lower cost and which is capable of accurately measuring the level of a flexible bag, we propose a portable optical level sensor on flexible bags, the optical level sensor consisting of several elements A light source which injects an optical signal into an optical fiber element; a flexible optical fiber element whose light intensity attenuation changes in accordance with its degree of bending; a light receiver receiving an optical signal from the output of the optical fiber element, the light receiver being configured to identify the changes in the attenuation of the light intensity as a function of the degree of flexing of the optical fiber element; of a method for fixing the optical fiber element to the surface of the flexible bag and means for periodically interrogating the light intensity at the light receiver and for transmitting a signal which varies in dependence on the light intensity attenuation identified by the light receiver to a receiving device.

Description

The invention described below is a portable optical level sensor of a flexible bag as used to capture a liquid, gas and / or solids. The portable optical level sensor can be used for an ostomy bag or urine collection bag.

The invention further relates to a system for measuring the level of a flexible bag, comprising the portable level sensor and a method for measuring the level of a flexible bag.

A "stoma" is an artificial body opening on the abdomen, which connects bowel parts to the outside. A removable pouch is glued to the surface of the abdomen to catch the fecal matter leaving the body through the stoma. There are three main categories of stomata: an ileostomy, a connection of the small intestine to the abdominal wall (anastomosis), so that feces can leave the body without passing through the colon; A colostomy, an anastomosis of the colon to the body surface so feces can leave the body without passing the anus; And a urostomy, a discharge of the urethra to allow the urine to leave the body without passage of the bladder.

The term "ostomy pouch" as used herein is intended to cumulatively stand for any flexible pouches used to collect excretions from the colon, small intestine, and bladder.

One problem often experienced by users of ostomy pouches in using such a pouch is the inability to sense how far the pouch is filled and, consequently, to remember when it needs to be emptied or changed. If the user does not observe and empty the bag, the bag may overflow, burst or peel off.

Monitoring devices are known which measure the filling of a flexible bag.

US 5,260,692 A , for example, describes the use of a sensor consisting of an electrical resistance that varies depending on the extent of its strain. This resistive element is stretched manually and then mounted to the surface of the ostomy pouch. When the manual tension is released, the resistance module contracts and forms a fold in the stoma bag. When the bag then fills, the surface of the bag smoothes while stretching the resistance element. when a previously defined resistance value is reached, an alarm is generated to inform the user that the bag is soon full.

US-A-6,696,964 describes the use of a sensor consisting of an electronic resistance element whose electrical resistance varies depending on the degree of bending. The resistance element is mounted in a pocket on the flexible bag so that the curvature of the bag results in a bending of the resistance module in the middle as the bag fills. When a predefined resistance value is reached, an alarm is triggered to inform the user that it is time to replace the bag.

A problem with the methods described in US 5,260,692 and US 6,696,964 however, only one alarm level is provided, so that between the time the bag is replaced (or when the bag is empty) and the alarm (ie, the almost total filling), the user has no information on how full the bag is currently. A similar problem arises for catheterized patients with bags for collecting urine.

EP 2,934,399 B1 describes the use of a portable sensor that attaches to a flexible bag. The portable sensor consists of a resistance element whose electrical resistance changes depending on the degree of bending. A problem with a sensor, as in EP 2,934,399 is described as measuring only the average bend from one contact point to another. Consequently, the measured values not only change depending on the sensor position, but are also susceptible to measurement errors. In addition, the resistance element is costly compared to other solutions.

Consequently, the existing solutions to prevent unnoticed filling of ostomy pouches are either inaccurate, inadequate in that they only provide an alarm, or consist of costly sensor elements.

Consequently, there is a need for an improved device which can be manufactured at a lower cost and which is suitable for measuring the filling of a flexible bag with sufficient accuracy.

The invention described herein constitutes a portable optical level sensor for a flexible bag for collecting a liquid and / or a solid, which flexible bag may be an ostomy bag or a bag for collecting / collecting urine. The sensor consists of a light source to provide an optical signal in a flexible optical guide; a flexible optical fiber whose light intensity attenuation varies depending on the degree of bending thereof; and a light receiver which receives the optical signal at the output of the flexible optical fiber and is configured to detect the changes in the light intensity attenuation of the optical signal depending on the degree of bending of the flexible optical fiber; a device for securing the sensor to the surface of the flexible bag; and means for periodically interrogating the light intensity at the light receiver and sending to a receiving device a signal which varies in response to said light intensity attenuation.

In this case, the periodic interrogation of the light intensity, the light intensity attenuation, and the change in the light intensity attenuation lead to the same results, since they can be calculated apart.

Conveniently, by providing a portable optical level sensor capable of periodically measuring the light intensity of the flexible optical fiber at the light receiver, and [the capability] of varying a signal depending on the light intensity attenuation measured there, a simple device, in accordance with of the invention described above, which is capable of measuring the progressive filling of a flexible bag and periodically reporting the level.

This flexible bag is preferably an ostomy pouch or pouch for collecting urine.

The light source which injects the optical signal into the flexible optical conductor is preferably a "light emitting diode" (LED), a lamp or other source capable of generating a characteristic optical signal.

The flexible optical fiber element is preferably a transparent optical fiber of glass or plastic and is preferably connected at one end directly to the light source, so that the light can be given directly into the flexible optical conductor in this way.

The optical fiber should have measuring ranges at which the light intensity attenuation changes depending on the degree of its bending. These measuring ranges can be realized by lateral grinding of the optical fiber (side polishing). Preferably, the measuring points can distinguish between convex and concave bending. This could be done by one-sided sanding (Side Polishing).

It is part of the invention that the optical fiber element obtains a resilient sheath so as to allow the optical fiber to spring back after it has been bent.

Furthermore, it is part of the invention that the optical element of the sensor consists of two optical fibers. One fiber [in this case] would have at least one measurement range, the other none. The latter [fiber] is used as a reference to eliminate fluctuations in the light intensity of the light source.

The light receiver for receiving the optical signal from the output of the optical fiber is configured to identify the light intensity attenuation in accordance with the degree of flexing of the optical fiber. The light receiver may be a photocell, a camera, a photodiode or a photoresistor.

The flexible sensor element may be a commercially available or specially designed and manufactured optical fiber having an LED attached to one side and a commercially available photoresistor / photodiode on the other side. The photoresistor or photodiode could have a nominal resistance of 10 kohms and a photoresistor with a bandwidth of 5 kohms to 10 kohms. Said photoresistor / photodiode can measure the intensity of the transmitted light.

In order to fix the optical fiber to the surface of the flexible bag, it is preferable to use an adhesive tape in which the optical fiber is integrated. Otherwise, the sensor could be attached to the bag surface with staples.

The optical fiber can preferably be integrated into the adhesive tape for fixing to the bag surface. Alternatively, the sensor can be clamped to the bag or attached to the surface with Velcro.

The optical fiber may extend over the entire surface of the bag or only over critical areas. With regard to attachment, the optical fiber may be fixed to the bag surface by various methods, depending on the particular flexible bag to which it is to be attached.

In order to prevent slippage of the optical fiber in relation to the surface of the flexible bag, the fiber may be fixed between the inner and outer layers of the flexible bag.

To periodically measure the light intensity attenuation of the optical fiber, the light source may periodically transmit a light signal into the optical fiber and the light receiver may then measure the light intensity at the output of the optical fiber by measuring the electrical resistance of the light receiver. Said light intensity attenuation can then be calculated from the difference between the value measured at the light receiver and a calibration value set at the first use of the optical fiber. If the optical sensor element consists of two optical fibers, the first fiber having at least one measuring range and the second fiber having none, then the light intensity attenuation can also be calculated from the difference between the values measured at the end of the fibers. An analog-to-digital converter then translates the identified light intensity attenuation into a digital signal which is to be wirelessly transmitted to a receiver.

The receiving device is preferably a personal electronic device, for example a laptop, a mobile phone, a tablet or a smartwatch. The receiving device may be a wireless receiver. Alternatively, it may be a device that has an interface to connect to a station's digital documentation system or monitor monitoring system.

In an advantageous implementation of the invention, the light source for feeding an optical signal into the optical fiber is an LED; the light receiver to receive the optical signal from the output of the optical fiber is a photosensor element having a resistance which varies depending on the degree of bending experienced by the optical fiber; and the means for periodically interrogating the light intensity at the light receiver is a means for periodically interrogating the electrical resistance of the photosensor element and for transmitting the values thus determined in a signal which changes in dependence on said electrical resistance to a receiving device.

• a. Ein Kommunikationsmodul, um das Signal an das Empfangsgerät zu senden; und
• b. Ein Mikroprozessor, der so programmiert und arrangiert ist, dass er ein digitales Signal generiert, welches in Übereinstimmung mit der gemessenen Lichtintensitätsdämpfung an dem Lichtempfänger ist, und besagtes Signal an das Kommunikationsmodul zur Weiterleitung an das Empfangsgerät gibt.

A further advantageous implementation of the invention means for periodically interrogating the light intensity at the light receiver and then to send the determined values in a signal which varies in dependence on said light intensity attenuation to a receiving device, consists of the following parts:

• a. A communication module to send the signal to the receiving device; and
• b. A microprocessor programmed and arranged to generate a digital signal that is in accordance with the measured light intensity attenuation at the light receiver and provides said signal to the communication module for transmission to the receiving device.

For the implementations described above, it is already planned that the communication module can send a wireless signal to the receiving device.

In the event that the light receiver is a photoresistor or a photodiode having electrical resistance, it is envisaged that in order to periodically interrogate the light intensity attenuation of the optical fiber and transmit a signal that varies in response to said light intensity attenuation, the optical level sensor a communication module to transmit a wireless signal, and a microprocessor programmed and arranged to generate a digital signal that is in accordance with the electrical resistance of the photoresistor or the photodiode, and to send said signal to the communication module for transmission thereto Receiving device gives.

The communication module is preferably a Bluetooth sensor module. The Bluetooth sensor module may be a standard Bluetooth module and / or a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module. The term "standard Bluetooth module" is further used to refer to a Bluetooth module such as, but not limited to, Bluetooth 2.0. + EDR (Enhanced Data Rates). While "Bluetooth low energy module" is used to refer to a Bluetooth module like, but not limited to, Bluetooth version 4.0 (Bluetooth smart).

The communication module should be permanently attached to the optical fiber or with one of the following devices which would make the sensor module itself a disposable product.

The mentioned devices may either be a mechanism that includes a magnet that secures the communication to the sensor module and makes contact therewith, or any other devices that serve to secure the communication module and make contact therewith, such as electrical contact.

The microprocessor and communication module may be integrated into a small device which may be carried on the flexible bag or base plate and operated by a small rechargeable battery such as a 3V lithium button cell.

This small device is preferably integrated into a small housing, which is attached to the sensor as described above.

In order to save the battery life of the portable sensor, the communication module should be switched between active and inactive mode. The energy consumption in inactive mode is lower than in active mode. Preferably, the microprocessor is programmed to switch the communication module between active and inactive modes with a digital signal. Preferably, the microprocessor is further programmed to switch the communication module from the active mode back to the inactive mode.

The microprocessor should be programmed and arranged to generate a second digital signal in response to the voltage of the battery and to direct said second signal to the communication module for wireless transmission to the receiving device.

In order to determine the orientation of the flexible bag and send a signal to the receiving device which varies depending on the orientation, the portable level sensor preferably includes an accelerometer. The accelerometer may be programmed and arranged to generate an alignment-correlated signal that communicates with the communication module for (wireless) routing to the receiving device. The accelerometer can be accommodated in the communication module.

Here it is advantageous that the portable level sensor includes the possibility of calibration, which allows the user to calibrate the accelerometer when the communication module has been mounted. In this way, the data collected will not be corrupted depending on the way the user attaches the sensor.

The invention thus provides a system for level measurement of a flexible bag consisting of an optical sensor as described above and a receiving device adapted to receive a signal transmitted by the communication module to communicate the level of the flexible bag to a user.

For example, the Bluetooth module may be connected to a receiving device, which may be a mobile phone, a tablet, or a smartwatch running an application, such as an Android application. This application may then include a function that allows the user to calibrate the accelerometer once the communication module is connected. In this way, the interpretation of the collected data is not distorted due to the different ways in which the user attaches the sensor to the bag.

The receiving device is preferably a personal electronic device, such as a laptop, a mobile phone, a tablet computer or a smartwatch. The receiver may be a wireless receiver. Alternatively, it may be a device that has an interface to connect to the monitor system or the digital documentation system of a station.

Preferably, the receiving device includes means for notifying the user of the presence of a connection between the receiving device and the communication module, which may be wireless. Preferably, the receiving device also includes a type of visual representation that represents the level of the flexible bag. This can be, for example, in the form of a percentage or filling a status bar.

The receiving device may be programmed and arranged to notify the user of the total volume of liquid and / or solids collected from flexible bags for a user-defined period of time. In addition, the receiving device could be programmed to communicate the total volume of liquid and / or solids collected from the flexible bag over a fixed period of time to a third party, such as the user's practitioner. In addition, the receiving device may include the capability of "machine learning" algorithms to predict how much time is likely to elapse before the next change or emptying of the bag is necessary.

Should the portable level sensor include an accelerometer, then the receiver may be programmed and arranged to provide the user with a corrected value of the total volume of liquid and / or solids collected by the flexible bag, such that it aligns the flexible bag Takes into account. This can be achieved, for example, by calibrating the accelerometer in an upright position so that it can detect the degree of deviation from the upright position and establish a correlation between the light intensity and the actual level of the flexible bag when the bag is one or more degrees is oriented in deviation from the upright position. Should the portable level sensor be a communication module contain, then the accelerometer is preferably in this.

In order to notify the user when the level of the bag exceeds a pre-defined limit, the receiving device preferably includes an alarm. Advantageously, more than one limit could be defined by the user at which the alarm is activated.

The alarm may take the form of a vibration, a visual and / or acoustic signal and should be user definable.

In order to alert the user to a possible technical failure of the sensor attachment to the flexible bag or leakage to the bag, an alarm is preferably triggered when the signal of the communication module indicates a reduction in the level.

Preferably, the receiving device includes methods for discriminating whether the signal indicative of a decrease in level has been due to an erroneous sensor attachment to the flexible bag or due to a change in the position of the bag.

If the flexible bag is an ostomy bag, then the receiving device could include methods for detecting patterns of signals associated with the user sitting in a sitting or lying position.

It is also advantageous if the alarm sent to the user is coded or paired with a code so that only the intended recipient receives the alarm notification.

1. (a) Bereitstellen eines portablen optischen Füllstandsensors, wie er zuvor beschrieben wurde, der auf der Oberfläche eines flexiblen Beutels befestigt wird, sodass das flexible optischen Faserelement sich beim Füllen des Beutels biegt und
2. (b) periodische Abfrage der Lichtintensität am Lichtempfänger und senden eines Signals, welches in Abhängigkeit von besagter Lichtintensitätsdämpfung, wie sie am Lichtempfänger identifiziert wird, variiert, an ein Empfangsgerät. Hierbei ist der flexible Beutel vorzugsweise ein Stomabeutel oder ein Beutel zum Auffangen von Urin.

In a third aspect, the invention provides a method for measuring the level of a flexible bag. This method includes the following steps:

1. (a) providing a portable optical level sensor as described above which is mounted on the surface of a flexible bag such that the flexible optical fiber element flexes upon filling of the bag and
2. (b) periodically interrogating the light intensity at the light receiver and transmitting to a receiving device a signal which varies in response to said light intensity attenuation as identified at the light receiver. Here, the flexible bag is preferably an ostomy bag or a bag for collecting urine.

1. (a) Einem Kommunikationsmodul, um ein Signal an ein Empfangsgerät zu senden; und
2. (b) Einem Mikroprozessor, der so programmiert und arrangiert worden ist, dass er ein digitales Signal generiert, welches sich in Korrespondenz zu der Lichtintensitätsdämpfung am Lichtempfänger verhält und der besagtes digitales Signal an das Kommunikationsmodul zur Weiterleitung an das Empfangsgerät übermittelt.

An embodiment of the method involves that the periodic query as described in (b) is realized by the following means:

1. (a) a communication module to send a signal to a receiving device; and
2. (b) A microprocessor that has been programmed and arranged to generate a digital signal that is in correspondence with the light intensity attenuation at the light receiver and that communicates said digital signal to the communication module for transmission to the receiving device.

The communication module which is to send a signal to the receiving device and the microprocessor which has been programmed and arranged to generate a digital signal which varies in correspondence with the change of the light intensity attenuation at the light receiver and the said digital signal to the communication module for transmission to transmit to the receiving device, are the same as they have been previously described for the portable level sensor.

It is advantageous that the invention further includes the step of switching the communication module from an inactive to an active mode by transmitting the digital signal from the microprocessor to the communication module.

In addition, the method may further include the step of receiving the transmitted signal to a receiving device and transmitting the level of the flexible bag to the user. Against this background, it is advantageous that the signal is a wireless signal and that the receiving device is a wireless receiver.

The method may further include the step of informing the user of the existence of a connection between the receiving device and the communication module, which may be wireless. In addition, the method may further include the step (s) of presenting the user with visualization of the level and / or alerting the user when the level of the bag exceeds a pre-defined limit and / or alerts the user if that Signal received from the communication module indicates that the level is falling. Should the communication module detect a drop in level, then the method should further include the step of detecting whether the signal indicative of a level drop is associated with a faulty sensor attachment to the flexible bag or a change in position of the bag.

Should the flexible bag be an ostomy bag, the method further includes the step of detecting patterns of signals associated with the user assuming a sitting or lying position

The method further includes the step of including an accelerometer programmed and arranged to generate a digital signal that correlates with the orientation of the flexible bag and a signal that varies depending on the orientation of the flexible bag, from the accelerometer to the receiving device.

1. (a) einer Mehrzahl von portablen Füllstandsensoren, wie sie zuvor beschrieben worden sind und
2. (b) einem kabellosen Empfangsgerät, das so angepasst ist, dass es die Signale von jedem der Kommunikationsmodule der portablen Füllstandsensoren empfängt und den Füllstand von den jeweiligen flexiblen Beuteln an eine Monitoranlage weiterleitet.

Further, on a different level, a system is provided which is capable of simultaneously measuring the level of a plurality of bags. The system consists of:

1. (a) a plurality of portable level sensors as previously described and
2. (b) a wireless receiver adapted to receive the signals from each of the communication modules of the portable level sensors and to pass the level from the respective flexible bags to a monitor.

1. (a) das Befestigen von einer Mehrzahl von portablen Füllstandsensoren wie sie zuvor beschrieben worden sind an der Oberfläche von jedem einzelnen der Mehrzahl an flexiblen Beuteln, sodass sich das flexible optische Faserelement beim Füllen der Beutel biegt;
2. (b) eine periodische Abfrage des elektrischen Widerstandes von jedem der Fotosensoren und der Übermittlung eines separaten Signals an ein Empfangsgerät, wobei das Signal mit dem elektrischen Wiederstand der jeweiligen Fotosensoren korreliert und in Abhängigkeit des besagtem Widerstands variiert; und
3. (c) das Empfangen des gesendeten kabellosen Signals durch ein kabelloses Empfangsgerät und der Übermittlung des Füllstands des flexiblen Beutels an eine Monitoringanlage.

As a result, a method is further described for simultaneously measuring the level of a plurality of flexible bags, which consists of the following steps:

1. (a) attaching a plurality of portable level sensors, as previously described, to the surface of each one of the plurality of flexible bags such that the flexible optical fiber element flexes upon filling the bags;
2. (b) periodically polling the electrical resistance of each of the photosensors and transmitting a separate signal to a receiver, the signal correlating with the electrical resistance of the respective photosensors and varying in response to said resistance; and
3. (c) receiving the transmitted wireless signal by a wireless receiving device and transmitting the level of the flexible bag to a monitoring system.

• 1 um eine perspektivische Darstellung eines flexiblen Beutels, an dem ein portabler Sensor zur Füllstandmessung in Einklang mit der Erfindung befestigt ist
• 2 um eine Aufsicht auf die Methodik mit der das Optische Faserelement an die Oberfläche des flexiblen Beutels mit Hilfe von Klebeband befestigt wurde und bei
• 3 um eine perspektivische Darstellung einer alternativen Methodik mit der der Sensor an der Oberfläche des flexiblen Beutels mit Hilfe von Klemmen befestigt werden kann.

A description of the preferred embodiment of the invention will be made in reference to the following figures, which are by way of example

• 1 to a perspective view of a flexible bag, to which a portable sensor for level measurement is attached in accordance with the invention
• 2 for a review of the methodology with which the optical fiber element has been attached to the surface of the flexible bag by means of adhesive tape and at
• 3 to provide a perspective view of an alternative methodology with which the sensor can be attached to the surface of the flexible bag by means of clamps.

The portable level sensor 1 as he in 1-3 is shown includes a flexible optical fiber element 3 , which extends substantially over the entire width of the flexible bag 2 extends and which with tape 6 or with one or more clamp (s) 7 on the flexible bag 2 is attached.

As in 2 shown contains the flexible optical fiber element 3 measuring points 5 that change the light intensity attenuation depending on its degree of flexure, a tough shell to allow it to snap back after bending, and two flexible optical fibers. The optical fibers are connected to the measuring area so that the measuring area is connected in series between the flexible optical conductors.

As in 3 As shown, the cables are arranged so that the free end of the respective cable extends over the same end of the resistant sheath and into the clamp 7 ends.

The mountable case 4 as they are in 1-3 The microprocessor, a wireless communication interface (preferably BLE), includes a light source such as an LED and a photosensor. The microprocessor, the bluetooth module, the battery, the switching regulator, and the debug interface are all in the mountable case 4 accommodated.

In use, the optical fiber element becomes 3 on the flexible bag 2 attached and the flexible bag 2 is attached to the stoma in the usual way. The two optical connection fibers of the optical fiber element 3 are connected to an LED and a photoresistor (via a connector which is not shown here) connected to the microprocessor which reads out the value of the light throughput of the optical fiber element by means of an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). As a result, the microprocessor generates a digital signal related to the light throughput of the optical fiber element 3 correlates and communicates this signal to the Bluetooth module. In use, the Bluetooth Module with a receiving device, such as a mobile phone, paired, which supports an application, such as an Android app. This application could then include a function that allows the user to calibrate the accelerometer once the communication module has been attached. In this way, the interpretation of the accumulated data is not distorted by the different ways in which the user can attach the sensor to the flexible bag.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 5260692 A [0007]
• US 6696964A [0008]
• US 5260692 [0009]
• US 6696964 [0009]
• EP 2934399 B1 [0010]
• EP 2934399 [0010]

Claims (13)

A portable optical level sensor (1) for a flexible bag (2) for collecting liquid and / or solids, in which case the flexible bag (2) could be an ostomy bag or a bag for collecting urine, wherein the optical level sensor (1) a light source for giving an optical signal to an optical fiber element (3); a flexible optical fiber element (3) whose light intensity attenuation varies in correlation with its degree of bending, and a light receiver which receives an optical signal from the end of the optical fiber element (3), the light receiver being configured so that changes in the light intensity attenuation be identified in correlation with the degree of bending experienced by the fiber element (3); Means (6, 7) for fixing the optical fiber element (3) to the surface of the flexible bag (2); and means for periodically interrogating the light intensity at the light receiver and for transmitting a signal to a receiving device which varies in response to said light intensity attenuation identified at the light receiver. A portable level sensor (1) as in Claim 1 wherein the light source which is to give an optical signal to the optical fiber element (3) is an LED; the light receiver receiving an optical signal from the optical fiber element (3) is a photosensor having an electrical resistance which varies depending on the degree of bending experienced by the optical fiber element (3); and the means for periodically interrogating the light intensity at the light receiver, which methodology correspond to periodically interrogate the electrical resistance of the photosensor and send a signal to a receiving device, which varies in dependence on said electrical resistance. A portable level sensor (1) as in Claim 1 wherein said means for periodically interrogating the light intensity at the light receiver and for transmitting a signal which varies in dependence on said light intensity attenuation comprise: a) a communication module for sending a signal to a receiving device; and b) a microprocessor programmed and arranged to generate a digital signal which correlates with the light intensity attenuation at the light receiver and which communicates said signal to the communication module for transmission to the receiving device. A portable level sensor (1) as claimed in any preceding claim including an accelerometer programmed and arranged to generate a digital signal which correlates with the orientation of the flexible bag and to send to a receiving device a signal indicative of Depending on the orientation of the flexible bag varies. A system for measuring the level of a flexible bag, consisting of a portable level sensor (1) in line with the Patent claims 3 or 4 and a receiving device to receive the signal of the communication module and to communicate the level of the flexible bag to the user. A system like in Claim 5 wherein the receiving device includes the ability to alert the user to the existence of a connection between the receiving device and the communication module. A system like in the Claims 5 or 6 wherein the receiving device includes a visual surface to present a visual representation of the level to the user. A system like in the Claims 5 to 7 wherein the receiving device includes an alarm to alert the user when the level exceeds a predetermined limit. A system like in the Claims 5 to 8th wherein the receiving device may trigger a plurality of alarms to warn the user when the level has reached one of the plurality of preset limit levels. A system like in the Claims 5 to 9 wherein, when the flexible bag is an ostomy bag, the receiving device has means for detecting patterns of signals associated with the taking of a sitting or lying position by the ostomate. A system for measuring the level of a flexible bag, consisting of a portable optical level sensor as shown in the Claims to 3 and a receiving device adapted to receive a signal transmitted by the accelerometer, the system having an accelerometer programmed and arranged to generate a digital signal which includes correlates the orientation of the flexible bag and sends to the receiving device a signal of the accelerometer, which varies depending on the orientation of the flexible bag. A method of measuring the level of a flexible bag, consisting of a) a portable sensor for measuring the level in accordance with Claims to 4 which is attached to the surface of a flexible bag so that the flexible optical fiber element flexes upon filling of the bag and b) periodically interrogating the light intensity at the light receiver and transmitting a signal which varies in response to the light intensity attenuation measured at the light receiver the flexible bag is preferably an ostomy pouch or pouch for collecting urine. A method like in Claim 12 wherein the periodic interrogation as described in step (b) consists of the following means: a) a communication module to send a signal to a receiving device and b) a microprocessor programmed and arranged to generate a digital signal , which correlates with the light intensity attenuation at the light receiver and the

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