WO2020053546A1 - Apparatus and method for detecting level of urine - Google Patents

Apparatus and method for detecting level of urine Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020053546A1
WO2020053546A1 PCT/GB2019/052202 GB2019052202W WO2020053546A1 WO 2020053546 A1 WO2020053546 A1 WO 2020053546A1 GB 2019052202 W GB2019052202 W GB 2019052202W WO 2020053546 A1 WO2020053546 A1 WO 2020053546A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
level
electromagnetic radiation
bag
detectors
controller
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2019/052202
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Martin GOSSLING
Original Assignee
270 Vision Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 270 Vision Ltd filed Critical 270 Vision Ltd
Publication of WO2020053546A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020053546A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M1/00—Suction or pumping devices for medical purposes; Devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body-liquids; Drainage systems
    • A61M1/69—Drainage containers not being adapted for subjection to vacuum, e.g. bags
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/0059—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/20—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons for measuring urological functions restricted to the evaluation of the urinary system
    • A61B5/207—Sensing devices adapted to collect urine
    • A61B5/208—Sensing devices adapted to collect urine adapted to determine urine quantity, e.g. flow, volume
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/48—Other medical applications
    • A61B5/4869—Determining body composition
    • A61B5/4875—Hydration status, fluid retention of the body
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F5/00—Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints; Nursing devices; Anti-rape devices
    • A61F5/44—Devices worn by the patient for reception of urine, faeces, catamenial or other discharge; Portable urination aids; Colostomy devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F5/00—Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints; Nursing devices; Anti-rape devices
    • A61F5/44—Devices worn by the patient for reception of urine, faeces, catamenial or other discharge; Portable urination aids; Colostomy devices
    • A61F5/4404—Details or parts
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
    • G01F23/22—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water
    • G01F23/28—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water by measuring the variations of parameters of electromagnetic or acoustic waves applied directly to the liquid or fluent solid material
    • G01F23/284—Electromagnetic waves
    • G01F23/292—Light, e.g. infrared or ultraviolet
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
    • G01F23/22—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water
    • G01F23/28—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water by measuring the variations of parameters of electromagnetic or acoustic waves applied directly to the liquid or fluent solid material
    • G01F23/284—Electromagnetic waves
    • G01F23/292—Light, e.g. infrared or ultraviolet
    • G01F23/2921—Light, e.g. infrared or ultraviolet for discrete levels
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B2560/00—Constructional details of operational features of apparatus; Accessories for medical measuring apparatus
    • A61B2560/02—Operational features
    • A61B2560/0223—Operational features of calibration, e.g. protocols for calibrating sensors

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for detecting the level of urine in a bag.
  • an apparatus for detecting the level of urine in a bag such as a urine collection bag.
  • the apparatus is configured to couple to a bag for receiving urine, and comprises an array of emitters in operable communication with a corresponding array of respective detectors.
  • the arrays are arranged such that the array of emitters face the array of detectors on opposing sides of the bag.
  • Each emitter is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation through the bag towards a corresponding detector.
  • Each detector is configured to detect the electromagnetic radiation and send a signal based on the level of detected electromagnetic radiation.
  • the apparatus further comprises a controller configured to receive the signals from the detectors of the array of detectors and determine, based on the level of electromagnetic radiation received from the array of detectors, for example from each of the detectors of the array of detectors, a fill level of the bag.
  • the apparatus is designed so that it can be clipped onto a bag for receiving urine and can indicate to the user of the bag and/or a clinician responsible for the patient when the bag is getting full so that it can be changed before it is full. Changing the bag before it is full helps alleviate possible kidney problems and may help to prevent embarrassing problems such as bed wetting.
  • the emitters may be configured to emit, and/or the detectors may be configured to receive, electromagnetic radiation such as light of wavelengths that are absorbed by urine such as in the red and/or infrared spectrum (for example having a wavelength of at least 610 nm, for example at least 760 nm).
  • the emitters are LEDs configured to emit infra-red radiation, for example with a wavelength greater than 760 nm.
  • the controller may be configured to determine the fill level of the bag based on the number of detectors that detect a reduction in the level of electromagnetic radiation received from their corresponding emitters.
  • the controller is configured to determine the fill level of the bag based on the number of detectors that detect a reduction in the level of electromagnetic radiation received from their corresponding emitters falling below a threshold level of electromagnetic radiation, wherein the threshold level of electromagnetic radiation is defined as a percentage level of electromagnetic radiation previously received by each detector.
  • the threshold level of electromagnetic radiation may have been determined by a calibration operation wherein the calibration operation determines the maximum transmission level of electromagnetic radiation through the bag and sets the threshold level of electromagnetic radiation as a percentage of this maximum transmission.
  • the controller may be configured to perform the calibration operation by determining the level of electromagnetic radiation received by each of the plurality of detectors, and in response to the level of electromagnetic radiation received by each of the plurality of detectors being within a selected interval of each other, setting the maximum transmission level.
  • the controller is configured to define a minimum level of electromagnetic transmission, and in response to the level of electromagnetic radiation received by a detector falling below the minimum level of electromagnetic transmission, the controller is configured to ignore the signals received from that detector.
  • the controller may be configured to receive information indicative of the capacity of the bag and determine the fill level of the bag based on both (i) the number of detectors that detect a reduction in the level of electromagnetic radiation received from their corresponding emitters and (ii) the capacity of the bag.
  • the apparatus may comprise elongate arms mechanically coupled to each other that are configured to extend parallel to each other along outer faces of the bag on opposite sides of the bag.
  • the emitters may be equally spaced along one arm and the detectors may be equally spaced along the other arm of the apparatus.
  • the arms are mechanically coupled together by a head portion at a proximal end of the arms.
  • the head portion may comprise the controller.
  • the mechanical coupling between the arms may be configured to provide a minimum separation between the arms.
  • the mechanical coupling between the arms may be configured to be resiliently extendable beyond the minimum separation to squeeze a bag that has a dimension greater than the minimum separation.
  • the mechanical coupling between the arms may be configured to allow the arms a degree of flexion to accommodate bag swell due to filling and emptying of the bag.
  • the mechanical coupling between the arms may be, however, configured to provide a maximum degree of flexion so that the arms are not extendable beyond a maximum separation.
  • the controller may also configured to determine a degree of hydration of a patient based on the level of electromagnetic radiation received from at least one of the detectors.
  • the controller may be configured to determine a degree of hydration of a patient in response to determining the presence of urine in the bag based on a reduction in the level of electromagnetic radiation received from the at least one detector.
  • the controller may be configured to determine a degree of hydration of a patient based on the level of electromagnetic radiation received from at least one detector in response to the controller determining that the level of urine in the bag has reached a level corresponding to that of the at least one detector.
  • the controller is configured to determine a degree of hydration of a patient based on the level of electromagnetic radiation received by at least one detector in response to the level of electromagnetic radiation received by the at least one detector falling below the threshold level of electromagnetic radiation.
  • the controller may be configured to set a plurality of threshold levels of electromagnetic radiation detected by the at least one detector, and the controller may be configured to determine a different degree of hydration in response to the level of electromagnetic radiation detected by the at least one detector falling below a different one of the threshold levels.
  • the controller comprises a communications interface, such as a wireless communications interface, such as a Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi® interface, configured to transmit signals based on fill level and/or hydration level to a remote device.
  • a communications interface such as a wireless communications interface, such as a Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi® interface, configured to transmit signals based on fill level and/or hydration level to a remote device.
  • a method of monitoring the level of urine in a bag comprises receiving signals indicative of a level of transmission of electromagnetic radiation through the bag from an array of detectors, and determining, based on the received level of electromagnetic radiation from the array of detectors, a fill level of the bag.
  • the threshold level of electromagnetic radiation may be defined as a percentage level of electromagnetic radiation previously received by the detector.
  • the threshold level of electromagnetic radiation is determined by a calibration operation.
  • the calibration operation may comprise determining the maximum transmission level of electromagnetic radiation through the bag, and setting the threshold level of electromagnetic radiation as a percentage of this maximum transmission.
  • determining the maximum transmission level of electromagnetic radiation through the bag comprises determining the level of electromagnetic radiation received by each of the plurality of detectors, and in response to the level of electromagnetic radiation received by each of the plurality of detectors being within a selected interval of each other, setting the maximum transmission level.
  • the method may further comprise defining a minimum level of electromagnetic transmission, and in response to receiving signals indicating that the level of electromagnetic radiation received by a detector has fallen below the minimum level of electromagnetic transmission, ignoring signals received from that detector.
  • Fig. 1 shows a functional block diagram of an example apparatus for detecting the level of urine in a bag
  • Fig. 2A shows a schematic diagram of an example apparatus for detecting the level of urine in a bag, such as the example shown in Fig. 1 ;
  • Fig. 2B shows a cross-section through the example of Fig. 2A
  • Fig. 3A shows a schematic diagram of another example apparatus for detecting the level of urine in a bag
  • Fig. 3B shows a cross-section through the example of Fig. 2A;
  • Fig. 4 shows a flow chart for explaining an exemplary method for calibrating an apparatus for detecting the level of urine in a bag, such as the apparatus of Figs. 1 to 3B; and Fig. 5 shows a flow chart for explaining an exemplary method of detecting the level of urine in a bag.
  • Embodiments of the claims relate to an apparatus for detecting the level of urine in a bag.
  • the apparatus is configured to couple to a bag for receiving urine, and comprises an array of emitters in operable communication with a corresponding array of respective detectors.
  • the arrays of emitters and detectors are arranged such that the array of emitters face the array of detectors on opposing sides of the bag.
  • Each emitter is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation through the bag towards a corresponding detector.
  • the apparatus further comprises a controller configured to receive signals from the array of detectors and determine, based on the received level of electromagnetic radiation from the array of detectors, a fill level of the bag.
  • An example of such an apparatus is shown in Fig. 1 .
  • Fig. 1 shows an apparatus 100 for detecting the level of urine in a bag.
  • the apparatus 100 is configured to couple to a bag 300 for receiving urine from a patient. Due to the environment in which the apparatus 100 is used, and the possibility of spillage of urine onto the apparatus 100, the apparatus 100 may be waterproof, for example to IP65, and/or washable and in some examples may comprise an antibacterial and/or antimicrobial coating.
  • the apparatus 100 comprises a controller 101 containing a processor 107 coupled to a emitter array 103 and a detector array 105. As shown in Fig. 1 , the emitter array 103 and/or the detector array 105 may be external to the controller 101 . In the example shown the emitter array 103 comprises an array of LEDs. The controller 101 also comprises a wireless communications interface 109 coupled to the processor 107. The apparatus 100 may also comprise a battery (not shown) for powering the controller 101 and/or emitter array 103 and/or detector array 105. The array of emitters 103 are in operable communication with the corresponding array of respective detectors 105. The controller 101 is configured to control operation of the emitter array 103 and the detector array 105. For example, the processor 107 is configured to send signals to the emitter array 103 and/or the detector array 105 to control their operation.
  • the emitters of the array of emitters 103 may be configured to emit, and/or the detectors of the array of detectors 105 are configured to receive, electromagnetic radiation of wavelengths that are absorbed by urine such as in the red and/or infrared spectrum.
  • the arrays of emitters 103 and detectors 105 are arranged such that electromagnetic radiation produced by the array of emitters 103 is transmitted through a bag 300 for containing urine placed between the two arrays 103, 105 and received by the array of detectors 105. There each emitter of the array of emitters 103 is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation through the bag towards a corresponding detector of the array of detectors 105.
  • the controller 101 is configured to receive signals from the array of detectors 105 (and also optionally from the array of emitters 103) and determine, based on the level of electromagnetic radiation received from the array of detectors 105, a fill level 350 of the bag 300.
  • the controller 101 may be configured to transmit signals based on the fill level and/or a hydration level (as will be described in more detail below) to a remote device, for example to the cloud, a tablet or mobile device, or a workstation used by clinicians monitoring the patient.
  • the controller 101 may be configured to determine the fill level 350 of the bag 300 based on the number of detectors of the array of detectors 105 that detect a reduction in the level of electromagnetic radiation received from their corresponding emitters.
  • the controller 101 is configured to determine the fill level of the bag 300 based on the number of detectors of the array of detectors 105 that detect a reduction in the level of electromagnetic radiation received from their corresponding emitters of the array of emitters 103 falling below a threshold level of electromagnetic radiation, wherein the threshold level of electromagnetic radiation is defined as a percentage level of electromagnetic radiation previously received by each detector of the array of detectors 105, as will be described in more detail below.
  • the controller 101 may be configured to perform a calibration operation.
  • the controller 101 may be configured to perform the calibration operation when the apparatus is first turned on, or for example when the apparatus is first coupled to a bag 300 for receiving urine.
  • the threshold level of electromagnetic radiation may have been determined by the calibration operation.
  • the calibration operation may determine the maximum transmission level of electromagnetic radiation through the bag and sets the threshold level of electromagnetic radiation as a percentage of this maximum transmission.
  • the maximum level of electromagnetic radiation transmission may be determined on an array basis - for example an average transmission level for the whole array of emitters/detectors 103, 105, or on a emitter/detector pair basis - that is, the amount of transmission from one emitter from the array of emitters 103 to a corresponding respective detector from the array of detectors 105. In this way, each emitter/detector pair may have their own calibrated maximum levels of electromagnetic radiation transmission.
  • the controller 101 is configured to perform a calibration operation by determining the level of electromagnetic radiation received by each detector of the array of detectors 105, and in response to the level of electromagnetic radiation received by each of the detectors of the array of detectors 105 being within a selected interval of each other, such as substantially the same as each other, setting the maximum transmission level.
  • the controller 101 is configured to define a minimum level of electromagnetic transmission, and in response to the level of electromagnetic radiation received by a detector of the array of detectors 105 falling below the minimum level of electromagnetic transmission, the controller 101 is configured to ignore the signals received from that detector. This may be useful, for example, when one of the emitters/detectors is not working correctly, or when something is blocking the passage of electromagnetic radiation between the emitter/detectors, for example, if there is writing or text on the bag 300 to which the apparatus 100 is coupled.
  • the controller 101 receives information indicative of the dimensions and/or capacity of the bag and determines the fill level 350 of the bag 300 based on both (i) the number of detectors of the array of detectors 105 that detect a reduction in the level of electromagnetic radiation received from their corresponding emitters of the array of emitters 103 and (ii) the dimensions and/or capacity of the bag. For example, a user may be able to provide details of the dimensions and/or capacity of the bag 300 to the controller 101. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 101 may be configured to determine the dimensions and/or capacity of the bag 300 itself.
  • the controller 101 may be coupled to a sensing means such as a camera or communications interface, such as an RF/near field communication interface, for reading information (for example from a barcode or an RFID chip) from the bag 300 that provides information relating to the dimensions and/or capacity of the bag 300.
  • a sensing means such as a camera or communications interface, such as an RF/near field communication interface
  • the controller 101 in response to determining that the fill level 350 of the bag 300 has changed, the controller 101 is configured to send signals indicative of the fill level of the bag 300 to a remote device, for example via the wireless communications interface 109. In this way if the controller 101 is powered by a battery, the life of the battery may be extended as the controller 101 only reports information when a change has occurred.
  • the apparatus 100 comprises a pair of elongate arms 151 , 153 that are mechanically coupled to each other at a proximal end by a head portion.
  • the head portion comprises the controller 101 and the wireless communications interface 109.
  • the pair of elongate arms 151 , 153 are configured to provide a minimum separation between the arms 151 , 153 for receiving a bag 300 for receiving urine therebetween.
  • the minimum separation may be at least 5 mm, for example less than 1 cm, and is equal along the length of the arms 151 , 153, such that the distance between the array of detectors 105 and the array of emitters 103 is substantially constant for each emitter/detector pair.
  • the mechanical coupling between the arms 151 , 153 is configured to allow the arms 151 , 153 a degree of flexion to accommodate bag 300 swell due to filling and emptying of the bag 300, and in the example shown in Figs. 2A and 2B, is similar to that which might be provided by a wooden clothes peg.
  • the mechanical coupling between the arms 151 , 153 is configured to be resiliently extendable beyond the minimum separation to squeeze the bag 300 if it has a dimension greater than the minimum separation.
  • the mechanical coupling may be configured to squeeze a bag 300 that swells when filled with urine and exceeds the minimum separation.
  • the apparatus 100 may comprise a sensor, such as a pressure sensor or flex sensor, to detect any degree of extension of the arms 151 , 153 beyond the minimum separation, for example to determine if the bag 300 is filling and beginning to swell.
  • the mechanical coupling between the arms 151 , 153 is configured to provide a maximum degree of flexion so that the arms 151 , 153 are not extendable beyond a maximum separation. This may be advantageous so as to limit any effect of distance separation on the level of electromagnetic radiation received by the array of detectors 105.
  • the apparatus 100 does not need a head portion - for example, the arms 151 , 153 may be coupled to each other in a different way - such as via a flexible coupling 175.
  • the flexible coupling 175 comprise a series of biasing members, which in this example are springs, that couple the two arms 151 , 153 in a biased arrangement configured to grip the bag and provide the minimum separation but also to be resiliently deformable should the bag 300 swell to be greater than the minimum dimension.
  • one of the arms 151 , 153 may comprise the controller 101 and/or the wireless communications interface 109, for example as shown in the example of Figs. 3A and 3B.
  • the bag 300 may be a urine collection/drainage bag and may be any size of bag, for example ranging from 250 ml_ (day bag) to 2 L (night bag) in capacity. In the examples shown the bag 300 is rectangular, with a short top/horiztonal edge, and a long side/vertical edge.
  • the apparatus 100 may be adapted for use with specific sized bags or with a specific range of sizes of bags. For example, the size of the elongate arms 151 , 153 and the spacing of the emitters of the array of emitters 103 and/or the detectors of the array of detectors 105 may be adapted based on the size of bag 300 the apparatus 100 is configured for use with.
  • the bag 300 may be adapted for use with the apparatus 100.
  • the bag 300 may have transparent portions to allow electromagnetic radiation such as light to pass through the bag from the emitters to the detectors.
  • the bag 300 may also have cut-outs/recesses/tabs for receiving attachment means, such as a clip, for securing the apparatus 100 to the bag 300.
  • attachment means such as a clip
  • the arms 151 , 153 extend parallel to each other along outer faces of the bag 300 on opposite sides of the bag 300.
  • One arm 151 comprises the array of emitters 103
  • the other arm 153 comprises the array of detectors 153.
  • the emitters of the array of emitters 103 are equally spaced along one arm 151 and the detectors of the array of detectors 105 are equally spaced along the other arm 153.
  • the emitters of the array of emitters 103 area each aligned with a corresponding respective detector of the array of detectors 105, and vice-versa.
  • the apparatus 100 is configured to be coupled parallel to an edge of the bag 300.
  • the edge may be a long side/vertical edge of the bag 300 as shown in Figs. 2A and 2B, for example so that the apparatus 100 is arranged to couple to the bag 300 to hold the apparatus 100 at a distance of less than 2 cm, for example less than 1 cm, from the edge of the bag 300.
  • the apparatus 100 may straddle a different edge of the bag, such as the short top/horizontal edge as shown in Figs.
  • the apparatus may also be configured to couple to the bag 300 such that the apparatus 100 straddles the edge to which the arms 151 , 153 are configured to lie parallel to.
  • the apparatus 100 may be configure to straddle a vertical (for example, side/long) edge of the bag 300, for example as shown in Figs. 3A and 3B. In this example, as with the example of Figs.
  • one arm 151 extends along one face of the bag 300 parallel to an edge, in this case the vertical (side/long edge), of the bag 300, and the other arm 153 extends along the other face of the bag 300, but instead of both arms 151 , 153 meeting and being coupled at the head portion adjacent to the horizontal (top/short) edge, the arms 151 , 153 are coupled via the flexible coupling 175 at multiple points along the extent of both arms 151 , 153. It will of course be appreciated that in such examples where the arms 151 , 153 are coupled in a way other than via the head portion, they need not be limited to the flexible coupling 175 as shown in Figs. 3A and 3B but may be coupled in a number of different ways.
  • the apparatus 100 may be configured to secure the apparatus 100 to the bag 300.
  • the apparatus 100 for example the head portion and/or the arms 151 , 153, may comprise an optional clip for securing the apparatus 100 to the bag 300.
  • the mechanical coupling may be configured to squeeze the bag 300 sufficiently to secure the apparatus to the bag 300.
  • the arms 151 , 153 each comprise optional respective gripping portions 157 at a distal end, and optional respective gripping portions 159 at a proximal end relative to the head portion, for gripping the bag 300 when the apparatus 100 is coupled to the bag 300.
  • the gripping portions 157, 159 may be tapered to accommodate a degree of curvature of the bag 300 when it swells as it becomes full.
  • the gripping portions 157 at the distal end may be tapered in one direction whereas the gripping portions 159 at the proximal end may be tapered in an opposite direction. In this way the tapering of the distal and proximal portions 157, 159 may be configured to accommodate a bag that begins to round slightly as it swells.
  • the controller 101 is also configured to determine a degree of hydration of a patient based on the level of electromagnetic radiation received from at least one of the detectors of the array of detectors 105 in response to determining the presence of urine in the bag 300, for example based on a reduction in the level of electromagnetic radiation received from the at least one detector.
  • the controller 101 may be configured to determine a degree of hydration of a patient based on the level of electromagnetic radiation received from at least one detector of the array of detectors 105 in response to the controller 101 determining that the level of urine in the bag 300 has reached a level corresponding to that of the at least one detector.
  • the controller 101 is configured to determine a degree of hydration of a patient based on the level of electromagnetic radiation received by at least one detector of the array of detectors 105 in response to the level of electromagnetic radiation received by the at least one detector falling below the threshold level of electromagnetic radiation.
  • the controller 101 is configured to set a plurality of threshold levels of electromagnetic radiation detected by the at least one detectors, and the controller 101 is configured to determine a different degree of hydration in response to the level of electromagnetic radiation detected by the at least one detector falling below a different one of the threshold levels.
  • the apparatus 100 is designed so that it can be clipped onto a bag 300 for receiving urine and can indicate to the user of the bag and/or a clinician responsible for the patient when the bag 300 is getting full so that it can be changed before it is full. Changing the bag 300 before it is full may help to prevent any adverse medical conditions (for example possible kidney problems) from occurring, and may help to prevent embarrassing situations such as bed wetting from occurring.
  • the apparatus 100 Before the apparatus 100 is used to detect the level of urine in the bag 300, it may be calibrated. It may be calibrated, for example once the apparatus 100 is coupled to the bag 300. In this way, the calibration operation may take into account the relative permittivity to electromagnetic radiation of that bag 300, such that the apparatus 100 is calibrated for each bag 300 to which it is coupled.
  • the calibration operation may also comprise defining 407 a minimum level of electromagnetic transmission.
  • the apparatus 100 may use the minimum level of electromagnetic transmission to determine whether there is a problem with one of the emitters/detectors (for example, if they are not aligned correctly or if one is faulty), or if there is something blocking the transmission of electromagnetic radiation from a emitter to a corresponding detector (for example due to text or markings on the bag).
  • the calibration operation may comprise, in response to the received signals indicating that the level of electromagnetic radiation received by a detector of the array of detectors 105 has fallen below the minimum level of electromagnetic transmission, ignoring signals received from that detector.
  • the controller 100 receives 501 signals indicative of a level of transmission of electromagnetic radiation through the bag 300 from the array of detectors 105, and determines 503, based on the received level of electromagnetic radiation from the array of detectors 105, a fill level of the bag 300.
  • the bag 300 may be coupled to a catheter.
  • the fill level 350 of the bag 300 gradually rises and in some cases the bag 300 begins to swell.
  • the fill level 350 rises it reaches the bottom of the apparatus 100 and is level with the lowest (most distal) emitter/detector pair. Due to the presence of the urine in the bag 300 between the emitter/detector pair, the level of electromagnetic radiation received by the detector of the pair will be reduced, indicating that the fill level 350 has reached that height in the bag 300.
  • determining the fill level of the bag 300 is based on the number of detectors of the array of detectors 105 that detect a reduction in the level of received electromagnetic radiation.
  • the controller 101 may be configured to determine or receive information relating to the dimensions and/or capacity of the bag 300. For example, if the controller 101 knows the dimensions of the bag to which it is coupled, it can determine the relative positions of the emitters/detectors of the arrays 103, 105 relative to the bag, for example so that when the fill level 350 reaches the most distal emitter/detector array it knows what volume of urine that relates to.
  • the controller 101 may be configured to only determine that the level of urine 350 has reached a emitter/detector pair in response to the level of electromagnetic radiation received by each detector falling below a threshold level of electromagnetic radiation, for example that was determined in the calibration operation described above. Additionally or alternatively, the controller may be configured to only determine that the level of urine 350 has reached a particular level in response to the level of electromagnetic radiation both (i) falling below a threshold level of electromagnetic radiation, and (ii) that is has fallen below this level for a threshold time interval (for example at least 10 seconds). This may help to prevent the controller 101 determining that the fill level 350 of the bag 300 has reached a certain level when instead only a trickle or drops of urine are passing between the emitter/detector pair.
  • a threshold level of electromagnetic radiation for example that was determined in the calibration operation described above.
  • the controller may be configured to only determine that the level of urine 350 has reached a particular level in response to the level of electromagnetic radiation both (i) falling below a threshold level of electromagnetic radiation, and (ii) that
  • the controller 100 may also be configured to determine the degree of hydration of the patient based on the colour of their urine in the bag 300. For example, darker colours of urine (which may indicate a lower or poor level of hydration) may absorb more electromagnetic radiation than lighter colours of urine (which may indicate higher or a good level of hydration). In some examples, the controller 101 may do this by setting a plurality of different threshold hydration levels of electromagnetic radiation received by the array of detectors 105 corresponding to different colours of urine/degrees of hydration. It will be understood that the plurality of different threshold hydration levels of electromagnetic radiation received by the array of detectors 105 will be less than the threshold level of electromagnetic radiation used to determine whether or not the level of urine has reached a certain level.
  • the controller 101 may also be configured to record the time duration that it has remained at a particular fill level. For example, if the controller 101 determines that the bag 300 is full, the controller 101 may be configured to determine and/or record how long the bag 300 has been full for, as this may be important to know in case there are any medical complications.
  • the controller 101 may therefore comprise a memory (not shown) coupled to the processor 107 for recording information relating to at least one of the calibration settings (such as maximum transmission level, threshold level of electromagnetic radiation transmission, minimum transmission level etc.), fill level, duration at a particular fill level and/or hydration level.
  • the controller 101 may therefore be configured to record information relating to at least one of the calibration settings (such as maximum transmission level, threshold level of electromagnetic radiation transmission, minimum transmission level etc.), fill level, duration at a particular fill level and/or hydration level to the memory.
  • the controller 101 may be configured to trigger an alert in response to the level of urine reaching a selected level and/or in response to the determined level of hydration falling below a selected level.
  • the controller 101 may be configured to send an alert via the wireless communications interface 109 to a remote device, for example a tablet or mobile device, or a workstation used by clinicians monitoring the patient.
  • a remote device for example a tablet or mobile device, or a workstation used by clinicians monitoring the patient.
  • the detectors may be any form of sensing means capable of detecting electromagnetic radiation, such as photodetectors, for example photodiodes.
  • the detectors may be photoelectric, semiconductor (for example CCD) or photovoltaic.
  • the array of detectors may comprise an array of miniature cameras.
  • the array of emitters may be any emitting means capable of producing electromagnetic radiation, such as light.
  • the array of emitters may be an array of LEDs or incandescent bulbs.

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Abstract

An apparatus for detecting the level of urine in a bag is described herein. The apparatus is configured to couple to a bag for receiving urine, and comprises an array of emitters in operable communication with a corresponding array of respective detectors. The arrays of emitters and detectors are arranged such that the array of emitters face the array of detectors on opposing sides of the bag. Each emitter is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation through the bag towards a corresponding detector. The apparatus further comprises a controller configured to receive signals from the array of detectors and determine, based on the received level of electromagnetic radiation from the array of detectors, a fill level of the bag.

Description

Apparatus and method for detecting level of urine
Field of the invention
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for detecting the level of urine in a bag.
Background
Many patients may have to use a urine collection bag, for example if a catheter is used. However, when a catheter is worn by a patient, it is difficult to know if the urine collection bag coupled to the catheter is getting full or is already full. As a result, patients and/or clinicians have to remember to routinely check whether a urine collection bag is full or not. If checking of the fill level of the bag is forgotten, and the bag becomes full, this can result in leakage and possible medical consequences that may be harmful to the patient. Summary of the invention
Aspects of the invention are as set out in the independent claims and optional features are set out in the dependent claims. Aspects of the invention may be provided in conjunction with each other and features of one aspect may be applied to other aspects. In a first aspect there is provided an apparatus for detecting the level of urine in a bag, such as a urine collection bag. The apparatus is configured to couple to a bag for receiving urine, and comprises an array of emitters in operable communication with a corresponding array of respective detectors. The arrays are arranged such that the array of emitters face the array of detectors on opposing sides of the bag. Each emitter is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation through the bag towards a corresponding detector. Each detector is configured to detect the electromagnetic radiation and send a signal based on the level of detected electromagnetic radiation. The apparatus further comprises a controller configured to receive the signals from the detectors of the array of detectors and determine, based on the level of electromagnetic radiation received from the array of detectors, for example from each of the detectors of the array of detectors, a fill level of the bag.
The apparatus is designed so that it can be clipped onto a bag for receiving urine and can indicate to the user of the bag and/or a clinician responsible for the patient when the bag is getting full so that it can be changed before it is full. Changing the bag before it is full helps alleviate possible kidney problems and may help to prevent embarrassing problems such as bed wetting.
The emitters may be configured to emit, and/or the detectors may be configured to receive, electromagnetic radiation such as light of wavelengths that are absorbed by urine such as in the red and/or infrared spectrum (for example having a wavelength of at least 610 nm, for example at least 760 nm). In some examples the emitters are LEDs configured to emit infra-red radiation, for example with a wavelength greater than 760 nm.
The controller may be configured to determine the fill level of the bag based on the number of detectors that detect a reduction in the level of electromagnetic radiation received from their corresponding emitters.
In some examples the controller is configured to determine the fill level of the bag based on the number of detectors that detect a reduction in the level of electromagnetic radiation received from their corresponding emitters falling below a threshold level of electromagnetic radiation, wherein the threshold level of electromagnetic radiation is defined as a percentage level of electromagnetic radiation previously received by each detector.
The threshold level of electromagnetic radiation may have been determined by a calibration operation wherein the calibration operation determines the maximum transmission level of electromagnetic radiation through the bag and sets the threshold level of electromagnetic radiation as a percentage of this maximum transmission. The controller may be configured to perform the calibration operation by determining the level of electromagnetic radiation received by each of the plurality of detectors, and in response to the level of electromagnetic radiation received by each of the plurality of detectors being within a selected interval of each other, setting the maximum transmission level. In some examples the controller is configured to define a minimum level of electromagnetic transmission, and in response to the level of electromagnetic radiation received by a detector falling below the minimum level of electromagnetic transmission, the controller is configured to ignore the signals received from that detector.
The controller may be configured to receive information indicative of the capacity of the bag and determine the fill level of the bag based on both (i) the number of detectors that detect a reduction in the level of electromagnetic radiation received from their corresponding emitters and (ii) the capacity of the bag.
The apparatus may comprise elongate arms mechanically coupled to each other that are configured to extend parallel to each other along outer faces of the bag on opposite sides of the bag. The emitters may be equally spaced along one arm and the detectors may be equally spaced along the other arm of the apparatus. In some examples the arms are mechanically coupled together by a head portion at a proximal end of the arms. The head portion may comprise the controller. The mechanical coupling between the arms may be configured to provide a minimum separation between the arms. The mechanical coupling between the arms may be configured to be resiliently extendable beyond the minimum separation to squeeze a bag that has a dimension greater than the minimum separation. The mechanical coupling between the arms may be configured to allow the arms a degree of flexion to accommodate bag swell due to filling and emptying of the bag. The mechanical coupling between the arms may be, however, configured to provide a maximum degree of flexion so that the arms are not extendable beyond a maximum separation.
The controller may also configured to determine a degree of hydration of a patient based on the level of electromagnetic radiation received from at least one of the detectors. The controller may be configured to determine a degree of hydration of a patient in response to determining the presence of urine in the bag based on a reduction in the level of electromagnetic radiation received from the at least one detector.
The controller may be configured to determine a degree of hydration of a patient based on the level of electromagnetic radiation received from at least one detector in response to the controller determining that the level of urine in the bag has reached a level corresponding to that of the at least one detector.
In some examples, the controller is configured to determine a degree of hydration of a patient based on the level of electromagnetic radiation received by at least one detector in response to the level of electromagnetic radiation received by the at least one detector falling below the threshold level of electromagnetic radiation. The controller may be configured to set a plurality of threshold levels of electromagnetic radiation detected by the at least one detector, and the controller may be configured to determine a different degree of hydration in response to the level of electromagnetic radiation detected by the at least one detector falling below a different one of the threshold levels.
In some examples the controller comprises a communications interface, such as a wireless communications interface, such as a Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi® interface, configured to transmit signals based on fill level and/or hydration level to a remote device.
In another aspect there is provided a method of monitoring the level of urine in a bag. The method comprises receiving signals indicative of a level of transmission of electromagnetic radiation through the bag from an array of detectors, and determining, based on the received level of electromagnetic radiation from the array of detectors, a fill level of the bag.
In some examples the method comprises determining the fill level of the bag based on the number of detectors that detect a reduction in the level of electromagnetic radiation. Determining the fill level of the bag based on the number of detectors that detect a reduction in the level of electromagnetic radiation received may be performed in response to the level of electromagnetic radiation received by each detector falling below a threshold level of electromagnetic radiation. The threshold level of electromagnetic radiation may be defined as a percentage level of electromagnetic radiation previously received by the detector.
In some examples the threshold level of electromagnetic radiation is determined by a calibration operation. The calibration operation may comprise determining the maximum transmission level of electromagnetic radiation through the bag, and setting the threshold level of electromagnetic radiation as a percentage of this maximum transmission.
In some examples determining the maximum transmission level of electromagnetic radiation through the bag comprises determining the level of electromagnetic radiation received by each of the plurality of detectors, and in response to the level of electromagnetic radiation received by each of the plurality of detectors being within a selected interval of each other, setting the maximum transmission level. The method may further comprise defining a minimum level of electromagnetic transmission, and in response to receiving signals indicating that the level of electromagnetic radiation received by a detector has fallen below the minimum level of electromagnetic transmission, ignoring signals received from that detector. In another aspect there is provided a computer readable non-transitory storage medium comprising a program for a computer configured to cause a processor to perform the method as described above.
Drawings
Embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 shows a functional block diagram of an example apparatus for detecting the level of urine in a bag;
Fig. 2A shows a schematic diagram of an example apparatus for detecting the level of urine in a bag, such as the example shown in Fig. 1 ;
Fig. 2B shows a cross-section through the example of Fig. 2A;
Fig. 3A shows a schematic diagram of another example apparatus for detecting the level of urine in a bag;
Fig. 3B shows a cross-section through the example of Fig. 2A;
Fig. 4 shows a flow chart for explaining an exemplary method for calibrating an apparatus for detecting the level of urine in a bag, such as the apparatus of Figs. 1 to 3B; and Fig. 5 shows a flow chart for explaining an exemplary method of detecting the level of urine in a bag.
Specific description
Embodiments of the claims relate to an apparatus for detecting the level of urine in a bag. The apparatus is configured to couple to a bag for receiving urine, and comprises an array of emitters in operable communication with a corresponding array of respective detectors. The arrays of emitters and detectors are arranged such that the array of emitters face the array of detectors on opposing sides of the bag. Each emitter is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation through the bag towards a corresponding detector. The apparatus further comprises a controller configured to receive signals from the array of detectors and determine, based on the received level of electromagnetic radiation from the array of detectors, a fill level of the bag. An example of such an apparatus is shown in Fig. 1 . Fig. 1 shows an apparatus 100 for detecting the level of urine in a bag. The apparatus 100 is configured to couple to a bag 300 for receiving urine from a patient. Due to the environment in which the apparatus 100 is used, and the possibility of spillage of urine onto the apparatus 100, the apparatus 100 may be waterproof, for example to IP65, and/or washable and in some examples may comprise an antibacterial and/or antimicrobial coating.
The apparatus 100 comprises a controller 101 containing a processor 107 coupled to a emitter array 103 and a detector array 105. As shown in Fig. 1 , the emitter array 103 and/or the detector array 105 may be external to the controller 101 . In the example shown the emitter array 103 comprises an array of LEDs. The controller 101 also comprises a wireless communications interface 109 coupled to the processor 107. The apparatus 100 may also comprise a battery (not shown) for powering the controller 101 and/or emitter array 103 and/or detector array 105. The array of emitters 103 are in operable communication with the corresponding array of respective detectors 105. The controller 101 is configured to control operation of the emitter array 103 and the detector array 105. For example, the processor 107 is configured to send signals to the emitter array 103 and/or the detector array 105 to control their operation.
The emitters of the array of emitters 103 may be configured to emit, and/or the detectors of the array of detectors 105 are configured to receive, electromagnetic radiation of wavelengths that are absorbed by urine such as in the red and/or infrared spectrum.
The arrays of emitters 103 and detectors 105 are arranged such that electromagnetic radiation produced by the array of emitters 103 is transmitted through a bag 300 for containing urine placed between the two arrays 103, 105 and received by the array of detectors 105. There each emitter of the array of emitters 103 is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation through the bag towards a corresponding detector of the array of detectors 105. The controller 101 is configured to receive signals from the array of detectors 105 (and also optionally from the array of emitters 103) and determine, based on the level of electromagnetic radiation received from the array of detectors 105, a fill level 350 of the bag 300. The controller 101 may be configured to transmit signals based on the fill level and/or a hydration level (as will be described in more detail below) to a remote device, for example to the cloud, a tablet or mobile device, or a workstation used by clinicians monitoring the patient. The controller 101 may be configured to determine the fill level 350 of the bag 300 based on the number of detectors of the array of detectors 105 that detect a reduction in the level of electromagnetic radiation received from their corresponding emitters.
In some examples the controller 101 is configured to determine the fill level of the bag 300 based on the number of detectors of the array of detectors 105 that detect a reduction in the level of electromagnetic radiation received from their corresponding emitters of the array of emitters 103 falling below a threshold level of electromagnetic radiation, wherein the threshold level of electromagnetic radiation is defined as a percentage level of electromagnetic radiation previously received by each detector of the array of detectors 105, as will be described in more detail below.
For example, the controller 101 may be configured to perform a calibration operation. The controller 101 may be configured to perform the calibration operation when the apparatus is first turned on, or for example when the apparatus is first coupled to a bag 300 for receiving urine. The threshold level of electromagnetic radiation may have been determined by the calibration operation. The calibration operation may determine the maximum transmission level of electromagnetic radiation through the bag and sets the threshold level of electromagnetic radiation as a percentage of this maximum transmission. The maximum level of electromagnetic radiation transmission may be determined on an array basis - for example an average transmission level for the whole array of emitters/detectors 103, 105, or on a emitter/detector pair basis - that is, the amount of transmission from one emitter from the array of emitters 103 to a corresponding respective detector from the array of detectors 105. In this way, each emitter/detector pair may have their own calibrated maximum levels of electromagnetic radiation transmission.
In some examples the controller 101 is configured to perform a calibration operation by determining the level of electromagnetic radiation received by each detector of the array of detectors 105, and in response to the level of electromagnetic radiation received by each of the detectors of the array of detectors 105 being within a selected interval of each other, such as substantially the same as each other, setting the maximum transmission level.
In some examples the controller 101 is configured to define a minimum level of electromagnetic transmission, and in response to the level of electromagnetic radiation received by a detector of the array of detectors 105 falling below the minimum level of electromagnetic transmission, the controller 101 is configured to ignore the signals received from that detector. This may be useful, for example, when one of the emitters/detectors is not working correctly, or when something is blocking the passage of electromagnetic radiation between the emitter/detectors, for example, if there is writing or text on the bag 300 to which the apparatus 100 is coupled. In some examples the controller 101 receives information indicative of the dimensions and/or capacity of the bag and determines the fill level 350 of the bag 300 based on both (i) the number of detectors of the array of detectors 105 that detect a reduction in the level of electromagnetic radiation received from their corresponding emitters of the array of emitters 103 and (ii) the dimensions and/or capacity of the bag. For example, a user may be able to provide details of the dimensions and/or capacity of the bag 300 to the controller 101. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 101 may be configured to determine the dimensions and/or capacity of the bag 300 itself. For example, the controller 101 may be coupled to a sensing means such as a camera or communications interface, such as an RF/near field communication interface, for reading information (for example from a barcode or an RFID chip) from the bag 300 that provides information relating to the dimensions and/or capacity of the bag 300. In some examples, in response to determining that the fill level 350 of the bag 300 has changed, the controller 101 is configured to send signals indicative of the fill level of the bag 300 to a remote device, for example via the wireless communications interface 109. In this way if the controller 101 is powered by a battery, the life of the battery may be extended as the controller 101 only reports information when a change has occurred.
An example of such an apparatus 100 for detecting the level of urine in a bag 300 is shown in Figs. 2A and 2B. The apparatus 100 comprises a pair of elongate arms 151 , 153 that are mechanically coupled to each other at a proximal end by a head portion. The head portion comprises the controller 101 and the wireless communications interface 109.
The pair of elongate arms 151 , 153 are configured to provide a minimum separation between the arms 151 , 153 for receiving a bag 300 for receiving urine therebetween. In the example shown in Figs. 2A and 2B the minimum separation may be at least 5 mm, for example less than 1 cm, and is equal along the length of the arms 151 , 153, such that the distance between the array of detectors 105 and the array of emitters 103 is substantially constant for each emitter/detector pair.
The mechanical coupling between the arms 151 , 153 is configured to allow the arms 151 , 153 a degree of flexion to accommodate bag 300 swell due to filling and emptying of the bag 300, and in the example shown in Figs. 2A and 2B, is similar to that which might be provided by a wooden clothes peg. The mechanical coupling between the arms 151 , 153 is configured to be resiliently extendable beyond the minimum separation to squeeze the bag 300 if it has a dimension greater than the minimum separation. For example, the mechanical coupling may be configured to squeeze a bag 300 that swells when filled with urine and exceeds the minimum separation. In some examples the apparatus 100 may comprise a sensor, such as a pressure sensor or flex sensor, to detect any degree of extension of the arms 151 , 153 beyond the minimum separation, for example to determine if the bag 300 is filling and beginning to swell.
In some examples, the mechanical coupling between the arms 151 , 153 is configured to provide a maximum degree of flexion so that the arms 151 , 153 are not extendable beyond a maximum separation. This may be advantageous so as to limit any effect of distance separation on the level of electromagnetic radiation received by the array of detectors 105.
It will, however, be appreciated that in other examples, such as the example shown in Figs. 3A and 3B, the apparatus 100 does not need a head portion - for example, the arms 151 , 153 may be coupled to each other in a different way - such as via a flexible coupling 175. In the example shown in Figs. 3A and 3B the flexible coupling 175 comprise a series of biasing members, which in this example are springs, that couple the two arms 151 , 153 in a biased arrangement configured to grip the bag and provide the minimum separation but also to be resiliently deformable should the bag 300 swell to be greater than the minimum dimension. In this example the mechanical coupling provided by the flexible coupling 175 therefore behaves in much the same way as the mechanical coupling provided by the head portion as described above with reference to Figs. 2A and 2B. In some examples one of the arms 151 , 153 may comprise the controller 101 and/or the wireless communications interface 109, for example as shown in the example of Figs. 3A and 3B.
The bag 300 may be a urine collection/drainage bag and may be any size of bag, for example ranging from 250 ml_ (day bag) to 2 L (night bag) in capacity. In the examples shown the bag 300 is rectangular, with a short top/horiztonal edge, and a long side/vertical edge. In some examples the apparatus 100 may be adapted for use with specific sized bags or with a specific range of sizes of bags. For example, the size of the elongate arms 151 , 153 and the spacing of the emitters of the array of emitters 103 and/or the detectors of the array of detectors 105 may be adapted based on the size of bag 300 the apparatus 100 is configured for use with.
In some examples the bag 300 may be adapted for use with the apparatus 100. For example, the bag 300 may have transparent portions to allow electromagnetic radiation such as light to pass through the bag from the emitters to the detectors. The bag 300 may also have cut-outs/recesses/tabs for receiving attachment means, such as a clip, for securing the apparatus 100 to the bag 300. As can be seen in Fig. 2B, when the apparatus 100 is coupled to a bag 300 for receiving urine, the arms 151 , 153 extend parallel to each other along outer faces of the bag 300 on opposite sides of the bag 300. One arm 151 comprises the array of emitters 103, and the other arm 153 comprises the array of detectors 153. The emitters of the array of emitters 103 are equally spaced along one arm 151 and the detectors of the array of detectors 105 are equally spaced along the other arm 153. The emitters of the array of emitters 103 area each aligned with a corresponding respective detector of the array of detectors 105, and vice-versa.
As can be seen from Figs. 2A and 2B, the apparatus 100 is configured to be coupled parallel to an edge of the bag 300. The edge may be a long side/vertical edge of the bag 300 as shown in Figs. 2A and 2B, for example so that the apparatus 100 is arranged to couple to the bag 300 to hold the apparatus 100 at a distance of less than 2 cm, for example less than 1 cm, from the edge of the bag 300. In such examples the apparatus 100 may straddle a different edge of the bag, such as the short top/horizontal edge as shown in Figs. 2A and 2B, with one arm 151 extending along one face of the bag 300 and the other arm 153 extending along the other face of the bag 300, with both arms meeting at the head portion adjacent to the (in this case short, horizontal/top) edge of the bag 300. The apparatus may also be configured to couple to the bag 300 such that the apparatus 100 straddles the edge to which the arms 151 , 153 are configured to lie parallel to. For example, the apparatus 100 may be configure to straddle a vertical (for example, side/long) edge of the bag 300, for example as shown in Figs. 3A and 3B. In this example, as with the example of Figs. 2A and 2B, one arm 151 extends along one face of the bag 300 parallel to an edge, in this case the vertical (side/long edge), of the bag 300, and the other arm 153 extends along the other face of the bag 300, but instead of both arms 151 , 153 meeting and being coupled at the head portion adjacent to the horizontal (top/short) edge, the arms 151 , 153 are coupled via the flexible coupling 175 at multiple points along the extent of both arms 151 , 153. It will of course be appreciated that in such examples where the arms 151 , 153 are coupled in a way other than via the head portion, they need not be limited to the flexible coupling 175 as shown in Figs. 3A and 3B but may be coupled in a number of different ways.
The apparatus 100 may be configured to secure the apparatus 100 to the bag 300. In some examples the apparatus 100, for example the head portion and/or the arms 151 , 153, may comprise an optional clip for securing the apparatus 100 to the bag 300. In some examples the mechanical coupling may be configured to squeeze the bag 300 sufficiently to secure the apparatus to the bag 300. In the example shown in Figs. 2A and 2B the arms 151 , 153 each comprise optional respective gripping portions 157 at a distal end, and optional respective gripping portions 159 at a proximal end relative to the head portion, for gripping the bag 300 when the apparatus 100 is coupled to the bag 300. In some examples the gripping portions 157, 159 may be tapered to accommodate a degree of curvature of the bag 300 when it swells as it becomes full. For example, the gripping portions 157 at the distal end may be tapered in one direction whereas the gripping portions 159 at the proximal end may be tapered in an opposite direction. In this way the tapering of the distal and proximal portions 157, 159 may be configured to accommodate a bag that begins to round slightly as it swells.
In some examples the controller 101 is also configured to determine a degree of hydration of a patient based on the level of electromagnetic radiation received from at least one of the detectors of the array of detectors 105 in response to determining the presence of urine in the bag 300, for example based on a reduction in the level of electromagnetic radiation received from the at least one detector. The controller 101 may be configured to determine a degree of hydration of a patient based on the level of electromagnetic radiation received from at least one detector of the array of detectors 105 in response to the controller 101 determining that the level of urine in the bag 300 has reached a level corresponding to that of the at least one detector. In some examples, the controller 101 is configured to determine a degree of hydration of a patient based on the level of electromagnetic radiation received by at least one detector of the array of detectors 105 in response to the level of electromagnetic radiation received by the at least one detector falling below the threshold level of electromagnetic radiation.
In some examples the controller 101 is configured to set a plurality of threshold levels of electromagnetic radiation detected by the at least one detectors, and the controller 101 is configured to determine a different degree of hydration in response to the level of electromagnetic radiation detected by the at least one detector falling below a different one of the threshold levels.
The apparatus 100 is designed so that it can be clipped onto a bag 300 for receiving urine and can indicate to the user of the bag and/or a clinician responsible for the patient when the bag 300 is getting full so that it can be changed before it is full. Changing the bag 300 before it is full may help to prevent any adverse medical conditions (for example possible kidney problems) from occurring, and may help to prevent embarrassing situations such as bed wetting from occurring. Before the apparatus 100 is used to detect the level of urine in the bag 300, it may be calibrated. It may be calibrated, for example once the apparatus 100 is coupled to the bag 300. In this way, the calibration operation may take into account the relative permittivity to electromagnetic radiation of that bag 300, such that the apparatus 100 is calibrated for each bag 300 to which it is coupled.
An example calibration operation is shown in the flow chart of Fig. 4. The calibration operation 400 may comprise determining 401 the maximum transmission level of electromagnetic radiation through the bag 300, and setting 405 a threshold level of electromagnetic radiation as a percentage of this maximum transmission. Determining 401 the maximum transmission level of electromagnetic radiation through the bag 300 may comprise determining 403 an average level of electromagnetic radiation received by the array of detectors 105 from the array of emitters 103 when the apparatus 100 is initially coupled to the bag 300. For example, the maximum transmission level may be determined in response to the level of electromagnetic radiation received by each of the plurality of detectors being within a selected interval of each other.
In some examples, the calibration operation may also comprise defining 407 a minimum level of electromagnetic transmission. The apparatus 100 may use the minimum level of electromagnetic transmission to determine whether there is a problem with one of the emitters/detectors (for example, if they are not aligned correctly or if one is faulty), or if there is something blocking the transmission of electromagnetic radiation from a emitter to a corresponding detector (for example due to text or markings on the bag). For example, the calibration operation may comprise, in response to the received signals indicating that the level of electromagnetic radiation received by a detector of the array of detectors 105 has fallen below the minimum level of electromagnetic transmission, ignoring signals received from that detector. Once the apparatus 100 has been calibrated and is coupled to the bag 300, it is ready for use. In operation, as indicated in the flow chart of Fig. 5, the controller 100 receives 501 signals indicative of a level of transmission of electromagnetic radiation through the bag 300 from the array of detectors 105, and determines 503, based on the received level of electromagnetic radiation from the array of detectors 105, a fill level of the bag 300.
For example, the bag 300 may be coupled to a catheter. As urine passes through the catheter into the bag 300, the fill level 350 of the bag 300 gradually rises and in some cases the bag 300 begins to swell. As the fill level 350 rises it reaches the bottom of the apparatus 100 and is level with the lowest (most distal) emitter/detector pair. Due to the presence of the urine in the bag 300 between the emitter/detector pair, the level of electromagnetic radiation received by the detector of the pair will be reduced, indicating that the fill level 350 has reached that height in the bag 300. As the fill level 350 continues to rise, it will reach another emitter/detector pair and again the level of electromagnetic radiation received by the detector of the pair will be reduced, again indicating that the level of urine in the bag has reached that height in the bag. This process will continue as the fill level 350 continues to rise up the bag relative to the arms 151 , 153 of the apparatus 100. In this way, determining the fill level of the bag 300 is based on the number of detectors of the array of detectors 105 that detect a reduction in the level of received electromagnetic radiation.
In some examples, as described above, the controller 101 may be configured to determine or receive information relating to the dimensions and/or capacity of the bag 300. For example, if the controller 101 knows the dimensions of the bag to which it is coupled, it can determine the relative positions of the emitters/detectors of the arrays 103, 105 relative to the bag, for example so that when the fill level 350 reaches the most distal emitter/detector array it knows what volume of urine that relates to.
In some examples, the controller 101 may be configured to only determine that the level of urine 350 has reached a emitter/detector pair in response to the level of electromagnetic radiation received by each detector falling below a threshold level of electromagnetic radiation, for example that was determined in the calibration operation described above. Additionally or alternatively, the controller may be configured to only determine that the level of urine 350 has reached a particular level in response to the level of electromagnetic radiation both (i) falling below a threshold level of electromagnetic radiation, and (ii) that is has fallen below this level for a threshold time interval (for example at least 10 seconds). This may help to prevent the controller 101 determining that the fill level 350 of the bag 300 has reached a certain level when instead only a trickle or drops of urine are passing between the emitter/detector pair.
Once the controller 101 has determined that the fill level 350 of urine in the bag 300 has reached a certain level corresponding to a emitter/detector pair, the controller 100 may also be configured to determine the degree of hydration of the patient based on the colour of their urine in the bag 300. For example, darker colours of urine (which may indicate a lower or poor level of hydration) may absorb more electromagnetic radiation than lighter colours of urine (which may indicate higher or a good level of hydration). In some examples, the controller 101 may do this by setting a plurality of different threshold hydration levels of electromagnetic radiation received by the array of detectors 105 corresponding to different colours of urine/degrees of hydration. It will be understood that the plurality of different threshold hydration levels of electromagnetic radiation received by the array of detectors 105 will be less than the threshold level of electromagnetic radiation used to determine whether or not the level of urine has reached a certain level.
The controller 101 may also be configured to record the time duration that it has remained at a particular fill level. For example, if the controller 101 determines that the bag 300 is full, the controller 101 may be configured to determine and/or record how long the bag 300 has been full for, as this may be important to know in case there are any medical complications. In some examples the controller 101 may therefore comprise a memory (not shown) coupled to the processor 107 for recording information relating to at least one of the calibration settings (such as maximum transmission level, threshold level of electromagnetic radiation transmission, minimum transmission level etc.), fill level, duration at a particular fill level and/or hydration level. The controller 101 may therefore be configured to record information relating to at least one of the calibration settings (such as maximum transmission level, threshold level of electromagnetic radiation transmission, minimum transmission level etc.), fill level, duration at a particular fill level and/or hydration level to the memory.
In some examples the controller 101 may be configured to trigger an alert in response to the level of urine reaching a selected level and/or in response to the determined level of hydration falling below a selected level. For example, the controller 101 may be configured to send an alert via the wireless communications interface 109 to a remote device, for example a tablet or mobile device, or a workstation used by clinicians monitoring the patient. It will also be appreciated that although the apparatus and method have been described in the context of detecting urine, it may be suitable for use with other liquids such as blood, plasma etc.
The detectors may be any form of sensing means capable of detecting electromagnetic radiation, such as photodetectors, for example photodiodes. The detectors may be photoelectric, semiconductor (for example CCD) or photovoltaic. In some examples the array of detectors may comprise an array of miniature cameras. Similarly, the array of emitters may be any emitting means capable of producing electromagnetic radiation, such as light. For example, the array of emitters may be an array of LEDs or incandescent bulbs.
It will be appreciated from the discussion above that the embodiments shown in the Figures are merely exemplary, and include features which may be generalised, removed or replaced as described herein and as set out in the claims.
In the context of the present disclosure other examples and variations of the apparatus and methods described herein will be apparent to a person of skill in the art.

Claims

CLAIMS:
1. An apparatus for detecting the level of urine in a bag, the apparatus configured to couple to a bag for receiving urine, and comprising:
an array of emitters in operable communication with a corresponding array of respective detectors and arranged such that:
the array of emitters face the array of detectors on opposing sides of the bag; and
each emitter is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation through the bag towards a corresponding detector;
the apparatus further comprising a controller configured to receive signals from the array of detectors and determine, based on the level of electromagnetic radiation received by the array of detectors, a fill level of the bag.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the controller is configured to determine the fill level of the bag based on the number of detectors that detect a reduction in the level of electromagnetic radiation received from their corresponding emitters.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 where the controller is configured to determine the fill level of the bag based on the number of detectors that detect a reduction in the level of electromagnetic radiation received from their corresponding emitters falling below a threshold level of electromagnetic radiation, wherein the threshold level of electromagnetic radiation is defined as a percentage level of electromagnetic radiation previously received by each detector.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the threshold level of electromagnetic radiation has been determined by a calibration operation wherein the calibration operation determines the maximum transmission level of electromagnetic radiation through the bag and sets the threshold level of electromagnetic radiation as a percentage of this maximum transmission.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, or any claim as dependent thereon, wherein the controller is configured to perform a calibration operation by determining the level of electromagnetic radiation received by each of the plurality of detectors, and in response to the level of electromagnetic radiation received by each of the plurality of detectors being within a selected interval of each other, setting the maximum transmission level.
6. The apparatus of any of the previous claims wherein the controller is configured to define a minimum level of electromagnetic transmission, and in response to the level of electromagnetic radiation received by a detector falling below the minimum level of electromagnetic transmission, the controller is configured to ignore the signals received from that detector.
7. The apparatus of claim 2 or 3, or any claim as dependent thereon, wherein the controller is configured to receive information indicative of the capacity of the bag and determine the fill level of the bag based on both (i) the number of detectors that detect a reduction in the level of electromagnetic radiation received from their corresponding emitters and (ii) the capacity of the bag.
8. The apparatus of any of the previous claims comprising elongate arms mechanically coupled to each other and configured to extend parallel to each other along outer faces of the bag on opposite sides of the bag, and wherein the emitters are equally spaced along one arm and the detectors are equally spaced along the other arm of the apparatus.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the arms are mechanically coupled together by a head portion at a proximal end of the arms, wherein the head portion comprises the controller.
10. The apparatus of claim 8 or 9 wherein the mechanical coupling between the arms is configured to provide a minimum separation between the arms.
1 1 . The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the mechanical coupling between the arms is configured to be resiliently extendable beyond the minimum separation to squeeze a bag that has a dimension greater than the minimum separation.
12. The apparatus of claim 10 or 1 1 wherein the mechanical coupling between the arms is configured to allow the arms a degree of flexion to accommodate bag swell due to filling and emptying of the bag.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the mechanical coupling between the arms is configured to provide a maximum degree of flexion so that the arms are not extendable beyond a maximum separation.
14. The apparatus of any of the previous claims wherein the emitters are configured to emit, and/or the detectors are configured to receive, electromagnetic radiation of wavelengths that are absorbed by urine such as in the red and/or infrared spectrum.
15. The apparatus of any of the previous claims wherein the controller is also configured to determine a degree of hydration of a patient based on the level of electromagnetic radiation received from at least one of the detectors in response to determining the presence of urine in the bag based on a reduction in the level of electromagnetic radiation received from the at least one detector.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the controller is configured to determine a degree of hydration of a patient based on the level of electromagnetic radiation received from at least one detector in response to the controller determining that the level of urine in the bag has reached a level corresponding to that of the at least one detector.
17. The apparatus of claim 15 or 16 as dependent on claim 3, or any claim as dependent thereon, wherein the controller is configured to determine a degree of hydration of a patient based on the level of electromagnetic radiation received by at least one detector in response to the level of electromagnetic radiation received by the at least one detector falling below the threshold level of electromagnetic radiation.
18. The apparatus of claim 15, 16 or 17 wherein the controller is configured to set a plurality of threshold levels of electromagnetic radiation detected by the at least one detector, and the controller is configured to determine a different degree of hydration in response to the level of electromagnetic radiation detected by the at least one detector falling below a different one of the threshold levels.
19. The apparatus of any of the previous claims wherein controller comprises a communications interface configured to transmit signals based on fill level and/or hydration level to a remote device.
20. A method of monitoring the level of urine in a bag, the method comprising:
receiving signals indicative of a level of transmission of electromagnetic radiation through the bag from an array of detectors; and
determining, based on the received level of electromagnetic radiation from the array of detectors, a fill level of the bag.
21 . The method of claim 20 wherein the method comprises:
determining the fill level of the bag based on the number of detectors that detect a reduction in the level of electromagnetic radiation.
22. The method of claim 21 wherein determining the fill level of the bag based on the number of detectors that detect a reduction in the level of electromagnetic radiation received is performed in response to the level of electromagnetic radiation received by each detector falling below a threshold level of electromagnetic radiation, wherein the threshold level of electromagnetic radiation is defined as a percentage level of electromagnetic radiation previously received by the detector.
23. The method of claim 22 wherein the threshold level of electromagnetic radiation is determined by a calibration operation comprising:
determining the maximum transmission level of electromagnetic radiation through the bag; and
setting the threshold level of electromagnetic radiation as a percentage of this maximum transmission.
24. The method of claim 23 wherein determining the maximum transmission level of electromagnetic radiation through the bag comprises determining the level of electromagnetic radiation received by each of the plurality of detectors, and in response to the level of electromagnetic radiation received by each of the plurality of detectors being within a selected interval of each other, setting the maximum transmission level.
25. The method of any of claims 20 to 24 further comprising defining a minimum level of electromagnetic transmission, and in response to the received signals indicating that the level of electromagnetic radiation received by a detector has fallen below the minimum level of electromagnetic transmission, ignoring signals received from that detector.
26. A computer readable non-transitory storage medium comprising a program for a computer configured to cause a processor to perform the method of any of claims 20 to 25.
PCT/GB2019/052202 2018-09-13 2019-08-06 Apparatus and method for detecting level of urine WO2020053546A1 (en)

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US5665061A (en) * 1992-08-11 1997-09-09 Cobe Laboratories, Inc. Biological/pharmaceutical method and apparatus for collecting and mixing fluids

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US5665061A (en) * 1992-08-11 1997-09-09 Cobe Laboratories, Inc. Biological/pharmaceutical method and apparatus for collecting and mixing fluids
EP0777111A1 (en) * 1995-12-01 1997-06-04 Alcon Laboratories, Inc. Apparatus and method for sensing fluid level

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