Patent Publication Number: US-9844616-B2

Title: System and method for managing a supply of breast milk

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/874,710, filed Oct. 5, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/208,054, filed Mar. 13, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,199,018, which is a non-provisional of U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/780,029 filed on Mar. 13, 2013, the contents of which are fully incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This application relates to a system and method for monitoring, organizing, recording, and troubleshooting the collection and/or dispensing of breast milk. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Human breast milk collection, when not fed directly to an infant, is generally expressed into a collection container, such as a bottle or bag. The expression and collection of the breast milk is usually accomplished with the aid of a breastpump. Breast milk is important to the nutritional needs of an infant and requires significant effort on the part of the mother to collect, store, protect, and ultimately feed the milk to the infant. 
     Mothers have a desire to monitor their milk production to understand how they are performing. Monitoring milk production helps mothers gauge how much milk they have, how effectively they are collecting and expressing milk, and may provide clinical data to a physician for troubleshooting. This type of information is most often manually recorded in a pumping log, which may be in the form of a journal or electronic software in which a mother may enter information regarding her pumping session, including how much milk was collected, the date/time of the collection, which breast(s) the milk was collected from, etc. A manual pumping log is a tedious process as it requires the mother to keep track of her pumping session and write down information. To effectively analyze her performance from the log, the mother would need to enter this data into a computer to evaluate trends and anomalies. 
     It is desirable, therefore, to provide a system to the mother that can easily and accurately capture and manage milk collection information, that minimizes the effort involved, and that works seamlessly with her lifestyle. With the advances in portable computing power, as demonstrated in the increasing capabilities of smart phones, data can be collected and utilized in situ. A milk collection device that enables automatic data collection through interaction with a computer, such as a smart phone, would be beneficial to mothers. 
     SUMMARY 
     A system and method for managing a supply of breast milk is provided. The system includes a codified container for receiving expressed breast milk and a computing device for receiving an image of the expressed milk in the codified container. The codification allows for software to recognize the size and type of the container, as well as to scale and orient, to translate the image into an accurate volume. The milk data is then processed and analyzed to produce feedback regarding the pumping session, such as logs, charts, or reminders. 
     In one embodiment, a method for managing a supply of breast milk of a mother is disclosed. The method includes receiving, via a computing device, at least one image of a container for receiving expressed breast milk, the container including a codification element associated therewith, recognizing the codification element using the computing device, analyzing the codification element using the computing device, and producing feedback regarding the supply of expressed breast milk based on the analysis. 
     In yet another embodiment, a non-transitory computer readable medium is disclosed. The computer readable medium has stored thereon instructions executable by a computing device to cause the computing device to perform functions comprising recognizing a codification element associated with a container of expressed breast milk, obtaining information regarding the codification element, analyzing the codification element, and providing information regarding the supply of expressed breast milk based on the analysis. 
     In yet another embodiment, a container for collecting expressed breast milk from a mother is disclosed. The container includes at least one codification element. The codification element is configured to be analyzed by a computing device to provide analysis and feedback regarding the mother&#39;s breast milk supply expressed breast milk within the container. 
     In yet another embodiment, a method for managing the fit of a mother&#39;s nipple within a breastshield is disclosed. The method includes receiving, via a computing device, at least one image of a breastpump kit or portion thereof for receiving expressed breast milk, the breastpump kit including a codification element associated therewith, recognizing the codification element using the computing device, analyzing the codification element using the computing device, and producing feedback regarding the fit of the mother&#39;s nipple based on the analysis. 
     In yet another embodiment, a non-transitory computer readable medium is disclosed. The computer readable medium has stored thereon instructions executable by a computing device to cause the computing device to perform functions comprising recognizing a codification element associated with a breatpumping kit, obtaining information regarding the codification element, analyzing the codification element, and providing information regarding the fit of the mother&#39;s nipple within a breastshield based on the analysis. 
     In yet another embodiment, a collection system for collecting expressed breast milk from a mother is provided. The collection system includes a breastpumping kit including a breast shield, a valve, a connector piece, a collection container, and a breastpump, and at least one codification element. The at least one codification element is configured to be analyzed by a computing device to provide analysis and feedback regarding the fit of the mother&#39;s nipple within the breast shield. 
     These and other features and advantages of the present application will be further understood and appreciated when considered in relation to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which: 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an example system according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an example of a codified container for use with the system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an example breastpump kit having a codified container for use with the system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a flow chart of an example method of managing a supply of breast milk according to an embodiment; and 
         FIG. 5  is a simplified block diagram of an example computing device in which an embodiment may be implemented. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The system of the present application uses a milk collection device that enables breastpumping data collection through interaction with a computing device. The computing device may be a smart phone, a tablet, digital camera, or any other computing device, for example. Many computing devices include a camera capable of taking both pictures and videos. The camera, in combination with a custom software application, may be configured to recognize a codified collection container to determine milk volumes. In one example, the mother pumps breast milk into a codified collection container. The mother then uses her computing device to scan or capture an image of the collection container containing the pumped breast milk. In another embodiment, a video (or series of images) of the collection container may be taken. The collection container codification allows for software to recognize the size and/or type of container, as well as the scale and orientation, in order to appropriately translate the visual image(s) into an accurate volume through a combination of milk level and container type information. 
     The computing device, using an appropriate software application (“app”), then pulls relevant data from the image or scan to determine milk volume collected, and uses the data to develop a pumping log, performance charts, and/or reminders. The video may be used for real-time performance feedback and/or troubleshooting. 
     The present system is not only useful to monitor and analyze milk collection, but may also be applied for milk dispensation. Tying the milk data to an inventory management system allows the mother and other vested parties, such as caregivers or healthcare workers, to see her entire supply inventory and status. The system may also detect or create serialization of the collection container if desired, which would enable time-based inventory management such as FIFO (first in, first out) or LIFO (last in, first out). In healthcare settings, serialization is also commonly utilized to manage patient safety such that an infant can be guaranteed to receive his/her mother&#39;s own milk. 
     In addition, the system may be used with real-time performance feedback through video monitoring of the collection, which may yield additional information such as milk ejections and pumping duration, for example. Other example feedback may include flow rate, detection of vacuum settings or changes and cycles through the behavior of the nipple, breast or kit, color shifts in the milk, nipple positioning, etc. 
     In another embodiment, the system may communicate with or be included within a breastpump. The system may also inform the breastpump of the feedback as part of a closed loop control system, and the breastpump may make adjustments based on the feedback received. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an example system according to an embodiment. This type of system arrangement is simply illustrative, and not intended to be limiting. Referring to  FIG. 1 , breast milk  102  is expressed into a container  100  by means of a breastpump, for example. Although the container  100  is shown as a bottle, it should be understood that any suitable container for holding or storing breast milk may be used, such as a bag, for example. The container  100  may include volume markings  104 . In one embodiment, the container  100  may further include a codification element  106 . Examples of codification elements for the container  100  may include a bar code, a symbol for software container recognition, or any other suitable codification element. The size of the codification element  106  itself may be constrained to provide a reference for the milk level measurement, in the same way that a penny or ruler next to an object in a photograph relates a sense of scale. In other embodiments, the codification element is located within a scanned or captured image of the expressed breast milk, but not on the container. Thus, other items of the collection system within the frame of the image could also contain codification elements to provide image interpretation information for the computing device. Software, such as an application, may process and analyze the data ascribed by the codification element  106  to provide information or feedback  108 , such as a pumping log, performance charts, reminders, etc., regarding the mother&#39;s breast milk supply. 
     Other variations of the codification element  106  may include a reading of the volume markings  104  themselves, or the use of a specialized program to analyze one or more features of the container, such as shape, form, or markings of the container to develop a sense of scale. These forms of codification are more discrete, and therefore may provide a more aesthetically pleasing design, while retaining the ability to convey scale and milk level information to the software application. Additional information may be available through the codification element  106 , such as a serial number or other manufacturer or marketing data. The codification and milk level data may also be inherently invisible to the human eye, yet detectable through an image with an appropriate detector. For example, thermal signatures, infrared, or ultraviolet could be utilized to detect the codification element  106 . The data provided by the codification element(s) of the container may provide identification, scaling, and orientation references (i.e. parameters), or may contain algorithms for the computing device to computationally assess the image. In this sense, the codification element becomes a part of the software and enables execution of the computing device&#39;s application. 
     In another embodiment, multiple codification elements  106  can be present on the container  100 . For example, both a separate serial number and a scale element may be utilized. Other codification elements may aid the application in determining the viewing angle for more accurate readings. For example, a circular element will appear more elliptical the more the viewing angle changes from normal to the surface of codification. For video applications, this aids in providing a real time adjustment for container and camera motions. Multiple codifications may also aid in developing a three-dimensional construct of the collection container, which may be used for flexible or shape changing collection containers, such as breast milk collection bags. 
     After the milk is collected in the codified container  100 , a user then scans or takes a picture or video of the container  100  with a computing device  200  having a camera  201 . The computing device  200  may comprise a smart phone, tablet, digital camera, or any other type of computing device with the ability to receive an image or video. The computing device  200  is described in detail below with respect to  FIG. 5 . 
     In one embodiment, advanced image processing can determine milk volumes regardless of container orientation.  FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an example of a codified container for use with the system shown in  FIG. 1 . In the example shown in  FIG. 2 , a container lies on its side and can be processed by the application through an advanced algorithm enabled by the codification and milk level. This can be useful to obtain data for situations where volumes may not line up with container markings, such as when containers are frozen where milk was not oriented with the graduated markings when placed in the freezer. Additionally, the algorithm may automatically correct for volumetric expansion that occurs when milk is frozen. In another example embodiment, the codified container may lie upside down. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the computing device may employ its own orientation sensors (such as accelerometers) which can be used for enhancing orientation accuracy and error checking when processing image data. 
     Further application of the image processing may also yield information regarding features of the milk such as the quality of the milk. For example, the color of the milk can relate to fat content or the inclusion of blood. A history of images of the container  100  could be monitored for any changes to quality of the milk. Additionally, milk that is allowed to sit for a sufficient duration or spun centrifugally will separate into skim and cream. These layers can be detected in the image and volumetrically established to provide nutritional and breast expression information, such as caloric content and degree of breast emptying. 
     Once the image or video is processed and analyzed by the software application, feedback  108  is given to the user or other interested party in the form of a pumping log, performance charts, reminders, etc. In one example, the feedback is displayed to the user on the computing device  200 . In another embodiment, the feedback may be communicated to a healthcare provider at an office or hospital. Other possibilities exist as well. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a collection container  300  for the milk is usually part of a larger assembly of components that comprise a breastpump kit. The kit typically includes a breastshield (funnel)  302 , a valve  304 , a connector piece  305 , and the container  300 . The container  300  may include one or more codification elements  306 . The codification element  306  may be the same or similar to the codification element  106  described above. Data regarding the pumping session and milk can be collected and analyzed as described above. The image analysis could be further extended to evaluate other aspects of the breastpump kit and the mother. For example, the application may determine if the breastpump kit is configured and attached correctly and provide feedback to the mother. The application may also identify other components employed in the kit and their performance. For example, the breastshield  302  may be provided in different sizes. These sizes could be detected by the application and evaluated in relation to the position of the mother&#39;s nipple within the funnel to determine optimal fit and provide recommendations for a different size to the mother. Nipple position may also be monitored to ensure that the mother has fully and correctly engaged the breastshield during her pumping session. Feedback of this information to the breast pump could enable optimal application of vacuum to enhance comfort and/or milk output. In another example, the condition of each of the kit components could be analyzed to determine if they need to be repaired or replaced. Other possibilities exist as well. Image or video monitoring of the collection may yield information such as milk ejections; pump duration; flow rate; detection of vacuum settings or changes through the behavior of the nipple, breast or kit; nipple positioning, nipple extension, etc. by application of codification elements and data interpretation in various portions of the breastpump kit (collection system). 
       FIG. 4  is a flow chart of an example method of managing a supply of breast milk according to an embodiment. At step  400 , milk is expressed into a codified container. At step  410 , an image or video is scanned or captured of the expressed milk in the codified container with a computing device having a camera or other means of capturing an image or video. At step  420 , software, such as an app, recognizes the container based on the codification. Based on the recognition, information or feedback regarding the milk, milk supply, performance, etc. is processed and analyzed by the computing device, at step  430 . The information may then be displayed or otherwise communicated to the user or other interested party in any suitable manner, at step  440 . 
       FIG. 5  is a simplified block diagram of an example computing device  200  in which an embodiment may be implemented. The example computing device  200  illustrates the various components such a device may include. The computing device may take any of a variety of forms, examples of which include without limitation a cell phone, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, a desktop computer, a personal digital assistant, a gaming device, or any other type of device now known or later developed. As shown, the representative device  200  includes a network interface  202 , a user interface  204 , a processing unit  206 , and data storage  208 , all of which may be communicatively linked together by a system bus, network or other connection mechanism  210 . 
     Network interface  202  may comprise a wired or wireless interface arranged to allow device  200  to communicate on a network (not shown) and with entities via that network, such as with a centralized database (not shown) or a web server (not shown) for instance, and particularly to communicate data to and from the computing device  200 . For example, the network interface  202  may comprise a wired or wireless Ethernet interface for communication on a local area network and in turn via a router and/or one or more other network elements with entities on the Internet. As another example, the network interface  202  may comprise a cellular wireless interface, arranged to engage in air interface communication with a radio access network according to a protocol such as LTE, WiMAX, CDMA, GSM, or the like, and via the radio access network with entities on the Internet. Other examples are possible as well. 
     User interface  204  may enable the device  200  to interact with a user of the device and may thus comprise output components such as a display screen, an audio speaker, and the like, and input components such as a keyboard, camera, touch-pad or touch-screen, and the like. In practice, the user interface may facilitate presentation to the user of the various views discussed above, and may function to receive from a user input of the type discussed above. The software may use the user interface to provide a real time augmented reality view of the image being processed to aid the user in accurate measurement capture. 
     Processing unit  206  may comprise one or more general purpose processors (e.g., microprocessors) and/or one or more special purpose processors (e.g., application specific integrated circuits, digital signal processors, etc.) If processing unit  206  includes multiple processors, the processors may be arranged to work in combination (e.g., in parallel) or separately. Further, processing unit  206  may be integrated in whole or in part with network interface  202  or with one or more other components of the device. 
     Data storage  208  may then comprise one or more volatile and/or non-volatile storage components (non-transitory), such as magnetic, optical, flash, or other types of storage now known or later developed, and may be integrated in whole or in part with processing unit  206  and/or may be removable from the device  200  or externally connected (through wired or wireless means) with the device  200 . As shown, data storage  208  contains operating system logic  212  and application logic  214  executable by the processing unit  206  to carry out various functions described herein. 
     Operating system logic  212  may manage hardware resources of the device  200  and provide common services, such as an application programming interface (API), for applications. Examples of such operating systems include, without limitation, ANDROID, iOS, LINUX, MAC OS X, WINDOWS, and WINDOWS PHONE. 
     Application logic  214 , in turn, may include one or more applications, such as the milk supply management application described above, which may be arranged to run on the operating system  212  and thus interact with hardware of the device through operating system  212 . These applications may be written in any of a variety of programming languages and compiled into instructions executable by processing unit  206 . For instance, the applications may be Java or Objective-C applications, or for that matter other types of applications that, when compiled, will interwork with the API of the operating system  212 . Alternatively or additionally, the applications may be defined by one or more markup documents, which can essentially be executed by being interpreted, rendered, or otherwise processed by processing unit  206 , possibly through execution of one or more interpreters, such as browser applications. 
     The advantage of the system described above is evident through the ease and speed with which a mother can collect, track, and ascertain her milk supply and expression performance by merely capturing an image or video of her output. As an example, an application for a computing device, such as a smart phone, can pull all relevant data from the image and her milk pumping session including a date and time stamp, geographic location, container used, milk amount, milk supply and breast expressed to develop her pumping log, performance charts, reminders, etc. 
     In another embodiment, the imaging and software capabilities contained within the computing device could reside within a breastpump, such as the programmable breastpump described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,547,756, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     Thus, while the invention has been described herein with relation to certain embodiments and applications, those with skill in this art will recognize changes, modifications, alterations and the like which still come within the spirit of the inventive concept, and such are intended to be included within the scope of the application.