System, method, and apparatus for monitoring, regulating, or controlling fluid flow

A system comprising:

• a drip chamber;
• a fluid line coupled to the drip chamber;
• a coupler adapted to couple to the drip chamber;
• a support member operatively coupled to the coupler;
• a first image sensor having a first field of view and operatively coupled to the support member, wherein the first image sensor is positioned to view the drip chamber within the first field of view;
• a valve operatively coupled to the fluid line;
• a background pattern having an array of lines positioned within the view of the first image sensor;
• at least one processor operatively coupled to the first image sensor wherein:
• the at least one processor is configured to receive a first image data from the first image sensor, and
• the at least one processor is configured to determine whether a free flow condition exists within the drip chamber using the first image data by examining a distortion of the background pattern causing a change in the angle of the array of lines as found within the first image data.