CN111568355A - A miniature in-ear imaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention discloses a miniature in-ear imaging device, which relates to the field of medical detection instruments, and the specific scheme is as follows: the image transmission assembly comprises a transmission channel, two ends of the transmission channel are respectively a detection end and an observation end, the illumination assembly is arranged on one side of the observation end of the transmission channel, the illumination assembly comprises an illumination light source and a reflector, the reflector is arranged in the extension direction of the transmission channel and is obliquely arranged relative to the extension direction, and the reflector is positioned in the irradiation direction of the illumination light source and reflects light rays into the transmission channel; the imaging module is arranged on the other side of the reflector relative to the transmission channel and is in signal connection with the display; the micro in-ear imaging device uses the flexible optical fiber, so that the detection effect can be improved; the miniature in-ear imaging device can record a video screen, so that subsequent processing, reference and reference can be conveniently carried out on the video in the later period; the miniature in-ear imaging device has good application effect and high economical efficiency.

Description

A miniature in-ear imaging device

technical field

The present invention relates to the field of medical testing instruments, and more particularly, to a miniature in-ear imaging device.

Background technique

The implantation of artificial ossicular prosthesis in middle ear surgery is the main treatment method for the destruction of ossicles caused by otitis media. However, the position of the middle ear is deep, and the scope of operation and field of view is narrow, so the stability of the implanted artificial ossicular prosthesis cannot be evaluated in real time during the operation.

At present, the stability of implanted artificial ossicles is mainly judged by subjective judgment of the operator's vision and touch during middle ear surgery, or indirect methods such as hearing monitoring during AABR/ASSR middle ear surgery using loudspeaker sound surgery. The stability of artificial ossicles can be improved, but there are inexperienced operators, electromagnetic field interference, background noise, external auditory canal packing, etc., which affect the judgment effect. At present, there is no technology at home and abroad that can meet the requirement of real-time observation during operation to ensure the stability of artificial auditory ossicle placement during operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides a miniature in-ear imaging device, which has a simple structure, small equipment and low cost, and is suitable for wide popularization.

The above-mentioned technical purpose of the present invention is achieved through the following technical solutions:

A miniature in-ear imaging device includes an image transmission component, an illumination component, an imaging module and a display, the image transmission component includes a transmission channel, the two ends of the transmission channel are respectively a detection end and an observation end, and the illumination component is arranged at the observation end of the transmission channel. On the side, the lighting assembly includes an illumination light source and a reflector, the reflector is arranged in the extension direction of the transmission channel and is inclined relative to the extension direction, and the reflector is located in the illumination direction of the illumination light source and reflects the light into the transmission channel; the imaging module is set On the other side of the mirror opposite to the transmission channel, the imaging module is signal-connected to the display.

In the above scheme, when performing detection, the detection end of the transmission channel is inserted into the ear, the lighting assembly is always in the external position, the illumination light source illuminates the reflector, the reflector reflects the light into the ear, and the observation end of the transmission channel is used for observation and imaging. The module includes a video camera for acquiring video information. The camera is located on the other side of the reflector relative to the transmission channel, and is then converted into a digital signal by the capture card, and the signal is sent to the monitor to display the image in the ear. The ezcap272 video recording box and other related accessories can be used. The device is connected to the BNC interface of the LCD monitor by a special data line and branched from the interface to the video recording box, which can realize video recording and real-time monitoring at the same time. The lighting source can be high-intensity LED lights. Miniaturized microscopic imaging circuits and high-intensity LED lights are selected to form a microscopic imaging module.

As a preferred solution, the transmission channel is a flexible imaging optical fiber.

In the above preferred solution, the flexible image transmission fiber adopts an image fiber array with a monofilament diameter of 4um, the effective image fiber diameter is 0.45mm, and the number of effective detection pixels == detection area/monofilament area ≈ 9935, which is equivalent to 100×100 The image array can basically realize the recognition and judgment of the target. The flexible optical fiber has good transmission effect and can ensure the detection effect in the case of bending.

As a preferred solution, the outer diameter of the optical fiber is not greater than 0.8 mm, and the outer jacket of the optical fiber is provided with a bendable metal tube.

In the above preferred solution, the outer diameter of the flexible image-transmitting optical fiber is ≤0.8 mm, which can be installed in a high-strength metal tube. It has a certain degree of softness, and the safe bending radius is 10cm. The metal tube is used to protect the optical fiber; the length of the optical fiber can be set according to the actual situation. Through zero-distance optical transmission, the imaging target in the ear is transmitted to the miniature imaging module tens of centimeters away. And through the beam splitting light path, the illumination light is sent to the imaging target in the ear at the same time.

As a preferred solution, the outer diameter of the metal tube is not greater than 1 mm; to ensure the smooth penetration of the transmission channel into the ear.

As a preferred solution, both the illumination light source and the reflector are arranged in the casing, and the casing is fixedly connected with the metal tube.

In the above preferred solution, it is precisely debugged with the end of the image transmission and light transmission optical path, and after the debug is completed, it is closed as a whole. The estimated shape of the closed chamber is a cylinder with a diameter of 20 mm and a length of 20 mm. A miniature plug is designed at the end of the closed chamber for energization and image transmission.

As a preferred solution, the optical fiber detection end is provided with a 90° field of view lens; the end of the housing of the lighting assembly close to the imaging module is also provided with a 90° field of view lens.

In the above preferred solution, the lens is designed with a field angle of 90°, and its effective imaging range is 3mm-10mm, which can realize ultra-short-distance imaging. When the imaging distance is 3mm, the diameter of the imaging surface reaches 4.24mm, and the imaging surface reaches 3mm×3mm.

As a preferred solution, the angle of inclination of the reflector relative to the extension direction of the channel is 45°, which can maximize the use effect of the illumination light source; at the same time, the transmission channel can not only be limited to optical fibers, but a straight and rigid hollow tube can be used as the transmission channel.

As a preferred solution, the imaging module is also signally connected to a storage device, so as to perform subsequent processing, reference and reference to the video later. The ezcap272 video recording box itself has a corresponding storage device, and others can also be used.

As a preferred solution, the miniature in-ear imaging device further includes an optical fiber fixing bracket. During use, after the optical fiber penetrates into the inner ear, an assistant must be assisted to fix it by hand. Due to manual operation, there may be slight jitters, which may cause the image to be unstable and affect the effect judgment. Moreover, the operating table space is limited, and the assistant may affect the operator. Operating space, resulting in the operation is not smooth. In order to solve this problem, after repeated research and discussion, we plan to install an optical fiber fixing bracket on the side of the operating table. Considering that the fiber has a certain hardness, the insertion direction should be between 60 degrees and 90 degrees to reduce the possibility of displacement caused by stress. After the imaging fiber is inserted into the ear, it is first fixed on the bracket, and then the bracket is fine-tuned, and locked in a suitable position. In this way, it can not only solve the problem that the space of the operating table is small and the fixation assistant may interfere with the operation, but also solve the problem that the fixation effect of the optical fiber is unstable.

To sum up, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

(1) The miniature in-ear imaging device provided by the present invention uses flexible optical fibers, which can improve the detection effect;

(2) The miniature in-ear imaging device provided by the present invention can record a video screen, which is convenient for subsequent processing, reference and reference of the video in the later stage;

(3) The miniature ear imaging device provided by the present invention can evaluate the surgical effect in real time, adjust the treatment plan, and improve the success rate of the operation and the postoperative recovery rate of the patient;

(4) The miniature in-ear imaging device provided by the present invention can effectively avoid poor postoperative rehabilitation effect of patients due to unstable implantation of artificial ossicular prosthesis, and avoid secondary injuries and additional economic burdens caused by reoperation;

(5) The miniature in-ear imaging device provided by the present invention is simple to assemble, convenient to use, and has strong operability and practicability, and is an important surgical auxiliary tool for otologists;

(6) The miniature intra-ear imaging device provided by the present invention adopts a miniature imaging device with a diameter of less than 1 mm, which can be extended into the narrow and deep middle ear for observation, and does not affect the surgical operation or cause other adverse effects on the patient;

(7) The miniature in-ear imaging device provided by the present invention can be used repeatedly, and can be repeatedly used for real-time evaluation, which can reduce the purchase cost of the hospital and the economic burden of the patient;

(8) The miniature in-ear imaging device provided by the present invention has good application effect and high economical efficiency.

Description of drawings

1 is a schematic structural diagram of a miniature in-ear imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

2 is a schematic block diagram of a schematic structural diagram of a miniature in-ear imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

in:

1. Transmission component; 2. Imaging module; 3. Lighting source; 4. Reflector; 5. Lens; 11. Detection end; 12. Observation end.

Detailed ways

The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

A miniature in-ear imaging device includes an image transmission assembly 1, an illumination assembly, an imaging module 2 and a display. The image transmission assembly 1 includes a transmission channel, and the two ends of the transmission channel are respectively a detection end 11 and an observation end 12, and the illumination assembly is arranged at On the side of the observation end 12 of the transmission channel, the lighting assembly includes an illumination light source 3 and a reflector 4. The reflector 4 is arranged in the extension direction of the transmission channel and is inclined relative to the extension direction. The light is reflected into the transmission channel; the imaging module 2 is arranged on the other side of the reflector 4 relative to the transmission channel, and the imaging module 2 is signal-connected to the display.

In the above embodiment, when the detection is performed, the detection end 11 of the transmission channel is inserted into the ear, the illumination assembly is always in the external position, the illumination light source 3 illuminates the reflector 4, the reflector 4 reflects the light into the ear, and the observation end of the transmission channel 12 is used for observation, and the imaging module 2 includes a video camera for acquiring video information. The camera is located on the other side of the mirror 4 relative to the transmission channel, and is then converted into a digital signal by the capture card, and the signal is sent to the display. The image inside the ear is displayed. The ezcap272 video recording box and other related accessories can be used. The device is connected to the BNC interface of the LCD monitor by a special data line and branched from the interface to the video recording box, which can realize video recording and real-time monitoring at the same time. The illumination light source 3 can be a high-intensity LED lamp. The miniaturized microscopic imaging circuit and high-intensity LED lamp are selected to form a microscopic imaging module 2.

As a preferred embodiment, the transmission channel is a flexible imaging optical fiber.

In the above preferred embodiment, the flexible image-transmitting optical fiber adopts an image fiber array with a single filament diameter of 4um, the effective image fiber diameter is 0.45 mm, and the number of effective detection pixels == detection area/monofilament area ≈ 9935, which is equivalent to 100×100 The image array can basically realize the recognition and judgment of the target. The flexible optical fiber has good transmission effect and can ensure the detection effect in the case of bending.

As a preferred embodiment, the outer diameter of the optical fiber is not greater than 0.8 mm, and the outer jacket of the optical fiber is provided with a bendable metal tube.

In the above preferred embodiment, the outer diameter of the flexible image-transmitting optical fiber is less than or equal to 0.8 mm, which can be installed in a high-strength metal tube. It has a certain degree of softness, and the safe bending radius is 10cm. The metal tube is used to protect the optical fiber; the length of the optical fiber can be set according to the actual situation. Through zero-distance optical transmission, the imaging target in the ear is transmitted to the miniature imaging module 2 tens of centimeters away. And through the beam splitting light path, the illumination light is sent to the imaging target in the ear at the same time.

As a preferred embodiment, the outer diameter of the metal tube is not greater than 1 mm, so as to ensure the smooth penetration of the transmission channel into the ear.

As a preferred embodiment, both the illumination light source 3 and the reflector 4 are arranged in the casing, and the casing is fixedly connected to the metal tube.

In the above preferred embodiment, it and the end of the image transmission and light transmission optical path are precisely debugged, and after the debug is completed, they are closed as a whole. The estimated shape of the closed chamber is a cylinder with a diameter of 20 mm and a length of 20 mm. A miniature plug is designed at the end of the closed chamber for energization and image transmission.

As a preferred embodiment, the optical fiber detection end 11 is provided with a 90° field of view lens 5 ; the end of the housing of the lighting assembly close to the imaging module 2 is also provided with a 90° field of view lens 5 .

In the above preferred embodiment, the lens 5 is designed with a field angle of 90°, and its effective imaging range is 3mm-10mm, which can realize ultra-short-distance imaging. When the imaging distance is 3mm, the diameter of the imaging surface reaches 4.24mm, and the imaging surface reaches 3mm×3mm.

As a preferred embodiment, the angle of inclination of the reflector 4 relative to the extension direction of the channel is 45°; the use effect of the illumination light source 3 can be maximized; at the same time, the transmission channel can not only be limited to optical fibers, but a straight and rigid hollow tube can be used as the transmission channel .

As a preferred embodiment, the imaging module 2 is also signal-connected to a storage device for subsequent processing, reference and reference to the video in the later stage. The ezcap272 video recording box itself has a corresponding storage device, and others can also be used.

As a preferred embodiment, the miniature in-ear imaging device further includes an optical fiber fixing bracket.

In the above preferred embodiment, during use, after the optical fiber penetrates into the inner ear, an assistant must be assisted to fix it by hand. Due to manual operation, there may be slight jitters, which may cause the image to become unstable, affect the effect judgment, and the operating table space is limited. , the assistant may affect the operator's operating space, resulting in unsmooth surgery. In order to solve this problem, after repeated research and discussion, we plan to install an optical fiber fixing bracket on the side of the operating table. Considering that the fiber has a certain hardness, the insertion direction should be between 60 degrees and 90 degrees to reduce the possibility of displacement caused by stress. After the imaging fiber is inserted into the ear, it is first fixed on the bracket, and then the bracket is fine-tuned, and locked in a suitable position. In this way, it can not only solve the problem that the space of the operating table is small and the fixation assistant may interfere with the operation, but also solve the problem that the fixation effect of the optical fiber is unstable.

A miniature imaging device with a diameter of <1mm is required to evaluate the effect of in-ear surgery. The device is placed in the patient's ear through a high-strength metal tube (outer diameter 1mm, inner diameter >0.8mm); the placement position is about 1mm-6mm away from the observation object, and the observation object is about 3mm × 3mm, with black and white imaging. Since there is no light in the ear, the imaging device also needs to be illuminated. The equipment can be reused, and the length of the high-strength metal pipe is about 10cm, so the length of the equipment should be no less than 15cm.

Working principle: A real-time detection system that uses optical fiber sensors to detect the vibration state of the round window membrane after the implantation of the auditory ossicle prosthesis, and realizes the intuitive observation of intraoperative real-time dynamic imaging. The fluctuation changes caused by the vibration of the round window membrane after the implantation of the ossicles can be detected in real time during the operation, so as to realize the real-time functional verification after the implantation of the ossicles prosthesis. The stability and reliability of intraoperative placement of the ossicular prosthesis was confirmed through the real-time dynamic monitoring during and after filling and sealing of the operative cavity, as well as the comparison of preoperative and postoperative audiological examinations. Displacement provides a powerful tool.

This specific embodiment is only an explanation of the present invention, and it does not limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make modifications without creative contribution to the present embodiment as required after reading this specification, but as long as the rights of the present invention are used All claims are protected by patent law.

Claims (9)

1. A miniature in-ear imaging device, characterized in that it comprises an image transmission assembly (1), an illumination assembly, an imaging module (2) and a display, wherein the image transmission assembly (1) comprises a transmission channel, and the two ends of the transmission channel are respectively The detection end (11) and the observation end (12), the illumination assembly is arranged on the side of the observation end (12) of the transmission channel, the illumination assembly includes an illumination light source (3) and a reflection mirror (4), and the reflection mirror (4) is arranged in the transmission channel The reflective mirror (4) is located in the irradiation direction of the illumination light source (3) and reflects the light into the transmission channel; the imaging module (2) is arranged on the reflective mirror (4) relative to the transmission channel. On the other side of the channel, the imaging module (2) is signal-connected to the display. 2 . The miniature in-ear imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the transmission channel is a flexible imaging optical fiber. 3 . 3 . The miniature in-ear imaging device according to claim 2 , wherein the outer diameter of the optical fiber is not greater than 0.8 mm, and the outer casing of the optical fiber is provided with a bendable metal tube. 4 . 4 . The miniature in-ear imaging device according to claim 3 , wherein the outer diameter of the metal tube is not greater than 1 mm. 5 . 5 . The miniature intra-ear imaging device according to claim 3 , wherein the illumination light source ( 3 ) and the reflector ( 4 ) are both arranged in a casing, and the casing is fixedly connected to the metal tube. 6 . 6. The miniature in-ear imaging device according to claim 5, wherein the optical fiber detection end (11) is provided with a 90° field of view lens (5); the housing of the lighting assembly is close to the imaging module (2) One end is also provided with a 90° angle of view lens (5). 7 . The miniature in-ear imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the inclination angle of the reflector ( 4 ) relative to the extension direction of the transmission channel is 45°. 8 . 8. The miniature in-ear imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging module (2) is further signal-connected to a storage device. 9 . The miniature in-ear imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the miniature in-ear imaging device further comprises an optical fiber fixing bracket. 10 .

Images