Three-dimensional reconstruction system for skin lesions based on flexible electrode array

Abstract

The application provides a skin lesion three-dimensional reconstruction system based on a flexible electrode array. The system is characterized by comprising a measuring belt (1), an excitation generator (3), a signal processing module (4), a microprocessor (5) and an imaging module (6). The application can be used for detecting uneven skin lesion areas and constructing three-dimensional shapes of the lesions, and can be widely used in the field of uneven human subcutaneous tissue health detection.

Description

(I) Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a three-dimensional reconstruction system for skin lesions based on an electrode array, which can be used for the detection of uneven skin lesion tissue areas and the three-dimensional construction of lesion shapes, belonging to the field of electronic medical device technology. (II) Background Technology

[0002] Skin cancer is one of the most common types of skin cancer in modern society, accounting for 40% of all diagnosed cancers worldwide. Its incidence and mortality rates are rising year by year, becoming a major culprit endangering human health. The contour mapping of skin lesions is a key factor in diagnosing cancer. However, due to limitations in cost, accuracy, and ease of use, current methods for diagnosing skin cancer still primarily rely on dermoscopy and visual inspection. Electrical impedance tomography (EI) technology, as a non-invasive detection technique, offers advantages such as being non-invasive, inexpensive, and portable, making it an effective method for detecting skin lesions. Its principle is based on the characteristic that human skin has different electrical conductivities under different conditions. A safe excitation signal is applied to the excitation electrode, and the response signal is measured on the measuring electrode. Through signal data processing and algorithms, the conductivity of the skin lesion area is reconstructed, and imaging is achieved.

[0003] In 2002, Cherypenin et al. from the Institute of Radio Engineering and Electronics of the Russian Academy of Sciences published an article entitled "Three-Dimensional EIT Imaging of Breast Tissues: System Design and Clinical Testing," which proposed an electrode array structure. This structure consists of 256 electrodes arranged in a circular planar matrix with a diameter of 12 cm, increasing the contact area with the tissue being tested.

[0004] In 2006, ScienceBase GmbH in Stockholm, Sweden, applied for a method and its application for diagnosing skin diseases using impedance measurement (Chinese Patent: CN 101365382 B). This patent provides a microarray detection device, the array comprising three rectangular electrodes on the same plane, each electrode having several microprobes, enabling the diagnosis of skin diseases through impedance measurement.

[0005] In 2011, Ju Kang of the School of Electrical Engineering at Chongqing University published "An Open Three-Dimensional Multi-Frequency Electrical Impedance Measurement System," using the detection of human breast diseases as a background, and designed a 64-electrode three-dimensional EIT measurement system. The system uses an 8*8 square electrode array plus a composite back electrode as an auxiliary electrode, and employs a four-electrode method for measurement. Preliminary experimental results were obtained in experiments using an agar model as the physical experimental model.

[0006] In 2016, Yang, Y, et al. from the University of Edinburgh published an article entitled "A Miniature Electrical Impedance Tomography Sensor and 3-D Image Reconstruction for Cell Imaging". The article proposed an impedance measurement system consisting of 16 electrodes arranged in a circle. After imaging with a certain three-dimensional reconstruction algorithm, a relatively accurate 3D image can be obtained.

[0007] In 2018, Yan Zibao, Xia Zhikuan, Liu Quan, and others from Wuhan Zhongke Keli Optoelectronic Technology Co., Ltd. applied for a radio frequency detection imaging device (CN 209518867 U). This patent provides a radio frequency detection imaging device with multiple arrayed electrodes on a detection base. The electrodes are electrically connected to a radio frequency generator controlled by a switch array or scanning signal. Furthermore, the detection base is equipped with a vacuum device to ensure it fits snugly against the area to be tested. By detecting the displacement current generated in skin tissue by an alternating electromagnetic field and reconstructing the image using a specific algorithm, it is possible to detect inflamed and diseased tissue.

[0008] In 2019, Wu Jun and Yan Hong from Southwest Medical University applied for a device and method for measuring the endogenous electric field of skin lesions (Chinese Patent: CN 109717841 A). This method utilizes a probe electrode plate to form a capacitor with the human skin. By detecting and analyzing the alternating voltage induced in the skin electric field on the probe electrode plate when the probe electrode plate vibrates at high speed, the condition of skin lesions can be analyzed.

[0009] In 2019, Lin Zhichao, Zhang Xin, Yu Yang, and others from Beijing Huaruibo Vision Medical Imaging Technology Co., Ltd. applied for an electrode strip, electrode structure, feed line, and electrical impedance imaging device (Chinese Patent: CN 111012347A). This device utilizes an elastic electrode strip. When the electrode strip is fixed to the subject, the elasticity of the strip is converted into pressure on the electrode, ensuring good contact between the electrode and the skin being tested.

[0010] However, none of the above solutions can solve the problem of accurate measurement of uneven skin lesion areas. To address this, the present invention designs a three-dimensional reconstruction system for skin lesions based on a flexible electrode array. It provides a flexible measurement band that allows the electrodes to be more easily fixed around the skin lesion area of ​​the subject and to maintain good contact at all times. By combining the surface impedance information measured by the electrode array on the measurement band with the deep impedance information measured by the back electrode, the system can more accurately cover and measure the range of uneven lesions, providing a more intuitive reference for early diagnosis and assessment. (III) Summary of the Invention

[0011] The purpose of this invention is to provide a three-dimensional reconstruction system for skin lesions with a flexible electrode array. By combining the surface impedance information measured by the electrode array on the measuring band with the deep impedance information measured by the back electrode, it is possible to accurately determine and measure the extent of uneven lesions, providing a more intuitive reference for early diagnosis and assessment.

[0012] It consists of a measurement strip (1), an excitation generator (3), a signal processing module (4), a microprocessor (5), and an imaging module (6). The measurement strip (1) is connected to the signal processing module (4) through the measurement port (1b) and excitation port (1c) of the internal control module (2). The excitation generator (3) is connected to the excitation port (1c) of the measurement strip. The signal processing module (4) is connected to the control module (3). The microprocessor (5) is connected to the signal processing module (4) and the control module (2). The imaging module (6) is connected to the microprocessor (5).

[0013] The present invention is implemented as follows: The electrode array (1h) of the measuring band (1) is placed on the lesion area, and the Velcro loops (1j) and hooks (1e) at both ends of the measuring band (1) are used to fix it around the area to be measured; the excitation generator (3) sends an excitation signal to the first electrode (2a) of the electrode array (1h) on the measuring band (1), and the microprocessor (5) controls the control module (2) in the measuring band (1) to close the excitation switch (2c) between the electrode (2a) and the excitation bus (2h), and at the same time close the measurement switch (2e) of the second electrode, so that the response signal received on the electrode is output from the measurement port (1b) through the measurement bus (2g) and enters the signal processing module (4), and then the measurement switch (2c) is opened and the excitation switch (2d) is closed; the signal processing module (4) One path processes the signal and transmits the digital signal to the microprocessor (5). The other path, after a delay, returns to the second electrode via the excitation bus (2h) connected to the excitation port (1c) of the measurement band (1), serving as the excitation signal for the third electrode. After the output is completed, the excitation switch (2d) is turned on. At the same time, the back electrode (1k) is also connected to the signal processing module (4) via the measurement port (1b) of the measurement band (1). The response signal received on the back electrode (1k) is processed by the signal processing module (4) and sent to the microprocessor (5). The measurement process from the third electrode to the last electrode repeats the above steps, and each set of data is temporarily stored in the microprocessor (5). After all electrodes are measured, the microprocessor (5) transmits the data to the imaging module (6), where the data completes the construction of a three-dimensional image.

[0014] The measuring band (1) in the system is characterized by its flexibility, which allows for easy fixing of electrodes to the body of the test subject. When the measuring band (1) is fixed, deformation ensures good contact between the electrodes and the lesion area. The electrode array (1h) is located in the center of the band and arranged in a pre-set geometric shape. It is connected to the side measuring port (1b), excitation port (1c), and control port (1d) through the internal control module (2) circuit. The internal measurement bus (2g) and excitation bus (2h) are connected to the external measurement port (1b) and excitation port (1c) respectively; the electrode is also flexible and fits the surface of the strip; the hook and loop side (1j) is evenly arranged on the left end of the strip, and at least one is arranged there; the hook and loop side (1e) is arranged on the other end of the strip, and is not on the same side as the loop side; the back electrode (1k) is arranged on the opposite side to the hook and loop side (1j). After the measurement strip (1) is fixed, the electrode array (1h) and the back electrode (1k) are located on the same vertical line to facilitate the reception of response signals. When the measuring band (1) is fixed, the deformation ensures good contact between the electrode and the lesion area. The electrode array (1h) is located in the center of the band and is arranged in a pre-set geometric shape. It is connected to the side measuring port (1b), excitation port (1c) and control port (1d) through the internal control module (2) circuit. The measuring bus (2g) and excitation bus (2h) in the control module (2) are connected to the external measuring port (1b) and excitation port (1c) respectively. The hook and loop surface (1j) is evenly arranged on the left end of the band, and at least one is arranged. The hook and loop surface (1e) is arranged on the other end of the band and is not on the same side as the loop surface. The back electrode (1k) is arranged on the opposite side to the hook and loop surface (1j). After the measuring band (1) is fixed, the electrode array (1h) and the back electrode (1k) are located on the same vertical line to facilitate receiving response signals.

[0015] The excitation generator (3) in the system has the function of generating a voltage (current) excitation signal with a specific frequency and amplitude, which is generated by the internal circuit of the system.

[0016] The signal processing module (4) in the system is characterized by: being able to perform functions such as delay (4a), current source (4b), amplification (4c), filtering (4d), analog-to-digital conversion (4e), and is connected to the response port (1b) and excitation port (1c) on the measurement strip and the microprocessor (5). Its function is: after the response signal enters the signal processing module (4) through the measurement port (1b), one path amplifies (4c), filters (4d), and performs analog-to-digital conversion (4e) on the signal and then transmits the digital signal to the microprocessor (5). The other path delays (4a) the signal and then outputs a current signal with the same current value as the input signal to the original electrode through the excitation port (1c) via the current source (4b). The delay unit (4a) can be any one of the delay element or the delay combination circuit. The current source can be any one of the voltage-controlled current source or the current-controlled current source. Its function is: to keep the current value of the output signal in a specific ratio with the current value of the input signal.

[0017] The microprocessor (5) in the system can be any one of a single-chip microcomputer or a field-programmable gate array. Its features are: it can realize the transmission, processing and storage of data, and can realize the opening and closing of the measurement switch (2c) or excitation switch (2b) connected to any electrode through the control module (2).

[0018] The imaging module described in the system is characterized by having a display device and an input device, which are connected to a microprocessor for data processing and three-dimensional image reconstruction. (iv) Description of the attached drawings

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional reconstruction system for skin lesions based on a flexible electrode array. It consists of a measurement strip (1), an excitation generator (3), a signal processing module (4), a microprocessor (5), and an imaging module (6).

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a three-dimensional reconstruction system for skin lesions based on a flexible electrode array. It consists of a measurement strip (1), an excitation generator (3), a signal processing module (4), a microprocessor (5), and an imaging module (6).

[0021] Figure 3 This is a side view of the measurement band structure in the embodiment. The hook and loop fasteners (1) are evenly arranged at one end of the first surface, and the back electrode (3) is arranged on the second surface at the opposite position. The electrode array (3) is arranged at the center of the measurement band, and the hook and loop fasteners (5) are arranged at the other end of the second surface.

[0022] Figure 4This is a side view of the structure of the measuring tape in working state in the embodiment. The hook and loop side (4) is used to select the appropriate position of the hook and loop side (3) so that the electrode array (1) and the back electrode (2) are on the same vertical line, which is beneficial for the back electrode (2) to receive the response signal. (V) Detailed Implementation

[0023] The present invention will be further illustrated below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0024] Figure 2 An embodiment of a three-dimensional reconstruction system for skin lesions based on a flexible electrode array is given. It consists of a measurement strip (1), an excitation generator (3), a signal processing module (4), a microprocessor (5), and an imaging module (6).

[0025] In this embodiment, the measurement strip (1) is connected to the signal processing module (4) through the measurement port (1b), excitation port (1c), and back electrode (1k) of the internal control module (2). The excitation generator (3) is connected to the excitation port (1c) of the measurement strip. The signal processing module (4) is connected to the control module (3). The microprocessor (5) is connected to the signal processing module (4) and the control module (2). The imaging module (6) is connected to the microprocessor (5).

[0026] The specific working process of the three-dimensional reconstruction system for skin lesions based on a flexible electrode array is as follows: The electrode array (1h) of the measuring band (1) is placed on the lesion area, and the Velcro loops (1j) and hooks (1e) at both ends of the measuring band (1) are used to fix it around the area to be measured. The excitation generator (3) sends an excitation signal to the first electrode (2a) of the electrode array (1h) on the measuring band (1). The microprocessor (5) controls the control module (2) in the measuring band (1) to close the excitation switch (2c) between the electrode (2a) and the excitation bus (2h), and at the same time closes the measuring switch (2e) of the second electrode. The response signal received on this electrode is output from the measuring port (1b) through the measuring bus (2g) and enters the signal processing module (4). Then, the measuring switch (2c) is opened and the excitation switch (2d) is closed. The signal processing module (4) processes the signal and transmits the digital signal to the microprocessor (5) in one direction. The other direction is delayed and then returned to the second electrode through the excitation bus (2h) connected to the excitation port (1c) of the measurement band (1), serving as the excitation signal for the third electrode. After the output is completed, the excitation switch (2d) is turned on. At the same time, the back electrode (1k) is also connected to the signal processing module (4) through the measurement port (1b) of the measurement band (1). The response signal received on the back electrode (1k) is processed by the signal processing module (4) and sent to the microprocessor (5). The measurement process from the third electrode to the last electrode repeats the above steps. Each set of data is temporarily stored in the microprocessor (5). After all electrodes are measured, the microprocessor (5) transmits the data to the imaging module (6), and the data completes the construction of the three-dimensional image in the module.

Claims

1. A three-dimensional reconstruction system for skin lesions based on a flexible electrode array, characterized in that: It consists of a measurement strip (1), an excitation generator (3), a signal processing module (4), a microprocessor (5), and an imaging module (6); the measurement strip (1) is connected to the signal processing module (4) through the measurement port (1b) and excitation port (1c) of the internal control module (2); the excitation generator (3) is connected to the excitation port (1c) of the measurement strip; the signal processing module (4) is connected to the control module (2); the microprocessor (5) is connected to both the signal processing module (4) and the control module (2); and the imaging module (6) is connected to... The microprocessor (5) is connected; the electrode array (1h) of the measuring band (1) is placed on the lesion area, and the hook and loop sides (1e) of the measuring band (1) are used to fix it around the area to be measured; the excitation generator (3) sends an excitation signal to the first electrode (2a) of the electrode array (1h) on the measuring band (1), and the microprocessor (5) controls the control module (2) in the measuring band (1) to close the excitation switch (2c) between the first electrode (2a) and the excitation bus (2h), and at the same time closes the measuring switch of the second electrode. After the response signal received on the second electrode is output from the measurement port (1b) via the measurement bus (2g) and enters the signal processing module (4), the first electrode measurement switch (2c) is opened and the excitation switch (2d) of the second electrode is closed. The signal processing module (4) processes the signal and transmits the digital signal to the microprocessor (5) in one path, and after a delay, returns to the second electrode via the excitation bus (2h) connected to the excitation port (1c) of the measurement band (1) as the excitation signal for the third electrode. After the output is completed, the excitation switch (2d) of the second electrode is opened. At the same time, the back electrode (1k) is also connected to the signal processing module (4) via the measurement port (1b) of the measurement band (1). The response signal received on the back electrode (1k) is processed by the signal processing module (4) and sent to the microprocessor (5). The measurement process from the third electrode to the last electrode repeats the above steps, and each set of data is temporarily stored in the microprocessor (5). After all electrodes are measured, the microprocessor (5) transmits the data to the imaging module (6), and the data completes the construction of the three-dimensional image in the module.

2. The three-dimensional reconstruction system for skin lesions based on a flexible electrode array according to claim 1, characterized in that: The measuring band (1) is flexible and can easily fix the electrodes to the body of the object being measured. When the measuring band (1) is fixed, the deformation can ensure good contact between the electrodes and the lesion area. The electrode array (1h) is located in the center of the band and is arranged in a pre-set geometric shape. It is connected to the side measuring port (1b), excitation port (1c) and control port (1d) through the internal control module (2) circuit. The measuring bus (2g) and excitation bus (2h) in the control module (2) are connected to the external measuring port (1b) and excitation port (1c) respectively. The electrodes are also flexible and fit the surface of the band. The hook and loop fastener (1j) is evenly arranged at the left end of the band, and at least one is arranged. The hook and loop fastener (1e) is arranged at the other end of the band and is not on the same side as the hook and loop fastener. The back electrode (1k) is arranged on the opposite side of the hook and loop fastener (1j). After the measuring band (1) is fixed, the electrode array (1h) and the back electrode (1k) are on the same vertical line to facilitate receiving response signals.

3. The excitation generator (3) of the three-dimensional reconstruction system for skin lesions based on flexible electrode array according to claim 1 has the function of generating a voltage excitation signal of a specific frequency and amplitude, which is generated by the internal circuit of the system.

4. The three-dimensional reconstruction system for skin lesions based on a flexible electrode array according to claim 1, wherein the signal processing module (4) is characterized in that it can realize the functions of delay (4a), current source (4b), amplification (4c), filtering (4d), and analog-to-digital conversion (4e), and is connected to the response port (1b) and excitation port (1c) on the measurement strip and the microprocessor (5), and its function is: After the response signal enters the signal processing module (4) through the measurement port (1b), one path amplifies (4c), filters (4d), and performs analog-to-digital conversion (4e) on the signal before transmitting the digital signal to the microprocessor (5). The other path delays (4a) the signal and then outputs a current signal with the same current value as the input signal to the original electrode through the excitation port (1c) via the current source (4b). The delay unit can be any type of delay element or delay combination circuit; the current source can be any type of voltage-controlled current source or current-controlled current source, and its function is: To maintain a specific ratio between the current value of the output signal and the current value of the input signal.

5. The three-dimensional reconstruction system for skin lesions based on a flexible electrode array according to claim 1, wherein the microprocessor (5) can be any one of a single-chip microcomputer or a field-programmable gate array, characterized in that: It can realize the transmission, processing and storage of data, and can realize the opening and closing of the measurement switch or excitation switch connected to any electrode through the control module (2).

6. The three-dimensional reconstruction system for skin lesions based on a flexible electrode array according to claim 1, wherein the imaging module is characterized by: It is equipped with a display device and an input device, which are connected to a microprocessor for data processing and 3D image reconstruction.

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