An integrated near-infrared brain imaging system

Abstract

The application discloses an integrated near-infrared brain imaging system, which comprises a headgear, a near-infrared imaging device and a power supply device, wherein the near-infrared imaging device and the power supply device are arranged on the headgear, and the power supply device is electrically connected with the near-infrared imaging device; the near-infrared imaging device comprises a protective shell, an elastic plate, a left movable block, a right movable block, a forehead probe, a light source emitting module, a photoelectric detection module and a signal processing module; the protective shell is connected with the elastic plate, the two ends of the elastic plate are respectively connected with the left movable block and the right movable block, and the left movable block and the right movable block are both connected with the headgear. The infrared brain imaging system has the advantages that the testing precision and stability of the infrared brain imaging system are improved, the light source emitting module, the photoelectric detection module and the signal processing module are integrally arranged on the near-infrared imaging module, the signal error caused by the motion artifacts among the functional modules of the existing infrared brain imaging system is eliminated, and the stability of the testing signal of the infrared brain imaging system is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of brain-computer interface technology, specifically to an integrated near-infrared brain imaging system. Background Technology

[0002] Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a non-invasive, cost-effective, low-noise, easy-to-use, and continuously measurable optical brain imaging technique with broad application prospects in natural settings, including higher cognition, developmental psychology, and abnormal psychology. fNIRS utilizes the light penetration of brain tissue and the specific absorption of near-infrared light of certain chromophores in blood tissue to measure oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin, which are closely related to energy supply and metabolism in the cerebral cortex, thereby obtaining hemodynamic indicators of the cerebral cortex. Compared to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), fNIRS has higher temporal resolution (from milliseconds to tens of milliseconds), requires less restriction on the subject's physical activity, and provides richer information on cortical blood oxygen metabolism (including changes in the concentrations of oxygenated hemoglobin, deoxygenated hemoglobin, and total hemoglobin). Furthermore, fNIRS is superior to fMRI in terms of price, ease of operation, device portability, and compatibility. Compared to electroencephalography (EEG), fNIRS has higher spatial resolution (on the order of centimeters) and better noise immunity, and can perform long-term, uninterrupted measurements anytime, anywhere.

[0003] However, each information channel of fNIRS consists of a multi-wavelength light source and a corresponding wavelength photoelectric converter. Compared to the electrode / signal amplifier configuration of EEG, the fNIRS system is more complex. Therefore, it is still mainly used for multi-lead research-grade applications that are not sensitive to device size, cost, and ease of use. With the development of targeted brain function disease diagnosis and treatment technologies, it is necessary to develop integrated, wearable, and specialized near-infrared brain imaging systems to achieve long-term monitoring of brain information in natural contexts and expand the application directions of fNIRS brain-computer interface technology.

[0004] Currently, most near-infrared brain imaging systems consist of an optical cap, optical electrodes (including light source and receiving electrodes), optical or electrical cables, and a light source control and signal processing system. The optical electrodes are fixed to the region of interest on the head via the optical cap. The light source control and signal processing system is located in a remote control cabinet or placed in a backpack in the form of a control box to improve portability. The optical or electrical cables serve as signal transmission components. However, this distributed layout makes near-infrared brain imaging systems bulky, costly, and complex to operate. Furthermore, the intermediate optical or electrical cables can introduce motion artifacts during motion scene testing, reducing testing accuracy and signal stability. (Invention Content)

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is how to provide an integrated brain imaging system that improves testing accuracy and signal stability.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0007] An integrated near-infrared brain imaging system includes a headgear, a near-infrared imaging device, and a power supply device. The near-infrared imaging device and the power supply device are both mounted on the headgear, and the power supply device is electrically connected to the near-infrared imaging device.

[0008] The near-infrared imaging device includes a protective shell, an elastic plate, a left movable block, a right movable block, a forehead probe, a light source emitting module, a photoelectric detection module, and a signal processing module. The protective shell is connected to the elastic plate. The left and right movable blocks are connected to the protective shell at both ends of the elastic plate, respectively. Both the left and right movable blocks are connected to a head cover. Three forehead probes are provided on the elastic plate. The protective shell is equipped with a light source emitting module and a signal processing module. The left and right movable blocks each contain a photoelectric detection module electrically connected to the signal processing module. The output end of the light source emitting module is connected to the forehead probe in the middle of the elastic plate. The photoelectric detection module on the left movable block is connected to the forehead probe on the left side of the elastic plate, and the photoelectric detection module on the right movable block is connected to the forehead probe on the right side of the elastic plate. The light source emitting module, the photoelectric detection module, and the signal processing module are all electrically connected to a power supply device.

[0009] The left and right movable blocks of this infrared brain imaging system can move with the bending deformation of the elastic plate, ensuring that the photoelectric detection module will not be relatively displaced from the forehead probe due to different forehead curvatures. This improves the testing accuracy and stability of the infrared brain imaging system. Furthermore, the light source emission module, photoelectric detection module, and signal processing module are integrated on the near-infrared imaging module, eliminating signal errors introduced by motion artifacts between functional modules in existing infrared brain imaging systems and ensuring the stability of the test signal of the infrared brain imaging system.

[0010] Preferably, the light source emitting module includes a central mounting plate, a light source, and a first conductive optical fiber. The light source emitting module is fixed inside the protective housing. The light source and the first conductive optical fiber are fixed on the central mounting plate. The first conductive optical fiber is connected to the forehead probe in the middle of the elastic plate. The signal processing module is fixed on the top of the central mounting plate.

[0011] Preferably, the first conductive optical fiber is composed of two sets of optical fibers.

[0012] Preferably, the photoelectric detection module includes a photoelectric detection plate, a photoelectric sensor, and a second conductive optical fiber. The two photoelectric detection plates are respectively fixed on the left movable block and the right movable block. The photoelectric sensor is fixed on the photoelectric detection plate. The photoelectric sensors on the left movable block and the right movable block are respectively connected to the forehead probe on the left side of the elastic plate and the forehead probe on the right side of the elastic plate through the second conductive optical fiber.

[0013] Preferably, both photoelectric detection plates are fixed on the left and right movable blocks by detection plate clamping blocks, and the second conductive optical fiber passes through the detection plate clamping blocks to connect to the forehead probe.

[0014] Preferably, the second conductive optical fiber consists of two sets of optical fibers.

[0015] Preferably, the forehead probe is further provided with a snap-fit ​​part; by installing electrode pads on the snap-fit ​​part, it is also possible to test EEG signals, forming an EEG-near-infrared brain blood oxygenation hybrid brain-computer interface system with a wider range of applications.

[0016] Preferably, the headgear includes horizontal headbands, vertical headbands, and an adjustment device. One end of each of the two horizontal headbands is connected to a left movable block and a right movable block, respectively, and the other end is connected by the adjustment device to form a loop shape that can wrap around the head. One end of each of the two vertical headbands is connected to the two horizontal headbands, respectively, and the other end is connected by the adjustment device. The adjustment device is driven to adjust the tightness of the horizontal and vertical headbands.

[0017] Preferably, the adjusting device includes a sleeve, a screw, and a knob. The sleeve is fitted onto one end of the transverse headband and one end of the longitudinal headband. Both the transverse and longitudinal headbands fitted into the sleeve have serrations that can cooperate with the screw. The screw is rotatably fixed on the sleeve, and the knob is connected to the screw.

[0018] Preferably, the two lateral headbands are connected to the left movable block and the right movable block respectively via a universal joint structure.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0020] 1. The left and right movable blocks of this infrared brain imaging system can move with the bending deformation of the elastic plate, ensuring that the photoelectric detection module will not be relatively displaced with the forehead probe due to the different forehead curvatures it adapts to. This improves the testing accuracy and stability of the infrared brain imaging system. Furthermore, the light source emission module, photoelectric detection module, and signal processing module are integrated on the near-infrared imaging module, eliminating the signal error introduced by motion artifacts between functional modules in existing infrared brain imaging systems and ensuring the stability of the test signal of the infrared brain imaging system.

[0021] 2. By having a snap-fit ​​part and installing electrode pads on the snap-fit ​​part, it is also possible to test EEG signals, forming an EEG-near-infrared brain blood oxygenation hybrid brain-computer interface system, which has a wider range of applications. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an integrated near-infrared brain imaging system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the near-infrared imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the near-infrared imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the elastic plate according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To facilitate understanding of the technical solution of the present invention by those skilled in the art, the technical solution of the present invention will now be further described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0028] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0029] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise expressly and specifically limited.

[0030] See Figure 1 This embodiment discloses an integrated near-infrared brain imaging system, including a headgear 1, a near-infrared imaging device 2, and a power supply device 3. The near-infrared imaging device 2 and the power supply device 3 are both mounted on the headgear 1, and the power supply device 3 is electrically connected to the near-infrared imaging device 2 to provide it with power.

[0031] The headgear 1 includes horizontal headbands 11, vertical headbands 12, and an adjustment device 13. One end of each of the two horizontal headbands 11 is connected to both ends of the near-infrared imaging device 2, and the other end is connected to form a loop shape that can wrap around the head through the adjustment device 13. One end of each of the two vertical headbands 12 is connected to the two horizontal headbands 11, and the other end is connected through the adjustment device 13. Driving the adjustment device 13 adjusts the tightness of the horizontal headbands 11 and the vertical headbands 12 to ensure that the near-infrared imaging device 2 can be stably fitted to the forehead.

[0032] See Figure 2 The adjustment device 13 includes a sleeve 131, a screw 132, and a knob 133. The two sleeves 131 are respectively fitted onto one end of the horizontal headband 11 and one end of the vertical headband 12. Both the horizontal headband 11 and the vertical headband 12 fitted into the sleeves 131 are provided with serrations that can cooperate with the screw 132. The screw 132 is rotatably fixed on the sleeves 131. The knob 133 is connected to the screw 132. Specifically, by rotating the knob 133, the screw 132 is driven to rotate, which in turn drives the horizontal headband 11 and the vertical headband 12 to move linearly on the screw 132, thereby realizing the adjustment of the tightness of the horizontal headband 11 and the vertical headband 12 and ensuring that the near-infrared imaging device 2 can be stably attached to the forehead.

[0033] Furthermore, the ends of the two horizontal headbands 11 are connected to the near-infrared imaging device 2 through the universal joint structure 4, so that the near-infrared imaging device 2 can automatically fit the forehead when the horizontal headbands 11 and the vertical headbands 12 are tightened, so as to achieve a stable and smooth fit between the near-infrared imaging device 2 and the forehead, and solve the problem of long-term wearing comfort.

[0034] The near-infrared imaging device 2 includes a protective shell 21, an elastic plate 22, a left movable block 23, a right movable block 24, a forehead probe 25, a light source emitting module 26, a photoelectric detection module 27, and a signal processing module 28. The protective shell 21 is hollow inside and is connected to the middle of the elastic plate 22. The elastic plate 22 has a grooved elastic structure. The two ends of the elastic plate 22 are connected to the left movable block 23 and the right movable block 24 respectively near the protective shell 21. The left movable block 23 and the right movable block 24 are connected to the horizontal headband 11 through a universal joint structure 4. Three forehead probes 25 are provided on the elastic plate 22. The protective shell 21 is provided with a light source emitting module 26 and a signal processing module 28. The left movable block 23 and the right movable block 24 are both provided with a photoelectric detection module 27 that is electrically connected to the signal processing module 28. The signal processing module 28 is connected to an external host computer via Bluetooth and transmits the processed signal to the host computer.

[0035] The output end of the light source emitting module 26 is connected to the forehead probe 25 in the middle of the elastic plate 22. The photoelectric detection module 27 on the left movable block 23 is connected to the forehead probe 25 on the left side of the elastic plate 22, and the photoelectric detection module 27 on the right movable block is connected to the forehead probe 25 on the right side of the elastic plate 22.

[0036] The light source emitting module 26, the photoelectric detection module 27, and the signal processing module 28 are all electrically connected to the power supply device 3.

[0037] The left movable block 23 and right movable block 24 of the infrared brain imaging system can move with the bending deformation of the elastic plate 22, ensuring that the photoelectric detection module 27 will not be relatively displaced with the forehead probe 25 due to the different forehead curvatures, thereby improving the testing accuracy and stability of the infrared brain imaging system. Furthermore, the light source emission module 26, photoelectric detection module 27 and signal processing module 28 are integrated on the near-infrared imaging module 2, eliminating the signal error introduced by motion artifacts between functional modules in the existing infrared brain imaging system, and ensuring the stability of the test signal of the infrared brain imaging system.

[0038] The light source emitting module 26 includes a central mounting plate 261, a light source 262, and a first conductive optical fiber 263. The light source emitting module 26 is fixed inside the protective housing 21. The light source 262 and the first conductive optical fiber 263 are fixed on the central mounting plate 263. The first conductive optical fiber 263 is connected to the forehead probe 25 in the middle of the elastic plate 22. The signal processing module 28 is fixed on the top of the central mounting plate 261.

[0039] The photoelectric detection module 27 includes a photoelectric detection plate 271, a detection plate pressing block 272, a photoelectric sensor 273, and a second conductive optical fiber 274. The two photoelectric detection plates 271 are respectively fixed on the left movable block 23 and the right movable block 24 through the detection plate pressing block 272. The photoelectric sensor 273 is fixed on the photoelectric detection plate 271. The photoelectric sensors 273 on the left movable block 23 and the right movable block 24 are respectively connected to the forehead probe 25 on the left side of the elastic plate 22 and the forehead probe 25 on the right side of the elastic plate 22 through the detection plate pressing block 272 via the second conductive optical fiber 274.

[0040] The first conductive optical fiber 263 and the second conductive optical fiber 274 are both composed of two sets of optical fibers.

[0041] Specifically, the first conductive optical fiber 263 on the light source emitting module 26 transmits two types of near-infrared light with wavelengths of 760nm and 850nm from the light source 262 to the forehead. After being scattered by the brain tissue, the light signal is transmitted by the second conductive optical fiber 274 in the forehead probes 25 on both sides of the elastic plate 22 to the photoelectric detection plate 26, which has two independent photoelectric sensors 273 that detect the scattered infrared light with wavelengths of 760nm and 850nm respectively. After amplification and calculation, the signal is transmitted to the signal processing module 28 for further processing. The processing result is sent to the host computer via Bluetooth.

[0042] Furthermore, the conductive optical fibers connected to the forehead probe 25 are all installed in a vertical row to ensure the accuracy of the position of the light source and signal acquisition point.

[0043] Furthermore, the forehead probe 25 is also provided with a snap-fit ​​part 251, on which electrode pads are installed, enabling the testing of EEG signals and forming an EEG-near-infrared brain blood oxygenation hybrid brain-computer interface system with a wider range of applications.

[0044] The working principle of this embodiment is as follows: the headgear 1 is put on the head, the knob 133 is turned to drive the screw 132 to rotate, which in turn drives the horizontal headband 11 and the vertical headband 12 to move linearly on the screw 132, thereby realizing the adjustment of the tightness of the horizontal headband 11 and the vertical headband 12, ensuring that the forehead probe 25 on the near-infrared imaging device 2 is stably attached to the forehead.

[0045] Then, the light source 262 is turned on, and two near-infrared light wavelengths of 760nm and 850nm are transmitted to the forehead via the first conductive optical fiber 263. After being scattered by the brain tissue, the light signal is transmitted by the second conductive optical fiber 274 in the forehead probes 25 on both sides of the elastic plate 22 to two independent photoelectric sensors 273 on the photoelectric detection plate 26, which detect the scattered infrared light of 760nm and 850nm wavelengths respectively. After amplification and processing, the signal is transmitted to the signal processing module 28 for further processing. The processing result is sent to the host computer via Bluetooth, realizing the testing of the infrared brain imaging system. During the test, the power supply device 3 provides power to the light source emission module 26, the photoelectric detection module 27, and the signal processing module 28.

[0046] When an electroencephalogram (EEG) signal test is required, an electrode pad can be installed on the snap-fit ​​part 251 to perform the test.

[0047] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered illustrative and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention, and no reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0048] The above embodiments are merely examples of implementation methods of the invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For those skilled in the art, several modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An integrated near-infrared brain imaging system, characterized in that: The device includes a headgear, a near-infrared imaging device, and a power supply device. The near-infrared imaging device and the power supply device are both mounted on the headgear, and the power supply device is electrically connected to the near-infrared imaging device. The near-infrared imaging device includes a protective shell, an elastic plate, a left movable block, a right movable block, a forehead probe, a light source emitting module, a photoelectric detection module, and a signal processing module. The protective shell is connected to the elastic plate. The left and right movable blocks are connected to the protective shell at both ends of the elastic plate, respectively. Both the left and right movable blocks are connected to a head cover. Three forehead probes are provided on the elastic plate. The protective shell is equipped with a light source emitting module and a signal processing module. The left and right movable blocks each contain a photoelectric detection module electrically connected to the signal processing module. The output end of the light source emitting module is connected to the forehead probe in the middle of the elastic plate. The photoelectric detection module on the left movable block is connected to the forehead probe on the left side of the elastic plate, and the photoelectric detection module on the right movable block is connected to the forehead probe on the right side of the elastic plate. The light source emitting module, the photoelectric detection module, and the signal processing module are all electrically connected to a power supply device. The forehead probe is also equipped with a snap-fit ​​part.

2. The integrated near-infrared brain imaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light source emitting module includes a central mounting plate, a light source, and a first conductive optical fiber. The light source emitting module is fixed inside a protective housing. The light source and the first conductive optical fiber are fixed on the central mounting plate. The first conductive optical fiber is connected to a forehead probe in the middle of an elastic plate. The signal processing module is fixed on the top of the central mounting plate.

3. The integrated near-infrared brain imaging system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first conductive optical fiber consists of two sets of optical fibers.

4. The integrated near-infrared brain imaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The photoelectric detection module includes a photoelectric detection plate, a photoelectric sensor, and a second conductive optical fiber. The two photoelectric detection plates are fixed on the left movable block and the right movable block, respectively. The photoelectric sensor is fixed on the photoelectric detection plate. The photoelectric sensors on the left movable block and the right movable block are respectively connected to the forehead probe on the left side of the elastic plate and the forehead probe on the right side of the elastic plate through the second conductive optical fiber.

5. An integrated near-infrared brain imaging system according to claim 4, characterized in that: Both photoelectric detection plates are fixed to the left and right movable blocks by detection plate clamping blocks, and the second conductive optical fiber passes through the detection plate clamping blocks to connect to the forehead probe.

6. An integrated near-infrared brain imaging system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second conductive optical fiber consists of two sets of optical fibers.

7. The integrated near-infrared brain imaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The headgear includes horizontal headbands, vertical headbands, and an adjustment device. One end of each of the two horizontal headbands is connected to a left movable block and a right movable block, respectively, and the other end is connected to form a loop shape that can wrap around the head via the adjustment device. One end of each of the two vertical headbands is connected to the two horizontal headbands, respectively, and the other end is connected via the adjustment device. The adjustment device is driven to adjust the tightness of the horizontal and vertical headbands.

8. An integrated near-infrared brain imaging system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The adjustment device includes a sleeve, a screw, and a knob. The sleeve is fitted onto one end of the horizontal headband and one end of the vertical headband. Both the horizontal and vertical headbands fitted into the sleeve have serrations that can cooperate with the screw. The screw is rotatably fixed on the sleeve, and the knob is connected to the screw.

9. An integrated near-infrared brain imaging system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The two lateral headbands are connected to the left and right movable blocks respectively via a universal joint structure.

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