A front-end component, endoscope and kidney stone analysis method

Abstract

The present invention provides a front-end component, an endoscope and a kidney stone analysis method, and relates to the technical field of medical devices. The present invention comprises a front-end shell; a camera module, which is arranged in the front-end shell to collect target stone images, and the focal length of the camera module is adjustable; a light source, which is arranged in the front-end shell to illuminate the image collection area of ​​the camera module; and a filter, which is arranged in the front-end shell, and the filter is used to transmit light of a specific wavelength band. The filter can be located in the irradiation area of ​​the light source to form a filter area at the site irradiated by the light source. Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the advantages of improving the efficiency of surgery and reducing the pain and surgical risks of patients.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of medical devices, and in particular to a front-end component, an endoscope and a kidney stone analysis method. Background Art

[0002] Kidney stones are formed by deposits of calcium, phosphate, and urate and can vary in size. During ureteroscopy, doctors often use a stone retrieval basket to capture stone fragments and remove them along the ureter. Smaller stones may pass through the urinary tract on their own, while larger stones may need to be broken into smaller pieces using a lithotripter or removed with a stone retrieval basket device through ureteroscopy.

[0003] In traditional endoscopic surgery, doctors adjust the endoscope angle to obtain images of the stones in real time and subjectively judge the size of the stones based on the images. However, this method that relies on the doctor's subjective judgment is prone to errors and may result in fragments that are too large to be removed through the ureter. This not only affects the efficiency and effectiveness of the surgery, but may also increase the patient's pain and surgical risks. Summary of the invention

[0004] In order to solve the above problems, the present application provides a front-end component, an endoscope and a kidney stone analysis method.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present application provides a front-end component, which adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A front-end component, comprising:

[0007] Front end housing;

[0008] A camera module is arranged on the front end housing to collect images of target stones, and the focal length of the camera module is adjustable;

[0009] a light source, disposed in the front housing, to illuminate the image acquisition area of ​​the camera module; and

[0010] The filter is arranged on the front end housing, and is used to transmit light of a specific wavelength band. The filter is located in the irradiation area of ​​the light source to form a filter area at the location irradiated by the light source.

[0011] Preferably, the filter element is movably disposed on the front end housing so that the filter element can move within the irradiation area of ​​the light source.

[0012] Preferably, when the filter moves within the irradiation area of ​​the light source, the moving direction of the filter intersects with the irradiation direction of the light source.

[0013] Preferably, the filter has a blocking position and a non-blocking position, and the filter can be switched between the blocking position and the non-blocking position when the filter moves;

[0014] The front-end assembly further comprises a driving member, and the driving member is used to drive the filter element to move so as to switch the filter element between a blocking position and a non-blocking position;

[0015] Wherein, when the optical filter is in the blocking position, the optical filter is located within the irradiation area of ​​the light source to form a filter area at the location irradiated by the light source;

[0016] When the optical filter is in the non-blocking position, the optical filter is located outside the irradiation area of ​​the light source.

[0017] Preferably, the front end housing comprises a body and an end cover, the end cover is arranged on the body, and the end cover is provided with a light-transmitting area so that the light of the light source can be transmitted through the light-transmitting area;

[0018] At least one of the body and the end cover is provided with a receiving cavity, and the filter element is movably arranged in the receiving cavity so that the filter element can be moved into the light transmission area;

[0019] When the optical filter is in the blocking position, the optical filter is located in the light-transmitting area; when the optical filter is in the non-blocking position, the optical filter is outside the light-transmitting area.

[0020] Preferably, a slider is slidably disposed in the accommodating cavity, and the filter is disposed on the slider. When the slider slides, the filter can move into the light-transmitting area;

[0021] The slider is connected to an elastic member, and the elastic member is used to drive the slider to slide so that the filter moves into the light transmission area;

[0022] The driving member includes a driving rope, and the driving rope is used to drive the slider to slide. The driving rope can move relative to the body. When the driving rope is pulled, the slider can slide to move the filter element outside the light transmission area.

[0023] Preferably, a limiting member is provided in the accommodating cavity to limit the sliding range of the slider;

[0024] When the optical filter is in the light transmission area and the slider slides to the limit position, the distance between the optical filter and the center of the light transmission area is greater than zero.

[0025] Preferably, the number of the optical filters is at least two, wherein:

[0026] Different filters can transmit different wavelengths of light;

[0027] And / or, the light sources and the optical filters are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0028] In a second aspect, the present application provides an endoscope, which adopts the following technical solution:

[0029] An endoscope comprises a front end component described in the above technical solution.

[0030] In a third aspect, the present application provides a method for analyzing kidney stones, which adopts the following technical solution:

[0031] A kidney stone analysis method, applied to an endoscope described in the above technical solution, comprises the following steps:

[0032] irradiating light from a light source onto a target stone so that the target stone is illuminated;

[0033] Moving the filter element into the irradiation area of ​​the light source to form a filter area on the target stone;

[0034] Adjusting the focal length of the camera module to put the camera module in an optimal focus state, thereby obtaining an optimal image of the target stone, and calculating the distance between the target stone and the light source based on the focal length of the camera module in the optimal focus state and the distance between the light source and the camera module;

[0035] The size of the target stone is determined based on the size of the filter, the percentage of the filter area in the image captured by the camera module to the target stone, the distance between the filter and the light source, and the distance between the target stone and the light source.

[0036] The present invention has the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0037] The present invention provides a movable filter that can enter the illumination area of ​​the light source. The filter can transmit light of a specific band and filter out light of other bands. When the filter moves to the illumination area of ​​the light source, a filter area is formed in the area illuminated by the light source. By collecting images of the target stone and the filter area through a camera module, the proportion of the filter area on the target stone can be obtained. Since the focal length of the camera module is adjustable, the focal length can be adjusted to obtain the clearest image of the target stone. According to the focal length of the camera module at this time, the distance between the camera module and the target stone can be calculated.

[0038] Since the distance between the camera module and the light source is known during manufacturing, and the area of ​​the filter is also determined during manufacturing, the approximate size of the target stone can be calculated by combining this information. This calculation result can help doctors judge the size of the stone more accurately, avoiding the situation where the stone cannot be removed through the ureter due to misjudgment, thereby improving the efficiency and effect of the operation, while reducing the patient's pain and surgical risks. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0040] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the present application.

[0041] Figure 2 It is the main view of the embodiment of the present application.

[0042] Figure 3 This is a first structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present application when the end cover is hidden.

[0043] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the explosion structure of an embodiment of the present application.

[0044] Figure 5 This is a second structural schematic diagram of the embodiment of the present application when the end cover is hidden.

[0045] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the end cover.

[0046] Figure 7 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the front end housing.

[0047] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of an endoscope.

[0048] The markings in the figure are:

[0049] 10. Endoscope; 11. Insertion part; 100. Front end shell; 110. Main body; 111. Limiting member; 120. End cover; 121. Accommodating cavity; 122. Light-transmitting area; 200. Camera module; 300. Light source; 400. Filter; 500. Driving member; 510. Elastic member; 520. Driving rope; 600. Slider. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] To make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present invention clearer, the technical solution of the present invention will be described in detail below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other implementation methods obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work belong to the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0051] The terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification and claims of the present application are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the data used in this way can be interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, so that the embodiments of the present application can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described here, and the objects distinguished by "first", "second", etc. are generally of one type, and the number of objects is not limited. For example, the first object can be one or more. In addition, "and / or" in the specification and claims represents at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the objects associated with each other are in an "or" relationship.

[0052] In each embodiment of the present application, "proximal end" and "distal end" refer to the position of the endoscope and its components relative to the user in the use environment, wherein the end closer to the user is designated as the "proximal end" and the end farther from the user is designated as the "distal end".

[0053] Combine the following Figures 1 to 8 A front-end component, an endoscope and a kidney stone analysis method provided in the embodiments of the present application are described in detail through specific embodiments and their application scenarios.

[0054] The first aspect of this embodiment provides a detailed description of a front-end component.

[0055] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 8 As shown, the present application provides a front-end assembly, which can be used for an endoscope 10. Exemplarily, the endoscope 10 includes an insertion portion 11, and the front-end assembly is located in the insertion portion 11. Specifically, the front-end assembly is located at the distal end of the insertion portion 11. In some embodiments, the front-end assembly may be a part of the insertion portion 11, and exemplarily, the front-end assembly and a part of the insertion portion 11 are an integral structure. In some embodiments, the front-end assembly is detachably mounted on the insertion portion 11, and exemplarily, the front-end assembly is connected to the insertion portion 11 by a snap-on structure and / or bolts.

[0056] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown, the front-end assembly includes a front-end housing 100, a camera module 200, a light source 300 and a filter 400. Exemplarily, the front-end housing 100 is a basic structural member. Exemplarily, the front-end housing 100 can be a mounting base for the camera module 200, the light source 300 and the filter 400.

[0057] In some embodiments, reference Figure 1 , Figure 7 As shown, the light source 300 is disposed at the front housing 100, and the image acquisition area of ​​the camera module 200 can be illuminated by the light source 300, so that the image acquired by the camera module 200 is clearer. It can be understood that in this embodiment, the light emitted by the light source 300 is non-parallel light. Exemplarily, the light source 300 is a point light source 300, that is, light is emitted from the light source 300 to the surroundings.

[0058] In some embodiments, reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the filter 400 is placed in the front end housing 100. The filter 400 is used to transmit light of a specific wavelength band. The filter 400 is located in the irradiation area of ​​the light source 300 to form a filter area at the position irradiated by the light source 300. The filter 400 is located in the irradiation area of ​​the light source 300, which means that the filter 400 is completely located in the irradiation area of ​​the light source 300. When light is irradiated on the filter 400, the filter 400 will filter out unnecessary wavelength bands and allow the required wavelength bands to pass through and irradiate the target position. In some cases, the filter 400 can be moved within the irradiation area of ​​the light source 300, thereby changing the position of the filter area so as to align the filter area with the desired position. For example, when the position of the filter area needs to be changed, the position of the filter 400 can be moved.

[0059] In some embodiments, the filter 400 is used to block infrared light from passing through, and the filter 400 can allow visible light to pass through. Specifically, the filter is a filter with an IR-cut coating, such as an IR-cut filter, which blocks infrared light while allowing visible light to pass through.

[0060] In some embodiments, the filter 400 is used to block ultraviolet light from passing through, and the filter 400 can allow visible light to pass through. Specifically, the filter is a UV-cut filter, which is used to block ultraviolet light and allow visible light and infrared light to pass through.

[0061] Setting the filter 400 to filter only invisible light can ensure that the visible light part of the light source 300 fully illuminates the tissue in the body, thereby avoiding the situation where the tissue in the body cannot be clearly photographed due to filtering out part of the visible light. In addition, the tissue in the body is usually fragile, and the irradiation of infrared light or ultraviolet light may cause damage to it. By using the filter 400, the irradiation area of ​​infrared light or ultraviolet light can be reduced, thereby reducing the damage of ultraviolet light or infrared light to the tissue during the inspection. Although the filter 400 is designed to filter only invisible light, due to material limitations (it is impossible to achieve 100% transmittance), part of the visible light irradiated on the filter 400 will be absorbed or reflected, resulting in a slight decrease in the brightness of the visible light passing through the filter 400. The area with slightly reduced brightness is the filter area. The camera module 200 can identify the area with slightly reduced brightness, thereby distinguishing the filter area from other areas.

[0062] In some embodiments, reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the camera module 200 is installed on the front end housing 100, and the focal length of the camera module 200 is adjustable. Exemplarily, when it is necessary to capture an image of a target stone, the focal length of the camera module 200 is adjusted so that the camera module 200 can capture the best image of the target stone, that is, the clearest target stone image. For example, the endoscope 10 can be combined with image processing technology, and an autofocus algorithm can be used to detect the image clarity in real time and automatically adjust the focal length until the clearest image is obtained. It can be understood that in this embodiment, the focal length of the camera module 200 is adjusted by the autofocus algorithm until the image captured by the endoscope 10 reaches the clearest state, at which time the captured target stone image is the clearest image.

[0063] It is understandable that in this embodiment, the image reaches the clearest state or the clearest image is based on the same endoscope 10, that is, the image of the same target stone is collected by one endoscope 10. The image is gradually made clear by the autofocus algorithm. When the autofocus algorithm adjusts the focal length of the camera module 200, at a certain focal length value, the target stone image collected by the camera module 200 is clearer than the image at other focal length values. At this time, the collected image is the clearest image.

[0064] In some embodiments, the camera module 200 includes a multispectral camera equipped with multiple sensors or filters, which can capture data from different spectral bands simultaneously or sequentially, including visible light and invisible light (such as near infrared, ultraviolet, etc.) bands. The data of each band is usually stored in the form of a separate image. By capturing data from infrared or ultraviolet spectral bands, it is possible to compare which areas in the image lack infrared or ultraviolet light. This can clearly display the filter area, thereby calculating the proportion of the filter area relative to the entire image, and further deriving the percentage of the filter area in the target stone. It can be understood that compared to distinguishing areas with slightly reduced brightness through the camera module 200, collecting data from different spectral bands can better distinguish the filter area from other areas, so as to compare the percentage of the filter area in the target stone.

[0065] According to an alternative embodiment, referring to Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the filter 400 is movably arranged on the front end housing 100 so that the filter 400 can move within the irradiation area of ​​the light source 300. The filter 400 can move within the irradiation area of ​​the light source 300, which means that the filter 400 is completely within the irradiation area of ​​the light source 300, and the filter 400 can also move within the irradiation area of ​​the light source 300. It can be understood that since the irradiation area of ​​the light source 300 is larger than the size of the filter 400, the filter 400 can only filter a part of the light in the irradiation area. However, because the irradiation area of ​​the light source 300 is large, when the filter 400 moves in this area, it can remain in the irradiation area. This forms a similar triangle relationship between the area of ​​the filter zone and the actual area of ​​the filter 400, so as to estimate the size of the target stone.

[0066] In some embodiments, the direction in which the filter 400 moves is the same as the direction in which the light is irradiated (not shown in the figure). By moving the filter 400, the distance between it and the light source 300 can be changed, thereby adjusting the size of the filter area projected on the target stone to match the size of the target stone, thereby avoiding the situation in which the filter area is larger than the target stone. In some embodiments, the direction in which the filter 400 moves intersects with the irradiation direction of the light source 300. By moving the filter 400, the position of the filter area can be changed so that it accurately covers the target stone, thereby facilitating the calculation of the percentage of the filter area in the target stone.

[0067] According to an alternative embodiment, referring to Figure 4 , Figure 5As shown, when the filter 400 moves within the irradiation area of ​​the light source 300, the moving direction of the filter 400 intersects with the irradiation direction of the light source 300. Exemplarily, the irradiation direction of the light source 300 is a first direction, and the first direction is a direction from the light source 300 to the target stone, and the moving direction of the filter 400 intersects with the first direction. For example, the moving direction of the filter 400 is a direction from one side of the target stone to the other side.

[0068] When the filter 400 moves within the illumination area of ​​the light source 300, the relative position between the filter 400 and the light source 300 can be changed, thereby changing the position of the filter area formed by the filter 400 on the illumination area of ​​the light source 300, so as to project the filter area onto the stone, making it convenient to compare the size of the filter area with the size of the stone.

[0069] According to an alternative embodiment, referring to Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the filter 400 has two states, a blocking position and a non-blocking position. When the filter 400 moves, the filter 400 can switch between the blocking position and the non-blocking position. Wherein, when the filter 400 is in the blocking position, the filter 400 is located in the irradiation area of ​​the light source 300. When the filter 400 is in the non-blocking position, the filter 400 is located outside the irradiation area of ​​the light source 300. It can be understood that the filter 400 is located outside the irradiation area of ​​the light source 300, which means that the filter 400 is completely located outside the area irradiated by the light source 300. The filter 400 is located in the irradiation area of ​​the light source 300, which means that the filter 400 is completely located in the irradiation area of ​​the light source 300. In some embodiments, the filter 400 is a plate-like structure. For example, the filter 400 can be a circular sheet. When the circular sheet is located in the irradiation area of ​​the light source 300, its circular surface is arranged toward the light source 300. After the light passes through the filter 400, some of the light bands will be blocked, thus forming a filter area. The light that is not irradiated on the filter 400 will directly irradiate near the target area, forming an area containing all the light bands emitted by the light source 300. Accordingly, the filter area only contains the light bands that can be transmitted by the filter 400.

[0070] In some embodiments, reference Figure 5 , Figure 6As shown, the front-end component also includes a driver 500, which is used to drive the filter 400 to move so that the filter 400 switches between the blocking position and the non-blocking position. In some embodiments, the driver 500 is directly connected to the filter 400. In some embodiments, the driver 500 is indirectly connected to the filter 400. That is, the filter 400 is connected to other components, and the driver 500 is connected to other components connected to the filter 400. By driving the other components connected to the filter 400 by the driver 500, the filter 400 can be driven to move, so that the filter 400 can switch between the blocking position and the non-blocking position. It can be understood that by moving the filter 400 to the non-blocking position, when the filter 400 is not needed, light can be directly irradiated on the target position, thereby increasing the brightness of the light to a certain extent, so as to collect the image of the target position.

[0071] In order to estimate the size of the stone, the following method can be adopted: first, the front end assembly is aimed at the stone, the stone and its surrounding tissue are illuminated by the light source 300, and the image of the stone is collected in real time by the camera module 200. Then, the filter 400 is driven to move by the driver 500, so that the filter 400 is in the blocking position, and the position of the filter 400 is gradually fine-tuned so that the filter area formed by it is on the surface of the stone. Then, the focal length is adjusted by the camera module 200 to shoot the best image of the stone, and the percentage of the filter area in the best image of the stone is calculated. According to the focal length of the camera module 200 at this time, the distance of the stone from the camera module 200 can be calculated. Knowing the distance from the light source 300 to the camera module 200, the area of ​​the filter 400 and the distance from the filter 400 to the light source 300, the area of ​​the filter area can be calculated by the principle of similar triangles, and the approximate size of the stone can be calculated in combination with the percentage of the filter area in the stone, so as to estimate the size of the stone.

[0072] It is understood that the size of the stone mentioned here refers to the size of the stone collected in the best image of the stone. Through calculations in multiple directions, the size of the stone in different directions can be estimated, thereby helping doctors determine whether the stone can pass through the ureter. This can avoid the situation where the stone is smaller in one or more directions but larger in another direction, resulting in the stone being unable to pass through the ureter.

[0073] The distance between the light source 300 and the camera module 200, the area of ​​the filter 400, and the distance between the filter 400 and the light source 300 are all determined after the front-end component is manufactured. Therefore, this part of the data can be included in the software, so that the size of the stone can be automatically estimated by the software. In some embodiments, in order to make the filter area on the surface of the stone, it can be achieved by moving the front-end component, or by moving the filter 400. In some schemes, it can also be achieved by moving the front-end component and the filter 400 at the same time. It is understandable that when moving the front-end component, it can be achieved by controlling the insertion part 11. For example, controlling the insertion part 11 to bend or controlling the insertion part 11 to move in the body cavity.

[0074] Due to the limitation of the space in the body, the front-end component may be far away from the stone. In this case, the filter area formed by the filter element 400 may be larger than the stone. In this case, the area of ​​the stone can be estimated by calculating the percentage of the stone in the filter area. The specific method is to first calculate the area of ​​the filter area according to the principle of similar triangles, and then calculate the actual area of ​​the stone according to the percentage of the stone in the filter area. In this way, the size of the stone can be estimated.

[0075] It is understandable that the use of the focal length of the camera module 200 to determine the distance between the camera module 200 and the stone is mainly based on the camera imaging principle and geometry. Specifically, the actual distance of the object can be calculated by the focal length of the camera, the sensor size, and the size of the object in the image. This process relies on the principle of similar triangles and is achieved by comparing the size of the object in the image with the actual size. This calculation method is quite mature and will not be repeated here.

[0076] It is understandable that estimating the size of the stone refers to a rough calculation of the approximate size of the stone, which is not a very high-precision calculation. By estimating the approximate size of the stone, we can roughly understand the size of the stone in different directions, so as to help doctors combine clinical experience to judge whether the stone can pass through the ureter. Compared with the past judgment based only on the doctor's clinical experience, by combining the estimation results, the accuracy of the judgment of the stone size can be greatly improved, thereby improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the operation and reducing the patient's pain and surgical risks.

[0077] According to an alternative embodiment, referring to Figure 1 , Figure 4As shown, the front end housing 100 includes a body 110 and an end cap 120, the end cap 120 is arranged on the body 110, and the end cap 120 is provided with a light-transmitting area 122, so that the light of the light source 300 can be transmitted from the light-transmitting area 122. Specifically, the body 110 is provided with a mounting cavity, the light source 300 is arranged in the mounting cavity, the body 110 is provided with a light-transmitting port connected with the mounting cavity, so that the light of the light source 300 can pass through, and after the end cap 120 is installed on the body 110, the light-transmitting area 122 is just opposite to the light-transmitting port, so that the light passing through the light-transmitting port can be transmitted through the light-transmitting area 122. It can be understood that the light-transmitting area 122 is located on the distal side of the body 110, so that the light of the light source 300 can be transmitted through the light-transmitting area 122 to irradiate the target position and its vicinity. The mounting cavity is used to provide an installation position for the light source 300 so that the light source 300 can be installed inside the body 110 , so as to protect the light source 300 during the process of the insertion portion 11 being inserted into the body or the body 110 sliding, which is beneficial to improving the service life of the light source 300 .

[0078] In some embodiments, reference Figure 4 , Figure 6 As shown, at least one of the body 110 and the end cap 120 is provided with a receiving cavity 121, and the optical filter 400 can be movably provided in the receiving cavity 121, so that the optical filter 400 can be moved into the light transmission area 122. At least one of the body 110 and the end cap 120 is provided with the receiving cavity 121, which means that the receiving cavity 121 can be located in the body 110, or in the end cap 120, or partially in the body 110 and partially in the end cap 120. In some embodiments, the receiving cavity 121 is located in the end cap 120, and the optical filter 400 is located in the receiving cavity 121. The end cap 120 and the optical filter 400 can be integrally mounted on the body 110, that is, the end cap 120 and the optical filter 400 form a component, and the component can be disassembled as a whole. After the end cap 120 and the optical filter 400 are formed into one component, the optical filter 400 can move relative to the end cap 120 . Therefore, when the end cap 120 is mounted on the body 110 , the optical filter 400 can also move relative to the body 110 .

[0079] In some embodiments, when the filter 400 is in the blocking position, the filter 400 is located in the light-transmitting area 122, and when the filter 400 is in the non-blocking position, the filter 400 is outside the light-transmitting area 122. Since light can pass through the light-transmitting area 122, the range where the light-transmitting area 122 is located is the irradiation area of ​​the light source 300. It is understandable that the light-transmitting area 122 can be a through hole that allows light to pass directly. A baffle made of a light-transmitting material can also be installed on the through hole to allow light to pass through while preventing body fluids from entering, thereby ensuring that the light source 300 and the filter 400 work in a clean environment, avoiding the problem of reduced brightness of the light source 300 and insufficient light transmittance of the filter 400 after body fluids contact the light source 300 and the filter 400.

[0080] According to an alternative embodiment, referring to Figure 4 , Figure 6 As shown, a slider 600 is slidably disposed in the accommodating cavity 121, and the filter 400 is disposed on the slider 600. When the slider 600 slides, the filter 400 can move into the light-transmitting area 122. The slider 600 can drive the filter 400 to move, and the slider 600 and the accommodating cavity 121 have a high matching accuracy, so as to finely adjust the position of the filter 400. In this way, the situation where the filter 400 cannot be finely controlled when it is too small can be avoided.

[0081] In some embodiments, reference Figure 4 , Figure 6 As shown, the slider 600 is connected to the elastic member 510 (refer to Figure 3 ), the elastic member 510 is used to drive the slider 600 to slide, so that the filter 400 moves into the light-transmitting area 122. The driving member 500 includes a driving rope 520, and the driving rope 520 is used to drive the slider 600 to slide. The driving rope 520 can move relative to the body 110. When the driving rope 520 is pulled, the slider 600 can slide, so that the filter 400 moves outside the light-transmitting area 122. Specifically, the elastic member 510 is a spring, and its function is to push the slider 600 to slide, so that the filter 400 moves into the light-transmitting area 122. By controlling the tension on the driving rope 520, the slider 600 can be moved toward the light-transmitting area 122 or away from the light-transmitting area 122, thereby adjusting the position of the filter 400 so that the filter 400 is located in the light-transmitting area 122 or outside the light-transmitting area 122.

[0082] According to an alternative embodiment, referring to Figure 4 , Figure 6 As shown, a limiting member 111 is disposed in the accommodating cavity 121 to limit the sliding range of the slider 600. Specifically, the limiting member 111 may be a stopper disposed in the accommodating cavity 121, which limits an area so that the slider 600 can only slide in the area, thereby limiting the moving range of the filter 400 so that the filter 400 can only move within the limited range.

[0083] In some embodiments, when the filter 400 is in the light-transmitting area 122 and the slider 600 slides to the limit position, the distance between the filter 400 and the center of the light-transmitting area 122 is greater than zero. When the slider 600 slides to the limit position, it means that the slider 600 moves toward the light-transmitting area 122 until the slider 600 abuts against the block, and in this case the filter 400 is in the light-transmitting area 122. When the distance between the filter 400 and the center of the light-transmitting area 122 is greater than zero, it means that after the slider 600 abuts against the block, the filter 400 has not slid to the center of the light-transmitting area 122, that is, during the sliding process of the slider 600, the filter 400 cannot reach the center of the light-transmitting area 122, thereby avoiding the situation where the brightness of the high-brightness light in the central area is reduced after being filtered by the filter 400. This can prevent the problem of not being able to clearly photograph the tissue in the body due to insufficient brightness. Due to the characteristics of the point light source 300, the closer to the center of the point light source 300, the higher the brightness, so the light source 300 at the center of the light-transmitting area 122 has the highest brightness. The filter 400 is mainly used to filter light of certain wavelengths, and the brightness of the light passing through the filter 400 will be lost, resulting in a decrease in brightness. The solution of the present application can effectively ensure the brightness of the light source 300.

[0084] According to an alternative embodiment, referring to Figure 4 , Figure 6 As shown, the number of filters 400 is at least two, and different filters 400 can transmit different wavelengths of light. Through multiple filters 400, the size of the stone can be estimated separately, which is convenient for comparing the estimation results, thereby obtaining a more accurate estimation result. In some embodiments, at least one filter 400 is used to filter infrared light, and at least one filter 400 is used to filter ultraviolet light. By switching the camera module 200, it can be made to shoot infrared light or ultraviolet light, thereby obtaining estimation results in different wavelength bands. By comparing the estimation results in these two cases, a more accurate result can be obtained.

[0085] According to an alternative embodiment, referring to Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the light source 300 and the filter 400 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. That is, each light source 300 corresponds to a filter 400. During use, a light source 300 can be turned on separately to estimate the size of the stone. After the estimation is completed, switch to another light source 300 for another estimation. A more accurate stone size estimation can be obtained through multiple groups of estimation results. On the other hand, when switching the light source 300, the stone size can be estimated from different directions while the position of the front-end component remains unchanged, thereby improving the accuracy of the estimation. By measuring the size in different directions, it can be more accurately determined whether the stone can pass through the ureter.

[0086] A second aspect of this embodiment describes an endoscope in detail.

[0087] Reference Figure 8 As shown, an endoscope includes a front end assembly of the above embodiment. In this way, the endoscope has the beneficial effects of the above front end assembly, which will not be repeated here. The endoscope 10 referred to in the embodiment of the present application can be a bronchoscope, a pyeloscope, an esophagoscope, a gastroscope, a colonoscope, an otoscope, a rhinoscope, a stomatoscope, a laryngoscope, a colposcope, a laparoscope, an arthroscope, etc. The embodiment of the present application does not specifically limit the type of the endoscope 10.

[0088] The third aspect of this embodiment provides a detailed description of a kidney stone analysis method.

[0089] A kidney stone analysis method, applied to an endoscope in the above embodiment, comprises the following steps:

[0090] S001. Irradiate the light of the light source 300 onto the target stone so that the target stone is illuminated.

[0091] The internal space of the insertion part 11 is controlled, and the front end component is brought close to the target stone, and the distal end of the insertion part 11 is directed toward the target stone.

[0092] S002, moving the filter 400 into the irradiation area of ​​the light source 300 to form a filter area on the target stone.

[0093] The slider 600 is pulled by the driving rope 520 to move the filter 400 into the light-transmitting area 122. At this time, the filter 400 is in the irradiation area of ​​the light source 300. After light passes through the filter 400, a filter area is formed.

[0094] S003. Adjust the focal length of the camera module 200 to put the camera module 200 in an optimal focus state, thereby obtaining the best image of the target stone. Based on the focal length of the camera module 200 in the optimal focus state and the distance between the light source 300 and the camera module 200, calculate the distance between the target stone and the light source 300.

[0095] S004, determine the size of the target stone based on the size of the filter 400, the percentage of the filter area in the image captured by the camera module 200 to the target stone, the distance between the filter 400 and the light source 300, and the distance between the target stone and the light source 300. Estimate the size of the target stone based on the principle of similar triangles.

[0096] The above description is only a specific implementation mode of the present invention, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any technician familiar with the technical field can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention, which should be covered by the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A front-end component, characterized in that: include: A front end housing (100); A camera module (200) is arranged on the front housing (100) to collect images of target stones, and the focal length of the camera module (200) is adjustable; A light source (300) is arranged on the front end housing (100) to illuminate the image acquisition area of ​​the camera module (200); as well as, A filter (400) is arranged on the front end housing (100), the filter (400) is used to transmit light of a specific wavelength band, and the filter (400) is located in the irradiation area of ​​the light source (300) to form a filter area at the location irradiated by the light source (300); The size of the target stone is determined based on the size of the filter (400) and the percentage of the filter area in the image captured by the camera module (200) to the target stone.

2. A front end assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The optical filter (400) is movably arranged on the front end housing (100), so that the optical filter (400) can move within the irradiation area of ​​the light source (300).

3. A front end assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the optical filter (400) moves within the irradiation area of ​​the light source (300), the moving direction of the optical filter (400) intersects with the irradiation direction of the light source (300).

4. A front end assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The optical filter (400) has a blocking position and a non-blocking position, and the optical filter (400) can be switched between the blocking position and the non-blocking position when the optical filter (400) is moved; The front-end component further comprises a driving member (500), wherein the driving member (500) is used to drive the optical filter (400) to move, so that the optical filter (400) switches between a blocking position and a non-blocking position; Wherein, when the optical filter (400) is in the shielding position, the optical filter (400) is located within the irradiation area of ​​the light source (300), so as to form a filter area at the location irradiated by the light source (300); When the optical filter (400) is in a non-blocking position, the optical filter (400) is located outside the illumination area of ​​the light source (300).

5. A front end assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The front end housing (100) comprises a body (110) and an end cover (120), wherein the end cover (120) is arranged on the body (110), and the end cover (120) is provided with a light-transmitting area (122) so that light from the light source (300) can be transmitted through the light-transmitting area (122); At least one of the body (110) and the end cover (120) is provided with a receiving cavity (121), and the optical filter (400) is movably arranged in the receiving cavity (121) so that the optical filter (400) can be moved into the light-transmitting area (122); When the optical filter (400) is in the blocking position, the optical filter (400) is located within the light-transmitting area (122); when the optical filter (400) is in the non-blocking position, the optical filter (400) is located outside the light-transmitting area (122).

6. A front end assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: A slider (600) is slidably disposed in the accommodating cavity (121), and the optical filter (400) is disposed on the slider (600). When the slider (600) slides, the optical filter (400) can move into the light-transmitting area (122); The slider (600) is connected to an elastic member (510), and the elastic member (510) is used to drive the slider (600) to slide, so that the filter element (400) moves into the light transmission area (122); The driving member (500) includes a driving rope (520), and the driving rope (520) is used to drive the slider (600) to slide. The driving rope (520) can move relative to the main body (110). When the driving rope (520) is pulled, the slider (600) can slide, so that the filter (400) moves outside the light-transmitting area (122).

7. A front end assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: A limiting member (111) is arranged in the accommodating cavity (121) to limit the sliding range of the sliding block (600); When the optical filter (400) is in the light-transmitting area (122) and the slider (600) slides to an extreme position, the distance between the optical filter (400) and the center of the light-transmitting area (122) is greater than zero.

8. A front end assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of the optical filters (400) is at least two, wherein: Different optical filters (400) can transmit different wavelengths of light; And / or, the light source (300) and the filter element (400) are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence.

9. An endoscope, characterized in that: A front-end component comprising any one of claims 1-8.

10. A method for analyzing kidney stones, characterized in that: An endoscope as claimed in claim 9, comprising the following steps: irradiating light from a light source (300) onto a target stone so that the target stone is illuminated; Moving the filter element (400) into the irradiation area of ​​the light source (300) to form a filter area on the target stone; Adjusting the focal length of the camera module (200) so that the camera module (200) is in an optimal focus state, thereby obtaining an optimal image of the target stone, and calculating the distance between the target stone and the light source based on the focal length of the camera module (200) in the optimal focus state and the distance between the light source and the camera module (200); The size of the target stone is determined based on the size of the filter (400), the percentage of the filter area in the image captured by the camera module (200) to the target stone, the distance between the filter (400) and the light source (300), and the distance between the target stone and the light source (300).

Images