Distance measuring system and method for endoscope

Abstract

The invention provides a range finding system and method used by an endoscope, and belongs to the technical field of medical instrument development. A multifunctional integrated processor; the laser transmitter module is connected with the multifunctional integrated processor and is used for transmitting laser; the light guide fiber is connected with the laser transmitter module and the front end of the endoscope and is used for transmitting the laser to the front end of the endoscope; the laser receiving module is arranged at the front end of the endoscope and is used for receiving the reflected laser signal; by accurately measuring the distance between the front end of the endoscope and the target tissue, a doctor can perform biopsy, diseased tissue excision or other fine operations more safely, so that the risk of injury to surrounding healthy tissues is reduced, and the success rate of an operation is improved. Besides, the system can store detailed data used each time, so that an important basis is provided for follow-up visit of the patient, and evaluation of the treatment effect and timely adjustment of the treatment scheme are facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of medical device development, and in particular relates to a ranging system and method for using an endoscope. Background Art

[0002] An endoscope is a commonly used medical device that can directly enter the natural channels of the human body and provide doctors with sufficient diagnostic information to treat diseases. An endoscope includes an insertion portion and an operating portion. The proximal end of the insertion portion is connected to the operating portion, and the direction of the distal end of the insertion portion can be adjusted by the operating portion so that the insertion portion can enter the body through a human cavity or surgical incision.

[0003] After searching, it was found that a capsule endoscope with a binocular ranging system was disclosed in a Chinese patent with authorization announcement number "CN112535450B", which includes: a capsule shell, which includes a cylindrical capsule shell; an acquisition module, which is arranged on the capsule shell and has a first acquisition unit and a second acquisition unit for acquiring images in a tissue cavity, the first acquisition unit and the second acquisition unit are arranged on the same side, the first acquisition unit includes a first optical lens, the second acquisition unit includes a second optical lens, the first optical lens and the second optical lens are integrally formed with the capsule shell; and a processing module, which receives first image information from a first imaging element and second image information from a second imaging element, the first image information and the second image information contain information of the same tissue feature in the tissue cavity, and calculates the measured distance between the capsule endoscope and the tissue feature based on the first image information, the second image information and the relative position between the first acquisition unit and the second acquisition unit.

[0004] When an existing endoscope enters the human body, the tip has no distance-measuring function, and the endoscope has no distance-measuring function inside the human body, which can easily scratch the mucous membrane inside the human body, causing secondary damage to the person and increasing the risk of infection. Summary of the invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a ranging system and method for using an endoscope, aiming to solve the problem in the prior art that when an endoscope enters the human body, the head end has no ranging function, and the endoscope has no ranging function in the human body and is prone to scratching the mucous membrane inside the human body, causing secondary damage to the human body and increasing the risk of infection.

[0006] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0007] An endoscope-use ranging system, comprising:

[0008] All-in-one processor;

[0009] A laser transmitter module, connected to the multi-function integrated processor, for transmitting laser light;

[0010] The optical fiber connects the laser transmitter module and the front end of the endoscope to transmit the laser to the front end of the endoscope;

[0011] A laser receiving module is arranged at the front end of the endoscope and is used to receive the reflected laser signal;

[0012] The multifunctional integrated processor also includes a calculation unit, which determines the distance between the front end of the endoscope and the mucosa in the body based on the time difference of the received laser signal, and displays the distance in real time on the screen.

[0013] As a preferred solution of the present invention, the laser transmitter module is configured to emit one million laser pulses per second, ensuring high-frequency measurement to provide continuous distance data.

[0014] As a preferred solution of the present invention, the laser receiving module can receive thousands of electrical signals per second and feed them back to the multifunctional integrated processor, thereby ensuring high-precision distance measurement.

[0015] As a preferred solution of the present invention, the calculation unit determines the average distance value based on the time difference from laser emission to reflection and then to the receiver. This average distance value includes the sum of three sections: the length of the light-guiding optical fiber, the distance from the transmitting head to the human mucosa, and the distance from the human mucosa to the receiver, thereby providing more accurate distance information.

[0016] As a preferred solution of the present invention, the distance optimization value displayed on the screen display is obtained by removing half of the fixed light-guiding optical fiber distance, which can more intuitively reflect the effective distance that the doctor needs to pay attention to during the actual operation.

[0017] As a preferred solution of the present invention, the endoscope is suitable for a variety of medical examinations and surgical occasions, selected from but not limited to different types of endoscopes such as electronic esophagoscopes, electronic gastroscopes, electronic duodenoscopes, electronic enteroscopes, electronic colonoscopes, electronic laryngoscopes, electronic bronchoscopes, electronic laparoscopes, electronic choledochoscopes, colposcopes, hysteroscopes, vascular endoscopes, and arthroscopes.

[0018] As a preferred solution of the present invention, the laser transmitter module and the laser receiver module are designed as a compact structure and integrated in the same endoscope front end device, which reduces the complexity of the system and improves the convenience of use.

[0019] As a preferred solution of the present invention, the system also includes a user-friendly interface, allowing doctors to adjust measurement parameters and view detailed distance measurement information and historical records through a touch screen or other input methods.

[0020] As a preferred solution of the present invention, the system has a data recording function, which can automatically store the distance measurement data used each time, support subsequent data analysis and patient file management, and can also be used for medical research and quality control.

[0021] A method for measuring distance using an endoscope comprises the following steps:

[0022] S1, using the laser transmitter module of the multi-functional integrated processor to emit laser;

[0023] S2, laser is transmitted to the front end of the endoscope through the optical fiber;

[0024] S3. When the laser encounters a mucosal barrier in the body, part of the energy is reflected back;

[0025] S4, the reflected laser is received by the laser receiving module at the front end of the endoscope;

[0026] S5, returning the received signal to the multifunctional integrated processor, and calculating the time difference from laser emission to reflection and then to the receiver through the processor, so as to calculate the distance between the mucosa in the body and the front end;

[0027] S6. After the processor calculates the distance optimization, the distance optimization value is displayed on the screen in real time to assist doctors in endoscopic examinations and surgeries and improve the doctors' proficiency in using electronic endoscopes.

[0028] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0029] 1. The high-precision distance measurement function of the endoscope ranging system, combined with a user-friendly interface and automatic data recording function, significantly improves the accuracy in medical examinations and surgical operations. Doctors can obtain accurate distance information in real time, which is essential for endoscopic surgeries that require precise positioning, such as in digestive tract, respiratory tract or gynecological surgeries. By accurately measuring the distance between the front end of the endoscope and the target tissue, doctors are able to perform biopsies, remove diseased tissues or other delicate operations more safely, thereby reducing the risk of damage to surrounding healthy tissues and improving the success rate of the operation. In addition, the system is able to store detailed data for each use, which provides an important basis for subsequent patient follow-up, helps to evaluate the treatment effect and adjust the treatment plan in a timely manner.

[0030] 2. The data recording function of the endoscopic ranging system not only supports immediate clinical decision-making, but also helps medical institutions establish a complete patient file management system. The ranging data after each examination or operation will be automatically saved and can be easily associated with the patient's electronic medical record. In this way, doctors can easily access historical data and compare examination results at different time points in future diagnosis and treatment, so as to better understand the development trend of the disease. This continuous data recording is especially important for chronic disease management, such as inflammatory bowel disease or tumor monitoring. In addition, through data analysis tools, doctors can also generate statistical reports to provide patients with personalized health management suggestions, further improving the quality and personalization of medical services.

[0031] 3. The large-scale, high-quality data sets collected by the system provide valuable resources for medical research. Researchers can use these data to analyze the characteristics of specific diseases, evaluate the effectiveness of new treatments, and explore potential biomarkers. For example, in cancer research, detailed endoscopic ranging data can help scientists better understand tumor growth patterns and their response to treatment. At the same time, hospital management can analyze these data for quality control and identify potential problems in the operation process, such as abnormal equipment performance or inconsistent operating specifications. Based on these findings, medical institutions can take corresponding measures to optimize workflows, improve service quality, and ensure that all medical operations meet best practice standards. Such a continuous improvement mechanism not only improves the overall level of medical institutions, but also brings patients a safer and more efficient medical service experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The accompanying drawings are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute a part of the specification. Together with the embodiments of the present invention, they are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute a limitation of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings:

[0033] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a medical electronic endoscope ranging system of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the laser ranging principle of the medical endoscope in the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3 It is the workflow diagram of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the laser emission process in the present invention;

[0037] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the laser transmission process in the present invention;

[0038] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the laser reflection process in the present invention;

[0039] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the signal receiving process in the present invention;

[0040] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of the signal processing and distance calculation process in the present invention;

[0041] Fig. 9 It is a schematic diagram of the distance optimization display process in the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0043] Example 1

[0044] See also Figure 1-Figure 9 , the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0045] An endoscope-use ranging system, comprising:

[0046] All-in-one processor;

[0047] A laser transmitter module, connected to the multi-function integrated processor, for transmitting laser light;

[0048] The optical fiber connects the laser transmitter module and the front end of the endoscope to transmit the laser to the front end of the endoscope;

[0049] A laser receiving module is arranged at the front end of the endoscope and is used to receive the reflected laser signal;

[0050] The multifunctional integrated processor also includes a computing unit, which determines the distance between the front end of the endoscope and the mucosa in the body based on the time difference of the received laser signal, and displays the distance in real time on the screen.

[0051] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the multifunctional integrated processor is a device that integrates multiple functions such as control, processing and display. It is responsible for the operation logic of the entire system, including but not limited to the synchronization of laser emission and reception signals, the calculation of distance data and the display of images and information. The laser transmitter module is connected to the multifunctional integrated processor through a wire or wirelessly. Its main function is to emit laser pulses of a specific wavelength according to the instructions issued by the processor. These laser pulses will be used to measure the distance between the front end of the endoscope and the target in the body (such as mucosa). Optical fiber: A thin and flexible optical fiber cable, one end of which is connected to the laser transmitter module and the other end is located at the front end of the endoscope. The task of the optical fiber is to transmit the laser from the transmitter to the front end of the endoscope without loss, and to ensure that the light The line can accurately reach the target area. Laser receiving module: This module is placed at the front end of the endoscope, close to the exit of the optical fiber. Its responsibility is to capture the laser signal reflected by the target and convert it into an electrical signal and send it back to the multi-function processor for analysis. Calculation unit: Integrated in the multi-function processor, it is specially used to perform complex mathematical operations to determine the distance. Based on the time difference between the laser emission time and the received reflected laser (i.e., flight time), and combined with the known speed of light, the calculation unit can accurately calculate the actual distance between the front end of the endoscope and the mucosa in the body. Display screen: As a part of the multi-function processor or an external device, it is used to display the calculated distance value and other relevant medical imaging data for doctors to view in real time.

[0052] For details, please refer to Figure 1-Figure 9 The laser transmitter module is configured to emit one million laser pulses per second, ensuring high-frequency measurements to provide continuous distance data.

[0053] In this embodiment: the laser transmitter module now has the ability to emit one million laser pulses per second, each laser pulse maintains an extremely short duration and sufficient energy to accurately measure distance even in a fast-moving or changing environment. Although the emission frequency is increased, safety for human tissue is ensured through appropriate wavelength selection and power limitation.

[0054] For details, please refer to Figure 1-Figure 9 The laser receiving module can receive thousands of electrical signals per second and feed them back to the multi-function processor, thus ensuring high-precision distance measurement.

[0055] In this embodiment: the laser receiving module has a high-sensitivity detector that can capture weak reflected laser signals in a short time, and has a fast response time, so that it can receive thousands of electrical signal feedbacks per second, convert the received optical signals into electrical signals, and quickly transmit them to the multi-functional integrated processor for processing.

[0056] For details, please refer to Figure 1-Figure 9 The calculation unit determines the average distance value based on the time difference from laser emission to reflection and then to the receiver. This average distance value includes the sum of the length of the light-guiding fiber, the distance from the transmitting head to the human mucosa, and the distance from the human mucosa to the receiver, thereby providing more accurate distance information.

[0057] In this embodiment: based on the time of flight (ToF) principle and combined with the length of the optical fiber, if the receiver is located at the front end of the endoscope, the distance from the human mucosa to the receiver must also be added. By averaging multiple measurement results, the impact of noise is reduced and the accuracy of distance measurement is improved. Filtering technology or other statistical methods may be used to smooth the data to obtain a more stable average distance value.

[0058] For details, please refer to Figure 1-Figure 9 The distance optimization value displayed on the screen is obtained by removing half of the fixed light-guiding fiber distance, which can more intuitively reflect the effective distance that doctors need to pay attention to during actual operations.

[0059] In this embodiment: the purpose of subtracting half of the light guide fiber length through effective calculation is to eliminate the influence of this fixed length and retain only the part that the doctor really cares about. The obtained effective distance provides clear and intuitive visual feedback, helping the doctor to better understand and control the distance between the front end of the endoscope and the target tissue, and more intuitively reflects the effective distance that the doctor needs to pay attention to during the actual operation, that is, the actual working distance between the front end of the endoscope and the human mucosa.

[0060] For details, please refer to Figure 1-Figure 9 Endoscopes are suitable for a variety of medical examinations and surgical occasions, and are selected from but not limited to electronic esophagoscopes, electronic gastroscopes, electronic duodenoscopes, electronic enteroscopes, electronic colonoscopes, electronic laryngoscopes, electronic bronchoscopes, electronic laparoscopes, electronic choledochoscopes, colposcopes, hysteroscopes, vascular endoscopes, arthroscopes and other different types of endoscopes.

[0061] In this embodiment: an electronic esophagoscope, an electronic gastroscope, an electronic duodenoscope, an electronic enteroscope and an electronic colonoscope are used to observe the internal structure of the digestive tract, detect lesions or perform biopsies; an electronic laryngoscope and an electronic bronchoscope are used to examine the throat, trachea and bronchi for respiratory tract examinations; an electronic laparoscope and an electronic choledochoscope are used for precise navigation during minimally invasive surgery to perform abdominal and pelvic surgery; a colposcope and a hysteroscope are used for gynecological examinations of the female reproductive system; a vascular endoscope is used for observation inside blood vessels for intravascular examinations; an arthroscopy is used for examination inside joints for orthopedic surgery; it can be seamlessly integrated with a variety of endoscope types to meet the needs of different departments; it uses high-frequency laser pulses and advanced calculation methods to provide highly accurate distance measurement; and the effective distance is instantly displayed on the screen, which helps to improve the safety and efficiency of operations, accurately control the working distance, and reduce the risks caused by misjudgment.

[0062] For details, please refer to Figure 1-Figure 9 The laser transmitter module and the laser receiving module are designed into a compact structure and integrated into the same endoscope front-end device, which reduces the complexity of the system and improves the ease of use.

[0063] In this embodiment: Since the laser transmitter and receiver are integrated together, the need for external connection cables is reduced, the system complexity is reduced, and the compact design makes the entire endoscope system lighter, easier to carry and move, and reduces the number of interfaces, thereby reducing failure points and improving the reliability and durability of the overall system. The integrated design simplifies the operating process and makes it easier for doctors to master and use the device.

[0064] For details, please refer to Figure 1-Figure 9 ,The system also includes a user-friendly interface that allows doctors to adjust ,measurement parameters and view detailed distance measurement information and ,history through a touch screen or other input methods.

[0065] In this embodiment: multi-touch is supported, which is convenient for doctors to perform intuitive operations. Doctors can easily adjust parameters such as laser emission frequency and measurement range through the interface. The screen can display the current effective distance in real time. The system can store historical data of each measurement, and doctors can review past examination results at any time. It supports exporting distance measurement information and other related data as electronic documents or printouts to facilitate subsequent analysis and archiving. The graphical interface design allows doctors to quickly get started even if they have no technical background. Doctors are allowed to customize settings according to different surgical or examination requirements. The measurement results are displayed in real time, which helps doctors make decisions quickly. Powerful data management and analysis tools are provided to help doctors better understand and use data. Built-in help guides and tutorials can help new users become familiar with system operations.

[0066] For details, please refer to Figure 1-Figure 9,The system has a data recording function and can automatically store the ,distance measurement data of each use to support subsequent data ,analysis and patient file management. It can also be used for medical ,research and quality control.

[0067] In this embodiment: after each use, the system will automatically store all relevant distance measurement data, including timestamps, effective distance values ​​and other key parameters. Built-in data analysis tools allow doctors to perform statistical analysis on historical data, such as average, maximum, minimum, etc. The data can be associated with the files of specific patients to facilitate long-term tracking and management. The collected data can be used for medical research to help researchers understand the development process of the disease and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment methods. Through the analysis of large amounts of data, hospital management can monitor the quality of surgery and equipment performance, and make necessary improvements. It provides a continuous data set that helps monitor changes and development trends in patients' conditions. Each data point is timestamped, making the data highly traceable, which is helpful for auditing and legal compliance. The accumulated data can provide valuable information for medical research, promote the advancement of medical science, help medical institutions improve service quality, and optimize processes and improve efficiency through data analysis.

[0068] The working principle and use process of the present invention are as follows: when the doctor needs to know the distance between the endoscope probe and a certain part of the patient's body, the distance measurement process is first started through the multi-functional integrated processor. At this time, the laser transmitter module will emit a short but sufficiently intense laser pulse to the target area. After being transmitted through the optical fiber, the laser irradiates the target surface and generates reflection. Subsequently, this part of the reflected light returns along the original path to the laser receiving module at the front end of the endoscope. The receiving module captures the reflected signal and converts it into electronic data and transmits it to the calculation unit. Using the time interval method technology, the calculation unit can quickly and accurately obtain the straight-line distance between the two. Finally, this result will be updated and displayed on the screen in real time for the doctor's reference, thereby assisting in completing more accurate diagnosis or treatment operations.

[0069] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments or replace some of the technical features therein by equivalents. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A ranging system for use with an endoscope, characterized in that: include: All-in-one processor; A laser transmitter module, connected to the multi-function integrated processor, for transmitting laser light; The optical fiber connects the laser transmitter module and the front end of the endoscope to transmit the laser to the front end of the endoscope; A laser receiving module is arranged at the front end of the endoscope and is used to receive the reflected laser signal; The multifunctional integrated processor also includes a calculation unit, which determines the distance between the front end of the endoscope and the mucosa in the body based on the time difference of the received laser signal, and displays the distance in real time on the screen.

2. The endoscope distance measuring system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The laser transmitter module is configured to emit one million laser pulses per second, ensuring high-frequency measurements to provide continuous distance data.

3. The endoscope distance measuring system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The laser receiving module can receive thousands of electrical signals per second and feed them back to the multifunctional integrated processor, thereby ensuring high-precision distance measurement.

4. The distance measuring system for endoscope according to claim 3, characterized in that: The calculation unit determines the average distance value based on the time difference from laser emission to reflection and then to the receiver. This average distance value includes the sum of the length of the light-guiding optical fiber, the distance from the transmitting head to the human mucosa, and the distance from the human mucosa to the receiver, thereby providing more accurate distance information.

5. The distance measuring system for endoscope according to claim 4, characterized in that: The distance optimization value displayed on the screen display is obtained by removing half of the fixed light-guiding optical fiber distance, which can more intuitively reflect the effective distance that the doctor needs to pay attention to during the actual operation.

6. The distance measuring system for endoscope according to claim 5, characterized in that: The endoscope is suitable for a variety of medical examinations and surgical occasions, and is selected from but not limited to different types of endoscopes such as electronic esophagoscopes, electronic gastroscopes, electronic duodenoscopes, electronic enteroscopes, electronic colonoscopes, electronic laryngoscopes, electronic bronchoscopes, electronic laparoscopes, electronic choledochoscopes, colposcopes, hysteroscopes, vascular endoscopes, and arthroscopes.

7. The distance measuring system for endoscope according to claim 6, characterized in that: The laser transmitter module and the laser receiving module are designed into a compact structure and integrated into the same endoscope front end device, which reduces the complexity of the system and improves the convenience of use.

8. The distance measuring system for endoscope according to claim 7, characterized in that: The system also includes a user-friendly interface that allows doctors to adjust measurement parameters and view detailed distance measurement information and history records through a touch screen or other input methods.

9. The distance measuring system for endoscope according to claim 8, characterized in that: The system has a data recording function and can automatically store the ranging data of each use to support subsequent data analysis and patient file management. It can also be used for medical research and quality control.

10. A method for measuring distance using an endoscope, comprising the following steps: S1, using the laser transmitter module of the multi-functional integrated processor to emit laser; S2, laser is transmitted to the front end of the endoscope through the optical fiber; S3. When the laser encounters a mucosal barrier in the body, part of the energy is reflected back; S4, the reflected laser is received by the laser receiving module at the front end of the endoscope; S5, returning the received signal to the multifunctional integrated processor, and calculating the time difference from laser emission to reflection and then to the receiver through the processor, so as to calculate the distance between the mucosa in the body and the front end; S6. After the processor calculates the distance optimization, the distance optimization value is displayed on the screen in real time to assist doctors in endoscopic examinations and surgeries and improve the doctors' proficiency in using electronic endoscopes.

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