Device for evaluating swallowing function

Abstract

The invention discloses a device for evaluating a swallowing function. The device comprises a point cloud data acquisition module, a three-dimensional modeling and silica gel printing module, a sensor module and a processing and evaluating module, wherein the point cloud data acquisition module is used for acquiring point cloud data of the throat part of a patient; the three-dimensional modeling and silica gel printing module comprises a three-dimensional reconstruction unit and a silica gel 3D printing unit, and a silica gel model is made of a biocompatible silica gel material and has flexibility and plasticity; the sensor module is integrated on the silica gel model and comprises an attitude sensor, a surface myoelectricity sensor, a temperature sensor and a microphone; and the processing and evaluation module is used for performing feature extraction and machine learning analysis according to the data acquired by the sensor module, comprehensively evaluating the coordination, motion range and dynamic features of the swallowing action, generating personalized rehabilitation suggestions for dysphagia, and generating a detailed and comprehensive swallowing ability evaluation report at the same time. The method is non-invasive, real-time, dynamic and highly accurate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of medical detection equipment, and in particular to a method for realizing high-precision swallowing by integrating multiple technologies. The equipment and methods for ability assessment are intended to provide more effective tools and means for medical work related to swallowing disorders. Background Art

[0002] Swallowing is a key step in the body's nutrition intake and normal physiological function. Assessing swallowing ability is important for timely detection of swallowing disorders. Swallowing disorders may lead to serious complications such as malnutrition, dehydration, and aspiration pneumonia, especially in high-risk groups such as the elderly and stroke patients. Accurate assessment of swallowing ability can help with early diagnosis and intervention, prevent the occurrence of related complications, improve patients' quality of life, reduce medical costs, and provide a basis for the development of personalized treatment and rehabilitation plans.

[0003] Current technologies for swallowing assessment include imaging studies and noninvasive techniques.

[0004] 1. Imaging examination Although X-ray examinations (such as swallowing angiography) can show the swallowing trajectory of food or liquid in the throat, they pose radiation hazards, are cumbersome to operate, and cannot monitor subtle dynamic changes in real time.

[0005] Endoscopic examination can provide clear images, but its high invasiveness can cause great discomfort to patients, limiting its widespread application.

[0006] 2. Non-invasive techniques Ultrasonic testing is easy to operate and non-invasive, but its accuracy is limited and it is less adaptable to the complex morphology of the throat and individual differences.

[0007] Although traditional electronic sensors (such as gyroscopes and accelerometers) can obtain some information about throat movements, their monitoring of the overall morphology and peristaltic process is not comprehensive enough, making it difficult to accurately analyze individual differences.

[0008] Problems existing in the prior art: 1. Lack of sophisticated personalized analysis Traditional imaging methods have obvious deficiencies in the dynamic analysis of swallowing movement details, and non-invasive technologies are difficult to provide accurate assessments based on the actual morphology of an individual's throat.

[0009] 2. The detection method has risks or limitations The risk of X-ray radiation cannot be ignored. The invasiveness of endoscopic examination can easily cause discomfort or even complications to patients. Moreover, both can only obtain static images and cannot capture the dynamic changes of swallowing in real time, which seriously affects the accuracy of assessment and clinical practicality.

[0010] 3. Insufficient real-time monitoring and dynamic analysis capabilities Existing technologies are unable to fully capture the subtle changes in movements during swallowing, and are unable to deeply analyze the impact of subtle throat movements on swallowing effects, resulting in incomplete evaluation results and easily causing doctors to deviate from their judgment of swallowing disorders. Summary of the invention

[0011] The present invention aims to provide a non-invasive, real-time dynamic and highly accurate device for swallowing function assessment. By integrating a point cloud data acquisition module, a three-dimensional modeling and silicone printing module, a posture sensor module, a surface electromyography sensor module, a temperature sensor and a microphone, a comprehensive and multi-level accurate assessment of the patient's swallowing ability can be achieved. The device is particularly suitable for patients with swallowing disorders and those who require long-term follow-up treatment.

[0012] The technical solution of the present invention to achieve its technical purpose is as follows: A device for swallowing function assessment, comprising: Point cloud data acquisition module, used to collect point cloud data of the patient's throat, using 3D laser scanning equipment, which emits laser and receives reflected light, and determines the spatial coordinates of each point in the throat according to the flight time or phase difference of the light; or using other equipment that can obtain point cloud data, such as binocular cameras; A three-dimensional modeling and silicone printing module, comprising a three-dimensional reconstruction unit and a silicone 3D printing unit, wherein the three-dimensional reconstruction unit is used to convert the collected point cloud data into a three-dimensional digital model including the morphology, size and anatomical structure details of the throat, and the silicone 3D printing unit is used to print a silicone model that fits the patient's throat structure based on the three-dimensional digital model, and the silicone model is made of biocompatible silicone material and has softness and plasticity; The sensor module is integrated on the silicone model and includes a posture sensor, a surface electromyography sensor, a temperature sensor and a microphone. The posture sensor includes an accelerometer and a gyroscope, which are used to capture the posture changes of the silicone model during swallowing in real time. The surface electromyography sensor is attached to the surface of the muscles involved in the swallowing action of the neck through an electrode patch, which is used to detect the electrical signals generated by the muscles during the swallowing process. The temperature sensor and the microphone are arranged along the key parts of the throat of the silicone model, which are used to sense the temperature changes and sound signals during the swallowing process. The temperature sensor and the microphone are fixed inside the silicone model in an embedded installation manner, and their surfaces are flush with the surface of the silicone model. The processing and evaluation module is used to perform feature extraction and machine learning analysis based on the data collected by the sensor module, comprehensively evaluate the coordination, range of motion and dynamic characteristics of the swallowing movement, and generate personalized rehabilitation suggestions for swallowing disorders. At the same time, it generates a detailed and comprehensive swallowing ability assessment report. The report content includes multi-dimensional evaluation indicators such as swallowing reflex duration, peristaltic speed, swallowing force, muscle activity intensity, sound characteristics, and temperature change patterns, and automatically issues a warning signal when an abnormal situation is detected.

[0013] The device in the point cloud data acquisition module can dynamically capture the morphological changes of the throat during the swallowing process.

[0014] The silicone model is made of biocompatible silicone material and has softness and plasticity to ensure that it fits the patient's throat and provides a swallowing simulation experience.

[0015] The posture sensor module includes an accelerometer and a gyroscope, which are used to capture the posture changes of the throat model during swallowing in real time and transmit the data to the processing and evaluation module for dynamic analysis.

[0016] The processing and evaluation module comprehensively evaluates the coordination, range of motion, and dynamic characteristics of swallowing movements by performing feature extraction and machine learning analysis on posture sensor data, and generates personalized rehabilitation recommendations for swallowing disorders.

[0017] The three-dimensional digital model can be extended and applied to a virtual reality environment to provide swallowing training simulation and patient education support.

[0018] Beneficial effects of the present invention: 1. High-precision evaluation guarantee A variety of advanced sensors are closely combined with point cloud data acquisition and silicone models to comprehensively and accurately capture various subtle changes in the swallowing process, effectively overcome the limitations of traditional evaluation methods, and provide doctors with accurate and objective diagnosis and treatment basis.

[0019] 2. Non-invasive, safe and comfortable experience The entire evaluation process uses non-invasive technology, completely avoiding the potential risks of radiation and invasive operations, significantly improving the patient's comfort and sense of security, and is especially suitable for the elderly, children and patients with weaker bodies.

[0020] 3. Personalized and accurate assessment and rehabilitation guidance With the individual's unique three-dimensional model and rich real-time dynamic data, the system can provide each patient with a highly personalized assessment report and highly targeted rehabilitation suggestions, greatly improving the accuracy of the assessment and effectively promoting the recovery of the patient's swallowing function.

[0021] 4. Real-time dynamic monitoring and flexible adjustment By monitoring the entire swallowing process in real time, doctors can instantly and accurately understand changes in the patient's swallowing ability. Based on real-time data feedback, the system can dynamically adjust the evaluation criteria and treatment plans to ensure the timeliness and effectiveness of treatment.

[0022] 5. Efficient and convenient evaluation process Compared with traditional assessment methods, the present invention can complete a comprehensive and in-depth swallowing ability assessment in a shorter time, effectively saving time and resources for patients and medical institutions and significantly improving medical efficiency.

[0023] 6. Widely applicable to a wide range of people It is suitable for swallowing ability assessment of different populations, especially for special populations such as the elderly, stroke patients, and patients with swallowing disorders. It can help doctors quickly and accurately obtain patients' swallowing function information, thereby making scientific and reasonable treatment decisions.

[0024] 7. Rich data and strong traceability Record all kinds of data of each swallowing action in detail to form complete and traceable historical data. These data are of great value for long-term monitoring of changes in patients' swallowing function, accurate evaluation of rehabilitation training effects, and continuous optimization of treatment plans. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The present invention is further described below.

[0026] 1. Point cloud data collection and 3D modeling Use appropriate point cloud data acquisition equipment (such as 3D laser scanning equipment or other feasible equipment) to scan the patient's throat and obtain point cloud data. Taking 3D laser scanning as an example, the device emits a laser beam and receives reflected light, and accurately measures the spatial coordinates of each point in the throat based on the flight time or phase difference of the light. The scanned point cloud data is processed by professional 3D reconstruction software and converted into an accurate 3D digital model, providing basic data support for subsequent silicone model customization.

[0027] 2. Silicone 3D printing and sensor installation Based on the reconstructed three-dimensional data, a silicone throat model was made using 3D printing technology. The silicone material has excellent softness and biocompatibility, which can fit the patient's throat tightly without causing discomfort. Its good plasticity ensures that the model can accurately reflect the morphological changes of the throat during swallowing.

[0028] Various sensors are installed on the silicone throat model and related parts: Posture sensors (such as gyroscopes and accelerometers) are integrated into the model to monitor dynamic information such as peristalsis, tension changes, and muscle synergy in the throat during swallowing in real time, and to accurately measure the posture changes of the throat in space, including physical parameters such as angle and acceleration.

[0029] The surface electromyography sensor is attached to the surface of the neck muscles involved in swallowing through electrode patches. The electrode patches have good conductivity and biocompatibility, and can accurately detect the electrical signals generated by the muscles during swallowing.

[0030] The temperature sensor and microphone are arranged along the key parts of the throat of the silicone model and fixed inside the silicone model by embedded installation. Their surface is flush with the surface of the silicone model and can keenly sense the sound signals and temperature changes generated during swallowing. All kinds of data collected by the sensor are transmitted to the computer system in real time via wireless transmission.

[0031] 3. Data collection and analysis When the patient swallows, the above-mentioned sensors collect data synchronously and in real time, covering rich information such as throat movement trajectory, speed, strength, muscle electrical signals, sound signals and temperature changes.

[0032] After the system receives the data collected by the posture sensor (accelerometer and gyroscope), surface electromyography sensor, temperature sensor and microphone, it first pre-processes the data of each sensor, including data cleaning, noise reduction and other operations. Then, the data is fused and analyzed through a specific algorithm. For example, the data of the posture sensor can be used to analyze the parameters such as the motion trajectory, speed and acceleration of the swallowing action, the data of the surface electromyography sensor can reflect the activity intensity and coordination of the muscles involved in swallowing, the data of the temperature sensor can help to determine the temperature change of food or liquid during swallowing, and the sound signal collected by the microphone can provide the sound characteristics of swallowing, such as the duration and frequency of the swallowing sound. Combining these data of different dimensions can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the patient's physiological state during swallowing. After these data are transmitted to the computer system, they are processed and analyzed by professional algorithms. The system generates detailed swallowing process data, including parameters such as the motion trajectory of the pharyngeal muscles, morphological changes, swallowing action time, strength, muscle activity intensity, sound characteristics, and temperature change curve. By comparing and analyzing the swallowing data of different patients, we can conduct in-depth research on the differences in swallowing ability among different populations (such as the elderly, patients with dysphagia, etc.), so as to tailor a personalized assessment plan for each patient.

[0033] 4. Evaluation and feedback According to the results of the fusion analysis, the swallowing ability of the patient is divided into different levels. For example, the first level is set as normal swallowing function, the swallowing action is coordinated and smooth, and the data of each sensor are within the normal range; the second level is mild swallowing disorder, which may have some slow swallowing actions and weak muscle activity intensity, but does not affect normal food intake; the third level is moderate swallowing disorder, which is manifested by obvious uncoordinated swallowing actions and insufficient muscle activity intensity, and may require certain rehabilitation training and dietary adjustments; the fourth level is severe swallowing disorder, and there are serious problems in the swallowing process, such as frequent choking and inability to swallow solid food normally, which requires emergency medical intervention. The specific evaluation level classification standards can be further refined and determined based on a large amount of clinical data and experimental research to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the evaluation results. When generating the evaluation report, in addition to giving detailed evaluation indicators, the patient's swallowing ability evaluation level is clearly marked so that doctors and patients can understand the swallowing status more intuitively. The report content includes multi-dimensional evaluation indicators such as swallowing reflex duration, peristalsis speed, swallowing force, muscle activity intensity, sound characteristics, and temperature change pattern. Based on these evaluation results, the system provides patients with personalized treatment recommendations, such as targeted rehabilitation training programs, dietary adjustment recommendations, etc. If an abnormality is detected during swallowing, the system automatically sends a warning signal to promptly alert doctors to pay attention and intervene.

[0034] The usage scenarios of this product are flexible and diverse. 3D modeling and printing are usually carried out in a professional medical equipment room in a hospital, and professional medical staff operate the relevant equipment to ensure that accurate three-dimensional data of the patient's throat is obtained and a silicone model that fits the patient's throat structure is produced. Patients can wear the device in the hospital and conduct swallowing ability assessment under the supervision of medical staff, so as to facilitate timely handling of possible problems. At the same time, in order to more comprehensively monitor the patient's swallowing in daily life, patients can also take the device home and wear it for 24-hour continuous monitoring and evaluation. When used at home, patients only need to wear the device correctly according to the guidance of medical staff. The device will automatically collect data and send the data to the hospital's computer system via wireless transmission. Medical staff can view and analyze the data remotely at any time to ensure continuous tracking and evaluation of the patient's swallowing ability. Data can also be collected by the device and stored locally, and then imported into the system after the patient returns to the hospital.

[0035] Example 1: Assessment of elderly patients with dysphagia 1. Use 3D laser scanning equipment (or other point cloud data acquisition equipment) to scan the throat of elderly patients with dysphagia, obtain three-dimensional image data, and reconstruct the model using professional software.

[0036] 2. Make a silicone model based on the model, accurately install the posture sensor, surface electromyography sensor, temperature sensor, and microphone at the corresponding positions of the throat and neck of the silicone model, and properly fix the silicone model to the patient's throat to ensure that each sensor is in good contact with the body part.

[0037] 3. When the patient swallows, the sensor collects data in real time and quickly transmits it to the computer system. The computer system processes and analyzes the data efficiently and generates an evaluation report containing detailed test data and multi-dimensional evaluation indicators.

[0038] 4. Doctors develop personalized rehabilitation treatment plans for patients based on the evaluation report, such as customized swallowing training plans, reasonable dietary adjustment suggestions, etc.

[0039] Example 2: Swallowing training evaluation for stroke patients 1. Use 3D laser scanning equipment (or other point cloud data acquisition equipment) to scan the throat of stroke patients, obtain accurate three-dimensional data and build a model.

[0040] 2. After making the silicone model and installing the corresponding sensors on it, fix it firmly to the patient's throat.

[0041] 3. When the patient is swallowing during rehabilitation training, the sensor collects data in real time, and the system immediately analyzes the data to generate an evaluation report for each training session, clearly presenting the changes in the patient's swallowing ability during the training process, such as the degree of improvement in muscle activity and optimization of swallowing rhythm.

[0042] 4. The rehabilitation doctor will adjust the training plan in a timely manner according to the evaluation report and optimize the training intensity, method or content to improve the patient's swallowing function rehabilitation effect.

[0043] The above-mentioned embodiments only express several implementation methods of the present invention, and the description thereof is relatively specific and detailed, but it cannot be understood as limiting the scope of the invention. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this field, several modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the concept of the present invention, all of which belong to the protection scope of the present invention. The protection scope of the present invention is given by the attached claims and any equivalent technical solutions thereof.

Claims

1. A device for swallowing function assessment, characterized in that: include: Point cloud data acquisition module, used to collect point cloud data of the patient's throat, using 3D laser scanning equipment, which emits laser and receives reflected light, and determines the spatial coordinates of each point in the throat according to the flight time or phase difference of the light; or using other equipment that can obtain point cloud data, such as binocular cameras; A three-dimensional modeling and silicone printing module, comprising a three-dimensional reconstruction unit and a silicone 3D printing unit, wherein the three-dimensional reconstruction unit is used to convert the collected point cloud data into a three-dimensional digital model including the morphology, size and anatomical structure details of the throat, and the silicone 3D printing unit is used to print a silicone model that fits the patient's throat structure based on the three-dimensional digital model, and the silicone model is made of biocompatible silicone material and has softness and plasticity; The sensor module is integrated on the silicone model and includes a posture sensor, a surface electromyography sensor, a temperature sensor and a microphone. The posture sensor includes an accelerometer and a gyroscope, which are used to capture the posture changes of the silicone model during swallowing in real time. The surface electromyography sensor is attached to the surface of the muscles involved in the swallowing action of the neck through an electrode patch, which is used to detect the electrical signals generated by the muscles during the swallowing process. The temperature sensor and the microphone are arranged along the key parts of the throat of the silicone model, which are used to sense the temperature changes and sound signals during the swallowing process. The temperature sensor and the microphone are fixed inside the silicone model in an embedded installation manner, and their surfaces are flush with the surface of the silicone model. The processing and evaluation module is used to perform feature extraction and machine learning analysis based on the data collected by the sensor module, comprehensively evaluate the coordination, range of motion and dynamic characteristics of the swallowing movement, and generate personalized rehabilitation suggestions for swallowing disorders. At the same time, it generates a detailed and comprehensive swallowing ability assessment report. The report content includes multi-dimensional evaluation indicators such as swallowing reflex duration, peristaltic speed, swallowing force, muscle activity intensity, sound characteristics, and temperature change patterns, and automatically issues a warning signal when an abnormal situation is detected.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The device in the point cloud data acquisition module can dynamically capture the morphological changes of the throat during the swallowing process.

3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The silicone model is made of biocompatible silicone material and has softness and plasticity to ensure that it fits the patient's throat and provides a swallowing simulation experience.

4. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The posture sensor module includes an accelerometer and a gyroscope, which are used to capture the posture changes of the throat model during swallowing in real time and transmit the data to the processing and evaluation module for dynamic analysis.

5. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The processing and evaluation module comprehensively evaluates the coordination, range of motion, and dynamic characteristics of swallowing movements by performing feature extraction and machine learning analysis on posture sensor data, and generates personalized rehabilitation recommendations for swallowing disorders.

6. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The three-dimensional digital model can be extended and applied to a virtual reality environment to provide swallowing training simulation and patient education support.