Near-infrared probe electrode, near-infrared brain function imaging device and near-infrared brain function imaging system

Abstract

The invention provides a near-infrared probe electrode, a near-infrared brain function imaging device and a near-infrared brain function imaging system. The near-infrared brain function imaging device comprises one or more near-infrared probe electrodes, an optical fiber and an optical signal processor, the near-infrared probe electrode is used for detecting a near-infrared light signal reflected or scattered by the cerebral cortex, and the near-infrared light signal is transmitted to the optical signal processor through an optical fiber; the optical signal processor is used for converting the near-infrared light signal into an analog signal and conditioning the analog signal, and conditioning comprises signal amplification and filtering processing. According to the near-infrared brain function imaging device, the problems of interference and noise in the near-infrared signal transmission process are solved, and the signal detection precision is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical fields of medical health and ergonomics, and in particular to a near-infrared probe electrode, a near-infrared brain function imaging device and a system. Background Art

[0002] The detection of near-infrared signals requires the cooperation of a light source and a photodiode. The light source emits near-infrared light to the cerebral cortex. After the oxygenated hemoglobin and deoxygenated hemoglobin in the cerebral cortex absorb near-infrared light of a specific wavelength, the unabsorbed near-infrared light reaches the photodiode after reflection or scattering. The photodiode converts the optical signal into an electrical signal, which is then transmitted to the main control end through a cable. After analysis by the main control end, near-infrared spectral imaging of the brain activity area is obtained. However, the process of transmitting electrical signals through cables is susceptible to noise and interference, which affects the accuracy of signal detection. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present application provides a near-infrared probe electrode, a near-infrared brain function imaging device and a system, which help to solve the problems of interference and noise in the near-infrared signal transmission process and improve the accuracy of signal detection.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present application provides a near-infrared probe electrode, comprising: an electrode body and an optical fiber interface, wherein the near-infrared probe electrode is connected to an optical fiber via the optical fiber interface;

[0005] A hollow light guide column is arranged in the electrode body, and the light guide column is used to receive near-infrared light signals and guide them to the optical fiber interface.

[0006] In one possible implementation, the near-infrared probe electrode further includes a pre-stage processing module;

[0007] The light guide column is connected to the optical fiber interface through the pre-processing module;

[0008] The pre-processing module is used to pre-process the near-infrared light signal guided by the light guide column, and output the pre-processed near-infrared light signal to the optical fiber interface.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the pre-processing module includes a second photodiode, a filtering unit, a second analog-to-digital converter, and a digital-to-optical converter;

[0010] The second photodiode is used for converting the near-infrared light signal guided by the light-guiding column into a third analog signal;

[0011] The filtering unit is used to perform filtering processing on the third analog signal;

[0012] The second analog-to-digital converter is used to convert the filtered third analog signal into a second digital signal;

[0013] The digital-to-optical converter is used for converting the second digital signal into an optical signal.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the light guide column and the optical fiber interface are connected by using optical fiber fusion splicing technology; and / or,

[0015] The light guide column is a retractable structure used to adjust the distance between the near-infrared probe electrode and the cerebral cortex.

[0016] In a second aspect, the present application provides a near-infrared brain function imaging device, comprising: one or more near-infrared probe electrodes, optical fibers, and optical signal processors as described in the first aspect;

[0017] The near-infrared probe electrode is used to detect the near-infrared light signal reflected or scattered by the cerebral cortex, and the near-infrared light signal is transmitted to the optical signal processor via an optical fiber;

[0018] The optical signal processor is used to convert the near-infrared optical signal into an analog signal and condition the analog signal, and the conditioning includes signal amplification and filtering processing.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the optical signal processor includes a first photodiode, an amplifier processing module, and a first analog-to-digital converter;

[0020] The first photodiode is used to convert the near infrared light signal into a first analog signal;

[0021] The amplifier processing module is used to perform signal amplification and filtering processing on the first analog signal to obtain a second analog signal;

[0022] The first analog-to-digital converter is used to convert the second analog signal into a first digital signal;

[0023] The optical signal processor is also used to transmit the first digital signal to a host computer, so that the host computer analyzes the first digital signal to obtain near-infrared spectrum imaging information.

[0024] In one possible implementation manner, the first photodiode is separately provided in the optical signal processor, or integrated in the amplifier processing module.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the device is a cap-type structure, a helmet structure, or a headband structure; and / or,

[0026] When there are multiple near-infrared probe electrodes, the device further includes a control circuit and multiple emitting light sources, each emitting light source corresponds to multiple near-infrared probe electrodes;

[0027] A plurality of near-infrared probe electrodes and a plurality of emission light sources form different multi-channel interfaces, and different multi-channel interfaces form different detection components, and different detection components correspond to different detection areas of the user's brain;

[0028] The control circuit is used to send a control signal to the detection component.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the control circuit includes a detection component gating control unit, which is used to select one or more groups of multiple detection components to collect near-infrared brain function imaging signals.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the detection component gating control unit includes a plurality of switch components, and the switch components correspond to the detection components one by one;

[0031] The control circuit includes a main control chip, which is used to send a selection signal to multiple switch components, and control one or more switch components to be connected to corresponding detection components through the selection signal.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the control signal includes a power control signal and a lighting control signal, the control circuit also includes a main control chip and a control module, and the control module is connected between the main control chip and the multi-channel interface;

[0033] The control module is used to receive a power selection signal sent by the host computer, generate a power control signal according to the power selection signal and send the power control signal to multiple emitting light sources; receive a lighting signal sent by the host computer, generate a lighting control signal according to the lighting signal and output the lighting control signal to the corresponding emitting light sources.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the lighting signal includes a first lighting signal and a second lighting signal, and the lighting control signal includes a first lighting control signal and a second lighting control signal; the control module includes: a first multiplexer, a plurality of gear resistors, a second multiplexer and a third multiplexer, the first multiplexer is connected between the main control chip and the plurality of gear resistors, the second multiplexer is connected between the plurality of gear resistors and the plurality of emitting light sources, and the third multiplexer is connected between the main control chip and the plurality of emitting light sources;

[0035] A main control chip, used for sending a power selection signal to the first multiplexer;

[0036] A first multiplexer, configured to generate a gear selection signal according to the power selection signal, and output a power control signal to the second multiplexer through a gear resistor corresponding to the gear selection signal;

[0037] A second multiplexer, used to output a power control signal to the multiple emitting light sources, the power control signal being used to control the power of the multiple emitting light sources;

[0038] A second multiplexer, configured to output a first lighting control signal to a corresponding emitting light source according to a first lighting signal output by the main control chip;

[0039] The third multiplexer is used to output a second lighting control signal to the corresponding emitting light source according to the second lighting signal output by the main control chip.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the multi-channel interface includes a first multi-channel interface, a second multi-channel interface, a third multi-channel interface, and a fourth multi-channel interface;

[0041] If the first multi-channel interface forms a detection component, the detection area corresponding to the detection component includes the frontal lobe area; or,

[0042] If the second multi-channel interface forms a detection component, the detection area corresponding to the detection component includes the occipital lobe area; or,

[0043] If the third multi-channel interface and the fourth multi-channel interface form a detection component, the detection area corresponding to the detection component includes the parietal lobe area.

[0044] In a third aspect, the present application provides a near-infrared brain function imaging system, comprising the near-infrared brain function imaging device described in the second aspect and a host computer.

[0045] Compared with the prior art, this application has at least the following technical effects:

[0046] The present application provides a near-infrared probe electrode, a near-infrared brain function imaging device and a system. The near-infrared brain function imaging device includes one or a near-infrared probe electrode, an optical fiber and an optical signal processor. The near-infrared probe electrode detects the near-infrared light signal reflected or scattered by the cerebral cortex, and transmits the near-infrared light signal to the optical signal processor through the optical fiber. The optical signal processor converts the near-infrared light signal into an analog signal and conditions the analog signal. When optical signals are transmitted using optical fibers, since the transmission principle of optical fibers is total reflection optical path transmission, the signal loss to the light source is small. When the distance is short, the loss on the optical conduction path can be ignored. Compared with the method of transmitting electrical signals using cables, the use of optical paths to transmit signals can effectively solve the problems of interference and noise in the transmission process of near-infrared signals and improve the accuracy of signal detection. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a near-infrared brain function imaging device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of another near-infrared brain function imaging device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of another near-infrared brain function imaging device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of a near-infrared probe electrode provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of another near-infrared probe electrode provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of another near-infrared brain function imaging device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of another near-infrared brain function imaging device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of a control circuit provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] Fig. 9 for Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the specific structure of the mid-near infrared brain functional imaging device;

[0056] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of lighting up an emitting light source provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] In the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, the character " / " indicates that the objects before and after the association are in an or relationship. For example, A / B can represent A or B. "And / or" describes the association relationship of the associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone.

[0058] It should be pointed out that the words "first", "second", etc. involved in the embodiments of the present application are only used to distinguish the description purpose, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated, nor can they be understood as indicating or implying order.

[0059] In the embodiments of the present application, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "plurality" refers to two or more. In addition, "at least one of the following" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, which may include any combination of single items or plural items. For example, at least one of A, B, or C may represent: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A, B and C. Among them, each of A, B, and C may be an element itself, or a set containing one or more elements.

[0060] In the embodiments of the present application, "exemplary", "in some embodiments", "in another embodiment", etc. are used to indicate examples, illustrations or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" in the present application should not be interpreted as being more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of the word "exemplary" is intended to present concepts in a concrete way.

[0061] In the embodiments of the present application, "of", "corresponding", and "corresponding" can sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that when the distinction between them is not emphasized, the meanings to be expressed are consistent. In the embodiments of the present application, communication and transmission can sometimes be used interchangeably. It should be noted that when the distinction between them is not emphasized, the meanings to be expressed are consistent. For example, transmission can include sending and / or receiving, which can be a noun or a verb.

[0062] The inventor discovered during the implementation of this application that a photodiode is connected to a cable, and after the collected near-infrared light signal is converted into an electrical signal, it is transmitted to the main control end through a cable for analysis to obtain near-infrared spectral imaging information related to brain function. However, if the photodiode is directly placed in the area of ​​the brain to be tested and connected to the main control end through a cable, the weak electrical signal may be interfered with and noisy during transmission due to the distributed capacitance and distributed inductance of the cable, or changes in the external magnetic field environment, or relative movement of the cable, thereby reducing the accuracy of signal detection. Based on the above problems, the embodiments of the present application propose a near-infrared probe electrode, a near-infrared brain function imaging device and a system, which utilize optical fiber to transmit optical signals, which helps to solve the problems of interference and noise in the transmission process of near-infrared signals and improve the accuracy of signal detection.

[0063] Now combined Figure 1-Figure 10 The near-infrared brain function imaging device provided in the embodiment of the present application is described. It should be noted that: Figure 1-Figure 3 , Figure 5 In the structural diagram shown, the direction of the arrow indicates the transmission direction of the signal.

[0064] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a near-infrared brain function imaging device provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown, the near-infrared brain function imaging device includes a near-infrared probe electrode 10, an optical fiber and an optical signal processor 20. The near-infrared probe electrode 10 is used to detect the near-infrared light signal reflected or scattered by the cerebral cortex. The near-infrared light signal is transmitted to the optical signal processor through the optical fiber. The optical signal processor 20 is used to convert the near-infrared light signal into an analog signal and condition the analog signal. The conditioning includes signal amplification and filtering processing.

[0065] Optionally, the near-infrared brain function imaging device can be a cap-type structure or a helmet structure or a headband structure. Different structural designs can meet the needs of different application scenarios. For example, a cap-type structure device is usually designed to be relatively light and flexible, suitable for use in laboratories or clinical environments, and can be easily worn on the head of the tester for long-term monitoring without affecting the tester's daily activities. A helmet-type structure device is usually more sturdy and stable, suitable for use in industrial or field environments, such as construction site operations or cycling safety, and can provide additional protection while integrating multiple sensors to monitor the working environment and the physiological state of workers. A headband structure device is usually more comfortable and suitable for long-term wear. The device is suitable for use in scenarios where long-term continuous monitoring of brain activity is required. The headband structure can also be easily adjusted in size to accommodate people with different head shapes.

[0066] The present application detects the near-infrared light signal reflected or scattered by the cerebral cortex through a near-infrared probe electrode, and then transmits the near-infrared light signal to an optical signal processor through an optical fiber. The optical signal processor converts the near-infrared light signal into an analog signal and conditions the analog signal. Since optical fiber transmits optical signals, and the transmission principle of optical fiber is total reflection optical path transmission, the optical signal will not be affected by interference and noise such as changes in the external magnetic field, the distributed capacitance and distributed inductance of the cable, and the relative movement of the cable during transmission, and the loss of transmission through the optical path is small, which helps to solve the interference and noise problems in the transmission process of near-infrared signals and improve the accuracy of signal detection.

[0067] Example 1

[0068] like Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of another near-infrared brain function imaging device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The near-infrared brain function imaging device includes a near-infrared probe electrode 10, an optical fiber, and an optical signal processor 20.

[0069] The near-infrared probe electrode 10 includes an electrode body 101 and an optical fiber interface 103. The near-infrared probe electrode 10 is connected to the optical fiber through the optical fiber interface 103. A hollow light guide column is provided in the electrode body 103. The light guide column is used to receive the near-infrared light signal and guide it to the optical fiber interface. Optionally, the light guide column and the optical fiber interface are connected by optical fiber fusion technology to reduce light source loss.

[0070] The optical signal processor 20 includes a first photodiode 201, an amplifier processing module 202 and a first analog-to-digital converter 203. Among them, the first photodiode 201 is used to convert the near-infrared light signal transmitted by the optical fiber into a first analog signal; the amplifier processing module 202 is used to amplify and filter the first analog signal to obtain a second analog signal; the first analog-to-digital converter 203 is used to convert the second analog signal into a first digital signal. The optical signal processor 20 is also used to transmit the first digital signal to a host computer (not shown in the figure) so that the host computer analyzes the first digital signal to obtain near-infrared spectral imaging information. Optionally, the optical signal processing device 20 can transmit the first digital signal to the host computer wirelessly or wired.

[0071] In this embodiment, the near-infrared light source (light source emitter / emitting light source) lights up alternately, emitting near-infrared light to the brain area to be measured, and the brain area to be measured receives the unabsorbed near-infrared light by the light guide column of the electrode body after reflection or scattering, and the light guide column guides the near-infrared light to the optical fiber interface, and transmits the near-infrared light to the optical signal processor through the optical fiber. At this time, the photodiode (i.e., the first photodiode) is arranged in the optical signal processor away from the head, and the photodiode can be arranged separately in the optical signal processor or integrated in the amplifier processing module. The near-infrared probe electrode for detecting near-infrared light close to the head collects the near-infrared light signal and guides it to the optical fiber interface, and the near-infrared light signal is transmitted to the optical signal processor through the optical fiber, and the subsequent signal processing is performed in the optical signal processor. The near-infrared light signal is transmitted by optical fiber. Since the transmission principle of the optical fiber is total reflection light path transmission, the optical signal will not be disturbed during the transmission process, thereby ensuring the accuracy of signal detection.

[0072] When the optical signal processor receives the near-infrared light signal transmitted by the optical fiber, the first photodiode converts the near-infrared light signal into an electrical signal (specifically a first analog signal), and the first analog signal is input into the amplifier module for signal amplification and filtering to obtain a second analog signal. Since the host computer cannot directly process analog signals, only digital signals after analog-to-digital conversion can be further processed and analyzed by the host computer. Therefore, a first analog-to-digital converter is also provided in the optical signal processor to convert the second analog signal into a first digital signal, and then the first digital signal is sent to the host computer by wired or wireless means for presentation and further processing.

[0073] Example 2

[0074] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of another near-infrared brain function imaging device provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown in FIG. Figure 4This is a schematic structural diagram of a near-infrared probe electrode provided in an embodiment of the present application. The near-infrared brain function imaging device includes a near-infrared probe electrode 10, an optical fiber, and an optical signal processor 20.

[0075] The near-infrared probe electrode 10 includes an electrode body 101, a pre-stage processing module 102 and an optical fiber interface 103. The near-infrared probe electrode 10 is connected to the optical fiber through the optical fiber interface 103. A hollow light guide column 1011 is arranged in the electrode body 101. The light guide column 1011 is connected to the optical fiber interface 103 through the pre-stage processing module 102. The light guide column 1011 is used to receive the near-infrared light signal and guide it to the pre-stage processing module 102; the pre-stage processing module 102 is used to pre-process the near-infrared light signal guided by the light guide column and output the pre-processed near-infrared light signal to the optical fiber interface 103. Figure 4 As shown, the light guide column 1011 and the pre-stage processing module 102 are adjacent structures in the near-infrared probe electrode 10. There is no wire connection between the light guide column 1011 and the pre-stage processing module 102, that is, the light guide column 1011 guides the light reflected or scattered by the cerebral cortex directly to the pre-stage processing module 102, so there is no wire interference.

[0076] Alternatively, if Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of another near-infrared probe electrode provided in an embodiment of the present application. The near-infrared probe electrode 10 includes an electrode body 101, a pre-processing module 102, and an optical fiber interface 103. The pre-processing module 102 includes a second photodiode 1021, a filtering unit 1022, a second analog-to-digital converter 1023, and a digital-to-optical converter 1024. Among them, the second photodiode 1021 is used to convert the near-infrared light signal guided by the light guide column in the electrode body 101 into a third analog signal; the filtering unit 1022 is used to filter the third analog signal; the second analog-to-digital converter 1023 is used to convert the filtered third analog signal into a second digital signal; the digital-to-optical converter 1024 is used to convert the second digital signal into an optical signal.

[0077] Continue to refer to Figure 3, the optical signal processor 20 includes a first photodiode 201, an amplifier processing module 202 and a first analog-to-digital converter 203. Among them, the first photodiode 201 is used to convert the near-infrared light signal transmitted by the optical fiber into a first analog signal; the amplifier processing module 202 is used to amplify and filter the first analog signal to obtain a second analog signal; the first analog-to-digital converter 203 is used to convert the second analog signal into a first digital signal. The optical signal processor 20 is also used to transmit the first digital signal to a host computer (not shown in the figure), so that the host computer analyzes the first digital signal to obtain near-infrared spectral imaging information. Optionally, the optical signal processor 20 can transmit the first digital signal to the host computer wirelessly or wired.

[0078] In this embodiment, the near-infrared light source (light source emitter / emitting light source) lights up alternately, emitting near-infrared light to the brain area to be tested, and the brain area to be tested receives the unabsorbed near-infrared light by the light guide column of the electrode body after reflection or scattering. The light guide column guides the received near-infrared light to the pre-processing module adjacent to the light guide column, and the pre-processing module pre-processes the near-infrared light, outputs the pre-processed near-infrared light signal to the optical fiber interface, and transmits the pre-processed near-infrared light signal to the optical signal processor through the optical fiber.

[0079] The pre-processing module of the near-infrared light signal specifically includes: using the second photodiode to convert the near-infrared light signal guided by the light guide column into an electrical signal (specifically a third analog signal), then filtering the third analog signal through the filtering unit to remove noise, then converting the filtered third analog signal into a second digital signal through the second analog-to-digital converter, and then converting the second digital signal into an optical signal through the digital-to-optical converter. At this time, the signal transmitted by the optical fiber is a near-infrared light signal. Since the transmission principle of the optical fiber is total reflection light path transmission, the optical signal will not be disturbed during the transmission process, ensuring the accuracy of signal detection.

[0080] When the optical signal processor receives the near-infrared light signal transmitted by the optical fiber, the first photodiode converts the near-infrared light signal into an electrical signal (specifically a first analog signal), and the first analog signal is input into the amplifier module for signal amplification and filtering to obtain a second analog signal. Since the host computer cannot directly process analog signals, only digital signals after analog-to-digital conversion can be further processed and analyzed by the host computer. Therefore, a first analog-to-digital converter is also provided in the optical signal processor to convert the second analog signal into a first digital signal, and then the first digital signal is sent to the host computer by wired or wireless means for presentation and further processing.

[0081] In this embodiment, the near-infrared probe electrode pre-processes the collected near-infrared light signal through a pre-processing module, and the pre-processing module successively converts the light signal into an analog signal, the analog signal into a digital signal, and the digital signal into an optical signal, and then transmits the pre-processed light signal to an optical signal processor through an optical fiber for further signal processing. The near-infrared probe first performs signal pre-processing. At this time, the photodiode (i.e., the second photodiode) in the pre-processing module is close to the brain area to be measured, and the accuracy of receiving and processing the light signal is higher. Therefore, it is suitable for application scenarios with deeper depths in detecting brain areas.

[0082] Optionally, the sensitivity of the second photodiode is higher than that of the first photodiode. For example, the second photodiode may be an avalanche photodiode (APD), which can amplify the optical signal internally and provide higher sensitivity than an ordinary photodiode. The second photodiode is located in a near-infrared probe electrode close to the brain area to be measured, and the first photodiode is located in an optical signal processor far from the head. The sensitivity of the second photodiode is higher than that of the first photodiode, which can improve the accuracy of the optical signal obtained after the optical signal is processed at the pre-stage.

[0083] Optionally, the pre-processing module also includes a data verification mechanism unit, which is used to add a preset data verification mechanism to the second digital signal; accordingly, the optical signal processor also includes a data verification mechanism verification unit, which is used to verify whether the first digital signal complies with the preset data verification mechanism.

[0084] Digital verification refers to the process of ensuring the accuracy, integrity and validity of data during transmission, storage or processing. Data verification mechanisms can be parity check, cyclic redundancy check, checksum, etc. Among them, parity check is to ensure that the total number of 1s in the data is odd (odd check) or even (even check) by adding an extra bit (check bit). This method can detect single bit errors, but cannot detect even bit errors; cyclic redundancy check treats the data as a large binary number and divides it using a predefined polynomial (generator polynomial). The remainder is appended to the data. The receiver uses the same polynomial for verification. If the remainder is 0, the data is considered to be error-free; the checksum is a value obtained by performing arithmetic or logical operations on the data block. This value is appended to the data. The receiver performs the same operation on the received data and compares it with the transmitted checksum to detect whether the data has been tampered with during transmission. These verification mechanisms can be used alone or in combination to provide different levels of error detection and correction capabilities.

[0085] Taking the data verification mechanism of checksum as an example, in the data verification mechanism unit of the pre-stage processing module, an arithmetic or logical operation is performed on the second digital signal to obtain a first verification value. After the first verification code is integrated with the second digital signal, it is converted into an optical signal through a digital-to-optical converter, and then transmitted to the optical signal processor through an optical fiber. In the optical signal processor, the optical signal is successively converted into a first analog signal, the first analog signal is amplified and filtered to obtain a second analog signal, and the second analog signal is converted into a first digital signal. Then, the same mathematical operation is performed on the first digital signal through the data verification mechanism verification unit to obtain a second verification value. The first verification value and the second verification value are compared. If the two are the same, it means that the first digital signal meets the data verification mechanism of the checksum, and the first digital signal is accurate, complete and valid. By introducing the data verification mechanism, the accuracy, integrity and validity of the data during transmission and processing can be verified.

[0086] Optionally, the outer layer of the optical fiber is provided with a fully wrapped optical fiber core cladding, which can effectively prevent interference from external light sources.

[0087] Optionally, the diameter of the light guide column is greater than the diameter of the optical fiber interface. Since the near-infrared light reflected or scattered by the cerebral cortex is relatively weak, the larger the diameter of the light guide column, the more near-infrared light it receives. However, the diameter of the light guide column needs to match the optical fiber interface to ensure that the light can be effectively transmitted. If the diameter of the light guide column is too large, it may cause an increase in light loss at the optical fiber interface. In Example 1, the light guide column is connected to the optical fiber interface using optical fiber fusion splicing technology to reduce light source loss. In Example 2, the light guide column is connected to the optical fiber interface through a pre-stage processing module. The light guide column can also be set to a retractable structure, which can adjust the distance between the near-infrared probe electrode and the cerebral cortex, so that the light guide column is closer to the brain area of ​​the subject and can receive more near-infrared light.

[0088] Figure 1 The near-infrared brain function imaging device shown includes an infrared probe electrode. In other optional embodiments, the near-infrared brain function imaging device may also include multiple near-infrared probe electrodes and multiple emitting light sources, each emitting light source corresponds to multiple near-infrared probe electrodes; multiple near-infrared probe electrodes and multiple emitting light sources form different multi-channel interfaces, different multi-channel interfaces form different detection components, and different detection components correspond to different detection areas of the user's brain. The near-infrared brain function imaging device may also include a control circuit 30, which is used to send a control signal to the detection component. Among them, the emitting light source is used to light up in sequence according to the control signal to send a near-infrared light signal to the detection area; the near-infrared probe electrode is used to receive the near-infrared light signal after being reflected or scattered by the detection area, and a channel is formed between the emitting light source and each connected near-infrared probe electrode.

[0089] In the embodiment of the present application, different multi-channel interfaces can form different detection components, and the detection components are correspondingly arranged in different detection areas of the user's brain. The control circuit 30 sends a control signal to the detection component, and the detection component collects the detection signal of the corresponding detection area in response to the control signal and outputs the detection signal. By detecting the detection signals of different detection areas through different detection components, the layout of the detection components is flexible, and the signal collection method is flexible and diverse, thereby meeting the diverse needs of users.

[0090] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of another near-infrared brain function imaging device provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown, as an optional solution, the near-infrared brain function imaging device includes multiple multi-channel interfaces and a control circuit 30, and the multiple multi-channel interfaces include a first multi-channel interface 11, a second multi-channel interface 12, a third multi-channel interface 13 and a fourth multi-channel interface 14. In practical applications, the number of multi-channel interfaces can be set as needed, and the embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0091] In the embodiment of the present application, different multi-channel interfaces among the multiple multi-channel interfaces can be combined to form different detection components. Optionally, if the first multi-channel interface 11 forms a detection component, the detection area corresponding to the detection component includes the frontal lobe area; or, if the second multi-channel interface 12 forms a detection component, the detection area corresponding to the detection component includes the occipital lobe area; or, if the third multi-channel interface 13 and the fourth multi-channel interface 14 form a detection component, the detection area corresponding to the detection component includes the parietal lobe area.

[0092] In an optional embodiment, Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of another near-infrared brain function imaging device provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown, the first multi-channel interface 11 forms a detection component 41, the second multi-channel interface 12 forms a detection component 42, and the third multi-channel interface 13 and the fourth multi-channel interface 14 form a detection component 43. The control circuit 30 includes a main control chip 31 and a detection component gating control unit 32, and the detection component gating control unit 32 is used to select one or more groups of multiple detection components to collect near-infrared brain function imaging signals.

[0093] For example, if the near-infrared brain function imaging device needs to collect near-infrared brain function imaging signals in the frontal lobe region, the detection component 41 formed by the first multi-channel interface 11 can be selected for signal collection; if it is necessary to collect near-infrared brain function imaging signals in the occipital lobe region, the detection component 42 formed by the second multi-channel interface 12 can be selected for signal collection; if it is necessary to collect near-infrared brain function imaging signals in the parietal lobe region, the detection component 43 formed by the third multi-channel interface 13 and the fourth multi-channel interface 14 can be selected for signal collection; if it is necessary to collect near-infrared brain function imaging signals in the frontal lobe region and the parietal lobe region, the detection component 41 formed by the first multi-channel interface 11 and the detection component 42 formed by the second multi-channel interface 12 can be selected for signal collection. The detection component 43 formed by the third multi-channel interface 13 and the fourth multi-channel interface 14 is used for signal acquisition; if it is necessary to acquire near-infrared brain function imaging signals of the parietal lobe area and the occipital lobe area, the detection component 42 formed by the second multi-channel interface 12 and the detection component 43 formed by the third multi-channel interface 13 and the fourth multi-channel interface 14 can be selected for signal acquisition; if it is necessary to acquire near-infrared brain function imaging signals of the frontal lobe area, the parietal lobe area and the occipital lobe area, the detection component 41 formed by the first multi-channel interface 11, the detection component 42 formed by the second multi-channel interface 12 and the detection component 43 formed by the third multi-channel interface 13 and the fourth multi-channel interface 14 can be selected for signal acquisition.

[0094] Optionally, the detection component gating control unit 32 includes a plurality of switch components ( Figure 7 The main control chip 31 is used to send a selection signal to multiple switch components, and control one or more switch components to communicate with the corresponding detection components through the selection signal.

[0095] For example, the detection component 41 corresponds to the first switch component, the detection component 42 corresponds to the second switch component, and the detection component 43 corresponds to the third switch component. When the first switch component is connected to the corresponding detection component 41 by the selection signal, the detection component 41 can be used to collect near-infrared brain function imaging signals of the frontal lobe area; or when the first switch component is connected to the corresponding detection component 41 and the detection component 43 corresponding to the third switch by the selection signal, the detection components 41 and 43 can be used to collect near-infrared brain function imaging signals of the frontal lobe area and the parietal lobe area.

[0096] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of a control circuit 30 provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown in FIG. Fig. 9 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the specific structure of the mid-near infrared brain function imaging device; Figure 8 and Fig. 9As shown, the control signal includes a power control signal and a lighting control signal. The control circuit 30 includes a main control chip 31, a detection component selection control unit 32 and a control module 33, wherein the control module 33 is connected between the main control chip 31 and the multi-channel interface; the control module 33 is used to receive the host computer ( Fig. 9 The control module 33 is also used to receive a lighting signal sent by the host computer, generate a lighting control signal according to the lighting signal, and output the lighting control signal to the corresponding emitting light source.

[0097] Optionally, the lighting signal includes a first lighting signal and a second lighting signal, the lighting control signal includes a first lighting control signal and a second lighting control signal, and the control module 33 includes: a first MUX, a plurality of gear resistors, a second MUX and a third MUX, the first MUX is connected between the main control chip 31 and the plurality of gear resistors, the second MUX is connected between the plurality of gear resistors and a plurality of multi-channel interfaces (including a plurality of emitting light sources), and the third MUX is connected between the main control chip 31 and a plurality of multi-channel interfaces (including a plurality of emitting light sources). Fig. 9 As shown, the main control chip 31 is used to send a power selection signal to the first MUX; the first MUX is used to generate a gear selection signal according to the power selection signal, and output a power control signal to the second MUX through a gear resistor corresponding to the gear selection signal; the second MUX is used to output the power control signal to multiple emitting light sources, and the power control signal is used to control the power of multiple emitting light sources; the second MUX is used to output a first lighting control signal to the corresponding emitting light source according to the first lighting signal output by the main control chip 31; the third MUX is used to output a second lighting control signal to the corresponding emitting light source according to the second lighting signal output by the main control chip 31. For example, the number of gear resistors can be four, and the multiple gear resistors can include gear resistor L0, gear resistor L1, gear resistor L2 and gear resistor L3.

[0098] Combine the following Figure 8 and Fig. 9 , the working process of the near-infrared brain function imaging device of the embodiment of the present application is described in detail.

[0099] At present, in order to make the cap of the near-infrared brain function imaging device fit different head circumferences when the user wears the near-infrared brain function imaging device, two caps of different sizes are set, and the distances between the emitting light source and the near-infrared probe electrode corresponding to different caps are different. In order to prevent the signal acquisition depth from being insufficient at a long distance, a power switching function is added to the control circuit 30, so that the control circuit 30 has multiple power levels. For example, the control circuit 30 has 4 power levels, and the 4 power levels may include high power, relatively high power, medium power and low power. When the distance between the emitting light source and the near-infrared probe electrode is far, the control circuit 30 can set the power of the emitting light source to high power or relatively high power; when the distance between the emitting light source and the near-infrared probe electrode is moderate, the power of the emitting light source can be set to medium power or low power, thereby reducing the emission power, saving power consumption, and extending the use time. For example, the power of the emitting light source can be determined according to the distance between the emitting light source and the near-infrared probe electrode. The four power levels correspond to the four level resistors, high power corresponds to level resistor L0, relatively high power corresponds to level resistor L1, medium power corresponds to level resistor L2, and low power corresponds to level resistor L3. For example, if the distance between the emitting light source and the near-infrared probe electrode is 30 mm, the power of the emitting light source can be set to high power or relatively high power; if the distance between the emitting light source and the near-infrared probe electrode is 25 mm, the power of the emitting light source can be set to medium power or low power.

[0100] The user inputs a power selection signal to the host computer. For example, if the user selects high power, the user inputs a high power power selection signal to the host computer; the host computer sends the power selection signal to the main control chip 31, and the main control chip 31 sends the power selection signal to the first MUX. The first MUX generates a gear selection signal according to the power selection signal. For example, if the power selection signal is a high-power selection signal, the gear selection signal can be 1000. At this time, the gear selection signal 1000 corresponds to the gear resistor L0, and the first MUX is electrically connected to the second MUX through the gear resistor L0. The power control current flows to the second MUX through the gear resistor L0, so that the first MUX can output the power control signal to the second MUX through the gear resistor L0; for another example, if the power selection signal is a higher power selection signal, the gear selection signal can be 0100. At this time, the gear selection signal 0100 corresponds to the gear resistor L1, and the first MUX is electrically connected to the second MUX through the gear resistor L1. The power control current flows to the second MUX through the gear resistor L1, so that the first MUX can output the power control signal to the second MUX through the gear resistor L0. For example, if the power selection signal is a medium power selection signal, the gear selection signal can be 0010. At this time, the gear selection signal 0010 corresponds to the gear resistor L2. The first MUX is electrically connected to the second MUX through the gear resistor L2. The power control current flows to the second MUX through the gear resistor L2, so that the first MUX can output the power control signal through the gear resistor L2. For example, if the power selection signal is a low power selection signal, the gear selection signal can be 0001. At this time, the gear selection signal 0001 corresponds to the gear resistor L3. The first MUX is electrically connected to the second MUX through the gear resistor L3. The power control current flows to the second MUX through the gear resistor L3, so that the first MUX can output the power control signal through the gear resistor L3. Since different gear resistors have different resistance values, the magnitude of the control current flowing through different gear resistors is different, so that the magnitude of the power control signal sent by the first MUX to the second MUX is also different, so that the first MUX can control the switching of different powers through the user's selection on the host computer.

[0101] The second MUX is used to output a power control signal to multiple emitting light sources, and the power control signal can be used to control the power of multiple emitting light sources. The main control chip outputs a first lighting signal to the second MUX, and the second MUX outputs a first lighting control signal to the corresponding emitting light source according to the first lighting signal; the main control chip outputs a second lighting signal to the third MUX, and the third MUX outputs a second lighting control signal to the corresponding emitting light source according to the second lighting signal. Each emitting light source includes a first light source and a second light source, and the first light source and the second light source emit different wavelengths of near-infrared light. The first light source and the second light source of each emitting light source are sequentially lit according to the first lighting control signal and the second lighting control signal, that is, the emitting light sources can be lit alternately.

[0102] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of lighting a light source provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown in FIG. Fig.10 As shown, the second MUX includes a first switch K1, the third MUX includes a second switch K2, and the main control chip 31 outputs a first lighting signal to the second MUX through pins A0-A3 and outputs a second lighting signal to the third MUX through pins A0-A3. In addition, the main control chip 31 also outputs an enable signal to the pins EN of the second MUX and the third MUX to start the second MUX and the third MUX to work.

[0103] The first switch K1 connects the first light source RED1 to a low voltage terminal under the control of a first lighting signal, for example, the low voltage terminal is a ground terminal, so that the first lighting control signal output by the second MUX to the first light source RED1 is a low level. At this time, the level of the first light source RED1 is pulled down, and the first light source RED1 is lit under the control of the low level; the second switch K2 connects the second light source RED2 to a high voltage terminal Vdd under the control of a second lighting signal, so that the second lighting control signal output by the third MUX to the second light source RED2 is a high level. At this time, the level of the second light source RED2 is pulled up, and the second light source RED2 is extinguished under the control of the high level.

[0104] Then, under the control of the first lighting signal, the first switch K1 connects the second light source RED2 to the low voltage terminal, so that the first lighting control signal output by the second MUX to the second light source RED2 is at a low level. At this time, the level of the second light source RED2 is pulled down, and the second light source RED2 is lit under the control of the low level; the second switch K2 connects the first light source RED1 to the high voltage terminal Vdd under the control of the second lighting signal, so that the second lighting control signal output by the third MUX to the first light source RED1 is at a high level. At this time, the level of the first light source RED1 is pulled up, and the first light source RED1 is extinguished under the control of the high level.

[0105] It can be seen that when the first light source RED1 is lit, the level of the second light source RED2 is pulled high to ensure that the second light source RED2 is completely turned off; when the second light source RED2 is lit, the level of the first light source RED1 is pulled high to ensure that the first light source RED1 is completely turned off. By adopting the above method, the first light source and the second light source of each emitting light source are lit in turn, and the level of the previous light source is pulled high during the light source switching process, thereby preventing the previous light source from emitting light due to leakage current.

[0106] In the technical solution provided in the embodiment of the present application, the near-infrared brain function imaging device includes a plurality of near-infrared probe electrodes and a plurality of emitting light sources, and different multi-channel interfaces are formed by the plurality of near-infrared probe electrodes and the plurality of emitting light sources, and different multi-channel interfaces form different detection components, and different detection components correspond to different detection areas of the user's brain. The near-infrared brain function imaging device also includes a control circuit, which sends a control signal to the detection component, and the detection component collects the near-infrared brain function imaging signal of the corresponding detection area in response to the control signal. The present application forms different detection components through different multi-channel interfaces, and detects the near-infrared brain function imaging signals of different detection areas through different detection components. The layout of the detection components is flexible, and the signal collection method is flexible and diverse, thereby meeting the diverse needs of users.

[0107] In the embodiment of the present application, different detection components can detect near-infrared brain functional imaging signals in different detection areas, thereby improving the flexibility of multi-area signal monitoring.

[0108] In an embodiment of the present application, the main control chip sends a power selection signal to the first multiplexer, the first multiplexer generates a gear selection signal according to the power selection signal, outputs a power control signal to the second multiplexer through the gear resistor corresponding to the gear selection signal, and the second multiplexer outputs the power control signal to multiple emitting light sources, thereby realizing the control of the power of the emitting light source through the power control signal.

[0109] In the embodiment of the present application, by raising the level of the previous light source, it is ensured that when the current light source is lit, the previous light source is completely turned off, thereby preventing crosstalk, ensuring that only a single light source is lit, and preventing the previous light source from emitting light inadvertently due to leakage current.

[0110] In other implementations, the present application also provides a near-infrared brain function imaging system, including the near-infrared brain function imaging device shown in the above embodiment and a host computer (also referred to as a main control end), the host computer is used to analyze the electrical signal conditioned by the optical signal processor to obtain near-infrared spectral imaging information. Optionally, the host computer can be an electronic device such as a desktop computer, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a handheld computer, etc.

[0111] In other implementations, the present application also provides a near-infrared probe electrode, which includes an electrode body and an optical fiber interface. The near-infrared probe electrode is connected to an optical fiber through the optical fiber interface. A hollow light guide column is provided in the electrode body, which is used to receive near-infrared light signals and guide them to the optical fiber interface. Transmitting near-infrared light using optical fiber can effectively solve the problems of interference and noise in the transmission process of near-infrared signals and improve the accuracy of signal detection.

[0112] Optionally, the near-infrared probe electrode also includes a pre-stage processing module, through which the light guide column is connected to the optical fiber interface, and the pre-stage processing module is used to pre-process the near-infrared light signal guided by the light guide column and output the pre-processed near-infrared light signal to the optical fiber interface.

[0113] In an optional embodiment, the pre-stage processing module includes a second photodiode, a filtering unit, a second analog-to-digital converter, and a digital-to-optical converter; the second photodiode is used to convert the near-infrared light signal guided by the light guide column into a third analog signal; the filtering unit is used to filter the third analog signal; the second analog-to-digital converter is used to convert the third analog signal after filtering into a second digital signal; the digital-to-optical converter is used to convert the second digital signal into an optical signal; and / or, the sensitivity of the second photodiode is higher than the sensitivity of the first photodiode; and / or, the pre-stage processing module also includes a data verification mechanism unit, which is used to add a preset data verification mechanism to the second digital signal; the optical signal processor also includes a data verification mechanism verification unit, which is used to verify whether the first digital signal complies with the preset data verification mechanism.

[0114] In an optional embodiment, the light guide column and the optical fiber interface are connected by using optical fiber fusion splicing technology; and / or, the light guide column is a retractable structure for adjusting the distance between the near-infrared probe electrode and the cerebral cortex.

[0115] The specific structure of the near-infrared probe electrode refers to the description of the structure of the near-infrared brain function imaging device in the above embodiment, which will not be described in detail here.

[0116] The near-infrared brain function imaging device provided by the present application detects the near-infrared light signal reflected or scattered by the cerebral cortex by the near-infrared probe electrode in the detection component, transmits the near-infrared light signal to the optical signal processor through the optical fiber, and the optical signal processor converts the near-infrared light signal into an analog signal and conditions the analog signal. When optical signals are transmitted by optical fiber, since the transmission principle of optical fiber is total reflection light path transmission, the signal loss of the light source is small, and when the distance is short, the loss on the light conduction path can be ignored. Compared with the method of transmitting electrical signals by cable, the use of optical path to transmit signals can effectively solve the problems of interference and noise in the transmission process of near-infrared signals and improve the accuracy of signal detection.

[0117] The above is only a specific implementation of the present application. Any person skilled in the art can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, which should be included in the protection scope of the present application. The protection scope of the present application should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A near-infrared probe electrode, characterized in that: The near-infrared probe electrode comprises an electrode body and an optical fiber interface, and the near-infrared probe electrode is connected to the optical fiber through the optical fiber interface; a hollow light guide column is arranged in the electrode body, and the light guide column is used to receive the near-infrared light signal and guide it to the optical fiber interface.

2. The near-infrared probe electrode according to claim 1, characterized in that: The near-infrared probe electrode also includes a pre-stage processing module; The light guide column is connected to the optical fiber interface through the pre-processing module; The pre-processing module is used to pre-process the near-infrared light signal guided by the light guide column, and output the pre-processed near-infrared light signal to the optical fiber interface.

3. The near-infrared probe electrode according to claim 2, characterized in that: The pre-processing module includes a second photodiode, a filtering unit, a second analog-to-digital converter, and a digital-to-optical converter; The second photodiode is used to convert the near-infrared light signal guided by the light guide column into a third analog signal; The filtering unit is used to filter the third analog signal; The second analog-to-digital converter is used to convert the filtered third analog signal into a second digital signal; The digital-to-optical converter is used to convert the second digital signal into an optical signal.

4. The near-infrared probe electrode according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light guide column and the optical fiber interface are connected by using optical fiber fusion splicing technology; and / or, The light guide column is a retractable structure, which is used to adjust the distance between the near-infrared probe electrode and the cerebral cortex.

5. A near-infrared brain function imaging device, characterized in that: The device comprises: one or more near-infrared probe electrodes, optical fibers, and optical signal processors as described in any one of claims 1 to 4; The near-infrared probe electrode is used to detect the near-infrared light signal reflected or scattered by the cerebral cortex, and the near-infrared light signal is transmitted to the optical signal processor through the optical fiber; The optical signal processor is used to convert the near-infrared light signal into an analog signal and condition the analog signal, wherein the conditioning includes signal amplification and filtering processing.

6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that The optical signal processor includes a first photodiode, an amplifier processing module and a first analog-to-digital converter; The first photodiode is used to convert the near-infrared light signal into a first analog signal; The amplifier processing module is used to perform signal amplification and filtering processing on the first analog signal to obtain a second analog signal; The first analog-to-digital converter is used to convert the second analog signal into a first digital signal; The optical signal processor is further used to transmit the first digital signal to a host computer, so that the host computer analyzes the first digital signal to obtain near-infrared spectrum imaging information.

7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that The first photodiode is separately arranged in the optical signal processor, or integrated in the amplifier processing module.

8. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that The device is a cap-like structure, a helmet structure, or a headband structure; and / or, When there are multiple near-infrared probe electrodes, the device further comprises a control circuit and multiple emitting light sources, each emitting light source corresponds to the multiple near-infrared probe electrodes; The plurality of near-infrared probe electrodes and the plurality of emission light sources form different multi-channel interfaces, different multi-channel interfaces form different detection components, and different detection components correspond to different detection areas of the user's brain; The control circuit is used to send a control signal to the detection component.

9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that The control circuit comprises a detection component gating control unit, and the detection component gating control unit is used to select one or more groups of multiple detection components to collect near-infrared brain function imaging signals.

10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that The detection component gating control unit includes a plurality of switch components, and the switch components correspond to the detection components one by one; The control circuit includes a main control chip, and the main control chip is used to send a selection signal to the multiple switch components, and control one or more switch components to be connected to the corresponding detection components through the selection signal.

11. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that The control signal includes a power control signal and a lighting control signal, and the control circuit also includes a main control chip and a control module, and the control module is connected between the main control chip and the multi-channel interface; The control module is used to receive a power selection signal sent by the host computer, generate a power control signal according to the power selection signal and send the power control signal to the multiple emitting light sources; receive a lighting signal sent by the host computer, generate the lighting control signal according to the lighting signal and output the lighting control signal to the corresponding emitting light sources.

12. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that The lighting signal includes a first lighting signal and a second lighting signal, and the lighting control signal includes a first lighting control signal and a second lighting control signal; the control module includes: a first multiplexer, a plurality of gear resistors, a second multiplexer and a third multiplexer, the first multiplexer is connected between the main control chip and the plurality of gear resistors, the second multiplexer is connected between the plurality of gear resistors and the plurality of emitting light sources, and the third multiplexer is connected between the main control chip and the plurality of emitting light sources; The main control chip is used to send a power selection signal to the first multiplexer; The first multiplexer is used to generate a gear selection signal according to the power selection signal, and output a power control signal to the second multiplexer through a gear resistor corresponding to the gear selection signal; The second multiplexer is used to output the power control signal to the multiple emitting light sources, and the power control signal is used to control the power of the multiple emitting light sources; The second multiplexer is used to output the first lighting control signal to the corresponding emitting light source according to the first lighting signal output by the main control chip; The third multiplexer is used to output the second lighting control signal to the corresponding emitting light source according to the second lighting signal output by the main control chip.

13. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that The multi-channel interface includes a first multi-channel interface, a second multi-channel interface, a third multi-channel interface and a fourth multi-channel interface; If the first multi-channel interface forms a detection component, the detection area corresponding to the detection component includes the frontal lobe area; or, If the second multi-channel interface forms a detection component, the detection area corresponding to the detection component includes the occipital lobe area; or, If the third multi-channel interface and the fourth multi-channel interface form a detection component, the detection area corresponding to the detection component includes the parietal lobe area.

14. A near-infrared brain function imaging system, characterized in that: The system comprises the near-infrared brain function imaging device as described in any one of claims 1 to 13 and a host computer.

Images