A system for real-time monitoring of jaundice

By integrating a camera and controller into glasses, a real-time jaundice monitoring system has been developed, solving the problem of the inability to monitor jaundice levels in real time. This enables patients to self-monitor and receive timely warnings, reducing the workload of nursing staff.

CN224483973UActive Publication Date: 2026-07-14NINGBO MEDICAL CENT LIHUILI HOSPITACL

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
NINGBO MEDICAL CENT LIHUILI HOSPITACL
Filing Date
2025-05-05
Publication Date
2026-07-14

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing technologies, jaundice index cannot be monitored in real time, which makes it difficult for patients to detect jaundice in time, increases the workload of nursing care, and may cause them to miss the best treatment time.

Method used

Design a real-time jaundice monitoring system that uses a camera to capture scleral images and combines them with a controller for real-time analysis. When the jaundice index exceeds the standard, it will give an early warning. The system includes a camera, a controller, an early warning actuator, and a clamping device, and can be worn on glasses.

Benefits of technology

It enables real-time monitoring of jaundice levels, allowing patients to be promptly informed of elevated jaundice levels, reducing nursing workload and improving the timeliness of treatment.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of icterus real-time monitoring systems, it includes carrier, controller, early warning execution piece and the camera for gathering human eye sclera image information installed on carrier, the camera and early warning execution piece are electrically connected with controller, the controller includes the information input unit for receiving the image information collected by camera, the processing unit for processing image information and giving control signal based on image information processing result, signal sending unit for sending control signal and battery module for power supply, the carrier is equipped with the clamping part that can be clamped on glasses. The utility model provides a kind of icterus real-time monitoring systems, it can be worn on glasses by patient, real-time image acquisition is carried out to the sclera of eyeball by camera, icterus index is monitored, thus early warning prompt is given in the first time when icterus index exceeds warning value.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of human vital sign monitoring equipment, specifically a real-time jaundice monitoring system. Background Technology

[0002] Jaundice is a condition characterized by yellowing of the sclera, skin, and mucous membranes due to elevated bilirubin levels in the serum. It is not a single disease but rather a common feature of many conditions. Common types include hemolytic jaundice, hepatocellular jaundice, and cholestatic jaundice, which may be caused by hemolytic diseases, hepatocellular damage, or bile stasis. There is no specific high-risk group for jaundice; it can occur in various internal medicine and surgical conditions. Patients typically only seek medical attention to have their jaundice levels checked when the sclera or skin is visibly yellow. This often delays treatment, preventing them from seeking immediate medical attention when the jaundice level exceeds the warning threshold. For example, patients who have been taking traditional Chinese medicine for a long time or those with liver disease often fail to notice jaundice until others observe significant jaundice, thus missing the optimal treatment window.

[0003] In addition, even for hospitalized patients, jaundice levels cannot be monitored in real time, requiring medical staff to conduct regular tests, which increases the workload of nursing care. Utility Model Content

[0004] The present invention aims to at least partially solve one of the technical problems in the related art: to provide a real-time jaundice monitoring system that allows patients to wear glasses themselves to collect real-time images of the sclera of the eyeball through a camera, monitor jaundice indicators, and thus provide an early warning prompt as soon as the jaundice index exceeds the warning value.

[0005] Therefore, one objective of this utility model is to provide a real-time jaundice monitoring system, comprising a carrier, a controller mounted on the carrier, an early warning actuator, and a camera for acquiring images of the sclera of the human eye. The camera and the early warning actuator are both electrically connected to the controller. The controller includes an information input unit for receiving image information acquired by the camera, a processing unit for processing the image information and issuing control signals based on the processing results, a signal transmission unit for issuing control signals, and a battery module for power supply. The carrier is equipped with a clamping device that can be held onto eyeglasses. After the patient wears eyeglasses, because the carrier is held onto the eyeglasses by the clamping device, the camera on the carrier can face the sclera of the patient's eyeball to acquire real-time image information of the sclera. The controller receives the image information, processes and analyzes it, and provides the jaundice index data of the patient's sclera. When the jaundice index data is equal to or higher than a warning value, the early warning actuator issues a warning that the jaundice index has exceeded the standard.

[0006] According to one example of this invention, the camera is connected to a carrier via a movable connecting arm, allowing the camera's position relative to the carrier to be adjusted. The movable connecting arm enables the adjustment of the camera's position and orientation, allowing the camera to be better aligned with the sclera of the patient's eyeball.

[0007] According to one example of the present invention, the connecting arm includes a connecting rod, a bearing seat, a turntable, and a vertical plate. One end of the connecting rod is hinged to the connecting seat at the top of the carrier, the bottom of the bearing seat is hinged to the other end of the connecting rod, the turntable is rotatably fitted above the bearing seat, the vertical plate is located on the turntable and the lower end of the vertical plate is hinged to the turntable, and the camera is mounted on one side of the vertical plate.

[0008] According to one example of this utility model, the warning actuator is a buzzer and / or a voice player and / or a display light. The buzzer can provide an audible alarm when the jaundice index exceeds a warning value, the voice player can provide a voice announcement when the jaundice index exceeds the warning value, and the display light can illuminate when the jaundice index exceeds the warning value.

[0009] According to one example of the present invention, the vehicle has two cameras, which are symmetrically arranged along the longitudinal section containing the central axis of the vehicle.

[0010] According to one example of the present invention, the clamping member includes two opposing elastic clips, with a clamping space formed between the two elastic clips for clamping the glasses.

[0011] According to one example of the present invention, it also includes eyeglasses, with a clamp on the carrier holding the eyeglasses.

[0012] According to one example of this invention, an auxiliary camera is embedded in the glasses, and the auxiliary camera is communicatively connected to the controller. The auxiliary camera and the main camera together acquire scleral images of the patient's eyeball. The scleral image information acquired by both the auxiliary camera and the main camera is sent to the controller. After processing the image information, the processing unit determines whether the jaundice index is within acceptable limits and issues a control signal based on this determination.

[0013] According to one example of the present invention, the glasses are fitted with an indicator light strip, which is communicatively connected to the controller;

[0014] The glasses are equipped with a backup battery to power the auxiliary camera and the indicator light strip, or the glasses are equipped with a power connector, through which the auxiliary camera and the indicator light strip are electrically connected to the battery module on the controller. When the controller issues a control signal indicating that the jaundice index exceeds a warning value, the indicator light strip illuminates based on the control signal, providing a clear visual warning for the entire pair of glasses.

[0015] According to one example of the present invention, the battery module in the controller is a wirelessly rechargeable battery module; when the glasses are equipped with a backup battery, the backup battery is a wirelessly rechargeable backup battery.

[0016] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: First, after the patient wears glasses, the carrier is clamped onto the glasses by a clamping device. Therefore, the camera on the carrier can be aimed at the sclera of the patient's eyeball to collect image information of the sclera in real time. The controller receives the image information, processes and analyzes the image information, and provides the jaundice index data of the patient's sclera. When the jaundice index data is equal to or higher than the warning value, the warning execution device will give a prompt that the jaundice index exceeds the standard. Second, the position and orientation of the camera can be adjusted by the movable connecting arm so that the camera can be better aimed at the sclera of the patient's eyeball. The glasses are designed to be adaptable to different patients. Secondly, the warning actuators for providing alerts can be buzzers, voice players, or indicator lights. The buzzer provides an audible alarm when the jaundice index exceeds a warning value, the voice player provides a voice announcement, and the indicator lights illuminate when the jaundice index exceeds a warning value. Finally, the glasses are equipped with an auxiliary camera and an indicator light strip to provide more scleral image information from multiple directions. The indicator light strip illuminates when the controller signals that the jaundice index has exceeded the standard, making it more noticeable.

[0017] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of the jaundice real-time monitoring system of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a front view of the real-time jaundice monitoring system of this utility model.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a rear view of the jaundice real-time monitoring system of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of region "A".

[0022] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A magnified axial view of the image after removing the glasses.

[0023] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Side view.

[0024] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the assembly of the carrier and the clamping parts on the carrier, and the eyeglasses clamping and fixing.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating the control principle of the real-time jaundice monitoring system of this utility model.

[0026] The components include: 1. Glasses; 1.1 Card slot; 2. Carrier; 3. Controller; 3.1 Information input unit; 3.2 Processing unit; 3.3 Signal sending unit; 3.4 Battery module; 4. Warning actuator; 5. Camera; 6. Clamping component; 6.1 Elastic clamp; 6.2 Protrusion; 7. Connecting arm; 7.1 Linkage rod; 7.2 Bearing seat; 7.3 Turntable; 7.4 Vertical plate; 8. Auxiliary camera; 9. Display light strip; 10. Power supply connector; 11. Spare battery. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0028] The jaundice real-time monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] This utility model provides a real-time jaundice monitoring system, as shown in the figure. It includes a carrier 2, a controller 3, an early warning actuator 4, and a camera 5 for collecting scleral image information of the human eye, all mounted on the carrier 2. The camera 5 and the early warning actuator 4 are electrically connected to the controller 3. The controller 3 includes an information input unit 3.1 for receiving image information collected by the camera 5, a processing unit 3.2 for processing image information and giving control signals based on the image information processing results, a signal sending unit 3.3 for sending control signals, and a battery module 3.4 for power supply. The carrier 2 is provided with a clamping member 6 that can be clamped onto glasses 1. In this embodiment, the information input unit 3.1, processing unit 3.2, signal transmission unit 3.3, and battery module 3.4 in the controller 3 are integrated on the motherboard. The image information captured by the camera 5 is transmitted to the information input unit 3.1 via wireless or wired communication. The information input unit 3.1 then forwards the image information to the processing unit 3.2. The processing unit 3.2 compares the obtained image information with pre-stored scleral image information and makes a judgment on whether it is qualified or not based on the color difference change of the sclera. If it is qualified, the image information is cleared; if it is unqualified, a control signal is given. After receiving the control signal, the early warning execution unit 4 gives a corresponding early warning information reminder, so that the patient can be informed in time that his jaundice is excessive and seek medical treatment in time.

[0030] It should be understood that using the color difference comparison value between the acquired image and the pre-stored image is a conventional technique in existing image processing technology. Converting this color difference comparison value into the corresponding jaundice index is based on the existing correspondence between the jaundice index and the jaundice sclera color difference, which can be obtained through a limited number of data statistics. Therefore, in this embodiment, the process of how the processing unit 3.2 obtains the jaundice index based on the image information will not be described in detail.

[0031] The jaundice index, also known as the concentration of total bilirubin, is defined as follows: Mild jaundice: total bilirubin level between 2-3 mg / dL (34-51 μmol / L); Moderate jaundice: total bilirubin level between 3-10 mg / dL (51-171 μmol / L); Severe jaundice: total bilirubin level exceeding 10 mg / dL (171 μmol / L). In clinical diagnosis, the reference standard for visual observation is a serum total bilirubin level exceeding 2-3 mg / dL. At this level, yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and sclera can be observed clinically, leading to a diagnosis of jaundice. Therefore, the pre-stored warning value for the jaundice index in the processing unit 3.2 can be manually set to be equal to or higher than the normal jaundice index used in medical practice. Specifically, the warning value for the jaundice index that triggers the controller to issue a warning control command is 2 mg / dL, 2.5 mg / dL, or 3 mg / dL. The jaundice index warning value mentioned in the article is an alarm trigger value set artificially based on the standard value of jaundice index in clinical practice. The specific warning value of jaundice index can be adjusted arbitrarily according to actual needs.

[0032] Furthermore, the processing unit 3.2 in the controller 3 also includes a communication unit for wireless communication with an external host. This allows a large amount of scleral image data of patients with varying degrees of jaundice to be stored on the external host. Big data calculations are then used to obtain the jaundice index corresponding to different jaundice scleral images, making the calculation of the jaundice index from scleral images more accurate. After obtaining the current patient's scleral image information, the processing unit 3.2 can send this information to the external host via the communication unit. The external host performs calculations to obtain the jaundice index. The processing unit 3.2 receives the converted jaundice index via the communication unit and compares it with a pre-stored jaundice index warning value to generate a control signal. On the other hand, the large amount of patient scleral image information acquired can be stored on the external host for tracing the patient's condition.

[0033] Furthermore, the controller 3 can also send the patient's scleral image information to an external host in the hospital via the communication unit, enabling the doctor in charge of the patient to obtain the patient's jaundice index information, which is particularly suitable for patients receiving treatment at home. For younger patients, the controller 3 can also send the patient's scleral image information to a corresponding mobile APP via the communication unit, allowing the patient to know their current and past jaundice index information through the mobile APP.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment described above, the camera 5 is connected to the carrier 2 via a movable connecting arm 7, allowing the position of the camera 5 relative to the carrier 2 to be adjustable. The movable connecting arm 7 refers to an arm whose two ends are adjustable in relative position and can maintain their current position after adjustment. This connecting arm 7 can be a power connecting arm 7 with its own driving force, or a damped connecting arm 7 that allows relative movement at both ends after being subjected to an external force and maintains its current position using its own damping force after the external force is removed.

[0035] A preferred example of the damped connecting arm 7: The connecting arm 7 includes a connecting rod 7.1, a bearing seat 7.2, a turntable 7.3, and a vertical plate 7.4. One end of the connecting rod 7.1 is hinged to the connecting seat at the top of the carrier 2, and the bottom of the bearing seat 7.2 is hinged to the other end of the connecting rod 7.1. The turntable 7.3 is rotatably fitted above the bearing seat 7.2. The vertical plate 7.4 is located on the turntable 7.3, and the lower end of the vertical plate 7.4 is hinged to the turntable 7.3. The camera 5 is installed on one side of the vertical plate 7.4. Friction elements are provided at the hinge points of the connecting rod 7.1 and the connecting seat, the hinge points of the bearing seat 7.2 and the connecting rod 7.1, the connection between the turntable 7.3 and the bearing seat 7.2, and the hinge points of the vertical plate 7.4 and the turntable 7.3. These friction elements increase the frictional resistance at the connection points, thereby allowing the two movable connected components to remain stationary after the external force is removed.

[0036] It should be understood that in the field of automation, connecting arms that can move components to change position and orientation arbitrarily within a space, also known as robotic arms, are conventional commercially available products.

[0037] Based on the preferred embodiment described above, the warning execution element 4 is a buzzer that can provide a prompt sound; and / or the warning execution element 4 is a voice player that can play voice messages to accurately announce the specific value of the patient's current jaundice index; and / or the warning execution element 4 is a display lamp that can provide illumination reminders after the lamp is turned on; and / or the warning execution element 4 is a display screen that can accurately display the patient's current jaundice index, not only providing an immediate warning but also providing reference values ​​above the warning value for monitoring changes in jaundice; and / or the warning execution element 4 is a projection device that projects the jaundice index information onto the lenses of the glasses, allowing the patient to see it on the lenses of the glasses.

[0038] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, there are two cameras 5 on the vehicle 2, and the two cameras 5 are symmetrically arranged along the longitudinal section where the central axis of the vehicle 2 is located.

[0039] See Figures 5-7As shown, the clamping member 6 includes two opposing elastic clips 6.1, forming a clamping space between the two elastic clips 6.1 for clamping the glasses 1. For nearsighted patients who already wear glasses, the elastic clips 6.1 can clamp the glasses onto the patient's glasses. By adjusting the position and orientation of the camera 5, the camera 5 can acquire real-time images of the sclera on the patient's eyeball during daily wear of glasses, and promptly alert the patient if the jaundice index exceeds the standard.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment based on the above embodiments, the real-time jaundice monitoring system further includes glasses 1, and the clamping member 6 on the carrier 2 clamps onto the glasses 1. Preferably, as shown... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the carrier 2 is located above the frame between the two lenses of the glasses 1.

[0041] Preferably, the eyeglasses 1 have a slot 1.1 on the frame between the two lenses, that is, the eyeglasses 1 have a slot at the middle position along the width direction, see [reference]. Figure 2 or Figure 3 The left and right directions shown are the width directions. For example... Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the lower ends of the two elastic clips 6.1 of the clamping member 6 are provided with protrusions 6.2 that match the slots 1.1, and the protrusions 6.2 engage with the slots 1.1.

[0042] Furthermore, there are two slots 1.1, spaced vertically apart. Two elastic clips 6.1, one long and one short, have protrusions 6.2 at their lower ends that engage with their corresponding slots 1.1. The shorter clip 6.1 is located on the inner side of the glasses 1, closer to the patient's eyeball, while the longer clip 6.1 is located on the outer side. This staggered arrangement of the two slots 1.1 allows for a more secure engagement between the protrusions 6.2 at the lower end of each clip 6.1 and its corresponding slot 1.1, even on glasses of the current thickness. Furthermore, the shorter inner clip 6.1 reduces contact with the bridge of the nose between the patient's eyes, improving comfort, while the longer outer clip 6.1 provides more installation space for the controller 3 and the warning actuator 4.

[0043] Preferably, such as Figure 3 As shown, an auxiliary camera 8 is embedded in the glasses 1, and the auxiliary camera 8 is communicatively connected to the controller 3.

[0044] Preferably, such as Figure 3 As shown, the glasses 1 are equipped with an indicator light strip 9, which is connected to the controller 3; the glasses 1 are provided with a backup battery 11 for providing power to the auxiliary camera 8 and the indicator light strip 9.

[0045] Furthermore, when the glasses 1 are equipped with a backup battery 11, the backup battery 11 is a backup battery 11 that can be wirelessly charged.

[0046] Preferably, the glasses 1 are equipped with a display light strip 9, which is communicatively connected to the controller 3. The glasses 1 are provided with a power connector 10, and the auxiliary camera 8 and the display light strip 9 are electrically connected to the battery module 3.4 on the controller 3 via the power connector 10. Further, the display light strip 9 can also serve as an illumination device when the auxiliary camera 8 and / or camera 5 capture images of the patient's eye position. That is, the display light strip 9 is embedded in the inner surface of the glasses 1, and the controller 3 controls the display light strip 9 to illuminate the patient's eye area before each image capture by the auxiliary camera 8 and / or camera 5, ensuring stable light brightness in the eye area, which is beneficial for improving the contrast and accuracy of image analysis after image acquisition. Of course, to distinguish between the illumination of the patient's eye area by the display light strip 9 before image acquisition and the light warning after triggering the jaundice alarm, the display light strip 9 can be distinguished by different colors of light, or by constant illumination and flashing. For example, when used to illuminate the area around the patient's eyeball to facilitate image acquisition, the display light strip 9 uses white light, while when a jaundice warning is triggered, the display light strip 9 can emit colored light, such as yellow light, which is different from white light. For example, when used to illuminate the area around the patient's eyeball to facilitate image acquisition, the display light strip 9 uses a single switch, while when a jaundice warning is triggered, the display light strip 9 can flash continuously.

[0047] Furthermore, the battery module 3.4 in the controller 3 is a battery module 3.4 capable of wireless charging.

[0048] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

[0049] For those skilled in the art, various changes and modifications will undoubtedly be apparent after reading the above description. Therefore, the appended claims should be considered as covering all changes and modifications that encompass the true intent and scope of this utility model. Any and all equivalent scope and content within the scope of the claims should be considered as still falling within the intent and scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A real-time jaundice monitoring system, characterized in that: The device includes a carrier (2), a controller (3), a warning actuator (4), and a camera (5) for collecting scleral image information of the human eye, both of which are electrically connected to the controller (3). The controller (3) includes an information input unit (3.1) for receiving image information collected by the camera (5), a processing unit (3.2) for processing image information and giving control signals based on the image information processing results, a signal sending unit (3.3) for sending control signals, and a battery module (3.4) for power supply. The carrier (2) is provided with a clamping device (6) that can be clamped on the glasses (1).

2. The real-time jaundice monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The camera (5) is connected to the vehicle (2) via a movable connecting arm (7) so that the position of the camera (5) relative to the vehicle (2) is adjustable.

3. The real-time jaundice monitoring system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The connecting arm (7) includes a connecting rod (7.1), a bearing seat (7.2), a turntable (7.3), and a vertical plate (7.4). One end of the connecting rod (7.1) is hinged to the connecting seat at the top of the carrier (2), and the bottom of the bearing seat (7.2) is hinged to the other end of the connecting rod (7.1). The turntable (7.3) is rotatably fitted above the bearing seat (7.2). The vertical plate (7.4) is located on the turntable (7.3), and the lower end of the vertical plate (7.4) is hinged to the turntable (7.3). The camera (5) is installed on one side of the vertical plate (7.4).

4. The real-time jaundice monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The warning execution component (4) is a buzzer and / or a voice player and / or a display light.

5. The real-time jaundice monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vehicle (2) has two cameras (5), which are symmetrically arranged along the longitudinal section where the central axis of the vehicle (2) is located.

6. The real-time jaundice monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The clamping member (6) includes two opposing elastic clamping pieces (6.1), and a clamping space for clamping the glasses (1) is formed between the two elastic clamping pieces (6.1).

7. The real-time jaundice monitoring system according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that: It also includes eyeglasses (1), with clamps (6) on the carrier (2) clamping onto the eyeglasses (1).

8. The real-time jaundice monitoring system according to claim 7, characterized in that: An auxiliary camera (8) is embedded in the glasses (1), and the auxiliary camera (8) is connected to the controller (3).

9. The real-time jaundice monitoring system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The glasses (1) are fitted with a display light strip (9), which is connected to the controller (3) in communication. The glasses (1) are provided with a backup battery (11) for providing power to the auxiliary camera (8) and the display light strip (9), or the glasses (1) are provided with a power connector (10), and the auxiliary camera (8) and the display light strip (9) are electrically connected to the battery module (3.4) on the controller (3) through the power connector (10).

10. The real-time jaundice monitoring system according to claim 9, characterized in that: The battery module (3.4) in the controller (3) is a wirelessly rechargeable battery module (3.4); when the glasses (1) are equipped with a backup battery (11), the backup battery (11) is a wirelessly rechargeable backup battery (11).