Infrared scanning of the spine roller sensor
A portable, non-invasive device using infrared scanning and embedded sensors addresses the limitations of existing spinal deviation measurement tools by providing accurate, cost-effective, and accessible assessment of spinal, muscle, and tendon health without harmful radiation.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/IB2023/061894
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-11-01
- Filing Date
- 2023-11-26
- Publication Date
- 2025-05-08
AI Technical Summary
Existing devices for measuring spinal deviations are either mechanically inaccurate or expensive, and often require exposure to harmful radiation, making them inaccessible to many people. Additionally, these devices typically cannot simultaneously measure vertebrae, muscles, and tendons.
A portable device using cylindrical rollers with embedded sensors and infrared light emission sources to scan the spine, providing topography images of muscles and tendons without the need for harmful radiation. The device includes a handle with a screen for real-time data display and storage capabilities.
The device offers accurate, non-invasive, and cost-effective measurement of spinal deviations, muscles, and tendons, making it accessible to all ages and individuals, including those with mobility issues or fears of enclosed spaces. It enables simultaneous examination of vertebrae and surrounding tissues, enhancing diagnostic accuracy for conditions like lordosis, kyphosis, and scoliosis.
Smart Images

Figure IB2023061894_08052025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Description of the invention
[0002] The title of the invention
[0003] Infrared scanning of the spine roller sensor
[0004] Technical Field
[0005] This invention is related to the field of measuring spinal deviations, which can identify problems related to the muscles and tendons of the spine in addition to the deviations of the vertebrae.
[0006] Background Art
[0007] In an article in the Springer magazine in 2015, the spinal mouse device, which is used to measure spinal deviations, uses infrared waves that send information to the computer via Bluetooth and displays the measured curves on the computer screen as a curved image, can be, it was raised.
[0008] In the invention number 202041001120 in 2020 in India, the device for measuring the curvature of the portable spine states that this electronic device is related to determining the coordinates of the position of the human spine and creating profile curvature in different situations.
[0009] In a 2019 patent number 109480788 in China, this patent relates to a 3D infrared thermal imaging detection method for human skin epidermis and subcutaneous muscle layers.
[0010] In a similar patent number 112581426 in 2021 in China, this patent relates to a method for identifying the left and right legs of an infrared thermal image. According to the left and right leg detection method for infrared thermal imaging, segmentation of the human body leg through image processing and artificial intelligence technologies, so that the leg of the human body is left leg or right leg, then muscle and bone diseases are diagnosed, are given
[0011] Also, in 2011 , an invention numbered 20110027191 in the United States, near-infrared wavelengths (700 nm to 900 nm) are a suitable optical window for light penetration and deep tissue imaging. The present invention provides a near-infrared fluorescent blood pool contrast agent. This agent is used to detect and quantify pathological capillary leakage in live animals, for example, serial imaging of damaged tissue (muscle) as well as tumors.
[0012] In a similar patent in 2022 No. 216777053 in China, a utility model of a spinal paravertebral muscle fatigue early warning detector is shown, which includes a detector body, the front end of the detector body is provided with an infrared thermal imaging probe. The infrared thermal detector on the body measures the temperature of the body surface and transmits the measured data to the computer, and the three-dimensional spinal muscle of the visual temperature modeling is formed.
[0013] In another similar case in China No. 111374670 in 2020, this invention discloses a smart device for detecting scoliosis of the human body and a method for detecting it. The imaging camera and acquisition of muscle blood temperature distribution changes according to the thermal image of the spine to judge the presence or absence of scoliosis. In another invention in 2020 in China, No. 111261264, this invention belongs to the technical field of health management and discloses a device and a smart method for body physics testing and a storage device. A camera module that is used to obtain the image of the human body and the image of the human face in the real-time physics testing process. A calculation module used to calculate BMI, fat percentage and muscle percentage. An image analysis module used to analyze acquired infrared images.
[0014] Also, in 2013, in the United States of America, a patent number 20130150687 was presented for a device and a program capable of measuring, evaluating, imaging and displaying the biological function of places with different biological functions, such as the brain and muscle, different parts of the brain or places different muscle using infrared spectroscopy. To measure, evaluate, image and display the biological functions of sites with different biological functions, such as brain and muscle, different parts of the brain or different muscle sites, these physiological indicators are adjusted from different places in the living body.
[0015] Technical problem
[0016] Most of the existing devices for measuring problems related to the spine are either mechanical, which both have low measurement accuracy and cannot identify all aspects of spine problems. On the other hand, the existing imaging equipment is expensive because of the fear of being placed in the chamber or the use of harmful rays, as well as problems and limitations for the needy people. In addition to taking into account all the fields of measurement, including spine deviations and problems related to the vertebrae, the proposed device can also examine the position of muscles and tendons by using infrared scanning, and while solving the mentioned problems, Reducing costs also helps. On the other hand, the presence of color images can effectively help doctors to more accurately diagnose problems related to muscles and tendons. One of the important technical problems of using imaging devices is being inside the enclosure, which many people are unable to use due to the fear of the closed environment. Another problem is exposure to X-ray radiation, which is very harmful and dangerous, and at the same time, it cannot be used for all ages and all people. On the other hand, existing devices, whether mechanical or electronic, do not have the possibility of simultaneously measuring vertebrae, muscles, and tendons.
[0017] The current device can simultaneously examine the vertebral column and the muscles and tendons surrounding them in such a way that by measuring the amount of spinal deviations, it can lead to the diagnosis of lordosis and kyphosis, and by using a sub-scan Red can also diagnose problems related to muscles and tendons, as well as scoliosis. The proposed device, while eliminating the shortcomings in the above-mentioned designs and devices, due to its easy use, compatibility with human body ergonomics and cost-effectiveness, makes the identification of diseases related to the spine accessible and easy for all people and diagnosis It makes it more accurate and easier for doctors. Using sensors, this device can examine the angles of the spine and the use of infrared waves and topography images to examine the muscles and tendons and the lateral deviations of the vertebrae. This device without using harmful waves and using new technologies can make it easy to detect and measure. The presence of color topography images can lead to the identification of the damaged muscle.
[0018] Solution to Problem Based on this invention, the proposed device consists of cylindrical rollers (1) and a shaft in each roller in order to place the sensors (2) with a form-like plate that is the location of the infrared light emission source between the two rollers (3). The second roller in order to reduce and eliminate the noise created by the user and the rotations of the rollers and the location of the sensors in the central shaft of the second roller (4). These two rollers and the source carrier form plate are connected to the device handle by means of connections and strong expansions (5). The handle of the device (6), which is designed to be placed in the hand of the user, includes a screen (7) and a power button (8), which connects the wires and connections of the sensors and data related to infrared waves to the control box and Saves data from the USB port to the external memory. The tube passes the wires and connects the main body with the control box (9). The control box is the location of the device board and the image processors resulting from infrared waves, which are activated through the power source located in the control box (10). A holding clip for placing the control box in the device user's clothes is built for the beauty and convenience of the user (11). The device is started by turning on the power button and the driving force provided by the power source, and by placing the handle of the device in the user's hand and touching the rollers with the subject's spine (12), while moving in one axis from above, down or vice versa, with the rotational movement of the rollers on the subject's body and simultaneous scanning by infrared waves, the information about the placement of the beads is sent to the control box by the sensors placed in the central shaft of both rollers and displayed on the screen. . Also, the topography image obtained from infrared waves is transmitted to the image processor system in the computer in addition to being stored in the external memory, and the topography color image of the muscles and tendons is displayed. The information and data measured by the device are stored individually for each person in the external memory.
[0019] Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0020] One of the advantages of this device is its simplicity and lightness, which creates suitable and comfortable conditions for both the user and the subject. On the other hand, due to its suitable size, this device can be used by all people. On the other hand, since infrared sensors and waves are used in this device, there is no age limit, special restrictions such as pregnancy or overweight for the users of this device. Because this device obtains information through external contact with the spine, it eliminates the need to be placed in a closed compartment, which causes fear in many people, and on the other hand, it has a weight limit. At the same time, due to the non-use of harmful rays, it has also provided the ability to be used for certain people without the need to be in front of the radiology devices, so that accurate information can be obtained from the vertebrae as well as from the muscles and tendons. Due to the common problems of spine deviations in teenagers, this device has the ability to measure large numbers and store information individually. On the other hand, the ergonomics of this device has been considered in such a way that, while maintaining privacy, especially for women, and confidentiality due to individual information storage, it provides comfort for all people, including women and people with special conditions such as spinal cord lesions and movement problems. Is. Also, presenting topography images of muscles and tendons helps doctors to make a better and more accurate diagnosis. On the other hand, because it is possible to examine the placement of the vertebrae in the sagittal and frontal planes at the same time, it makes the doctor unnecessary to use other auxiliary tools. This device is designed in such a way that it is available and usable for all people without the need to pay heavy costs, and at the same time it is affordable. Brief Description of Drawings
[0021] Fig 1) This figure shows a perspective view of the entire invention.
[0022] Fig 2) shows the side of the control part and the power supply of the device.
[0023] Fig 3) shows how the device is placed on the spine.
[0024] Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
[0025] An effective way to use this device is to use it for the timely and early detection of spinal deviations in teenagers, so that serious problems can be prevented in adulthood by performing sports exercises, corrective movements, or using appropriate orthoses. Another practical case is in the diagnosis of injuries in professional athletes, who can identify the exact location of the injury and treat it without the need for imaging equipment.
[0026] Industrial Applicability
[0027] Among the industries used is the medical equipment sector that can be used, whose subsets include rehabilitation and occupational therapy centers and physical therapies. He also mentioned in the body measurement centers of students in the Ministry of Health and Education.
Claims
AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 29 November 2024 (29.11 .2024)Claims
1. The device consists of two rollers that are connected to each other from both sides by an aluminum profile.
2. The device has an infrared camera (kinect360) that is used separately next to the main device, which is both capable of taking pictures and emitting infrared waves.
3. According to claim 1 , each two shafts are considered for the placement of sensors, the shaft in the upper roller is intended for the placement of the main sensors and the shaft in the lower roller is intended to eliminate possible noises caused by the rotation of the rollers or the user's hand, the rollers are made of mesh plastic, which are placed on a shaft and covered with a ridged sanitary silicone cover.
4. According to claims 1 and 3, this set is surrounded by 2 aluminum profiles, at the end of which 2 other aluminum profiles are placed vertically to connect to the device handle.
5. According to claim 1 and 4, all aluminum profile parts are covered by a PLA cover for beauty and increasing the strength of the device, the rollers are connected by metal or polymer connections and finally connected to the device handle.
6. Based on claims 1 , 3, 4, and 5, encoder, accelerometer, and gyroscope sensors are placed on the body of this device, the handle of the device is designed from a body that can be held by the user, which includes an on / off button on the body, a port for connecting external memory, and wires and interfaces for sensors and a source of emission of waves to the control box.
7. According to claims 1 , 3, 4, 5, and 6, the wires related to the sensors pass through a duct that is located next to the body of the device in protected manner.
8. According to claim 7, the main board of the device and the wires of the sensors connected to the main board pass inside this duct.
9. According to claims 1 , 6, and 8, by pressing the button and turning on the device, the user puts the device in tangent with the subject's body.7AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)
10. According to claims 1 and 2, by moving the device on the spine, information about the vertebrae is obtained through sensors and information about muscles through infrared waves
11. According to claims 1 , 4, 6, 8, and 10, a color topography image obtained from infrared waves is transferred to the image processor by the peripheral memory.8AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)Statement under Article 19(1)Based on the arbitration report submitted for this invention, in which claims 1-12 have been rejected and are not considered as an invention, we considered this amendment necessary to prove our invention. Considering that at the time of filing the aforementioned application, the proposed device had not yet been manufactured and had not passed various tests, and now, after manufacturing and completing the device and conducting its pre-clinical evaluation tests, a series of changes have been made to the appearance of the device and the arrangement of the parts. On the other hand, 4 similar inventions were submitted for arbitration, none of which have any resemblance to the appearance and function of our invented device. Now that we have made changes to it after manufacturing the device, it is completely distinct from the 4 introduced examples. Of course, in all the introduced examples, each one works either using sensors, in which the sensors are located on rollers, which causes disruption in the functioning of the sensors and errors in operations and data. On the other hand, some of the introduced examples work only with infrared waves and in all of them they only identify some problems related to the spine and also none of these examples have reached the stage of construction and operation. While our invention shows all diseases related to the spine such as scoliosis, lordosis and kyphosis both numerically and graphically. On the other hand, the infrared camera used alongside the device can provide color topographic images of the spine.
Citation Information
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