Integrated Endoscope for Doppler OCT Ear Vibration Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for examining the human eardrum are limited in providing a three-dimensional, spatially resolved measurement and frequency-resolved vibration analysis, making early and reliable diagnosis of pathologies like otitis media and sound conduction disorders challenging.
Innovation Solution
A device integrating an endoscope unit with a sound source and sound receiving device, along with OCT optics, enables Doppler optical coherence tomography for three-dimensional structure measurement and frequency-resolved vibration analysis of the eardrum, allowing for direct acoustic stimulation and sound pressure measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional examination methods (otoscopy, tympanometry, audiometry) are used, then the examination process is simple and cost-effective, but three-dimensional spatially resolved measurement and frequency-resolved vibration analysis are not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple examination functions (otoscopy, tympanometry, audiometry, and Doppler OCT) into a single integrated endoscope device. The endoscope unit incorporates a sound source for acoustic stimulation, a sound receiving device for measuring sound pressure, and OCT optics for optical coherence tomography, allowing all examinations to be performed simultaneously with one device rather than requiring multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope device is designed to perform multiple functions: visual examination of the eardrum, acoustic stimulation, measurement of sound pressure, and Doppler OCT for vibration analysis. This multi-functional design allows the single device to replace multiple conventional examination devices while providing comprehensive diagnostic capabilities including three-dimensional structural measurement and frequency-resolved vibration analysis.
2Measurement precision
If Laser Doppler vibrometry is used for vibration measurement, then frequency-resolved measurement is possible, but only at a single point on the eardrum and not spatially resolved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from point-based vibration measurement (Laser Doppler vibrometry) to area-based measurement by integrating OCT technology. The OCT system scans the eardrum surface point by point in two lateral directions, generating a three-dimensional image that provides spatially resolved measurement across the entire eardrum surface while maintaining frequency-resolved vibration analysis through Doppler shift detection.
3Reliability
If separate examination devices are used for each method, then each method can be performed optimally, but the examination process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple examination methods into a single integrated endoscope device that can perform otoscopy, tympanometry, audiometry, and Doppler OCT simultaneously. The endoscope unit includes all necessary components (sound source, sound receiving device, OCT optics) to conduct these examinations in one procedure, significantly improving examination efficiency while maintaining diagnostic accuracy through comprehensive multi-parameter measurement.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This device provides a comprehensive, non-invasive assessment of the eardrum's structure and vibrations, enhancing the diagnosis of ear-related pathologies and simplifying the examination process for physicians while maintaining cost-effectiveness and hygiene standards.
Implementation Method 1
a light source, a connection for connecting an external light source and/or a light guide
Implementation Method 2
The sample beam reflected at the eardrum is guided back into the OCT measuring head by the OCT optics
Implementation Method 3
a sound source, a sound receiving device and an OCT optic being integrated into the endoscope unit
Implementation Method 4
Doppler optical coherence tomography enables the vibration of the eardrum to be measured by inferring the movement of the eardrum from the measured Doppler shift
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
A device (1) for Doppler optical coherence tomography (Doppler OCT), preferably on the human middle ear, is proposed, wherein the device (1) has an endoscope unit for at least partial insertion into the ear canal, wherein a sound source (6), a sound receiver (7) and an OCT optic (10) are integrated into the endoscope unit.