PORTABLE MODULAR SYSTEM FOR DIAGNOSTIC INSTRUMENTS

Technical field

[01] The present invention relates to a portable modular system for medical instruments, in particular for diagnostic instruments.

Prior art

[02] The use of specific medical instruments is known to perform diagnostic procedures as well as therapeutic treatment.

[03] In particular, apparatuses are known which are capable of diagnosing pathologies involving, for example, the eyelids, causing chronic inflammatory states of the periorbital region. Such pathologies occur for example with an alteration of the lacrimal production, which may be excessive, insufficient or however qualitatively altered, as in the case of dry eye syndrome. The known pathologies that can manifest these symptoms are, for example, blepharitis, chalazion, stye and meibomitis.

[04] To make a diagnosis of these dysfunctions, diagnostic instruments commonly used in specialized medical facilities or hospitals are known. These instruments are able to detect images of the interested parts, to enlarge them in an appropriate way, so that they can be analyzed by a specialist.

[05] It is by now well-acknowledged fact that with an early diagnosis of these pathologies, as indeed in general, it is possible to considerably increase the possibility of recovery, the effectiveness as well as the speed of action of the available therapeutic methods.

[06] For example, in the field of dermatology and ophthalmic medicine, the aforementioned specialized medical facilities have very complex diagnostic instruments, thus expensive, equipped with a camera for cupturing images of the parts of the body under examination, which allow the specialists to thoroughly value the symptomatic status of the patient, so as to make safely an early diagnosis.

[07] Therefore, it often happens that only during specialist checks, it is possible to provide a diagnosis of the disease, thus increasing the risk of a late diagnosis, when the disease, in an advanced state of development, shows clear symptoms.

Disclosure

[08] The object of the present invention is to solve the mentioned problems, devising a portable modular system for diagnostic instruments which enables the diagnostic procedures to to be carried out easily.

[09] Within this task, it is a further object of the present invention to provide a portable modular system for diagnostic instruments that is easily transportable, as well as usable for performing diagnostic procedures even outside specialised facilities or hospitals.

[10] A further object of the invention is to provide a portable modular system for diagnostic instruments which is simple in construction and functional design, has certainly reliable operation, versatile use, as well as a relatively inexpensive cost.

[11] The aforementioned objects are achieved, according to the present invention, by the portable modular system according to claim 1.

[12] The modular system for diagnostic instruments comprises a first operating module, a second operating module, a support member intended to support in a removable manner and in respective positions the aforementioned first operating module and second operating module, as well as a coupling member connected to the support member to enable interchangeable coupling to a base body or to a handle for manual support of the modular system itself.

[13] Preferably, the aforementioned support member comprises at least a first seat for fixing the first operating module, said seat being intended to perform a guiding function for fixing.

[14] Preferably, the aforementioned support member comprises at least a second seat for fixing the second operating module, this seat being intended to perform a guiding function for fixing.

[15] The aforementioned first operating module comprises or consists of a data detection and acquisition device, in particular of images, for example a video camera or a camera, so as to allow the efficient execution of diagnostic procedures by means of the modular system.

[16] Advantageously, the second operating module comprises or consists of an electronic data processing unit, configured to receive and process the images acquired by the detection and acquisition device.

[17] According to a particular aspect of the invention, in a very useful way, the aforementioned processing unit is integrated in a tablet, therefore it is very easy to transport and to use it.

[18] The detection device can be made by means of an optical head on which different types of optics and cameras can be installed interchangeably, with various spectra, for example with infrared optics and/or cameras, white light and/or blue light.

[19] The support element of the modular system is preferably made by means of a bracket having at least one first seat, carrying said first operating module, and a second seat, carrying said second operating module, preferably in the form of guide slots. This structure is very easy to assemble and disassemble.

[20] The aforementioned bracket is preferably L-shaped, comprising a first arm, a second arm and an intermediate portion. This structure is particularly advantageous for correctly orienting a detection device towards the patient, as well as the processing unit, if provided, with respect to the operator.

[21] Advantageously, the aforementioned first operating module is applied to the support member at the aforementioned first seat by means of adjustable fixing means, for example with the aid of manual adjustment knobs. [22] Advantageously, the image detection and acquisition device comprises or consists of an infrared video camera or an infrared camera, for diagnosing pathologies affecting the eyelids.

[23] Advantageously, the first seat is slot shaped.

[24] Advantageously, the second seat is slot shaped.

[25] Advantageously, the first seat is made at the first arm and the second seat is made at the intermediate portion of the bracket.

[26] Advantageously, the intermediate portion, comprising the second slot-shaped seat, has an arched shape, configured so as to allow the angle of inclination of the second operating module to be adjusted with respect to the first operating module by adjusting the position of the second operating module in the second seat.

[27] The aforementioned coupling member preferably comprises connectable coupling means for fixing to the aforementioned base body or to the aforementioned handle.

Description of drawings

[28] The details of the invention will become more evident from the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the portable modular system for diagnostic instruments, according to the invention, illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the modular system according to the invention;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the same system according to a different usage.

Embodiments of the invention

[29] With particular reference to these figures, the reference numeral 1 generally designates the portable modular system for diagnostic instruments (see Figure 1).

[30] The modular system 1 comprises a first operating module 2, a second operating module 200, a support member 3 intended to support the aforementioned first operating module 2 and a second operating module 200, as well as a coupling member 4 connected to the support member 3 in order to enable coupling to a base body 5 or to a handle 6 (see Figures 1 and 2) for manual support of the modular system 1 itself, as described in detail below.

[31] The first operating module 2, applicable to the support member 3, includes at least one data detection and acquisition device 20, in particular images, in particular a video camera or a camera.

[32] The second operating module 200 advantageously comprises an electronic data processing unit 21 , configured to receive and process the images acquired by the detection and acquisition device 20.

[33] The detection and acquisition device 20 can be made for example by means of an optical head on which different types of optics and cameras can be installed interchangeably, with different spectra, in particular with infrared optics and/or cameras, white light and/or blue light. [34] According to a preferred embodiment, the detection and acquisition device 20 comprises an infrared video camera or an infrared camera.

[35] The detection and acquisition device 20 and the processing unit 21 are advantageously connected, for example by cables or alternatively wireless, so that the data, particularly images, detected by the first, can be effectively processed, in real time, by the second, for example to extract, record, file, send, processed diagnostic data.

[36] The processing unit 21 can be advantageously integrated into a portable tablet 23, therefore it is easily transportable and usable.

[37] The support member 3 can be made up of a bracket 30, for example L-shaped, thus comprising a first arm 31 , a second arm 32 and an intermediate connecting portion 33.

[38] The bracket 30 comprises at least one first seat 34 for the application of the first operating module 2, adapted to perform a guiding function for fixing.

[39] More precisely, the provided seat 34 enables the first operating module 2 to be applied to the support member 3 in a stable and removable manner. This application takes place by means of fixing means 35 of a known type, for example of the clamp type or the like (see Figure 1).

[40] The bracket 30 also comprises a second seat 340 for the application of the second operating module 200.

[41] In the illustrated case, for example, the support member 3 comprises a first seat 34 at the mentioned first arm 31 , for the application of the detection device 20 and a second seat 340 at the intermediate connecting portion 33, for the positioning of the tablet 23 which integrates the processing unit 21. In particular, the tablet 23 is applied by means of a support rod 36 engaged to the respective seat 340 by screw-on fixing means 35.

[42] Advantageously, the fixing means 35 comprises an adjustment knob 37, adapted to ease the adjustment of the fixing, adapting the positioning, thus the orientation of the first operating module and of the second operating module to the specific requirements.

[43] In particular, it is therefore possible to adjust the orientation of both the detection device 20 and the tablet 23 which advantageously integrates the processing unit 21 acting independently on each adjustment knob 37.

[44] In any case, it is possible to apply the first operating module 2 and the second operating module 200 firmly to the support member 3, so that, for example, the detection member 20 faces the patient, at a zone of the body to be observed, and the processing unit 21 , instead, faces the operator.

[45] In the illustrated embodiment, the first seat 34 and the second seat 340 are slot shaped.

[46] In particular, the intermediate portion 33, on which the second slot-shaped seat 340 is formed, has an arched shape, configured so as to allow the adjustment of the angle of inclination of the second operating module 200 with respect to the first operating module 2. [47] The same guide slots 34, 340 or different slots, formed on the same support member 3, can act as useful passages for the cables 22, if provided.

[48] As anticipated, the modular system 1 can be easily fixed on a base body 5 or to a special handle 6 by means of the coupling member 4 fixed to the support member 3.

[49] The coupling member 4 may for example be provided near a seat 34 for the application of the first operating module 2, so as to control its orientation more directly, by orientation means 7 possibly provided by the base body 5 or manually by the handle 6. In the shown case for example (see Figures 1 and 2), the coupling member 4 is fixedly positioned at the end of the first arm 31 of the support member 3.

[50] The coupling member 4 can be interchangeably fixed to the base body 5 of a medical device, for example a slit lamp for ophthalmic investigations. The application can be carried out simply by interposing an adjustable coupling member 8 by acting on a respective knob 37.

[51] Alternatively, the coupling member 4 can be connected, in the same way or with equivalent means, to a support stand.

[52] As described above, the coupling member 4 can preferably be engaged directly to a handle 6, so as to allow the operator to support the modular system 1 , thus operating the correct positioning of the supported medical equipment with respect to the patient.

[53] Moreover, the detection device 20 can be associated with a spacer element 24, adapted to ease the correct positioning with respect to the patient, interposed between the patient and the device itself, specially in the case of manual support through the handle 6 (see in particular Figure 2).

[54] The operation of the modular system according to the invention is easily understandable from the above description.

[55] In an initial phase the modular system is preferably arranged inside a transportable container, for example a briefcase, in which the various components are stored in a disassembled condition.

[56] If necessary, the operator assembles the first operating module 2 and the second operating module 200 on the support member 3, adjusting them at the seats 34, 340 by the fixing means 35 and the knobs 37.

[57] In particular, the operator provides to orient the detection device 20 towards the patient and towards himself the processing unit 21. In the same preparation step the operator can fix the support member 3 on the base body 5 of an installed apparatus, for example at an ophthalmic ambulatory, or at handle 6, in this case for manual use for example at a paramedical center or a pharmacy.

[58] The operator can then activate the detection device 20 and the processing unit 21 , to start the diagnostic procedure. [59] In particular, the operator places the detection device 20 near the patient, possibly by placing an edge of the spacer element 24 on the surface to be examined, preferably on a part of the patient's face, to facilitate image acquisition.

[60] The operator operates the processing unit 21 to acquire this data, to process it in real time and to provide the patient, just as promptly, a first diagnosis.

[61] Once the diagnostic procedure is complete, the operator can place the portable modular system in the respective transportable container, for a new use, possibly in a position located in another facility.

[62] The modular system according to the present invention achieves the aim of enabling the diagnostic medical procedures to be performed easily and promptly, in any environment, even outside specialized diagnostic facilities or hospitals.

[63] In fact the modular system, thanks to the removable application of the first operating module 2 and of the second operating module 200 on the support member 3, can be easily transported, assembled and disassembled, by any operator.

[64] For this reason, the modular system according to the invention makes it possible to spread the execution of early diagnosis procedures, even in facilities that cannot be equipped with complex diagnostic apparatuses, for reasons of cost, size and adequacy of personnel.

[65] On the contrary, the modular system is very versatile, since it can be mounted both for manual use and on already existing apparatuses, which include standard coupling elements, as well as a reduced size and a very simple use thanks to the use of the processing unit 21.

[66] Moreover, the modular system, by means of the coupling member 4, assumes a stable, precise and firm position with respect to the patient, therefore, the images acquired by the camera will not be blurred. Improved quality image acquisition is also advantageous because it reduces the time required for image post processing.

[67] The modular system is advantageously applicable, for example, in the field of dermatological, ophthalmic and optometry medicine, in order to facilitate the execution of the diagnostic imaging procedure.

[68] The modular system described by way of example and may be modified in many different ways depending on different needs.

[69] In the practical implementation of the invention, the materials used, as well as the shape and size, may vary depending on needs

[70] Should the technical features mentioned in any claim be followed by reference signs, such reference signs were included strictly with the aim of enhancing the understanding of the claims and hence they shall not be deemed restrictive in any manner whatsoever on the scope of each element identified for exemplifying purposes by such reference signs.