Portable, non-invasive eye pressure monitoring device

Abstract

A portable, non-invasive eye pressure monitoring device (120) comprising: a battery (106); a microscope (100) that positions the patient's eye to obtain clear scleral images for measuring eye pressure by means of sequential operations; at least one LED light (101) providing uniform illumination for taking scleral images, the intensity of which can be adjusted to avoid glare or shadows caused by uneven illumination; an objective lens (102) that focuses on the sclera by highlighting the blood vessel to ensure a sharp image; an image sensor (103) which receives the light and the magnified image of the objective lens and converts it into a digital format; a processing unit (104) which controls the processes from image acquisition to eye pressure estimation, comprising a pre-processing module (104b), a detection module (104c) and a pressure estimation module (104d), wherein the processing unit (104) finally displays the intraocular pressure to the user based on the vascular pattern via the display device.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to health monitoring systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to a portable, non-invasive eye pressure monitoring device for glaucoma patients to avoid doctor visits. BACKGROUND

[0002] Glaucoma, one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness, requires regular monitoring of intraocular pressure to control and slow the progression of the disease. Conventional methods of IOP measurement typically require doctor visits and can be invasive or uncomfortable. Existing devices are not capable of providing immediate, accurate results using invasive methods. Therefore, there is a need for a portable, non-invasive intraocular pressure monitoring device for glaucoma patients that monitors intraocular pressure immediately and without doctor visits. The present invention effectively overcomes the above-mentioned problems, limitations, and disadvantages. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The main objective of the present invention is to provide a portable, non-invasive eye pressure monitor for glaucoma patients that can monitor intraocular pressure immediately and without clinic visits.

[0004] Another object of the present invention is the integration of a high-resolution camera system with adaptive functions for detecting and analyzing the deformations of the ocular surface caused by pressure changes.

[0005] Another goal of the present invention is to utilize advanced optical and sensor technologies to revolutionize glaucoma treatment. Patients can regularly monitor their eye pressure without the need for clinic visits.

[0006] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a user-friendly interface that allows patients to view and adjust images in real time. This provides a seamless experience even for those unfamiliar with complex medical devices.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable, inexpensive and lightweight eye pressure monitor.

[0008] Another objective of the present invention is to improve patient compliance with regular intraocular pressure monitoring to ensure better long-term glaucoma management, earlier detection of pressure changes, and improved treatment outcomes.

[0009] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. SUMMARY

[0010] The various embodiments of the present invention provide a portable, non-invasive intraocular pressure monitoring device for glaucoma patients for immediate monitoring of intraocular pressure without doctor visits. The portable, non-invasive intraocular pressure monitoring device includes a power source and a microscope. The microscope positions the patient's eye to capture clear scleral images for measuring intraocular pressure through sequential operations. LED illumination ensures uniform illumination of the scleral images. The intensity can be adjusted to avoid glare or shadows caused by uneven illumination.

[0011] The lens focuses the sclera and illuminates the blood vessel to ensure a sharp image. The image sensor captures the light and the magnified image from the lens and converts it into a digital format. The processing unit controls all processes from image acquisition to intraocular pressure measurement. The processing unit consists of a preprocessing module, a detection module, and a pressure estimation module. The processing unit ultimately displays the intraocular pressure based on the vascular pattern to the user via the display device.

[0012] The preprocessing module converts the live image to grayscale to reduce computational effort, removes unwanted artifacts / distortions using noise reduction, and improves vessel visibility through contrast enhancement. The detection module identifies the boundaries of scleral blood vessels using edge detection, refines the detected vessel shapes by removing small noise / broken vessel segments using morphological operations, and calculates vessel density by measuring the proportion of vascular pixels in the image.

[0013] The pressure estimation module calculates vessel density to estimate intraocular pressure using a predefined instruction. This instruction correlates vessel density and shape patterns with pressure values ​​in mmHg to output the pressure value as a numeric value.

[0014] These and other aspects of the embodiments described herein will become more fully understood in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. While the following descriptions show preferred embodiments and numerous specific details, they are illustrative and not limiting. Numerous changes and modifications are possible within the scope of the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The embodiments described herein are intended to encompass all such modifications. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0015] The further objects, features and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of the preferred embodiment and the accompanying drawings. Fig. shows the isometric view of the portable, non-invasive eye pressure monitoring device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] The specific features of the present invention are shown in some drawings but not in others. This is for clarity only, since each feature according to the present invention can be combined with all or some of the other features. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The various embodiments, as well as further developments and features, are illustrated with reference to the non-limiting details in the following detailed description. In order not to unnecessarily obscure the embodiments described herein, the depiction of processing techniques for known components has been omitted. The examples used herein are intended to facilitate understanding of the possible applications of the embodiments described herein and to enable those skilled in the art to implement the embodiments described herein. The examples are therefore not to be understood as limiting the scope of application of the embodiments described herein.

[0018] The various embodiments of the present invention provide a portable, non-invasive intraocular pressure monitoring device (120) for glaucoma patients for immediate monitoring of intraocular pressure without doctor visits. The present invention reduces the time required for intraocular pressure measurement. The portable, non-invasive intraocular pressure monitoring device (120) includes a power source and a microscope. The power source is a rechargeable battery. The microscope (100) is configured to position the patient's eye to acquire clear scleral images for measuring intraocular pressure using predefined sequential operations.

[0019] The LED light (101) provides uniform illumination for capturing scleral images. The intensity can be adjusted to avoid glare or shadows caused by uneven illumination. The objective lens (102) focuses on the sclera by highlighting the blood vessel, ensuring a sharp image. The image sensor (103) captures the light and the magnified image from the objective lens and converts it into a digital format.

[0020] Fig.shows the isometric view of the portable, non-invasive eye pressure monitoring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The processing unit (104) controls the device functions from image acquisition to eye pressure measurement. It includes a preprocessing module, a detection module, and a pressure measurement module. The processing unit finally displays the intraocular pressure to the user based on the vascular pattern on the display. The preprocessing module (104b) converts the live image to grayscale to reduce computational effort, removes unwanted artifacts / distortions using noise reduction, and improves the visibility of the blood vessels through contrast enhancement.

[0021] The detection module (104c) identifies the boundaries of the sclera blood vessels using edge detection, refines the detected vessel shapes by removing small noise / broken vessel segments using morphological operations, and calculates the vessel density by measuring the proportion of vessel pixels in the image.

[0022] The pressure estimation module (104d) calculates the vessel density to estimate the intraocular pressure based on a predefined instruction.

[0023] This instruction correlates vessel density and shape patterns with pressure values ​​in mmHg and outputs the pressure value as a numeric value.

[0024] In one embodiment, the scleral image is acquired by carefully positioning the patient's eye under the microscope. The user must ensure that the eye remains still and correctly aligned to ensure precise processing. Once the system acquires and processes the image, the pressure value is displayed on the screen. The user interprets the result and takes the necessary actions based on the pressure value. The LED light (101) provides uniform illumination for acquiring scleral images. The intensity must be adjustable to avoid glare and shadows, as uneven lighting can obscure details. Proper illumination increases contrast and makes the scleral blood vessels more visible for subsequent analysis. Adjusting the objective lens ensures a sharp and clear image that highlights the blood vessels.

[0025] The image sensor (103) captures the light and the magnified image from the objective lens and converts it into a digital format. The high-resolution sensor provides sharp and detailed images, which are essential for accurate analysis.

[0026] The processing unit (104) handles all steps from image acquisition to pressure measurement. The unit first converts the live image to grayscale, reduces noise, and enhances contrast to prepare the image for vessel detection. Edge detection and morphological operations are then applied to identify and refine blood vessels, followed by the calculation of vessel density. Finally, the unit estimates intraocular pressure based on vessel patterns and sends the result to the display unit for real-time feedback.

[0027] In the preprocessing phase, the live image is first converted to grayscale to reduce computational effort. Noise reduction techniques are then applied to remove unwanted artifacts and distortions. The image is further optimized through contrast adjustment to make the blood vessels more visible. Preprocessing prepares the image for precise vessel detection in the next phase.

[0028] The detection module phase (104c) begins with the application of the edge detection module to identify the boundaries of scleral blood vessels. Morphological operations then serve to refine the detected vessel shapes by removing small noise and connecting broken vessel segments. The system calculates the vessel density based on the proportion of vessel pixels in the image.

[0029] In this pressure estimation step, the vessel density calculated during detection is analyzed to estimate the intraocular pressure. A trained, predefined instruction correlates vessel density and shape patterns with pressure values ​​in mmHg. The system considers vessel thickness, density, and branching patterns to produce a reliable pressure estimate. The output is a numerical pressure value that indicates the condition of the eye.

[0030] In the final step, the estimated pressure value is displayed on a screen for medical professionals. The display shows real-time pressure measurements in mmHg for continuous monitoring. Additionally, the system can issue visual warnings when pressure exceeds safety limits. The display unit ensures that medical personnel receive timely feedback for diagnosis. Users can adjust the device settings to their specific needs. Test results can be remotely monitored, allowing nursing staff or other personnel to take necessary action on behalf of the user.

[0031] The (120) device offers a non-invasive, portable, and highly accurate solution for home intraocular pressure (IOP) monitoring for glaucoma patients. Utilizing advanced optical and sensor technologies, the device revolutionizes glaucoma treatment, allowing patients to regularly monitor their IOP without clinic visits. Integrating a high-resolution sensor system, LED illumination, and a processing module, the device captures detailed images of the sclera and analyzes surface deformations caused by changes in IOP. The (120) system features a user-friendly interface that allows patients to view and adjust images in real time, providing a seamless experience even for those unfamiliar with complex medical devices.Thanks to its compact form factor and rechargeable battery, the device is a portable solution for easy home use, reducing the inconvenience of frequent clinic visits. Ultimately, the device improves patient compliance with regular intraocular pressure monitoring, ensuring better long-term glaucoma management, earlier detection of pressure changes, and improved treatment outcomes.

[0032] The examples of the present invention described above are for illustrative purposes only. Although the present invention has been described using a specific example, numerous modifications are possible without substantially departing from the teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Further substitutions, modifications, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the present solution. All features disclosed in this specification (including the appended claims, abstract, and drawings) and / or all steps of a method or process disclosed therein may be combined in any way, except for combinations in which at least some of these features and / or steps are mutually exclusive.Although the embodiments described herein are described in terms of various specific embodiments, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments described herein with modifications. List of reference symbols: 120 Portable, non-invasive device 100 User Interaction Microscope 101 LED light 102 objective lens 103 Image sensor 104 processing unit 104b Preprocessing module 104c detection module 104d Pressure estimation module 105 Display 106 Battery.

Claims

[1] A portable, non-invasive eye pressure monitoring device (120) comprising: a battery (106); a microscope (100) that positions the patient's eye to obtain clear scleral images for measuring eye pressure by means of sequential operations; at least one LED light (101) providing uniform illumination for taking scleral images, the intensity of which can be adjusted to avoid glare or shadows caused by uneven illumination; an objective lens (102) that focuses on the sclera by highlighting the blood vessel to ensure a sharp image; an image sensor (103) which receives the light and the magnified image of the objective lens and converts it into a digital format; a processing unit (104) which controls the processes from image acquisition to eye pressure estimation, comprising a pre-processing module (104b), a detection module (104c) and a pressure estimation module (104d), wherein the processing unit (104) finally displays the intraocular pressure to the user based on the vascular pattern via the display device. [2] A portable, non-invasive eye pressure monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the portable device (120) is battery powered and the battery level can be monitored via the display. [3] A portable, non-invasive eye pressure monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the non-invasive device (120) measures the eye pressure based on the scleral images taken by the microscope. [4] A portable, non-invasive eye pressure monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the pre-processing module (104b) converts the live image to grayscale to reduce computational effort, remove unwanted artifacts / distortions by noise reduction, and improve the visibility of blood vessels by contrast enhancement. [5] A portable, non-invasive eye pressure monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the detection module (104c) identifies the boundaries of the blood vessels in the sclera by edge detection, refines the detected vessel shapes by removing small noise / broken vessel segments by morphological operation, and calculates the vessel density by measuring the proportion of vessel pixels in the image. [6] A portable, non-invasive ocular pressure monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the pressure estimation module (104d) calculates the vessel density for estimating the intraocular pressure based on a predefined instruction, the predefined instruction correlating vessel density and shape pattern with pressure values ​​in mmHg and outputting the pressure value as a numerical value.

Images