Cornea Nerve Fiber Analysis for Concussion Diagnosis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for diagnosing concussions are inaccurate and time-consuming, relying on subjective patient accounts and expensive imaging techniques, which hinder proper treatment and recovery evaluation.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a microscope to capture cornea image data, processed by a computing device with machine learning algorithms to analyze cornea nerve fiber characteristics, providing a quick and non-invasive diagnosis of concussion severity and occurrence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional methods (blood tests, CT scans, MRI) are used for concussion diagnosis, then measurement precision may be improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconcussion diagnosis accuracyVSAvoiddiagnosis time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and analyzes specific corneal nerve fiber characteristics (density, branching patterns, morphology) from corneal images as biomarkers for concussion diagnosis. This extraction of key diagnostic features from the cornea enables rapid assessment without requiring time-intensive imaging procedures like CT or MRI scans

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical imaging systems (CT scanners, MRI machines) with a simpler optical system using a microscope to capture corneal images. This substitution maintains diagnostic capability while dramatically reducing equipment requirements, cost, and examination time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If conventional methods (CT scans, MRI) are used for concussion diagnosis, then measurement precision may be improved, but device complexity and cost worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconcussion diagnosis accuracyVSAvoiddiagnosis equipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a simple, inexpensive microscope system instead of expensive, complex imaging equipment like CT scanners or MRI machines. The corneal imaging approach uses readily available optical equipment, making the diagnostic system accessible and cost-effective without requiring sophisticated medical imaging infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts diagnostic information from the corneal tissue itself, using the cornea as a natural window to assess brain health. This eliminates the need for invasive procedures or complex imaging equipment, as the corneal nerve fibers serve as accessible biomarkers that can be visualized with simple optical microscopy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If subjective patient accounts are used for concussion evaluation, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnosis procedure simplicityVSAvoidconcussion diagnosis accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces corneal nerve fiber characteristics as an objective intermediary biomarker between the patient's subjective experience and the diagnostic conclusion. The corneal imaging provides quantifiable, objective data (nerve density, branching patterns) that bridges the gap between simple procedural operation and accurate medical diagnosis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes optical imaging to detect changes in corneal nerve fiber appearance, density, and morphology. These visual changes in the corneal tissue serve as objective indicators of concussion, replacing reliance on subjective patient reports while maintaining procedural simplicity through non-invasive imaging

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

4Measurement precision

If conventional evaluation methods are used for treatment monitoring, then measurement precision may be improved, but loss of time and productivity worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecovery evaluation accuracyVSAvoidevaluation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous monitoring of concussion recovery by repeatedly imaging corneal nerve fibers over time. This continuous assessment provides ongoing objective data on treatment effectiveness and recovery progression, allowing for rapid evaluation without interrupting the treatment workflow or requiring time-intensive periodic imaging

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS11744506B2Systems and methods for analyzing concussion biomarkers

Publication Date: 2023.09.05 CHILDRENS MEDICAL CENT CORP

AI summary

The various examples of the present disclosure are directed towards systems and methods for diagnosing brain health. An exemplary system includes a microscope, a processor, and a memory. The microscope outputs image data of a cornea of a patient. The memory has a plurality of stored code sections, which, when executed by the processor, include instructions for analyzing cornea image data to determine brain health. The instructions begin with receiving cornea image data from the microscope. The instructions then provide for determining at least one marker from the received cornea image data. The instructions then provide for outputting a brain health diagnosis based on the at least one marker.