Corneal Morphology Detection via Pressure-Induced Vibrational Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining corneal topography morphology are inefficient, as they require specialized instruments and experienced personnel, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment due to the difficulty in detecting slight keratopathy or corneal abnormalities in thin corneas.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize external pressure on the cornea to measure relative displacement over time, converting this data into vibrational modes using mathematical functions like Legendre or Fourier transformations to accurately determine corneal morphology by comparing these modes with reference corneas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If specialized instruments such as corneal topographers are used to detect corneal morphology, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical/mechanical corneal topography systems with a simpler pneumatic pressure system. A pressure generator applies controlled pressure to the cornea, and contour changes are detected through imaging, substituting sophisticated mechanical measurement systems with a more accessible pressure-based approach that maintains diagnostic capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct topographic mapping to pressure-induced contour displacement. By applying controlled pressure and measuring the resulting contour line displacements, the system transforms the measurement approach into one that uses pressure as a probe parameter, simplifying the overall system while maintaining measurement effectiveness.
2Measurement precision
If experienced medical laboratory scientists perform manual detection using slit lamps, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated detection and analysis of corneal morphology through computer-based processing of contour line images. The analysis unit automatically calculates displacement amounts and assesses corneal conditions, replacing manual examination by experienced scientists with an automated system that maintains diagnostic accuracy while significantly reducing time costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computer-based analysis unit as an intermediary between the pressure measurement system and the final diagnosis. This intermediary automatically processes contour line images, calculates displacements, and generates diagnostic information, eliminating the need for experienced scientists to perform time-consuming manual analysis while preserving measurement precision.
3Device complexity
If low level instruments such as slit lamps are used for detection, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary controlled pressure to the cornea before taking contour measurements. This preliminary action causes the cornea to deform in a predictable manner, amplifying subtle morphological features and making them more detectable. By preparing the cornea through controlled pressure application, the system enhances the visibility of slight keratopathy and other abnormalities using simpler imaging equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes dynamic pressure application and release cycles that create controlled mechanical deformation and vibration of the cornea. These mechanical vibrations cause contour lines to move and reveal subtle morphological features that would be invisible in static images, enabling detection of slight keratopathy using simpler instruments through the dynamic mechanical stimulation of the corneal tissue.
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 approach allows for more accurate and efficient evaluation of corneal morphology, improving the detection of corneal abnormalities and facilitating earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Implementation Method 1
a tonometer, configured to exert an external pressure on a cornea of a target subject
Implementation Method 2
The at least one parameter is, based on an original contour line of the cornea as the reference, a relative displacement of each observation point of a contour line of the pressed cornea changed with time
Implementation Method 3
performing a mathematical function conversion of the relative displacement of the each observation point of the contour line of the cornea changed with time with respect to a spatial contour at each observation time point, so as to respectively obtain one or more order vibrational modes
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a morphology determining method of corneal topography, including: a parameter obtaining step, based on an original contour line of a cornea of a target subject as the reference, obtaining a relative displacement of each observation point of a contour line of the pressed cornea changed with time from the beginning of pressing the cornea by an external pressure to a predetermined time after the pressing is finished; a conversion step, performing a mathematical function conversion of the above relative displacement with respect to a spatial contour at each observation time point, so as to respectively obtain one or more order vibrational modes representing the contour line of the time points; and a determining step, respectively comparing the one or more order vibrational modes of the cornea of the target subject with a corresponding order vibrational mode of at least one reference cornea, and determining a morphology of the corneal topography of the cornea of the target subject.