Extendable Pupillometer for Simultaneous Direct and Consensual Reflex Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pupillometers can only measure direct pupillary light responses and cannot assess consensual responses, limiting their ability to diagnose diseases and determine lesion locations in brain injuries.
Innovation Solution
A novel pupillometer device with an extendable visible light source and infrared imaging capabilities allows simultaneous measurement of direct and consensual light responses, using a control system to manage light sources and capture both responses with a single device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single flashlight-shaped pupillometer is used, then the device portability and ease of operation are improved, but the ability to measure both direct and consensual pupillary light responses deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the second visible light source within an extendable arm that can be stored inside the housing when not in use. The extendable arm with the second light source is nested within the housing structure, allowing the compact flashlight-shaped design to accommodate additional functionality for measuring consensual responses without permanently increasing the device's external dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the second visible light source extendable from the housing. The extendable arm can be deployed when consensual response measurement is needed and retracted when not needed, allowing the device to dynamically adjust its configuration to perform different measurement functions while maintaining a compact form factor for portability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an extendable arm with second visible light source is added, then the ability to measure consensual light response is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extendable arm serves multiple functions: it houses the second visible light source for illuminating the contralateral eye during consensual response measurement, and it can be positioned to allow the imaging device to capture images of either eye. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing device complexity while enhancing measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the second visible light source and the imaging device into a single integrated unit on the extendable arm. This combination allows both the illumination function and the imaging function to be coordinated from one location, simplifying the control system and reducing the number of separate components that would otherwise be needed.
3Measurement precision
If both direct and consensual pupillary light responses are measured, then the diagnostic accuracy and lesion location determination are improved, but the measurement time and procedure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the imaging device positioned and focused on one eye before the actual measurement begins. The device is pre-configured to capture images of the first eye, and the extendable arm with the second light source is prepared for deployment. This preliminary setup allows the operator to quickly transition between measuring direct and consensual responses without significant delays for repositioning or reconfiguring the device during the examination.
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
Enables accurate detection and analysis of both direct and consensual pupillary reflexes, facilitating the identification of brain lesions and nerve integrity assessment in clinical settings.
Implementation Method 1
a set of infrared light sources in the housing for image and/or video acquisition
Implementation Method 2
an infrared light filter in the housing that allows the pass of infrared light and substantially blocks all visible lights
Implementation Method 3
a first visible light source in the housing that is capable of providing a visible light to the first eye of a patient
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a novel pupilometer and method of using the pupilometer to record and analyze direct and consensual reflex of pupils to identify brain lesion locations of a patient with brain injuries.