Non-contact Eye Parameter Measurement Using Electromagnetic Waves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing equipment for measuring physiological parameters of the eyes is complex, expensive, and often requires physical contact, leading to irritation and a high risk of infection.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method using electromagnetic waves within a frequency range of 100 GHz to 1000 GHz to measure physiological parameters by transmitting and receiving waves, determining amplitude and phase responses, and fitting them to a physiological model without physical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing equipment uses precision optics and fine mechanics to measure physiological parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces precision mechanical optics systems with electromagnetic wave-based measurement. The transmitter emits electromagnetic waves that interact with eye tissues, and the receiver detects reflected waves to determine physiological parameters, eliminating the need for complex mechanical optical components while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses electromagnetic waves across a broad frequency spectrum (including terahertz frequencies) to probe different tissue properties. By varying frequency parameters and analyzing amplitude/phase responses, the system extracts multiple physiological parameters (water content, blood flow, temperature) without requiring mechanically complex multi-component systems.
2Measurement precision
If existing equipment requires physical contact with the eyes for measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but harmful factors increase due to irritation and infection risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based mechanical measurement with non-contact electromagnetic wave interaction. The transmitter and receiver are positioned to emit and detect waves that penetrate and reflect from eye tissues without physical contact, eliminating infection risk and irritation while preserving measurement capability through wave-tissue interaction analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
Electromagnetic waves serve as an intermediary medium between the measurement device and the eye. Instead of direct mechanical contact, the waves carry information about physiological parameters through their interaction with tissues, enabling remote sensing without physical intrusion.
3Measurement precision
If existing equipment uses contact-based measurement methods, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring ocular anaesthesia and special skills
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based measurement requiring anaesthesia with non-contact electromagnetic wave measurement. The system can be operated without special skills or anaesthesia because the waves interact with superficial tissues (cornea, tear film) that do not require numbing, making the procedure comfortable and accessible for routine use.
4Manufacturing precision
If existing equipment uses complex precision optics, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces precision-machined optical components with electromagnetic wave transmission and reception systems. The transmitter and receiver can be implemented using standard electromagnetic components (antennas, waveguides, detectors) that are easier to manufacture with conventional techniques, eliminating the need for ultra-precise mechanical fabrication while achieving comparable or superior measurement capability.
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, user-friendly, and non-invasive measurement of physiological parameters, reducing the risk of irritation and infection while simplifying the measurement process.
Implementation Method 1
a receiver for receiving reflected electromagnetic waves corresponding to the transmitted first set of electromagnetic waves of the first set of frequencies
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method for measuring physiological parameters of an eye. The apparatus includes a transmitter for transmitting a first set of electromagnetic waves of a first set of frequencies towards the eye, a receiver for receiving reflected electromagnetic waves corresponding to the transmitted first set of electromagnetic waves of the first set of frequencies, a comparator configured to compare the transmitted first set of electromagnetic waves with the received reflected electromagnetic waves for determining an amplitude response and a phase response for each of the electromagnetic waves of the first set of frequencies, and a calculation unit configured to fit the determined amplitude response and phase response to a physiological model of the eye to determine the physiological parameters of the eye.