Eye-Tracking Blink Reflex Assessment for Real-Time mTBI Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack objective, real-time tools for detecting altered brain reflexes and physiology associated with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), particularly in dynamic environments like sports fields or battlefields.
Innovation Solution
A device that measures reflex reactions, specifically blink reflexes, by tracking eye movements using a camera and stimulating the eyes or eyelids to compare pre-injury and post-injury responses, determining neurological conditions based on time period differences and thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If subjective detection and diagnosis methods are used for mTBI, then diagnostic flexibility is maintained, but measurement objectivity and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective clinical assessment with objective electronic measurement systems. Specifically, it uses eye-tracking cameras, stimulators, and computer processors to automatically measure and analyze blink reflexes and saccadic eye movements, substituting the mechanical/subjective diagnostic process with an electronic objective measurement system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate measurement devices (eye-tracking cameras, stimulators, and software algorithms) that mediate between the neurological condition and the diagnostic conclusion. These intermediaries capture objective physiological data (eye movements, blink reflexes) and translate them into quantifiable metrics for diagnosis.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive neurological assessment tools are deployed, then measurement precision improves, but ease of operation in field conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-functional integrated system that combines stimulation delivery, eye movement tracking, data processing, and diagnostic decision-making into a single portable device. This universal device can perform multiple assessment functions (measuring blink reflex latency, saccadic velocity, fixation stability) without requiring separate specialized equipment for each measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automated algorithms that independently process raw eye movement data, calculate neurological metrics, compare results against baseline thresholds, and generate diagnostic recommendations without requiring manual analysis by trained personnel. This self-service capability enables field deployment by non-specialists.
3Measurement precision
If baseline comparisons are implemented for individual subjects, then diagnostic accuracy improves, but loss of time for data collection and processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent collects and stores baseline neurological measurements during pre-season or pre-deployment periods when the subject is known to be healthy. These baseline data are stored in memory and automatically retrieved for comparison during subsequent injury assessments, eliminating the need to collect baseline data at the time of injury evaluation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate feedback by automatically comparing current measurements against stored baseline data and instantly calculating deviations. The processor real-time analyzes the difference between baseline and current metrics, providing rapid diagnostic information without requiring delayed manual comparison.
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 near-real-time detection of neurological conditions, including mTBI, by quantifying changes in blink reflexes and providing insights into brain injury severity, aiding in decision-making on returning individuals to activities.
Implementation Method 1
a camera configured to track movement of one or both eyelids of the subject
Implementation Method 2
a stimulator configured to provide stimulus to one or both eyelids of the subject, stimulate the subject using the stimulator to provoke a first blink reflex
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A device for measuring eye movement in a human subject comprises a housing, at least one stimulator mounted to the housing, and a sensor. The at least one stimulator is configured to provide stimulus to one or both eyes of the subject. The sensor is configured to collect information related to movement of one or both eyes of the subject. The device also includes a user interface that is configured to control the at least one stimulator and display information collected by the camera.