Eyewear Bioluminescence Sensing for Accurate Eye-Drop Administration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for monitoring eye drop administration are either not sufficiently developed, expensive, or lack accuracy in detecting whether the drops reach the eye, and existing drug dispensers are not well-suited for following up eye drop usage.
Innovation Solution
An eyewear apparatus and method using bioluminescent dyes that emit a predefined wavelength range when excited by a photo emitter, combined with a photo sensor and optical filter, to accurately detect eye drop administration by measuring photocurrent changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing usage counters are integrated in single-use drug packages, then detection capability is provided, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces bioluminescent dye as an intermediary substance that mediates between the eye drop application and the detection system. The dye is mixed with the eye drop solution and serves as a detectable marker, enabling the eyewear device to detect administration without requiring expensive integrated usage counters in the drug package itself
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/electronic usage counter systems with an optical detection system. Instead of using mechanical counters or electronic sensors in the drug package, the system uses bioluminescent dye that emits light when excited, and this light is detected by photo sensors in the eyewear device, substituting a complex mechanical system with a simpler optical field-based system
2Productivity
If existing systems detect use of eye drop bottles, then some monitoring is provided, but accuracy of detecting actual eye administration is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes optical property changes - specifically bioluminescence emission in a predefined wavelength range - to indicate administration. The bioluminescent dye emits light at specific wavelengths when excited by the photo emitter, and this color/wavelength-specific emission is detected by the photo sensor to confirm actual eye administration, providing high accuracy detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the photo sensor detects bioluminescence emission from the eye area, and this detection information is processed to determine whether administration occurred. The system provides real-time feedback about actual eye contact, allowing users to know immediately whether the eye drop was properly administered
Solution Approach 3:
The patent uses dynamic detection - the photo emitter emits light and the photo sensor detects the dynamic bioluminescence response in real-time. This dynamic optical interaction provides accurate detection of administration events as they occur, rather than relying on static or indirect indicators
3Ease of operation
If reusable stand-alone drug dispensers are used for pills, then some drug delivery is provided, but they are not well suited for following up eye drop usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal monitoring system that can be adapted to different eye drop formulations. The eyewear device with photo emitter and photo sensor can detect any eye drop containing the bioluminescent dye, making the system versatile and adaptable rather than requiring specific dedicated dispensers for each medication type
Solution Approach 2:
The bioluminescent dye serves as a universal intermediary that bridges between the eye drop medication and the eyewear detection system. This intermediary approach allows the same eyewear device to monitor different types of eye drops, providing universality and adaptability that pill dispensers lack
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
Facilitates reliable and real-time detection of eye drop administration with high sensitivity and accuracy, minimizing false positives and negatives, and enabling non-invasive monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
the eye drop comprises a bioluminescent dye that, when excited by light emitted by the at least one photo emitter, emits the bioluminescence of the predefined wavelength range
Implementation Method 2
at least one optical filter, arranged on an optical path of the at least one photo sensor, to allow light of only a predefined wavelength range to pass therethrough towards the at least one photo sensor
Implementation Method 3
collect readings of a photocurrent of the at least one photo sensor
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~2
Figure 3
AI summary
An eyewear apparatus (100a-c) comprises lens(es) (102a-b); a frame (104); photo emitter(s) (106a-b); photo sensor(s) (108a-b); optical filter(s) (110a-b) arranged to allow light of only a predefined wavelength range to pass therethrough towards the photo sensor(s); and a processor (112). The processor is configured to: collect readings of a photocurrent of the photo sensor(s), whilst the photo emitter(s) is switched on; detect when the readings indicate a presence of a bioluminescence in the predefined wavelength range; and upon said detection, determine whether an eye drop has been administered onto an ocular surface of a user's eye (114), based on at least one of: an intensity of the bioluminescence, a change in the intensity, the eye drop comprising a bioluminescent dye that, when excited by light (116) emitted by the photo emitter(s), emits the bioluminescence of the predefined wavelength range.