Goggle-like Apparatus for Self-Monitoring Pupillary Light Reflex
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting diabetic autonomic neuropathy through pupillary light reflex measurement are hindered by the bulkiness, expense, and complexity of existing apparatuses, making widespread screening difficult and costly.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, goggle-like mobile apparatus with a light-tight housing, illumination, stimulation, and recording means allows self-monitoring and facilitates automated measurement of pupillary parameters, enabling users to initiate and confirm proper positioning for improved image quality and reducing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional pupillary light reflex measurement apparatuses are used, then measurement precision can be achieved, but the apparatus becomes bulky, expensive, and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a standard digital camera to capture images of the pupil instead of specialized pupillometry equipment. The camera records the pupil's response to light stimuli, and software algorithms process these images to extract pupillary parameters. This copying approach replaces complex medical devices with common consumer technology, reducing cost and complexity while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/optical measurement systems with a digital imaging system. Instead of using specialized optical apparatus to measure pupil size directly, the system uses a digital camera to capture images and computational algorithms to determine pupillary parameters from the images. This substitution of mechanical measurement with digital imaging and processing simplifies the apparatus
2Measurement precision
If expert input during examination is required, then measurement precision is maintained, but productivity decreases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-administered pupillary light reflex measurements. Users can perform the examination themselves by wearing the goggle apparatus, which automatically presents light stimuli and captures pupil responses. The integrated software guides the user through the process and automatically analyzes the results, eliminating the need for expert operators and enabling widespread screening
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automated feedback mechanisms where the software processes the captured images and provides immediate analysis of pupillary parameters. This automated feedback loop replaces expert interpretation, maintaining measurement precision while significantly improving productivity by allowing unassisted self-examination
3Productivity
If automated measurement is implemented, then productivity increases, but measurement precision may deteriorate due to positioning errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary positioning guidance before the actual measurement. The system provides instructions to users on how to properly position the goggle apparatus and align their eyes before capturing images. This preliminary action ensures that even self-administered measurements meet the quality requirements for accurate pupillary parameter extraction
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback during image capture to verify proper positioning. The software analyzes captured frames to determine if the pupil is correctly positioned and imaged with sufficient quality. If positioning is inadequate, the system provides feedback and allows retaking, ensuring measurement precision is maintained while preserving automated self-monitoring 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
The apparatus enables efficient, cost-effective, and user-friendly monitoring of autonomic nerve disorders, such as diabetic autonomic neuropathy, by allowing self-administered measurements with reduced errors and improved data quality, potentially leading to early detection and reduced long-term consequences.
Implementation Method 1
illumination means for illuminating at least one eye of the person
Implementation Method 2
stimulation means for stimulating at least one eye of the person with a light stimulus to trigger a pupillary light reflex
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention concerns a goggle-like mobile apparatus (1) for recording images of a pupil of a person (3) suitable for self-monitoring and deriving information on autonomic nerve disorders or ocular disorders of said person, said apparatus comprising a light-tight housing (5) for covering both eyes of the person (3) including a separation wall (7) for light-tight sealing one eye from the other, illumination means (9) for illuminating at least one eye of the person (3), stimulation means (11) for stimulating at least one eye of the person (3) with a light stimulus to trigger a pupillary light reflex and recording means (15) for recording images of at least one eye at least during a predetermined time period following the stimulation of at least one eye. The present invention further concerns a method for recording images of a pupil of a person and an apparatus for deriving information on a potential diabetic autonomic neuropathy of a person (3) and a corresponding method.