Infrared Tele-Video-Oculography Goggles for Remote Eye Exams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional video-oculography systems require physical presence in a clinic setting, lack infrared imaging, and do not provide patient instructions or transmit data remotely, limiting their diagnostic capabilities and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A remote infrared video-oculography system using light-occluding goggles with integrated infrared cameras, displays, sensors (accelerometer, magnetometer, gyroscope), and a transceiver for remote data transmission, enabling patient-operated eye examinations with real-time feedback and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional video-oculography systems use head-mounted masks with cameras, then eye movement tracking can be performed, but the system requires physical presence in a clinic setting and lacks remote operation capability
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides functionality into modular components: infrared camera for eye tracking, visible light camera for contextual imaging, sensors for head position detection, display for patient instructions, and transceiver for remote data transmission. Each module performs a specific function, allowing the complex system to be managed through segmentation of tasks and components.
Solution Approach 2:
The transceiver acts as an intermediary between the patient-operated device and the remote examiner, enabling data transmission without physical presence. The display serves as an intermediary to communicate instructions from the examiner to the patient, facilitating remote operation while maintaining system control.
2Measurement precision
If traditional systems use visible light cameras only, then standard eye examination can be performed, but diagnostic capabilities are limited without infrared imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges infrared and visible light imaging capabilities into a single integrated device. The infrared camera captures eye movements and reflections that are invisible to the naked eye, while the visible light camera provides contextual information. Combining these complementary imaging modalities enhances diagnostic accuracy without requiring separate examination systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-camera system provides multi-functional diagnostic capability: the infrared camera detects eye movements, pupil responses, and reflections for assessing ocular motility and binocular vision, while the visible light camera captures overall eye appearance and positioning. This universal imaging approach handles multiple diagnostic requirements within a single system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional video-oculography systems are used in clinic settings, then comprehensive eye examination can be conducted, but accessibility is limited for remote patients
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors provide real-time feedback about head position and orientation during the examination. This feedback is transmitted to the remote examiner, who can use this information to interpret eye movement data accurately. The system compensates for head movements by monitoring them continuously, ensuring that diagnostic information is not lost despite the remote examination format.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical presence of an examiner physically positioning and monitoring the patient with electronic sensors that automatically detect head position and orientation. This substitution enables remote operation while maintaining accurate tracking of head movements through non-contact sensing technologies.
4Extent of automation
If traditional systems require examiner presence, then real-time guidance can be provided, but patient independence and system accessibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patient operates the examination device independently using instructions displayed on the integrated display. The system guides the patient through the examination process without requiring examiner presence, enabling self-service operation. This increases patient independence and system accessibility while maintaining examination quality through automated protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The display provides preliminary instructions to the patient before and during the examination, guiding them on how to operate the device and position themselves correctly. This preliminary guidance compensates for the absence of an examiner, making the system easy to operate despite increased automation, by preparing the patient in advance for each examination step.
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 remote eye examinations in a patient's home, providing enhanced diagnostic capabilities through infrared imaging, sensor monitoring, and secure data transmission to a remote examiner, improving accessibility and diagnostic accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared camera positioned to capture one or more first images of a first eye of the patient
Implementation Method 2
an infrared illuminator configured to direct infrared light onto the first eye of the patient
Implementation Method 3
The sensor can be a magnetometer configured to generate information regarding a direction that the head of the patient is facing
Implementation Method 4
The sensor can also be an accelerometer configured to generate information regarding a linear acceleration or an angular acceleration of the head of the patient
Implementation Method 5
The sensor can also be a gyroscope configured to generate information regarding angular movement of the head of the patient
Data Source
AI summary
Abstract (amended) A system to perform remote oculography includes light-occluding googles configured to be worn by a patient. The light-occluding goggles include an infrared camera positioned to capture one or more first images of a first eye of the patient. The light occluding googles also include a display positioned such that it is viewable by a second eye of the patient. The display is configured to display a pattern for the patient to view. The light occluding googles also include a sensor configured to detect information regarding a position of a head of the patient. The system includes a visible light camera configured to capture one or more second images of the patient as the patient wears the light occluding goggles.