Mobile Pupilometry Light Calibration for Distance Variation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-purpose mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, are unable to deliver a consistent and precise light intensity to the eye for accurate pupilometry due to uncontrolled distance variations between the light source and the eye, leading to unreliable measurement results.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method or device with a built-in camera, light stimulus source, and algorithm to determine the distance to the eye and adjust the light intensity accordingly, using auto-focus lenses, range finders, or Perkinje reflections to ensure a consistent light intensity is delivered to the pupil.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multi-purpose mobile devices are used for pupilometry, then device versatility and ease of operation are improved, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to uncontrolled light intensity delivery

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice versatilityVSAvoidpupil response measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a camera to detect the intensity of light reflected from the cornea, feeds this information back to a processor, which then adjusts the light stimulus source intensity accordingly to deliver a precise and consistent amount of light to the pupil, resolving the measurement accuracy issue while maintaining mobile device versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the light intensity parameter of the light stimulus source based on detected corneal reflection intensity and distance measurements, allowing the device to adapt and deliver consistent light intensity to the pupil regardless of distance variations, thereby improving measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If distance between light source and eye is not controlled, then ease of operation is improved, but light intensity consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice usabilityVSAvoidlight intensity consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The camera detects corneal reflection intensity and distance, providing feedback to the processor which adjusts the light stimulus source intensity in real-time to compensate for distance variations, maintaining consistent light delivery to the pupil while allowing free movement of the device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces mechanical distance control (fixed positioning) with an optical sensing system (camera-based corneal reflection detection) combined with algorithmic light intensity adjustment, eliminating the need for precise mechanical positioning while maintaining light intensity consistency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If professional grade pupilometers are used, then measurement precision and light intensity control are improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepupil response measurement accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions (camera for corneal reflection detection, distance measurement, light stimulus delivery, and pupil response recording) into a single mobile device platform, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment while achieving professional-grade measurement precision through software-based control algorithms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Ensures accurate and reliable pupil response measurements by maintaining a consistent light intensity, overcoming the limitations of mobile devices in delivering precise light to the eye.

Implementation Method 1

the algorithm can calculate the optimum or specific light intensity based on the intensity of reflections of light reflected by the cornea

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20260013725A1Pupilometry with light intensity calibration
Publication Date: 2026.01.15 NEUROPTICS INC

AI summary

A method of examining a response from one or more pupils of an eye. The method includes providing a hand-held mobile device with a display, a built-in camera, and a light stimulus source, wherein the light stimulus source can emit light at various intensities; using the mobile device to locate the pupil; using the mobile device to determine a distance between the device and the pupil; applying an algorithm that calculates a specific or optimal light intensity based on the distance between the device and the eye and causes the light stimulus source to emit one or more flashes of light at the specific or optimal light intensity; using the built-in camera to record the response of the pupil to the one or more flashes of light; and displaying on the display the data representative of the response of the pupil to the one or more flashes of light.