Dynamic Myopia Retardation via Pupillary Feedback Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current interventions are inadequate in preventing or delaying the progression of myopia, particularly in children, due to increasing indoor time and reduced outdoor light exposure, which is linked to the rising incidence of myopia worldwide.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a light source, sensor, and microprocessor that simulates outdoor sunlight to retard myopia progression by dynamically adjusting illumination based on pupillary response, integrated into eyewear, headgear, or computerized devices to mimic natural outdoor light exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If children spend more time indoors for education and study, then education levels and socioeconomic levels increase, but outdoor light exposure decreases and myopia progression increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeducation levelVSAvoidoutdoor light exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses simulated sunlight devices as an intermediary to deliver the beneficial effects of outdoor light exposure to children who spend most of their time indoors. The device acts as a mediator between the need for education (indoor activity) and the need for light exposure (myopia prevention), providing artificial light that mimics natural sunlight characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the intensity, duration, and spectral composition of artificial light to match the beneficial parameters of natural outdoor light. The system adjusts luminance levels (e.g., 1000-10000 lux), spectral power distribution, and exposure timing to replicate the protective effects of outdoor sunlight exposure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If conventional light sources are used to simulate outdoor light, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to dynamically adjust illumination based on pupillary response is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoiddynamic illumination adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by using sensors to detect pupillary response to artificial light and automatically adjusting the illumination intensity accordingly. This closed-loop system ensures that the light exposure remains within the optimal range for myopia prevention while accounting for individual variations in pupillary constriction and light sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by making the light source adjustable and responsive rather than static. The system dynamically modifies illumination parameters based on real-time pupillary measurements, ensuring optimal light exposure that adapts to the user's physiological response and environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Illumination intensity

If high intensity artificial light is used to simulate sunlight, then light exposure effectiveness increases, but safety concerns regarding eye damage may arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight exposure effectivenessVSAvoideye damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the spectral composition and intensity of artificial light to match the safe and effective parameters of natural sunlight. The system adjusts luminance, spectral power distribution, and exposure duration to achieve myopia prevention benefits while staying within safety thresholds established for artificial light exposure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses feedback control to monitor pupillary response and automatically adjust light intensity to maintain safe exposure levels. By measuring actual pupillary constriction in real-time, the system ensures that illumination remains within the optimal range for myopia prevention without exceeding safety thresholds that could cause retinal damage or other adverse effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Effectively retards myopia progression by maintaining a target pupillary constriction consistent with outdoor light exposure levels, providing a safe and effective solution for school-age children.

Implementation Method 1

The light source provides illumination for simulating an outdoor lighting environment for a user

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

The sensor measures a pupillary response of the user thereby determining the presence and degree of a pupillary constriction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPupillary response measurement: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS11000186B2Systems and methods for retarding myopia progression
Publication Date: 2021.05.11 REOPIA OPTICS INC
  • US11000186B2 patent drawing
  • US11000186B2 patent drawing
  • US11000186B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Myopia is a clinically significant and growing problem around the world. A major cause is the increasing time spent indoors by children, for example, playing video games, studying, and watching television. Exposure to outdoor light is known to be protective, and prevents the onset and also delays the progression of myopia. Embodiments of the present invention provide simulated continuous outdoor light in either a closed or open feedback loop sufficient to retard myopia progression.