Non-Contact Ocular Microtremor Measurement Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic technologies for brain health, particularly for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and concussion, are limited by the invasiveness, complexity, and impracticality of existing methods, including brain imaging and electroencephalography, which are not suitable for point-of-care settings and lack effective biomarkers for mild TBI and concussion.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive, portable device using non-contact optical techniques based on laser speckle metrology to measure ocular microtremor, which stabilizes on the patient's head and provides rapid assessment of neurological conditions by detecting scattered light from the eye, allowing for precise measurement of ocular microtremor properties without requiring direct contact or precise setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If eye-contacting probe techniques are used to measure ocular microtremor, then measurement capability is achieved, but the technique becomes invasive and interferes with eye movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical eye-contacting probes with a non-contact optical measurement system. The device uses optical components (lens, detector) to measure ocular microtremor through light reflection from the eye surface, eliminating physical contact and its associated invasiveness while maintaining measurement precision.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If non-contact optical techniques based on laser speckle metrology are used, then non-invasive measurement is achieved, but the device complexity and setup requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into distinct functional modules: a light source module, a focusing lens module, and a detector module. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall setup and alignment process compared to integrated complex optical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a focusing lens as an intermediary element between the light source and the detector. This lens simplifies the optical path by collecting scattered light from the eye and focusing it onto the detector, reducing the complexity of direct non-contact measurement without requiring sophisticated optical arrangements.
3Measurement precision
If traditional brain imaging technologies like MRI and CT are used, then structural damage detection capability is achieved, but the systems become large, costly, and impractical for regular point-of-care measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical and electronic imaging systems (MRI, CT) with a simple optical measurement system. By substituting sophisticated imaging technology with basic optical components (light source, lens, detector), the device achieves practical point-of-care functionality while maintaining the ability to detect neurological conditions through ocular microtremor analysis.
4Ease of operation
If simple scoring methods like Glasgow Coma Scale are used for point-of-care assessment, then ease of administration is achieved, but inter-rater variability and lack of clear prognostic capacity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an objective measurement system that automatically quantifies ocular microtremor parameters without requiring human interpretation. The device self-measures and provides quantitative data, eliminating inter-rater variability inherent in subjective scoring methods while maintaining ease of point-of-care administration through simple device operation.
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 efficient, non-invasive, and accurate measurement of ocular microtremor, facilitating rapid assessment of neurological conditions like concussion and brain stem activity, suitable for point-of-care settings with improved reproducibility and reduced operator variability.
Implementation Method 1
a detector arranged to detect scattered light from the interaction of the light beam with the target area of the eye
Implementation Method 2
a focusing lens arranged to collect the scattered light for the detector. The detector may be positioned in a Fourier plane of the focusing lens
Data Source
AI summary
A device (100) for measuring ocular microtremor (OMT) of a patient's eye, comprises a light source (10) for illuminating a target area of the eye with a light beam. The device also comprises a detector (20) arranged to detect scattered light from the interaction of the light beam with the target area of the eye. The device further comprises a focusing lens (30) arranged to collect the scattered light for the detector, and a port in a wall of the device through which the light beam can exit the device and/or through which the scattered light can enter the device. The device is configured to stabilise and/or support the device on or against a patients head. A method of measuring microtremor of an eye is also provided.