Ocular Surface Temperature Sensing for Eye Drop Use Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for monitoring eye drop application are inadequate, as they often require modifications to eye drop formulations, are intrusive, or fail to account for individual application techniques and physiological differences among patients.
Innovation Solution
A method and optical apparatus using thermopile IR sensors to measure ocular surface temperature trends before and after eye drop application, determining changes in temperature to accurately detect eye drop use without requiring user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluorescent dyes are added to eye drops for detection, then monitoring capability is improved, but eye drop formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the monitoring function from the eye drop formulation itself and places it in a separate detection device (smartphone camera with image processing algorithm). This eliminates the need to modify the eye drop formulation with fluorescent dyes, while still achieving accurate monitoring of eye drop application.
2Measurement precision
If camera-based systems are used to monitor eye drop application, then monitoring accuracy is improved, but device complexity and intrusiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the smartphone camera, which is a universal device already present in most users' possession, for the specific function of monitoring eye drop application. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for dedicated complex monitoring equipment while maintaining monitoring accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy (image) of the eye drop application process and analyzes it through image processing algorithms. This allows accurate monitoring without requiring direct physical interaction or complex specialized sensors, simplifying the overall system.
3Measurement precision
If electrical drop counters are attached to eye drop bottles, then drop counting capability is improved, but ability to detect correct application deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional drop counting (electrical sensors detecting drop volume) to two-dimensional visual analysis (camera capturing images of the eye and drop application). This dimensional change enables detection of both drop count and application correctness simultaneously, as the visual field contains information about both aspects.
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
Provides continuous, automated, and objective monitoring of eye drop application, reducing human error and ensuring adherence to prescribed treatment regimes for ocular conditions.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a temperature of an ocular surface of the user's eye, using at least one temperature sensor in an optical apparatus worn by a user
Implementation Method 2
A method and optical apparatus using thermopile IR sensors to measure ocular surface temperature trends
Data Source
AI summary
A method for monitoring use of eye drops in user's eye. The method includes measuring temperature of ocular surface (OS) of user's eye, at first plurality of time instants within first time duration (FTD), prior to optical apparatus (OA) not being in use for predefined time period; generating first temperature trend (FTT), for FTD; measuring temperature of OS of user's eye, at second plurality of time instants within second time duration (STD), subsequent to OA being in use, wherein OA is brought to use after OA not being in use for predefined time period; generating second temperature trend (STT), for STD; determining change in temperature trend between FTT and STT; determining if change in temperature trend is greater than predefined value; and when it is determined that change in temperature trend is greater than predefined value, deeming use of the eye drops in the user's eyes.