Retinopathy Detection via Dynamic Pupil-Luminance Feedback
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting eye diseases like diabetic retinopathy are invasive, complex, and not widely used due to their requirement for artificial pupil dilation and skilled technicians, limiting their effectiveness and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that illuminate the eye with diffuse light stimuli of varying intensities, adjust luminance based on pupil area, and combine electrophysiology measurements to provide an indication of eye disease without artificial dilation, using a controller to modulate light stimuli and analyze electrical signals for improved consistency and data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional ERG measurements are performed using large instruments with electrodes placed directly onto the eye, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to invasive procedures requiring skilled technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical electrode placement system with an optical measurement system using a camera to capture retinal images. This substitution eliminates the need for direct contact with the eye, reducing invasiveness and complexity while maintaining measurement capability through image analysis of retinal responses to light stimuli
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy (image) of the retinal response instead of directly measuring electrical signals from the retina. By capturing and analyzing images of the retinal response to light stimuli, the system obtains diagnostic information without requiring complex electrode-based electrical measurements
2Measurement precision
If artificial pupil dilation is performed using dilating drops, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation and patient comfort deteriorate due to invasive procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the diagnostic measurement capability from the dilated pupil state by using imaging technology that can obtain sufficient retinal information without requiring artificial dilation. The system captures retinal responses through the natural pupil size, eliminating the need for dilating drops while maintaining diagnostic precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the measurement system to function effectively with the eye in its natural state without requiring preparatory procedures like dilation. The imaging and analysis system is designed to work with the natural pupil size, making the procedure self-sufficient and eliminating the need for additional chemical agents
3Ease of operation
If conventional PLR methods use direct measurement of pupil diameter with fixed illumination, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates because retinal stimulation varies with pupil size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the illumination intensity is dynamically adjusted based on the measured pupil size. The system continuously monitors pupil diameter and modifies the light stimulus intensity to maintain constant retinal illuminance, ensuring consistent stimulation conditions regardless of pupil state
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static illumination approach into a dynamic system where illumination intensity automatically adapts to pupil size changes. The system adjusts lighting conditions in real-time based on pupil measurements, maintaining optimal and consistent retinal stimulation throughout the examination
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
This approach allows for easier, more consistent, and effective detection of eye diseases by reducing the invasiveness and complexity of existing methods, enabling simultaneous measurements without artificial pupil dilation and improving diagnostic accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitter (106) that emits light toward an integrating sphere (104) that diffuses the light
Implementation Method 2
a camera (101) that measures the pupil's response to light
Implementation Method 3
The eye is stimulated with light to elicit a response from the visual system
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A device providing an indication of eye disease in a patient comprises a light emitter; an optical assembly arranged so that light emitted from the light emitter reaches an eye of the patient; a camera arranged to image the eye of the patient; and a controller. The controller measures the eye's pupil area using images received from the camera and adjusts the luminance of the light emitted from the light emitter as a non-constant function of the eye's pupil area so as to create a plurality of stimulus intervals. At least two of the stimulus intervals differ in their average retinal illuminance. The controller analyzes the pupil measurements and/or an electrical response in at least two of the stimulus intervals to provide an indication of eye disease based. In some embodiments, the patient's age is also used in the analysis. Methods of using said device are also contemplated.