Spectacle-Mounted Infrared Sensor for Continuous Near Work Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing near work, a risk factor for myopia, rely on subjective questionnaires that are prone to poor recall and biases, and cannot objectively evaluate viewing behavior, lacking continuous and accurate measurements.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an infrared time-of-flight distance sensor, a real-time clock, and a microprocessor, coupled with a data logger, mounted on a spectacle frame, continuously monitors viewing distances and light exposure, providing objective data and alerts for close viewing or the need for a distance break.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If questionnaires are used to assess near work, then the assessment method is simple and easy to implement, but the measurement accuracy and objectivity deteriorate due to poor recall and biases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/questionnaire-based assessment system with an optical sensing system. An infrared time-of-flight sensor continuously measures viewing distance objectively, eliminating recall bias and subjectivity inherent in questionnaires. The sensor data is processed by a microprocessor to generate accurate near work metrics without requiring user memory or self-reporting.
2Measurement precision
If continuous monitoring is implemented using sensors, then measurement accuracy and objectivity improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single wearable device. The spectacle-mounted unit combines infrared distance sensing, light exposure measurement, continuous time tracking, data logging, and alarm functionality. This multi-functional integration achieves continuous objective monitoring while minimizing the number of separate components the user must manage.
Solution Approach 2:
The device operates autonomously without requiring user intervention for data collection. The microprocessor automatically processes sensor inputs, logs data with timestamps, compares viewing distances against preset thresholds, and triggers alarms when near work criteria are met. The system serves itself by continuously monitoring and analyzing its own operational data.
3Loss of information
If detailed continuous data is collected and logged, then the quantity and quality of information improve, but data storage requirements and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential near work parameters from continuous monitoring data. The system measures viewing distance, light exposure, and time, then logs only the aggregated near work duration and intensity metrics that are clinically relevant. This selective data extraction maintains information completeness for myopia risk assessment while minimizing storage requirements by excluding redundant raw sensor data.
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 accurate, continuous objective assessment of near work, reducing the risk of myopia by providing actionable feedback on viewing behavior, improving the quantification of refractive error development and eye health monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared time-of-flight (TOF) distance sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for continuous objective assessment are discussed herein. The systems and methods may comprise sensor(s), a processor, a clock, data storage, and a power source. The sensor(s) may continuously monitor viewing distances, light exposure, or the like, and the system may log corresponding time and/or duration information. Also provided herein are methods of treating, preventing, and/or diagnosing vision impairment risk. These systems and methods may provide warns, such as when detecting the viewing of materials too closely (e.g. ≤30 cm), near to near intermediate viewing (e.g. ≤70 cm) exceeding a predetermined time (e.g. ≥20 min.) without a break, and/or not getting enough outdoor light exposure (e.g. at least 75 minutes of exposure at >1000 lux) for the day.