Tear Fluid Layer Breakup Pattern Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to dynamically evaluate and classify the breakup patterns of the tear fluid layer based on the process of breaking, which is crucial for diagnosing dry eye conditions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that analyze the interference fringe image of the tear fluid layer to create break detection images for identifying dimple, line, area, and spot breaks, allowing for dynamic and visual evaluation and classification of breakup patterns by processing color information and extracting relevant features from the images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing methods are used to evaluate tear fluid layer, then classification of dry eye types is achieved, but dynamic evaluation of breakup patterns is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static classification to dynamic evaluation of tear fluid layer breakup patterns. The system captures sequential images to track the temporal evolution of breakup patterns, enabling observation of how the tear film breaks down over time rather than just a single snapshot classification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining multiple breakup pattern types (area break, line break, dimple break, spot break) and their characteristics before evaluation. The system prepares classification criteria and patterns in advance, then matches observed breakup dynamics against these predefined patterns to identify the specific dry eye subtype.
2Ease of manufacture
If static classification is used, then dry eye types are categorized, but the process of breaking is not captured
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains classification simplicity while adding dynamic evaluation by automatically analyzing sequential images to capture breakup patterns. The dynamic process is transformed into quantifiable features (breakup time, pattern type, progression rate) that can be classified using extended but still systematic criteria.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces image processing algorithms and pattern recognition systems as intermediaries between the raw visual data of tear film breakup and the final classification. These intermediaries automatically extract features from sequential images, identify breakup patterns, and bridge the gap between simple classification needs and complex dynamic process analysis.
3Measurement precision
If detailed dynamic analysis is performed, then breakup patterns are identified, but evaluation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the complex dynamic analysis into distinct breakup pattern categories (area break, line break, dimple break, spot break). Each pattern type is analyzed using specific criteria and features relevant to that pattern, breaking down the overall complex evaluation task into manageable segmented analyses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system manages complexity by focusing on key parameter changes during breakup (breakup time, pattern morphology, spatial distribution, temporal progression). Rather than analyzing all possible image features, the system identifies and monitors critical parameters that distinguish different breakup patterns, reducing dimensional complexity while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
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 objective and non-invasive evaluation of breakup patterns, facilitating accurate diagnosis of dry eye subtypes by capturing the dynamics of tear fluid layer breakdown.
Implementation Method 1
interference fringe image of the tear fluid layer
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4(A)~4(F)
AI summary
A method and a device for dynamically evaluating a breaking of a tear fluid layer break, in particular, a breakup pattern. The method is a method for dynamically evaluating a tear fluid layer using an interference fringe image of the tear fluid layer composed of a plurality of consecutive frames, and includes: an image creation step of creating at least one break detection image of a first break detection image, a second break detection image, a third break detection image, and a fourth break detection image, which are images for detecting a breaking site of the tear fluid layer; a determination step of determining whether the break detection image created by the image creation step corresponds to a predetermined breakup pattern; a tally step of tallying the determination results determined by the determination step; and an evaluation step of evaluating, on the basis of a tallied result by the tally step, a breakup pattern of the interference fringe image of the tear fluid layer.