Video Pupillometry Spectral Analysis for Drug and Physiologic Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for evaluating pupillary behavior, such as those used in medical settings, are subjective and lack the ability to provide granular data, making it difficult to detect subtle changes indicative of drug use or physiologic impairments.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus using a pupillometry device with an imaging sensor and display, such as a smartphone, to objectively analyze dynamic pupillary oscillations through spectral analysis, enabling precise identification of drug use and physiologic conditions by employing pathology-specific algorithms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If subjective visual observation with penlight is used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assessmentVSAvoidgranular data
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/visual observation system with an automated image processing system. A camera captures pupillary images, and computer algorithms automatically analyze pupil size, shape, and oscillations, eliminating the need for manual visual assessment while providing precise quantitative measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates digital copies of pupillary behavior through imaging. Instead of direct visual observation, the system captures images of the pupil and generates digital representations that can be precisely measured and analyzed, allowing for objective and repeatable assessments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If pupillometers are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepupillary size and reactivityVSAvoidstand-alone equipment
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the imaging device universal by enabling it to perform multiple functions. The same camera system used for general imaging can also perform specialized pupillary analysis, eliminating the need for dedicated pupillometer equipment while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs automated self-analysis of pupillary data. The image processing algorithms automatically measure pupil parameters, generate reports, and provide interpretations without requiring trained professionals to manually evaluate the data, reducing the need for specialized equipment and expertise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If automated image processing is used, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverapid detectionVSAvoidprocessing circuitry
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces software algorithms as an intermediary between image capture and analysis. These processing circuits act as mediators that automatically interpret pupillary images, enabling rapid detection and diagnosis without requiring complex manual evaluation procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3740115B1A bioassay for the non-invasive detection of drug use and physiologic conditions
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 CHILDRENS NAT MEDICAL CENT
  • EP3740115B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3740115B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3740115B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure is related to a method and apparatus for determining drug usage or a physiological characteristic of a patient. The present disclosure describes acquiring a video sequence, of an eye of a patient, the video sequence being a plurality of video frames, determining a frequency spectrum from a pupillary data of the video sequence, and determining, based on the frequency spectrum, the physiological characteristic or drug of use of the patient. In an embodiment, at least one frequency can be probed based on which physiological characteristic is being explored.