Wearable Head Movement Analysis for Early Ocular Disease Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting ocular diseases causing peripheral vision loss, such as glaucoma, are limited by low diagnostic sensitivity in early stages and require clinical supervision, making it difficult for early detection, especially in individuals without regular eye examinations or access to eye care professionals.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that analyze head movement parameters to identify subtle visuomotor changes by comparing an individual's head movement behavior with a reference model, generating statistical models based on daily life data to detect early signs of visual field evolution, which may indicate ocular diseases, and alerting the individual to seek eye care if no specific reason for changes is found.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If automated perimetry is used to diagnose glaucoma, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but diagnostic sensitivity in early stages remains low and requires clinical supervision
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables individuals to autonomously monitor their own head movement behavior using wearable sensors integrated into smart eyeglasses, eliminating the need for clinical supervision. The device automatically collects data, processes it through algorithms, and generates alerts when abnormalities are detected, allowing users to self-monitor visual field changes at home.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical perimetry system with a sensor-based head movement tracking system. Instead of using automated perimetry devices that require clinical settings, the invention uses accelerometers and gyroscopes in wearable eyeglasses to capture head movement data, which is then processed to infer visual field changes.
2Reliability
If eye examinations are performed regularly by eye care professionals, then early detection is improved, but accessibility remains limited for individuals without easy access to professionals
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable head movement tracking device serves as an intermediary between the patient and eye care professionals. It continuously monitors head movement behavior and detects subtle changes that indicate visual field loss, then communicates these findings to both the user and potentially to healthcare providers, bridging the gap between home monitoring and professional care.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of visual field changes through continuous head movement monitoring before symptoms become apparent to the patient. By detecting subtle visuomotor changes early, the system enables timely referral to eye care professionals, preventing progression to advanced stages where treatment is less effective.
3Measurement precision
If eye tracking systems are used to detect early vision loss, then detection sensitivity is improved, but energy consumption increases making all-day recording difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex eye tracking systems that require cameras and image processing with a simpler inertial measurement system using accelerometers and gyroscopes. This mechanical sensing approach consumes significantly less power while achieving comparable or superior detection sensitivity for visual field changes through head movement analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses low-cost, low-power inertial sensors that can operate continuously for extended periods without requiring frequent recharging or high energy input. The sensors are integrated into everyday wearable eyeglasses, making the system sustainable for all-day use with minimal energy consumption.
4Reliability
If perimetry tests are administered by eye doctors, then diagnostic reliability is improved, but loss of time increases due to scheduling and travel requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous monitoring of head movement behavior in the patient's natural environment over extended periods, rather than relying on discrete, periodic clinic visits. This continuous data collection captures subtle changes that might be missed in brief appointment settings, maintaining high diagnostic reliability while eliminating scheduling constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows patients to conduct their own monitoring at home without requiring travel to clinics or scheduling appointments. The automated data collection and analysis occur continuously in the background, eliminating time loss associated with scheduling, traveling to and from eye care facilities, and waiting during appointments.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for obtaining information related to a purported evolution of a visual field of an individual that may be a forerunner of an eye disease. The method includes providing a plurality of values of at least one parameter related to head movements, representing a reference head movement behavior, measuring a same at least one parameter related to head movements of the individual in daily life, during a predetermined measurement period, comparing the individual's head movement behavior with the reference head movement behavior, in case of detecting a difference between both head movement behaviors, checking whether there is any specific reason in the individual's daily life explaining that difference and, if there is no specific reason, obtaining, on the basis of that difference, information related to a purported evolution of the visual field that may be a forerunner of an eye disease.