Noninvasive ocular monitor and method for measuring and analyzing physiological data

• US 20080212026A1
• Filed: 09/06/2007
• Published: 09/04/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 09/06/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Eye Marker Systems, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Eye Marker Systems, Inc.
• Inventors: Molnar, Lance, Trimmier, James
• Granted Patent: US 8,109,633 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 351/206
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 3/112 for measuring diameter of pupils
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 3/12 for looking at the eye fundus, e.g. ophthalmoscopes A61B3/13 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 3/14 Arrangements specially adapted for eye photography apparatus or arrangements for taking photographs per se G03B

Abstract

A non-invasive device and methods for acquiring and analyzing ocular images from a subject is presented. Aspects of the method comprise of the acquisition of ocular image(s) and subsequent evaluation, classification and/or interpretation of these image(s). The ocular image(s) are acquired using ocular scanning instruments or suitable substitutes. Evaluation, classification, and/or interpretation are most easily accomplished automatically through the use of one or more algorithms.

Claims

1. A non-invasive device for acquiring an ocular image, comprising:

a) An optic assembly comprising one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) and a lens;

b) A Chip Charged Coupled Device (CCD);

c) A linear activator to focus the optic assembly; and

d) A toggle-switch activator.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the LEDs emit light at the wavelengths corresponding to visible light and near infrared light.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the device is stationary.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein the device is portable.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein the device is handheld.

6. The device of claim 1 further comprising a light emitting diode (LED) display screen.

7. The device of claim 6, where the LED display screen allows for user input.

8. A non-invasive method of acquiring an ocular image from a subject, comprising acquiring the ocular image with the device of claim 1.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein the LEDs emit light at the wavelengths corresponding to white light and near infrared light.

10. The method of claim 8 wherein the device is stationary.

11. The method of claim 8 wherein the device is portable.

12. The method of claim 8 wherein the device is handheld.

13. The device of claim 8 further comprising a light emitting diode display screen.

14. The device of claim 13, where the LED display screen allows for user input.

15. A non-invasive method of diagnosing a diseased state in a subject comprising:

a) acquiring, processing and extracting one or more ocular characteristics according to the method of claim 8; and

b) comparing said ocular characteristics to a database of standard ocular characteristics obtained from a non-diseased state population;

wherein differences between the subject'"'"'s ocular characteristics and the database of standard ocular characteristics indicates an abnormality in the subject'"'"'s ocular characteristics; and

wherein any of steps a) through b) are performed under the control of an algorithm.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the diseased state is selected from the group consisting of exposure to organophosphate nerve agents, cyanide compounds, carbon monoxide and botulinum toxin.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the algorithm is as described above.

18. A non-invasive method of determining the progression of a diseased state in a subject comprising:

a) acquiring, processing and extracting a first ocular characteristic according to the method of claim 8;

b) acquiring, processing and extracting a second ocular characteristic according to the method of claim 8; and

c) comparing the first ocular characteristic and the second ocular characteristic;

wherein the first ocular characteristic and the second ocular characteristic are acquired, processed and extracted sequentially over time and wherein differences in the ocular characteristics indicate the relative change in diseased state status in said subject; and

wherein any of steps a) through c) are performed under the control of an algorithm.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the diseased state is selected from the group consisting of exposure to organophosphate nerve agents, cyanide compounds, carbon monoxide and botulinum toxin.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the algorithm is the algorithm is as described above.

21. A non-invasive method for diagnosing a diseased state in a subject comprising:

a) acquiring one or more ocular images with the device of claim 1;

b) processing said ocular images;

c) extracting one or more ocular characteristics from said ocular images; and

d) classifying said ocular characteristics;

wherein any of steps a) through d) are performed under the control of an algorithm.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the diseased state is selected from the group consisting of exposure to organophosphate nerve agents, cyanide compounds, carbon monoxide and botulinum toxin.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein the algorithm is the algorithm is as described above.

24. A non-invasive method of diagnosing a diseased state in a subject comprising:

c) acquiring, processing and extracting one or more ocular characteristics according to the method of claim 8; and

d) comparing said ocular characteristics to a database of standard ocular characteristics obtained from a non-diseased state population;

wherein differences between the subject'"'"'s ocular characteristics and the database of standard ocular characteristics indicates an abnormality in the subject'"'"'s ocular characteristics; and

wherein any of steps a) through d) are performed under the control of an algorithm.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the diseased state is selected from the group consisting of exposure to organophosphate nerve agents, cyanide compounds, carbon monoxide and botulinum toxin.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein the algorithm is the algorithm is as described above.