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Publication Number
US-10149614-B2
Publication Date
2018-12-11
Expiration Date
Abstract
A method of screening a pupil of a subject to determine whether the pupil reflex resembles a canonical pupil reflex is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of stimulating the pupil with a stimulus source, such as a pupilometer and determining whether one of various pupillary response conditions is met.
Core Innovation
A pupilometer is provided that delivers a stimulus from a stimulus source and includes an imaging system with an imaging sensor that detects and monitors a pupillary response following delivery of the stimulus. A microprocessor is coupled to the imaging system to process pupil data comprising pupil diameter measurements as a function of time, determine time values associated with each of a plurality of pupil diameter values, and evaluate the measured time-varying pupil response against specified conditions.
The microprocessor determines whether multiple pupilary reflex-shape and timing conditions are met during the pupilary reflex response. These conditions include limits on more than two data points representing the same pupil diameter at separate points in time during a period of no more than about four seconds, and the existence of a first phase characterized by a period of non-constriction immediately subsequent to stimulating the pupil.
The first phase is characterized by a duration of greater than about 100 msec and less than about 1000 msec. If two data points exist representing the same pupil diameter at two separate points in time, then the duration between those points is required to be greater than about 100 msec, and during the first phase the diameter of the pupil is required to not increase before it decreases.
An output is provided indicating that the pupil reflex does not resemble a canonical reflex if one or more of the specified conditions are not met. The approach is framed around comparing a measured pupilary reflex profile to a canonical reflex based on reflex-shape and temporal conditions.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim is directed to a pupilometer that uses stimulus-delivered time-varying pupil diameter measurements to test whether a pupil reflex resembles a canonical reflex. The claim includes four main inventive conditions used to decide when the reflex does not resemble the canonical reflex, and an output that reflects that determination.
Stimulus-delivered imaging of a pupillary response
A pupilometer comprising a stimulus source and an imaging system including an imaging sensor that detects and monitors a pupillary response following delivery of a stimulus from the stimulus source.
Time-varying pupil diameter processing and timing determination
A microprocessor coupled to the imaging system and configured to process pupil data comprising pupil diameter measurements as a function of time, and determine time values associated with each of a plurality of pupil diameter values.
Canonical reflex resemblance decision from reflex-shape and temporal conditions
Determining whether conditions are met including: no more than two data points represent the same pupil diameter at separate points in time during a period of no more than about four seconds, a first phase exists characterized by a period of non-constriction immediately subsequent to stimulating the pupil with a duration greater than about 100 msec and less than about 1000 msec, if two data points exist representing the same pupil diameter at two separate points in time then the duration between said two separate points in time is greater than about 100 msec, and during the first phase the diameter of the pupil does not increase before it decreases.
Output indicating non-canonical reflex when conditions fail
Providing an output indicating that the pupil reflex does not resemble a canonical reflex if one or more of said conditions is not met.
Across the independent claim, the inventive structure couples stimulus delivery and time-resolved imaging with microprocessor-based evaluation of multiple reflex-shape and temporal conditions, producing an output indicating failure to resemble a canonical reflex when conditions are not met.
Stated Advantages
Provides an output indicating that the pupil reflex does not resemble a canonical reflex when one or more specified conditions is not met.
Documented Applications
Glaucoma screening.
Elevated intracranial pressure screening via amplitude-modulated reflex deterioration.
Testing brain function/eye-tracking impairment and extracting pupil irregularity metrics.
Afferent/efferent pathway testing using controlled noxious stimuli.
Auditory-hearing screening using sound stimuli.
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