Techniques for quantitatively assessing tear-film dynamics
Inventors
Baker, Kevin • Choi, Hyo Won • Borja, David • Kunnen, Carolina
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12733804-B2
Publication Date
2026-09-15
Expiration Date
Abstract
Aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for quantitatively assessing tear-film dynamics associated with contact lenses. An example method includes projecting an image of one or more shapes on a tear film surface of the contact lens worn on the eye, capturing video data, comprising a plurality of image frames, of the one or more shapes projected on the tear film surface of the contact lens over a period of time, performing image segmentation on a plurality of reflection patterns included in the plurality of image frames, generating a plurality of maps of the tear film surface of the contact lens indicating changes to the tear film surface of the contact lens during the period of time, and outputting, based on the plurality of maps, one or more metrics quantifying the changes to the tear film surface of the contact lens over the period of time.
Core Innovation
The invention describes an imaging apparatus for tear film analysis of a contact lens worn on an eye. A corneal topographer projects predefined shapes onto the tear film surface, and a digital camera captures video of the reflected shapes over time. Image segmentation identifies shape edges, and maps based on edge displacement across image frames indicate changes to the tear film surface.
The apparatus and corresponding method output metrics quantifying tear film changes over time, including breakup time and breakup velocity. In addition, the generated maps indicate displacement at different portions of the tear film surface. The underlying background problem is not explicitly described in patent.
Claims Coverage
The claims include two independent claims directed to two inventive features.
Imaging apparatus for tear film analysis
Claim 1 recites a corneal topographer configured to project one or more predefined shapes onto a contact lens tear film surface, a digital camera configured to capture video data of the reflected shapes over time, and a processor configured to perform image segmentation, generate maps based on identified-edge displacement, and output metrics quantifying tear film changes.
Method for tear film analysis
Claim 14 recites projecting predefined shapes onto a contact lens tear film surface, capturing video data of the reflected shapes over time, performing image segmentation to identify shape edges, generating maps based on edge displacement between image frames, and outputting metrics quantifying changes to the tear film surface.
The two independent claims cover apparatus and method implementations wherein reflected predefined shapes are segmented and tracked across image frames, edge displacement is mapped, and metrics quantify contact lens tear film changes over time.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
The tear film metrics can support comparisons of contact lenses or testing conditions.
The apparatus can output recommendations concerning contact lens manufacturing materials, lens shape, eye drops, or corneal shape for use.
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