WO2020064475A1 - Method of retinal vessel analysis, a portable retinal vessel analysis apparatus and a non-transitory computer-readable medium - Google Patents

Abstract

A portable retinal vessel analysis apparatus, a method of retinal vessel analysis, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium are provided. The retinal vessel analysis apparatus includes a spectacle frame, an optical system unit provided on the spectacle frame, and a controller. The controller is configured to control a movement of the optical system unit. The retinal vessel analysis apparatus is configured to automatically identify and recognize vessels within the eye and to automatically adjust and position itself for optimum retinal vessel analysis.

Description

TITLE

“METHOD OF RETINAL VESSEL ANALYSIS, A PORTABLE RETINAL VESSEL ANALYSIS APPARATUS AND A NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER-

READABLE MEDIUM”

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/737,718, filed September 27, 2018 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/738,581, filed September 28, 2018, the disclosures of which are incorporated into this specification by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to a portable retinal vessel analysis apparatus, a retinal vessel analysis method and a non-transitory computer- readable medium with a retinal vessel image analysis program recorded therein.

[0003] Individuals with different diseases such as brain hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, vasospams, vasculitits, stroke, neuronal pathologies, diabetes, therapy resistant arterial hypertension, cardiovascular illness, and Eclampsia often escape diagnosis due to a lack of visible symptoms. However, scientists have discovered that the activity of the retinal vessels mimic certain activities of the brain and other organs and can be useful for diagnosing certain brain and organs pathologies. For example, timely detection of impending delayed cerebral ischemia after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is important to improve outcome, but it poses a diagnostic challenge. Existing retinal vessel diagnostic devices are large and laborious, and often are incapable of automating the process of retinal vessel analysis in a meaningful way or of being updated in real time. Furthermore, the existing methods and devices often lack the ability to track the same vessel in subsequent analyses. These devices are not portable, and not easily transferable or storable and cannot be used in patients in deep coma or analog-sedated and patient in a supine position. SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure generally relates to a portable retinal vessel analysis apparatus, a retinal vessel analysis method and a non-transitory computer- readable medium with a retinal vessel image analysis program recorded therein.

[0005] Patients with different diseases such as aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) face persistently high overall morbidity and mortality. Cerebral vessel constriction (vasospasm) after aSAH occurs in about 2/3 of patients, and in about half of the cases, they develop ischemic strokes. Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI), defined as clinical worsening, or new functional deficit (oxygenation crisis or metabolic disturbance), has been shown to contribute significantly the cerebral infarction, which in turn influences the outcome. Timely detection of cerebral vasospasm and DCI is essential to improve outcome, but can pose a diagnostic challenge, particularly in sedated patients where the neurological examination is difficult to perform. Changes in vessel caliber and functionality of autoregulation and neurovascular coupling have been shown to be predictive of clinical outcome, and continuous or reproducible assessment of these parameters could potentially be used to optimize further established treatment efforts and improve outcome. For this patient subgroup, advanced monitoring techniques are available, but for the most part are either non-invasive and momentary or invasive and continuous ldeally, these modalities could be supplemented with an alternative, non-invasive and continuous or repeatable monitoring approach.

[0006] The retinal vasculature shares an embryological origin with strictly intracranial vessels and lends itself as a new tool for cerebrovascular monitoring. With the idea of electronic spectacles, a variety of relevant alterations can be detected (vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, stroke, arterial hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus and many other diseases). After detection of altered neuronal function, a confirmatory invasive testing can be initiated and rescue neurosurgical and/or endovascular therapies can be performed earlier to improve outcome.

[0007] ln light of the present disclosure, and without limiting the scope of the disclosure in any way, in an aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, a portable retinal vessel analysis apparatus is provided. The portable retinal vessel analysis apparatus includes a spectacle frame, an optical system unit provided on the spectacle frame, and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to control a movement of the optical system unit, control the light intensity, adaptation of the focus.

[0008] In an aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the optical system unit includes a first polarizer, a second polarizer and a circular LED light and electrical fluid lens.

[0009] In an aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the circular LED light is provided between the first polarizer and the second polarizer.

[0010] In an aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the first polarizer is larger than the second polarizer.

[0011] In an aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the controller is configured to control a light intensity of the circular LED light.

[0012] In an aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the optical system unit includes an electrical fluid lens and an imaging unit.

[0013] In an aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the controller is configured to adjust a focus of the electrical fluid lens.

[0014] In an aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the imaging unit includes at least an image sensor or a camera module.

[0015] In an aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, a portable retinal vessel analysis apparatus further comprises a case configured to accommodate the optical system unit.

[0016] In an aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the case has an L shape. [0017] In an aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, a portable retinal vessel analysis apparatus further comprises a motor in the spectacle frame.

[0018] In an aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, the motor is configured to move the optical system unit in multi-dimension.

[0019] In an aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, a portable retinal vessel analysis apparatus further comprises an infrared light.

[0020] In an aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, a portable retinal vessel analysis apparatus further comprises a battery configured to supply power to portable retinal vessel analysis apparatus.

[0021] In an aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, a portable retinal vessel analysis apparatus is configured to be mounted on a user’s head.

[0022] In an aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, a portable retinal vessel analysis apparatus is configured to perform non-invasive assessment of retinal vessel dimension and neurovascular coupling to predict cerebral vascular diseases and cardiovascular diseases.

[0023] In an aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, a method of retinal vessel analysis is provided. The method includes automating a portable retinal vessel analysis apparatus to select a vessel, wherein the portable retinal vessel apparatus includes a spectacle frame, an optical system unit provided on the spectacle frame, and a controller, and wherein the controller is configured to control a movement of the optical system unit.

[0024] In an aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, further comprises monitoring a patient by use of video and infrared light for a prolonged period. [0025] In an aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, further comprises automatically positioning the portable retinal vessel analysis apparatus.

[0026] In an aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect listed herein unless specified otherwise, a non-transitory computer- readable medium is provided. The non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions to cause a portable retinal vessel analysis apparatus to automatically scan and select a retinal vessel, wherein the portable retinal vessel apparatus includes a spectacle frame, an optical system unit provided on the spectacle frame, and a controller, and wherein the controller is configured to control a movement of the optical system unit.

[0027] The technology as described herein can be used to monitor the patient in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) where it is difficult to do frequent neuroimaging like CT angiography for an example. In addition, patients can be much more flexibly controlled on an outpatient basis.

[0028] Additional features and advantages of the disclosed apparatus, method, and computer-readable medium are described in, and will be apparent from, the following Detailed Description and the Figures. The features and advantages described herein are not all-inclusive and, in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the figures and description. Also, any particular embodiment does not have to have all of the advantages listed herein. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and not to limit the scope of the inventive subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0029] Features and advantages of a retinal vessel analysis apparatus, a retinal vessel analysis method and a non-transitory computer-readable medium with a retinal vessel image analysis program recorded therein may be better understood by reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates a retinal vessel analysis apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [0031] FIG. 2 illustrates an optical system unit of a retinal vessel analysis apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 3(a)-3(c) illustrate exploded views of a retinal vessel analysis apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 4(a)-4(e) illustrate exploded views of a retinal vessel analysis apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] F IG. 5(a)-5(c) illustrate a retinal vessel analysis apparatus mounted on a user’s head according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 6 illustrates a retinal vessel analysis apparatus connected with a portable device.

[0036] FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic view of an optical system unit of a retinal vessel analysis apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure

[0037] The reader will appreciate the foregoing details, as well as others, upon considering the following detailed description of certain non-limiting embodiments of the method of retinal vessel analysis and apparatus for performing the same according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The present disclosure generally relates to a retinal vessel analysis apparatus, a retinal vessel analysis method and a recording medium with a retinal vessel image analysis program recorded therein.

[0039] As described herein, the present disclosure will be described based on examples with reference to the drawings, but the present disclosure is not to be considered limited to the examples, and various numerical values and materials in the examples are considered by way of example.

[0040] The present disclosure, in part, is directed to a retinal vessel analysis apparatus configured to detect vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, stroke, or a number of other diseases. The retinal vessel analysis apparatus is configured to use a special retinal camera to analyze the retinal vessel diameter, perivascular spaces, vessel pulsations and the chronological integrity of retinal neurovascular coupling and fundus imaging. The retinal vessel analysis apparatus is configured to use neurovascular coupling to assess retinal response to flickering of light. The analysis process may be fully automated. The retinal vessel analysis apparatus is portable and can be mounted to a patient’s head, so that the patient does not need to be transported for testing. The retinal vessel analysis apparatus is also configured to be administered to patients who are sedated or in a coma or in a supine position.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 1, a retinal vessel analysis apparatus 100 is illustrated according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The retinal vessel analysis apparatus 100 is a non-handheld, portable, and wearable device. The retinal vessel analysis apparatus 100 includes an optical system unit (e.g., L-unit) 110, a circuitry 120 and a spectacle frame 130. The circuitry 120 is provided on the spectacle frame 130 and may include a controller, a communication unit, and an image processing unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The controller is configured to control the retinal vessel analysis apparatus. The controller may include one or more processors or central processing units (CPU) or the like. The communication unit is configured to receive and transmit data to external devices. The communication unit may include a receiver, a transmitter and/or an antenna. The communication unit may connect with external devices by wireless communication such as Wi-Fi communication, Bluetooth or Near-Field Communication. The communication unit may also connect with external devices through a cable or the like. The spectacle frame 130 is configured to be mounted on an individual’s head. The optical system unit 110 is provided on the spectacle frame 130 and may include a couple of lenses, mirrors, polarizers, and imaging units. The optical system 110 is provided in a case. The case may have an L-shape, a cylindrical shape or other suitable shape configured to accommodate the optical system 110.

[0042] The retinal vessel analysis apparatus as illustrated in FIG. 1 is configured to perform non-invasive assessment of retinal vessel dimension and neurovascular coupling, which demonstrates a predictive value in the context of various neurovascular diseases and cerebral vascular diseases.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 2, an embodiment of an optical system unit is illustrated. The optical system unit includes one or more lenses provided along an optical axis of incident light from a through hole in the spectacle frame. A mirror is provided between a lens and a polarizer. The mirror is configured to reflect the light passing through the lens to the polarizer. The mirror may include a silver mirror or other suitable mirror. A circular LED light is provided between the polarizer 240 and a polarizer 260. The circular LED light may include a couple of green-light circular LEDs for monochromic pictures and a white-light circular LED for color images. For example, the circular LED light may have four or more green-light circular LEDs according to an embodiment. The polarizer 240, which receives light from the mirror 230, may have a larger size than the polarizer 260. However, the polarizer 240 may have a same or smaller size than the polarizer 260 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. An electrical fluid lens 270 is provided between the polarizer 260 and an imaging unit 280. The electrical fluid lens 270 includes an optical liquid material that can change its shape in response to control signals. The electrical fluid lens 270 allows the imaging unit 280 to overcome Depth of Field (DOF) limitations by allowing the focus to be electronically adjusted without requiring any mechanical movement. The imaging unit 280 is configured to convert an optical image into an electronic signal. The imaging unit 280 may include an image sensor or a camera module such as Rpi camera module.

[0044] As illustrated in FIG. 2, a battery unit 211 is provided in the spectacle frame. The battery unit 211 may include a plurality of battery cells. The battery cells may include lithium ion secondary batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries or lead acid batteries. A motor unit 290 is also provided in the spectacle frame. The motor unit 290 is configured to move the optical system unit to a desired position corresponding to a pupil of a patient. The motor unit 290 may include one or more motors.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 3 (a)-(c), an exploded view of a retinal vessel analysis apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. As illustrated in FIG. 3 (a), two windows are provided on a front cover 320 of the spectacle frame. One window 310 has a fixation 311, which allows an eye of a patient to search for an object or a target around the patient. Another window 320 has a larger size than the window 320. An optical system unit 340 is provided in the window 320 and is configured to move within the window 320. The optical system unit 340 is configured to measure retinal vascular changes in another eye of the patient. The retinal vessel analysis apparatus allows a walking person to have one eye measured for fundoscopy while another eye searches for a target. According another embodiment of the present disclosure, the retinal vessel analysis apparatus is configured to measure an eye of a patient in a deep coma, but also allows to measure the second eye by repositioning the frame. In yet another embodiment, the retinal vessel analysis apparatus is configured to be used for bilateral assessment. Specifically, the retinal vessel analysis apparatus is tumable and is configured to measure both eyes with only one optical system

[0046] Referring to FIG. 4 (a)-(e), an exploded view of a retinal vessel analysis apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. As illustrated in FIG. 4 (a), a first through hole 410 is provided in the spectacle frame corresponding to a first window. A second through hole 420 is provided in the spectacle frame corresponding to a second window. The first through hole 410 is smaller than the second through hole 420. The first through hole 410 may have an oval shape, circular shape, rectangular shape or other suitable shape. The second through hole 420 may have a circular shape or other suitable shape. As illustrated in FIG. 4 (d), a couple of wheel gears 430 are provided in the spectacle frame of the retinal vessel analysis apparatus. A motor unit is configured to drive the wheel gears to move the optical system unit.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 5 (a)-(c), a retinal vessel analysis apparatus mounted on a user’s head according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. As illustrated in FIG. 5 (a), the optical system unit is configured to move along four axes to a desired position to locate a pupil of a user. For example, the optical system unit is configured to move along X axis, Y axis, Z axis and/or rotate along X axis, Y axis, or Z axis to reach to a preferred position. The movement of the optical system can be automatically controller by the controller or can be manually controlled by the user.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 6, a retinal vessel analysis apparatus connected with a portable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. The retinal vessel analysis apparatus is configured to be connected and controlled by an external device such as smart phone, tablet, laptop or computer. As a non-limiting example, the retinal vessel analysis apparatus is configured to connected and controlled by a tablet as illustrated in FIG. 6. The connection between the retinal vessel analysis apparatus and the tablet may include at least one of WiFi-direct, NFC, Bluetooth or the like. The tablet is configured to set up measurement parameters for the retinal vessel analysis apparatus. The tablet is configured to receive measurement data from the retinal vessel analysis apparatus, and perform imaging process and analysis independently or cooperatively with the retinal vessel analysis apparatus. The measured data can also be stored in a patient specific storage. The external device such as smart phone, tablet, laptop and/or computer is configured to have an online real time access and analysis of the measured or collected data according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The external device is also configured to have an offline access and analysis of the measured or collected data.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 7, a schematic view of an optical system unit of a retinal vessel analysis apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. For example, two lenses are provided between a user’s eye and a mirror in a first direction. An electrical fluid lens is provided between a LED and a camera module in a second direction. The camera module includes at least a camera sensor. The camera sensor may be a CCD (charged coupled device) image sensor or a CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor). Special filter units can be connected in front of the camera sensor. For example, using special filter units, Oxygen and other metabolites (e.g., blood degradation products) in the vessels and neuronal tissue can be detected by the retinal vessel analysis apparatus. The first direction may be perpendicular to the second direction according to an embodiment. The LED may be a single LED or a ring-LED. The retinal vessel analysis apparatus may have more than one LED according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In addition, different LED colors and wavelengths can be used for the retinal vessel analysis apparatus.

[0050] Various non-exhaustive, non-limiting aspects of apparatus, method and computer readable medium according to the present disclosure may be useful alone or in combination with one or more other aspect described herein. Without limiting the foregoing description, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, a non handheld, portable, and/or wearable retinal vessel analysis apparatus may be programmed to automatically align itself to the correct position for retinal analysis and may automatically adjust its lens in order to optimize retinal vessel analysis. The present disclosure includes the ability to administer a funduscopy analysis on the retinal vessels of a patient in a coma or in a waking state or in a supine position. Additionally, the non-handheld, portable, and/or wearable retinal vessel analysis apparatus is configured to administer a flickering light test or to implement an elongated test to view the retinal vessels in real time. The non-handheld, portable, and/or wearable retinal vessel analysis apparatus is configured to take photos of the retinal vessels and to take video of the retinal vessels. In certain embodiments, the non-handheld, portable, and/or wearable retinal vessel analysis apparatus is configured to use infrared light to evaluate the retinal vessel over a prolonged period of time.

[0051] In an embodiment, a method includes online or live tracking of the blood vessel using a non-handheld, portable, and/or wearable retinal vessel analysis apparatus. The apparatus is configured to measure micro-changes of the vessel diameter, such as retinal vessel diameter, perivascular spaces, vessel pulsations and neurovascular coupling. Furthermore, the apparatus is configured to communicate the measurements in real time and displaying them on another device such as a touch screen device or a handheld device.

[0052] In an embodiment, a non-handheld, portable, and/or wearable retinal vessel analysis apparatus includes software for use in retinal vessel analysis. In particular, the software is designed and specialized such that the apparatus may automatically detect or suggest particular vessels for analysis. In addition, the apparatus is configured to analyze each individual’s eye and suggesting an optimum vessel to use during the analysis. The user is able to modify the selection or to suggest another vessel. The apparatus may also allow the user to validate the region of interest in the eye. The software is also capable of verifying that the same vessel is being used from patient to patient.

[0053] In an embodiment, a non-handheld, portable, and/or wearable retinal vessel analysis apparatus is configured to recognize the papilla of the optic nerve. In another embodiment, a non-handheld, portable, and/or wearable retinal vessel analysis apparatus is configured to distinguish between the artery and the vein of the retina. Additionally, the non-handheld, portable, and/or wearable retinal vessel analysis apparatus is configured to measure the same vessel in the same patient each time the method is administered. The non-handheld, portable, and/or wearable retinal vessel analysis apparatus is configured to automatically register and select previous area of interest of individual patients. The non-handheld, portable, and/or wearable retinal vessel analysis apparatus is configured to conduct static and dynamic vessel analyses. The static and dynamic vessel analyses include assessments of diameter, tortuosity and/or pulsatility.

[0054] In an embodiment, a non-handheld, portable, and/or wearable retinal vessel analysis apparatus may be programmed to automatically zoom-in or zoom-out in order to perform a retinal scan and otherwise position itself. Additionally, the apparatus is configured to live stream the events of the eye to another screen.

[0055] In an embodiment, a non-handheld, portable, and/or wearable retinal vessel analysis apparatus is configured to control the optical system unit (e.g., L-Unit), the light intensity, and the focus manually. FIGS 5(a), 5(b), and 5(c) illustrate multidimensional movement capabilities of the apparatus. The apparatus is configured to move in all directions.

[0056] In an embodiment, a non-handheld, portable, and/or wearable retinal vessel analysis apparatus is configured to enable dynamic vessel analysis as a function of time by applying flicker light impulses at defined frequencies (e.g. 10 Hz, 20 seconds).

[0057] In an embodiment, a retinal vessel analysis apparatus is portable and may be handheld. The apparatus is also configured to be affixed or mounted to a user’s head.

[0058] In an embodiment, a retinal vessel analysis method includes applying flicker light in which flashlight impulses at 500 to 620 nm at a frequency of 10-60 Hz for 20-30s, repeating in 3 to 4 cycles, alternating with 40 to 80 seconds of steady illumination. Flickering can be performed by light or other stimulus. Flickering of the macula may cause retinal vessel changes and neurovascular coupling. Centering of Stimulus on the macula using special lenses or the like allows assessment of neuromuscular coupling.

[0059] In an embodiment, a retinal vessel analysis method includes measuring a patient’s retinal vessel for a baseline and following with subsequent measurements and monitoring vasospasm and impaired neuromuscular coupling. This is especially useful or indicative of patients in an acute state. [0060] In an embodiment, the apparatus may be used on a patient in a coma, supine position or sitting/stand position.

[0061] In an embodiment, a retinal vessel analysis method, which may be used in combination with each or any of the above-mentioned embodiments, may include using a tape or the like to hold the patient’s eye open. The portability and wearability of the apparatus makes it more usable on individuals who cannot be moved or who cannot sit upright.

[0062] In an embodiment, a retinal vessel analysis method, which may be used in combination with each or any of the above-mentioned embodiments, may involve the use of infrared light to monitor the patient for an elongated period of time. As a non-limiting example, the method may monitor the retinal vessel activity of a patient for five minutes. In another embodiment, the method may observe for activity of the retinal vessels and neuronal integrity for a period of 24 hours. The method may involve analyzing a vessel at a particular point in time and then analyzing the same vessel at a subsequent point in time according to another embodiment.

[0063] In an embodiment, a retinal vessel analysis apparatus, which may be used in combination with each or any of the above-mentioned embodiments, uses LEDs and a camera. The apparatus may also include a portable display.

[0064] In an embodiment, a retinal vessel analysis apparatus, which may be used in combination with each or any of the above-mentioned embodiments, weighs less than 25 kilograms. In another embodiment, the apparatus may weigh less than 10 kilograms. Further, the apparatus is configured to take pictures and/or videos of a user’s retinal vessels.

[0065] In an embodiment, a retinal vessel analysis apparatus, which may be used in combination with each or any of the above-mentioned embodiments, is configured to administer consistent light intensity. As a non-limiting example, the apparatus administers consistent light intensity for a period of at least 3-5 minutes. In another example, the apparatus administers a light source, such as infrared, for a period of 24 hours. The light source may include an LED according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [0066] In an embodiment, a retinal vessel analysis apparatus, which may be used in combination with each or any of the above-mentioned embodiments, is equipped with one or more motors to facilitate movement in any direction.

[0067] In an embodiment, a retinal vessel analysis apparatus, which may be used in combination with each or any of the above-mentioned embodiments, may implement a computer code as provided in the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/737,718, or portions thereof, or similar computer code in order to automatically select the vessel for analysis, or in order to automatically position the device, or in order to automatically adjust the lens, or any combination thereof.

[0068] The terms“a,”“an,”“the” and similar referents used in the context of describing the disclosure (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g.,“such as”) provided herein is intended merely to better illuminate the disclosure and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the disclosure.

[0069] It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the present embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS The invention is claimed as follows:

1. A portable retinal vessel analysis apparatus comprising:

a spectacle frame,

an optical system unit provided on the spectacle frame, and

a controller,

wherein the controller is configured to control a movement of the optical system unit.

2. The portable retinal vessel analysis apparatus of claim 1, wherein the optical system unit includes a first polarizer, a second polarizer and a circular LED light.

3. The portable retinal vessel analysis apparatus of claim 2, wherein the circular LED light is provided between the first polarizer and the second polarizer.

4. The portable retinal vessel analysis apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first polarizer is larger than the second polarizer.

5. The portable retinal vessel analysis apparatus of claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to control a light intensity of the circular LED light.

6. The portable retinal vessel analysis apparatus of claim 1, wherein the optical system unit includes an electrical fluid lens and an imaging unit.

7. The portable retinal vessel analysis apparatus of claim 6, wherein the controller is configured to adjust a focus of the electrical fluid lens.

8. The portable retinal vessel analysis apparatus of claim 6, wherein the imaging unit includes at least an image sensor or a camera module.

9. The portable retinal vessel analysis apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a case configured to accommodate the optical system unit.

10. The portable retinal vessel analysis apparatus of claim 9, wherein the case has an L shape.

11. The portable retinal vessel analysis apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a motor in the spectacle frame.

12. The portable retinal vessel analysis apparatus of claim 11, wherein the motor is configured to move the optical system unit in multi-dimension.

13. The portable retinal vessel analysis apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an infrared light.

14. The portable retinal vessel analysis apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a battery configured to supply power to portable retinal vessel analysis apparatus.

15. The portable retinal vessel analysis apparatus of claim 1, wherein the portable retinal vessel analysis apparatus is configured to be mounted on a user’s head.

16. The portable retinal vessel analysis apparatus of claim 1, wherein the portable retinal vessel analysis apparatus is configured to perform non-invasive assessment of retinal vessel dimension and neurovascular coupling to predict cerebral vascular diseases.

17. A method of retinal vessel analysis comprising:

automating a portable retinal vessel analysis apparatus to select a vessel, wherein the portable retinal vessel apparatus includes:

a spectacle frame, an optical system unit provided on the spectacle frame, and a controller, and

wherein the controller is configured to control a movement of the optical system unit.

18. The method according to claim 17, comprising monitoring a patient by use of video and infrared light for a prolonged period.

19. The method according to claim 17, comprising automatically positioning the portable retinal vessel analysis apparatus.

20. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions to cause a portable retinal vessel analysis apparatus to:

automatically scan and select a retinal vessel, wherein the portable retinal vessel apparatus includes:

a spectacle frame,

an optical system unit provided on the spectacle frame, and a controller, and

wherein the controller is configured to control a movement of the optical system unit.