Extended focal region measuring apparatus and method
US8078245B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 24, 2004 |
| Grant date | Dec 13, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 1, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B5/6821
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for measuring an apparent depth of a section of an animal body are disclosed. Light is focused concurrently to an extended focal region comprising a plurality or continuum of measurement locations. Light reflected by a refractive index interface coincident with one of the plurality of measurement locations is detected. Detected light signals are generated from light reflected from first and second interfaces respectively defining the section under investigation, so that the apparent positions of the interfaces may be derived. A confocal arrangement and an axicon element may be employed. Preferably, the section is the aqueous humor of an eye. From changes in its refractive index corresponding changes in glucose concentration in the aqueous humor and, in turn, in the bloodstream of a patient may be derived, offering a non-invasive monitoring means for diabetic patients. Other compounds and structures of the body may alternatively be investigated.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.