초록 ▼

An apparatus and method is provided for monitoring internal pressure of a physiological vessel using non-contact contour measurement techniques. A pressure measuring system includes a light or acoustic source for impinging a beam on the vessel surface and a detector for detecting a reflected beam fr

An apparatus and method is provided for monitoring internal pressure of a physiological vessel using non-contact contour measurement techniques. A pressure measuring system includes a light or acoustic source for impinging a beam on the vessel surface and a detector for detecting a reflected beam from the vessel surface, the system being mounted proximate to the vessel (e.g., an eye). The apparatus compares changes in vessel surface contour measurements with stored data relating changes in vessel surface contour with calibrated measurements corresponding to internal pressure of the vessel.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An intraocular pressure measuring apparatus comprising:a light emitter means for emitting a light beam spaced or swept across the outer surface of a limbus region between the sclera and cornea of the eye;at least one photo detector spaced relative to the emitter wherein s

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An intraocular pressure measuring apparatus comprising:a light emitter means for emitting a light beam spaced or swept across the outer surface of a limbus region between the sclera and cornea of the eye;at least one photo detector spaced relative to the emitter wherein said photodetector converts to electrical signals the position of a light beam reflected from the limbus region;an analog-to-digital converter coupled to the photo detector that encodes the electrical signals to digital data; anda local memory medium means connected to the converter for accumulating the digital data over a period of time wherein changes in contour of the limbus region that are caused by alterations in intraocular pressure without contact or force applied to the eye measurably affect the electrical signals generated in response to the position of the reflected light beam.