Patent ID: 9072465
Filing Date: 2015-07-07
Classification: A61B,A61F,F04C,G02C,G06K

Abstract:
1. A method for detecting blinks and blink patterns, the method comprising: sampling, at a predetermined rate, light incident on an eye of an individual and at least temporarily saving collected samples; determining when an eyelid is open or closed in order to characterize blinking by calculating a number, time period and pulse width of one or more of a plurality of blinks from the collected samples; calculating a number of blinks and a duration of the blinks in a given time period; comparing the number of blinks, the durations of the blinks in the given time period, and a time between blinks in the given time period to a stored set of samples representative of one or more predetermined intentional blink sequences to determine patterns in blinking; and determining if the blinks correspond to one or more of a predetermined intentional blink sequences, the step of determining including allowance for deviations in the durations of the blinks from the durations of the blinks in the one or more predetermined intentional blink sequences; and utilizing the one or more intentional blink sequences as feedback signals for a control system to activate and control one or more properties of an electronic contact lens that fits on or in the eye of a user.