AIR Option 1: Technology Translation - Feasibility Analysis of Self-Administered Eye Tactile Tonometer

这个PFI: AIR技术翻译项目专注于翻译微机电（MEMS）触觉传感和信号处理科学，以填补非侵入式眼压测量技术的空白。翻译后的技术具有以下独特的特点：能够检测柔软材料和组织的物理特性的微小变化，能够检测和测量组织和器官（如人眼）中封闭腔内的压力，能够识别由于老化过程可能发生的变化。与市场上领先的角膜眼压测量技术相比，翻译后的技术提供了典型的成本节约、便利性和有效性。该项目通过利用传感器小型化、软组织生物力学建模和人工神经网络（ANN）信号处理技术的最新进展，实现了这一目标，从而产生了一种易于使用的自我管理的家用眼压计。合作伙伴包括Arch Partners LLC、EPV Sensors LLC、亚利桑那视网膜专家有限责任公司和亚利桑那大学，他们将在家庭眼压测量市场空间和其他方面提供指导：设备的评估和测试、融资、商业化和营销，因为它们与将触觉传感技术转化为可能导致竞争的商业现实的潜力有关。预计在未来5到10年，潜在的经济影响将超过20亿美元的全球销售额，这将有助于美国在家庭计度器市场领域的竞争力。从长远来看，社会影响将是更好地管理每年影响430多万美国人的青光眼，降低致残率，降低医疗保健服务成本，并使更多的人获得眼科诊断和护理。

This PFI: AIR Technology Translation project focuses on translating micro-electromechanical (MEMS) tactile sensing and signal processing science to fill a non-invasive eye-pressure measurement technology gap. The translated technology has the following unique features: the ability to detect minute changes in the physical characteristics of soft materials and tissues, the ability to detect and measure pressure inside closed cavities in tissues and organs such as the human eye, and the ability to recognize changes that might occur due to aging processes. The translated technology provides exemplary cost savings, convenience, and efficacy when compared to the leading competing corneal tonometry in this market space. The project accomplishes this goal by utilizing the latest advances in sensor miniaturization, soft tissue biomechanical modeling, and application of artificial neural network (ANN) signal processing techniques, resulting in an easy-to-use self-administered home tonometer. The partnership engages Arch Partners LLC, EPV Sensors LLC, Arizona Retinal Specialists LLC, and the University of Arizona to provide guidance in the home tonometry market space and other aspects: evaluation and testing of the device, financing, commercialization, and marketing as they pertain to the potential to translate the tactile sensing technology along a path that may result in a competitive commercial reality. The potential economic impact is expected to be over $2B in world-wide sales in the next 5 to 10 years, which will contribute to the U.S. competitiveness in the home tonometry market space. The societal impact, long term, will be better management of glaucoma affecting over 4.3 M Americans each year, reduced disability rates, lower healthcare delivery costs, and greater access to eye diagnostics and care.