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

AIR 选项 1：技术翻译 - 自控眼部触觉眼压计的可行性分析

• 批准号: 1311851
• 负责人: Eniko Enikov
• 金额: $ 15万
• 依托单位: University of Arizona
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Standard Grant
• 财政年份: 2013
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2013-06-01 至 2015-11-30
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1311851&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: AIR; Option; Technology; Translation; Feasibility

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.

该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。 该技术具有以下独特功能：能够检测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）中封闭腔体内的压力，以及能够识别由于老化过程可能发生的变化。 与该市场领域领先的竞争性角膜眼压计相比，该翻译技术提供了示例性的成本节约、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）信号处理技术的应用方面的最新进展来实现这一目标，从而实现了一种易于使用的自我管理的家庭眼压计。 该合作伙伴关系涉及Arch Partners LLC、EPV Sensors LLC、Arizona Retinal Specialists LLC和亚利桑那大学，以提供家庭眼压测量市场空间和其他方面的指导：设备的评估和测试、融资、商业化和营销，因为它们涉及将触觉传感技术沿着一条可能导致竞争性商业现实的道路转化的潜力。 潜在的经济影响预计在未来5到10年内全球销售额将超过20亿美元，这将有助于提高美国在家庭眼压测量市场的竞争力。 长期的社会影响将是更好地管理每年影响超过430万美国人的青光眼，降低残疾率，降低医疗保健提供成本，以及更多地获得眼科诊断和护理。