Automated Eye Examination Technology for Animal Health Monitoring

A novel application of automated non-contact eye examination technology to monitor animal health, enabling early detection of diseases and stress in livestock, aquatic animals, and working dogs.

The original patent disclosed an apparatus and method for automated non-contact eye examination for human subjects. However, the limitations of this technology were its confinement to human use cases. The new inventive concept addresses this limitation by applying the core technology to animal health monitoring, enabling early detection of diseases and stress in various animal species.

The new inventive concept utilizes an optical system to capture images of an animal's eye, which are then analyzed by a processing system to detect signs of disease or stress. This technology can be integrated into various settings, including farms, aquariums, and veterinary clinics. The automated non-contact eye examination instrument can be adapted to accommodate different animal species, such as livestock, aquatic animals, and working dogs. The machine learning algorithms used in the processing system can be trained to identify patterns indicative of specific diseases or stressors in each species.

The new inventive concept is novel and non-obvious compared to the original patent, as it applies the core technology to an entirely different industry (animal health monitoring) and addresses a previously unconsidered problem. The inventive step lies in the adaptation of the automated non-contact eye examination technology to accommodate the unique characteristics and needs of various animal species.

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include handheld devices for on-site monitoring, robotic systems for automated monitoring, or integration with existing veterinary equipment. Variations of the technology could be developed for specific animal species or diseases, such as monitoring for avian influenza in poultry or detecting neurological disorders in working dogs.

The new inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the animal health monitoring market, which is projected to grow substantially in the coming years. The technology could be marketed to farms, aquariums, veterinary clinics, and research institutions, offering a valuable tool for early disease detection and improved animal welfare.