Method and apparatus for signal transmission and detection using a contact device

Abstract

Utilization of a contact device placed on the front part of the eye in order to detect physical and chemical parameters of the body as well as the non-invasive delivery of compounds according to these physical and chemical parameters, with signals preferably being transmitted continuously as electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared and the like. One of the parameters to be detected includes non-invasive blood analysis utilizing chemical changes and chemical products that are found in the front part of the eye and in the tear film. A transensor mounted in the contact device laying on the cornea or the surface of the eye is capable of evaluating and measuring physical and chemical parameters in the eye including non-invasive blood analysis.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A contact device for placement in contact with a portion of a live body, said contact device comprising: 
 a contact surface for engagement with a portion of a live body, and    a sensor mounted on said contact surface, said contact surface being positionable so that bodily fluids encounter said sensor, said sensor generating a signal indicative of a property of the encountered bodily fluids, said signal being transmitted externally of the live body for analysis of the signal and indication of a status of certain bodily functions.    
     
     
         2 . A contact device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein a power source is mounted on said contact surface.  
     
     
         3 . A contact device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein a signal transmitter is mounted on said contact surface.  
     
     
         4 . A contact device as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the signal is transmitted through the air by said signal transmitter for receipt at a remote location.  
     
     
         5 . A contact device as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the signal is transmitted externally of the live body by wires.  
     
     
         6 . A contact device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said sensor detects glucose levels in eye tear fluid.  
     
     
         7 . A contact device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said sensor detects cholesterol levels in eye tear fluid.  
     
     
         8 . A contact device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said sensor detects oxygen levels in eye tear fluid.  
     
     
         9 . A contact device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said sensor detects pH levels in eye tear fluid.  
     
     
         10 . A contact device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said sensor detects potassium levels in eye tear fluid.  
     
     
         11 . A contact device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said sensor detects sodium levels in eye tear fluid.  
     
     
         12 . A contact device for placement in contact with an eye, said contact device comprising: 
 a contact surface for engaging a surface of the eye, and    a sensor mounted on said contact surface, said sensor being positionable under an eye lid of the eye.    
     
     
         13 . A contact device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said sensor is a pressure sensor responsive to pressure imposed by the eye lid when the eyelids are moved into a position caused by sleeping of the individual wearing the contact device.  
     
     
         14 . A contact device as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein a signal is generated by said pressure sensor when pressure is imposed on said pressure sensor by closing eye lids indicative of sleep, said signal being transmitted to an alarm circuit for alerting the individual of the transition of the individual to a sleep state.  
     
     
         15 . A contact device as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein said sensor is a pressure sensor responsive to pressure intentionally imposed on said sensor by closing the eye lids for a predetermined period of time necessary to activate an electrical circuit for performing a function.  
     
     
         16 . A contact device as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein a light emitting diode mounted on said contact surface is activated by intentional closure of the eye lids for a predetermined period of time.  
     
     
         17 . A contact device for placement in contact with an eye, said contact device comprising: 
 a contact surface for engaging a surface of the eye, and    a sensor mounted on said contact surface, said sensor producing a signal indicative of a bodily function, said signal being transmitted away from the eye for analysis and indication of a status of the bodily function.    
     
     
         18 . A contact device as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein a light source is mounted on said contact surface, and said sensor detects light emitted from the light source.  
     
     
         19 . A contact device as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein a heater and a storage compartment is mounted on said contact surface, said storage compartment including chemicals or drugs for release upon activation of said heater based upon said signal produced by said sensor.  
     
     
         20 . A contact device as claimed in  claim 17 , further comprising a pump for injecting an individual with mediation based upon the signal generated by said sensor.