Research Prospectus:
Iris Image Analysis and Clinical Correlates
Image Acquisition Systems
Photographic Iris Camera
A new camera, the Miles Research Professional Iris Research Imaging System (IRIS-1), has been developed for well-controlled illumination and photographic recording of the anterior aspect of the human iris. Proper illumination and camera positioning is imperative for the application of computerized iris reflex analysis on a production basis. The new camera delivers a convergent spot of light to the iris from four directions close to the optical axis so that the corneal reflex falls in the pupil area. The camera is mounted on an ophthalmic examination table with an adjustable chinrest and headrest. A joystick is used for focusing and camera positioning, with a focusing light brightness control and shutter release button located conveniently near the joystick for convenient one-hand operation. It is also available as a portable unit for table-top use.
Video-Computer Iris Camera
An iris camera based on an RGB video camera has also been developed using the same professional camera support (the IRIS-2). This is a filmless system which presents a live iris image on a 17" RGB computer monitor for focusing and composition, and the image is captured to WRAM and saved to the hard disk at the press of a button near the joystick. 8x10 inch full color prints of the iris can be printed immediately (with no processing chemical byproducts) for clinical evaluation. The digital 24-bit images can be transmitted anywhere in the world with standardized protocols, and this enables the accumulation of a significant amount of data from all Miles Research clients for our ongoing Iris Databank Project. We are also offering an on-line iris analysis of these transmitted pictures, with the results sent back on a same-day basis.
High Resolution Digital Iris Camera
Another iris camera is being developed based on a medium-format camera body with the Leaf digital camera back in place of the film back. This camera is also portable with a battery power option for field work. It can retain 50 pictures at full 24-bit resolution in its memory, and these are then downloaded to a host computer for subsequent processing and analysis. The images are stable with an unlimited lifetime and can also be printed on a thermal transfer printer as full-color 8x10 inch prints. Area-of-interest magnifications and image enhancement will be a part of this system.
High Resolution Slide Scanning System
A Nikon film scanner capable of scanning 35mm (36x24 mm image area) slides at various resolutions up to 6144x4096 pixels is available for use in the iris research program. This device provides an effective resolution of 2.5 microns (0.0001 inch) of the iris, which is the limiting resolving power of 35 mm film. This vast amount of data is useful in several research projects such as the cardiac study, the pigment study, and the detection of subclinical iris changes.
Image Processing Systems
Image Measurement for Reflex Analysis
Brightness level in each area of the iris is approximately proportional to the density of collagen fibers, which in turn is related to the level of nerve supply in those sectors. Each sector of the iris responds to signals generated from various organs and systems throughout the body via the autonomic nervous system. These reflex signals travel to the iris along the second cervical nerve, which branches from the top of the spinal cord and terminates in the radial array of iris fibers. Each organ of the body may be considered as a hologram of the entire body, and in the iris, the reflex response is indicated in an well-ordered circular arrangement, providing a systematic mapping of genetic (inherited) qualities of organs on the right and left sides of the body separately.
Digital Iris Colorimetry
Image processing techniques are applied to digital images of the iris in order to accurately quantify color properties of the iris tissue. Original data in terms of Red, Green, and Blue percentages are converted to Hue, Saturation, and Intensity values for each pixel of the image. Colorimetry by image analysis requires a well-controlled light source, process calibration, and repeatability verification. A confidence interval estimate is also being developed which takes into account variability in illumination, corneal transmittance, iris reflectance, collecting optics, image recording, and digitization hardware. In addition to color properties at each point on the iris, regional distribution and the more diffuse color gradient qualities are characterized statistically for accurate qualitative specification of iris chromatic features.
Image Segmentation by Thresholding, Erosion, and Band-Pass Filtering
Segmentation of an iris image can be accomplished by first conditioning the data with histogram equalization (contrast-stretching), then using a local operator such as median filtering followed by global procedures such as thresholding and erosion to isolate regions falling within selected brightness bands. Cut-off values for the various filters must be determined for each image based on statistical measures of sampled pixels.
Iris Feature Classification and Recognition
In addition to sector-by-sector measurements of iris color and texture qualities, a global feature extraction procedure locates topographical features such as peaks, valleys, ridges, plateaus, crevices, lacunae, color flecks, color gradients, etc., and measures the geometric and chromatic attributes of each feature such as location, extent, shape, boundary properties, and prominence.
Iris Identification
A list of measured (quantified) features found in a given iris pair is compared to an accumulated database of similar image data and a match is sought using statistical classification techniques. If a sufficiently close match is found, the subject is thus identified; if not, the new instance is added to the database and indexed by its classification parameters.
Machine Learning and AI Techniques in Pattern Recognition
In this project, iris image pairs are scanned and stored in digital format, along with symptomatic and diagnostic data from clinical sources, and correlations between iris measurements and clinical findings are sought using a variety of techniques. Several different paradigms are explored including production systems, blackboard systems, connectionist models (neural networks), evolutionary programming optimization, and purely statistical models. This project is an important step in developing an efficient iris analysis program since the sheer volume of data and the uniqueness and complexity of iris images preclude the complete specification of the procedural knowledge.
Variability & Repeatability of Iris Evaluation
Iris evaluation as performed by experts is subject to considerable variability, and standards must be established in order to obtain consistent and repeatable evaluations. This is especially important in follow-up studies and studies intending to demonstrate the transitional changes in iris color and topography secondary to health changes. Although gross changes in iris texture are known to occur in certain eye diseases, and subtle changes have been reported as a reflex indicator of health trends, these observations have not been quantified. This study seeks to establish a baseline variability in iris measurements both subjective (by human) and objective (by computational procedure). Results will find application in the training, performance evaluation, and certification of students in academic programs.
Iris Transillumination Evaluation
Iris transillumination is a standard ophthalmic evaluation procedure in which a beam of light is directed through the pupil without any of the incident beam falling on the anterior surface of the iris. The light is reflected from the choroid and retinal surfaces and scattered throughout the posterior chamber of the eye. Transillumination defects are easily identified by viewing or photographing the iris from the frontal aspect. This is an accurate method of locating regions of the iris which are abnormally thin, indicating tissue atrophy or degenerative changes in the iris. These measurements can be combined with data from the standard iris image for a complete 3-d model.
Iris Picture Transmission System
We are prepared to receive and accumulate iris pictures from all over the world, and organizing and managing this vast amount of data is an integral part of the Iris Databank Project. We are establishing a central repository for iris pictures that can be used for research and education. Automated iris analysis will soon be offered with same-day turnaround for pictures transmitted from remote satellite stations around the world. Other sources of iris pictures will also be accepted and a copy of each picture will be added to the databank.
Topographic Mapping Systems
Structured Representation of Iris Topography
The measurement of iris surface topography (shape and texture) is mapped into a 3-D CAD drawing of the iris of the eye for specific individuals. A shaded rendering of this surface enables the appreciation of surface contour at any magnification and from any viewpoint at a screen resolution of 1280x1024 pixels. This technique is also useful for education and research studies.
Taxonomy of Iris Topographic Features
Each feature on the iris surface is isolated, measured, and classified according to its local properties. Terminology has been developed for these surface variations in terms of analogous features found in geographic terrain mapping. Features are not mutually exclusive since a given point may belong to several different features, both local and global.
Clinical Studies
Quantitative Estimation of Corneal Arcus from Image Analysis
Corneal Arcus is an established indicator of hypercholesterolemia, although conventional belief in ophthalmology is that this corneal change is a normal part of aging. An objective method of assessing the degree of this condition from eye pictures is a necessary part of the iris analysis, even though technically it is not part of the iris reflex phenomenon. It is important to know the transmittance of the cornea when evaluating the iris reflectance properties since it will obviously modulate the appearance of iris tissue. It is also an open question whether this condition is reversible, and accurate measurements are required to investigate this further.
Cardio-Pulmonary Correlates in the Iris
Indicators in the iris of various circulatory conditions as well as genetic predisposition to certain cardiovascular diseases are being studied among medically confirmed cardiac patients. This study seeks to determine the correlation between certain specific iris features and specific types of cardiovascular disorders. Related conditions in other organs such as the bowel, kidney, lungs, and skin are also studied to assess the dependence of healthy circulation on these elimination organs.
Analysis of Composition of Iris Pigment Granules
Specimens of human iris tissue obtained during routine iridectomy by an ophthalmologist are sectioned and prepared for optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transverse electron microscopy in order to characterize properties of the pigment granules. Elemental composition is then ascertained by an electron microprobe using electron diffraction spectroscopy. Of particular interest are the properties of pigment granules found in hyperpigmented lesions (color flecks) and how they differ from the pigment granules found in surrounding tissue. It is thought that these color flecks represent a phototropic response enabled by local neuronal and vascular conditions; their composition is unknown.
Health-Related Changes in Iris Color and Texture
An essential objective to achieve in this research program is to establish whether there are detectable changes in the color and texture of the iris, and secondly if they can be shown to be secondary to health changes elsewhere in the body. This is the fundamental premise underlying the method of iris reflex analysis. It is noteworthy that the iris is probably the most neglected part of the eye among ophthalmologists, however it has been receiving increased attention in recent years.
Health-Related Changes in Scleral Vessels
This is an important and new area of research, and this project has several components, including the use of the Miles Research Professional Iris Research Imaging System for the acquisition of detailed images of the scleral vessels in four or eight quadrants peripheral to the iris, storing these images as part of the Clinical Research Database, and adding a data entry screen for identifying and recording significant vessel patterns. Ultimately, these patterns will be detected and measured computationally. Identifying health conditions from scleral vessel patterns has a long history, with much of the most extensive knowledge developed by the native American Indians in the last several centuries. Scleral angiography (along with iris angiography) is one of the techniques being used to accurately locate and characterize both static and dynamic properties of these vessels.
Clinical Research Database Systems
Client Database for Natural Health Care Practitioners
As Natural Health Care moves into the 21st century, we are preparing for the transition by developing and offering advanced information management systems to allow practitioners to keep up with the rapidly expanding knowledge in these fields. More than ever before, it is essential to be well-informed and have the information necessary to provide top-quality health care. We are developing a far-reaching network for the exchange of data and reference information, not only for improving services offered, but also for assimilating knowledge and increasing our understanding of the proper functioning of the human body and mind.
Dietary Monitor and Tracking System
A system is being developed to assist the individual with tracking their food consumption patterns. Those who wish to improve their health by monitoring their nutritional intake will find this system very helpful. Grocery receipts can be scanned and data extracted specifying all foods and food products brought into the household. A bar code reader is another option to track the overall consumption pattern. Individuals on a special program can have their food combinations analyzed and evaluated on their own computer or at their health-care provider's office using optical readable forms describing their specific meal plans. Custom-tailored menu suggestions can be offered based on symptoms and conditions present, health improvement goals, and food preferences, allergies, or sensitivities.
Intake Survey & Symptom Questionnaire
An extensive intake survey and symptom questionnaire has been developed for the client seeking a greater level of health. This survey covers not only the physiological aspects of health, but also the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual status (both past and present) of an individual. This information becomes part of the patient record and is also an important part of the research into correlations between iris signs and predispositions to certain health conditions.
Natural Food Remedy Database System
Most health problems can be corrected with appropriate use of natural foods-unprocessed, whole, and pure. Many of the more esoteric foods are not recognized by the average person, and a simple computer program will be able to suggest harmless remedies for a wide variety of conditions. Herb teas and tinctures can also be suggested for specific health objectives, and this database system will be offered to people who would like to learn to take care of themselves without using medicine.
Models of Health and Illness
Process Model of Human Digestion, Assimilation, and Elimination
The human body is a system, with inputs, a processing of the inputs, and outputs. We consider most health problems to be secondary to excessive toxic accumulations (due to failure to eliminate harmful materials) and deficiency of necessary building blocks. Toxicity may be endogenous (physiologic and biochemical byproducts) or exogenous (settlement of environmental toxins due to exposure beyond capacity). Accumulation can be a consequence of an imbalance, for example, ingestive habit which exceeds normal elimination capacity. In this sense, biotoxicity can usually be traced back toxicity of belief, thought, and action. To study this process quantitatively, a process model is developed to better understand the interrelationships between the digestion and assimilation of food materials, the ingestion of consumables and the elimination of byproducts and waste, and the optimal functioning of the major organ systems. The model also includes specification of constitutional strength or weakness of the various organ systems in the body in terms of statistical health risks and as estimated by various indicators in the eye.
For more information about these ongoing research projects or the Miles Research Professional Iris Cameras (the IRIS-1 and the IRIS-2), please contact:
Jon Miles
Tel: 760-746-7417
Fax: 760-746-7416
Email: jon@milesresearch.com
