Determining the visual performance of a person's eyes

Abstract

The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method (500), a computer program, a device (100) and a remote device (110) for determining at least one visual performance of at least one eye (302) of a person (300) for a plurality of points in the field of view of the person (300) by using at least a first spatial position of at least one visual fixation marker (200) and a second spatial position of at least one visual stimulus (210); wherein the attention level of the person (300) is determined by evaluating a time-related difference in reaction time between at least one specific measurement cycle (550) and at least one subsequent measurement cycle (550). The automated visual performance tests disclosed herein can be performed by any person (300), whether or not they are an ophthalmologist or an optometry specialist, in particular by using a mobile device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method, a computer program, a device and a remote device for determining at least one visual performance of at least one eye of a person. Background Art

[0002] Howe, J.W. and Mitchell, K.W., “The objective assessment of contrast sensitivity function by electrophysiological means”, 68(9), 626-638, 1984, describes that recent research has shown that determining a patient's visual contrast sensitivity function has considerable clinical value. They describe a method of performing checkerboard onset-offset stimuli using an electrophysiological technique using visually evoked cortical potentials (VECP). The application of the method in various visual system diseases is described. The importance of selecting the most appropriate stimulus parameters is discussed, and the relative advantages and disadvantages compared to psychophysical methods are evaluated.

[0003] Mooney, S.W., Hill, N.J., Tuzun, M.S., Alam, N.M., Carmel, J.B., and Prusky, G.T. "Curveball: A tool for rapid measurement of contrast sensitivity based on smooth eye movements", *Journal of Vision*, 18(12), 7-7, 2018 describes that the contrast sensitivity function (CSF) is an informative measure of visual function, but current tools for assessing it are limited by the participant's attention, motor, and communication abilities. Impairments in these abilities can prevent the participant from engaging in the task or following the experimenter's instructions. They specifically describe a new and efficient tool, Curveball, for measuring contrast sensitivity and empirically validate it with a sample of healthy adults. The Curveball algorithm continuously infers stimulus visibility through smooth eye movement tracking rather than perceptual reports and rapidly reduces the stimulus contrast in real time until the threshold is found. This process requires only minimal guidance to perform and takes only five minutes to estimate the full CSF, comparable to the best existing methods available to healthy adults. The task is highly repeatable. They also present evidence that the task is robust to changes in illumination, has a close correlation with the results of traditional psychophysical methods, and is highly sensitive to improvements in visual acuity brought about by refractive correction. Their findings suggest that Curveball is a promising means for accurately assessing the contrast sensitivity of previously overlooked populations.

[0004] Bonneh, Y.S., Adini, Y., and Polat, "Contrast sensitivity revealed by microsaccades", *Journal of Vision*, 15(9), 11-11, 2015 describes microsaccades as small, rapid, involuntary eye movements that occur in an apparently random manner during fixation. Microsaccades are known to be suppressed in response to sensory transients, the time course of which depends on stimulus parameters and attention. However, it is currently unknown what the temporal precision of their onset is, and to what extent they can be used to evaluate the response of the visual system to basic stimulus parameters. In that publication, they investigated the functional relationship between microsaccade response properties and the contrast and spatial frequency of visual onset. Observers viewed and silently counted a 2-minute sequence of Gabor patches briefly presented (100 ms) at 1 Hz. In different experiments, the contrast and spatial frequency were randomized. They found that the microsaccade response time (measured as the delay of the first microsaccade relative to stimulus onset after release from suppression) was sensitive to the contrast and spatial frequency of the stimulus, and could be used to extract the contrast response function without the observer's response. They also found that the contrast detection threshold (measured behaviorally for different spatial frequencies) was highly positively correlated with the microsaccade response time measured at high contrast (>4 times threshold).

[0005] Robert Rosén et al., "Quick contrast sensitivity measurements in the periphery", *Journal of Vision*, 14(8):3, 1–10, 2014 describes that measuring the contrast sensitivity function (CSF) in the eye's periphery is complex. The long measurement times exclude all but the most dedicated subjects. The aim of this study was to implement and evaluate a faster routine based on the quick CSF method (qCSF) but adapted to work in the periphery. Additionally, standard data were presented on the neurally limited peripheral CSF. Peripheral qCSF measurements using 100 trials can be performed in 3 minutes. The precision and accuracy were tested for three subjects under different conditions (number of trials, peripheral angle, and optical correction). In the second part of the study, they collected three CSFs for 100 trials for six individuals in 208 nasal, temporal, inferior, and superior visual fields. These measurements were performed in an adaptive optics system operating in a continuous closed loop. The contrast sensitivity was higher in the horizontal visual field, and the inferior visual field was better than the superior visual field. This modified qCSF method significantly reduced the measurement time and allowed other infeasible studies of the peripheral CSF.

[0006] EP 3 730 037 A1 discloses a method, apparatus, and computer program for determining the refractive error of a user's eye, as well as a method for manufacturing spectacle lenses for a user's eye. The method for determining the refractive error of a user's eye includes the following steps: a) displaying features on a screen, wherein the parameters of the features displayed on the screen are variable; b) obtaining an eye movement metric of the user's eye as a function of the features displayed on the screen; c) determining a time for determining a detection threshold for determining the refractive error of the user's eye using the eye movement metric of the user's eye; d) determining the value of the refractive error of the user's eye based on the parameters determined at that time. Visual fixation markers are not displayed.

[0007] US2020 / 0305707 A1 discloses devices, software, and methods for assessing ocular, ophthalmic, neurological, physiological, psychological, and / or behavioral conditions. As disclosed herein, these conditions are evaluated using eye tracking technology, which advantageously avoids the need for a subject to fixate and maintain focus or produce secondary (non-optical) physical movements or auditory responses (i.e., feedback) during testing. The subject only needs to view a series of individual visual stimuli, which are typically involuntary responses. Due to reduced human error and reduced need for a subject's cognitive and / or physical participation, this modality allows for higher accuracy and can be used with a wide variety of subjects, including young children, physically disabled or injured patients, patients with intellectual impairment, elderly patients, animals, etc. Visual fixation markers are not displayed.

[0008] GB 2 375 821 A discloses a visual acuity test system that includes a computer with a high-resolution display linked to a camera. Vertical gratings of different widths are presented on both sides of a central target image or video and coincide with an equiluminant image opposite the grating. A digital camera near the display is used to track the eye position using a software algorithm that correlates eye movement with the position of the vertical grating. The software analysis is adjusted according to head movement, blinking, and corneal reflection. The system eliminates the need to manually hold up a vision card and provides an automated and objective method for assessing visual acuity for pre-verbal children and children who cannot communicate during a standard visual acuity test. The appearance of the vertical grating does not change over time.

[0009] US10,702,141B2 discloses a perimeter or perimetry device having a visible fixation point and a method of using the same. The method includes at least the following steps: generating a fixation point having a first visual appearance for presentation to a patient; generating a stimulus for presentation to the patient at a stimulus time point at a predetermined position; activating a response device when the patient notices the stimulus at a response time point; changing the fixation point to have a second visual appearance for a second visual appearance time interval near the stimulus time point.

[0010] US2021 / 0112226 A1 discloses that in certain embodiments, vision defect information can be generated via a fixation point based on dynamic eye features. In some embodiments, a first stimulus can be displayed at a first position on a user interface based on the fixation point presented in a vision test. The fixation point presented in the vision test can be adjusted during the vision test based on eye feature information related to the user. As an example, the eye feature information can indicate the features of the user's eyes during the vision test. A second stimulus can be displayed at a second interface position on the user interface during the vision test based on the adjusted fixation point presented in the vision test. Vision defect information associated with the user can be generated based on feedback information indicating feedback related to the first stimulus and feedback related to the second stimulus.

[0011] US2019 / 0150727 A1 discloses methods and systems for evaluating a person's visual field. Information can be presented to a person undergoing a visual field test in a manner that utilizes the natural tendency of the person to view a displayed object that attracts their attention. A fixation target can be displayed on a display that the user views. Once it is determined that the user has viewed the fixation target and the position of the user's eyes is determined, a test target is displayed on the display at a position corresponding to a position on the user's visual field. Based on user input obtained while the user is viewing the display, it is determined whether the detection target is detected or missed.

[0012] US10,444,514B2 discloses that in certain embodiments, enhancement of a user's visual field can be facilitated via one or more dynamic display portions. In some embodiments, one or more changes related to one or more of the user's eyes can be monitored. Based on the monitoring, one or more positions of one or more transparent display portions of a screen of a wearable device can be adjusted, where the transparent display portions enable the user to see through the screen of the wearable device. A real-time video stream representative of the user's environment can be obtained via the wearable device. An enhanced video stream derived from the real-time video stream can be displayed on one or more other display portions of the screen of the wearable device.

[0013] Problem to be solved

[0014] Therefore, particularly in view of US10,444,514B2, an object of the present invention is to provide a computer-implemented method, a computer program, a device, and a remote device for determining at least one visual performance of at least one eye of a person, which at least partially overcomes the problems of the prior art.

[0015] A particular object of the present invention is to provide a reliable and efficient method for examining complex visual manifestations of a patient's peripheral visual field during an automatic examination process for a plurality of defined points in the visual field area. Another object of the present invention is to monitor the time dependence of the visual field. Summary of the Invention

[0016] This problem is solved by a method, a computer-implemented method, a computer program, a device, and a remote device for determining at least one visual manifestation of at least one eye of a person, having the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments that can be implemented in a separate manner or in any combination are listed in the dependent claims or in the entire following description.

[0017] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a computer-implemented method for determining at least one visual manifestation of at least one eye of a person, wherein the method at least comprises the following steps:

[0018] a) Displaying at least one visual fixation marker on a screen to at least one eye of the person, the at least one visual fixation marker being configured to attract the visual perception of the person by guiding the line of sight of at least one eye of the person towards the visual fixation marker;

[0019] b) Subsequently displaying at least one visual stimulus on the screen to at least one eye of the person, the visual stimulus being configured to cause at least one eye movement of at least one eye of the person towards the at least one visual stimulus;

[0020] c) Generating tracking data regarding at least one eye movement of at least one eye of the person by using at least one eye tracking device; and

[0021] d) Determining at least one visual manifestation based on the tracking data by using at least one processing device;

[0022] wherein at least one visual manifestation of at least one eye of the person is determined for at least one point in the visual field of the person by using a first spatial position of at least one visual fixation marker and a second spatial position of at least one visual stimulus; wherein the attention level of the person is determined by evaluating the time-related difference in reaction time between at least one specific measurement cycle and at least one subsequent measurement cycle.

[0023] As is commonly used, the term "computer-implemented method" refers to a method that involves a programmable device (in particular a computer), a computer network, a processing device (such as included in a mobile communication device), or a readable medium carrying a program, where at least one step of the method (specifically at least one of steps a), b), c) and / or d)) is performed by using at least one computer program. Alternatively, the at least one computer program can be accessed by a device that can be adapted to execute the method via a network (such as via an internal network or via the Internet). Particularly with respect to the present invention, the method can thus be performed on a programmable device that is configured for this purpose, such as by providing a computer program that is configured for this purpose.

[0024] As is commonly used, the term "determine" or any of its grammatical variations refers to a process of generating representative results that are typically represented as "data". Particularly with respect to the present invention, the data includes information related to at least one visual manifestation within the field of view of at least one eye of a person.

[0025] As further used herein, the term "visual manifestation" refers to a characteristic that is at least indirectly and / or directly related to the manifestation of at least one eye of a person, and that can be determined by investigating at least one eye of the person by means of an adapted measurement procedure.

[0026] According to step a), at least one visual fixation marker is displayed on a screen to at least one eye of a person, the at least one visual fixation marker being configured to attract the visual perception of the person by guiding the line of sight of at least one eye of the person towards the visual fixation marker. The at least one visual fixation marker can in particular be visually presented to at least one eye of the person in a perceptible manner.

[0027] As is commonly used, the term "display" or any of its grammatical deviations refers to presenting at least one of an image, an object, text, or video on at least one screen, in particular at least one of a visual fixation marker or a visual stimulus.

[0028] As is commonly used, the term "screen" refers to an electronic visual display device that is designated for presenting at least one of an image, an object, text, or video transmitted electronically. Particularly with respect to the present invention, the screen can be configured to display at least one visual fixation marker to at least one eye of a person in such a way that the at least one visual fixation marker can be perceived by at least one eye of the person. The at least one visual fixation marker can also be displayed so as to be perceivable by both eyes of the person.

[0029] As used herein, the term "visual fixation marker" refers to an article configured to attract a person's visual perception by guiding the line of sight of at least one of the person's eyes towards the visual fixation marker. In particular, the person is attracted to fixate on the visual fixation marker in such a way that the line of sight of at least one of the person's eyes intersects the visual fixation marker for at least a predetermined time interval. Based on Standard ISO 13666:2019, section 3.2.24, the term "line of sight" refers to the path from a point of interest (i.e., the fixation point) in object space to the center of the entrance pupil of the person's eye, and further includes the continuation in image space from the center of the exit pupil to the retinal fixation point (usually the fovea) of the person's eye.

[0030] According to step b), at least one visual stimulus is subsequently displayed on the screen to at least one of the person's eyes, the at least one visual stimulus being configured to cause at least one eye movement of at least one of the person's eyes towards the at least one visual stimulus. The at least one visual stimulus may be presented in a manner perceivable by at least one of the person's eyes. This may cause at least one eye movement. The eye movement caused by the at least one visual stimulus may be an eye movement according to which the line of sight and / or the fixation position of at least one of the person's eyes is guided towards the at least one visual stimulus. The at least one visual fixation marker may be presented on a first sub-screen, and the at least one visual stimulus may be presented on at least one second sub-screen.

[0031] As used herein, the term "visual stimulus" refers to a graphical presentation of an article, the graphical presentation being known or reasonably foreseeable to a person skilled in the art to cause at least one eye movement of at least one desired type in at least one of the person's eyes. The at least one visual stimulus may be displayed at a spatial position on the screen that is different from the spatial position of at least one fixation marker on the screen.

[0032] As commonly used, the term "cause" or any grammatical deviation thereof refers to the purpose of the displayed article (in particular the at least one visual stimulus and / or the at least one fixation marker), namely the purpose of inducing at least one eye movement of the person. The term "eye movement" refers to the temporal change of the line of sight and / or the fixation position of at least one eye. At least one eye movement that may be relevant to the present invention is an eye movement from at least one visual fixation marker to at least one visual stimulus, or vice versa. This eye movement causes the line of sight of at least one of the person's eyes to change from intersecting the at least one visual fixation marker to intersecting the at least one visual stimulus, or vice versa.

[0033] The sequences of steps a) and b) cause at least one eye of a person to i) fixate on at least one visual fixation target and then ii) fixate on at least one visual stimulus. Another sequence of steps a) and b) causes at least one eye of a person to iii) again fixate on at least one visual fixation target and then ii) again fixate on at least one visual stimulus. This eye movement may be induced by different spatial positions of at least one visual fixation marker and at least one visual stimulus.

[0034] According to step c), tracking data regarding at least one eye movement of at least one eye of a person is generated by using at least one eye tracking device, in particular, tracking data regarding at least one eye movement of at least one eye of a person moving towards at least one visual stimulus is generated by using at least one eye tracking device.

[0035] As commonly used, the term "tracking" or any grammatical deviation thereof refers to recording the movement of at least one eye by using at least one eye tracking device. As commonly used, the term "eye tracking device" refers to a device for recording the movement of at least one eye of a person, in particular, changes in the line of sight and / or gaze position of at least one eye of a person. As a result of the recording, eye tracking data including information regarding the movement of at least one eye of a person is generated, wherein the information regarding the movement of at least one eye of a person can be given by the temporal changes in the line of sight and / or gaze position of at least one eye. At least one result including the tracking data may be provided.

[0036] According to step d), at least one visual representation is determined based on the tracking data by using at least one processing device. The term "processing device" refers to at least one and / or more components in a computer system that are designated for processing data, in particular, processing input data to generate output data. The tracking data may be considered as input data.

[0037] According to the present invention, during step d), at least one visual representation of at least one eye of a person is determined for at least one point (preferably multiple points) in the visual field of the person by further using at least the first spatial position of at least one visual fixation marker and the second spatial position of at least one visual stimulus. As commonly used, the term "visual field" refers to the spatial region that can be perceived by at least one eye of a person. The second spatial position of at least one visual stimulus on a screen can be assigned to a specific point in the visual field by using an assignment rule. As commonly used, the term "assignment rule" refers to the relationship between two parameters, in particular, the relationship between the second spatial position of at least one visual stimulus on a screen and a specific point in the visual field.

[0038] Further according to the present invention, the attention level of a person is determined by evaluating the time-related difference in reaction time between at least one specific measurement cycle and at least one subsequent measurement cycle. As used herein, the term "time-related difference" refers to the value of the deviation between the reaction time recorded in a specific measurement cycle and the reaction time recorded in a subsequent measurement cycle. The term "subsequent measurement cycle" refers to a measurement cycle performed at a time point later than the time point at which the specific measurement cycle is performed. As used herein, the term "attention level" refers to the awareness score of a person, particularly the degree of awareness of perceiving a visual stimulus. When a person is aware of the presence of a visual stimulus, the visual stimulus can be considered to be perceived. It is not necessary to identify the visual stimulus to be aware of it.

[0039] The attention level can be determined spatially resolved, in particular in the visual field of a person. The attention level can be determined spatially resolved for a plurality of different points in the visual field of a person. In particular, for this reason, at least one time-related difference in reaction time can be determined for at least one specific point. Alternatively, a plurality of time-related differences can be determined for a plurality of different points in the visual field of a person. Thus, a map of the visual field can be generated, wherein the map includes a plurality of time-related differences in reaction time, and each time-related difference in reaction time is associated with a different point in the visual field. The size of at least one visual stimulus during any measurement cycle can be retained.

[0040] In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one visual representation can be determined for a specific point in the visual field by assigning a specific spatial position to the specific point using an assignment rule. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the assignment rule takes into account the second spatial position of at least one visual stimulus and the first spatial position of at least one visual fixation marker; and particularly further takes into account the distance between at least one eye of the person and at least one visual stimulus and / or at least one visual fixation marker.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the first spatial position of at least one visual fixation marker can be recorded during step a), and the second spatial position of at least one visual stimulus can be recorded during step b). As used herein, the term "spatial position" refers to the specific position of at least one corresponding item on a screen. As further used herein, the terms "first" and "second" are designed to distinguish the same type of parameter associated with two different items. The item can be at least one visual fixation marker and / or at least one visual stimulus. In particular, the spatial position of the item can be recorded by using a signal that is configured to display the item on at least one screen. As further used herein, the term "record" or any of its grammatical variants refers to generating data including information about the spatial position of at least one corresponding item and making the data available for use by the method.

[0042] During step a), the first spatial position of at least one visual fixation marker can be recorded. Further, the distance between at least one eye of a person and at least one visual stimulus and / or at least one visual fixation marker can be recorded using a distance measuring device.

[0043] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the measurement cycle can at least include step b) and step c). More specifically, the measurement cycle can additionally include step a) and / or step d), where at least two measurement cycles, preferably a plurality of measurement cycles, can be performed to determine a plurality of points in the visual field, specifically having different second spatial positions of at least one visual stimulus. In particular, the different second spatial positions may have different eccentricities and / or spatial orientations relative to at least one visual fixation marker. As used herein, the term "eccentricity" refers to the absolute value of the vector connecting at least one visual stimulus and at least one fixation marker. The term "spatial orientation" refers to the direction of the vector connecting the second spatial position of at least one visual stimulus and the first spatial position of at least one fixation marker. As used herein, the term "plurality" refers to a number of at least two items.

[0044] In a particularly preferred embodiment, assigning a specific point in the visual field to a specific spatial position can be performed using an assignment rule, where the assignment rule can be maintained during at least two measurement cycles and / or in all measurement cycles. The term "measurement cycle" herein refers to a sequence of at least steps b) and c), where step a) and / or step d) can be additionally included in the measurement cycle. In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the following can be performed: 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 25, 50, 75, or 100 cycles.

[0045] In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one visual fixation marker can be displayed in the central region of the screen, specifically guiding at least one eye of a person to a neutral position. The neutral position can be the primary position of the eye. In the primary position, the eye looks straight ahead, where the visual axis is parallel to the sagittal plane of the person's head.

[0046] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the central region can be completely surrounded by a surrounding region, where at least one visual stimulus is displayed in the surrounding region in step b). As is commonly used, the term "completely surrounded" means that the central region is bounded by the surrounding region around its entire perimeter.

[0047] In a particularly preferred embodiment, an angle α can be given between the first connection line and the second connection line, where the first connection line connects the center of at least one visual fixation marker and at least one reference position in at least one of a person's at least one eye, and where the second connection line connects the center of at least one visual stimulus and at least one reference position in at least one of a person's at least one eye, and where α is greater than at least one of the following: 2°, 3°, 4°, 5°, 6°, 7°, or 8°. Thus, when at least one of a person's at least one eye is fixating on the visual fixation marker, at least one visual stimulus is perceivable in the peripheral visual field for at least one eye. As is commonly used, the term "visual field" refers to the range of the observable world seen by at least one of a person's at least one eye.

[0048] In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one reference position in at least one of a person's at least one eye can be selected from at least one of the following:

[0049] - The center of the pupil;

[0050] - The corneal reflection point; or

[0051] - The corneal apex.

[0052] As is commonly used, the term "corneal reflection point" refers to the visible reflection point on the cornea produced by a light beam shining on the eye. As is further commonly used, the term "corneal apex" refers to the foremost point of the cornea when at least one eye is in the primary position of gaze.

[0053] In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one visual stimulus can be displayed in any spatial orientation relative to at least one visual fixation marker. The term "spatial orientation" refers to the direction of the vector connecting at least one visual stimulus and at least one fixation marker.

[0054] In a particularly preferred embodiment, when the line of sight of at least one of a person's at least one eye intersects at least one visual fixation marker, the surrounding area can correspond to the peripheral visual field. The term "peripheral visual field" is the part of the visual field that includes the vision occurring outside the fixation position. The line of sight is not included in the peripheral visual field. The peripheral visual field is outside the central visual field.

[0055] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a third connection line can be given that connects the outer periphery of the central visual field, in particular the maximum perimeter of the central visual field, and a reference position in at least one of a person's at least one eye, where the central visual field angle β between the third connection line and the line of sight of at least one of a person's at least one eye that intersects the reference position in at least one of a person's at least one eye is at least one of the following: 2°, 3°, 4°, 5°, 6°, 7°, or 8°. The term "central visual field" refers to the part of the visual field that includes the line of sight. The central visual field is surrounded by the peripheral visual field, in particular directly surrounded.

[0056] In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one visual manifestation of at least one eye can be selected from at least one of the following:

[0057] - Contrast sensitivity;

[0058] - Visual acuity;

[0059] - Color vision;

[0060] - Time-related sensitivity; or

[0061] - Visual attention.

[0062] As is commonly used, the term "contrast sensitivity" refers to the characteristic of at least one eye of a person to distinguish between different brightness levels of at least one visual target. As is further commonly used, the term "visual acuity" refers to the spatial resolution ability of at least one eye of a person with respect to the structure within at least one visual target. As is further commonly used, the term "color vision" refers to the characteristic of at least one eye of a person to distinguish between different colors included in at least one visual target. As is commonly used, the term "time-related sensitivity" refers to the ability of a person to perceive a visual stimulus depending on the time-varying appearance of at least one visual stimulus. As used herein, the term "visual attention" refers to the degree of a person's consciousness, particularly the degree of consciousness of perceiving a visual stimulus. Visual attention can be analyzed to determine the time variation of a person's ability to focus, particularly the person's ability to focus on visual input, specifically the person's ability to focus depending on the person's field of view.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, at least one eye movement can be a reflex saccade in at least one eye of a person. As is commonly used, the term "saccade" refers to the movement of at least one eye of a person. In particular, the movement from at least one fixation target to at least one visual stimulus, or vice versa. The term "reflex" means that the person does not intend to make the eye movement. A reflex saccade can be triggered by at least one of the following: the appearance of at least one visual stimulus, the disappearance of at least one visual fixation marker, the appearance of at least one visual fixation marker, or the disappearance of at least one visual stimulus.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment, the pupil size of at least one eye of a person can be further recorded, particularly the time variation of the pupil size of at least one eye of a person. As is commonly used, the term "pupil" refers to a black hole with a recorded size located at the center of the iris of at least one eye of a person. By recording the pupil size, pupil size data can be generated, including information about the pupil size, particularly information about the area, diameter, or radius of the pupil.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, during step b), at least one visual stimulus may be continuously displayed. As used herein, the term "continuously" means that the at least one visual stimulus is continuously displayed. Thus, during step b), the at least one visual stimulus does not disappear and does not reappear.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one visual stimulus may be selected from at least one of the following:

[0067] - at least one of artificial patterns;

[0068] - specific natural images; or

[0069] - specific virtual images;

[0070] Specifically,

[0071] - gratings, in particular Gabor patches;

[0072] - noise patches having at least one defined spatial frequency.

[0073] As used herein, the term "artificial pattern" refers to a pattern generated by a computer or a pattern generated by a computer. The term "natural image" refers to a picture captured from a scene occurring in nature. For example, a natural image may be a picture of a landscape or an indoor scene (such as a room or a part thereof). The term "virtual image" refers to a scene generated by using a computer program preferably in a manner similar to and / or reconstructing a naturally occurring scene. As commonly used, the term "grating" refers to a set of regularly spaced identical, parallel, elongated elements. The term "Gabor patch" refers to a sinusoidal grating, usually having a Gaussian envelope, which is known to be particularly useful as a visual stimulus for a user's eye. As commonly used, the term "noise" refers to an interfering quantity having a broad non-specific spectrum. A noise patch is a visual representation of this noise, further requiring that the noise patch has at least one defined spatial frequency. As further commonly used, the term "spatial frequency" refers to the reciprocal value of the spatial distance reflecting the spatial repetition period in at least one visual stimulus. Specifically, gratings, Gabor patches, and / or noise patches may be artificial patterns.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment, the appearance of at least one visual stimulus can be displayed on at least one screen in a time-varying manner. As used herein, the term "appearance" refers to the outward appearance of the corresponding article, in particular of at least one visual stimulus and / or at least one fixation marker. As used herein, the term "time-varying manner" means that the appearance changes over time. That is, the appearance of at least one visual stimulus at a first time is different from the appearance of at least one visual stimulus at a second time. During the time when the appearance changes over time, at least one visual stimulus can be continuously displayed on the screen to at least one eye of a person. Thus, during step b), the time variation of the appearance of at least one visual stimulus can always be perceptible to at least one eye of a person.

[0075] In a preferred embodiment, the appearance of at least one visual fixation marker on at least one screen and the appearance of at least one visual stimulus on at least one screen may be different from each other. Since the appearances of at least one visual stimulus and at least one fixation marker are different, a person can tell which article the person is perceiving by visually inspecting these articles. This appearance cannot be confused with the spatial position.

[0076] In a preferred embodiment, at least one visual fixation marker can be maintained constant during at least one measurement cycle, preferably during a plurality of measurement cycles. As used herein, the term "constant" means that the appearance and / or the first spatial position of at least one visual fixation marker on the screen do not change over time. In other words, particularly preferably, the appearance and / or the first spatial position of at least one visual fixation marker can remain unchanged during the time it is displayed on at least one screen, in particular during step a).

[0077] In a preferred embodiment, at least one parameter attributed to the appearance of at least one visual stimulus can vary between a first value and a second value, in particular in a continuous manner, more specifically in a monotonic manner. As used herein, the term "vary" refers to a change in the appearance or outward appearance of at least one stimulus caused by a time variation of a parameter attributed to at least one visual stimulus. As used herein, the term "continuous" means that the parameter attributed to the appearance changes permanently and / or continuously. The term "monotonic" means that the parameter attributed to the appearance changes uniformly and / or in a stable manner. In other words, the change in the parameter can be maintained without changing over time.

[0078] In a preferred embodiment, at least one parameter can be selected from at least one of the following:

[0079] - Contrast, in particular for determining contrast sensitivity;

[0080] - Spatial frequency, in particular for determining visual acuity;

[0081] - Color, in particular for determining color vision; or

[0082] - Temporally related frequency, in particular for determining temporally related sensitivity.

[0083] As is commonly used, the term "contrast" refers to the luminance level of at least one visual stimulus. As is further commonly used, the term "spatial frequency" refers to the reciprocal value of the spatial distance that reflects the spatial repetition period in at least one visual stimulus. As is further commonly used, the term "color" refers to the wavelength of the pattern as used in at least one visual stimulus. As is further commonly used, the term "temporally related frequency" refers to the repetition frequency of a periodic visual stimulus, in particular the number of repetitions of a periodic stimulus passing through a certain spatial point per unit time.

[0084] In a preferred embodiment, for at least one parameter attributable to appearance, at least one of the following:

[0085] - A first threshold can be determined at which at least one eye movement in at least one of a person's eyes is first tracked; or

[0086] - A second threshold can be determined at which at least one eye movement in at least one of a person's eyes is last tracked.

[0087] As used herein, the term "threshold" refers to the minimum and / or maximum parameter setting that a stimulus must reach in order to trigger excitation, sensation, or response, in particular in order to cause at least one eye movement.

[0088] In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of at least one parameter can be attributable to appearance, in particular wherein the plurality of at least one parameter attributable to appearance varies between a first value and a second value, in particular in a continuous manner, more specifically in a monotonic manner.

[0089] In a preferred embodiment, step c) can be performed during step a) and / or step b). In a preferred embodiment, the display of at least one visual fixation marker stops before step b). As used herein, the term "stop" refers to interrupting the display of at least one visual fixation. At least one visual fixation marker is disappearing. Then, at least one visual fixation marker is no longer perceivable to at least one of a person's eyes.

[0090] In a preferred embodiment, the gaze position of at least one eye of a person can be checked during step a). As used herein, the term "gaze position" refers to the fixation point at which at least one line of sight intersects at least one object. In particular, when the gaze position is known, it is possible that in a preferred embodiment, the center of the fixation marker can be displayed in the central visual field during step a). In another preferred embodiment, during step a), it can be checked whether the gaze position is inside or outside the area of at least one visual fixation marker; in particular, when the gaze position is inside the area of at least one visual fixation marker, only step b) can be performed.

[0091] In a preferred embodiment, the area of at least one visual fixation marker can be at least partially and / or completely located within the central visual field. The term "area of at least one visual fixation marker" can refer to the area on the screen where an item is displayed, in particular at least one visual fixation marker. In a preferred embodiment, at least one visual manifestation of at least one eye can be determined in the peripheral visual field outside the central visual field. In a preferred embodiment, the center and / or area of at least one visual stimulus can be displayed in the peripheral visual field during step b).

[0092] In a preferred embodiment, when at least one eye movement has been tracked, in particular when at least one visual stimulus has caused at least one eye movement, the display of at least one visual stimulus during step b) can be stopped. In a preferred embodiment, during step b), at least one visual stimulus can be displayed for a maximum predetermined time. As used herein, the term "predetermined time" refers to a defined time value.

[0093] In a preferred embodiment, when at least one visual impairment that affects a person's ability to observe a visual stimulus with at least one eye is detected, step b) can be repeated. As used herein, the term "visual impairment" refers to a cause and / or obstacle that hinders a person's at least one eye from perceiving at least one visual stimulus and / or at least one fixation marker. In particular, a visual impairment can be at least indirectly and / or directly related to the condition of a person's at least one eye. A visual impairment can be detected by at least one eye movement tracking device.

[0094] In a preferred embodiment, at least one visual impairment can be selected from at least one of the following:

[0095] - Blinking of at least one eye of a person;

[0096] - The gaze position of at least one eye of a person outside the screen on which the visual stimulus is displayed;

[0097] - The convergence angle between the two eyes of a person indicating that the person is not focused on the screen; or

[0098] - Display the pupil size of a person not focused on the screen.

[0099] As commonly used, the term "blink" refers to the rapid, usually involuntary and unnoticed closing and opening of the eyelid of at least one eye of a person. As commonly used, the term "vergence" refers to the simultaneous movement of a person's two eyes in opposite directions to obtain focus at a common gaze position. As commonly used, "vergence angle" refers to the angle between the lines of sight of two eyes intersecting at a gaze position.

[0100] In a preferred embodiment, during step b), the second spatial position of at least one visual stimulus can be maintained. In other words, the second spatial position of at least one visual stimulus can remain unchanged over time. In a preferred embodiment, the second spatial position of displaying at least one visual stimulus can be randomly determined by an algorithm. As used herein, the term "algorithm" refers to a set of instructions for solving a problem or a class of problems. In particular, the algorithm can include instructions for a computer.

[0101] In a preferred embodiment, the second spatial position of at least one subsequent visual stimulus in at least one subsequent measurement cycle can be determined by considering at least one specific visual stimulus, in particular by considering the result of at least one specific visual stimulus determined in at least one specific measurement cycle. As used herein, the term "result" refers to the recorded data used in analyzing at least one visual performance. The result can be continuously recorded during each measurement cycle such that the data recorded during a measurement cycle is continuously added to the result. Thus, the result can include at least a portion and / or all of the data recorded in at least a portion and / or all of the measurement cycles.

[0102] In a preferred embodiment, the second spatial position of at least one subsequent visual stimulus in at least one subsequent measurement cycle can be determined by using a psychometric procedure considering at least one specific visual stimulus. As commonly used, the term "psychometric procedure" refers to a theory-based standardized test for measuring a person's psychological characteristics. Such a test illustrates how to reliably determine a characteristic, in particular how to reliably determine at least one visual performance within the visual field, especially at least one visual performance at at least one point in the visual field. To apply the psychometric procedure, the result can be analyzed at least once during the measurement, and in particular, at least one visual parameter can be determined.

[0103] In a preferred embodiment, the psychometric procedure can be selected from at least one of the following:

[0104] - staircase procedure; or

[0105] - Bayesian method.

[0106] As is commonly used, the term "staircase procedure" refers to a method in which modifications of multiple stimuli, particularly at least one visual stimulus, are presented in ascending and / or descending order in subsequent measurement cycles. When the response of a person changes, particularly when at least one visual stimulus is no longer perceived and / or is first perceived, the direction of the stimulus sequence is reversed. As is commonly used, the term "Bayesian method" refers to a statistical inference procedure in which prior information about at least one population parameter is combined with evidence from the information contained in a sample to guide the statistical inference process. Particularly in the context of psychophysical measurements, the term "Bayesian method" refers to a statistical inference procedure in which prior information about the parameter space of a psychometric function is combined with information from a measurement sample, particularly information from the results generated in multiple measurement cycles, to calculate at least one probability distribution of at least one parameter of the psychometric function and to accordingly guide at least one visual stimulus, particularly by changing at least one parameter and / or the spatial position of at least one visual stimulus accordingly.

[0107] In a preferred embodiment, the second spatial position of at least one visual stimulus may be located in at least one of the following relative to the fixation marker:

[0108] - a top spatial position for determining at least one visual manifestation of the lower visual field;

[0109] - a bottom spatial position for determining at least one visual manifestation of the upper visual field;

[0110] - a left spatial position for determining at least one visual manifestation of the nasal visual field or the temporal visual field, respectively; or

[0111] - a right spatial position for determining at least one visual manifestation of the temporal visual field or the nasal visual field, respectively.

[0112] As is commonly used, the term "lower visual field" refers to the part of the visual field above the horizontal line of sight. As is commonly used, the term "upper visual field" refers to the part of the visual field below the horizontal line of sight. As is commonly used, the term "nasal visual field" refers to the part of the visual field lateral to the vertical line of sight on the side where the nose is located. As is commonly used, the term "temporal visual field" refers to the part of the visual field lateral to the vertical line of sight on the side where the temple is located. In a preferred embodiment, at least one visual manifestation can be determined based on at least one result generated in four measurement cycles and the top spatial position, the bottom spatial position, the left spatial position, and the right spatial position.

[0113] In a preferred embodiment, the fixation marker can be a specific item designated to direct the gaze, particularly the fixation position, of at least one eye thereto, preferably where at least one fixation marker can be selected from at least one of the following:

[0114] - at least one in artificial patterns;

[0115] - a specific natural image; or

[0116] - a specific virtual image;

[0117] Specifically,

[0118] - a fixation cross;

[0119] - a circle, particularly a blank circle;

[0120] - a dot; or

[0121] - a comic.

[0122] In a preferred embodiment, in at least two measurement cycles and / or all measurement cycles including step a), at least one fixation marker can be displayed at the same first spatial position. In a preferred embodiment, the reaction time can be determined particularly during step b) for determining visual attention, where the reaction time is the time difference between the display of at least one visual stimulus on at least one screen and the occurrence of at least one eye movement, particularly at least one eye movement caused by at least one visual stimulus. In a preferred embodiment, the reaction time can be the time difference between the start of the display of at least one visual stimulus on at least one screen and the start of at least one eye movement, particularly at least one eye movement already caused by at least one visual stimulus.

[0123] In a preferred embodiment, when at least one eye movement has been tracked during the display of at least one visual stimulus, particularly when at least one visual stimulus has caused at least one eye movement, a flag can classify at least one visual stimulus displayed during step b) as "seen". As commonly used, the term "flag" refers to a status indicator that can be used as a tool to indicate certain states, particularly the state of the occurrence of at least one eye movement. The flag can be set, deleted, or checked. In a preferred embodiment, when at least one eye movement has not been tracked during the display of at least one visual stimulus, particularly when at least one visual stimulus has not caused at least one eye movement, the flag can classify at least one visual stimulus displayed during step b) as "not seen".

[0124] In a preferred embodiment, step b) may include emitting an attention stimulus configured to direct a person's focus to at least one upcoming visual stimulus. As used herein, the term "emitting" refers to sending out an attention stimulus that can be perceived by a person. As commonly used, the term "focus" refers to the center of a person's interest or activity. It may refer to a person's ability to focus on the next visual stimulus, where the next visual stimulus has not been displayed at the time of emitting the attention stimulus but will be displayed after emitting at least one visual stimulus.

[0125] In a preferred embodiment, the attention stimulus may be selected from at least one of the following:

[0126] - Visual signals;

[0127] - Auditory signals; or

[0128] - Tactile signals.

[0129] As used herein, the term "visual signal" refers to an attention stimulus presented to at least one of a person's eyes. The term "auditory signal" refers to an attention stimulus that can be perceived by a person's sense of hearing. The term "tactile signal" refers to an attention stimulus that can be perceived by touch, such as tactile sensations, including but not limited to itching, touching, moving, vibrating, temperature, pressure, and / or tension.

[0130] In a preferred embodiment, determining at least one visual manifestation may include analyzing at least one result. In a preferred embodiment, at least one result may be generated, the result including at least one of the following for at least one circle:

[0131] - Visual stimuli;

[0132] - Tracking data, particularly selected from:

[0133] ○ Temporal changes in the gaze position; or

[0134] ○ Temporal changes in the line of sight;

[0135] - A second spatial position of at least one visual stimulus, particularly the center of at least one visual stimulus;

[0136] - Marks;

[0137] - A first threshold;

[0138] - A second threshold;

[0139] - Pupil size;

[0140] - Response time; or

[0141] - Attention stimulus.

[0142] As used herein, the term "generate" or any grammatical deviation thereof refers to recording measured data. At least one result may include data recorded in multiple measurement cycles. As commonly used, the term "analyze" or any grammatical deviation thereof refers to a systematic investigation in which at least one result under investigation is broken down into its components. Thus, these components are recorded based on criteria and subsequently sorted, examined, and evaluated.

[0143] In a preferred embodiment, at least one result can be generated that includes, for at least one circle:

[0144] - Tracking data; in particular selected from:

[0145] ○ Temporal changes in the gaze position; or

[0146] ○ Temporal changes in the line of sight; and

[0147] - The second spatial position of at least one visual stimulus, in particular the center of at least one visual stimulus.

[0148] In a preferred embodiment, the reaction times of at least one specific measurement cycle and / or the reaction times of at least one subsequent measurement cycle can be associated, in particular by:

[0149] - Calculating an average value;

[0150] - Determining a maximum value; or

[0151] - Determining a minimum value.

[0152] As used herein, the term "associate" refers to the mutual interaction of information, which is implemented in a way that interactively generates an output. The term "average value" refers to a scaled sum, in particular the sum of values scaled by dividing by the number of values. The term "maximum value" refers to the largest value. The term "minimum value" refers to the smallest value.

[0153] In a preferred embodiment, at least one subsequent measurement cycle can be performed at a time interval of at least 1 min, 2 min, 3 min, 4 min, 5 min, 6 min, 7 min, 8 min, 9 min, 10 min, 15 min, 20 min, or 30 min later than at least one specific measurement cycle. As commonly used, the term "time interval" refers to a defined length of time marked by two timestamps.

[0154] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform at least one step, preferably all steps, of the computer-implemented method disclosed herein for determining at least one visual manifestation of at least one eye of a person. For this purpose, the computer program may comprise instructions provided by means of computer program code which, when implemented on a computer or data processing device, are capable of performing any or all steps of the method according to the invention. The computer program code may be provided on a data storage medium or on a separate device such as an optical storage medium, for example on a CD-ROM, provided directly on a computer or data processing device, or provided via a network, such as via an intranet or via the Internet. For further details regarding the computer program, reference may be made to the method according to the invention disclosed elsewhere herein.

[0155] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a device for determining at least one visual manifestation of at least one eye of a person, the device comprising:

[0156] - at least one screen configured to display to at least one eye of a person

[0157] ○ at least one visual fixation marker configured to attract the visual perception of a person by guiding the line of sight of at least one eye of the person towards the visual fixation marker; and

[0158] ○ at least one subsequent visual stimulus configured to cause at least one eye movement of at least one eye of a person;

[0159] - at least one eye tracking device configured to generate tracking data regarding at least one eye movement of at least one eye of a person moving towards at least one visual stimulus;

[0160] - at least one processing device configured to determine at least one visual manifestation based on the tracking data;

[0161] wherein the at least one processing device is configured to determine at least one visual manifestation of at least one eye of a person for at least one point in the visual field of the person by using a first spatial position of at least one visual fixation marker and a second spatial position of at least one visual stimulus; wherein the attention level of a person is determined by evaluating a time-related difference in reaction time between at least one specific measurement cycle and at least one subsequent measurement cycle.

[0162] In a preferred embodiment, the device may further comprise at least one of the following:

[0163] - At least one connection interface configured to transmit at least one result generated for at least one measurement cycle to a remote device configured to determine the visual performance of at least one eye of a person;

[0164] - At least one distance measuring device configured to measure the distance between at least one eye of a person and at least one visual stimulus and / or at least one visual fixation marker.

[0165] As commonly used, the term "connection interface" refers to a shared boundary where two or more separate components of a computer system exchange information. This exchange can occur between software, computer hardware, peripherals, humans, and combinations thereof.

[0166] In a preferred embodiment, the connection interface can be selected from at least one of the following:

[0167] - A network interface controller; or

[0168] - A transmitter.

[0169] As commonly used, the term "network interface controller" refers to a computer hardware component that connects a computer to a computer network. As commonly used, the term "transmitter" refers to an electronic device that generates electromagnetic waves with an antenna.

[0170] In a preferred embodiment, the device can be selected from at least one of the following:

[0171] - A system including a stand-alone computer, a monitor, and a camera;

[0172] - A system including a personal computer, a monitor, and a camera;

[0173] - A virtual reality headset;

[0174] - An augmented reality overlay device;

[0175] - A television; or

[0176] - Or a mobile communication device.

[0177] As used herein, the term "stand-alone computer" refers to a computer that is not necessarily connected to any other computer. A user can interact with a stand-alone computer, input and process data, but does not exchange data or information with other computers during the process of determining the visual representation within the field of view of at least one eye of a person. As commonly used, the term "personal computer" refers to a multi-functional computer whose geometry and functions make it useful in daily situations. As commonly used, the term "virtual reality headset" refers to a head-mounted device that provides virtual reality for the wearer. As commonly used, the term "augmented reality overlay device" refers to a hardware for an interactive experience between the real-world environment and computer-generated perceptual information. As commonly used, the term "television set" refers to a device having a tuner, a display, and at least one speaker for viewing and listening to television broadcasts via at least one of satellite or cable television, where the television set can also be used as a monitor. As commonly used, the term "mobile communication device" refers to a portable wireless communication device that can transmit and / or receive voice, video, or computer data.

[0178] In a preferred embodiment, the mobile communication device can be selected from at least one of the following:

[0179] - Smartphones;

[0180] - Tablet computers; or

[0181] - Laptop computers.

[0182] As commonly used, the term "smartphone" refers to a mobile phone with extensive computer functions and connectivity. As commonly used, the term "tablet computer" refers to a portable flat touch-screen computer. As commonly used, the term "laptop computer" refers to a special type of computer whose screen is movably attached to the housing, where the screen can be folded onto the housing.

[0183] In a preferred embodiment, at least one screen can be selected from at least one of the following:

[0184] - Monitors;

[0185] - Virtual reality headsets;

[0186] - Touchscreens; or

[0187] - Projectors.

[0188] As commonly used, the term "monitor" refers to an electronically controlled display for visually presenting information such as images or items. As commonly used, the term "touch screen" refers to a device having a screen that can generate input by touch. As commonly used, the term "projector" refers to an optical device for magnifying two-dimensional elements through appropriate light guidance.

[0189] In a preferred embodiment, at least one eye tracking device may be selected from at least one of the following:

[0190] - A camera;

[0191] - A webcam;

[0192] - Eye tracking glasses; or

[0193] - A visual evoked potential device.

[0194] As commonly used, the term "camera" refers to an optical device for capturing visual images. As commonly used, the term "webcam" refers to a small camera that can be placed on a monitor or built into a computer. As commonly used, the term "eye tracking glasses" refers to glasses having an attached sensor for tracking the eyes. As commonly used, the term "visual evoked potential device" refers to a device configured to record a specific part of the nervous system.

[0195] In a preferred embodiment, the device may be configured to perform at least one step, preferably all steps, of a computer-implemented method for determining at least one visual manifestation within the field of view of at least one eye of a person.

[0196] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a remote device for determining at least one visual manifestation of at least one eye of a person, the remote device comprising:

[0197] - At least one connection interface for receiving at least one recorded result generated by at least one device for determining at least one visual manifestation of at least one eye of a person as described elsewhere herein; and

[0198] - At least one processing device configured to determine at least one visual manifestation within the field of view of at least one eye of a person by using at least one recorded result.

[0199] As commonly used, the term "receive" refers to obtaining and commencing processing of at least one result provided by a computer-implemented method for determining at least one visual manifestation within the field of view of at least one eye of a person.

[0200] In a preferred embodiment, the connection interface may be selected from at least one of the following:

[0201] - Network interface controller; or

[0202] - Transmitter.

[0203] Compared with the prior art, the device exhibits the following advantages.

[0204] Most of the visual performance tests known in the prior art for determining the visual performance for a specific point in the visual field require an ophthalmologist or an optometry specialist. Therefore, such tests result in reduced portability and cannot be performed by the person himself. On the other hand, the automated test of the present invention can be performed by the person himself, especially by using a mobile device.

[0205] Since eye movement is directly measured using an eye tracking device, the advantage of this test is that it does not require any further response from the patient. This makes it easier to test disabled children or patients.

[0206] The visual performance can be determined for the peripheral visual field because the determination is made in a spatially resolved manner by assigning the visual performance to points in the visual field.

[0207] The test is time-efficient because a test procedure with only one trial can be performed, especially in combination with a smooth enhancement of the visual stimulus, and especially by considering a first threshold and a second threshold and a psychometric procedure. Further, the time dependence of the visual field can be monitored.

[0208] As used herein, the terms "having", "including", or "containing" or any grammatical variation thereof are used in a non-exclusive manner. Thus, these terms can either refer to a situation where no other features are present in the entity described in this context except for the features introduced by these terms, or to a situation where one or more other features are present. As an example, the statements "A has B", "A includes B", and "A contains B" can all refer to a situation where no other elements are present in A except B (i.e., the situation where A consists only of B), or to a situation where one or more other elements are present in entity A in addition to B, such as element C, elements C and D, or even other elements.

[0209] As further used herein, the terms "preferably", "more preferably", "in particular", "more specifically" or similar terms are used in conjunction with optional features without limiting the possibilities of alternatives. Thus, the features introduced by these terms are optional features and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims in any way. As will be recognized by the person skilled in the art, the present invention can be carried out by using alternative features. Similarly, the features introduced by "in an embodiment of the present invention" or similar expressions are intended to be optional features without any limitation regarding alternative embodiments of the present invention, without any limitation regarding the scope of the present invention, and without any limitation regarding the possibility of combining the features introduced in this way with other features of the present invention.

[0210] In summary, the following embodiments are particularly preferred within the scope of the present invention:

[0211] Embodiment 1. A computer-implemented method for determining at least one visual performance of at least one eye of a person, wherein the method at least comprises the following steps:

[0212] a) Displaying at least one visual fixation marker on a screen to at least one eye of a person, the at least one visual fixation marker being configured to attract the visual perception of the person by guiding the line of sight of at least one eye of the person towards the visual fixation marker;

[0213] b) Subsequently displaying at least one visual stimulus on the screen to at least one eye of the person, the visual stimulus being configured to cause at least one eye movement of at least one eye of the person towards the at least one visual stimulus;

[0214] c) Generating tracking data regarding at least one eye movement of at least one eye of the person by using at least one eye tracking device; and

[0215] d) Determining at least one visual performance based on the tracking data by using at least one processing device;

[0216] wherein at least one visual performance of at least one eye of the person is determined for at least one point in the person's visual field by using a first spatial position of at least one visual fixation marker and a second spatial position of at least one visual stimulus.

[0217] Embodiment 2. The method according to the foregoing embodiment, wherein a first spatial position of at least one visual fixation marker is recorded during step a), and a second spatial position of at least one visual stimulus is recorded during step b).

[0218] Embodiment 3. The method according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein at least one visual performance is determined by assigning a specific point to a specific point in the visual field by using an assignment rule.

[0219] Example 4. The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the allocation rule takes into account a second spatial position of at least one visual stimulus and a first spatial position of at least one visual fixation marker; and in particular further takes into account the distance between at least one eye of a person and at least one visual stimulus and / or at least one visual fixation marker.

[0220] Example 5. The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the measurement cycle at least includes steps b) and c), wherein the measurement cycle may further include at least one of step a) and / or step d), wherein at least two measurement cycles are performed to determine a plurality of points in the visual field, preferably having different second spatial positions of at least one visual stimulus.

[0221] Example 6. The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the allocation rule is maintained during at least two measurement cycles and / or during all measurement cycles.

[0222] Example 7. The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one of the following is performed: 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 25, 50, 75 or 100 measurement cycles.

[0223] Example 8. The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one visual fixation marker is displayed in the central region of the screen, in particular guiding at least one eye of a person to a neutral position.

[0224] Example 9. The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the central region is completely surrounded by a surrounding region, wherein at least one visual stimulus is displayed in the surrounding region in step b).

[0225] Example 10. The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein an angle α is given between a first connection line and a second connection line, wherein the first connection line connects the center of at least one visual fixation marker and at least one reference position in at least one eye of a person, and the second connection line connects the center of at least one visual stimulus and at least one reference position in at least one eye of a person, and α is greater than at least one of the following: 2°, 3°, 4°, 5°, 6°, 7° or 8°.

[0226] Example 11. The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one reference position in at least one eye of a person is selected from at least one of the following:

[0227] - the center of the pupil;

[0228] - the corneal reflection point; or

[0229] - corneal apex.

[0230] Example 12. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein at least one visual stimulus can be displayed in any spatial orientation relative to at least one visual fixation marker.

[0231] Example 13. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein when the line of sight of at least one eye of a person intersects at least one visual fixation marker, the surrounding area corresponds to the peripheral visual field.

[0232] Example 14. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein a third connecting line is given that connects the outer periphery of the central visual field, in particular the maximum perimeter of the central visual field, and a reference position in at least one eye of a person, and the central visual field angle β between the third connecting line and the line of sight of at least one eye of the person that intersects the reference position in at least one eye of the person is at least one of the following: 2°, 3°, 4°, 5°, 6°, 7°, or 8°.

[0233] Example 15. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the visual performance of at least one eye of a person is selected from at least one of the following:

[0234] - contrast sensitivity;

[0235] - visual acuity;

[0236] - color vision;

[0237] - time-related sensitivity; or

[0238] - visual attention.

[0239] Example 16. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein at least one eye movement is a reflex saccade in at least one eye of a person.

[0240] Example 17. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the pupil size of at least one eye of a person is further recorded, in particular the temporal change in the pupil size of at least one eye of a person.

[0241] Example 18. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein during step b), at least one visual stimulus is continuously displayed.

[0242] Example 19. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein at least one visual stimulus is selected from at least one of the following:

[0243] - at least one in an artificial pattern;

[0244] - a specific natural image; or

[0245] - a specific virtual image;

[0246] Specifically,

[0247] - a grating, in particular a Gabor patch;

[0248] a noise patch having at least one defined spatial frequency.

[0249] Example 20. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the appearance of at least one visual stimulus is displayed on at least one screen in a time-varying manner.

[0250] Example 21. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the appearance of at least one visual fixation marker on at least one screen and the appearance of at least one visual stimulus on at least one screen are different from each other.

[0251] Example 22. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein at least one visual fixation marker remains constant during at least one measurement cycle.

[0252] Example 23. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein at least one parameter attributed to the appearance of at least one visual stimulus varies between a first value and a second value, in particular in a continuous manner, more specifically in a monotonic manner.

[0253] Example 24. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein at least one parameter is selected from at least one of the following:

[0254] - contrast, in particular for determining contrast sensitivity;

[0255] - spatial frequency, in particular for determining visual acuity;

[0256] - color, in particular for determining color vision; or

[0257] - time-related frequency, in particular for determining time-related sensitivity.

[0258] Example 25. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein for at least one parameter attributed to the appearance, at least one of the following:

[0259] - determining a first threshold at which at least one eye movement of at least one eye of a person is first tracked; or

[0260] - determining a second threshold at which at least one eye movement of at least one eye of a person is last tracked.

[0261] Example 26. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein a plurality of at least one parameter pertains to appearance, in particular wherein the plurality of at least one parameter pertaining to appearance varies between a first value and a second value, in particular in a continuous manner, more specifically in a monotonic manner.

[0262] Example 27. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein step c) is carried out during at least one of the following:

[0263] - step a); or

[0264] - step b).

[0265] Example 28. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the display of at least one visual fixation marker is stopped before step b).

[0266] Example 29. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the gaze position of at least one eye of a person is checked during step a).

[0267] Example 30. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the center of the fixation marker is displayed in the central visual field during step a).

[0268] Example 31. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the gaze position is checked during step a) as to whether it is inside or outside the area of at least one visual fixation marker; in particular, when the gaze position is inside the area of at least one visual fixation marker, only step b) is carried out.

[0269] Example 32. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the area of at least one visual fixation marker is at least partially and / or completely located within the central visual field.

[0270] Example 33. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the visual performance of at least one eye is determined in the peripheral visual field outside the central visual field.

[0271] Example 34. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the center and / or area of at least one visual stimulus is displayed in the peripheral visual field during step b).

[0272] Example 35. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the display of at least one visual stimulus during step b) is stopped when at least one eye movement has been tracked, in particular when at least one visual stimulus has caused at least one eye movement.

[0273] Example 36. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein during step b), at least one visual stimulus is displayed for a maximum predetermined time.

[0274] Example 37. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein when at least one visual impairment that affects a person's ability to observe a visual stimulus with at least one eye is detected, step b) is repeated.

[0275] Example 38. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein at least one visual impairment is selected from at least one of the following:

[0276] - Blinking of at least one eye of the person;

[0277] - Gaze position of at least one eye of the person outside the screen on which the visual stimulus is displayed;

[0278] - Vergence angle between the two eyes of the person showing that the person is not focused on the screen; or

[0279] - Pupil size of the person showing that the person is not focused on the screen.

[0280] Example 39. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein during step b), a second spatial position of at least one visual stimulus is maintained.

[0281] Example 40. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the second spatial position of at least one visual stimulus is randomly determined by an algorithm.

[0282] Example 41. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the second spatial position of at least one subsequent visual stimulus in at least one subsequent measurement cycle is determined by considering at least one specific visual stimulus, in particular by considering the result of at least one specific visual stimulus determined in at least one specific measurement cycle.

[0283] Example 42. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the second spatial position of at least one subsequent visual stimulus in at least one subsequent measurement cycle is determined using a psychometric procedure by considering at least one specific visual stimulus.

[0284] Example 43. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the psychometric procedure is selected from at least one of the following:

[0285] - Staircase procedure; or

[0286] - Bayesian method.

[0287] Example 44. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the second spatial position of at least one visual stimulus is located in at least one of the following relative to the fixation marker:

[0288] - a top spatial position for determining at least one visual manifestation of the lower visual field;

[0289] - a bottom spatial position for determining at least one visual manifestation of the upper visual field;

[0290] - a left spatial position for determining at least one visual manifestation of the nasal visual field or the temporal visual field, respectively; or

[0291] - a right spatial position for determining at least one visual manifestation of the temporal visual field or the nasal visual field, respectively.

[0292] Example 45. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the visual manifestation is determined based on at least one result generated in four measurement cycles and the top spatial position, the bottom spatial position, the left spatial position, and the right spatial position.

[0293] Example 46. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the fixation marker is a specific item designated to direct the gaze, in particular the fixation position, of at least one eye thereto, preferably wherein at least one fixation marker is selected from at least one of the following:

[0294] - at least one in an artificial pattern;

[0295] - a specific natural image; or

[0296] - a specific virtual image;

[0297] Specifically,

[0298] - a fixation cross;

[0299] - a circle, in particular a blank circle;

[0300] - a dot; or

[0301] - a cartoon.

[0302] Example 47. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein in at least two measurement cycles and / or in all measurement cycles further including step a), at least one fixation marker is displayed at the same first spatial position.

[0303] Example 48. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein a reaction time is determined during step b) for determining visual attention, the reaction time being the time difference between the display of at least one visual stimulus on at least one screen and the occurrence of at least one eye movement, in particular at least one eye movement caused by at least one visual stimulus.

[0304] Example 49. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the reaction time is the time difference between the start of the display of at least one visual stimulus on at least one screen and the start of at least one eye movement, in particular at least one eye movement caused by at least one visual stimulus.

[0305] Example 50. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein, when at least one eye movement has been tracked during the display of at least one visual stimulus, in particular when at least one visual stimulus has caused at least one eye movement, a flag classifies at least one visual stimulus displayed during step b) as "seen".

[0306] Example 51. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein, when at least one eye movement has not been tracked during the display of at least one visual stimulus, in particular when at least one visual stimulus has not caused at least one eye movement, a flag classifies at least one visual stimulus displayed during step b) as "not seen".

[0307] Example 52. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein step b) comprises emitting an attention stimulus configured to direct a person's focus to at least one visual stimulus about to be displayed.

[0308] Example 53. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the attention stimulus is selected from at least one of the following:

[0309] - a visual signal;

[0310] - an auditory signal; or

[0311] - a tactile signal.

[0312] Example 54. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein determining at least one visual manifestation comprises analyzing at least one result.

[0313] Example 55. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein at least one result is generated, the at least one result comprising at least one of the following for at least one circle:

[0314] - a visual stimulus;

[0315] - Tracking data generated by an eye tracking device, in particular selected from:

[0316] ○ Temporal variation of the fixation position; or

[0317] ○ Temporal variation of the line of sight;

[0318] - At least one visual stimulus, in particular a second spatial position of the center of at least one visual stimulus;

[0319] - A flag;

[0320] - A first threshold;

[0321] - A second threshold;

[0322] - Pupil size;

[0323] - Reaction time; or

[0324] - Attention stimulus.

[0325] Example 56. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein at least one result is generated, the at least one result comprising, for at least one circle:

[0326] - Tracking data generated by an eye tracking device, in particular selected from:

[0327] ○ Temporal variation of the fixation position; or

[0328] ○ Temporal variation of the line of sight; and

[0329] - At least one visual stimulus, in particular a second spatial position of the center of at least one visual stimulus.

[0330] Example 57. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the attention level of a person is determined by evaluating the time-dependent difference in reaction time between at least one specific measurement cycle and at least one subsequent measurement cycle.

[0331] Example 58. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein a plurality of reaction times of at least one specific measurement cycle and / or a plurality of reaction times of at least one subsequent measurement cycle are associated, in particular by:

[0332] - Calculating an average value;

[0333] - Determining a maximum value; or

[0334] - Determining a minimum value.

[0335] Example 59. The method according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein at least one subsequent measurement cycle is performed at a time interval that is at least 1 min, 2 min, 3 min, 4 min, 5 min, 6 min, 7 min, 8 min, 9 min, 10 min, 15 min, 20 min or 30 min later than at least one specific measurement cycle.

[0336] Example 60. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to any one of the preceding examples.

[0337] Example 61. A device for determining at least one visual performance of at least one eye of a person, the device comprising:

[0338] - at least one screen configured to display to at least one eye of a person

[0339] ○ at least one visual fixation marker configured to attract the visual perception of a person by guiding the line of sight of at least one eye of the person towards the visual fixation marker; and

[0340] ○ at least one subsequent visual stimulus configured to cause at least one eye movement of at least one eye of a person;

[0341] - at least one eye tracking device configured to generate tracking data on at least one eye movement of at least one eye of a person moving towards at least one visual stimulus;

[0342] - at least one processing device configured to determine at least one visual performance based on the tracking data;

[0343] wherein at least one processing device is configured to determine at least one visual performance of at least one eye of a person for at least one point in the visual field of the person by using a first spatial position of at least one visual fixation marker and a second spatial position of at least one visual stimulus.

[0344] Example 62. The device according to the preceding example, wherein the device further comprises at least one of the following:

[0345] - at least one connection interface configured to transmit at least one result generated for at least one measurement cycle to a remote device configured to determine the visual performance of at least one eye of a person; or

[0346] - At least one distance measurement unit configured to measure the distance between at least one eye of a person and at least one visual stimulus and / or at least one visual fixation marker.

[0347] Example 63. The device according to the foregoing example, wherein the connection interface is selected from at least one of the following:

[0348] - Network interface controller; or

[0349] - Transmitter.

[0350] Example 64. The device according to any one of the foregoing device examples, wherein the device is selected from at least one of the following:

[0351] - A system including a stand-alone computer, a monitor, and a camera;

[0352] - A system including a personal computer, a monitor, and a camera;

[0353] - Virtual reality headset;

[0354] - Augmented reality overlay device;

[0355] - Television set; or

[0356] - Or a mobile communication device.

[0357] Example 65. The device according to any one of the foregoing device examples, wherein the mobile communication device is selected from at least one of the following:

[0358] - Smart phone;

[0359] - Tablet computer; or

[0360] - Laptop computer.

[0361] Example 66. The device according to any one of the foregoing device examples, wherein the at least one screen is selected from at least one of the following:

[0362] - Monitor;

[0363] - Virtual reality headset;

[0364] - Touch screen; or

[0365] - Projector.

[0366] Example 67. The device according to any one of the foregoing device examples, wherein the at least one eye tracking device is selected from at least one of the following:

[0367] - Camera;

[0368] - Webcam;

[0369] - Eye tracking glasses; or

[0370] - Visual evoked potential device.

[0371] Example 68. The device according to any one of the preceding device embodiments, wherein the device is configured to perform the method according to any one of the preceding method embodiments.

[0372] Example 69. A remote device for determining at least one visual manifestation of at least one eye of a person, the remote device comprising:

[0373] - At least one connection interface for receiving at least one recording result generated by the device according to any one of the preceding device embodiments; and

[0374] - At least one processing device for determining at least one visual manifestation by using at least one recording result.

[0375] Example 70. The remote device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the connection interface is selected from at least one of the following:

[0376] - Network interface controller; or

[0377] - Transmitter. Description of the Drawings

[0378] Preferably in combination with the dependent claims, other alternative features and embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in more detail in the following description of the preferred embodiments. Among them, as those skilled in the art will recognize, the various alternative features can be implemented in isolation and in any feasible combination. It is emphasized here that the scope of the present invention is not limited by the preferred embodiments.

[0379] In the drawings:

[0380] Figure 1 A bird's-eye view of an exemplary device for determining at least one visual manifestation of at least one eye of a person is shown;

[0381] Figure 2 shows the generation step ( Figure 2a ) and the second display step ( Figure 2b and 2c ) of the method for determining at least one visual manifestation of at least one eye of a person implemented as a computer program running on the device;

[0382] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing an exemplary sequence of the method steps is shown; and

[0383] Figure 4 An exemplary system is shown that includes the device and a remote device for determining at least one visual performance of at least one eye of a person. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0384] Figure 1 An exemplary device 100 is shown for determining visual performances within the visual fields 400, 402 of an eye 302 of a person 300. According to Figure 1 the device 100 is a mobile communication device, in particular a smart phone. Alternatively, the device 100 can be a system including a stand-alone computer, a monitor, and a camera; a system including a personal computer, a monitor, and a camera; a virtual reality head-mounted device; an augmented reality overlay device; a television; a tablet computer; or a laptop computer.

[0385] The visual performance determined here by way of example is visual acuity in the peripheral visual field 402. Alternatively or additionally, contrast sensitivity, color vision, time-related sensitivity, and / or visual attention can be determined.

[0386] The device 100 includes a screen 102 according to Figure 1 On the screen 102, a visual fixation marker 200 is shown to the eye 302 of the person 300. In order to determine the visual performance, a visual stimulus 210 is then shown on the screen 102 in order to cause an eye movement (not depicted here) of the eye 302 of the person 300. As Figure 1 depicted, the screen 102 is a touch screen of a smart phone. Alternatively, the screen 102 can be a monitor, a virtual reality head-mounted device, a television, or a projector.

[0387] The device 100 includes an eye tracking device 104 that is configured to track the eye movement of the eye 302 of the person 300. According to Figure 1 the eye tracking device 104 is a camera integrated into a smart phone. Alternatively, the eye tracking device 104 can be a web camera, eye tracking glasses, or a visual evoked potential device. According to Figure 1 the eye tracking device 104 further serves as a distance measurement unit. For this purpose, the eye tracking device is configured to measure and record the distance between the eye 302 of the person 300 and the visual stimulus 210. Further, the distance between the visual fixation marker 200 and the eye 302 of the person 300 can be measured and recorded.

[0388] In order to determine the visual performance within the visual fields 400, 402 of the eye 302 of the person 300, a computer-implemented method 500 can be applied. The method 500 can be implemented as a computer program running on the device 100.

[0389] According to Figure 2a, in the first display step 510 according to step a) of method 500, a visual fixation marker 200 is displayed on screen 102 towards the eyes 302 of person 300. The fixation marker 200 depicted here is an artificial pattern, specifically a fixation cross. Alternatively, the fixation marker 200 can be a specific natural image, a specific virtual image, a circle (especially a blank circle), a dot, or a cartoon. The visual fixation marker 200 is displayed in the central region 106 of the screen 102. The spatial position of the visual fixation marker 200 remains constant during at least one measurement cycle 550, preferably multiple measurement cycles 550. The first spatial position of the visual fixation marker 200 is recorded.

[0390] The fixation marker 200 is designated to direct the gaze of the eyes 302, specifically the fixation position, thereto. In Figure 2a , the fixation position is within the region defined by the visual fixation marker 200, and thus the line of sight 410 of the eyes 302 intersects the visual fixation marker 200. The eyes 302 are in a neutral position. As a result, the center 202 of the visual fixation marker 200 is displayed in the central visual field 400 of the eyes 302 of person 300 during the first display step 510. The region of the visual fixation marker 200 is entirely within the central visual field 400. The central region 106 of the screen 102 corresponds to the central visual field 400.

[0391] The central visual field 400 is defined by a central visual field angle β between a third connecting line 404 connecting the outer periphery 406 of the central visual field 400 and the line of sight 410 of the eyes 302 of person 300 passing through a reference position 302 in the eyes 300 of the person. The outer periphery 406 can be the maximum perimeter of the central visual field 400. As Figure 2a depicted, the central visual field angle β is 4°. Alternatively, the central visual field angle β can be 2°, 3°, 5°, 6°, 7°, or 8°. The reference position in the eyes 302 can be the pupil center, the corneal reflection point, or the corneal apex.

[0392] During the first display step 510, the eye tracking device 104 is further used to check whether the fixation position of the eyes 302 is inside or outside the region including the second spatial position of the center 202 of the visual fixation marker 200. When the fixation position is inside the region of the visual fixation marker 200, the second display step 520 according to step b) of method 500 can be executed.

[0393] According to the second display step 520 of method 500, a visual stimulus 210 is displayed on the screen 102 to cause an eye movement of the eyes 302 of person 300, as Figure 2b depicted. The expected eye movement is a reflex saccade. From Figure 2b and Figure 2cAs can be seen, the display of the visual fixation marker 200 stops before the second display step 520, and thus the visual fixation marker 200 is indicated by a dashed line in these figures. Alternatively, the visual fixation marker 200 can be displayed during the second display step 520.

[0394] Figure 2b The visual stimulus 210 depicted in the figure is an artificial pattern, specifically a grating, i.e., a Gabor patch. Alternatively, the visual stimulus 210 can be a specific natural image, a specific virtual image, or a noise patch having at least one defined spatial frequency. The appearance of the visual fixation marker 200 and the appearance of at least one visual stimulus 210 are different from each other.

[0395] The visual stimulus 210 can be displayed in the peripheral visual field 402 outside the central visual field 400. The second spatial position of the visual stimulus 210 can be located in the surrounding area 108 that completely surrounds the central area 106. This can be achieved by considering the angle α, which is defined between the first connection line 220 and the second connection line 230. The first connection line 220 connects the center 202 of the visual fixation marker 200 and a reference position in the eye 302 of the person 300. The second connection line 230 connects the center 212 of the visual stimulus 210 and a reference position in the eye 302 of the person 300. Since the visual stimulus 210 is displayed in the peripheral visual field 402, according to Figure 2b , the angle α is greater than 4°. Alternatively, the angle can be greater than 2°, 3°, 5°, 6°, 7°, or 8°.

[0396] As can be seen from Figure 2c , the figure also shows the second display step 520, when the person 300 responds to the display of the visual stimulus 210, the gaze position of the person 300's eyes 302 changes to the visual stimulus 210 as expected. Therefore, the line of sight 410 also changes in such a way that it now intersects the visual stimulus 210.

[0397] At least one visual stimulus 210 is continuously displayed during the second display step 520, and the second spatial position of the visual stimulus 210 can be fixed. The second spatial position of the visual stimulus 210 can be defined by a certain eccentricity level and a certain spatial orientation of the center 212 of the visual stimulus 210 relative to the center 202 of the visual fixation marker 200.

[0398] During the display on the screen 102, the appearance of the visual stimulus 210 changes over time. For this purpose, the parameter belonging to the appearance of the visual stimulus 210 changes between a first value and a second value. The parameter can change in a continuous manner or even in a monotonic manner. As can be seen from Figure 2b and Figure 2cIt can be seen from the comparison that the parameter that varies to determine visual acuity is here the spatial frequency of the visual stimulus 210. Alternatively, this parameter can be contrast, especially for determining contrast sensitivity; color, especially for determining color vision; or time-related frequency, especially for determining time-related sensitivity. Further, multiple parameters attributable to appearance can vary between a first value and a second value. Additionally, the variation of multiple parameters can be in a continuous manner or in a monotonic manner.

[0399] According to the generation step 520 of step c) of the method 500 for determining the visual performance within the visual fields 400, 402 of the eye 302 of the person 300, the eye movement is tracked using the eye tracking device 104. Thus, the temporal variation of the gaze position or the temporal variation of the line of sight 410 can be recorded.

[0400] For the parameter attributable to appearance, a first threshold and a second threshold can be determined, at the first threshold, the eye movement of the eye 302 of the person 300 is first tracked, and at the second threshold, the eye movement of the eye 302 of the person 300 is last tracked.

[0401] Additionally, the pupil size of the pupil 304 of the eye 302 of the person 300 is also recorded by using the eye tracking device 104. By doing so, the temporal variation of the pupil size can be recorded.

[0402] Figure 3 An overview of the sequence of steps of the method 500 for determining the visual performance of the eye 302 of the person 300 is given. The generation step 530 according to step c) is performed during the first display step 510 according to step a) and the second display step 520 according to step b). Here, the first display step 510 is performed before the second display step 520. The measurement cycle 550 can include the sequence of the first display step 510, the second display step 520, and the generation step 530; however, the first display step 510 may not necessarily be included in the measurement cycle 550. To determine the visual performance for additional points in the visual fields 400, 402, during the second display step 520 during multiple measurement cycles 550, the visual stimulus 210 is displayed at different second spatial positions. The method 500 for determining the visual performance within the visual fields 400, 402 further includes a determination step 550 according to step d) of the method 500.

[0403] During the second display step 520, the visual stimulus 210 can be displayed for a maximum predetermined time. If no eye movement is caused within the predetermined time, the second display step 520 can be repeated using a visual stimulus 210 with different parameters and / or spatial positions.

[0404] When at least one eye movement caused by the visual stimulus 210 has been tracked, the display of the at least one visual stimulus 210 during the second display step 520 may stop. In this case, the second display step 520 may then be considered to be completed.

[0405] When a visual impairment that affects the ability of the person 300's eyes 302 to observe the visual stimulus 210 is detected, the second display step 520 may be further repeated. Such an impairment may be a blink of the person 300's eyes 302, the gaze position of the eyes 302 being outside the screen 102 on which the visual stimulus 210 is displayed, the convergence angle between the two eyes of the person 300 indicating that the person 300 is not focused on the screen 102, or the pupil size indicating that the person 300 is not focused on the screen 102.

[0406] According to Figure 2a 、 Figure 2b and Figure 2c ,the second spatial position of the visual stimulus 210 is relative to the fixation marker 200 at the top spatial position for determining the visual representation of the lower visual field. Alternatively, it may be located at the bottom spatial position for determining the visual representation of the upper visual field, the left spatial position for determining the visual representation of the nasal visual field or the temporal visual field, or the right spatial position for determining the visual representation of the temporal visual field or the nasal visual field. To determine the peripheral visual fields 402 in the lower visual field, upper visual field, nasal visual field, and temporal visual field, results can be generated from four measurement cycles 550, where the visual stimulus 210 is displayed at the top spatial position, bottom spatial position, left spatial position, and right spatial position, respectively. On the other hand, the visual fixation marker 200 may be displayed at the same spatial position during the first display step 510 of each measurement cycle 550.

[0407] The second spatial position at which the visual stimulus 210 can be displayed is randomly determined by an algorithm. Alternatively or additionally, the second spatial position of the subsequent visual stimulus 210 displayed in the subsequent measurement cycle 550 can be determined by considering the results of a specific visual stimulus 210 determined in a specific measurement cycle 550 performed before the subsequent measurement cycle 550. Because of this, a psychometric procedure can be used, which can be selected from a staircase procedure or a Bayesian method.

[0408] To determine visual attention, the reaction time can be recorded. The reaction time can be the time difference between the display of the visual stimulus 210 on the screen 102 and the occurrence of at least one eye movement caused by the visual stimulus 210. This measurement may further include emitting an attention stimulus, which is configured to direct the focus of the person 300 to the upcoming visual stimulus 210. The attention stimulus can be a visual signal, an auditory signal, and / or a tactile signal.

[0409] After each measurement cycle 550, a result can be generated that includes the tracking data generated by the eye tracking device 104 and the second spatial position on the screen 102 where the visual stimulus 210 is displayed. Additionally, the result can include the visual stimulus 210, the tracking data generated by the eye tracking device 104, a flag, a first threshold, a second threshold, pupil size, reaction time, and / or an attention stimulus.

[0410] When the eye movements caused by the visual stimulus 210 have been tracked during the display of the visual stimulus 210, the flag can be used to classify the visual stimulus 210 displayed during step b) as "seen". When the eye movements caused by the visual stimulus 210 have not been tracked during the display of the visual stimulus 210, the flag can be used to classify the visual stimulus 210 displayed during step b) as "not seen".

[0411] The result can be analyzed by using at least one processing device of the device 100 to determine the visual performance for points in the visual fields 400, 402 corresponding to the second spatial position of the displayed visual stimulus 210. To determine at least one visual performance of a specific point in the visual field during the determination step 550, an assignment rule can be applied. The assignment rule can consider the first spatial position of the visual fixation marker 200 and the second spatial position of the visual stimulus 210. The assignment rule can further consider the distance between the person 300's eyes 302 and the visual stimulus 210 and / or the visual fixation marker 200.

[0412] Additionally, the attention level of the person 300 can be determined by evaluating the time-related difference in reaction time between a specific measurement cycle 550 and a measurement cycle 550 performed at a given time interval later than the specific measurement cycle 550. In this analysis, the multiple reaction times of the specific measurement cycle 550 and the multiple reaction times of the subsequent measurement cycle 550 can be correlated, for example, by calculating an average value, determining a maximum value, or determining a minimum value.

[0413] As Figure 4 shown, the device 100 for determining visual performance can transmit the result to a remote device 110, which is used to determine the visual performance within the visual fields 400, 402 of the person 300's eyes 302. Thus, both the device 100 for determining visual performance within the visual fields 400, 402 and the remote device 110 for determining visual performance within the visual fields 400, 402 of the person 300's eyes 302 include a connection interface. The connection interface can be a network interface controller and / or a transmitter.

[0414] List of Reference Numerals

[0415] 100 Device for determining at least one visual performance of at least one eye of a person

[0416] 102 Screen

[0417] 104 Eye movement tracking device

[0418] 106 Central region

[0419] 108 Peripheral region

[0420] 110 Remote device for determining at least one visual manifestation of at least one eye of a person

[0421] 200 Visual fixation marker

[0422] 202 Center

[0423] 210 Visual stimulus

[0424] 212 Center

[0425] 220 First connecting line

[0426] 230 Second connecting line

[0427] 300 Person

[0428] 302 Eye

[0429] 304 Pupil

[0430] 400 Central visual field

[0431] 402 Peripheral visual field

[0432] 404 Third connecting line

[0433] 406 Periphery

[0434] 410 Line of sight

[0435] 500 Method for determining at least one visual manifestation of at least one eye of a person

[0436] 510 First display step

[0437] 520 Second display step

[0438] 530 Generation step

[0439] 540 Determination step

[0440] 550 Measurement step

[0441] α angle

[0442] β angle

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method (500) for determining at least one visual manifestation of at least one eye (302) of a person (300), wherein, the method at least comprises the following steps: a) Displaying at least one visual fixation marker (200) on a screen (102) to at least one eye (302) of the person (300), the at least one visual fixation marker being configured to attract the visual perception of the person (300) by guiding the line of sight (410) of at least one eye (302) of the person (300) towards the visual fixation marker (200); b) Subsequently displaying at least one visual stimulus (210) on the screen (102) to at least one eye (302) of the person, the at least one visual stimulus being configured to cause at least one eye (302) of the person (300) to move from the visual fixation marker towards the at least one visual stimulus (210); c) Generating tracking data regarding at least one eye movement of at least one eye (302) of the person (300) by using at least one eye tracking device (104); and d) Determining at least one visual manifestation based on the tracking data by using at least one processing device; wherein, at least one visual manifestation of at least one eye (302) of the person (300) is determined for at least one point in the field of view of the person (300) by using a first spatial position of the at least one visual fixation marker (200) and a second spatial position of the at least one visual stimulus (210); characterized in that, the attention level of the person (300) is determined by evaluating a time-related difference in reaction time between at least one specific measurement cycle (550) and at least one subsequent measurement cycle (550), wherein the reaction time is the time difference between the display of the at least one visual stimulus on the at least one screen and the occurrence of the at least one eye movement.

2. The method (500) according to claim 1, wherein, a measurement cycle (550) at least comprises steps b) and c), wherein at least two measurement cycles (550) are repeated to determine multiple points in the field of view, preferably with different second spatial positions of the at least one visual stimulus (210).

3. The method (500) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the at least one visual manifestation is determined for a specific point in the field of view by assigning the second spatial position of the at least one visual stimulus (210) to the specific point by using an assignment rule, wherein the assignment rule defines the relationship between the second spatial position of the at least one visual stimulus (210) on the screen (102) and the specific point in the field of view, and wherein the assignment rule is maintained during the at least two measurement cycles (550).

4. The method (500) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The at least one visual fixation marker (200) is displayed in a central region (106) of the screen (102), wherein the at least one visual stimulus (210) is displayed in a surrounding region (108), wherein the central region (106) is completely surrounded by the surrounding region (108), wherein an angle α is given between a first connecting line (220) and a second connecting line (230), wherein the first connecting line (220) connects the center (202) of the at least one visual fixation marker (200) and at least one reference position in at least one of the at least one eye (302) of the person (300), wherein the second connecting line (230) connects the center (212) of the at least one visual stimulus (210) and at least one reference position in at least one of the at least one eye (302) of the person (300), and wherein α is greater than at least one of: 2°, 3°, 4°, 5°, 6°, 7° or 8°.

5. The method (500) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the visual performance of at least one eye (302) of the person (300) is selected from at least one of the following: - Contrast sensitivity; - Visual acuity; - Color vision; - Temporal related sensitivity; or - Visual attention.

6. The method (500) according to claim 5, wherein, the appearance of the at least one visual stimulus (210) is displayed on the at least one screen (102) in a time-varying manner, wherein at least one parameter attributed to the appearance of the at least one visual stimulus (210) varies between a first value and a second value, and wherein the at least one parameter is selected from at least one of the following: - Contrast, in particular for determining contrast sensitivity; - Spatial frequency, in particular for determining visual acuity; - Color, in particular for determining color vision; or - Temporal related frequency, in particular for determining temporal related sensitivity.

7. The method (500) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the second spatial position of the at least one visual stimulus (210) is placed relative to the first spatial position of the at least one visual fixation marker (200) at at least one of the following: - A top spatial position for determining at least one visual performance of the lower visual field; - A bottom spatial position for determining at least one visual performance of the upper visual field; - A left spatial position for determining at least one visual performance of the nasal visual field or the temporal visual field, respectively; or - A right spatial position for determining at least one visual performance of the temporal visual field or the nasal visual field, respectively.

8. The method (500) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, when at least one visual impairment affecting the ability of at least one eye (302) of the person (300) to observe the visual stimulus (210) is detected, step b) is repeated, in particular wherein the at least one visual impairment is selected from at least one of the following: - Blinking of at least one eye (302) of the person (300); - The gaze position of at least one eye (302) of the person (300) being outside the screen (102) on which the visual stimulus (210) is displayed; - The convergence angle between the two eyes of the person (300) indicates that the person (300) is not focused on the screen (102); or - The pupil size indicates that the person (300) is not focused on the screen (102).

9. The method (500) according to claim 5, wherein, a reaction time is determined during step b) for determining the visual attention, wherein the reaction time is the time difference between the display of the at least one visual stimulus (210) on the at least one screen (102) and the occurrence of at least one eye movement caused by the at least one visual stimulus (210).

10. The method (500) according to claim 6, wherein, a reaction time is determined during step b) for determining the visual attention, wherein the reaction time is the time difference between the display of the at least one visual stimulus (210) on the at least one screen (102) and the occurrence of at least one eye movement caused by the at least one visual stimulus (210).

11. The method (500) according to claim 7, wherein, a reaction time is determined during step b) for determining the visual attention, wherein the reaction time is the time difference between the display of the at least one visual stimulus (210) on the at least one screen (102) and the occurrence of at least one eye movement caused by the at least one visual stimulus (210).

12. The method (500) according to claim 8, wherein, a reaction time is determined during step b) for determining the visual attention, wherein the reaction time is the time difference between the display of the at least one visual stimulus (210) on the at least one screen (102) and the occurrence of at least one eye movement caused by the at least one visual stimulus (210).

13. The method (500) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, step b) includes emitting an attention stimulus configured to direct the focus of the person (300) to the visual stimulus about to be displayed in the at least one visual stimulus (210), preferably wherein, the attention stimulus is selected from at least one of the following: - a visual signal; - an auditory signal; or - a tactile signal.

14. The method (500) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the second spatial position of the at least one subsequent visual stimulus (210) displayed in at least one subsequent measurement cycle (550) is determined using a psychometric procedure taking into account at least one specific visual stimulus (210).

15. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform a computer-implemented method (500) for determining at least one visual manifestation of at least one eye (302) of a person (300), wherein, the method (500) at least comprises the following steps: a) Display at least one visual fixation marker (200) on a screen (102) to at least one eye (302) of a person (300), the at least one visual fixation marker being configured to attract the visual perception of the person (300) by guiding the line of sight (410) of at least one eye (302) of the person (300) towards the visual fixation marker (200); b) Subsequently display at least one visual stimulus (210) on the screen (102) to at least one eye (302) of the person, the at least one visual stimulus being configured to cause at least one eye (302) of the person (300) to move from the visual fixation marker towards the at least one visual stimulus (210); c) Generate tracking data regarding at least one eye movement of at least one eye (302) of the person (300) by using at least one eye tracking device (104); and d) Determine at least one visual performance based on the tracking data by using at least one processing device; wherein at least one visual performance of at least one eye (302) of the person (300) is determined for at least one point in the field of view of the person (300) by using a first spatial position of the at least one visual fixation marker (200) and a second spatial position of the at least one visual stimulus (210); characterized in that the attention level of the person (300) is determined by evaluating a time-related difference in reaction time between at least one specific measurement cycle (550) and at least one subsequent measurement cycle (550), wherein the reaction time is the time difference between the display of the at least one visual stimulus on the at least one screen and the occurrence of the at least one eye movement.

16. A device (100) for determining at least one visual performance of at least one eye (302) of a person (300), the device comprising: - at least one screen (102), the at least one screen being configured to ○ display at least one visual fixation marker (200) to at least one eye (302) of a person (300), the at least one visual fixation marker being configured to attract the visual perception of the person (300) by guiding the line of sight (410) of at least one eye (302) of the person (300) towards the visual fixation marker (200); and ○ subsequently display at least one visual stimulus (210), the at least one visual stimulus being configured to cause at least one eye (302) of the person (300) to move from the visual fixation marker towards the at least one visual stimulus (210); - at least one eye tracking device (104), the at least one eye tracking device being configured to generate tracking data regarding at least one eye movement of at least one eye (302) of the person (300) moving towards the at least one visual stimulus (210); - at least one processing device, the at least one processing device determining the at least one visual performance based on the tracking data; Wherein, the at least one processing device is configured to determine at least one visual representation of at least one eye (302) of the person (300) for at least one point in the field of view of the person (300) by using a first spatial position of the at least one visual fixation marker (200) and a second spatial position of the at least one visual stimulus (210); Characterized in that, the attention level of the person (300) is determined by evaluating a time-related difference in reaction time between at least one specific measurement cycle (550) and at least one subsequent measurement cycle (550), wherein the reaction time is the time difference between the display of the at least one visual stimulus on the at least one screen and the occurrence of the at least one eye movement.

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