ARO Visual Field Testing Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current visual field measuring methods using Landolt rings lack precision for minimum separable acuity testing and are cumbersome, requiring long test times and technician intervention, while conventional visual field tests are burdensome for subjects and technicians, and do not accurately determine scotomas or retinal resolution.

Innovation Solution

A visual field measuring method and apparatus that uses standardized test symbols displayed sequentially at a reference and peripheral location, with the test subject inputting recognition of these symbols, and measures response time to determine scotomas, employing an Accurate Resolution Optotype (ARO) that is consistent with retinal resolution and allows for automated testing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If Landolt rings are used to measure minimum separable acuity, then the test can be conducted with internationally recognized standardized symbols, but the measurement precision does not match retinal resolution and the test becomes cumbersome requiring long test times and technician intervention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveminimum separable acuity measurement precisionVSAvoidtest time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of the test symbol from curved Landolt rings to linear ARO symbols composed of straight lines and right angles. This parameter change enables precise digital rendering on liquid crystal displays while maintaining consistency with retinal resolution, thereby improving measurement precision and enabling automation that reduces test time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical testing process with an automated digital system. The ARO symbols are displayed on liquid crystal displays and responses are automatically recorded and analyzed, substituting the mechanical/manual process with an automated electronic system that reduces test time and eliminates technician burden

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If Landolt rings with curved portions are used, then minimum separable acuity can be tested, but accurate rendering becomes increasingly difficult as the symbol is made smaller on liquid crystal displays

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveminimum separable acuity testing capabilityVSAvoidsymbol rendering accuracy on display
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent fundamentally changes the geometric parameters of the test symbol from curved lines to straight lines and right angles. The ARO symbol is defined by linear segments with precise angular relationships, which can be accurately rendered on digital displays at any size without the degradation that occurs with curved Landolt rings

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The ARO symbol is segmented into distinct linear components - vertical lines, horizontal lines, and right-angle connections. This segmentation into discrete geometric elements enables precise digital construction and rendering on liquid crystal displays, ensuring manufacturing precision across different display resolutions and sizes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Area of stationary object

If conventional visual field testing methods are used, then the visual field range can be measured, but the test becomes burdensome for both subjects and technicians requiring long test times and manual monitoring

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual field measurement coverageVSAvoidtesting operation burden
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service automation where the system automatically displays ARO symbols at various locations, automatically records subject responses, automatically analyzes the data to determine scotomas, and generates visual field maps without technician intervention. The system serves itself by automating the entire testing workflow, dramatically reducing operation burden while maintaining comprehensive visual field coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates automated feedback mechanisms where subject responses are immediately recorded and used to adjust subsequent test presentations. The system provides real-time feedback by displaying symbols at locations based on previous responses, automatically determining when testing is complete, and generating immediate results, eliminating the need for manual monitoring and decision-making

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3332692B1Visual field measuring method and visual field measuring apparatus
Publication Date: 2020.09.23 NAT UNIV CORP EHIME UNIV
  • EP3332692B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3332692B1 patent drawingFigure 2(A)~2(B)
  • EP3332692B1 patent drawingFigure 3(A)~3(D)

AI summary

A method for measuring visual field comprising a reference standardized symbol display operation in which a standardized test symbol is displayed at a reference location BP provided at a center of a display 2; a reference input operation in which a test subject is made to input the fact that the standardized test symbol displayed at the reference standardized symbol display operation has been recognized; a peripheral standardized symbol display operation in which, following input of the fact that the standardized test symbol was recognized at the reference input operation, a standardized test symbol is displayed at a location different from the reference location BP; and a peripheral input operation in which the test subject is made to input the fact that the standardized test symbol displayed at the peripheral standardized symbol display operation has been recognized; wherein a response time is measured from when the standardized test symbol is displayed at the peripheral standardized symbol display operation to when the fact that the standardized test symbol has been recognized is input at the peripheral input operation.