Objective Chromatic Perimetry Using Pupillometer PLR Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current visual field testing methods are subjective and unreliable, especially for ill, elderly, or mentally challenged patients, due to their dependence on patient cooperation, leading to inaccurate and non-repeatable results, and existing pupillometer-based tests fail to provide accurate and repeatable visual field mapping.

Innovation Solution

A system and method using a pupillometer that applies chromatic light stimuli at specific wavelengths to measure Pupillary Light Reflex (PLR) responses, calculating ratios of rod and cone specific stimuli to provide objective and individualized visual field analysis, reducing variability and requiring no patient input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional visual field testing methods are used, then patient cooperation and understanding are required, but the results become subjective and unreliable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetest result reliabilityVSAvoidpatient cooperation requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the patient's own pupillary light reflex response as the test indicator, eliminating the need for subjective patient reporting. The automated pupillometer measures pupil constriction objectively, allowing the test to serve itself without requiring patient understanding or cooperation beyond basic positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/manual system of patient button-pressing with an automated optical measurement system. The pupillometer automatically detects and quantifies pupillary responses, substituting the need for patient motor responses with objective physiological measurements.

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

2Measurement precision

If small-area light stimuli are used in pupil perimetry, then retinal area coverage is reduced, but the ability to stimulate PLR in damaged areas is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretinal damage detection precisionVSAvoidstimulated retinal area
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the size of the light stimulus based on the specific retinal location being tested. By varying stimulus area according to retinal ecology (smaller for fovea, larger for periphery), the system optimizes PLR stimulation while maintaining precise damage detection capability across different retinal regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes multiple parameters of the light stimulus including area, duration, and intensity based on the tested retinal location. This allows optimization of stimulus parameters for each specific retinal area, ensuring adequate PLR stimulation while maintaining the ability to detect localized damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If achromatic beam stimuli are used, then the testing procedure is simple, but the results show large variations and fail to provide accurate visual field mapping

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting procedure simplicityVSAvoidvisual field mapping accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different wavelength stimuli (achromatic and chromatic) to different retinal locations based on their specific photoreceptor distributions. This local differentiation of stimulus quality allows accurate visual field mapping by matching stimulus characteristics to retinal ecology, while maintaining procedural simplicity through automated delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Loss of information

If red and blue stimuli are used to determine stimulus specific maps, then diagnostic information is enhanced, but the method lacks specific wavelength specifications and comparison details

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic information completenessVSAvoidmethod specification detail
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the visual field testing into multiple wavelength-specific maps (achromatic, blue, red, green) that are obtained separately and then compared. This segmentation allows comprehensive diagnostic information to be captured for different photoreceptor systems, while the automated system manages the complexity of multiple wavelength specifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enables reliable and repeatable objective chromatic perimetry testing, effectively identifying eye health issues and damage by providing standardized measurements that are independent of patient cooperation, improving diagnostic accuracy and consistency.

Implementation Method 1

measuring the latency and amplitude of the constriction of the pupil in response to a stimuli, usually in the form of a spot ('small-area') flashes of light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPupillary Light Reflex:

Data Source

PatentEP2459051B1System and method for objective chromatic perimetry analysis using pupillometer
Publication Date: 2022.03.16 TEL HASHOMER MEDICAL RES INFRASTRUCTURE & SERVICES LTD
  • EP2459051B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2459051B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP2459051B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B

AI summary

The present invention relates to a system, device and a method for objective visual field testing and in particular, to such a system and method in which provides objective chromatic perimetry test or color vision test using a pupillometer.