Cone Contrast Test for Early Color Vision Loss Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current eye testing methods, such as OCT and visual field analyzers, are ineffective for early detection and monitoring of eye conditions like retinal diseases and color vision loss, as they require visual acuity and are not suitable for small display devices, leading to lengthy test times and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A Cone Contrast Test (CCT) method and apparatus using a computer-based system that displays colored regions at varying contrast levels, allowing patients to respond through touch, voice, or eye tracking, without requiring visual acuity, to efficiently assess cone sensitivity and monitor progression of eye diseases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional eye testing methods (OCT, visual field analyzers) are used, then diagnostic capability is provided, but test time becomes lengthy and visual acuity is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the color vision testing function from traditional comprehensive eye exams. The Cone Contrast Test specifically isolates and measures cone cell function through color discrimination tasks, separating this diagnostic capability from other visual functions tested in traditional methods like OCT and visual field analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the testing parameter from spatial resolution (visual acuity) to color discrimination capability. By presenting colored symbols at various contrast levels and measuring the patient's ability to distinguish them, the test evaluates cone function through a different parameter than traditional methods, enabling early detection without requiring high visual acuity.
2Measurement precision
If traditional testing methods requiring visual acuity are used, then diagnostic accuracy is maintained, but applicability to small display devices is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal testing approach that functions across multiple display sizes and types. The Cone Contrast Test can be administered on smartphones, tablets, computers, or specialized devices, making it adaptable to various platforms while maintaining diagnostic accuracy for color vision assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional visual acuity testing to three-dimensional color space assessment. By evaluating color discrimination across multiple dimensions (hue, saturation, brightness) rather than just spatial resolution, the test achieves diagnostic accuracy while being compatible with small display devices that cannot resolve fine spatial details.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive eye exams are conducted, then thorough diagnosis is achieved, but test complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the eye examination into distinct functional components. The Cone Contrast Test focuses specifically on cone cell function and color vision, separating this from rod cell function, visual acuity, and other visual parameters tested in comprehensive exams. This segmentation allows for targeted, efficient testing of specific conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-administered testing through automated presentation of colored symbols and automatic scoring of responses. The system independently controls stimulus presentation, measures response times, and evaluates results without requiring complex manual procedures or highly trained operators, reducing both device complexity and operational costs.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for administering a cone contrast color vision test includes displaying a first color at a first contrast level in a first region of a display and a second color at a first contrast level in a second region of the display, receiving a first input signal via an input device that indicates whether the patient recognizes the first region, displaying the first color at a second contrast level in a third region of the display and the second color at a second contrast level in a fourth region of the display, receiving a second input signal indicative of whether the patient recognizes the third region, assigning a score related to cone sensitivity of the first color at the first and second contrast levels, storing the score, and comparing the score to a previous score to calculate a progression of a cone sensitivity loss.