EEG Light Sensitivity Assessment for Objective Eyewear Tuning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for assessing visual sensitivity to light rely heavily on subjective feedback, which introduces variability and makes it difficult to establish a standardized baseline, hindering automation and customization of ophthalmic solutions.

Innovation Solution

An objective method using EEG recordings to identify a specific cortical signature indicative of light sensitivity by comparing cortical activity signals to predefined thresholds, allowing differentiation between hypo- and hyper-sensitivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If subjective feedback methods are used to assess light sensitivity, then the assessment can be performed with simple equipment and procedures, but the results show large variability and cannot be standardized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of assessment methodVSAvoidconsistency of sensitivity assessment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/subjective feedback system with a physiological measurement system using EEG to detect cortical activity. This substitution eliminates the variability inherent in subjective reporting while maintaining assessment accessibility, as EEG equipment remains relatively simple compared to other physiological measurement systems.

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

2Device complexity

If subjective assessments are used, then the assessment process can be performed without complex equipment, but automation of the evaluation process becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment requirementsVSAvoidautomatability of evaluation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The EEG-based system enables self-service automation where the subject's physiological responses automatically provide the assessment data without requiring manual interpretation or feedback collection. The system self-regulates by detecting cortical activity patterns that directly indicate light sensitivity levels, eliminating the need for operator intervention in the evaluation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If cortical activity measurement is used to objectively assess light sensitivity, then standardized and automated assessment becomes possible, but the device complexity and measurement requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobjectivity of sensitivity assessmentVSAvoidcomplexity of measurement system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the specific cortical activity signal related to light sensitivity from the complex EEG data stream. By isolating and analyzing only the relevant physiological markers (such as specific frequency bands or temporal patterns in cortical activity), the system achieves objective measurement without requiring analysis of the entire complex EEG spectrum, thus reducing effective system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

The method provides rapid, accurate, and objective assessment of light sensitivity, enabling personalized ophthalmic solutions and potential real-time adjustments through devices like E-Chromics.

Implementation Method 1

measuring and recording a cortical activity signal of a cortex of a head of the subject

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroencephalography (EEG):

Data Source

PatentEP4663126A1Method for objectively assessing a level of visual sensitivity to light of a subject, corresponding device and eyewear
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL(COMPAGNIE GENERALE D OPTIQUE)
  • EP4663126A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4663126A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4663126A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Method for objectively assessing a level of sensitivity to a light entering at least one eye of a subject, comprising steps: a) measuring and recording a cortical activity signal of a cortex of a head of the subject while the at least one eye of the subject receives a given light intensity during a given measuring and recording time, b) processing the recorded cortical activity signal to obtain a useful signal and to identify, from the useful signal, a specific cortical signature indicative of a sensitivity to light, c) assessing whether the specific cortical signature correlates with a hypo-sensitivity to light or a hyper-sensitivity to light state of the subject by comparing the specific cortical signature to a predefined threshold parameter of the specific cortical signature, wherein the given light intensity is less or equal to 50 lux and that the given measuring and recording time is less than or equal to 350 ms.