Conjugate Eye Movement Fusion Capacity Detection Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing concussion are lengthy and inaccurate, failing to promptly recognize the severity of brain trauma, which is particularly concerning in sports and potentially leading to increased dementia risk.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that assess the fusion capacity of conjugate eye movements by generating stereopsis stimuli at varying angles relative to the primary viewing direction, measuring reaction times, and comparing them to healthy controls to quantify the severity of concussion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If extensive investigations (CT, EEG, X-ray) are conducted to diagnose concussion, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but examination time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential diagnostic function from complex imaging procedures by using a simplified stereopsis test that specifically measures fusion capacity in conjugate eye movements. This extracted measure provides sufficient diagnostic information for concussion detection without requiring full CT or EEG examinations, thus reducing examination time while maintaining adequate diagnostic accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the diagnostic parameter from general neurological assessment to a specific physiological parameter - fusion capacity during conjugate eye movements. By measuring reaction times to stereopsis stimuli at different viewing angles, the test provides a quantifiable metric that correlates with concussion severity, enabling rapid diagnosis without extensive investigations.
2Ease of operation
If stereopsis stimuli are presented only in the primary viewing direction, then test simplicity is improved, but detection accuracy for nerve damage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the visual field testing into multiple discrete viewing angles (primary direction and at least one peripheral direction). By dividing the assessment into angular segments, the test comprehensively evaluates nerve function across different eye movement ranges, improving detection accuracy while maintaining test structure and simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the spatial dimension of viewing angle to the stereopsis test. Instead of presenting stimuli only in the primary viewing direction, the test incorporates peripheral viewing angles, creating a two-dimensional assessment space (angle × disparity) that reveals nerve damage patterns not detectable in the primary direction alone.
Data Source
AI summary
A method quantitatively determines fusion capacity in conjugate eye movements of a subject. Visual stimuli are provided for stereopsis as a task for the subject, the stimuli being generated at a viewing angle relative to the primary viewing direction of the subject such that the subject must execute a movement of the viewing direction of the eyes away from the primary viewing direction. Each stimulus is presented for a period of time so that the subject perceives the respective stimulus. The subject reacts to the respective stimulus perceived thereby within a reaction time. The reaction time is determined as the duration between presentation of the relevant stimulus and the subject's motor response to the stimulus. The steps are carried out continuously with stimuli for stereopsis at varying cognitive degrees of difficulty. A series of measurements of reaction times is generated at different cognitive degrees of difficulty.