Integral Visual Objects for Vision Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current visual acuity and contrast measurement methods struggle to accurately assess vision in everyday light situations, particularly in environments with reduced contrast and glare, as they often rely on periodic patterns that do not effectively differentiate from the surrounding luminance, leading to inadequate evaluation of central and peripheral vision.
Innovation Solution
The use of non-periodic visual objects with average luminance matching the test field, represented as integral or differential objects, which cancel out luminance changes in small spaces, allowing for precise assessment of visual acuity, contrast, and other vision parameters at varying brightness and color temperatures, simulating real-world lighting conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If periodic patterns (Landoldt rings, sinusoidal grids) are used for visual acuity measurement, then standardized testing is achieved, but the test field luminance stands out too much from the environment, reducing ecological validity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from periodic patterns with high luminance contrast to non-periodic integral objects where the average luminance of the object equals the average luminance of the test field. This fundamental parameter change in luminance relationship allows the test to blend into the environment while maintaining measurement precision through the unique luminance distribution pattern of integral objects.
2Illumination intensity
If the luminance of test field stands out from environment, then measurement visibility is improved, but the test does not simulate real-world lighting conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating integral objects where the luminance distribution within the object itself has local variations (bright and dark regions) that average out to match the test field luminance. This allows the object to have sufficient local contrast for detection while the overall average luminance matches the environment, achieving both visibility and ecological validity.
3Measurement precision
If low-contrast optotypes are used to measure contrast sensitivity, then contrast vision assessment is improved, but the boundary line does not stand out from neutral surroundings when eyesight is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials concept by creating integral objects that composite multiple luminance regions (bright and dark areas) within a single object structure. The object combines these different luminance zones such that the local variations provide detectable edges while the overall average luminance matches the background, enabling contrast sensitivity measurement without losing boundary detectability.
4Measurement precision
If bright points are displayed on neutral gray background for perimetry, then sensitivity measurement is achieved, but the method cannot reproduce everyday light situations with glare and reduced contrast
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing integral objects that can function for multiple vision assessment purposes including perimetry, visual acuity testing, and contrast sensitivity measurement. The same integral object format can be adapted to simulate various everyday lighting conditions (glare, reduced contrast, different luminance levels) while maintaining measurement precision, making the test universally applicable to both clinical and ecological vision assessment.
Data Source
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AI summary
The object has an average light density equal to light density of a background or a test field on which an object is represented. Difference between light densities of surfaces associated with an object is higher than difference between light density of the surfaces of the object and light density of the test field. Changes in light densities at a boundary between the surfaces are suddenly made. The light density of the test field is equal to light density of a visual field with possible small deviation. An independent claim is also included for a method for evaluating a reaction of a test person on an object.