Low-Luminance Mobility Testing With Even 13-Level Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a significant unmet need for precisely measuring functional outcomes of subjects with degenerative retinal diseases, as existing mobility/maze tests, such as the multi luminance mobility test (MLMT), have limitations including a limited number of light levels, uneven lighting, and inconsistent grading, which are not validated for the broad spectrum of retinal dystrophies beyond patients with RPE 65 mutations.
Innovation Solution
A low luminance mobility test (LLMT) system with expanded light levels, even distribution, and a reliable scoring algorithm is developed, incorporating 13 illumination levels from 0.12 lux to 500 lux, with a video-recording device and computing process to determine critical illumination level (CIL) and maximum step speed (MSS), using pre-printed courses with obstacles and directional arrows, and masked grading by independent graders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the multi luminance mobility test (MLMT) is used with a limited number of light levels, then the test can be administered more quickly, but the measurement precision of functional vision outcomes is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by expanding the illumination level parameter from a limited number of levels in MLMT to 13 distinct luminance levels ranging from photopic to scotopic conditions. This allows precise measurement of functional vision outcomes across different lighting conditions, directly resolving the measurement precision issue while systematically organizing the complexity through standardized parameter increments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the illumination range into 13 discrete, evenly distributed luminance levels, each representing a specific photometric condition. This segmentation approach enables comprehensive coverage of the luminance spectrum while maintaining test administrability through structured progression through defined lighting conditions.
2Reliability
If uneven lighting distribution is used in the mobility test, then the setup is simpler, but the reliability of test results deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by ensuring uniform illumination distribution across the entire mobility test course at each luminance level. The lighting system is designed to provide even light distribution throughout the testing environment, eliminating local variations that could affect test reliability while maintaining consistent lighting conditions across different test locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the lighting parameter from uneven to evenly distributed illumination across all 13 luminance levels. This systematic approach to lighting distribution ensures that each test condition is standardized and reliable, while the modular lighting design maintains ease of setup through programmable control.
3Measurement precision
If inconsistent grading criteria are used, then the grading process is more flexible, but the objectivity of test results deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the grading system from flexible but inconsistent criteria to a standardized parameter-based evaluation system. The computing process calculates specific parameters including Critical Illumination Level (CIL) and Maximum Step Speed (MSS) based on objectively measured performance data across the 13 luminance levels, ensuring consistent and objective results while using established computational algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the computing process that automatically analyzes video recordings and performance data to calculate CIL and MSS parameters. This automated feedback system provides objective, consistent grading by comparing actual performance against standardized criteria, eliminating human subjectivity while maintaining grading efficiency.
4Measurement precision
If high luminance levels are used throughout the test, then the subject experiences less emotional stress, but the ability to detect low light vision impairment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by implementing a progressive luminance sequence that transitions from photopic (high luminance) to scotopic (low luminance) conditions across 13 levels. This systematic parameter progression allows detection of vision impairment at low light levels while monitoring subject response to adjust for emotional stress, optimizing both measurement precision and subject comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic action by administering the 13 luminance levels in a structured sequence with rest periods between conditions. This periodic approach allows the subject to adapt to changing light conditions while providing breaks that reduce emotional stress, enabling accurate detection of low light vision impairment without overwhelming the subject.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for testing functional vision of a subject. The systems and methods utilize a plurality of obstacle courses, a plurality of contrast levels of the obstacle courses, a plurality of illumination levels, video-recording, and a robust scoring algorithm to assess the mobility of the subject.