Computerized Low Luminance Visual Acuity Test System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting low luminance visual dysfunction, particularly in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), are inefficient, prone to scoring errors, and lack automation, making them unsuitable for rapid and reliable assessment of dry AMD treatment efficacy.

Innovation Solution

A computerized method for administering a low luminance dysfunction test that calculates and tracks visual acuity loss under different lighting conditions without dark adaptation, using a computer-driven display to present characters at varying acuity levels and luminance, with automatic scoring and reporting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual low luminance visual acuity testing methods are used, then the test can be administered, but scoring errors occur and reliability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetest scoring reliabilityVSAvoidtest automation level

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical scoring processes with an automated computer-based system that displays characters at controlled luminance levels and automatically records patient responses, eliminating human scoring errors and improving test reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows patients to self-administer the test through computer interaction, with automatic scoring and result generation, reducing operator involvement and minimizing human error in the scoring process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If dark adaptation procedure is implemented, then rod function measurement is improved, but test time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverod function measurement accuracyVSAvoidtest administration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential measurement function from the lengthy dark adaptation procedure by using a simplified luminance-controlled display system that measures low luminance visual acuity without requiring prolonged dark adaptation, thereby maintaining measurement capability while dramatically reducing test time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system skips the lengthy dark adaptation phase by directly presenting characters at controlled low luminance levels on a computer display, allowing rapid assessment of low luminance visual function without waiting for rod system adaptation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

3Measurement precision

If high-contrast visual acuity testing is used, then visual acuity can be measured, but low luminance visual dysfunction is not detected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual acuity measurement accuracyVSAvoidtesting condition adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic testing system that can adjust display luminance levels to present characters under both high-contrast and low luminance conditions, allowing the same system to perform multiple types of visual acuity measurements and detect various visual dysfunctions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The computer-based testing system serves multiple functions by displaying characters at varying luminance levels, enabling it to measure both high-contrast visual acuity and low luminance visual acuity, thereby detecting a broader range of visual dysfunctions including those not visible under high-contrast conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If automated computer-based testing is implemented, then test speed and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetest administration speedVSAvoidtesting system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a standard computer display device to present test characters, leveraging existing technology rather than requiring specialized optical equipment, thereby achieving automated testing functionality without excessive device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a general-purpose computer with display and input capabilities to perform specialized low luminance visual acuity testing, eliminating the need for dedicated complex testing equipment while maintaining test accuracy and automation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9833137B1Method and apparatus for administering a low luminance visual dysfunction test

Publication Date: 2017.12.05 INNOVA SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

A computerized method for administering a low luminance dysfunction test, comprising the steps of: (a) displaying a first character in a color at a first acuity level against a display having a luminance level; (b) receiving a first input signal from a patient via an input device, where the input signal is indicative of whether the patient recognizes the first character displayed in the first acuity level; (c) displaying a second character in the color at a second acuity level against the display having the luminance level; (d) receiving a second input signal from the patient via the input device, where the input signal is indicative of whether the patient recognizes the second character displayed at the second acuity level; and, (e) calculating a score based on the first and second input signals.