Multi-touch Display for Vision Testing Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current sensory testing and training methods lack an efficient and intuitive input mechanism that allows subjects to provide inputs without diverting attention from the test or training activity, particularly in multi-touch display systems, which can hinder the accuracy and reliability of sensory assessments.

Innovation Solution

A multi-touch display system that receives inputs via wireless communication, allowing subjects to interact with graphical elements on a touch-screen device by physical contact, enabling intuitive input without the need for specific buttons or tethers, and communicates these inputs back to a sensory testing and training device, facilitating dynamic and precise sensory testing and training experiences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional input devices (buttons, joysticks, tethers) are used for sensory testing, then the subject must divert attention from the test activity to operate the input device, but this reduces measurement precision and reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of sensory assessmentVSAvoidattention required for input
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the display function and input reception function into a single integrated touch-sensitive display device. The display shows test stimuli while simultaneously detecting subject responses through touch inputs at specific locations on the screen, eliminating the need for separate input devices and allowing subjects to respond without diverting attention from the visual test content.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The touch-sensitive display serves multiple functions: presenting visual test stimuli, receiving input responses, and providing feedback. This multi-functional design replaces traditional separate components (display monitor, joystick or buttons, feedback mechanism) with a single universal interface that handles all interaction needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If wired input devices with tethers are used, then connection stability is improved, but device complexity and mobility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidsystem configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the physical tether connection from the system by implementing wireless communication between the touch-sensitive display and the processing device. This removes the mechanical connection component while maintaining data transmission functionality through wireless protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical tether connection with an electromagnetic wireless communication system. Data transmission that previously required physical cable connections is now achieved through wireless signals, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining communication reliability.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate devices are used for display and input, then functional specialization is improved, but system integration and response time are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional specializationVSAvoidsystem-induced latency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the display device and input device into a single integrated touch-sensitive display system. This eliminates the time delays and synchronization issues that arise when multiple separate devices must communicate with each other, as the input and display are directly integrated at the same physical interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2462576B1Multi-touch display and input for vision testing and training
Publication Date: 2019.12.25 SENAPTEC INC
  • EP2462576B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2462576B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2462576B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides systems and methods for receiving an input to a sensory test or training activity by way of a touch-screen device. The touch-screen device receives instructions by way of a wireless communication protocol from a sensory testing and training device. The instructions may be comprised of a command to display a graphical element on the touch-screen device. As a result, the touch-screen device displays the graphical element on a display surface of the touch-screen device. Further, an input may be received from a subject in the form of a physical contact between the subject and the display surface of the touch-screen device. The input may be in response to a sensory test or a sensory training activity. Additionally, the touch- screen device communicates the input to the sensory training device utilizing a wireless communication protocol. In an additional embodiment, the touch-screen device provides feedback to a user.