Peripheral Optical Elements for Central Visual Field Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Macular degeneration leads to significant vision loss in the central visual field, making everyday activities challenging, and existing technologies do not effectively enhance peripheral vision to compensate for this loss.
Innovation Solution
An optical apparatus comprising peripheral optical elements that direct light from the central visual field onto the peripheral retina, allowing for the mapping of a central image onto the peripheral sensor portion, enhancing peripheral vision and potentially aiding in conditions like macular degeneration, hunting, or nighttime activities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If light from the central visual field is directed onto the peripheral retina using peripheral optical elements, then peripheral vision is enhanced and central visual information can be perceived through the peripheral retina, but the natural central vision pathway is altered and the image mapping distorts spatial relationships
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into separate central and peripheral optical elements that direct light to different retinal regions. The peripheral optical elements (such as prisms or reflective surfaces) are positioned to redirect central field light onto the peripheral retina, while central optical elements maintain normal central vision pathways. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each optical path.
Solution Approach 2:
Peripheral optical elements act as intermediaries to redirect light from the central visual field onto the peripheral retina. These intermediary components (prisms, mirrors, or refractive elements) facilitate the transfer of visual information to alternative retinal pathways without requiring direct modification of the retina or visual cortex.
2Reliability
If the brain is trained to recognize distorted central field images on the peripheral retina, then vision can be restored in conditions like macular degeneration, but extensive training time and adaptation period are required
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system performs preliminary mapping of central visual field images onto the peripheral retina before neural adaptation is required. By pre-establishing the spatial relationships and image geometry through optical elements, the system reduces the neural adaptation burden and shortens the training period needed for the brain to interpret the redirected visual information.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system changes the spatial parameters of light rays redirecting them from central to peripheral retinal locations. By adjusting the angular and positional parameters of light redirection through peripheral optical elements, the system optimizes image quality and minimizes distortion, thereby reducing the adaptation time required for neural recalibration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If peripheral optical elements are added to the visual system to map central images onto peripheral retina, then peripheral vision capability is improved, but the overall device complexity and structural modification increase
Solution Approach 1:
The peripheral optical elements are designed to perform multiple functions: redirecting central field light onto the peripheral retina, maintaining normal peripheral vision pathways, and potentially providing corrective optics for both central and peripheral visual paths. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components and simplifies the overall system structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the spatial dimension by redirecting light along alternative optical paths that engage different retinal regions. By exploiting the three-dimensional arrangement of optical elements and their positioning relative to the eye, the system achieves central-to-peripheral mapping without requiring complex internal retinal modifications or multiple sequential optical stages.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus enhances peripheral vision, enabling users to interpret central visual field information through their peripheral retina, improving night vision and motion detection, and aiding in conditions like macular degeneration by training the brain to recognize distorted central field images on the peripheral retina.
Implementation Method 1
peripheral optical elements that direct light from the central visual field onto the peripheral retina
Implementation Method 2
peripheral optical elements that direct light from the central visual field onto the peripheral retina
Data Source
AI summary
One or more peripheral optical elements direct light emanating from a central field portion of a visual field (via one or more central optical elements of a visual sensor) onto a peripheral sensor portion of the visual sensor. The peripheral optical element(s) map an image of the central field portion onto the peripheral sensor portion for detection by the visual sensor. The central optical element(s) define the central field portion and form (from light emanating from the central field portion and directly incident on the central optical element(s)) an image of the central field portion on a corresponding central sensor portion of the visual sensor distinct from the peripheral sensor portion.