Portable Eye-Tracking Devices for Objective Developmental Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for assessing developmental disorders in young patients, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), lack adequate objective measurement tools and suffer from poor sensitivity and specificity, particularly for toddlers, and struggle to track progress over time.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising portable devices with eye-tracking capabilities, including an operator-side and patient-side device, wirelessly connected to a network server, that collects and analyzes eye-tracking data along with multi-modal data to provide objective assessments and generate personalized treatment plans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional assessment tools are used by treatment providers, then the assessment process is simple to implement, but the sensitivity and specificity to detect developmental disorders are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/manual assessment methods with an automated eye-tracking system that uses optical sensors to detect and analyze eye movements. The eye-tracker device captures gaze data objectively, substituting the subjective manual assessment process with an automated optical measurement system that provides precise quantitative data about visual attention patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computer system as an intermediary between the patient and the treatment provider. The computer automatically processes eye-tracking data, applies assessment algorithms, and generates diagnostic reports, serving as a mediator that transforms raw gaze data into clinically actionable insights without requiring the provider to manually analyze complex movement patterns.
2Reliability
If objective eye-tracking measurement tools are implemented, then measurement precision and objectivity are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality where the eye-tracking system automatically calibrates itself and performs quality control checks without requiring manual intervention. The computer system autonomously processes the raw eye-tracking data, applies normalization algorithms, and generates standardized assessment reports, allowing the device to serve itself in maintaining measurement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms complex physical eye movement parameters into standardized diagnostic parameters through automated processing. The system converts raw gaze coordinates and fixation durations into normalized scores that represent specific developmental domains, changing the parameter representation from complex physical measurements to clinically interpretable metrics.
3Loss of time
If traditional assessment methods are used, then the system is easy to operate, but the ability to track progress over time is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated feedback mechanisms where the computer system continuously compares current eye-tracking data with historical data and provides real-time progress indicators to the treatment provider. The system generates automated reports that highlight changes in visual attention patterns over time, offering immediate feedback on treatment effectiveness without requiring manual comparison of multiple assessment sessions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary analysis and normalization of eye-tracking data automatically during the assessment process. The computer system pre-processes the raw gaze data, applies assessment algorithms, and prepares progress tracking metrics before the treatment provider reviews the results, eliminating the need for manual data preparation and enabling easy interpretation of progress trends.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein include portable devices having user-detection equipment, such as eye-tracker devices or other sensors, and computer systems including such portable devices or the data collected from such devices (such as eye-tracking data and/or other multi-modal data such as facial expressions, verbal expression, and/or physical movements). Some examples of the systems include can provide useful assessments for developmental disorders and can generate prescriptive treatment plans having individual time lengths for different treatment-specific skill areas during a period of time.