Pupillary Response Biomarker for Objective Colour Perception Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating colour perception in mammals are subjective and require sophisticated equipment, making them difficult to apply to non-cooperative subjects like animals and babies, as they necessitate precise analysis of eye movements and calibration procedures.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing the pupil's slower response to luminance variations, allowing for the generation of a biomarker of colour perception using a multicoloured dynamic stimulus displayed on a screen, where colours are periodically inverted at a marking frequency, and the oscillatory response of the pupil is acquired and processed to determine chromatic iso-luminance, which is used as an indicator of colour perception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optokinetic response techniques are used to evaluate colour perception, then objective measurement is achieved, but sophisticated image acquisition devices and high-performance processing equipment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical eye movement tracking system with a pupillary response measurement system. Instead of analyzing eye movements (nystagmus) that require sophisticated cameras and processing, the invention measures pupil diameter changes which can be captured with simpler imaging devices. The pupillary response to luminance variations provides an objective biomarker that eliminates the need for complex optokinetic analysis equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from eye movement characteristics to pupillary diameter variations. By measuring the pupil's response to luminance changes at different marking frequencies, the system obtains objective colour perception data without requiring the complex processing needed for eye movement analysis. This parameter substitution simplifies the overall system requirements.
2Measurement precision
If optokinetic response techniques are used, then colour perception can be evaluated, but precise analysis of eye movements is required which is difficult to maintain for non-cooperative subjects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes eye movement tracking with pupillary response measurement. The pupil's automatic response to luminance variations does not require the subject to maintain gaze stability or cooperate with the test. This automatic physiological response works equally well for cooperative and non-cooperative subjects, including animals and infants.
Solution Approach 2:
The pupillary response system is self-service in that it automatically measures colour perception without requiring subject cooperation. The pupil naturally responds to luminance changes, providing objective data without needing the subject to hold gaze or follow instructions, making it ideal for non-cooperative subjects.
3Measurement precision
If oculometer calibration is performed, then eye movement measurement precision is improved, but calibration procedure requires subject response which is difficult to obtain from non-cooperative subjects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the oculometer calibration process with a pupillary response-based measurement system that does not require calibration. The pupillary response to standardized luminance variations provides direct objective measurement without needing prior calibration or subject cooperation, eliminating this barrier for non-cooperative subjects.
4Measurement precision
If nystagmus analysis is used for colour perception evaluation, then objective biomarker is obtained, but very precise and rapid analysis of eye movement is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes rapid eye movement analysis with slower pupillary diameter measurement. The pupillary response occurs at a slower rate than nystagmus, allowing use of conventional imaging devices and processing speeds. This substitution maintains objective biomarker acquisition while dramatically reducing processing requirements and enabling real-time measurement.
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
This approach provides an objective and robust signature of colour perception, reducing the need for complex equipment and calibration, and can be used in medical and non-medical applications, including personalized computer process control and biometric authentication.
Implementation Method 1
relying on the pupil's response to luminance variation. Indeed, since this response (contraction or dilation of the pupil) is slower than nystagmus
Data Source
AI summary
A method for generating an indicator or biomarker of colour perception in a mammalian subject, where the method may include submitting the mammalian subject to a multicoloured dynamic stimulus comprising displaying, on a display device. The method may include controlling a change over time of at least one of the two colours of the multicolour pattern when displaying the dynamic multicolour stimulus, to vary the displayed luminance of this colour (usually several times). The method may include acquiring, by using an image acquisition device, an oscillatory response of a pupil of the mammalian subject. The method may include generating, from the acquired response, a signal representative of the power of the pupil's oscillatory response as a function of the change over time of at least one of the two colours when displaying the dynamic multicoloured stimulus.