Retinal Image Relocation via Eye Tracking and Dynamic Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patients with macular degeneration and central scotoma face significant challenges in maintaining central vision due to damaged foveae, as existing vision correction methods, such as telescopic spectacles and intraocular implants, fail to consistently redirect images to healthy areas of the retina, leading to fleeting moments of improved vision and frustration in daily tasks.
Innovation Solution
The Relocated Image Virtual Retinal Display (RIVRD) system uses a miniature video camera and onboard microprocessor to capture and remap images onto the preferred retinal locus (PRL), a healthy area of the retina, using a MEMS or DLP projector, while tracking eye movements to maintain image focus and prevent fading, allowing for improved visual acuity and functional vision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If prism correction is used to redirect images to functioning retina areas, then image direction is improved, but the fixed prism cannot account for patient head or eye movements causing image inconsistency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static prism correction to a dynamic system using a video camera, microprocessor, and projector that can actively track and adjust to eye movements. The system continuously monitors retinal position and dynamically relocates the virtual image to maintain consistent focus on the preferred retinal locus despite patient movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through eye tracking technology that detects patient eye movements and uses this information to adjust the projected image position in real-time. The microprocessor receives feedback about retinal location and continuously optimizes image placement to maintain reliable visual consistency.
2Area of stationary object
If telescopic spectacles are used to enlarge images, then more retinal area is utilized, but patients must piece together small fragments causing frustration and limited practical use
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a complete virtual copy of the visual scene using a video camera to capture the entire area of regard, then projects this complete image copy onto the preferred retinal locus. This eliminates the need for patients to mentally assemble fragmented views, providing continuous and coherent visual perception.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from optical magnification in physical space to digital image projection in virtual space. By capturing the scene with a camera and projecting it digitally onto the retina, the system overcomes the limitations of telescopic optics and provides a unified visual field without fragmentation.
3Strength
If intraocular telescopic implants are used, then image enlargement is achieved, but the fixed image cannot be modified or optimized to adapt to patient needs
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the fixed optical power of intraocular implants with dynamically adjustable digital projection. The microprocessor can modify image parameters including magnification, contrast, color, and position in real-time based on patient feedback and changing visual needs, providing continuous adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The video-based system serves multiple functions: it captures the visual scene, processes and enhances the image digitally, projects it onto the retina, and can adapt to different viewing conditions and patient requirements. This multi-functional approach replaces the single-function optical magnification of telescopic implants.
4Length of moving object
If simple video magnification is used, then image size is increased, but the method is overly simplistic and mostly ineffective for macular disease patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the preferred retinal locus as an intermediary target area between the damaged fovea and the projected image. By specifically targeting this functioning retinal region with enhanced visual information, the system bridges the gap between simple magnification and effective vision restoration for macular patients.
Solution Approach 2:
The system goes beyond simple magnification by dynamically changing multiple image parameters including size, position, contrast, and color to optimize visual perception. The microprocessor adjusts these parameters in real-time based on the specific needs of the patient's remaining visual function.
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 RIVRD system effectively increases visual acuity and functional vision by consistently projecting images onto the PRL, enhancing the ability to perceive and comprehend visual information, thereby improving daily tasks and reading capabilities for patients with central vision loss.
Implementation Method 1
display that image away from a diseased central area of the retina, the fovea, and onto a functioning area of the retina which contains an area called the preferred retinal locus (PRL)
Data Source
AI summary
A diseased retina has a blind spot where the center of the retina, called the fovea, exists. A compensation system could comprise first measuring a patient's healthy regions of the retina called PRL. A video camera could be mounted on a table, such as for reading applications, but preferably mounted on an eyeglass frame, capture an area of regard (AR). This AR is sent to a computer which directs a projector (such as a MEMS projector) to direct the AR using his healthy area of his retina. Improvements include adding an eyeball location sensor to keep the AR focused on a moving PRL. Another improvement is dithering the AR image in millimeter sized oscillations on the moving PRL. Reading enhancement software such as Spritz® can be integrated into the computer to display the enhanced text onto the PRL.