Retinal Locus Training via Gaze-Tracking Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for training a preferred retinal locus of fixation in individuals with central vision loss, such as those due to macular degeneration, are inefficient and often rely on chance or habitual behavior, failing to optimize the location for specific vision tasks and may not effectively guide the development of an efficient preferred retinal locus, especially in cases with multiple or inefficient loci.
Innovation Solution
A computer program with program code that determines inefficient and efficient retinal regions for a specific vision task, blocks the inefficient region, and shifts the fixation target to an efficient area, using gaze tracking to guide the user to develop a preferred retinal locus outside the area of diminished visual acuity, thereby encouraging the use of the most beneficial retinal location for fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If current training methods are used that rely on chance or habitual behavior, then the training process is simple to implement, but the efficiency of developing a preferred retinal locus is poor and cannot be optimized for specific vision tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements real-time feedback by tracking the user's gaze position and providing visual feedback through the display device. The fixation target responds to gaze movements by providing cues that guide the user to efficient retinal locations, creating a closed-loop training system that adapts to the user's progress and optimizes the development of preferred retinal loci for specific vision tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The display device serves as an intermediary between the user's natural gaze behavior and the training objective. It presents fixation targets and provides visual feedback that mediates the interaction between the user's eye movements and the training process, enabling optimized PRL development without requiring complex external equipment
2Measurement precision
If multiple or inefficient loci are present, then the user has more retinal areas to choose from, but it becomes difficult to identify and train the most efficient preferred retinal locus for specific vision tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time visual feedback that helps users identify efficient retinal locations. By tracking gaze position and adjusting the fixation target response, the system guides users toward optimal PRL locations even when multiple loci are present, enabling precise identification through iterative feedback rather than complex external evaluation equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables users to self-identify their efficient retinal loci through the visual feedback mechanism. The fixation target provides cues that allow users to autonomously determine which retinal locations provide optimal vision for specific tasks, eliminating the need for external evaluators or complex assessment procedures
3Adaptability or versatility
If the fixation target is always presented at the same location, then the display is simple, but the user cannot be guided to develop a preferred retinal locus outside the area of diminished visual acuity
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation target implementation is made dynamic rather than static. The target's position, visibility, or characteristics are adjusted based on the user's gaze position and training progress, enabling the system to guide users toward efficient retinal locations outside the scotoma while maintaining a relatively simple display implementation
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters of the fixation target (such as position, contrast, or presentation timing) based on gaze tracking data and training objectives. These parameter adjustments enable flexible training adaptation to guide PRL development without requiring a completely complex display system
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a method and a respective computer program with a program code to execute the method. In particular, disclosed is a method for training a preferred retinal locus of fixation (efficient PRL) for a person having an eye with a field of vision comprising an area of partially diminished or entirely degenerated visual acuity. The method includes: a) determining an inefficient retinal region outside the area in the field of vision of the eye of the person and a more efficient retinal region for the specific vision task outside the area in the field of vision of the eye of the person and b) inducing a preferred retinal locus of fixation (efficient PRL) for a vision task outside the inefficient retinal region but in the more efficient retinal region. In addition, the disclosure relates to a device for performing the method.