Multi-Electrode Retinal Mapping via Spatial Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrophysiological neuroimaging techniques, such as ERG, struggle to accurately map retinal activity and locate lesions due to insufficient spatial measurements, leading to under-constrained computational problems and inability to determine the size and location of retinal lesions effectively.
Innovation Solution
The development of a multi-electrode electroretinography (meERG) system using an electrode array device with multiple recording electrodes on a contact lens substrate, allowing simultaneous detection of electrical potentials at multiple locations on the eye's surface, and a computational method to analyze these potentials using a detailed eye model to estimate retinal source areas and create a map of retinal activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single electrode is used for ERG measurement, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision is insufficient to map retinal activity and locate lesions
Solution Approach 1:
The retina is divided into multiple discrete source areas, with each area monitored by a corresponding electrode in the array. This segmentation allows spatially resolved measurement of retinal activity, transforming a single global measurement into multiple localized measurements that can map retinal function and detect lesions with high spatial precision.
2Measurement precision
If multiple electrodes are used to increase spatial measurements, then the measurement precision improves, but the computational problem becomes more complex and difficult to solve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the complex inverse problem into a more tractable form by changing the mathematical parameters and formulation. The system uses a linear relationship model where the measured potentials are expressed as a linear combination of source area activities, enabling the use of efficient linear algebra techniques and regularization methods to solve for the spatial distribution of retinal activity.
3Loss of information
If insufficient spatial measurements are taken, then the device complexity remains low, but the ability to locate and size retinal lesions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-point temporal measurements to multi-point spatial-temporal measurements by adding the spatial dimension through an array of electrodes arranged on the cornea. This dimensional expansion enables the system to capture the spatial distribution of retinal activity, providing both location and size information about lesions in addition to temporal dynamics.
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 enables precise mapping of retinal activity and localization of lesions by providing a detailed spatial distribution of retinal electrophysiological activity, overcoming the limitations of existing methods by obtaining sufficient spatially differentiated measurements.
Implementation Method 1
simultaneous determination of electrical potentials at multiple locations on the eye surface
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an electrode array device for simultaneously detecting electrical potentials at five or more locations on the anterior surface of an eye. The device comprises a dielectric lens substrate having a concave inner surface conforming to the anterior surface of the eye, and at least five recording electrodes positioned in relation to the inner surface of the lens substrate so as to make electrical connection with the anterior surface of the eye when the lens substrate is placed on the anterior surface of eye. Each recording electrode is in electrically conductive communication with a corresponding conductive contact, there being one conductive contact for each recording electrode. Each conductive contact is adapted for operable connection to signal processor, and each conductive contact is electrically insulated from the anterior surface of the eye. A computational method for analyzing electrophysiological potentials recorded at five or more locations on the anterior surface of the eye, which reflect the spatial distribution of activity of the retina, is also provided.