Retinal Projection Wearable for Visual Field Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for partial visual field loss, such as hemianopsia, are inadequate as they require patients to perform eye movements or rely on optical expanders that may not be effective for all patients, especially those with brain injuries.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device with an image capture unit and display unit that captures images from the impaired visual field and projects them onto the corresponding non-impaired region of the retina, using a wearable frame and optical elements to enhance perception of the lost visual field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If saccadic eye movement therapy is used to expand visual field, then visual field perception is improved, but it requires patients to perform complex eye movements which is difficult for patients with brain injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical eye movement system with an optical-electronic system. Instead of requiring patients to perform saccadic eye movements to scan their visual field, the device uses an image capture device to capture visual information and a display unit to present it to the patient's unimpaired visual field, thereby substituting the mechanical action of eye movements with an optical information transfer system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system between the impaired visual field and the patient's perception. The image capture device acts as an intermediary to capture visual information from the impaired field, and the display unit serves as another intermediary to present this information in the unimpaired field, eliminating the need for direct eye movement to the impaired area.
2Loss of information
If optical visual field expanders are used, then visual field is expanded, but they may not be effective for all patients especially those with brain injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic system that can adapt to different patient needs. The device includes configuration options to customize the visual field mapping parameters, allowing it to be adjusted for different types and severities of visual field loss. This dynamic configurability enables the system to be effective across diverse patient groups, including those with brain injuries who did not respond to static optical expanders.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes to enhance adaptability. By allowing modification of visual field mapping parameters, display characteristics, and image capture settings, the system can be optimized for different patient conditions. This includes adjusting parameters such as field of view angles, display brightness, and mapping transformations to suit individual patient needs, thereby improving effectiveness across different patient populations.
3Loss of information
If vision restoration therapy with peripheral light stimulation is used, then surviving visual function is trained, but it requires patient focus and response capability which may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the device automatically captures visual information from the impaired field and presents it to the patient without requiring active patient initiation or sustained focus. The system operates passively, with the image capture device continuously monitoring the visual field and the display unit automatically presenting the information, thereby eliminating the need for patient focus and response actions that may be compromised by brain injury.
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 device effectively compensates for partial visual field loss by providing a live video feed of the impaired area to the non-impaired region, improving visual field perception and reducing the limitations of existing treatments.
Implementation Method 1
an image capture device supported by the wearable frame and configured to capture an image from a first region of the subject's visual field
Implementation Method 2
a display unit configured to project the captured image onto a region of a retina of the subject corresponding to a second region of the subject's visual field
Data Source
AI summary
A device (100) for compensating for part of the visual field comprises a wearable frame (110) configured to rest upon the face of a subject. An image capture device (120) is configured to capture an image from a first region (20) of the subject's visual field the first region being identified as a region of the visual field in which the subject's vision is impaired, and relay the image to an image display unit (130). The image display unit (130) is configured to project the image onto a region of the subject's retina that corresponds to a second region of the subject's visual field, in which the subject's vision is identified as non-impaired. Associated methods are also described.