Stereoscopic Game System for Binocular Dysfunction Therapy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Binocular dysfunctions, such as convergence insufficiency, are inadequately addressed by traditional vision therapy methods, which often result in patient boredom and insufficient treatment due to lack of engagement and resource constraints, leading to unresolved visual symptoms in individuals, including double vision, eyestrain, and headaches.

Innovation Solution

A 3D game using a head-mounted display that controls eye movement through stereoscopic effects, optimizing vergence eye movements by rendering visual stimuli that stimulate disparity vergence while minimizing accommodative cues, and dynamically adjusting visual stimuli based on eye position and velocity to improve binocular coordination and reduce visual suppression.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional vision therapy methods are used to treat binocular dysfunctions, then treatment protocols can be established, but patient boredom and lack of compliance occur due to repetitive patterns

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoidpatient compliance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transforming static, repetitive vision therapy exercises into dynamic, game-based activities. The system uses real-time eye tracking to dynamically adjust game elements, targets, and challenges based on patient performance, making the therapy adaptive and engaging rather than monotonous and static.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical vision therapy apparatus with a computer-based system that uses software-rendered visual stimuli and eye tracking technology. This substitution enables more flexible, interactive, and visually appealing therapy protocols that can adapt to patient responses without physical constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If extensive vision therapy sessions are provided to remediate vision symptoms, then treatment outcomes can be improved, but resource constraints and insurance coverage limitations arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevision symptom remediationVSAvoidtherapy session availability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables self-service by allowing patients to perform vision therapy at home using the head-mounted display and eye tracking system. The automated eye tracking and adaptive game protocols eliminate the need for constant therapist supervision, enabling patients to complete therapy sessions independently and increasing overall treatment availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal therapy platform that can address multiple binocular dysfunction types (convergence insufficiency, divergence insufficiency, strabismus) through a single system. The eye tracking data and adaptive algorithms can be configured to treat various conditions, making the system versatile and cost-effective for diverse patient needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If repetitive eye motion patterns are used in vision therapy, then binocular coordination can be improved, but patient engagement decreases leading to insufficient treatment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebinocular coordination improvementVSAvoidtherapy session duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action through game-based therapy sessions that incorporate varying challenges, targets, and feedback intervals. The eye tracking system periodically assesses patient performance and adjusts difficulty levels, creating a rhythm of challenge and achievement that maintains engagement throughout the therapy session.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates real-time feedback through the eye tracking system, which continuously monitors eye position, convergence, and divergence. This feedback is immediately translated into game responses, target adjustments, and performance metrics, keeping patients informed and motivated throughout the therapy session.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 system effectively engages patients in repetitive eye motions, objectively monitors eye alignment, and provides therapeutic benefits by improving convergence and divergence techniques, potentially increasing compliance and reducing visual symptoms through a fun and interactive virtual reality platform.

Implementation Method 1

A 3D game using a head-mounted display that controls eye movement through stereoscopic effects, optimizing vergence eye movements by rendering visual stimuli that stimulate disparity vergence

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStereoscopic effect: Parallax

Data Source

PatentEP3324824B1Method for treatment of binocular dysfunctions
Publication Date: 2024.11.20 NEW JERSEY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
  • EP3324824B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3324824B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3324824B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems, methods, and apparatus for vision therapy. In exemplary embodiments a visual therapy game can be rendered on one or more displays and the visual therapy game can be controlled by eye movements of the user. Visual stimuli incorporated in the visual therapy game can be rendered to facilitate vergence eye movements for the treatment of binocular dysfunctions.