Visual Electrophysiology Device Noninvasive ERG Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current visual electrophysiology devices for assessing visual system function, such as ERG and VEP tests, are invasive, complex, and not widely used due to their difficulty and invasiveness, particularly in assessing diabetic retinopathy and other diseases.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that improve stimulus generation, ease of use, and error condition monitoring, using a controller to modulate light emitters for consistent stimulation, electrode arrays with common-mode attenuation, and pupil size adjustment to provide more accurate and user-friendly visual system function assessments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional ERG measurements are performed with electrodes placed directly onto the eye, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to invasiveness and technical skill requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical system that converts light stimuli into electrical signals that can be detected by surface electrodes. This intermediary conversion process allows the use of non-invasive surface electrodes while maintaining measurement precision that would traditionally require direct retinal contact
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical direct electrode-contact system with an optically-mediated electrical signal generation system. Instead of placing electrodes directly on the retina, the system uses optical stimulation to generate electrical responses that are then detected by surface electrodes, eliminating the need for invasive procedures
2Measurement precision
If traditional ERG measurements are performed with direct eye contact and skilled technicians, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases requiring specialized equipment and darkened rooms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional integrated device that combines light emission, optical stimulation, electrical signal detection, and data processing capabilities into a single portable unit. This universal device can perform multiple functions (illumination, stimulation, detection, analysis) that traditionally required separate specialized equipment and environmental controls
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges previously separate components (light source, optical system, electrodes, amplifier, processor) into an integrated portable device. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate equipment and complex environmental setup, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision
3Measurement precision
If light stimulus luminance is increased to improve signal detection, then measurement precision is improved, but object-affected harmful factors increase due to potential retinal damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the optical and electrical responses in real-time, allowing the system to adjust stimulus parameters dynamically. This feedback control enables the use of lower luminance levels by optimizing stimulation parameters based on actual tissue response, thereby maintaining measurement precision while reducing retinal exposure to harmful light levels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of light stimulation from high-luminance short-duration flashes to lower-luminance longer-duration modulation patterns. By altering the temporal and spectral parameters of the light stimulus, the system achieves sufficient signal detection precision while keeping peak retinal exposure below damaging thresholds
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 solution enhances the consistency and accuracy of visual system function assessments, making the devices easier to use and more effective in diagnosing conditions like diabetic retinopathy, with improved data collection and reduced errors.
Implementation Method 1
The eye is stimulated with light to elicit a response from the visual system which is recorded via the electrodes
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
To asses visual system function, a device monitors electrical response to a visual stimulus. Stimulus generation includes controlling the timing of component flashes comprising the visual stimulus and modulating the timing between the visual stimulus and other device operations, including image acquisition and infrared flashes. Other stimulus generation includes controlling retinal illumination for sinusoidal, triangular, and square stimuli as well as nonlinear adjustments of stimulus luminance as a function of pupil area. Ease of use improvements includes operation with electrode arrays. Error condition monitoring includes determining the presence of: an eye's pupil; impedance between electrodes that monitor the electrical response; and undesirable levels of external light.