Visual Field Test Device for Mobility Assessment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current visual field tests, such as the UFOV test, are inadequate for assessing a driver's ability to perceive their environment effectively, as they only evaluate a limited area and do not account for peripheral vision, which is crucial for detecting danger signals and maintaining safe driving.

Innovation Solution

A visual field test device and method that includes a display with a central axis, an interface for actuation, and a driver-controlled video sequence with primary and secondary targets moving within specific angles, measuring response times to assess the entire visual field, allowing for the evaluation of both central and peripheral vision in a mobility context.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the UFOV test is used to assess visual field, then central visual stimulus identification is evaluated, but peripheral visual field assessment is limited to 20-30 degrees eccentricity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecentral visual stimulus identificationVSAvoidtestable visual field area
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The visual field assessment is segmented into multiple distinct tasks: a first task evaluating central visual stimulus identification, a second task adding peripheral localization, and a third task incorporating distracting stimuli. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage of the entire visual field while maintaining precise measurement of central vision through separate, specialized subtests.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If the UFOV test limits assessment to useful visual field, then response time measurement is simplified, but peripheral vision evaluation is insufficient for driving safety

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetest structureVSAvoiddriving safety assessment
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The test dynamically adjusts complexity across three progressive tasks. The first task establishes baseline central vision, the second task dynamically adds peripheral localization requirements, and the third task dynamically introduces distracting stimuli. This dynamic progression allows the test to evaluate the entire visual field while adapting complexity to maintain measurement reliability for driving safety assessment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Area of stationary object

If traditional perimetry tests are used, then complete peripheral visual field mapping is achieved, but driver-specific visual attention and cognitive regulation are not assessed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperipheral visual field coverageVSAvoidmobility context evaluation
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The test system serves multiple functions within a single framework: it maps the complete peripheral visual field like traditional perimetry, while simultaneously assessing driver-specific visual attention through timed response measurements, cognitive regulation through distraction tolerance evaluation, and mobility context adaptability through scenario-based tasks. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between comprehensive field mapping and driver-specific assessment.

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

4Reliability

If the entire visual field is assessed with multiple targets and distractions, then driving ability evaluation is comprehensive, but test complexity and administration time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving ability assessmentVSAvoidtest administration time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The comprehensive assessment is organized into three periodic tasks with distinct objectives. Each task builds on the previous one, with the first task establishing baseline performance, the second task adding peripheral requirements, and the third task incorporating distractions. This periodic structure allows comprehensive evaluation of driving ability while managing administration time through systematic progression rather than simultaneous complex measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3752045B1Field-of-view testing device for mobility
Publication Date: 2021.11.10 STREETLAB SAS
  • EP3752045B1 patent drawingFigure 1~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a field-of-view testing device for mobility, comprising a display (4) defining a central axis, an interface (8) designed to receive at least two types of actuation (16, 20), and a driver (10) arranged to control the display (4) in order for the latter to display a main video sequence wherein a primary target moves horizontally within a viewing angle between substantially -30° and substantially +30° with respect to the central axis, a mark being pseudo-randomly displayed within the primary target several times, and a secondary target appears at selected times at a viewing angle between 60° and 90° in absolute terms with respect to the central axis. The driver (10) is also designed to measure and store each time, on the one hand, the time between the moment a mark is displayed and the moment a subject inputs a first type of actuation of the interface (8), and, on the other hand, the time between the moment a secondary target is displayed and the moment a subject presses a second type of actuation of the interface (8).