Visual Function Testing Device Using Retinal Laser Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Visual function examinations, such as static and dynamic visual field tests, face reliability issues due to subject unfamiliarity or fatigue, leading to prolonged examination times and decreased accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A visual function examination apparatus comprising an optical scanner for applying laser light to the retina, a biological information detector for monitoring reactions, and an evaluation information generator to assess visual function based on detected biological responses, allowing for automated and efficient data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional visual field examination methods are used requiring subject response, then the examination can be performed with simple equipment, but the examination time is prolonged and reliability decreases due to subject fatigue and mistakes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical response system (subject pressing buttons) with an automated physiological detection system using electroencephalography (EEG) to detect brain wave responses to photic stimuli. This substitution eliminates subject fatigue and response errors while enabling continuous automated measurement, thereby improving reliability and reducing examination time
Solution Approach 2:
The examination system performs self-assessment by automatically detecting and analyzing the subject's own physiological responses (brain waves) without requiring active participation or response from the subject. The subject simply views the photic stimulus while the system autonomously measures and evaluates visual function based on physiological data
2Productivity
If conventional visual field examination is performed with sequential position testing, then the examination can be conducted with basic equipment, but the examination duration increases causing subject concentration loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous photic stimulus presentation across multiple retinal positions simultaneously rather than sequential testing. The photic stimulus continues without interruption while the optical system scans across different retinal locations, allowing parallel data collection that dramatically reduces examination time while maintaining measurement quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional sequential position testing to two-dimensional simultaneous multi-position stimulation by presenting photic stimuli across multiple retinal locations at once. This dimensional expansion allows parallel measurement of visual sensitivity across the visual field, improving productivity without sacrificing accuracy
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
Improves the reliability and efficiency of visual function examinations by reducing subject interaction and eliminating the need for refractive correction, thereby shortening examination time and enhancing accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an application optical system including an optical scanner disposed in an optical path of laser light output from a laser light source and configured to apply the laser light that has travelled via the optical scanner to a retina of a subject's eye
Data Source
AI summary
The objects of an embodiment are to improve the reliability of visual function examination and to shorten the time required for the examination. A visual function examination apparatus of an embodiment includes an application optical system, a biological information detector, and an evaluation information generator. The application optical system includes an optical scanner disposed in an optical path of laser light output from a laser light source, and is configured to apply the laser light that has travelled via the optical scanner to a retina of a subject's eye. The biological information detector is configured to detect biological information representing a reaction of a subject to application of the laser light. The evaluation information generator is configured to generate evaluation information on visual function of the subject's eye based on the biological information detected.