VR Headset with Infrared Eye-Tracking for Visual Field Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current visual rehabilitation techniques are limited by their dependence on professional supervision, high cost, lack of portability, and inability to accurately measure and rehabilitate visual field losses in users with altered vision, particularly due to their reliance on opaque headsets that prevent eye-tracking and require users to remain seated, making them unsuitable for early stages of neurorehabilitation.
Innovation Solution
A virtual reality headset with integrated eye-tracking and infra-red illumination, allowing for accurate measurement and rehabilitation of visual field losses through a kit that includes a user eye-tracking program and campimetry program, enabling suprathreshold stimulation, precise pupil position tracking, and oculomotor exercises in a videogame format, which is portable, affordable, and adaptable to user comfort and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If opaque headsets are used for virtual reality visual rehabilitation, then visual immersion is improved, but eye-tracking capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The headset is divided into opaque portions (for visual immersion) and transparent portions (for eye-tracking). The front portion of the headset includes a transparent window that allows infrared cameras to capture eye movements while the rest of the headset remains opaque to maintain virtual reality immersion.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the headset have different optical properties. The front portion is made transparent to infrared light for eye-tracking, while the majority of the headset structure remains opaque to block external visual distractions and enhance virtual reality immersion.
2Loss of time
If traditional campimetry techniques are used, then visual field measurement is performed, but measurement accuracy and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional manual or computer-based campimetry systems are replaced with an eye-tracking system using infrared illumination and cameras. The system automatically tracks eye movements and determines visual field boundaries by analyzing pupil position and eye movement patterns, eliminating the need for manual response buttons or complex computer interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the patient's own eye movements and natural visual responses to perform self-testing. The infrared eye-tracking system captures spontaneous eye movements and fixation patterns, allowing the patient to participate actively without requiring manual responses or complex interactions.
3Reliability
If professional supervision is required for visual therapy, then treatment quality is improved, but accessibility and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automated feedback mechanisms where the eye-tracking data is processed to provide real-time information about visual field status and rehabilitation progress. This automated feedback enables professional-quality assessment without requiring constant professional supervision, as the system itself performs measurement and analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The headset integrates multiple functions including virtual reality visual rehabilitation, eye-tracking measurement, and automated campimetry testing in a single portable device. This multi-functionality allows the system to perform both therapeutic and diagnostic functions without requiring separate professional equipment or supervision for each function.
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 provides a cost-effective, portable, and comfortable method for both diagnosis and rehabilitation, offering precise measurement of visual field losses and motivating oculomotor exercises, allowing users to perform rehabilitation exercises effectively and efficiently in a playful environment, even in early stages of neurorehabilitation.
Implementation Method 1
infra-red illumination means, one for each eye, are fixed to the mask such that their beam is directed towards the user
Implementation Method 2
infra-red illumination means and the camera are connected to a control device which, in turn, comprises data storage media and a processor
Data Source
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AI summary
Kit for adapting a virtual reality headset and method for using same for simple and economic visual neurorehabilitation, both diagnosis and rehabilitation. The kit comprises a mask with two openings opposite the headset screens, the lenses of the headset are fastened to the mask, as well as two cameras and infra-red light means directed towards the user; the infra-red light and the cameras are connected to a control device that in turn comprises data storage media and a processor, the data storage media including a user eye-tracking program and a campimetry program. The method comprises steps for diagnosing losses in visual field: stimulation, tracking the glance of the user to a certain area, storing the position of the centre of the pupil, and obtaining a map of the visual field of the user.