VR Headset Ocular Performance Measurement via Eye and Head Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for measuring human ocular performance are limited by the bulkiness and complexity of equipment, which restricts accurate and robust testing, especially in non-clinical environments, and fail to provide immersive and realistic visual scenarios.

Innovation Solution

The use of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and synthetic computer-generated 3D technologies to present immersive visual environments that track both head and eye movements, enabling more accurate and comprehensive measurements of ocular performance parameters such as vestibulo-ocular reflex, saccades, and visual pursuit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional measurement equipment is used, then ocular performance can be measured, but the equipment is bulky and complex, restricting use in non-clinical environments

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidequipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical measurement equipment with a computing device that uses software-based eye tracking technology. The system captures eye movement data through cameras and processors rather than mechanical apparatus, enabling measurement of ocular performance parameters like saccades, smooth pursuit, and vestibulo-ocular reflex in portable, non-clinical settings.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional 2D display methods are used, then testing can be conducted, but immersive and realistic visual scenarios cannot be provided

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual scenario realismVSAvoiddisplay system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional 2D display to virtual reality head-mounted display that creates immersive 3D visual environments. The system renders stereoscopic images and tracks head position to provide realistic visual scenarios that engage ocular functions more naturally, enabling assessment of eye movements in ecologically valid contexts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Measurement precision

If simple visual targets are used, then testing is easier, but comprehensive assessment of ocular functions cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveocular performance accuracyVSAvoidtest protocol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic visual targets within virtual reality environments that can move, change size, and respond to user interaction. The system presents varied stimuli including moving objects, changing luminance, and complex trajectories to comprehensively assess different ocular functions such as saccadic eye movements, smooth pursuit tracking, and vestibulo-ocular reflex with high precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10231614B2Systems and methods for using virtual reality, augmented reality, and/or a synthetic 3-dimensional information for the measurement of human ocular performance
Publication Date: 2019.03.19 NOVUTZ LLC
  • US10231614B2 patent drawing
  • US10231614B2 patent drawing
  • US10231614B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system or method for measuring human ocular performance can be implemented using an eye sensor, a head orientation sensor, an electronic circuit and a display that presents one of virtual reality information, augmented reality information, or synthetic computer-generated 3-dimensional information. The device is configured for measuring saccades, pursuit tracking during visual pursuit, nystagmus, vergence, eyelid closure, or focused position of the eyes. The eye sensor comprises a video camera that senses vertical movement and horizontal movement of at least one eye. The head orientation sensor senses pitch and yaw in the range of frequencies between 0.01 Hertz and 15 Hertz. The system uses a Fourier transform to generate a vertical gain signal and a horizontal gain signal.