VR Visual Endurance Assessment Using HMD Eye Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for visual acuity assessment lack dynamic adjustment of test parameters and cannot be implemented for home use with household devices, leading to less accurate assessments.
Innovation Solution
Implementing methods and systems using a head-mounted display (HMD) with processors and memory to create a 3D virtual environment, display visual stimuli, and analyze eye images to determine visual processing performance, convergence, and other vision-related factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional visual acuity assessment methods are used, then the testing process is simple and can be performed with basic equipment, but the assessment accuracy is reduced and dynamic adjustment of test parameters is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/optical vision testing equipment with a head-mounted display (HMD) system that uses digital rendering and eye-tracking sensors. This substitution enables dynamic parameter adjustment and 3D virtual environment testing while maintaining portability and ease of use, directly resolving the contradiction between improved measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of test parameters including stimulus size, position, duration, and complexity within the 3D virtual environment. The system adapts test conditions in real-time based on user performance and physiological responses, enabling accurate assessment while using a relatively simple HMD platform.
2Reliability
If traditional visual assessment methods are used, then the equipment is simple and accessible, but the testing environment cannot be controlled and standardized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a controlled 3D virtual environment within the HMD that isolates the user from external environmental variables. The virtual testing space provides standardized lighting, background, and stimulus presentation conditions, ensuring reliable and repeatable measurements while requiring only the HMD device itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The HMD system serves multiple functions including stimulus display, eye-tracking, physiological monitoring, and 3D spatial rendering within a single device. This multi-functionality achieves reliable environmental control without requiring multiple separate pieces of equipment, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional visual acuity tests are used, then the testing procedure is straightforward, but the tests cannot assess visual endurance and convergence in 3D space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D flat screen testing to 3D virtual environment testing using the HMD's stereoscopic display and spatial audio capabilities. This dimensional expansion enables assessment of convergence, visual endurance, and spatial awareness while maintaining a relatively simple single-device platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces eye-tracking sensors and physiological monitoring devices as intermediaries between the user and the testing system. These sensors capture natural eye movements, fixation patterns, and physiological responses during 3D virtual tasks, enabling comprehensive assessment of visual endurance and convergence without complicating the user interface or testing procedure.
4Ease of operation
If traditional visual assessment methods are used, then home testing is not feasible, but implementing advanced testing requires specialized equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated testing procedures where the HMD system independently presents stimuli, tracks eye movements, analyzes physiological responses, and generates assessment results without requiring external equipment or specialized operators. This self-service capability enables home testing while keeping the device design relatively simple and consumer-friendly.
Data Source
AI summary
A user's visual endurance can be assessed in a virtual environment. An electronic device, such as a head-mounted display, can execute a visual assessment application and display a user interface to create a 3D virtual environment. A body of text can be displayed on the user interface for an extended duration of time. The electronic device can obtain a sequence of eye images, and each eye image can include a respective infrared image of a region of interest (ROI) corresponding to at least one eye. Based on the sequence of eye images, the electronic device can determine an eye endurance level of the at least one eye of a user associated with the electronic device.