Wearable Electroretinography Device for Simultaneous Eye Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electroretinography (ERG) systems are limited by the need for prolonged dark adaptation, large size, and expert analysis, making them unsuitable for primary care settings and inefficient for assessing both eyes simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device with compartments for each eye, equipped with stimulation light sources, active and reference electrodes, and a processor that allows for simultaneous ERG testing in a lit environment, automatically processing and analyzing results to detect diabetic retinopathy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional ERG systems are used to perform electroretinography, then accurate retinal function measurement is achieved, but the testing process requires prolonged dark adaptation in a darkened room, increasing testing time and operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs dark adaptation in advance by having the patient wear the head-mounted device with light-blocking components before testing. This preliminary dark adaptation eliminates the need for prolonged dark room waiting time during the actual ERG testing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/environmental requirement of a dark room with an optical solution - light-blocking components integrated into the head-mounted device that actively prevent light entry to the eyes during dark adaptation and testing.
2Measurement precision
If conventional ERG systems are used to perform electroretinography, then accurate retinal function measurement is achieved, but the system requires a darkened room with specialized facilities, increasing device complexity and reducing ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The head-mounted device integrates multiple functions including light blocking, electrode placement, and ERG signal recording into a single portable unit that can be used in any standard clinical setting without requiring specialized dark rooms or specialized facilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/environmental requirement of a dark room with an optical solution - light-blocking components integrated into the head-mounted device that actively prevent light entry to the eyes during dark adaptation and testing.
3Measurement precision
If conventional ERG systems test each eye separately, then accurate individual eye measurement is achieved, but the total testing time is doubled
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines the testing of both eyes into a single simultaneous measurement process. The head-mounted device records ERG signals from both eyes at the same time, eliminating the need to perform separate tests for each eye while maintaining measurement accuracy.
4Measurement precision
If manual expert analysis is used for ERG results, then diagnostic accuracy is achieved, but the process requires highly trained professionals, increasing device complexity and reducing ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs automated analysis of ERG waveforms using embedded processing algorithms that automatically interpret the recorded signals and generate diagnostic information, eliminating the need for manual analysis by highly trained professionals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual expert analysis with automated computational analysis using processing algorithms that interpret ERG waveforms and provide diagnostic information, substituting human expert cognitive processing with machine-based automated analysis.
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
Enables efficient, simultaneous testing of both eyes without the need for dark adaptation rooms, reduces testing time, and provides automated diagnostic analysis, making ERG more accessible in various settings.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the first and second compartments can comprise a stimulation light source
Implementation Method 2
an active electrode that is configured to engage skin of the wearer
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable device for administering an electroretinography examination to a wearer can have a housing that defines a first and a second compartment. Each of the first and second compartments can comprise: a stimulation light source, a focal light source, an active electrode that is configured to engage skin of the wearer, and a reference electrode that is spaced from the active electrode and configured to engage skin of the wearer. A processor can be communicatively coupled to the stimulation light source, the active electrode, and the reference electrode of each of the first and second compartments of the housing. A memory can be in communication with the processor. The device can perform a method comprising: causing the stimulation light source of the first compartment to flash; and storing a signal from the active electrode of the first compartment. The housing can further comprise a ground electrode.