Virtual reality peripheral vision scotoma screening

US6494578B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• The Regents of the University of California · US

Inventors

• Daniel J. Plummer · San Diego, US
• Dirk-Uwe G. Bartsch · Del Mar, US
• William R. Freeman · Del Mar, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 13, 2000
• Grant date: Dec 17, 2002
• Expiry date: Jul 13, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B3/024
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

The invention utilizes a virtual reality display to present a random noise stimulus to a patient. Using an input device a patient indicates the location of disturbances in the random noise display. In a preferred embodiment, a scanning retinal laser projects the random noise stimulus directly onto a patient's eye(s). The image is preferably presented at virtual infinity and can be imaged over the peripheral retina. A patient is directed to centrally fixate on the random noise display. A visual aid, such as a cross hair, may be included in the generated display to facilitate this focus. With a scanning laser virtual reality device having a narrow exit, the failure of a patient to centrally fixate causes the image presented to be distorted, incomplete or disappear from view. While a patient views the random noise display, the patient is directed to indicate any areas of disturbance using an input device. A preferred input device is a computer pen and tablet. This is easy to use while also viewing the random noise display. Preferably, the display changes when a patient uses the pen and tablet such that the patient sees the location being indicated either in place of or superimposed up…