Daniel E Plummer

US Patent:

6494578, Dec 17, 2002

Filed:

Jul 13, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/615222

Inventors:

Daniel J. Plummer - San Diego CA
Dirk-Uwe G. Bartsch - Del Mar CA
William R. Freeman - Del Mar CA

Assignee:

The Regents of the University of California - Oakland CA

International Classification:

A61B 302

US Classification:

351224

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 patients 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.

US Patent:

6736511, May 18, 2004

Filed:

Nov 1, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/286183

Inventors:

Daniel J. Plummer - San Diego CA
Dirk-Uwe G. Bartsch - Del Mar CA
William R. Freeman - Del Mar CA

Assignee:

The Regents of the University of California - Oakland CA

International Classification:

A61B 302

US Classification:

351224

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 patients 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.