Invention novelty: A method that uses time-frequency distributions to significantly increase the reliability of instruments used for detection of pediatric eye-fixation problems.
Value Proposition: This invention will enhance the performance of instruments being developed for early detection of strabismus (eye-misalignment) and amblyopia (lazy eye) in young children. Other advantaged include:
- Excellent tool for precisely identifying central fixation in an uninterrupted manner
- Improves device reliability
- Reduces test time
- Test can be performed in real time
Technical Details: Johns Hopkins researchers have developed a method that allows for the detection of short-lasting moments of central eye fixation in young patients being tested for misaligned eyes. All existing instruments analyze consecutive sub-epochs of periodic signals, with gaps in-between, during which the algorithm Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) is performed and signal analysis takes place. FFT power spectrum is limited as it does not tell exactly where central fixation frequencies appear. With pediatric patients, where subject cooperation is a problem, short lasting moments of central fixation may easily be lost or missed. To solve this problem, time-frequency distributions obtained by means of the Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT) are a better option. CWT allows excellent localization in both time- and frequency domains and permits analysis of continuous signal epochs of any duration without any gaps.
Looking for Partners: To develop and commercialize this method for instruments that use a scanning spot of polarized light on the retina.
Stage of Development: The proposed technique will be implemented in a prototype of a diagnostic instrument for early detection of misaligned eyes in young children.
Patent Status: Granted US Patent 8,678,592
