Method and apparatus for testing flicker fusion frequency

• US 4,324,460 A
• Filed: 04/18/1980
• Issued: 04/13/1982
• Est. Priority Date: 04/18/1980
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Michael L. Daley
• Original Assignee: Michael L. Daley
• Inventors: Daley, Michael L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Corbin, John K.
• Assistant Examiner(s): BOVERNICK, RODNEY B
• Application Number:
  US06/141,303
• Time in Patent Office: 725 Days
• Field of Search: 351/36, 351/39
• US Class Current: 351/243
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/161 Flicker fusion testing eye testing A61B3/00

Abstract

Apparatus for testing temporal vision including a target light produced on a portion of a viewing area. A boundary is provided between the target light and a background light, such being produced on substantially all of the viewing area. A first oscillator switches the target light on and off while a second oscillator is available to switch the background light on and off. A frequency control is provided to vary the rate of switching of the target light.

Claims

1. Apparatus for testing temporal vision comprising,

a viewing area,

means for producing a target light on a portion of said area,

means for producing background light on substantially all of said area,

target-defining means for defining a boundary which provides a viewably distinct separation between said target light and said background light,

first oscillator means operatively connected to said target-light producing means, said oscillator means being operative to switch said target light between a condition of full illumination and a condition of no illumination,

second oscillator means operatively connected to said background-light producing means, said second oscillator means being operative to switch said background light between a condition of full illumination and a condition of no illumination, and

a frequency control, operatively connected to said first oscillator means, operative to selectively vary the rate of switching of said target light.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 which further includes means for positioning a colored filter in the path of such person'"'"'s view.

3. A method for testing a person'"'"'s temporal vision comprising the steps of,

producing a target light on a portion of a viewing area viewed by the person,

producing a background light on substantially all of said area,

providing a defined boundary for creating a viewably distinct separation between said target light and said background light,

switching said target light between a condition of full illumination and a condition of no illumination,

switching said background light between a condition of full illumination and a condition of no illumination, and

varying the rate of switching of said target light.

4. The method of claim 3 which further includes the step of positioning a colored filter in the path of such person'"'"'s view.