Platinum Medical Devices and Medical Equipment Design · 2020
AdaptDx Pro Measures Dark Adaptation
- A' Design Award 2020 Platinum Winner in Medical Devices and Medical Equipment Design
- Awarded April 15, 2020
- CLIENT: MacuLogix, Inc.
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 236,658
- Verification code D995CD8DB6 · Verify this award
About AdaptDx Pro Measures Dark Adaptation
AdaptDx Pro is a wearable dark adaptometer used to measure dark adaptation for the early detection of age-related macular degeneration. The headset replaces a large tabletop system and a darkened test room by forming a personal light-tight testing space. A padded head strap and an overhead strap allow adjustment, and single use comfort guards on the eye cups support comfort and hygiene. A digital assistant named Theia uses artificial intelligence and voice prompts to guide each patient. Infrared cameras locate the pupil and small motors align the optics. A front display shows test status.
Within the evolving landscape of medical diagnostic instrumentation, MPR Associates, Inc.'s AdaptDx Pro Measures Dark Adaptation represents a distinguished achievement in the synthesis of clinical efficacy and humanistic design consideration, embodying principles that have increasingly defined excellence in healthcare technology throughout the early twenty-first century. The apparatus demonstrates sophisticated attention to the phenomenology of patient experience, with its articulated headset structure suggesting both secure positioning and distributed weight bearing that acknowledges the extended durations characteristic of dark adaptation assessment protocols. The chromatic restraint of the predominantly achromatic palette speaks to established conventions within medical device aesthetics, where white and neutral gray tones communicate sterility, precision, and professional credibility, while the luminous cyan display typography introduces a measured technological vitality without compromising clinical gravitas. Compositionally, the device reveals a thoughtful hierarchy of primary and secondary interfaces, with the visor housing containing the optical measurement systems while the tethered handheld controller provides patient response capability, suggesting a careful consideration of the division between automated assessment and human feedback integration. The sculptural quality of the adjustable crown mechanism merits particular attention, achieving structural integrity through an elegantly minimal framework that simultaneously addresses the practical requirements of accommodating diverse head dimensions while maintaining consistent optical alignment. Small verdant indicator lights function as visual confirmation of system status, their deliberate placement suggesting attention to both operator and patient awareness within clinical protocols. The overall formal language positions this instrument within broader conversations regarding the humanization of medical technology, inviting contemplation of how thoughtful design might transform diagnostic procedures from experiences of clinical alienation into encounters characterized by comfort, clarity, and patient empowerment.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- The AdaptDx Pro guided by Theia breaks through the ophthalmic medical device industry by offering a completely new experience for patients and eye care professionals in the fight against age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The device provides a comfortable padded head strap that can be adjusted to each patient. An overhead strap provides added adjustability. Eye cups outfitted with one time use Comfort Guards ensure a light-tight seal with comfort and personal hygiene.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- The device is a wearable headset form factor designed to accommodate adult women and men with a single use adjustable head strap and eye cups to form a light tight seal.
- Tags
- Medical Device, Ophthalmic, Age Related Macular Degeneration, Diagnostic
- Production Technology
- Critical engineering activities included: (i) Industrial design of the eye cups for universal one-size-fits-all use and ergonomic design of the head strap, and handheld controller (ii) Optical design optimization with rapid prototyping of optical assemblies for light testing to characterize performance. (iii) Circuit board design for 20 PCB/Flex circuits. (iv) Mechanical design for approximately 30 injection molded parts.
- Design Challenge
- A bench top system was miniaturized it into a wearable headset design which eliminated the need for testing in a darkroom. Challenges overcome to achieve this was one size fits all eye cups for light seal, shortened optical light path which was optically equivalent to longer path in the bench top system, an on board automated technician (using AI) to self guide the test. IR Cameras used for pupil detection and two axis motor for alignment of optics directly in front of the patients eyes.
- Project Duration
- Development of the AdaptDx Pro required a significant effort by a team of engineers and designers. Over 20,000 hours of effort was packed into a tight 16 month schedule.
- Operation Flow
- Precision optics modules are aligned with the patient’s pupil using infrared camera technology to locate the pupil and direct miniature motors. Cameras continually detect pupil size and ensure patient’s alignment (gaze) is maintained. An on board technician, Theia which uses artificial intelligence to provide adaptive voice prompts to guide the patient during testing. Technicians can see test status at a glance from the built-in display positioned on the front of the headset.
- Research
- The Diagnostic Sensitivity and Specificity of Dark Adaptation for Detection of Age Related Macular Degeneration was a pivotal study of dark adaptation (DA) for the detection of AMD, led by Gregory R. Jackson, PhD. The study investigated a more practical method of incorporating dark adaptation science into testing for detection of AMD. The study found the Rapid Test for dark adaptation is a highly accurate measure of DA impairment associated with AMD and is useful in the detection of the disease.
- Inspiration
- The original AdaptDx automated dark adaptometer is a traditional 45-pound tabletop device that requires a technician to administer a 5-20 minute test in a totally dark room, while coaching the patient and adjusting their head for proper alignment. The AdaptDx Pro completely reimagines this experience by shrinking the device into a self-contained, wearable headset that creates a comfortable personal dark room. An onboard technician (Theia) uses AI to provide self guided tests.
- Image Credits
- Image #1: Designer Christopher Terella, Main Image, 2020.
Image #2: Designer Christopher Terella, Configuration, 2020.
Image #3: Designer Christopher Terella, Exploded View, 2020.
Image #4: Senior Producer Robert Wood, In Office, 2020.
Image #5: Senior Producer Robert Wood, Action Shot, 2020.
Colors of AdaptDx Pro Measures Dark Adaptation
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We transform healthcare innovations into market-ready medical devices. Our award-winning engineering team specializes in ophthalmic devices, diagnostic systems, and wearable medical technology. From concept through FDA approval, we deliver complete product development solutions.
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