An Arduino-Powered Device for the Study of White Perception beyond the Visual Chromatic Critical Flicker Fusion Frequency

Abstract

Arduino microcontrollers are used for a wide range of technological and biomedical applications, such as image classification, computer vision, brain–computer interaction and vision experiments. Here, we present a new cost-effective mini-device based on RGB LED flicker stimulation for the assessment of the chromatic temporal resolution of the visual function based on the concept of critical flicker fusion frequency (CFF). The assembly of the device and its testing in thirty young subjects demonstrate the steady white visual perception of a trichromatic flicker stimulus (mixture of red, green and blue stimuli) beyond the CFF. Macular function as measured by photo-stress recovery time (PRT) was found to be independent of the CFF measurements for red, green and blue lights. However, a statistical correlation was found between the contrast modulation for CFF for red and green stimuli and PRT. Finally, wavefront measurements demonstrate that high-order aberrations improve the temporal resolution of the visual function.