Phopro and vision testing devices for examining an individual's eyes

Abstract

This device provides a phoropter for examining an individual's eye while observing a target along the optical path. [Solution] The present invention relates to a phoropter (100) for examining an individual's eyes while they are observing a target, the phoropter (100) comprises: - Two optical units (110, 120) for the individual's binoculars, each having an entrance on the target side, an exit aperture on the individual's side, and an optical system for providing different visual acuity correction powers to the corresponding eyes of the individual; - Moving means adapted to adjust the relative positions of the two optical units; - A partial reflection mirror (27) positioned between the optical units and the target; - An image acquisition device oriented toward the partial reflection mirror to acquire an image of the individual's eyes viewing the target through the two optical units; and - An image display device suitable for displaying the acquired image.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a phoropter and a vision measuring device for examining an individual's eyes.

Background Art

[0002] In the context of measuring a patient's vision, it has already been proposed to simulate the visual compensation to be provided, for example, using a refractometer (also called a phoropter).

[0003] Such a phoropter comprises a support element designed to receive an individual's head and hold it in a predetermined position relative to the refractive head of the phoropter.

[0004] This refractive head houses trial lenses that provide different corrections, and the trial lenses can be successively placed in front of the individual's eyes until an appropriate correction value is found.

[0005] In the refractive head, the trial lenses are arranged on two disks that are mounted so as to be freely rotatable. The rotation is manually controlled. Each disk must be arranged relative to each eye of the patient such that when one of the disks rotates, the trial lenses of this disk can be successively positioned in front of the corresponding eye of the patient.

[0006] Since patients have different morphologies, it is necessary to adjust the position of each disk relative to each eye of the patient before attempting to simulate the visual compensation to be provided.

[0007] For this purpose, the positioning of the disks is manually adjustable. Further, one of the trial lenses of each disk includes a reticle that helps the examiner to position this lens on the axis of the corresponding eye of the patient, thereby ensuring a good adjustment of the position of the disk relative to the position of the patient's eye.

[0008] The main drawback of such devices is that the optometrist must observe the patient face-to-face, which is not always possible. Furthermore, once the simulation of the visual compensation to be provided begins, the optometrist cannot check whether the adjustment is still correct. [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In this context, the present invention provides a phoropter for examining an individual's eye while observing a target along an optical path, the phoropter is, - Two optical units for an individual's binoculars, each having an inlet on the target side, an exit aperture on the individual side, and an optical system for providing different visual acuity correction powers to the corresponding eyes of the individual. - A moving means adapted to adjust the relative position of the two optical units, - Partially reflective mirrors positioned along the optical path (between the optical unit and the target), - An image acquisition device (e.g., one or two cameras) oriented toward a partially reflective mirror to acquire an image of the individual's eye looking at the target through two optical units, and preferably, - An image display device suitable for displaying the acquired image. It is equipped with.

[0010] Thanks to the present invention, the camera can acquire images of an individual's eyes before or during the simulation of the visual compensation to be provided. As a result, the adjustment of the two optical units in front of the two individuals' eyes can be done at any moment.

[0011] Furthermore, because the optometrist does not need to observe the patient face-to-face to perform this adjustment, the patient can look at the target during the adjustment, thereby improving the accuracy of the optical unit's positioning.

[0012] According to further non-limiting features of the apparatus of the present invention, - The image acquisition device has two cameras, - Each camera is oriented toward a partial reflection mirror to acquire an image of one of the individual's eyes looking at the target through one of the optical units. - The movement mechanism includes a lever for manually adjusting the relative position of the two optical units. - The phoropter also features a support element designed to receive and hold the individual's head in place. - The moving mechanism includes two levers for manually adjusting the position of the two optical units relative to the support element. - The moving means comprises at least one motor suitable for adjusting the relative position of two optical units, and a controller programmed to control the motor as a function of an image acquired by an image acquisition device and processed to detect the position of an individual's pupil. - The movement system is equipped with two motors, and the controller is programmed to automatically control the motors to adjust the position of the two optical units relative to the support element at the axis of the pupils of the two individuals. - The optical system is designed to generate variable spherical and variable cylindrical degrees. - The partial reflection mirror rests along its entire edge on the rim of the frame of the mirror support, and the frame comprises three or four tongues that hold the partial reflection mirror against the rim.

[0013] The present invention also provides a visual acuity measuring device for examining an individual's eyes, the visual acuity measuring device comprising a phoropter as described herein and a display unit adapted to generate a target, the target being visible through the exit apertures of two optical units of the phoropter, and this display unit, - A first screen adapted to display the inspection image used when generating a visual target, and - At least one optical element having optical degree, Equipped with, The optical element is movable between an operating position in which the optical element is positioned on the optical path of light emitted by the first screen and exiting the device through the exit aperture, and a retracted position in which the optical element remains out of the optical path so that a target is generated at a variable distance from the exit aperture.

[0014] According to further non-limiting features of the visual acuity measuring device of the present invention, - The device comprises a second screen adapted to display a second image, the image of which is superimposed on the target at the exit aperture using a primary partial reflection mirror. - A single mirror support holds the main partial reflection mirror and the partial reflection mirror of the phoropter. - The main partial reflection mirror rests on the rim of the frame of the mirror support, - The main partial reflective mirror leans onto the rim along its entire edge, and a compressible material is sandwiched between the main partial reflective mirror and the rim. - The main partial reflecting mirror leans directly onto three or four regions protruding from the rim. - The edges of the main partial reflection mirror are blocked by three or four pins that sandwich it. - The frame comprises at least two flexible strips that hold the main partial reflective mirror against the rim, - The frame rests on a first portion of the casing of the mirror support, the casing having a second portion fixed to the first portion and having abutments positioned at a distance from the frame, with clearance or compressible material provided between the abutments and the frame.

[0015] The present invention also relates to a mirror support (also called a light beam separation box) comprising a main partial reflection mirror and a casing that supports the partial reflection mirror.

[0016] Detailed explanation of the example The following description, which refers to the accompanying drawings shown as non-limiting examples, makes clear what the present invention comprises and how it can be implemented.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing a vision measurement device according to the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing a vision measurement device according to the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a side view of the phoropter of the vision measurement device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. [Figure 4] It is an image acquired by the camera of the phoropter shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view of the light beam separation box of the vision measurement device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. [Figure 6] It is an exploded view of the box in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view of the box in FIG. 5. [Figure 8] It is an exploded view of one of the mirrors of the box in FIG. 5. [Figure 9] It is an exploded view of another mirror of the box in FIG. 5 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] It is an exploded view of another mirror of the box in FIG. 5 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a perspective view of the internal components of the phoropter in FIG. 2.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] The present invention relates primarily to a phoropter (also called a "refractometer") designed to provide different visual acuity correction powers near an individual's eye. This phoropter may be used in conjunction with an eye chart placed 6 m away from the phoropter. However, in the embodiments described, this phoropter belongs to a visual acuity measuring device having a display unit 20 suitable for displaying the test image to be seen through the phoropter 100. The display unit 20 will be described in the first part of this report. The phoropter 100 will be described thereafter.

[0019] In Figures 1 and 2, the optical path is represented by a dashed line, and the direction of propagation is indicated by an arrow.

[0020] The mobility of the optical components is indicated by the double arrows placed beside them.

[0021] The purpose of the vision testing device 10 is to examine an individual's eyes.

[0022] The phoropter 100 is interposed between the display unit 20 and the individual's eye. The phoropter 100 is adapted to provide variable optical correction to the individual's eye looking through it.

[0023] The light beam emitted from the display unit 20 is directed towards the individual's eye through the phoropter 100.

[0024] In the embodiment shown, the display unit 20 is - A screen 21 adapted to display the test image ("target") used when generating a visual test image, and - At least one optical element 30 having optical degree, It is equipped with.

[0025] The optical element 30 is movable between an operating position in which the optical element 30 is positioned on the optical path of light emitted by the screen and exiting the device through the exit aperture, and a retracted position in which the optical element 30 remains off the optical path so that a visual inspection image is generated at a variable distance from the exit aperture 120B.

[0026] The optical path is the path taken by the light beam emitted by the screen 21 at the center of the image displayed by the screen 21 as it crosses the display unit 20 to reach the exit aperture 120B of the phoropter 100 facing the patient.

[0027] When the optical element 30 is in the retracted position (Figure 2), the visual inspection image includes the inspection image displayed by the screen 21. Next, the distance between the visual inspection image and the exit aperture of the phoropter 100 is the distance measured along the optical path between the exit aperture and the screen 21.

[0028] When the optical element is in the operating position (Figure 1), the visual inspection image includes the image (or projection) of the inspection image displayed on the screen 21 as seen through the optical element 30. This image is usually a virtual image. This image is located at an optical position, which can be, for example, at infinity.

[0029] Next, the distance between the visual inspection image and the exit aperture of the phoropter 100 is the distance between the exit aperture and the optical position of the visual inspection image. The optical element 30 may include, for example, an optical lens 31 as shown in the example described herein.

[0030] If the optical element 30 includes an optical lens 31, the image of the inspection image is the image of the inspection image as seen through the lens 31.

[0031] The distance between the visual inspection image and the exit aperture is varied between at least a distance viewing distance and a different near viewing distance or intermediate viewing distance. The distance viewing distance typically ranges from infinity to 65-70 centimeters. The intermediate viewing distance typically ranges from 65-70 centimeters to 40 centimeters. The near viewing distance typically ranges from 40 centimeters to 33 centimeters.

[0032] Preferably, the relative positions of the screen 21, the optical element 30, and the exit aperture 120B are adapted to vary so that the distance between the generated visual inspection image and the exit aperture can be continuously varied over one or more optical distance ranges from infinity to near viewing distance.

[0033] The vision measuring device 10 includes a main casing 2 which is adapted to be placed, for example, on a table, or adapted to be mounted on a stand which is placed on a table or the floor.

[0034] The main casing 2 here contains the display unit 20. The pholocator 100 is mounted on the main casing 2.

[0035] The display unit 20 here includes a clarity module 20A and a scene module 20B.

[0036] The clarity module 20A includes a screen 21 and an optical element 30.

[0037] The screen 21 generates a light beam along the screen axis S, which is perpendicular to the mean plane of the screen 21. This light beam is intended to generate an image of an object, such as a visual target, for an individual using a visual acuity measurement device.

[0038] In the example described here, screen 21 is flat.

[0039] The optical element 30 here includes, for example, an achromatic lens having an effective focal length of 70 centimeters to 1 meter, preferably about 80 centimeters.

[0040] Preferably, the optical element 30 and the screen 21 are positioned relative to each other such that the screen 21 is positioned at a distance from the optical lens 31, and at least one relative position between the optical lens 31 and the screen 21 is equal to the back focal length of the lens 31.

[0041] Therefore, in the distance viewing configuration, the relative position between the screen 21 and the lens 31 can be adjusted such that the screen 21 is positioned at a rear focal distance from the lens 31, while the lens 31 remains positioned in the optical path of the light.

[0042] Thus, the visual inspection image generated by the display module 20 can be positioned at infinity with respect to the exit aperture and therefore to the individual's eye. The distance between the generated visual inspection image and the exit aperture is set to infinity.

[0043] The optical element 30 includes a lens 31 and is fixed on a support 32 which is pivotally attached to a part of the casing 2.

[0044] In the first angular position of the support 32 of the lens 31 shown in Figure 1, the support 32 is parallel to the optical path of the light and intersects the lens 31 with the optical axis; and the light emitted from the screen passes through the lens 31. The optical path of the light follows at least partially the optical axis L of the lens 31.

[0045] As shown in Figure 2, at the second angular position of the support 32 of the lens 31, the support 32 is inclined with respect to the optical path of the light, causing the lens 31 to exit this optical path; and the light beam emitted by the screen 21 does not pass through the lens 31.

[0046] The screen 21 is movable in parallel along two orthogonal directions in order to center it with respect to the other optical components of the visual acuity measuring device 10, particularly with respect to the optical axis L of the lens 31 at the operating position of the lens 31.

[0047] This centering step ensures that light emitted at the center of the screen exits the vision measurement device at the center of the exit aperture.

[0048] In some embodiments, the screen 21 may also be movable, particularly along the screen axis S, to further vary the distance between the visual inspection image and the exit opening.

[0049] The clarity module 20A of the display unit 20 also includes at least one reflective surface to direct the optical path toward the exit aperture 120B.

[0050] The reflective surface allows the optical path of the light beam emitted by the screen to bend in order to limit the size of the display module.

[0051] In practice, the reflective surface includes three mirrors 41, 42, and 43, the first of which is movable to further change the distance between the visual acuity test image and the exit aperture.

[0052] This first mirror 41 is positioned on the optical path and mounted to pivot about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the optical path of the light beam, so that it is positioned at an angle of 45° or 135° with respect to the screen axis S.

[0053] The second mirror 42 and the third mirror 43 are positioned perpendicular to each other. In addition, the second mirror 42 and the third mirror 43 are positioned at angles of 45° and 135° with respect to the screen axis S.

[0054] Thanks to this arrangement, while the first mirror 41 is in the first position, the light beam generated by the screen 21 can be sequentially reflected by the first mirror 41 toward the second mirror 42. The light beam is then reflected by the second mirror 42 toward the third mirror 43, and subsequently reflected by the third mirror 43 so that the light beam is directed toward the lens 31 along the optical axis L of the lens 31. Here, the principal directions of the screen axis S and the optical axis L are orthogonal to each other.

[0055] The light beam passes through the lens 31 (when the optical element 30 is in the first operating position) to the first beam splitter 26, and is then reflected toward the individual's eye.

[0056] In the configuration shown in Figure 2, the optical element 30 is in its second retracted position, and the first mirror is rotated so that the light beam proceeds directly from the screen 21 to the first beam splitter 26.

[0057] Scene module 20B includes an additional screen 22 and an additional mirror 24. The additional screen 22 is used to display a background image. This background image is preferably an image of an environment familiar to the individual, such as a city, landscape, a natural environment such as a room, or an external or internal environment. The additional mirror 24 here is a concave mirror. The optical axis of the mirror 24 passes through the vertex of the concave mirror and here coincides with the optical axis L of the lens 31 of clarity module 20A at the exit from the display unit.

[0058] The first beam splitter 26 is positioned between the clarity module 20A and the scenery module 20B to superimpose the light emitted from the screen 21 of the clarity module 20A and the light emitted from the additional screen 22 of the scenery module 20B. The beam splitter 26 is positioned to reflect the light coming from the screen 21 of the clarity module 20A towards the phoropter 100 and ultimately towards the individual's eye. The beam splitter 26 also reflects the light emitted from the additional screen 22 towards the additional mirror 24, and this light reflected by the first beam splitter 26 travels straight through the beam splitter 26 towards the individual's eye. Both light beams coming from the clarity module and the scenery module exit the display module casing 2 through an opening closed by the second beam splitter 27.

[0059] Both beam splitters 26 and 27 belong to the optical beam separation box 200, which is described below.

[0060] In this step of the explanation, phoropter 100 can be described in more detail.

[0061] This phoropter 100 is shown in Figure 3.

[0062] The Phoropter 100 includes two optical units (or "half-heads of the Phoropter") 110 and 120 for the individual's binoculars (only one optical unit 120 is visible in Figure 3).

[0063] These two optical units 110 and 120 are identical in this respect.

[0064] Each optical unit 110, 120 has a housing 121 that includes two openings, namely an inlet 120A located on the side of the scene module 20B and an outlet opening 120B located on the patient's side. These openings are centered on the optical axis Y (an optical axis having the same reference Y is defined for each optical unit 110, 120).

[0065] The exit aperture 120B of each optical unit 110, 120 is designed to be positioned along the axis of the patient's corresponding eye.

[0066] The housing 121 accommodates an optical system or module (not shown) for providing different visual acuity correction powers to the corresponding eyes of the patient.

[0067] This optical system may be of any type. In particular, the optical system may include different lenses having different refractive powers, which are presented in front of each individual's eye. In this embodiment, the lenses with different powers are changed manually or, preferably, by motorized commands. These different powers are visual acuity correction powers for the individual's eyes placed close together.

[0068] In the illustrated embodiment, the optical system preferably comprises two lenses with adjustable refractive power, such as a liquid lens having a variable spherical refractive power.

[0069] The variable spherical power lens has, for example, a deformable surface. The shape of this surface (in particular the radius of curvature of this surface, and therefore the spherical power provided by the lens) can be controlled mechanically (for example, thanks to a ring attached to a motor-driven mechanical component) or by other means.

[0070] The phoropter 100 may also include a pair of independently rotatable lenses, each having a cylindrical degree. Each of these can be rotated by the operation of other motors of the phoropter 100.

[0071] The motor is controlled by a control unit so that the combination of a variable spherical power lens and two cylindrical power lenses provides the desired spherical and cylindrical corrections to the patient's eye, as described in the international publication pamphlet 2015 / 1007303.

[0072] The phoropter 100 also comprises one or more support elements 122 designed to receive and hold the individual's head in a predetermined position relative to the phoropter 100. These support elements 122 can, for example, receive the individual's forehead. Alternatively or additionally, the phoropter may include an element for receiving the individual's jaw.

[0073] In this embodiment, the forehead support element 122 is slidably mounted on the chassis of the phoropter 100 (the chassis 140 is screwed into the main casing 2) along an axis parallel to the optical axis Y, so that the distance between the patient's eye and the liquid lens of the optical units 110, 120 can be manually adjusted. To assist the optometrist in adjusting the position of the support element 122 along this sliding axis, at least one of the optical units 110, 120 is equipped with an image sensor 180 located on the side of the housing 121 so that it can acquire a lateral image showing both the patient's corresponding eye and the liquid lens. A computing unit is programmed to measure the distance between the patient's eye and the corresponding liquid lens on this image and to display the result of this measurement on a screen 151 that can be viewed by the optometrist.

[0074] According to the present invention, the phoropter 100 further, - A moving means adapted to adjust the relative positions of two optical units 110, 120, - A partial reflection mirror (second beam splitter 27) is located between the optical units 110, 120 and the screen 21 along the optical path. - An image acquisition device directed toward a second beam splitter 27 to acquire an image of the individual's eye looking at a target through two optical units 110, 120, and - An image display device suitable for displaying the acquired image. It is equipped with.

[0075] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the second beam splitter 27 is positioned between the first beam splitter 26 and the image acquisition device and optical units 110 and 120 to direct the light beams emitted by the screens 21 and 22 of the clarity module 20A and the scene module 20B to the patient's eyes and to the image acquisition device that observes these eyes.

[0076] In other words, the second beam splitter 27 is positioned to reflect light arriving from the optical units 110 and 120 toward the image acquisition device and to allow the light beams emitted by the screens 21 and 22 of the clarity module 20A and the scene module 20B to pass through.

[0077] The means of movement is designed so that the two optical units 110, 120 can move closer to or further away from each other along an axis X parallel to the plane of the second beam splitter 27, in order to accommodate the distance of different individuals' eyes. The two optical units 110, 120 can be moved between two extreme positions, namely the closest position where the two optical units are in contact with each other along the X axis, and the furthest position, via an intermediate position, where they are separated by the maximum distance along this X axis. Of these intermediate positions, the “average position” is set so that the two cameras of optical units 110, 120 are spaced between the average interpupillary distance of an adult, for example, 64-66 mm. This axis X is here perpendicular to the optical axis Y of the liquid lens.

[0078] As shown in Figure 11, the moving mechanism includes a slider fixed on the chassis 140 of the phoropter 100, on which each optical unit 110, 120 can slide along a single axis (X-axis).

[0079] The slider includes a cylindrical rod 141 fixed to the chassis 140. The slider also includes two sleeves 142 that can slide freely along the cylindrical rod 141 along the X axis.

[0080] In a first embodiment not shown, the means of movement is designed to be operated manually.

[0081] In this embodiment, the housings 121 of the optical units 110 and 120 are respectively mounted on two sleeves 142 (preferably having rotational mobility about the Z-axis). The moving means further comprises at least one handle that allows an optometrist to manually adjust the relative position of one of the optical units 110 and 120 with respect to the other.

[0082] More specifically, the moving mechanism may include two handles for manually adjusting the position of the two optical units relative to the support element 122. The handles may be formed by the housing 121 of the optical units 110, 120, provided that they are shaped to facilitate gripping of the optical units 110, 120.

[0083] In the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 11, the means of transport is electrically powered.

[0084] For this purpose, a carriage 143 that holds one of the optical units 110, 120 is mounted on each sleeve 142.

[0085] The moving mechanism comprises at least one motor suitable for adjusting the relative positions of two optical units 110, 102, and a controller (here, a computer 150) programmed to control the motor as a function of an image acquired and processed to detect the position of the patient's pupil.

[0086] More specifically, in this preferred embodiment, the transport means comprises four motors 144 that can slide two carriages 143 along the X axis.

[0087] A worm gear is provided between each motor 144 and one of the carriages 143. In other words, each carriage 143 is driven by a pair of motors 144 for the following reasons:

[0088] When the rotation of the two motors is synchronized by each pair of motors, the corresponding carriage 143 can slide along the rod (along the X axis).

[0089] If the rotations of the two motors are not synchronized, this pair of motors allows the carriage 143 to pivot around the Z-axis (an axis with the same reference Z is defined for each optical unit 110, 120). More specifically, in order to pivot the carriage 143 around the Z-axis without sliding it along the X-axis, the two motors must be controlled at the same speed but in opposite directions.

[0090] For this purpose, each carriage comprises a first upper part fixed on a corresponding sleeve 142 and a second lower part attached to a first part that is rotatable around the Z axis.

[0091] This second part is screwed onto the housing 121 of the corresponding optical units 110, 120 and includes a gear that engages with a motor screw.

[0092] Thanks to its rotational mobility around the Z-axis, the optical axes Y of the liquid lenses can be tilted relative to each other and aligned with the line of sight of each patient's eye. This mobility is useful when examining a patient's near vision (where the patient needs to squint when looking at a target).

[0093] Thanks to its mobility, which allows it to slide along the X-axis, the liquid lens can be positioned along the axis of the patient's eye, i.e., at a distance from each other that depends on the patient's interpupillary distance. Note that the distance between the optical axes Y of the liquid lens is equal to the interpupillary distance only if these axes are parallel.

[0094] An image acquisition device and an image display device are used to automatically or manually adjust the distance between the two optical units 110 and 120.

[0095] In the illustrated embodiment, the image acquisition device comprises two cameras 132, each directed toward a second beam splitter 27, to acquire an image of one of the patient's eyes that is looking at a target through one of the optical units 110, 120.

[0096] In embodiments not shown, each camera 132 is fixed on the carriage 143 of the corresponding optical units 110, 120 and can therefore be integrated with the corresponding optical units 110, 120 in translation. In this modification, the optical axis of each camera remains perpendicular to the Y optical axis of the liquid lens of the corresponding optical units 110, 120 on the beam splitter 27, regardless of the distance separating the two optical units 110, 120 along the X axis (the two axes intersect each other on the beam splitter 27). Perpendicular means that the two axes are orthogonal and intersect each other.

[0097] However, in the illustrated embodiment (see Figure 3), the two cameras are fixed to the main casing 2 so as not to merge with the corresponding optical units 11 and 120 through parallel movement along the X-axis, and their optical axes remain stationary. In this configuration, there is only one position of the optical units 110 and 120 on the beam splitter 27 where the optical axis of each camera remains perpendicular to the optical axis Y of the liquid lens of the optical units 110 and 120. This single position of the optical units along the X-axis can be set as the average value described above.

[0098] In this embodiment, when the optical axes of the liquid lenses of the two optical units 110 and 120 are at their average position, the center of the camera aligns well with these axes (in other words, the optical axis Y of each liquid lens intersects the optical axis of the corresponding camera). However, if the distance Y between these optical axes changes due to moving the optical units 110 and 120 away from their average position along the X axis, the optical axis Y of each liquid lens no longer intersects the optical axis of the corresponding camera, and parallax occurs. These phenomena should be canceled out, as will be explained below.

[0099] In another embodiment, the two cameras are each held by two optical units 110, 120 and are therefore integral in translation and rotation with the corresponding optical units 110, 120. In this embodiment, the optical axis of each camera remains perpendicular to the Y optical axis of the liquid lens of the corresponding optical units 110, 120 on the beam splitter 27, regardless of the distance separating the two optical units 110, 120 along the X axis and regardless of the angle between the optical units 110, 120 (the two axes intersect each other on the beam splitter 27) (this is useful when the patient needs to squint when the sight is looking at a target, as the patient's near vision is being examined).

[0100] Preferably, each camera 132 is housed in a small protective black box so that it is not visible to the patient.

[0101] A suitable image display device for displaying images acquired by camera 132 is, for example, an LED, OLED, LCD, or TFT screen 151. It is positioned so that it is visible to the optometrist.

[0102] In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, this screen 151 belongs to a computer 150 having another human-machine interface 152 (keyboard and / or mouse).

[0103] Computer 150 is connected to camera 132 so that it can display an image assembly Img containing images acquired by these cameras in real time (see Figure 4).

[0104] The computer is programmed to help the optometrist adjust the distance between optical units 110 and 120.

[0105] If the means of movement is manual, the computer 150 is programmed to display a sighting reticle 153 with a centered center on each acquired image at the position of the Z optical axis of each liquid lens. This sighting reticle 153 may have a cross shape, a circular shape, or a square shape with a transparent inner surface.

[0106] As described above, in embodiments where the camera 123 is fixed to the main casing 2, the average position needs to be calculated to cancel out the parallax effect that occurs for the different positions of the optical units 110 and 120, and to determine the position of these sights 153. This calculation is performed based on the positions of the optical units 110 and 120 along the X-axis, thanks to a predetermined setting that associates each position of the optical unit with the position of the sight to be displayed.

[0107] To determine the position of the optical unit, the computer can obtain the angular positions of the four motors (if any) and / or use position sensors coupled to the carriage.

[0108] Next, in order to position the optical units 110 and 120 in front of the patient's eye, the optometrist can use the handle to force these units to slide along the rod 141 until the patient's pupil is centered (center of the cross, circle, or square) within the target 153.

[0109] If the means of transport is electric, the computer 150 is programmed to automatically control four motors to adjust the positions of the two optical units 110, 120 on the axis of the pupils of the two patients.

[0110] For this purpose, computer 150 is used here. - Display the superimposed aiming reticle 153 on the acquired image. - On the acquired image Img, the position of the patient's pupil relative to the target 153 is determined (for this purpose, the computer 150 is equipped with image processing capabilities that enable it to recognize a complete black circle in the image and its position on the image along the X-axis), and - From there, the drive commands for each motor are inferred to position the detected complete black circle, which represents at least the pupil (or iris of the subject with a black eye) of the subject, at the center of the target 153. It is programmed that way.

[0111] At this stage, the optical beam separation box 200 shown in Figures 5 to 7 can be described in more detail.

[0112] This box comprises a casing consisting of three parts: an upper part 210, a middle part 211 (also called the "mirror support"), and a lower part 212 (see Figure 6).

[0113] The lower section 212 is designed to be mounted on the main casing 2 and secured with screws. The lower section 212 has a large opening 213 that allows light emitted by the screen 21 to enter the light beam separation box 200.

[0114] The intermediate section 211 is attached to the lower section 212 and secured with screws. The intermediate section 211 has a roof prism shape, with a bottom surface that is open toward the opening 213 and two main surfaces to which the beam splitters 26 and 27 are attached.

[0115] The upper section 210 is attached to and screwed to the intermediate section 211. The upper section 210 has a parallelepiped shape and houses a convex mirror 24 at one end. The other end is open and molded to fit onto the intermediate section 211 along the edge of the first beam splitter 26. The screen 22 is fixed to the upper surface of this upper section 210.

[0116] The convex mirror 24 has a large thickness so that it can be fixed to the upper part 210 in various ways, for example by bonding its edge to the inner surface of the upper part 210.

[0117] Conversely, the beam splitters 26 and 27 have a small thickness of less than 5 mm.

[0118] In this embodiment, the first beam splitter 26 has a thickness of 1 mm, and the second beam splitter 27 has a thickness of 2 mm.

[0119] The mounting of these beam splitters must be carried out in a way that does not cause excessive stress on them; otherwise, it will deform the splitters and result in distorted measurements.

[0120] To avoid such deformation, each beam splitter 26, 27 is blocked on the intermediate section 211 using a special frame.

[0121] As shown in Figure 8, the second beam splitter 27 has a rectangular shape. Its frame 270 has a shape similar to the shape of the edges of this splitter.

[0122] The frame 270 comprises four rims and means for fixing the frame to the intermediate section 211.

[0123] These fastening means include two tongues 271 that protrude from the outer surface of the first rim. These tongues 271 are designed to engage with a receiving cavity provided in the intermediate portion 211.

[0124] They also include a small opening in the second limb opposite the first limb for receiving a screw 273 that engages with the washer 274 and is screwed into the intermediate portion 211.

[0125] The frame 270 can be made of any rigid material (plastic, steel, aluminum, etc.). It is preferably integrally molded.

[0126] To block the second beam splitter 27, the upper surface of the frame 270 is recessed along the entire contour of its inner surface. Thanks to this recess, the frame 270 provides a support surface 275 that is planar and bounded by the outside of the frame. The second beam splitter 27 is housed within this recess so as to be inclined along its entire edge on the support surface 275.

[0127] To hold the second beam splitter 27 against the support surface 275, the frame 270 includes at least three tongues 276 protruding from the upper surface of the frame so as to sandwich the second beam splitter 27 between the support surface 275. Here, the frame 270 includes four tongues 276 distributed along the first and second rims.

[0128] Two embodiments of the first beam splitter 26 and its frames 260;280 are shown in Figures 9 and 10, respectively.

[0129] In both embodiments, the first beam splitter 26 has a rectangular shape with chamfered corners. Frames 260;280 have a shape similar to the shape of the ends of this splitter.

[0130] In these embodiments, the frame is designed to be sandwiched between the upper and middle sections of the light beam separation box 200.

[0131] For this purpose, as shown in Figure 7, the frame 260 is mounted on a flange provided on the intermediate section 211, and four abutments in the form of pins 214 are provided on the upper inner surface so as to be positioned relative to or slightly away from the frame 260. Compressible material can be placed between the pins 214 and the frame 260. In a variation in which compressible material is not used, a small clearance of 0.3 to 1 mm is provided between the pins 214 and the frame 260 to ensure that the upper section 210 does not deform when the upper section 210 and the intermediate section 211 are bolted together.

[0132] In both embodiments, the upper surfaces of the frames 260;280 are recessed along the entire contour of their inner surface. Thanks to this recess, the frames 260;280 provide an interior ("rim") having a flat support surface 265;285, which is bounded by the outside of the frame. The first beam splitter 26 is housed within this recess so as to be inclined along its entire edge on the support surface 265;285 and so as not to move on this flat surface.

[0133] The means for blocking the first beam splitter 26 with respect to the support surfaces 265;285 differ between the first and second embodiments.

[0134] In the first embodiment, the first beam splitter 26 does not directly lean against the support surface 265 of the frame 260. On the contrary, a compressible material is sandwiched between the first beam splitter 26 and the support surface 265. This compressible material is an elastomer foam tape that has the shape of the support surface 265.

[0135] To hold the first beam splitter 26 against the foam tape, the frame 260 comprises at least two flexible strips 261. Each strip comprises a first rib that is profiled and designed to be fixed (e.g., glued) to the rim of the frame 260, and a lip that protrudes from the inner surface of the rib and presses against the upper surface of the first beam splitter 26. Here, each strip 261 is made of elastomer.

[0136] In the second embodiment, the first beam splitter 26 does not lean directly on the support surface 285 of the frame 280 thanks to four foam pieces sandwiched between the first beam splitter 26 and the support surface 285.

[0137] In this second embodiment, the frame 280 includes three small rings protruding from the support surface 265, which are designed to receive several adhesives.

[0138] The frame 280 also includes four openings 282 located on the two opposing rims, which are parallel to the support surface 285 and have axes perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the two rims, and four pins 283 bonded to these four openings 282. The ends of each pin 283 are longitudinally divided into two parts so as to sandwich the first beam splitter 26 and bonded thereto.

[0139] Thanks to this adhesive, the first beam splitter 26 is securely attached to its frame without being subjected to excessive mechanical stress.

Claims

1. A phoropter (100) for examining an individual's eye while observing a target along the optical path, - Two optical units (110, 120) for the individual's binoculars, each having an inlet (120A) on the target side, an exit aperture (120B) on the individual side, and an optical system for providing different visual acuity correction powers to the corresponding eyes of the individual, and - A moving means adapted to adjust the relative position of the two optical units, Equipped with, The aforementioned phoropter (100) is - Partial reflection mirrors (27) arranged along the optical path, and - An image acquisition device oriented toward the partial reflection mirror (27) in order to acquire an image of the eye of the individual viewing the target through the two optical units (110, 120), A phoropter (100) further characterized by having the following features.

2. The phoropter (100) according to claim 1, wherein the image acquisition device comprises two cameras (132), each camera (132) being oriented toward the partial reflection mirror (27) to acquire an image of one of the eyes of the individual looking at the target through one of the optical units (110, 120).

3. The pholopra (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the moving means comprises a lever for manually adjusting the relative positions of the two optical units.

4. The phoropter (100) according to claim 3, further comprising a support element (122) designed to receive and hold the individual's head in a predetermined position, and the moving means comprising two levers for manually adjusting the positions of the two optical units relative to the support element (122).

5. The phoropter (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the moving means comprises at least one motor suitable for adjusting the relative positions of the two optical units (110, 120), and a controller programmed to process the image acquired by the image acquisition device (132) to detect the position of the individual's pupil in the image, and to control the motor as a function of the detected position of the individual's pupil.

6. The phoropter (100) according to claim 5, further comprising a support element (122) designed to receive and hold the head of the individual in a predetermined position, the moving means comprising two motors, and the controller being programmed to automatically control the motors to adjust the positions of the two optical units (110, 120) relative to the support element (122) on the axes of the pupils of the two individuals.

7. The pholopter (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the partial reflective mirror (27) leans along its entire edge on the rim of the frame (270) of the mirror support (200), and the frame (270) comprises three or four tongues (276) that hold the partial reflective mirror (27) against the rim.

8. A visual acuity measuring device (10) for examining an individual's eye, comprising a phoropter (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and a display unit (20) adapted to generate a visual target, wherein the visual target can be viewed through the exit aperture (120B) of the two optical units (110, 120) of the phoropter (100), and the display unit (20) - A first screen (21) adapted to display the inspection image used when generating the visual target, and - At least one optical element (30) having an optical degree, Equipped with, A visual acuity measuring device (10) wherein the optical element (30) is movable between an operating position in which the optical element (30) is positioned on the optical path of light emitted by the first screen (21) and exiting the visual acuity measuring device through the exit opening (120B), and a retracted position in which the optical element (30) remains out of the optical path.

9. The visual acuity measuring device (10) according to claim 8, comprising a second screen (22) adapted to display a second image, wherein the image of the second image is superimposed on the target at the exit opening (120B) using a main partial reflection mirror (26).

10. The visual acuity measuring device (10) according to claim 9, wherein a single mirror support (200) holds the main partial reflection mirror (26) and the partial reflection mirror (27) of the phoropter (100).

11. The visual acuity measuring device (10) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the main partial reflective mirror (26) rests on the rim of the frame (260; 280) of the mirror support (200).

12. The visual acuity measuring device (10) according to claim 11, wherein the main partial reflective mirror (26) leans on the rim along its entire edge, and a compressible material is sandwiched between the main partial reflective mirror (26) and the rim.

13. The visual acuity measuring device (10) according to claim 11, wherein the main partial reflective mirror (26) rests directly on three or four regions protruding from the rim.

14. The visual acuity measuring device (10) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the edge of the main partial reflective mirror (26) is blocked by three or four pins (283) that sandwich it.

15. A mirror support for a visual acuity measuring device (10) according to any one of claims 9 to 14, comprising a casing for supporting the main partial reflection mirror (26) and the partial reflection mirror (27).

Images