Adaptive Optometry Device Error Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current optometry devices require constant attention from eye-care professionals to ensure consistent results in subjective tests for determining refraction features, leading to potential errors and lengthy refraction processes, which can cause fatigue and increase the risk of errors for both the professional and the individual.

Innovation Solution

An optometry device equipped with a computer that performs a sequence of subjective tests, including a first predetermined test and a verification test to detect potential errors, allowing the sequence to be adapted automatically based on the results, thereby ensuring accurate determination of refraction features without constant professional attention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a standard sequence of predetermined subjective tests is performed to determine refraction features, then the determination process is systematic and structured, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires constant professional attention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of refraction determinationVSAvoidduration of refraction process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs preliminary analysis of test results to identify potential errors before completing the full test sequence. By detecting inconsistencies early in the process, the system can terminate unnecessary tests, thereby reducing overall testing time while maintaining determination accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors test results and provides feedback to determine whether the sequence should continue or terminate. This feedback mechanism allows automatic detection of sufficient data quality, enabling early termination of the test sequence when accuracy requirements are met, thus reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If additional verification tests are performed to detect potential errors, then the reliability of refraction values is improved, but the refraction process becomes even more time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconsistency of refraction resultsVSAvoidtotal testing duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs only the necessary verification tests based on detected inconsistencies rather than executing a complete verification sequence for every case. This partial action approach maintains reliability by verifying only when needed, while avoiding excessive testing that would increase time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically performs verification and error detection without requiring constant professional intervention. This self-service capability reduces the time burden on professionals while maintaining result consistency through automated quality control checks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the eye-care professional constantly monitors each test to ensure consistency, then errors are detected, but the professional experiences fatigue and weariness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection of inconsistent resultsVSAvoidprofessional workload and fatigue
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device autonomously monitors test consistency and detects errors without requiring continuous professional attention. This self-service function transfers the monitoring burden from the professional to the automated system, reducing fatigue while maintaining error detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides automated feedback on test consistency and potential errors, replacing the need for constant professional monitoring. This feedback mechanism maintains reliability by automatically flagging inconsistencies while significantly reducing the operational burden on the eye-care professional.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Productivity

If the test sequence is rigidly predetermined, then the process is standardized, but it cannot adapt to individual cases where errors are already detected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveefficiency of refraction processVSAvoidflexibility to adjust test sequence
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The test sequence transitions from a rigid predetermined structure to a dynamic adaptive process. The system automatically adjusts the sequence based on real-time detection of errors or inconsistencies, eliminating unnecessary tests while maintaining standardization for cases that proceed normally, thereby improving efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from intermediate test results to dynamically adjust the remaining test sequence. When errors or inconsistencies are detected, the feedback mechanism triggers adaptive modifications to the test plan, allowing the standardized process to flexibly respond to individual case requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4437935A1Optometry device for testing the eyes of an individual, associated method and computer program product
Publication Date: 2024.10.02 ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL(COMPAGNIE GENERALE D OPTIQUE)
  • EP4437935A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4437935A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4437935A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an optometry device for testing the eyes of an individual, comprising a computer with one or more processors programmed to perform a sequence of subjective tests comprising at least a first and a second predetermined subjective test, leading to the determination of values of one or more refractive features of one or more of the eyes of the individual wherein said one or more processors are programmed to: a) perform said first predetermined subjective test, thereby determining a provisory value of a first refraction feature of the eye of the individual, b) at the end of said first predetermined subjective test, perform a verification test for detecting a potential error in said provisory value of the first refraction feature determined in step a), c) based on the result of said verification test, determine a next subjective test to be performed or ending the sequence of subjective tests.