Adjustable Wave Plates for Subjective Wavefront Refraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for correcting high-order wavefront aberrations in patients are invasive and often ineffective, as they lack a clear step-by-step procedure for patients to adjust Zernike functions, leading to uncertainty and inefficiency in achieving optimal vision correction.

Innovation Solution

A wavefront device with adjustable amplitude and axis orientation wave plates, allowing patients to subjectively determine the optimal settings for wavefront correction, using a priority list of Zernike functions to minimize refractive errors and improve image quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If laser refractive surgery is used to correct high order aberrations, then visual complaints can be addressed, but the invasive procedure and tissue healing process induce additional aberrations that render correction ineffective

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of aberration correctionVSAvoidinvasive procedure and healing-induced aberrations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces invasive mechanical laser surgery with a non-invasive optical system using wavefront correctors and adjustable wave plates to correct high order aberrations, eliminating surgical trauma and healing-induced aberrations while maintaining correction effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary optical system consisting of wavefront correctors and adjustable wave plates that mediate between the patient's aberrated vision and the desired corrected vision, allowing non-invasive correction of high order aberrations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If patients use objective wavefront aberrometer measurements to correct high order aberrations, then a wealth of information is available, but patients lack the ability to subjectively optimize the correction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewavefront error measurement accuracyVSAvoidpatient ability to adjust and optimize correction

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables patients to self-optimize their wavefront correction by providing them with direct control over adjustable wave plates, allowing them to subjectively assess and fine-tune the correction of each Zernike function component based on their own visual perception

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback loop where patients provide subjective visual feedback on the quality of correction, which is then used to adjust the wave plate settings and optimize the wavefront correction for each Zernike function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If patients adjust all Zernike functions through trial and error, then optimal correction may be achieved, but the process becomes extremely time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptimality of wavefront correctionVSAvoidtime required for adjustment process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by using objective wavefront aberrometer measurements to determine the baseline Zernike function coefficients, which are then used to pre-set the adjustable wave plates, eliminating the need for patients to perform trial and error adjustments on all parameters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the complex adjustment process by allowing patients to optimize one Zernike function at a time rather than all functions simultaneously, significantly reducing the complexity and time required while maintaining optimal correction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enables patients to directly assess and optimize wavefront corrections, potentially improving vision quality by allowing for precise adjustment of Zernike functions, reducing the need for invasive procedures and enhancing the effectiveness of corrective lenses or surgery.

Implementation Method 1

Two substantially identical wave plates having a wavefront profile of at least the third order Zernike polynomial functions... produce adjustable amplitudes in optical path differences

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical path difference: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS11464406B2Subjective wavefront refraction using continuously adjustable wave plates of Zernike function

Publication Date: 2022.10.11 LAI SHUI T

AI summary

A wavefront device produces adjustable amplitudes in optical path differences and adjustable axis orientation angles. two substantially identical wave plates have a wavefront profile of at least the third order Zernike polynomial function which are not circularly symmetric, as denoted by Z(i,j) where i≥3 and j≠0. The wave plates are mounted in rotatable mounts with their optical centers substantially aligned with each other. An subjective wavefront refraction instrument and method are provided to correct low and high order aberrations of the eye, using the adjustable wave plates that have astigmatism and higher order Zernike function optical path difference wavefront profiles.