Ambient Light Eye Refraction Detection Without Active Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for detecting optical quality, such as autorefractors and aberrometers, rely on shining a light into the eye and detecting reflected light, which can be obscured by non-relevant reflections and is not effective under ambient lighting conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that measure optical distortions in the eye by analyzing the intensity of ambient light reflected from the pupil using a computing device, without directing any light source into the eye, and manage non-relevant reflections using matte surfaces or polarizing filters to capture images for refractive error determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a light source is shined into the eye to detect optical quality, then the detection of refractive error can be performed, but non-relevant reflections from the lens and corneal surface obscure the measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the useful reflected light signal from the retina while eliminating harmful non-relevant reflections from the lens and corneal surface. This is achieved by using an image capture device that selectively detects light within the pupil, isolating the retinal reflection signal from other reflective sources that would otherwise obscure the measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary filtering mechanism (the image capture device with specific detection parameters) that mediates between the light source and the detector. This intermediary selectively transmits only the useful retinal reflection while blocking harmful non-relevant reflections, thereby resolving the contradiction between obtaining sufficient signal and eliminating interference.
2Measurement precision
If a light source is used to illuminate the eye for measurement, then optical distortions can be detected, but the device cannot operate under ambient lighting conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the measurement system to utilize ambient light already present in the environment rather than requiring a dedicated light source. The image capture device is configured to detect reflected ambient light from the retina, allowing the system to perform measurements under natural lighting conditions without additional illumination equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the measurement device universal by enabling it to operate in multiple lighting conditions (both controlled and ambient). The image capture device is designed to detect reflected light signals regardless of the ambient lighting environment, making the device adaptable to various real-world usage scenarios without requiring specialized illumination setups.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the pupil appears black or very dark in photographs without flash, then no additional light is needed, but the light intensity within the pupil varies based on eye power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent analyzes variations in color intensity (pixel values) within the pupil region to determine refractive error. By examining the subtle color and brightness variations in the reflected ambient light across different regions of the pupil, the system can quantify optical distortions and calculate refractive error without requiring external illumination.
4Measurement precision
If existing devices use infrared or visible light sources to detect reflected light patterns, then refractive error can be measured, but the devices are complex and require additional illumination equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for dedicated illumination equipment by having the system utilize ambient light already present in the environment. The image capture device serves dual purposes: it captures both the ambient light scene and the reflected light signal from the retina, thereby simplifying the device architecture by removing separate illumination sources and their associated control systems.
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
Enables accurate determination of refractive errors, including hyperopia, myopia, and astigmatism, using ambient light without additional illumination, improving the detection of optical quality under natural lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
detecting, using a computing device, ambient light reflected out of an eye of a subject from a retina of the eye of the subject
Implementation Method 2
Non-relevant reflections from the lens and corneal surface are blocked; else these reflections would otherwise obscure measurement of the light within the pupil
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are methods and apparatus for making a determination about an eye in ambient lighting conditions comprising detecting ambient light reflected out of an eye of a subject from a retina of the eye of the subject and making a determination about the eye of the subject based upon the reflected ambient light.