Animated Optotype Vision Test for Precision Acuity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vision acuity tests using static optotypes, such as Snellen charts, are prone to inaccuracies due to the subjective interpretation of blurry images, potential for over-refraction or under-refraction, and reliance on reading skills, which can lead to incorrect prescription settings for eyeglasses and contact lenses.
Innovation Solution
The use of animated dynamic optotype images that rotate and scale, allowing for precise measurement of visual acuity by utilizing the physiology of photoreceptors to determine acuity thresholds, independent of reading skills and reducing the reliance on identifying static shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If static optotype images are used for vision testing, then the test can be performed with simple equipment, but the measurement precision is reduced due to blur pattern recognition and subjective interpretation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from static optotype images to animated dynamic optotype images that move across the display. This dynamic motion eliminates the blur pattern recognition problem inherent in static images, as the moving image provides clear temporal boundaries that prevent subjective interpretation of blurry edges, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining equipment simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by varying the speed, direction, and trajectory of the animated optotype images. These parameter variations create distinct motion patterns that enhance the precision of visual acuity measurement by providing clear temporal and spatial references, allowing for more accurate determination of the smallest resolvable detail without complicating the equipment
2Device complexity
If static Snellen chart images are used, then the test setup is simple, but time is lost due to patient guessing and strain to perceive coherency
Solution Approach 1:
By using animated optotype images that move in predictable patterns, the system eliminates the need for patients to strain and guess at static blurry images. The motion provides temporal cues that make image recognition immediate and objective, significantly reducing the time required for diagnosis while keeping the test setup simple
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical/physical static image display with an animated digital display system. This replacement eliminates the inherent limitations of static images (blur, ambiguity, recognition strain) through programmed motion sequences, reducing diagnosis time without requiring complex additional equipment
3Illumination intensity
If projected Snellen images are used, then contrast sensitivity can be enhanced in darkened rooms, but the image becomes fuzzy due to light diffraction, reducing measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical projection system with an electronic display system that presents animated optotype images. This substitution eliminates the light diffraction problem inherent in projection systems, providing sharp, well-defined images without the fuzzy edges that compromise refraction accuracy, while maintaining adequate contrast through electronic control
Solution Approach 2:
The animated nature of the optotype images on the electronic display provides temporal motion cues that enhance perceived sharpness and reduce the impact of any residual contrast issues. The motion creates clear temporal boundaries that make the images appear sharper and more defined, improving measurement precision without requiring darkened rooms or projection mechanics
4Measurement precision
If electronically generated sharp images are used, then image clarity is improved, but the tendency to misperceive letters and images remains due to focusing on distant static images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the misperception issue by making the optotype images dynamic rather than static. The motion of the animated images provides temporal references that prevent the visual system from creating false patterns or misperceiving the sharp images, maintaining both image clarity and test reliability through the added dimension of temporal variation
Data Source
AI summary
A system and associated methods for animated image vision testing is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, a vision test includes at least one animated dynamic optotype image for measuring the visual acuity of a subject. The animated image vision test takes advantage of the ability of the human eyes to detect both distance and motion. Moving images, such as rotating segmented circles, let the eyes detect motion as to the size, distance, and rotation direction of that moving image. That motion detection is much more precise than the interpretation of multiple static letters or static images. Using rotating images for vision testing rather than static images creates an acuity test more accurate than current tests, a test that is faster to use, and a test that does not require the ability to read.