Automatic Refractor Head for Precise Fusional Reserve Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining fusional reserves are laborious, prone to errors, and time-consuming, leading to inaccurate measurements due to manual adjustments and variable reaction times, which hinder the systematic control of binocular vision.

Innovation Solution

An automated method using an automatic refractor head controlled by a control module to simultaneously and automatically scroll prismatic deviation values, allowing for precise and regular adjustments without human intervention, ensuring consistent and comfortable examination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual adjustment of prismatic deviation values is used, then the examination can be performed with simple equipment, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to variable reaction times and human error

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment simplicityVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system with an automated computer-controlled system. The control module automatically adjusts the prismatic deviation values displayed to the subject, eliminating manual dial adjustments and human reaction time variability. This substitution of manual mechanical operations with automated electronic control resolves the contradiction by maintaining equipment simplicity while dramatically improving measurement precision through automated data collection and analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If automated scrolling of prismatic deviation values is implemented, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprismatic deviation measurement accuracyVSAvoidautomatic refractor head complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automatic refractor head is designed to perform multiple functions: displaying visual acuity information, presenting phoria targets, and automatically scrolling prismatic deviation values. By integrating these functions into a single multi-functional device, the patent reduces the need for separate equipment while achieving automated precise measurements, thus managing device complexity while improving measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-testing and automatic data collection. The control module automatically scrolls through prismatic deviation values, records the subject's responses, and determines fusional reserve values without requiring manual intervention during the measurement process. This self-service capability improves precision while the integrated design keeps overall system complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If manual protocol execution is used, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotocol execution simplicityVSAvoidexamination speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated system continuously scrolls through prismatic deviation values without interruption, collecting multiple measurements in sequence. This continuous automated process eliminates the start-stop nature of manual protocol execution, where the practitioner must repeatedly adjust dials and record values. The continuous automated action significantly increases productivity while the control module's automated data processing maintains operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Measurement precision

If frequent adjustments of prismatic deviation values are made, then the measurement precision improves, but the loss of time increases due to multiple manual adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefusional reserve determination accuracyVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control module implements periodic automated scrolling of prismatic deviation values at predetermined intervals. Instead of requiring multiple separate manual adjustments, the system automatically cycles through various deviation values in a systematic periodic sequence, recording the subject's responses at each interval. This periodic automated action achieves comprehensive measurement precision while eliminating the time loss associated with repeated manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP4640134A1Determining a value of fusion reserves of a subject
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 SIVIEW
  • EP4640134A1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP4640134A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4640134A1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for determining at least one fusional reserve value of a subject, the method being implemented by a control module (900) configured to control an automatic refractor head (920). The invention also relates to a device (910) and a system for determining at least one fusional reserve value of a subject and an associated computer program product.