Simultaneous Binocular Keratometry for Corneal Radius Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current keratometry methods require separate and sequential measurements for each eye, leading to operational and instrumental complexity, and potential measurement errors due to head positioning deviations, which can result in unbalanced visual correction and reduced comfort.
Innovation Solution
An automatic keratometer that simultaneously captures corneal reflections of both eyes without relative displacement of the individual's face, using a single optical channel with a collimating lens and photoelectric sensor to generate a unitary image, allowing for simultaneous measurement of keratometric quantities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sequential monocular measurements are performed for each eye, then measurement accuracy for each eye is improved, but operational complexity and measurement time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate monocular measurement systems into a single binocular keratometer that can measure both eyes simultaneously. The device integrates two optical channels with shared components (light source, sensor, processor) to perform diplopic keratometry, merging previously separate measurement processes into one unified system that reduces operational complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables continuous simultaneous measurement of both eyes through diplopic keratometry, eliminating the interruption and repositioning required in sequential monocular measurements. The device captures corneal reflections from both eyes in a single measurement action, ensuring continuous useful action without breaking the measurement flow.
2Measurement precision
If sequential measurements are performed with head repositioning, then each eye can be measured individually, but measurement time and operational steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the measurement of both eyes into a single simultaneous operation using diplopic keratometry. The device captures images of corneal reflections from both eyes at the same time, eliminating the need for sequential measurement and head repositioning, thereby reducing measurement time while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary alignment and positioning for both eyes simultaneously before measurement begins. The optical system is pre-configured to capture both corneal reflections in a single field of view, eliminating the need for repeated positioning adjustments during the measurement process.
3Measurement precision
If head positioning is adjusted between measurements, then each eye can be centered, but positioning errors and measurement inconsistencies occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both eye measurements into a single simultaneous operation where head positioning is performed once for both eyes. The diplopic keratometer captures both corneal reflections in a single measurement, eliminating repeated positioning adjustments and the associated errors, thereby improving measurement consistency while simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device creates a unified measurement model that copies the successful single-eye measurement approach to binocular measurement. By using a single optical channel and processor to handle both eyes simultaneously, it replicates the simplicity of monocular measurement while achieving binocular capability, avoiding the complexity of coordinating two independent measurement systems.
4Measurement precision
If separate measurements are taken for each eye, then individual eye geometry can be measured, but visual correction balance and comfort are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges individual eye measurements into a simultaneous binocular measurement process. By measuring both eyes under identical conditions at the same time, the device ensures that the geometric relationships between both eyes are captured consistently, providing reliable data for balanced visual correction that maintains proper inter-ocular coordination.
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 reduces measurement errors, enhances visual comfort by ensuring both eyes are measured under identical conditions, and simplifies the process for both the operator and the individual, making it more convenient, rapid, and effective.
Implementation Method 1
illuminate the two eyes (108A, 108B) so as to generate corneal reflections of the light sources (104A, 104B) on the two eyes (108A, 108B)
Implementation Method 2
an imaging optical system (105A, 105B) arranged to provide images of the corneal reflections of the light sources (104A, 104B) on the two eyes (108A, 108B), at least one photoelectric sensor (107A, 107B) arranged to capture this or these images and adapted to convert this or these images into a representative signal
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~7
Figure 8~10
AI summary
The invention relates to an automatic keratometry method and keratometer (1) for measuring at least one keratometric quantity related to the geometry of the cornea of each of an individual's two eyes. According to the invention, the keratometry method consists of illuminating both eyes, capturing an image of their corneal reflections alternately or simultaneously, without relative movement of the individual's face, and deducing a keratometric quantity for each eye. Also according to the invention, the keratometer comprises at least one light source (4) for illuminating both eyes of the individual, an optical imaging system (5) for acquiring the corneal reflections of both eyes alternately or simultaneously, without relative movement of the individual's face, at least one photoelectric sensor (7) for capturing said image and converting it into an electrical signal, and a computer adapted to process this signal to calculate a keratometric quantity of the eye.