Binocular Multiplexing Device for Ophthalmic Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optometry devices are primarily monocular, which can distort measurements due to physiological constraints and difficulties in maintaining binocular vision, especially in near vision, and often require mechanical displacement, leading to inaccuracies and discomfort for subjects.
Innovation Solution
A binocular multiplexing device with optical separation and combining means, including a splitter plate or beam splitter cube, and an orientable mirror, allows simultaneous stimulation and measurement of both eyes without mechanical displacement, using dichroic plates and optical systems to compensate for refractive errors and maintain binocular vision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If monocular measurement is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to physiological constraints and alignment changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement system into two independent optical channels (right eye channel and left eye channel), each with its own stimulus and measurement path. This segmentation allows simultaneous binocular measurement while maintaining the simplicity of monocular measurement components, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges two monocular measurement systems into a unified binocular measurement device with common control and processing units. This combining approach enables simultaneous measurement of both eyes while sharing computational resources, maintaining device simplicity while achieving binocular measurement precision.
2Device complexity
If mechanical displacement is used to switch between eyes, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to stimulus interruption and pupillary changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical displacement with optical switching using beam splitters and mirrors. The optical switch directs light from a single stimulus to either the right or left eye measurement path without moving the stimulus or measurement system, eliminating mechanical complexity while maintaining measurement continuity and precision.
3Measurement precision
If binocular measurement is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional optical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal measurement system where a single stimulus source, single measurement sensor, and shared control unit serve both eyes. The optical switching mechanism allows one set of components to perform multiple functions (measuring right eye, left eye, or both simultaneously), reducing overall device complexity while achieving binocular measurement precision.
4Device complexity
If sequential monocular measurement is used, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases due to switching intervals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous measurement by simultaneously capturing light from both eyes through optical switching. The rapid switching between eyes occurs during the exposure interval without interrupting the stimulus or requiring time for mechanical repositioning, eliminating dead time and maintaining continuous useful measurement action.
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, comfortable binocular vision measurements by maintaining constant stimulation and alignment with the subject's natural gaze, reducing measurement errors and accommodating fluctuations in accommodation.
Implementation Method 1
a beam splitter (4) capable of separating said stimulation beam (14) into a right eye stimulation beam (14b) and a left eye stimulation beam (14a)
Implementation Method 2
an optical switch (5) with at least two positions, capable of orienting said measurement beam (55) toward the right eye (13) or toward the left eye (12)
Implementation Method 3
optical superposition means (6, 7) on the right and left optical channels (16, 17), respectively
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a binocular multiplexing device for a single-channel ophthalmological instrument for objective measurement of at least one vision parameter of a subject, said ophthalmological instrument comprising means for generating a single light beam, means for collecting a measurement beam by reflecting and/or refracting said light beam against the subject's eye and a sensor associated with said single measurement channel. According to the invention, the binocular multiplexing device comprises first means of optical separation capable of receiving an image beam originating from a stimulus target and of separating said image beam into a right and left ocular stimulation beam so as to stimulate the subject's binocular vision; means of optical switching capable of switching said single light beam selectively onto a right or left monocular light beam's optical path in order to form, after reflection and/or refraction by the eye in question, a right, respectively left, ocular measurement beam, and optical combination means capable of superimposing the right, respectively left, ocular stimulation beam, and the right, respectively left, monocular light beam.