Binocular Refractive Measurement via Retinal Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring refractive characteristics of the eyes are tedious, imprecise, and do not account for natural posture and binocular vision, as they require constrained head and gaze positions, and separate measurements for each eye.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for automatically measuring refractive characteristics of both eyes simultaneously in a natural and comfortable posture, using simultaneous illumination and image capture to account for gaze direction and posture parameters, allowing for precise determination of refractive characteristics under various visual conditions, including near, intermediate, and far vision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate measurements are performed for each eye using manual observation, then measurement precision is improved, but measurement time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate measurements for both eyes into a single simultaneous measurement process. The image capture device captures retinal reflections from both eyes at the same time, and the processor analyzes both eyes' refractive characteristics concurrently, eliminating the need for sequential measurement while maintaining precision through automated image analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual observation with an automated system consisting of an image capture device and a processor. The processor automatically analyzes captured images to determine refractive characteristics, substituting the manual mechanical observation process with automated computational analysis, thereby reducing measurement time while maintaining or improving precision.
2Measurement precision
If constraint means are used to impose predetermined head and eye posture, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement approach from requiring fixed predetermined postures to accommodating natural varying postures. Instead of constraining the user to specific head and eye positions, the system captures images while the user maintains natural posture and uses image processing algorithms to extract refractive characteristics from images taken at different gaze directions, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a static measurement system requiring fixed postures to a dynamic system that captures images while the user's head and eyes move naturally. The system processes multiple images taken during natural movement to determine refractive characteristics, allowing the user to maintain comfortable and natural postures throughout the measurement process.
3Measurement precision
If constraint means are used to fix gaze direction, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical constraint means (such as chin rests and forehead supports) with an automated image capture and processing system. The processor analyzes images to determine refractive characteristics without requiring mechanical fixation of the user's head or eyes, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through computational methods.
4Measurement precision
If separate measurements for each eye are performed, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the measurement process for both eyes into a single simultaneous operation. The image capture device captures images of both eyes at the same time, and the processor analyzes both eyes' refractive characteristics concurrently, doubling the measurement throughput compared to sequential measurement while maintaining precision through automated image analysis algorithms.
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 rapid, precise, and accurate measurement of refractive characteristics, accounting for binocular vision and natural posture, improving measurement precision and convenience for the user.
Implementation Method 1
capturing... images of the retinal reflection of said light source on the retina
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for automatically measuring at least one refractive characteristic of both eyes (OD, OG) of a person, said method comprising the following steps: a) adjusting at least one position of the head of the person, as desired by said person, in a reference system (O, X, Y, Z) connected to an image capture apparatus (10) that is set up so as to convert each captured image into a signal representing said image; b) illuminating both eyes (OD, OG) by means of at least one light source (20), the position of which is known within said reference system (O, X, Y, Z) connected to the image capture apparatus (10); c) measuring at least one sight direction parameter (H) connected to the sight direction of the person within a reference system connected to the head thereof; d) capturing, by means of said image capture apparatus (10), at least one retinal reflection image (IROD1, IROG1, IROD2, IROG2) from said light source (20) onto the retina of both eyes (OD, OG) of the person; f) determining, from said at least one captured image in Step d), said refractive characteristic (D) of the eyes (OD, OG) of the person; and h) storing the sight direction parameter (H) connected to the sight direction of the person that is measured in relation to the predetermined refractive characteristic during the image capture in Step c).