Binocular Spectacle Lens Evaluation via Cyclopean Eye Ray Tracing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining the performance of spectacle lenses are primarily monocular, failing to adequately simulate and evaluate binocular visual perception, which is essential for assessing how a wearer sees the environment with both eyes.

Innovation Solution

A method that determines binocular performance by positioning the cyclopean eye and customizing it according to the wearer's characteristics, including inter-pupil distance and spectacle lens positioning, to evaluate new optical criteria through cyclopean gaze directions and ray tracing, optimizing lens design to improve binocular criteria.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If monocular determination methods are used to evaluate spectacle lenses, then the evaluation process is simple and quick, but the visual perception of the environment observed through spectacle glasses cannot be adequately expressed and evaluated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveevaluation speedVSAvoidbinocular performance evaluation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a cyclopean eye as an intermediary virtual eye positioned between the right and left eyes. This cyclopean eye serves as a mediator to simulate binocular visual perception by combining information from both eyes, enabling comprehensive binocular performance evaluation while maintaining computational efficiency through a unified evaluation model.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The determination method is designed to be universally applicable to various spectacle lens types (single vision, progressive, etc.) and multiple binocular performance criteria simultaneously. The method can evaluate different optical characteristics such as binocular vertical deviation, binocular residual correction error, and other binocular criteria through a single integrated approach, enhancing both evaluation comprehensiveness and efficiency.

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

2Reliability

If existing binocular determination methods are used, then specific criteria such as binocular residual correction error can be evaluated, but new optical criteria of binocular visual perception cannot be evaluated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveevaluation completeness for known criteriaVSAvoidcapability to evaluate new optical criteria
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The determination method employs dynamic and flexible calculation approaches that can adapt to different evaluation needs. The method can dynamically adjust evaluation parameters, gaze directions, and optical paths to accommodate various binocular criteria, enabling both established and novel optical criteria to be evaluated through the same flexible framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the binocular visual perception evaluation into distinct computational components: right eye image formation, left eye image formation, and cyclopean eye synthesis. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component while maintaining overall system flexibility, enabling the evaluation of diverse optical criteria by modifying individual segments without affecting the entire evaluation framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If customized cyclopean eye positioning is implemented, then individual wearer characteristics are accounted for, but the determination process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomization accuracyVSAvoiddetermination process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The method utilizes parameter changes in the cyclopean eye positioning model to account for individual wearer characteristics. By adjusting parameters such as cyclopean eye position, inter-pupil distance, and gaze directions based on wearer-specific data, the system achieves high customization accuracy. These parameter adjustments are implemented through computational modifications rather than physical system changes, maintaining relative process simplicity while enhancing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 method allows for a comprehensive evaluation of binocular performance, enabling the optimization of spectacle lenses to enhance visual perception and correct optical issues specific to individual wearers, leading to improved visual acuity and comfort.

Implementation Method 1

a left direction (αL,βL) of a ray starting from the center of rotation of the left eye and focusing trough the left spectacle lens to the corresponding object point of the visual environment is determined, a right direction (αR,βR) of a ray starting from the center of rotation of the right eye and focusing trough the right spectacle lens to the corresponding object point of the visual environment is determined

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP2502045B1Method for determining binocular performance of a pair of spectacle lenses
Publication Date: 2021.07.07 ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL(COMPAGNIE GENERALE D OPTIQUE)
  • EP2502045B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2502045B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2502045B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of determining binocular performance of a pair of spectacle lenses comprises: a eyes characteristics providing step, a pair of spectacle lenses providing step, a environment providing step, a binocular performance criteria selecting step, and a binocular performance criteria determining step, wherein the at least one binocular performance criterion is selected among one or a combination of the following criteria groups consisting of central vision criteria group and/or peripheral vision criteria group.