Binocular Wavefront Sensor for Simultaneous Aberration Measurement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for measuring and correcting optical aberrations in the human eye are limited to monocular vision, requiring duplication of systems for binocular vision, increasing complexity and cost, and failing to fully assess and correct aberrations in both eyes simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A method and instrument that utilize a single wavefront sensor and aberration correction device to measure and control aberrations in both eyes simultaneously, allowing for complete or partial correction of aberrations and presentation of visual stimuli, enabling binocular assessment and correction of optical quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single wavefront sensor and aberration correction device are used for both eyes, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but measurement precision and reliability for binocular vision are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomplexity of electro-optical systemVSAvoidmeasurement precision of binocular aberrations
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the measurement field into two separate measurement zones within the same wavefront sensor detector. The optical system separates light from the left eye and right eye onto different regions of the detector, allowing independent measurement of each eye's wavefront aberrations. This segmentation enables binocular measurement with a single device while maintaining measurement precision for each eye.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wavefront sensor and aberration correction device are designed to serve multiple functions: measuring aberrations of both eyes simultaneously, correcting aberrations for both eyes, and presenting visual stimuli. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity and cost while maintaining the ability to perform precise binocular measurements.

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

2Measurement precision

If monocular measurement methods are duplicated for binocular vision, then measurement precision is maintained, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precision of aberrationsVSAvoidcomplexity of electro-optical system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two monocular measurement systems into a single binocular measurement system. The wavefront sensor simultaneously receives and processes light from both eyes, and the aberration correction device corrects aberrations for both eyes. This merging maintains measurement precision while reducing device complexity and cost compared to duplicating separate monocular systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If visual stimuli are presented during aberration measurement and correction, then visual quality assessment is improved, but measurement accuracy may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability for visual quality assessmentVSAvoidmeasurement precision of aberrations
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous operation where visual stimuli are presented simultaneously with aberration measurement and correction. The wavefront sensor continuously measures aberrations, the correction device continuously adjusts to compensate for aberrations, and visual stimuli are continuously presented for quality assessment. This continuous operation improves versatility while maintaining measurement precision through real-time feedback control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful 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 efficient and cost-effective binocular measurement and correction of aberrations, improving visual quality and reducing the complexity of electro-optical systems by using a single device for both eyes, while allowing for controlled evaluation of visual capacity.

Implementation Method 1

a single wavefront sensor and aberration correction device to measure and control aberrations in both eyes simultaneously

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWavefront sensing:

Implementation Method 2

adaptive optics as a technology capable of effectively acting on the wavefront of each eye in a controlled manner so as to manipulate aberrations in the eyes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdaptive optics:

Data Source

PatentEP2404546B1Ophthalmic instrument for simultaneous binocular measurement and control of eye aberrations, simultaneously providing visual stimulants
Publication Date: 2018.11.21 VOPTICA
  • EP2404546B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2404546B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2404546B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An ophthalmic instrument and method for measurement, control and manipulation of aberrations (1) of eyes (2, 3) that also enables simultaneous presentation of visual stimuli during operation of those. The instrument comprises a single aberration correction device (4), as well as a single aberration sensor (5), optically conjugated to each other by means of optical system (14). An illumination system (9) that introduces light beams into the two eyes. The measurement, control and manipulation of aberrations (1), as well as the presentation of visual stimuli (6), is carried out in a binocular (7, 8) and simultaneous manner.