Wavefront Sensing for Dual-Meridian Ocular Aberration Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices and methods for determining ocular aberrations of the eye are limited by the need for manual adjustment of the eye to different eccentricities, prolonged measurement times, and require trained professionals, making them impractical for widespread use and unable to provide a comprehensive ocular defocus map in a single measurement.

Innovation Solution

A device and method utilizing a wavefront sensing unit and diffractive elements to generate multiple diffraction orders in two meridians, allowing for automated and simultaneous measurement of ocular aberrations across different eccentricities, enabling a one-shot assessment of the ocular defocus map.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single scanning meridian system is used to measure ocular aberrations, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning system complexityVSAvoidmeasurement speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the measurement task into two independent scanning meridians (e.g., horizontal and vertical) that operate simultaneously. Each meridian has its own scanning system that can independently measure ocular aberrations at different eccentricities, allowing parallel processing of measurements that would otherwise require sequential scanning in a single meridian.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-dimensional scanning approach (one meridian) to a two-dimensional scanning approach (two orthogonal meridians). By adding the second scanning dimension, the system can capture comprehensive ocular aberration data across different field positions simultaneously, eliminating the need to move the eye or reposition the device between measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If the eye is moved to different eccentricities for measurement, then comprehensive ocular aberration data is obtained, but the measurement time increases and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveocular aberration measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The dual scanning meridian system automatically captures ocular aberration data at multiple eccentricities without requiring manual eye movement or repositioning. The system self-adjusts by scanning across different field positions in both meridians simultaneously, maintaining consistent measurement conditions while comprehensively mapping the ocular defocus map.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple fixation targets are used for different eccentricities, then complete ocular aberration mapping is achieved, but the device complexity and ease of operation worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement coverageVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The dual scanning meridian system serves multiple measurement functions simultaneously - it can measure ocular aberrations at various eccentricities, capture complete ocular defocus maps, and accommodate different field positions all through a single integrated scanning mechanism. This eliminates the need for multiple separate fixation targets or manual reconfiguration of the measurement system.

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

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, automated measurement of ocular aberrations in two meridians, facilitating personalized optical lens production and myopia control treatments, and providing a comprehensive ocular defocus map without the need for trained professionals.

Implementation Method 1

at least one diffractive element designated for generating multiple diffraction orders in the at least one light beam in two meridians in a manner that the multiple diffraction orders are spatially separated on the wavefront sensing unit and in the at least one eye of the user

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Data Source

PatentEP4169437B1Device and method for determining at least one ocular aberration
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 CARL ZEISS VISION INTERNATIONAL GMBH
  • EP4169437B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4169437B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4169437B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device (110) and a method (210) for determining an ocular aberration of at least one eye (112) of a user, the device (110) comprising: - a wavefront sensing unit (128) designated for measuring at least one optical wavefront comprised by at least one light beam (118), wherein an ocular aberration of the at least one eye (112) of the user is determined from the at least one optical wavefront; - at least one diffractive element designated for generating multiple diffraction orders (184) in the at least one light beam (118) in two meridians in a manner that the multiple diffraction orders (184) are spatially separated on the wavefront sensing unit (128) and in the at least one eye (112) of the user wherein the device further comprises at least one additional optical path (176, 176'), wherein at least one of a fixation target (180) and a pupil camera (182) are placed in the additional optical path (176, 176').