Dynamic Refractive Power Switching for Prescription Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ophthalmologic apparatuses do not allow subjects to select the most suitable prescription based on their individual eye preferences, as prescriptions obtained from subjective tests may not be stress-free on the eyes, leading to a need for providing options before finalizing a prescription.

Innovation Solution

An ophthalmologic apparatus that includes an operation unit for inputting instructions to change refractive power, a control unit to cyclically apply measurement and refractive values to the eye, and a storage unit to store refractive values, enabling subjects to select the most suitable prescription by comparing different refractive power settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a prescription is obtained from subjective test results, then the prescription is based on subject response, but the prescription may not be suitable for the subject's eye comfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprescription accuracyVSAvoideye stress
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between multiple refractive power settings (measurement value and reference values) allowing the subject to experience different prescriptions in real-time. The refractive power switching unit enables rapid alternation between prescription options, transforming the static prescription determination into a dynamic comparison process that accounts for subjective comfort while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the refractive power parameter by switching between the measurement value obtained from subjective testing and one or more reference values with different refractive powers. This parameter variation allows the subject to compare different prescription options and select the one that provides both accuracy and eye comfort, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and eye stress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple refractive values are provided for selection, then the subject can choose the most suitable prescription, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprescription selection flexibilityVSAvoidapparatus structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a multi-functional control unit that performs multiple functions: storing the measurement value, storing one or more reference values with different refractive powers, switching between these values, and controlling the optical system. This universal control architecture provides prescription selection flexibility without proportionally increasing device complexity, as a single control unit handles all these functions rather than requiring separate dedicated components for each function.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the storage of measurement values and reference values into a unified storage system within the control unit. The refractive power switching unit combines the functions of value retrieval, comparison, and switching into a single integrated mechanism. This merging approach enables versatile prescription selection while minimizing the increase in device complexity through functional integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2949266B1Ophthalmologic apparatus
Publication Date: 2019.04.17 TOPCON CORPORATION
  • EP2949266B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2949266B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2949266B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

[Problem] To provide an ophthalmologic apparatus that enables a selection of the most suitable prescription for a subject. [Solution] An ophthalmologic apparatus 1 includes a refractive power application unit, a storage unit, and a control unit. The refractive power application unit is configured to be capable of changing refractive power applied to a subject's eye. The storage unit stores at least a measurement value of eye refractive power obtained by a measurement performed for the subject's eye in the past. The control unit controls the refractive power application unit to selectively apply the measurement value and one or more refractive values different from the measurement value to the subject's eye in response to the input of an instruction to change refractive power applied to the subject's eye.