Eccentric NIR Vision Screening for Refractive Error Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vision screening devices are cumbersome, complicated, and costly, utilizing manual alignment, range-finding components, and specialized equipment that introduce inaccuracies in refractive error measurements.
Innovation Solution
A vision screening system utilizing an eccentric radiation source with a plurality of point sources surrounding a radiation sensor, capturing NIR radiation reflections to determine refractive error parameters, and employing a processor for image analysis and automated diagnosis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual alignment and range-finding components are used in vision screening devices, then measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment procedures with an automated optical system. The radiation source and sensor are positioned in fixed geometric relationships, and the system automatically determines refractive error through image processing algorithms rather than requiring manual range-finding and alignment by operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The vision screening device integrates multiple functions into a single automated system: the radiation source provides both illumination and measurement capability, the sensor captures retinal images, and the processor performs both image analysis and refractive error calculation, eliminating the need for separate range-finding equipment and manual alignment tools.
2Reliability
If specialized equipment and manual procedures are used, then vision screening can be performed, but cost and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-alignment and self-calibration through automated image processing. The processor automatically analyzes retinal images to determine refractive error parameters without requiring manual intervention for alignment or calibration, making the system both reliable and easy to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from captured retinal images to automatically adjust and optimize measurement parameters. The processor analyzes image quality and refractive characteristics in real-time, providing continuous feedback that improves measurement reliability while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If calibration curves are used for refractive error determination, then measurement process is simplified, but measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional optical calibration curves with a computational approach. Instead of relying on pre-determined optical relationships that may introduce errors, the system uses digital image processing and algorithms to directly calculate refractive error parameters from retinal images, improving accuracy while maintaining ease of operation.
4Measurement precision
If conventional vision screening devices are used, then refractive error can be measured, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the radiation source, radiation sensor, and processing unit into an integrated compact device. The fixed geometric relationship between the eccentric radiation source and sensor eliminates the need for separate range-finding equipment and complex optical assemblies, reducing device volume while maintaining measurement precision.
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
The system provides accurate, automated refractive error measurements with a compact design, reducing complexity and cost while improving measurement precision.
Implementation Method 1
Sensors on the device may then collect corresponding light that is reflected by the retinas
Implementation Method 2
The eccentric source of radiation can be comprised of a plurality of point radiations sources that are disposed radially surrounding a radiation sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes system housing, an eccentric radiation source, and a radiation sensor. The radiation produced by the eccentric radiation source can be collected by the radiation sensor to generate images of retinas for a patient. The system also includes a vision screening device connected with the eccentric radiation source and the radiation sensor via the system house that can control and synchronize actions for the eccentric radiation source and the radiation sensor. The vision screening device further analyzes the images generated by the radiation sensor via neural network algorithms to determine spherical error slopes, refractive errors, and recommendations for the patient.