Objective Eye Accommodation Assessment With Beam-Splitter Stimuli
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for objectively measuring accommodation in the eye are subjective, cumbersome, and require complex post-processing, making them unsuitable for clinical use, while optically induced stimuli can be difficult for patients to focus on and may underestimate accommodative ability.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a near display, a first beam splitter, and a far display, with a controller that projects stimulus targets at varying distances and refractive state measurements, using beam splitters and refractor devices to objectively assess accommodation, including a motorized stage for display translation and a refractor device for refractive state determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If subjective techniques such as standard push-up tests are used to measure accommodative ability, then the measurement process is simple and quick, but the results are biased and overestimate the patient's actual accommodative ability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective mechanical assessment methods (push-up tests requiring patient response) with an objective optical measurement system using a refractor device that automatically measures refractive states through light reflection and camera capture, eliminating patient and clinician bias while maintaining ease of use
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a refractor device as an intermediary between the patient's eye and the measurement process, using optical components (light source, beam splitters, camera) to objectively capture refractive states without requiring subjective patient feedback, thereby improving measurement accuracy
2Measurement precision
If optically induced accommodative stimuli are used to measure accommodation, then the measurement can be objective, but the stimuli are difficult for patients to focus on and may underestimate accommodative ability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a motorized stage to dynamically adjust the position of the near display and beam splitter, translating them to multiple stimulus positions at variable distances from the eye, allowing the stimulus to be moved to optimal focus distances that maintain patient engagement while enabling objective measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dual display system where the far display provides a compelling real-world target for patient focus while the near display delivers the measurement stimulus, allowing the system to simultaneously maintain patient engagement and perform objective accommodative assessment
3Measurement precision
If academic or research systems for objective accommodation measurement are implemented, then objective measurement is achieved, but the systems are difficult to set up and require large amounts of post-processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex post-processing requirements from the measurement system by using a refractor device that directly captures refractive state data through optical reflection, eliminating the need for complex image analysis and data processing algorithms required by academic systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a self-aligning optical system where the refractor device automatically captures refractive states through the patient's line of sight without requiring complex manual alignment procedures, and the motorized stage automatically positions components, eliminating difficult setup requirements
4Measurement precision
If multiple stimulus positions at variable distances are used for assessment, then comprehensive accommodative ability is measured, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a motorized stage to dynamically translate the near display and beam splitter to multiple predetermined stimulus positions at variable distances (0.25m, 0.33m, 0.37m, 0.80m), allowing comprehensive accommodative assessment across different distances without requiring multiple fixed optical systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the near display and beam splitter onto a single motorized stage, allowing both components to be translated together to multiple stimulus positions, reducing system complexity compared to having separate positioning mechanisms for each component
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
Provides an accurate and objective assessment of accommodative ability without complexity, suitable for clinical settings, with real-world targets that maintain patient focus, and automates display and movement of stimulus targets for repeatable assessments.
Implementation Method 1
The near display can be configured to project the stimulus target onto the first beam splitter
Implementation Method 2
obtain measurements concerning refractive states of the eye during the first duration and the second duration from a refractor device
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are apparatus, systems, and methods for objectively assessing accommodation in an eye. For example, a method for objectively assessing accommodation can comprise displaying, at a far display, a stimulus target for a first duration and displaying, at a near display, the stimulus target for a second duration. The stimulus target displayed at the near display can be projected onto a first beam splitter positioned at an oblique angle with respect to the near display. The stimulus target displayed on the far display can be axially aligned with the stimulus target projected onto the first beam splitter. The method can also comprise obtaining, at a controller, measurements concerning refractive states of the eye during the first duration and the second duration from a refractor device in communication with the controller and determining, using the controller, an accommodative response of the eye based in part on the respective refractive states.