Eye Measurement System with Automated Pupil Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for eye measurement tools, such as diagnostic devices, face challenges in quickly and consistently positioning themselves for accurate measurements due to patient movement and variations in eye dimensions, requiring frequent adjustments during and after measurement processes.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a measurement tool with an objective and image capturing function, a rest to maintain facial position, and an adjuster mechanism controlled by a processing unit to position the objective at predefined pre-scan positions, detect pupils, and trigger measurements, while accommodating statistical variations in pupil height and distance, and recording coordinate information for re-adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual adjustment via joystick is used to position the diagnostic device, then the device can be positioned for measurement, but the positioning process is time-consuming and requires frequent re-adjustments due to patient movement and variations in eye dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement throughputVSAvoidpositioning time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically positioning the measurement tool at a predefined first pre-scan position before actual measurement begins. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for manual joystick operation and establishes a starting point for automated pupil detection, thereby reducing positioning time and increasing measurement throughput.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service through automated pupil detection and measurement triggering. The processing unit automatically detects the pupil position based on images captured by the measurement tool and triggers measurements without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability eliminates frequent re-adjustments and maintains measurement continuity even when patients move slightly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If the measurement tool is manually repositioned for each patient or after patient movement, then accurate measurements can be obtained, but the measurement process is interrupted and efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring patient position and eye characteristics through image capture. The processing unit uses this feedback information to automatically adjust the measurement tool position and maintain accurate alignment with the pupil, ensuring measurement precision while eliminating the need for manual repositioning and maintaining high measurement efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies dynamics by enabling real-time automated adjustment of the measurement tool position based on detected pupil location and patient movement. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to maintain measurement accuracy throughout the procedure without interrupting the workflow for manual repositioning, thereby preserving measurement efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Speed

If automated pupil detection is implemented, then positioning speed is improved, but the system complexity increases due to additional processing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning speedVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement tool serves multiple functions: it captures images for pupil detection and simultaneously performs the actual eye measurements. The processing unit handles both automated positioning control and measurement execution. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby achieving fast automated positioning while limiting the increase in overall system complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3050495B1System for performing measurements of an eye
Publication Date: 2023.08.23 ALCON INC
  • EP3050495B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3050495B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3050495B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

A system for performing measurements of an eye comprises: a measurement tool for performing measurements of the eye, the measurement tool including an objective and implementing an image capturing function using the objective; at least one rest designed to maintain a facial measurement position, the at least one rest defining a centering rest portion designed to maintain a lateral facial measurement position; an adjuster mechanism adapted to move the objective relative to the eye; and a processing unit configured to control the system to: position, via the adjuster mechanism and for a first eye, the objective at a predefined first pre-scan position; scan, via the adjuster mechanism, the objective away from the first pre-scan position until the system detects a pupil of the first eye; and trigger one or more measurements of the first eye via the measurement tool dependent on the system detecting the pupil of the first eye.