Eye Model Characterization Using Multi-Angle OCT and Aberrometry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for determining eye model parameters are imprecise and unreliable, particularly when multiple parameters are involved, due to ambiguities such as higher curvature of refracting surfaces and optical path lengths, and they often require multiple measurements that are not satisfactorily integrated.

Innovation Solution

A system combining optical coherence tomography and aberrometry with a double-pass channel that allows simultaneous measurement of optical path length and wavefront features at multiple angular positions, including off-axis positions, to enrich measurement information and reduce ambiguities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple optical measurement types are combined to determine eye model parameters, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharacterization precision of eye model parametersVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines optical coherence tomography and wavefront aberrometry into a single integrated system that shares common optical components including the light source, beam delivery system, and detection path. This merging allows simultaneous acquisition of optical path length and wavefront curvature measurements, improving parameter characterization precision while minimizing the increase in device complexity through component sharing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs a universal beam delivery and detection path that serves dual functions: optical coherence tomography imaging and wavefront aberrometry measurements. The same optical components and detection channel are used for both measurement types, enabling multi-functionality that reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision for eye model parameter characterization.

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

2Loss of information

If separate measurement systems are used for optical coherence tomography and aberrometry, then measurement information is insufficient, but measurement time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement information completenessVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous simultaneous measurement of optical coherence tomography and wavefront aberrometry through a shared optical path. Both measurement types operate concurrently without sequential interruption, ensuring complete measurement information is captured in a single continuous process, thereby eliminating the time loss associated with separate sequential measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

By merging the optical coherence tomography and aberrometry measurement processes into a single integrated system with common optical components, the patent enables simultaneous data acquisition. This combining eliminates the need for separate measurement sessions, ensuring complete measurement information while significantly reducing total measurement time compared to using separate systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If only on-axis measurements are performed, then system simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to ambiguities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter characterization accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends measurements from the traditional on-axis single dimension to include off-axis angular positions, adding spatial dimensionality to the measurement process. By capturing optical path length and wavefront data at multiple angular positions including off-axis locations, the system resolves ambiguities in parameter characterization that cannot be eliminated by on-axis measurements alone, thereby improving measurement precision.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system varies the angular position parameter of the illumination and detection beam to perform measurements at multiple positions including off-axis locations. By changing this geometric parameter, the system gathers additional independent measurement data that resolves ambiguities in eye model parameter characterization, improving accuracy without requiring complex additional optical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This system provides more precise and accurate characterizations of eye model parameters by reducing measurement time and enhancing accuracy through simultaneous and enriched measurement data, particularly with off-axis optical coherence tomography and aberrometry.

Implementation Method 1

an optical coherence tomography device, configured for providing measured values of an optical path length

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical coherence tomography: Interference

Implementation Method 2

an aberrometer, configured for providing measured features of a wavefront

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWavefront aberrometry: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP4681597A1System for determining a characterization of at least one parameter of an eye model
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL(COMPAGNIE GENERALE D OPTIQUE)
  • EP4681597A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4681597A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4681597A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A system (100) for determining a characterization of at least one parameter of an eye model for a patient's eye (101), comprises an optical coherence tomography device, an aberrometer and a double-pass channel (10) which is common to the optical coherence tomography device and the aberrometer. An optical direction that is common to an illumination beam (B0) injected into the patient's eye and to a return beam (BR) recovered from the patient's eye can be varied. The characterization is determined from measured values of an optical path length and measured features of a wavefront relating to at least two angular positions of the common optical direction. Using at least two angular positions for the common optical direction increases accuracy and reliability of the determined characterization.