Accessory Device for Inclined Eye Refraction Testing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optometry devices are limited in accurately testing eye refraction in near and intermediate vision conditions, as they struggle to maintain comfortable and natural gaze positions, particularly downward or convergent gazes, due to ergonomic constraints and the need for tedious adjustments.
Innovation Solution
An accessory device that modifies the optical path of an optometry system to allow for inclined observation directions, enabling testing of refraction in downward or convergent gaze conditions by deviating the visual target image from the standard horizontal straight-ahead direction, using reflective or semi-reflective surfaces and adjustable optical elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional optometry device is used for near vision testing, then the visual target can be displayed, but the subject cannot maintain a comfortable downward gaze position without tedious adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables dynamic testing in downward gaze by allowing the subject to naturally adopt a downward gaze position while the optical system adapts to this inclined observation direction, eliminating the need for static head positioning adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a vertical dimension to the observation direction by deviating the optical path from the horizontal reference direction to an inclined downward direction, enabling natural near vision testing posture
2Adaptability or versatility
If the refraction test unit is rotated to accommodate downward gaze, then downward vision testing is possible, but the height of the phoropter changes significantly requiring complete readjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the function of achieving downward gaze into two independent parts: the subject's natural head positioning and the optical path deviation, eliminating the need to rotate the entire refraction test unit
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary optical element is introduced to deviate the observation direction from horizontal to inclined downward, allowing the refraction test unit to remain stationary while achieving downward gaze testing
3Adaptability or versatility
If trial lenses are used in trial frames for near vision testing, then different visual corrections can be tested, but the trial lenses cannot be maintained centered in front of the eyes causing unwanted aberrations
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines the trial lens functionality with the downward gaze capability in a single integrated system, where the optical component provides both the visual correction and the inclined observation path
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory device acts as an intermediary between the trial lenses and the subject's eye, ensuring proper centering and alignment while enabling downward gaze, thus eliminating oblique astigmatism and other aberrations
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
Enables accurate and comfortable subjective refraction testing in near and intermediate vision conditions without requiring extensive adjustments, allowing for precise determination of vision correction powers in non-standard gaze positions.
Implementation Method 1
using reflective or semi-reflective surfaces and adjustable optical elements
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to an accessory device (2) for testing a subject's eye (E1, E2) in conditions of near or intermediate vision, designed to be used with an optometry device (1) for measuring a subjective value of refraction of the eye (E1, E2), said optometry device (1) comprising: - a refraction test unit (10) having an optical component (11A, 12A) for providing different refraction powers to the eye (E1, E2) of the subject during a subjective refraction test, and - a display unit (20) adapted to produce a visual target (T1, T2) for the subject's eye (E1, E2), an image of said visual target (T1, T2) being visible through said refraction test unit (10) along a reference observation direction (OBS1), said accessory device (2) comprising an optical part (40) configured to be mounted on the refraction test unit (10) of the optometry device (1), comprising an optical system (41, 42) configured to deviate the image of the visual target (T1, T2) from said reference observation direction (OBS1) towards an inclined observation direction (OBS2, OBS3) along which the image of the visual target (T1, T2) is visible through the refraction test unit (10) and the optical part (40) of the accessory device (2), said inclined observation direction (OBS2, OBS3) defining a non-zero angle (A1, A2) with said reference observation direction (OBS1) when the optical part (40) is mounted on said refraction test unit (10) of the optometry device (1) and corresponding to a downward gaze direction of the subject and/or to a convergent gaze direction of the subject.