Head-Mounted Eye Refraction Measurement Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing accommodation training devices are bulky, cumbersome, and not portable, requiring subjects to train with their eyes closed and necessitating a dedicated facility, limiting convenience and accessibility for entering an alpha brain wave (ABW) state.

Innovation Solution

A portable, head-mounted device with miniaturized optics using an IRLED and photodiode aligned at a six-degree angle to measure eye refraction directly, eliminating the need for additional lenses and providing auditory or video feedback through a headset, allowing ambulatory training with improved precision and sensitivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional accommodation training devices are used, then measurement of eye refraction is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and non-portable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeye refraction measurementVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent places the optical measurement system within a head-mounted structure that fits over the user's head, with the optical components nested within the housing. The light source and sensor are positioned in close proximity to the eye through this nested configuration, enabling portable accommodation training without requiring a large stationary structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a stationary table-top system to a head-mounted portable system by changing the spatial dimension of deployment. The optical components are arranged in a compact three-dimensional configuration that fits on the user's head, moving the system from a two-dimensional table surface to a three-dimensional wearable form factor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If traditional accommodation training devices are used, then eye refraction measurement is achieved, but the device is heavy and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeye refraction measurementVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The optical components (light source, sensor, lenses) are nested within a compact head-mounted housing that distributes weight across the user's head. This nested configuration minimizes the overall weight while maintaining the necessary optical path length and measurement precision for accommodation training.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional accommodation training devices are used, then accommodation training is provided, but portability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraining location flexibilityVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The head-mounted device integrates multiple functions into a single portable unit: the light source provides illumination, the optical system performs refraction measurement, the sensor detects light intensity changes, and the system delivers auditory feedback. This multi-functional integration enables the device to be used anywhere without requiring a dedicated facility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If eyes are closed for ABW training, then ABW state entry is achieved, but visual focus training cannot be performed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraining mode flexibilityVSAvoidvisual focusing ability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous accommodation training by keeping the eyes open throughout the process. The light source continuously illuminates the retina, the sensor continuously monitors light intensity changes, and the auditory feedback continuously guides the user's focusing effort, maintaining an unbroken training action that simultaneously develops both ABW state and visual focus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 efficient and convenient entry into an ABW state with eyes open, enhancing portability and usability, facilitating training in various settings beyond traditional facilities while providing accurate biofeedback for improved focus and relaxation.

Implementation Method 1

the sensor to measure light from the IRLED as directly reflected from the retina of the eye

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a photodiode, CCD, or CMOS component for the sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS8511820B2Device to measure functions of the eye directly

Publication Date: 2013.08.20 TRACHTMAN JOSEPH N

AI summary

A device for accommodation training includes a primary light and a sensor supported by a housing and configured to be worn atop the head of the user to capture light reflected by the retina. One or more alignment lights may be provided, along with mounts for adjusting the positioning of the lights and sensor. A feedback signal such as an audible tone is produced as a function of the detected light, providing confirmation to the user that a desired control over the ciliary muscle has been achieved.