Head-Mounted Display for Ophthalmic Examinations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional ophthalmic examinations require specialized equipment and trained professionals, limiting accessibility and immediacy, especially for rural residents, and alternative methods lack the accuracy and reliability of results due to inadequate control over testing conditions.
Innovation Solution
A head-mounted display (HMD) system that presents individual and simultaneous images to each eye, employs voice recognition for conversational exchanges, and modifies the visual environment, allowing for accurate and reliable eye examinations in various settings, with real-time analysis and adaptation of tests based on results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional specialized instruments and office settings are used for ophthalmic examinations, then measurement precision and reliability of results are improved, but accessibility and convenience for patients are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables patients to perform self-examinations using a head-mounted display device that presents visual stimuli and captures responses automatically, eliminating the need for professional operators while maintaining examination quality through automated control of testing conditions
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical examination equipment in specialized offices is replaced with a head-mounted display system that uses digital visual stimuli presentation and automated response capture, substituting physical instruments with a integrated wearable device that maintains measurement precision while improving accessibility
2Measurement precision
If appointments are scheduled in advance for ophthalmic examinations, then measurement precision is improved through controlled testing conditions, but loss of time and accessibility are worsened due to scheduling delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures standardized examination protocols and visual stimuli sequences that can be executed immediately upon device activation, eliminating the need for advance scheduling while maintaining consistent testing conditions through pre-programmed test sequences
Solution Approach 2:
Patients can initiate examinations immediately without waiting for scheduled appointments, using the automated system to conduct complete examinations at their convenience, thereby eliminating scheduling delays while maintaining examination quality through self-administered standardized protocols
3Ease of operation
If simple display devices like cellular phones or tablets are used for examinations, then accessibility and ease of operation are improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inadequate control over testing conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the display function from the control function by using a head-mounted display that presents visual stimuli directly to each eye independently while maintaining automated control over testing conditions, preventing cheating through physical separation of stimulus presentation and response capture
Solution Approach 2:
The head-mounted display acts as an intermediary between the patient and the examination system, presenting visual stimuli through optical components that ensure proper positioning and prevent cheating, while automatically capturing responses to maintain measurement precision without requiring professional operators
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments relate to systems and methods for performing eye examinations using an HMD that is able to present an image to each eye individually and then to both eyes simultaneously. Because the HMD, rather than a patient, controls conditions (e.g., glare, brightness) during the examination, test results are more likely to be accurate and reliable. In some embodiments, the HMD employs voice recognition to replicate the conversational exchange that would typically occur between the patient and the ophthalmologist or optometrist. The HMD may also be configured to change the visual environment experienced by the patient during testing. Further yet, the HMD, or another distinct computing system, may be configured to identify abnormal test results in real-time and, in some embodiments, the examination is modified accordingly. For example, tests scheduled to be performed during the examination can be modified or removed and new tests can be added.