Corrective Lens Power Determination Using Thresholded Refractive Comparison

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining a final value of vision correction power for corrective lenses rely heavily on the eye-care professional's empirical judgment, leading to inaccuracies and lack of reproducibility.

Innovation Solution

A device and method using a computer with processors and memories to compare measured, current, and estimated refractive features, employing threshold values and personal parameters to determine a final vision correction power accurately and reproducibly, independent of human judgment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If empirical judgment by eye-care professional is used to determine final vision correction power, then adaptability to individual patient needs is improved, but measurement precision and reproducibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to individual patient needsVSAvoidreproducibility of vision correction power determination
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary computational system that processes objective measurements (autorefraction, keratometry, biometry) and applies evidence-based algorithms to determine vision correction power. This intermediary system acts as a mediator between objective measurements and final prescription, reducing reliance on subjective empirical judgment while maintaining adaptability through personalized computational analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of human empirical judgment with an automated computational system. The processor-based device substitutes the eye-care professional's subjective decision-making process with objective, algorithm-driven determination, thereby improving reproducibility while maintaining adaptability through personalized data analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If automated computational determination is used to determine final vision correction power, then measurement precision and reproducibility are improved, but adaptability to individual patient nuances may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereproducibility of vision correction power determinationVSAvoidadaptability to individual patient nuances
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by tailoring the computational analysis to each patient's specific characteristics. The system processes individual patient data (autorefraction results, keratometry values, biometry measurements, age, occupation) through personalized algorithms, ensuring that the automated determination is locally adapted to each patient's unique visual needs and lifestyle requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by adjusting the weight and importance of different input parameters (age, occupation, visual demands, measurement results) based on individual patient characteristics. The computational system dynamically modifies the determination process to account for patient-specific factors, maintaining adaptability within the automated framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If multiple measurements and calculations are performed to determine final vision correction power, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity and time efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of vision correction power determinationVSAvoidtime efficiency of determination process
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuity of useful action by performing multiple measurements and calculations in a continuous, integrated workflow. The system collects autorefraction, keratometry, and biometry data sequentially, processes them through unified algorithms, and generates the final prescription without interruption, thereby maintaining high precision while improving time efficiency compared to separate, discrete measurement protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple measurement techniques and calculation methods into a single integrated determination process. By combining autorefraction, keratometry, and biometry data and processing them through unified computational algorithms, the system achieves high measurement precision while reducing the overall time required compared to performing separate measurement and determination procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4464235B1Device and method for determining a final value of a vision correction power of a corrective lens
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL(COMPAGNIE GENERALE D OPTIQUE)
  • EP4464235B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for determining a final value of a vision correction power of a final corrective lens to be placed in front of an eye of an individual, said device comprising a computer with one or more memories and one or more processors, wherein : - said one or more memories have in memory: - an initial measured value of a magnitude representative of a refractive feature of the eye of the individual, measured using a first optometry instrument, - an estimated value of said magnitude, calculated using a predetermined model of a second optometry instrument, - a current value of said magnitude determined based on a current corrective lens previously worn by the individual, - said one or more processors are programmed to achieve the following steps: a) comparing a difference between the measured value and the current value of said magnitude to a first threshold value, and b) when the difference between the measured value and the current value of said magnitude is greater than or equal to said first threshold value, comparing the difference between said measured value and said estimated value of said magnitude to a second threshold value, c) determining said final value of the vision correction power based on said comparisons.