Mobile Light Source Sector for Integrated Visual Field Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional visual field measurement devices require multiple devices and substantial space, leading to inefficiencies and increased time when conducting eye examinations on multiple patients, as they cannot perform a comprehensive battery of vision examinations and visual field analysis simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A device with a fixed part for securing the patient's face and a mobile part with sectors of light sources that can move between retracted and deployed positions, allowing for both visual field examination and a battery of vision tests to be conducted in a single setup, utilizing a pinion and rack mechanism for movement and electronic control for light source activation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple dedicated eye examination devices are used to perform a comprehensive battery of vision examinations, then the examination coverage and reliability are improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase substantially

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexamination coverageVSAvoidnumber of devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple eye examination functions (visual field examination, refraction, acuity testing) into a single integrated device. The mobile part carries light sources for visual field examination that can be positioned in front of the patient's eyes, while the fixed part contains components for other vision tests, merging what were previously separate dedicated devices into one unified system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The examination device is designed to perform multiple functions: visual field determination using the mobile light sources, refraction testing, and acuity examination. This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace multiple specialized devices, improving versatility while reducing overall system complexity and space requirements.

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

2Reliability

If multiple dedicated eye examination devices are used to conduct comprehensive vision tests, then the reliability and completeness of examination results are improved, but the examination time and patient movement requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexamination completenessVSAvoidexamination time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating visual field examination capabilities with other vision tests in a single device, the patent eliminates the need for patients to move between separate devices. The mobile part deploys light sources for visual field testing while the patient remains positioned in the same location, allowing simultaneous or sequential performance of multiple examination types without interruption or relocation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If a dedicated visual field measurement device with a concave hemispherical dome is used, then the accuracy and reliability of visual field determination are improved, but the space requirements and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual field measurement accuracyVSAvoiddevice footprint
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the static concave hemispherical dome with a mobile part that can be deployed only when visual field examination is required. The light sources are mounted on a mobile carrier that moves into position in front of the patient's eyes during examination and can be retracted or stored when not in use, transforming a permanently space-consuming structure into a dynamic, on-demand component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2783623B1Device for determining and/or analysing the visual field of a patient
Publication Date: 2018.08.01 FIM MEDICAL
  • EP2783623B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2783623B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2783623B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The device (27) has a fixed part (49) that is attached to a visual function exploration apparatus for exploration of a visual function of a patient. A positioning position is arranged to receive the patient. A moving part (29) is arranged with two sectors, where each of the sectors is arranged with a set of specific light sources i.e. LEDs. The moving part is moved between a deployed position and a retracted position. A displacement unit is arranged for displacement of the moving part between the retracted position and the deployed position. An independent claim is also included for a visual function exploration apparatus.