Handheld Ocular Dominance Testing Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining a person's dominant eye are not simple or rapid enough, which is crucial for successful outcomes in eyewear, eye surgery, and other visual tasks, as proper eye alignment affects adaptation and performance.

Innovation Solution

A handheld ocular dominance testing apparatus with an opaque viewing piece and central opening, where the user focuses on a target and closes one eye to observe if the target moves or changes color, identifying the dominant eye based on these changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional eye dominance testing methods are used, then measurement precision can be achieved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to lack of portability and simplicity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of testing methodVSAvoidaccuracy of eye dominance determination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential function of eye dominance testing from complex clinical equipment into a simple handheld device with an opaque viewing piece and central opening, removing unnecessary complexity while preserving measurement accuracy through focused binocular observation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The device enables self-testing by allowing individuals to independently determine their dominant eye through simple closing and reopening actions, eliminating the need for complex automated systems or professional equipment while maintaining reliable results

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If comprehensive eye dominance testing is performed, then measurement precision improves, but loss of time increases due to lengthy testing procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of eye dominance determinationVSAvoidtime required for testing

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The testing process is segmented into simple, discrete steps (focus through opening, close right eye, observe movement, repeat with left eye) that can be quickly executed, reducing overall testing time while maintaining precision through systematic observation of target movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device prepares the user in advance by establishing proper binocular focus through the central opening before testing begins, ensuring accurate baseline alignment so that subsequent eye closing actions immediately reveal dominance without requiring lengthy setup or calibration procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9345400B1Ocular dominance testing apparatus and method

Publication Date: 2016.05.24 BENEFIELD DONALD W

AI summary

An ocular dominance testing apparatus and method for determining a person's dominant eye wherein the method comprises the steps of fixing a target at a predetermined distance from the person, placing an ocular dominance testing apparatus between the person and the target wherein the apparatus comprises a viewing piece having a central opening therethrough, focusing both eyes on the target through the opening, closing and reopening the right eye to determine whether the target appears to move or change color, focusing both eyes on the target through the opening, and closing and reopening the left eye to determine whether the target appears to move or change color. The dominant eye is identified as the eye that appears to move the target or change the color around the target when closed and reopened.