Ophthalmic Eye Alignment Apparatus Using Visual Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmic and optometric instruments face challenges in providing an intuitive and accurate method for aligning a patient's eye, particularly in the x, y, and z planes, leading to difficulties in quickly and correctly positioning the eye for diagnostic imaging, which can result in unreliable diagnoses and errors.
Innovation Solution
An alignment apparatus and method that uses a processor to image a patient's eye, apply edge detection algorithms, and display graphical objects representing ideal and actual eye positions, allowing operators to intuitively adjust the eye's alignment through visual feedback, including crosshairs, spots, and concentric rings, to ensure accurate positioning in three dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing alignment mechanisms (ellipses and plus/minus signs) are used, then alignment monitoring is provided, but the alignment process becomes difficult to use and lacks intuitiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the patient's eye position through graphical objects that mirror the actual eye location on the display. The processor generates a graphical representation that copies the spatial information from the physical eye, allowing the operator to see the eye position intuitively without complex coordinate systems or abstract symbols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs color changes in the graphical objects to indicate alignment status and provide intuitive feedback. Different colors represent different alignment states, allowing operators to quickly understand eye position and required corrections without interpreting complex numerical data or abstract graphical relationships.
2Measurement precision
If coarse z-alignment indication (plus/minus signs) is used, then z-position information is provided, but the indication lacks precision and detail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional coarse indicators (plus/minus signs) to two-dimensional graphical objects that can represent both lateral (x-y plane) and longitudinal (z-axis) eye positions simultaneously. This dimensional expansion provides comprehensive position information without requiring multiple separate indicators, maintaining simplicity while enhancing precision.
3Productivity
If absolute positional coordinates are displayed, then eye position data is provided, but the information is difficult to interpret and act upon quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements intuitive visual feedback through graphical objects that directly represent eye position and alignment status. Instead of displaying abstract coordinates that require cognitive processing, the system provides immediate visual feedback that mirrors the physical eye position, enabling operators to quickly understand the current state and make rapid corrections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of the eye's physical position through graphical objects on the display. This graphical representation copies the spatial information in an intuitive format, allowing operators to immediately grasp eye position and required adjustments without interpreting numerical coordinate data.
4Loss of information
If multiple alignment indicators are provided, then comprehensive position information is available, but the display becomes cluttered and harder to interpret
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple alignment indicators (x-y plane position and z-axis position) into a single integrated graphical object representation. Instead of displaying separate indicators for different spatial dimensions, the system combines them into unified graphical objects that convey comprehensive position information in a single visual element, reducing display clutter while maintaining information completeness.
Data Source
AI summary
An alignment apparatus and method is disclosed, for ensuring correct alignment of a patient's eye with respect to an ophthalmic or optometric instrument. Graphical objects are provided which represent an ideal and an actual position of the eye, and provide for easy and intuitive feedback to an eye care professional operating the instrument on the alignment position of the patient.