Ophthalmic Device Self-Alignment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ophthalmic devices require manual alignment by an operator, which is inefficient and limits their use outside a physician's office, especially for individuals with vision impairments or changing accommodation needs.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmic device with an electronically controlled alignment mechanism and adjustable optics that automatically aligns an eye property measurement sensor based on user feedback, allowing for accurate measurements without operator assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual alignment by an operator is used, then alignment accuracy can be achieved, but operation efficiency is reduced and accessibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs self-alignment by automatically detecting eye position and adjusting the sensor and display position without requiring manual operation. The system uses eye tracking to determine when the user is looking at the target and autonomously completes the alignment process, eliminating the need for operator assistance while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated optical-electronic system. Eye tracking sensors detect user gaze, and electronic actuators adjust component positions based on detected eye position, substituting the mechanical manual adjustment process with an automated sensing-actuation system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a static display target is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different user vision needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The display system dynamically adjusts its characteristics based on detected eye position and user response. The display can change from static to dynamic content, adjust brightness, and modify presentation based on whether the user is looking at the target, creating adaptability without requiring complex pre-programming for every scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback loops where eye position is continuously monitored, and display characteristics are adjusted based on this feedback. When the user is detected as looking at the target, the system provides confirmation and proceeds with measurement; otherwise, it can provide guidance or adjust the display to facilitate proper viewing.
3Measurement precision
If the user must see the target with high acuity for alignment, then alignment accuracy is improved, but accessibility to users with vision impairments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary eye tracking detection mechanism that indirectly assesses alignment status without requiring the user to directly view and interpret high-acuity visual information. The eye position data serves as an intermediary indicator of proper alignment, allowing users with various vision capabilities to be aligned accurately through objective measurement rather than subjective visual assessment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables faster, more accurate eye examinations by allowing users to see a visual target with changing acuity, improving alignment efficiency and accessibility for a wider range of users.
Implementation Method 1
The optics is configured to change accommodation by the eye, and it has adjustable focal length that enables the user to see the target with changing acuity.
Data Source
AI summary
A processor signals a display to show a target. Optics is positioned in an optical path taken by the target, as shown by the display, from the display to the eye of a user. The optics is configured to change accommodation by the eye and has adjustable focal length that enables the user to see the target with changing acuity. The processor then obtains an indication that the eye of the user is focused on the target. In response, the processor signals an alignment mechanism to align a sensor in the device to the eye of the user. After signaling the alignment mechanism to align the sensor to the eye of the user, the processor obtains sensor data, produced by the sensor, which measures a property of the eye. Other aspects are also described and claimed.