Self-Positioning Ophthalmic Instrument for Accurate IOP Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ophthalmic instruments for measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) require precise three-dimensional positioning by an operator, which is difficult to achieve due to hand movement and limited patient access to trained operators, and self-measurement systems are complicated and costly to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A self-positioning ophthalmic instrument with a measurement assembly, occluder, and visible light source for X-Y alignment, combined with an opto-electronic position detection system and tilt sensing, providing visual and auditory cues for accurate user positioning without focusing optical elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an ophthalmic instrument requires precise three-dimensional positioning by an operator, then measurement accuracy is improved, but operation complexity increases and patient access to trained operators is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-positioning system where the patient independently positions the ophthalmic instrument relative to their own eye using visual feedback cues (concentric alignment of illuminated aperture with measurement assembly) and auditory guidance, eliminating the need for operator assistance while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time visual feedback through an illuminated aperture that appears concentric with the measurement assembly when properly aligned, and auditory feedback through positioning cues that guide the patient to achieve correct three-dimensional positioning, enabling self-correction and precise positioning without operator intervention
2Adaptability or versatility
If a self-measurement system is implemented, then patient access to IOP measurement is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the focusing optical element from the optical path, simplifying the device structure while maintaining the self-positioning functionality through the illuminated aperture alignment method, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The illuminated aperture serves as an intermediary visual indicator that mediates between the measurement assembly and the patient's positioning action, providing intuitive alignment feedback without requiring complex optical focusing systems
3Measurement precision
If the test subject must gaze directly at the measurement assembly, then alignment accuracy is improved, but the test subject's view is limited and they cannot see positioning cues on the display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the positioning information display to a different spatial dimension (peripheral display location) that does not interfere with the central measurement axis alignment, allowing the patient to simultaneously view both the measurement assembly for alignment and the positioning cues on the display without head movement
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 patients to easily and accurately position the instrument relative to their own eyes, facilitating frequent IOP measurements and improving patient treatment outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
a source of visible light arranged to illuminate the one or more apertures of the occluder with visible light
Implementation Method 2
an opto-electronic position detection system configured to detect a current position of the measurement assembly relative to the eye
Implementation Method 3
The coil may be energized momentarily to propel the probe toward the cornea by electromagnetic force
Implementation Method 4
after energizing current to the coil is shut off, a current may be induced in the coil by the moving probe to provide a detectable voltage signal representing velocity of the probe
Data Source
AI summary
An ophthalmic instrument for self-measurement of an ophthalmic parameter has a measurement assembly operable for impinging the eye to measure the ophthalmic parameter, an occluder having one or more apertures collectively centered about a measurement axis of the measurement axis, and a source of visible light arranged to illuminate the one or more apertures. X-Y alignment of the measurement axis with the eye is indicated when the one or more apertures appear concentric with a visible portion of the measurement assembly when viewed by the eye along the measurement axis. The ophthalmic instrument may be without a focusing optical element downstream from the source of visible light, and may have an opto-electronic position detection system for automatically detecting a current X-Y-Z position of the measurement assembly as a basis for controlling illumination attributes of the source of visible light to provide self-positioning cues to a user.