Optical Aligning System for Gaze-Direction Vision Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optometric devices struggle to accurately measure differentiated far-vision and near-vision refraction along various ocular-axis directions due to mechanical limitations, particularly the inability to align measuring channels with natural gaze axes, especially when the gaze is lowered or raised, leading to difficulties in precise correction of astigmatism and higher-order aberrations in multifocal and progressive lenses.
Innovation Solution
A binocular or monocular optometric device with an optical aligning system using reflective optics, including a spherical mirror and planar mirrors, that can adjust to align measuring optical beams with various sight directions, allowing precise measurement of vision parameters like sphere, cylinder, and higher-order aberrations as a function of gaze direction, using an elliptical optical pathway and movable mirrors to maintain optical axis alignment without requiring the device to be repositioned.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional optometric apparatuses use fixed mechanical stages designed for horizontal plane operation, then the device structure remains simple, but the device cannot align measuring channels with natural lowered or raised gaze directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical stage system with an optical alignment system using reflective optics. The measuring optical beam is redirected through a series of mirrors (first reflective optical means and second reflective optical means) to align with lowered or raised gaze directions, eliminating the need for complex mechanical repositioning while enabling measurement along multiple sight directions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces reflective optical elements (mirrors) as intermediary components between the fixed measuring apparatus and the eye. These mirrors act as mediators to redirect the optical path, allowing the measuring beam to reach the eye along natural gaze directions without requiring the apparatus itself to move or reposition mechanically
2Measurement precision
If the measuring apparatus is repositioned to align with lowered gaze direction, then alignment accuracy improves, but the subject's head collides with the measuring apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of repositioning the measuring apparatus mechanically (which causes head collision), the patent uses optical redirection through mirrors to align the measuring beam with the lowered gaze direction. The apparatus remains in its original position, eliminating the collision problem while achieving precise alignment through optical path manipulation
3Measurement precision
If manual measurement methods are used by optometrists, then equipment cost remains low, but measurement precision and efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional optometric apparatus that can perform automated refraction measurements along multiple sight directions (horizontal, lowered, raised gazes) using a single integrated system. The combination of automated optical measurement with reflective alignment capabilities provides both precision and versatility, reducing the need for multiple separate devices or manual measurement procedures
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 precise measurement of vision parameters along multiple sight directions, improving the accuracy of astigmatism and higher-order aberration corrections, and allowing for personalized prescription of multifocal and progressive lenses by accounting for natural gaze positions, thereby enhancing the precision of ophthalmological measurements.
Implementation Method 1
an optical aligning system placed between the ophthalmological measuring means and the eye in question, said optical aligning system being able to reflect said illuminating and measuring optical beams between the focal points of the ellipse
Data Source
AI summary
Device for determining at least one sight parameter of a subject, includes stimulation elements for stimulating the sight of the subject in a predetermined viewing direction, elements for ophthalmological measurement of at least one sight parameter of a subject, the elements for ophthalmological measurement having at most one optical measurement axis for each eye, at least one optical conjugation system, arranged between the ophthalmological measurement apparatus and the right eye and/or left eye of a subject, and a system for aligning the optical conjugation system, so as to optically conjugate a point Y and a point E, the point Y intended to coincide with the optical center of rotation of the eye concerned, the point E being situated on the optical measurement axis, so as to align the image of the optical measurement axis with the ocular axis of the right or left eye in a plurality of viewing directions.