Multi-Angle Optical Relay Assembly for Peripheral Refraction Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current eye examination instruments are limited in their ability to quickly and accurately measure peripheral refraction due to the need for sequential measurements at different angles, which can lead to inaccuracies from fluctuating fixation and alignment, and prolonged measurement times.
Innovation Solution
A light directing assembly with a plurality of optical relay assemblies that direct interrogation beams to the eye at multiple angles, maintaining equal optical path lengths to ensure sharp focus and accurate alignment, allowing for rapid and precise measurement of optical characteristics across a wide range of angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sequential measurements are taken at different field angles by rotating the instrument or repositioning, then measurements can be obtained at multiple positions and angles, but the speed and repeatability of measurements are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the measurement task into multiple simultaneous measurement channels, each directed at a different field angle. Instead of sequentially measuring one angle at a time, the invention segments the optical path to enable parallel measurement at multiple angles (e.g., central and peripheral fields) using separate detection channels, thereby increasing measurement speed while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from one-dimensional sequential angular measurement to multi-dimensional simultaneous measurement by introducing multiple detection channels that operate in parallel across different field angles. This dimensional expansion allows the system to capture optical characteristics at multiple positions and angles concurrently, resolving the contradiction between measurement versatility and speed
2Adaptability or versatility
If the patient rotates the eyeball or head to fixate at off-axis targets, then peripheral refraction measurements can be obtained, but inaccuracies occur due to fluctuating fixation, accommodation and alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces an intermediary optical system that redirects light to create artificial fixation targets at peripheral locations without requiring the patient to physically rotate their eyeball or head. The optical intermediary maintains stable alignment between the measurement beam and the patient's fixed gaze, eliminating the fixation and alignment fluctuations that cause measurement inaccuracies while still enabling peripheral refraction assessment
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical rotation of the eyeball or head with an optical redirection system. Instead of physically moving the patient's eye to achieve peripheral measurement, the system uses optical elements to redirect the measurement beam to peripheral field angles while the patient maintains steady central fixation, thereby substituting a mechanical action with an optical solution that preserves measurement precision
3Measurement precision
If measurements are taken sequentially at different field angles, then comprehensive optical characterization can be achieved, but measurement time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements continuous simultaneous measurement across multiple field angles by maintaining multiple active measurement channels operating in parallel. Instead of interrupting the measurement process to switch between different angles, the system continuously captures optical data at central and peripheral fields concurrently, eliminating the time loss associated with sequential measurement transitions while ensuring comprehensive optical characterization
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 rapid and accurate measurement of optical characteristics, including peripheral refraction, with improved alignment and reduced measurement time, compared to existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
maintaining equal optical path lengths to ensure sharp focus and accurate alignment
Data Source
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AI summary
Described herein is a light directing assembly for use in an object analysis system. The light directing assembly includes a plurality of optical relay assemblies. Each optical relay assembly includes at least one optical element configured to relay an interrogation beam from a light transmission system to an object and relay a return beam from the object to the light transmission system, the return beam being generated by reflection or back scattering of the interrogation beam by the object. Each optical relay assembly defines an interrogation angle at which the interrogation beam relayed by the optical relay assembly reaches the object, and an optical path length being the distance from the light transmission system to the object travelled by an interrogation beam via the optical relay assembly. The plurality of optical relay assemblies are further configured such that the optical path length for a given optical relay assembly has a predefined relationship with the optical path lengths of the other optical relay assemblies.