Opto-Mechanical Alignment for Gaze-Dependent Eye Refraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optometry devices are unable to accurately measure differentiated ocular refraction in far vision and near vision while following the natural lowering of the gaze, leading to inefficiencies in determining precise vision compensation for multifocal or progressive spectacle lenses.
Innovation Solution
A device with opto-mechanical alignment means, including semi-reflecting plates and shutters, allows for measurement along secondary axes aligned with the ocular axis at various gaze angles, coupled with mechanical guides and gaze direction detection, enabling precise ocular refraction measurements across different gaze directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional optometry devices are used with horizontal gaze alignment, then the measurement setup is simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates because it cannot follow the natural lowering of the gaze during near vision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic alignment by making the optical measurement axis movable relative to the subject's eye. The device can adjust the orientation of the optical axis to follow the natural lowering of the gaze during near vision, transforming a static horizontal measurement system into a dynamic one that adapts to physiological gaze changes. This resolves the contradiction by enabling precise measurements across different gaze directions without requiring completely new device architectures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the measurement capability from a single horizontal dimension to multiple spatial dimensions by introducing vertical gaze angle adjustment. The optical measurement axis can now operate in different angular positions, allowing measurements to be taken while following the natural downward gaze movement. This dimensional extension enables precise ocular refraction measurement in natural viewing conditions without excessive device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the optical measurement axis is fixed horizontally, then the device operation is simple, but the adaptability deteriorates because it cannot accommodate different gaze directions and distances
Solution Approach 1:
The optical measurement axis is designed to be dynamically adjustable in orientation to accommodate different gaze directions. The system can adapt its measurement axis to follow the natural lowering of the gaze during near vision while maintaining relatively simple operation through automated or guided adjustment mechanisms. This dynamic capability provides versatility across different viewing conditions without significantly complicating the user experience.
3Productivity
If manual trial lens methods are used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity and measurement precision deteriorate due to manual operation limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical trial lens adjustment with an automated optical measurement system. The device uses an adjustable optical measurement axis to automatically capture ocular refraction data across different gaze directions, eliminating the need for manual trial lens insertion and subjective patient feedback. This substitution of manual mechanical operations with an automated optical system significantly improves measurement efficiency and precision while maintaining reasonable device complexity through engineered automation.
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 ocular refraction parameters as a function of gaze angle and proximity, improving the accuracy of vision compensation for multifocal or progressive lenses by aligning optical measurement axes with the ocular axis during natural gaze positions.
Implementation Method 1
an opto-mechanical alignment means, including semi-reflecting plates and shutters, allows for measurement along secondary axes aligned with the ocular axis at various gaze angles
Implementation Method 2
a first ocular refraction measurement is performed on an eye along a first optical axis in a first position, corresponding to a first proximity value and to a first gaze lowering angle
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device and method for determining an objective eye refraction parameter of a subject depending on a plurality of gaze directions of the subject, said device comprising means for ophthalmologically measuring an objective eye refraction parameter of a subject, and means of visual stimulation of variable proximity and intended to stimulate the visual accommodation of the subject for first and second proximity values. According to the invention, the device comprises opto-mechanical alignment means capable of carrying out a first optical alignment of the optical axis of measurement on an eye axis in a first measuring position corresponding to a first angle of lowered viewing associated with a first proximity value so as to take a first measurement of an objective eye refraction parameter of said subject and said opto-mechanical alignment means are suitable for carrying out a second alignment of the optical axis of measurement on said eye axis in another measuring position corresponding to another angle of lowered viewing associated with another proximity value so as to take a second measurement.