Optometric Instrument Alignment Using Visible Light Indicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optometric instruments for home use and ophthalmic procedures lack a user-friendly alignment method that can be reliably performed by patients without requiring complex imaging or feedback systems, making them unsuitable for home use.
Innovation Solution
An optometric instrument with alignment means featuring light channels and light sources positioned to send light parallel to the visual axis of the eye, where correct alignment is indicated by visibility of the light, preventing light from reaching the retina if the instrument is not correctly aligned, allowing either patients or healthcare professionals to adjust the alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If imaging-based alignment methods are used, then alignment accuracy is improved, but device complexity and user-friendliness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical imaging systems with a simple mechanical/optical alignment indicator system. Instead of using cameras, sensors, and image processing to detect eye position, the invention uses light sources that project alignment indicators visible to the patient, eliminating the need for complex detection and processing systems while maintaining alignment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment system enables patients to perform self-alignment without requiring complex feedback mechanisms. The light-based alignment indicators are directly visible to the patient, allowing them to intuitively adjust their eye position without needing to interpret complex imaging data or receive sophisticated feedback signals.
2Measurement precision
If imaging-based alignment methods are used, then alignment accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical imaging systems with a simple mechanical/optical alignment indicator system. Instead of using cameras, sensors, and image processing to detect eye position, the invention uses light sources that project alignment indicators visible to the patient, eliminating the need for complex detection and processing systems while maintaining alignment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment system enables patients to perform self-alignment without requiring complex feedback mechanisms. The light-based alignment indicators are directly visible to the patient, allowing them to intuitively adjust their eye position without needing to interpret complex imaging data or receive sophisticated feedback signals.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If multiple light sources and feedback signals are used, then alignment guidance is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential alignment indication function from complex imaging and feedback systems. Instead of using multiple light sources for different functions (illumination, alignment, feedback), the invention uses simple light sources that solely provide visible alignment indicators, removing unnecessary complexity while maintaining alignment guidance effectiveness.
4Measurement precision
If alignment methods require patient feedback, then alignment accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment system enables patients to perform self-alignment without requiring complex feedback mechanisms. The light-based alignment indicators are directly visible to the patient, allowing them to intuitively adjust their eye position without needing to interpret complex imaging data or receive sophisticated feedback signals.
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
Facilitates easy and accurate alignment by patients or healthcare professionals, reducing human error and simplifying the measurement process, especially in instruments like tonometers, by using visible light patterns or rings to indicate correct alignment, thus enhancing usability and precision.
Implementation Method 1
light sources placed at the instrument end of the one or more light channels at the end of the support facing the instrument and positioned for sending out light through said one or more light channels from the instrument via the support and out onto the retina of the eye of a patient
Implementation Method 2
the form of the support being designed to prevent the light to proceed to the retina of the eye when the instrument is not aligned when the direction of the light beams is not parallel with the visual axis of the eye
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c~2e
AI summary
The invention is realized by means of an optometric instrument (1) with alignment means that comprise light sources (10a, 10b) for sending out light beams (3a, 3b) through one or more light channels (9a, 9b) from the instrument (1) onto the retina (4) of the eye (2) of a patient. The light channels (9a, 9b) are directed parallel with the visual axis (11) of the eye (2) at correct alignment, whereat the light beams (3a, 3b) are visible for the patient in an intended way. The invention is also concerned with a method for aligning such an optometric instrument (1). The method comprises the steps of sending out light beams (3a, 3b) from the light sources (10a, 10b) through one or more light channels (9a, 9b) onto the retina (4) of the eye (2) of a patient, and positioning the instrument (1) to have the light channels (9a, 9b) parallel with the visual axis (11) of the eye (2) of the patient as a result of finding a position, wherein the light can be correctly viewed by the patient.