Compact Optometric Apparatus for Multi-Mode Visual Acuity Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optometric apparatuses are not compact enough to efficiently perform multiple visual acuity measurements such as normal, low-contrast, and glare lighting state measurements, requiring increased installation space and complexity.

Innovation Solution

An optometric apparatus with a compact configuration that includes an optotype presenting part, a controller to switch between measurement modes, and adjustable illumination to change the light amount and optotype presentation, allowing for high-contrast and low-contrast visual acuity measurements, as well as glare lighting simulations using a glare light source.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate optometric apparatuses are used to perform different visual acuity measurements (normal, low-contrast, glare lighting state), then measurement versatility is improved, but device complexity and installation space increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement versatilityVSAvoidapparatus complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optometric apparatus is designed to perform multiple types of visual acuity measurements (normal visual acuity, low-contrast visual acuity, and visual acuity in glare lighting state) using a single integrated system. The controller switches between different measurement modes by controlling the illumination light source output and the glare light source, allowing one apparatus to replace multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus changes measurement conditions by adjusting illumination parameters - specifically by changing the output of the illumination light source from a first light amount to a second light amount lower than the first, and by switching the glare light source between unlighted and lighted states. These parameter changes enable different measurement modes without requiring separate physical apparatuses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate optometric apparatuses are used to perform different visual acuity measurements, then measurement versatility is improved, but installation space increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement versatilityVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a single optometric apparatus. The optotype presenting part, illumination light source, glare light source, and controller are integrated into one system, allowing normal visual acuity measurement, low-contrast visual acuity measurement, and visual acuity measurement in glare lighting state to be performed without requiring multiple separate devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If the illumination light amount is reduced for low-contrast measurements, then measurement accuracy for low-contrast visual acuity is improved, but the contrast between optotypes and background decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelow-contrast visual acuity measurement accuracyVSAvoidoptotype-background contrast

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller changes the output of the illumination light source from a first light amount to a second light amount lower than the first when switching to low-contrast measurement mode. This parameter change reduces the illumination intensity to create conditions suitable for measuring low-contrast visual acuity, where the optotypes have lower contrast against the background.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 efficient and compact performance of various visual acuity measurements, reducing the need for increased space and complexity while maintaining accurate measurement capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

an illumination light source to irradiate illumination light to the optotype plate; and a controller configured to change output of the illumination light source or drive a filter for restricting light traveling from the illumination light source toward the optotype plate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission and intensity control: Light

Implementation Method 2

drive a filter for restricting light traveling from the illumination light source toward the optotype plate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical absorption and filtering: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

a glare light source configured to emit glare light to the examinee's eye

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Data Source

PatentUS9462940B2Optometric apparatus

Publication Date: 2016.10.11 NIDEK CO LTD

AI summary

An optometric apparatus includes an optotype presenting optical system for presenting part of a plurality of optotypes corresponding to visual acuity to be measured to an examinee's eye and a visible light source for irradiating illumination light to the optotypes presented to the eye through the optotype presenting optical system. A controller is configured to execute processing of changing a light amount of the illumination light to be irradiated to the optotypes from the visible light source between a predetermined first light amount and a second light amount lower than the first light amount and processing of switching the optotypes to be presented to the eye at the time of changing the light amount of the illumination light from the first light amount to the second light amount.