Optometric Apparatus Polarization Conversion for Binocular Testing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optometric apparatuses require both linearly and circularly polarized light polarization optical elements, leading to increased size and cost due to the need for compatibility with different polarization systems for binocular vision testing.
Innovation Solution
An optometric apparatus with right and left test units, each equipped with optical elements and polarization plates that can convert circularly polarized light to linearly polarized light, allowing for compatibility with both linearly and circularly polarized light optotype presenting apparatuses without the need for multiple polarization optical elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If both polarization optical elements compatible with linearly polarized light and circularly polarized light are included in the optometric apparatus, then compatibility with both optotype presenting apparatuses is achieved, but the apparatus size increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rotatable polarization optical element that can be rotated to different angles. By dynamically adjusting the orientation of the polarization axis through rotation, the same physical element can accommodate both linearly and circularly polarized light systems, eliminating the need for multiple fixed polarization elements and reducing apparatus complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal polarization optical element that serves multiple functions. A single polarization element, when rotatable, can function as both a linear polarization filter and a circular polarization filter depending on its orientation, making one element perform the work of what would traditionally require two separate elements
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 cost-effective binocular vision testing by allowing the same apparatus to be used with both linearly and circularly polarized light systems, reducing the size and cost of the optometric apparatus while maintaining test resolution and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
right and left protective covers arranged to be placed respectively in the right and left test windows at a side facing the optotype presenting apparatus and having polarization optical characteristics of changing circularly polarized light that passes through the right and left protective covers into linearly polarized light having polarization axes perpendicular to each other
Data Source
AI summary
An optometric apparatus for a subjective binocular visual performance test includes right and left test units including right and left housings, a plurality of optical elements disposed in the right and left housings, right and left test windows provided to the housings, in which desired optical elements selected from the optical elements are to be placed and through the selected optical elements, an optotype is presented to examinee's right and left eyes by an optotype presenting apparatus, right and left polarization plates having polarization axes perpendicular to each other and arranged to be placed in the test windows, and right and left protective covers arranged to be placed in the test windows at a side facing the optotype presenting apparatus and having polarization optical characteristics of changing circularly polarized light that passes through the right and left protective covers into linearly polarized light having polarization axes perpendicular to each other.