Optometry Apparatus Optical Path Switching for Aberration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subjective optometry apparatuses face challenges in presenting a visual target with suppressed aberration at desired examination distances, leading to unsatisfactory measurement results due to optical aberrations affecting the examinee's natural viewing conditions.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a light projecting optical system with an optical path switching mechanism and a distance changing optical member, allowing for adjustment of the examination distance based on acquired examination distance information to switch between optical paths and reduce aberrations, ensuring the visual target is presented naturally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the examination distance is optically changed to the desired examination distance, then the examination distance can be adjusted, but a target light flux having an aberration is presented to the subject eye causing the visual target to be blurred
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into two separate optical paths: a first optical path for far-distance examination and a second optical path for near-distance examination. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized for its specific distance range, preventing aberrations that would occur if a single optical path attempted to serve both purposes. The optical path switching portion selectively activates the appropriate path based on the required examination distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different optical paths based on the examination distance requirements. The optical path switching portion enables the system to adapt its optical configuration in real-time, selecting the first optical path for far-distance examinations and the second optical path for near-distance examinations, thereby maintaining visual target clarity across varying examination distances.
2Device complexity
If a single optical path is used for both far and near distance examinations, then the device complexity is reduced, but the visual target cannot be presented under natural viewing conditions for both distances
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into two distinct optical paths, each optimized for specific examination distance ranges. The first optical path is optimized for far-distance examinations while the second optical path is optimized for near-distance examinations. This segmentation ensures that each path operates under optimal conditions, maintaining measurement accuracy and natural viewing conditions for both far and near distance examinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system achieves multi-functionality by incorporating an optical path switching portion that enables a single apparatus to perform both far-distance and near-distance examinations. By switching between the first and second optical paths, the system provides universal functionality for different examination scenarios without requiring separate dedicated systems, thereby maintaining both reliability and versatility.
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
This solution enables the presentation of a visual target with suppressed aberration at various examination distances, improving measurement accuracy by aligning the optical path with the examinee's natural viewing conditions, thus obtaining satisfactory measurement results.
Implementation Method 1
an optical member configured to guide the target light flux to the subject eye such that an image of the target light flux is optically projected on the subject eye at a first examination distance
Implementation Method 2
an optical path switching portion configured to switch between a first optical path through which the target light flux is projected on the subject eye at the first examination distance and a second optical path through which the image of the target light flux emitted from the visual target presenting portion is projected on the subject eye without passing through the optical member
Data Source
AI summary
A subjective optometry apparatus subjectively measures optical characteristics of a subject eye. The subjective optometry apparatus includes a light projecting optical system, an optical path switching portion that switches between a first optical path having a first examination distance and a second optical path having a second examination distance, and an examination distance changing portion that optically changes the first examination distance or the second examination distance. Based on examination distance information, the examination distance changing unit causes the optical path switching portion to set an optical path to either the first optical path or the second optical path, and drives a distance changing optical member in the set optical path to optically change the examination distance to an examination distance different from the first examination distance and the second examination distance.